"The promises were made to Abraham and his offspring," Galatians 3:16.
What promises? All God's blessings: life, children, family, homeland, heaven. Promises made to whom? Only to (1) Abraham and (2) his singular offspring, Christ. To whom else? Nobody. Wait a minute! What about to us? Nope. Not part of the deal. Well ... there is a way for us (we sort of knew that, didn't we?), but not as admixture of different individuals. Scripture says, rather, we must put on the one and only Christ. Together. All of us being dressed up with the one Christ - we belong to him. Together. Becoming Christ's own, we become that singular offspring, heirs of the promises. We, plural, become one, singular. In Christ alone.
God takes very complex matters and works wonders to extend eternal life to us. We marvel at this God whose power brings us together in Jesus. Give thanks together with a brother or sister today.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Not Enough
"You give them something to eat," Mark 6:37.
Should send them away to find food elsewhere. I mean, What have we got to share? Lots and lots of people, against so few resources, practically none. So many out there, and so little in here. We're running out of money here. We won't have any food for us if we just give it away willy-nilly. Maybe could share with one or two, but if you give to one then others will want some, too. No, can't afford to feed so many others. Better hold on to what we got. In fact, better to spend on good defense. (Like my new slingshot? the best, made in Parthia!) That way nobody can take what little we have. And there are just too many others. Anyways, all's I've got left is five loaves of bread and a couple of fish. Where's the rest coming from - God? Ha!
As we reflect on God's generosity and bounty, we give thanks out of our poverty for the riches he has given us in Christ. Remind a brother or sister today that they inherit the wealth of heaven.
Should send them away to find food elsewhere. I mean, What have we got to share? Lots and lots of people, against so few resources, practically none. So many out there, and so little in here. We're running out of money here. We won't have any food for us if we just give it away willy-nilly. Maybe could share with one or two, but if you give to one then others will want some, too. No, can't afford to feed so many others. Better hold on to what we got. In fact, better to spend on good defense. (Like my new slingshot? the best, made in Parthia!) That way nobody can take what little we have. And there are just too many others. Anyways, all's I've got left is five loaves of bread and a couple of fish. Where's the rest coming from - God? Ha!
As we reflect on God's generosity and bounty, we give thanks out of our poverty for the riches he has given us in Christ. Remind a brother or sister today that they inherit the wealth of heaven.
Monday, April 27, 2020
Excellence, Nothing But
"Put them outside the camp, that they may not defile the camp in the midst of which I dwell," Numbers 5:3.
You'd think that lepers and all would be healed by virtue of God's dwelling among them, wouldn't you? Instead, they were driven out of the camp. God is holy. Don't mess with God's holiness. God dwells in unapproachable light. He tolerates nothing except excellence. God is a consuming fire. He will burn you up. Not perfect? You have no place here! outside the camp with you! wow. harsh isn't it? Scripture speaks of God's severity. And Jesus suffered its brunt. He suffered outside the camp. Where we were. To sanctify us. By his stripes are we healed. He made us holy. He brings us home, into the middle of the camp, right to the throne. wow. again.
Before moving into the rest of your day (evening, or whenever), give thanks. And before too much time passes, share with someone else the goodness you've tasted in Christ.
You'd think that lepers and all would be healed by virtue of God's dwelling among them, wouldn't you? Instead, they were driven out of the camp. God is holy. Don't mess with God's holiness. God dwells in unapproachable light. He tolerates nothing except excellence. God is a consuming fire. He will burn you up. Not perfect? You have no place here! outside the camp with you! wow. harsh isn't it? Scripture speaks of God's severity. And Jesus suffered its brunt. He suffered outside the camp. Where we were. To sanctify us. By his stripes are we healed. He made us holy. He brings us home, into the middle of the camp, right to the throne. wow. again.
Before moving into the rest of your day (evening, or whenever), give thanks. And before too much time passes, share with someone else the goodness you've tasted in Christ.
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Generosity
"Justified, a gift, by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus," Romans 3:24.
