With 100% of my life I will sing your praises
Before all lesser beings I will raise up your fame
I will bow down toward your house
Your name will be held in high esteem
Because you never fail to love me
And you have never left my side
Your word is held in honor
Your popularity sky rockets
I say your name and you are there
I am a stronger person by how you treat me
When every authority on this Earth
Hears what you have done they will also
Be speechless.
They will sing your praises. "He is so stunning and majestic."
He is high above us all, but he looks upon the little guy
He keeps his distance from the arrogant.
As I navigate these troubling days
you keep me alive and well.
You block my enemies' attempts
at being wrathful.
Your powerful hand makes me safe.
The Lord will hold me up and protect me
Because his love never runs dry.
Don't leave me hanging Lord
Friday, March 14, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Hating Your Family The Way Jesus Would (Luke 14:25-26)
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:25-26)
Did the title get your attention? It is quite deceiving because this article does not deal with the problem of hate. This article deals with the challenge of Jesus' context and how it relates with modern day discipleship.
Jesus addresses his followers and tells them that they must hate their family, spouse, children and themselves in order to be a true follower of Christ. That seems kind of harsh and modern day Bible teachers will interpret that as saying we need to put those relationships as second priority to a relationship with Jesus. This brings up the second challenge...how do we make this relevant to the American cross bearer?
Back in New Testament times family was the influence of your life, the direction of your destiny and the way your thoughts were impacted. Mom, dad, brother and sister were the main deciding factors of how you lived. Today...family reliance and impact is much lesser. Because of the way culture is positioned today's youth have family impact on a much lesser scale. We have internet, tv, teachers, friends, school and role models to worry about. In fact, some teens might be willing to take Jesus on his offer to hate their parents. But the purpose of Jesus' "hate thy family" qualifier was meant to prepare, rattle and convict his would-be followers into taking the next step. How can it still have that impact if so many growing young adults find it mandatory to leave their family and declare freedom from them?
Perhaps we are looking at the wrong "brother," "sister," and "mother." When Jesus told his followers that they must hate their families in order to follow him he was literally saying, "remove your culture's grip on your decision making process in order to follow me." The follower would have to deeply consider not following the family business, choosing to marry or living close to the family as custom dictated. That's why it was so difficult.
We have similar pressures that tell us what to do and how to live in culture. The "brother" I believe we need to hate is the voice that tells us to tolerate everyone no matter what the consequence, fit in with others, don't speak out to be more liked, follow your dream as an end goal, keep God to yourself to not make waves, leave people alone, treat all lifestyles as equally good, accept yourself. This is the "family" that shapes our lives and gets in the way of following Christ.
If Jesus had to speak to today's culture would he really have to tell us to move out of our parent's house and not get attached to our siblings to spend life with him? Or would he tell us to hate the culture, customs, suburban pressures, cheap love slogans, false expectations, priorities on money that are shaping our destiny and the politics of being a first world citizen. Discipleship does not stop till we love like Jesus and if we are honest with ourselves our world cringes at that.
So I ask you, what is interfering with Jesus controlling your future? How can you hate it?
Did the title get your attention? It is quite deceiving because this article does not deal with the problem of hate. This article deals with the challenge of Jesus' context and how it relates with modern day discipleship.
Jesus addresses his followers and tells them that they must hate their family, spouse, children and themselves in order to be a true follower of Christ. That seems kind of harsh and modern day Bible teachers will interpret that as saying we need to put those relationships as second priority to a relationship with Jesus. This brings up the second challenge...how do we make this relevant to the American cross bearer?
Back in New Testament times family was the influence of your life, the direction of your destiny and the way your thoughts were impacted. Mom, dad, brother and sister were the main deciding factors of how you lived. Today...family reliance and impact is much lesser. Because of the way culture is positioned today's youth have family impact on a much lesser scale. We have internet, tv, teachers, friends, school and role models to worry about. In fact, some teens might be willing to take Jesus on his offer to hate their parents. But the purpose of Jesus' "hate thy family" qualifier was meant to prepare, rattle and convict his would-be followers into taking the next step. How can it still have that impact if so many growing young adults find it mandatory to leave their family and declare freedom from them?