So which is it? Do we get right by doing right, or, by believing right? Or is it a little bit of this, a little bit of that? Get some works, throw in a dash of faith, mix a little good intent, and there you have a good man? (or woman, boy, girl, person?). What says Scripture? God's generosity makes a person right as an outright gift. Why? because every day of his life Jesus did the good that humans were created to do. Because that one man's life (and death) redeems the rest of us. Because Jesus represents us before God. (Jesus is our man in heaven!) And, wonder of wonders, in receiving him, God receives us. In raising him, he raises us. In seating him at his right side, he seats us at his right side.
Marvel at the God who, designating Jesus as his son, makes you thus his child! Touch bases with a brother or sister over the next couple of days, and wonder together bowing knees before this God.
So which is it? Do we get right by doing right, or, by believing right? Or is it a little bit of this, a little bit of that? Get some works, throw in a dash of faith, mix a little good intent, and there you have a good man? (or woman, boy, girl, person?). What says Scripture? God's generosity makes a person right as an outright gift. Why? because every day of his life Jesus did the good that humans were created to do. Because that one man's life (and death) redeems the rest of us. Because Jesus represents us before God. (Jesus is our man in heaven!) And, wonder of wonders, in receiving him, God receives us. In raising him, he raises us. In seating him at his right side, he seats us at his right side.
Marvel at the God who, designating Jesus as his son, makes you thus his child! Touch bases with a brother or sister over the next couple of days, and wonder together bowing knees before this God.
Friday, April 24, 2020
Jealousy
"Jealous, he longs for the spirit he placed in us," James 4:5.
God loves you. God placed Spirit in you, blew Breath in you, implanted Word in you. God created you a living soul; mirror of his very heart. And God tolerates no pretender for your life. A world of deceit contends for you; seeks your attention; pursues your soul; barren of it, promises you life. Would you desire the world's pretense? Would you covet what another has? Would you pursue it and fight for it and kill for it? Would you befriend the world for it? Oh, no, never! For friendship with the world is enmity with God. And he consumes any adversary for your affections. God beggars no rival. He made you. He loves you.
As we reflect on this passionate lover-God, we stand in awe. We allow all else to fade, and we worship. Remind a brother, sister, friend, of this God in whom alone dwells immortality.
God loves you. God placed Spirit in you, blew Breath in you, implanted Word in you. God created you a living soul; mirror of his very heart. And God tolerates no pretender for your life. A world of deceit contends for you; seeks your attention; pursues your soul; barren of it, promises you life. Would you desire the world's pretense? Would you covet what another has? Would you pursue it and fight for it and kill for it? Would you befriend the world for it? Oh, no, never! For friendship with the world is enmity with God. And he consumes any adversary for your affections. God beggars no rival. He made you. He loves you.
As we reflect on this passionate lover-God, we stand in awe. We allow all else to fade, and we worship. Remind a brother, sister, friend, of this God in whom alone dwells immortality.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Sing
"Walk as children of light," Ephesians 5:8.
Clearly, we walk in the light. Here, the Scripture brightly says more: you are a child of light. (God is light, his child, right?). Anyway, not just in the light, you are light. You are begotten of light; you are its child. So, what does that mean? Learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Look carefully how you walk, wisely. Not stupidly. Understand the will of the Lord. (You can do it!). Let the Holy Spirit fill you up. And sing. Yes, sing! Sing to your brothers and sisters when you talk with them. Now that's totally weird. But that's what it says. A child of light sings, giving thanks with all the heart. To God our father. Brilliant.
Before leaving this thought, hum a hymn. Rap a thanksgiving. Sing a song, like, "Jesus Loves Me," or "You Are The Song That I Sing." And then sometime today dare to sing with a brother or sister. And see what God does.
Clearly, we walk in the light. Here, the Scripture brightly says more: you are a child of light. (God is light, his child, right?). Anyway, not just in the light, you are light. You are begotten of light; you are its child. So, what does that mean? Learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Look carefully how you walk, wisely. Not stupidly. Understand the will of the Lord. (You can do it!). Let the Holy Spirit fill you up. And sing. Yes, sing! Sing to your brothers and sisters when you talk with them. Now that's totally weird. But that's what it says. A child of light sings, giving thanks with all the heart. To God our father. Brilliant.
Before leaving this thought, hum a hymn. Rap a thanksgiving. Sing a song, like, "Jesus Loves Me," or "You Are The Song That I Sing." And then sometime today dare to sing with a brother or sister. And see what God does.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Unconditional
"If you don't forgive your brother from the heart," Matthew 18:35.
God's unconditional love. We need to talk about that, mainly, because it's mostly a true phrase. Scripture clearly states that every transgression and all the world's sin finds forgiveness in the cross of Christ. God's generosity, Jesus' own love, the Spirit's gift - these assure forgiveness to believers. Exception to this incredible grace pivots on our forgiveness of the brother. The rule of love: Forgiveness freely received must be freely given. Forgive because you have been forgiven. Don't extend mercy, then judgment comes merciless. Don't forgive from the heart, God takes away forgiveness already granted. The cross does not come cheap to the kingdom of God: the love of Christ rules unconditionally.
As we reflect on God's unfathomable love, we renew our own forgiveness of others. Take time today to remind a brother or a sister of God's forgiving love.
God's unconditional love. We need to talk about that, mainly, because it's mostly a true phrase. Scripture clearly states that every transgression and all the world's sin finds forgiveness in the cross of Christ. God's generosity, Jesus' own love, the Spirit's gift - these assure forgiveness to believers. Exception to this incredible grace pivots on our forgiveness of the brother. The rule of love: Forgiveness freely received must be freely given. Forgive because you have been forgiven. Don't extend mercy, then judgment comes merciless. Don't forgive from the heart, God takes away forgiveness already granted. The cross does not come cheap to the kingdom of God: the love of Christ rules unconditionally.
As we reflect on God's unfathomable love, we renew our own forgiveness of others. Take time today to remind a brother or a sister of God's forgiving love.
Monday, April 20, 2020
Joy
"The testing of your faith produces steadfastness," James 1:3.
How not to be wishy-washy, wimpy? How not to be double minded? How not to wander in worldly cares against growth of the heart? Well, to be sure, it's not easy. Scripture says firm determination arises from trial. OK, maybe, but I want loyalty to just be there in me because that's the kind of guy I am! Fact is, we're none of us that kind of guy. Yeah, but trial is no fun. No, it's not. Yet, that's the way faithfulness establishes. From trial. And because steadfastness prods on to mature sufficiency, we meet trials with joy. (Joy?!) Be aware: No need to fabricate trials. They're there, part of the fabric of this world. But, joy? Really? Yes: God promises the crown of life to anyone proved true in the test.
We give thanks for the One who pulls the yoke with us through the test. We thank God who promises life after the proving. We share with a brother or sister struggling with trial.
How not to be wishy-washy, wimpy? How not to be double minded? How not to wander in worldly cares against growth of the heart? Well, to be sure, it's not easy. Scripture says firm determination arises from trial. OK, maybe, but I want loyalty to just be there in me because that's the kind of guy I am! Fact is, we're none of us that kind of guy. Yeah, but trial is no fun. No, it's not. Yet, that's the way faithfulness establishes. From trial. And because steadfastness prods on to mature sufficiency, we meet trials with joy. (Joy?!) Be aware: No need to fabricate trials. They're there, part of the fabric of this world. But, joy? Really? Yes: God promises the crown of life to anyone proved true in the test.
We give thanks for the One who pulls the yoke with us through the test. We thank God who promises life after the proving. We share with a brother or sister struggling with trial.
Friday, April 17, 2020
Freedom
"For freedom Christ has set us free," Galatians 5:1.
Who has set us free? Christ. Free from what? from any law that invokes a curse. What kind of a curse? the kind that says if you fail in keeping the law you die. (Spiritually speaking, of course ... but, eventually, materially speaking, too.) And for what purpose did Christ set us free? for freedom itself. And this freedom effects what? adoption as children of God. What benefit has adoption? children inherit God's promises. And what are his promises? Life. Unimaginably good life. For ever. For always. Where and when? not in this world. In. the. age. to. come.
Take a few moments to joy in the promises of our God. And then let your joy be known (and its reason) with someone else today.
Who has set us free? Christ. Free from what? from any law that invokes a curse. What kind of a curse? the kind that says if you fail in keeping the law you die. (Spiritually speaking, of course ... but, eventually, materially speaking, too.) And for what purpose did Christ set us free? for freedom itself. And this freedom effects what? adoption as children of God. What benefit has adoption? children inherit God's promises. And what are his promises? Life. Unimaginably good life. For ever. For always. Where and when? not in this world. In. the. age. to. come.
Take a few moments to joy in the promises of our God. And then let your joy be known (and its reason) with someone else today.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
In Everything
"In everything God works for good to those who love him," Romans 8:28.
Do we hear the scripture assert God works the good in everything? Yes, we do. We also note it does not say everything that happens is good by God's will. For example, God wills that all come to repentance (a good thing), but not all will do so. Nonetheless, God's stunning power takes a truly bad event and wields good out of it. God's intentional and deliberate work benefits persons who love him, indeed, specifically persons called in keeping to his purpose. People who love God do not have to understand all things before we persevere. Rather, we press on in confident anticipation of God's good work ... the God of all, the God over all, the God through all, the God in all.
Take a few moments to praise this marvellous God. And speak a word of courage with someone struggling with hope.
Do we hear the scripture assert God works the good in everything? Yes, we do. We also note it does not say everything that happens is good by God's will. For example, God wills that all come to repentance (a good thing), but not all will do so. Nonetheless, God's stunning power takes a truly bad event and wields good out of it. God's intentional and deliberate work benefits persons who love him, indeed, specifically persons called in keeping to his purpose. People who love God do not have to understand all things before we persevere. Rather, we press on in confident anticipation of God's good work ... the God of all, the God over all, the God through all, the God in all.
Take a few moments to praise this marvellous God. And speak a word of courage with someone struggling with hope.
Son's Spirit
"God has sent the spirit of his son into our hearts crying, Abba, Father!" Galatians 4:6.
Closest relationship with God comes to those redeemed by Jesus, the Lord and Christ. The Word teaches that God begat Jesus as his unique son; it also asserts that God's own will made you his own through Christ. And because you are his, God sends into you the same spirit of his unique son, Jesus. The very sense Jesus had of being God's son, this same sense God places in you as his own child. The spirit God sends into you calls out to God as your father, your dad (abba). When you address God as Father, none other than the spirit of Christ prompts you. Your own heart, prompted by his spirit dwelling there, testifies to this truth as you call out to God, your dad, your father in heaven.
Reflect on this God whose own pleasure makes you his own. And give thanks. And share with another the nature of your real Father, your Dad.
Closest relationship with God comes to those redeemed by Jesus, the Lord and Christ. The Word teaches that God begat Jesus as his unique son; it also asserts that God's own will made you his own through Christ. And because you are his, God sends into you the same spirit of his unique son, Jesus. The very sense Jesus had of being God's son, this same sense God places in you as his own child. The spirit God sends into you calls out to God as your father, your dad (abba). When you address God as Father, none other than the spirit of Christ prompts you. Your own heart, prompted by his spirit dwelling there, testifies to this truth as you call out to God, your dad, your father in heaven.
Reflect on this God whose own pleasure makes you his own. And give thanks. And share with another the nature of your real Father, your Dad.
Buried
"You were buried with Christ," Colossians 2:12.
Many remember their baptism into Christ, when they were dunked in a pool as though being buried in water. Why remember? perhaps just because Jesus said; or because it coincided with confession of Jesus as Lord; or because it marked the moment they believed that God really raised Jesus from the dead; or other true reason. Here the Word teaches that, with that burial, Christ's circumcision handlessly strips off our uncircumcised flesh; legal warrant of all our wrongdoings is cancelled, its shaming exposure nailed to Jesus' cross; God forgives absolutely. When God raised Jesus, he dragged us up together with him alive out of the grave. Once dead and buried, now arisen! God at work. No wonder we remember.
Think back confidently to your baptism; remember arising with Jesus out of the water? Wow. Reflect on God's continuing work in you through Christ. And reach out to someone else today to remind that God is still at work.
Many remember their baptism into Christ, when they were dunked in a pool as though being buried in water. Why remember? perhaps just because Jesus said; or because it coincided with confession of Jesus as Lord; or because it marked the moment they believed that God really raised Jesus from the dead; or other true reason. Here the Word teaches that, with that burial, Christ's circumcision handlessly strips off our uncircumcised flesh; legal warrant of all our wrongdoings is cancelled, its shaming exposure nailed to Jesus' cross; God forgives absolutely. When God raised Jesus, he dragged us up together with him alive out of the grave. Once dead and buried, now arisen! God at work. No wonder we remember.
Think back confidently to your baptism; remember arising with Jesus out of the water? Wow. Reflect on God's continuing work in you through Christ. And reach out to someone else today to remind that God is still at work.
Deliver Us
"The Lord Jesus Christ gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age," Galatians 1:4.
Peter's Pentecost message asserts: God made Jesus both Lord and Christ (Messiah). This, the earliest public declaration about Jesus. The Hebrew Bible relentlessly points ahead to God's coming messiah and his kingdom. The New Testament affirms Jesus is that messiah. Every teaching of the New Testament returns to this axiom, God made Jesus Lord and Christ. The revealed will of God pivots about the work of Jesus. And what characterized that work? Jesus yielded his will to God, utterly. Jesus gave his very self. Why? To account for our sins. And to what end? To deliver us. From what? From the present evil age. This world is not heaven, and it ain't gonna be.
Reflect for a few moments what you mean when you say, "Jesus is Lord." And then, today, share with someone else what Jesus' work means for you.
Peter's Pentecost message asserts: God made Jesus both Lord and Christ (Messiah). This, the earliest public declaration about Jesus. The Hebrew Bible relentlessly points ahead to God's coming messiah and his kingdom. The New Testament affirms Jesus is that messiah. Every teaching of the New Testament returns to this axiom, God made Jesus Lord and Christ. The revealed will of God pivots about the work of Jesus. And what characterized that work? Jesus yielded his will to God, utterly. Jesus gave his very self. Why? To account for our sins. And to what end? To deliver us. From what? From the present evil age. This world is not heaven, and it ain't gonna be.
Reflect for a few moments what you mean when you say, "Jesus is Lord." And then, today, share with someone else what Jesus' work means for you.
Light
"And God said, Let there be light," Genesis 1:3.
At the beginning of creation, when earth was wild and waste, and darkness covered the face of the deep, the spirit of God hovered over it. So, when God spoke into that primordial chaos, he gave genesis to life and goodness and beauty. A primordial chaos sits on the heart of a human life, too. Formless, void, dark, it breeds deep despair born of utter frustration and thwarted life. But God speaks: Awake, O sleeper, and come up from the grave, and Christ will shine on you! Indeed, on a people who dwelt in a land of deep darkness a light has shined. These are born to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Shine on, O God, and bring us life!
As we pray, we give thanks to our God for his light. And before today or tomorrow is out, share with another the brightness of our God.
At the beginning of creation, when earth was wild and waste, and darkness covered the face of the deep, the spirit of God hovered over it. So, when God spoke into that primordial chaos, he gave genesis to life and goodness and beauty. A primordial chaos sits on the heart of a human life, too. Formless, void, dark, it breeds deep despair born of utter frustration and thwarted life. But God speaks: Awake, O sleeper, and come up from the grave, and Christ will shine on you! Indeed, on a people who dwelt in a land of deep darkness a light has shined. These are born to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Shine on, O God, and bring us life!
As we pray, we give thanks to our God for his light. And before today or tomorrow is out, share with another the brightness of our God.
Strong
"Be strong in the Lord," Ephesians 6:11.
Panoply: the whole armor of God. Truth, righteousness, Gospel, faith, salvation, Word, prayer. Want to be strong? Sure we do! Power roots itself in the character of God, not in human ingenuity and craftiness. How to stand in hard times? We keep alert, watchful for our God. We pray for brothers and sisters to stand and withstand against the devil's trickery. Empowered by the Lord we affirm boldly the mystery of the gospel. Because the God who raised Jesus from the dead, has also powered in us to raise us up together beside him. Even in chains. We stand. Panoply.
Before moving on, pray for brothers and sisters. And reach out to someone you haven't contacted lately with the strength of the Lord.
Panoply: the whole armor of God. Truth, righteousness, Gospel, faith, salvation, Word, prayer. Want to be strong? Sure we do! Power roots itself in the character of God, not in human ingenuity and craftiness. How to stand in hard times? We keep alert, watchful for our God. We pray for brothers and sisters to stand and withstand against the devil's trickery. Empowered by the Lord we affirm boldly the mystery of the gospel. Because the God who raised Jesus from the dead, has also powered in us to raise us up together beside him. Even in chains. We stand. Panoply.
Before moving on, pray for brothers and sisters. And reach out to someone you haven't contacted lately with the strength of the Lord.
Children Of Promise
"You are children of promise," Galatians 4:28.
The Word of God resounded with these words in a time of deep distress; lies threatened to replace the Good News of Jesus. The Word still resonates today, remember who you are. Better, remember whose you are: God has made you his child. Before you were born God promised to make you his child in Christ. So God adopted you as you came to living belief in Jesus. God joined you with him when you put on Christ. God bound you to Jesus' death, God united you to Jesus' resurrection. God sent the Spirit of his son into your heart. The Spirit of Christ lives in you to nurture you through life's challenges until you shine like Jesus. Until we all shine together in reflection of the one who made us, together, his children.
Before leaving this reading altogether, reflect on whose you are for a few moments, and give thanks. And remind a brother or sister whose they are, too.
The Word of God resounded with these words in a time of deep distress; lies threatened to replace the Good News of Jesus. The Word still resonates today, remember who you are. Better, remember whose you are: God has made you his child. Before you were born God promised to make you his child in Christ. So God adopted you as you came to living belief in Jesus. God joined you with him when you put on Christ. God bound you to Jesus' death, God united you to Jesus' resurrection. God sent the Spirit of his son into your heart. The Spirit of Christ lives in you to nurture you through life's challenges until you shine like Jesus. Until we all shine together in reflection of the one who made us, together, his children.
Before leaving this reading altogether, reflect on whose you are for a few moments, and give thanks. And remind a brother or sister whose they are, too.
In All Circumstances
"Give thanks in all circumstances," 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
So many Bible passages about prayer have reminders to give thanks. Specifically, to give thanks to God. God's goodness remains the reason for thanksgiving: his work in Jesus, his care for the earth and creation, his redemption. Notice, the scripture does not say give thanks "for" all circumstances. It says, rather, "in" all circumstances. Some circumstances are just plain ungodly, rotten to the core. Nowhere does scripture speak of Jesus giving thanks for the cross. It says he despised its shame ... and, it tells of a joy set before Jesus on the other side of the cross, the reconciliation of people with God. Likewise, God's people have a joy set before us: a sure, confident hope that God will make (and is now making) all things new. So whatever our circumstance we give thanks in hope of God's faithfulness and goodness.
Take a few moments right now to give thanks, and to pray for healing and for strength during suffering. And, reach out to someone with an encouraging word.
So many Bible passages about prayer have reminders to give thanks. Specifically, to give thanks to God. God's goodness remains the reason for thanksgiving: his work in Jesus, his care for the earth and creation, his redemption. Notice, the scripture does not say give thanks "for" all circumstances. It says, rather, "in" all circumstances. Some circumstances are just plain ungodly, rotten to the core. Nowhere does scripture speak of Jesus giving thanks for the cross. It says he despised its shame ... and, it tells of a joy set before Jesus on the other side of the cross, the reconciliation of people with God. Likewise, God's people have a joy set before us: a sure, confident hope that God will make (and is now making) all things new. So whatever our circumstance we give thanks in hope of God's faithfulness and goodness.
Take a few moments right now to give thanks, and to pray for healing and for strength during suffering. And, reach out to someone with an encouraging word.
Devotions or Reflections Follow
The plague current in spring, 2020, gives one pause to devote or reflect. So what follows are merely brief, daily (sort of) exploratory statements with a view to give courage. Or not. As the case may be. (Oh, yeah. These have been posted elsewhere, too.)
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