Perhaps we are looking at the wrong "brother," "sister," and "mother." When Jesus told his followers that they must hate their families in order to follow him he was literally saying, "remove your culture's grip on your decision making process in order to follow me." The follower would have to deeply consider not following the family business, choosing to marry or living close to the family as custom dictated. That's why it was so difficult.
We have similar pressures that tell us what to do and how to live in culture. The "brother" I believe we need to hate is the voice that tells us to tolerate everyone no matter what the consequence, fit in with others, don't speak out to be more liked, follow your dream as an end goal, keep God to yourself to not make waves, leave people alone, treat all lifestyles as equally good, accept yourself. This is the "family" that shapes our lives and gets in the way of following Christ.
If Jesus had to speak to today's culture would he really have to tell us to move out of our parent's house and not get attached to our siblings to spend life with him? Or would he tell us to hate the culture, customs, suburban pressures, cheap love slogans, false expectations, priorities on money that are shaping our destiny and the politics of being a first world citizen. Discipleship does not stop till we love like Jesus and if we are honest with ourselves our world cringes at that.
So I ask you, what is interfering with Jesus controlling your future? How can you hate it?
Monday, January 13, 2014
John 3:22-35
John Officially Retires Leadership
Context: John's whole ministry was to present Jesus as the almighty light. The mission was completed when the people started going to Jesus for their needs. John is ready to retire his leadership for Jesus' to takeover.
John 3:22-35
Jesus and his band of loyal followers took a daytrip to the serene areas of the Judean countryside. They set up camp and started baptizing.
John was also doing his rounds at Aenon, near Salim where the water was plentiful for baptizing. He was not put in jail yet. Duh.
Suddenly two members of John's entourage began to share heated words about baptism and you-know-who.
They immediately invaded John's space, "Teacher, that man on the other side of the Jordan. You know the one you devoted your life to; he is baptizing and taking lots of your clients."
John was not fazed, "A man can get only what Heaven wants to give him. As I said before, I am not the chosen one, but I am his faithful messenger."
John told a story to help solidify the point, The blushing bride belongs with the groom. The good friend of the groom gets to attend the wedding, but his true source of giddiness is waiting and watching for the groom to scoop up his lawful bride. That is my purpose in the story, to wait for the one and be excited about his reign. The story is upon us. Now is the time that I fade into the background and he step out into the limelight.
The chosen one will come from Heaven and be ruler of everything. The flesh bound human is just an earth dwelling human and cannot be much more than that. Therefore the heavenly one is above the others.
The chosen one is going to say it like it is. He has the credentials. Unfortunately people are going to give him the cold shoulder. The few that do accept it are acknowledging that God is telling the truth. This one that God sent speaks for God. The Spirit is endlessly bountiful in this area.
They are Father and son and God loves the son. He gave him access to everything. If you believe in this son you will get to live forever, but if you throw away God's son and deem him unimportant you will be on God's bad side.
Context: John's whole ministry was to present Jesus as the almighty light. The mission was completed when the people started going to Jesus for their needs. John is ready to retire his leadership for Jesus' to takeover.
John 3:22-35
Jesus and his band of loyal followers took a daytrip to the serene areas of the Judean countryside. They set up camp and started baptizing.
John was also doing his rounds at Aenon, near Salim where the water was plentiful for baptizing. He was not put in jail yet. Duh.
Suddenly two members of John's entourage began to share heated words about baptism and you-know-who.
They immediately invaded John's space, "Teacher, that man on the other side of the Jordan. You know the one you devoted your life to; he is baptizing and taking lots of your clients."
John was not fazed, "A man can get only what Heaven wants to give him. As I said before, I am not the chosen one, but I am his faithful messenger."
John told a story to help solidify the point, The blushing bride belongs with the groom. The good friend of the groom gets to attend the wedding, but his true source of giddiness is waiting and watching for the groom to scoop up his lawful bride. That is my purpose in the story, to wait for the one and be excited about his reign. The story is upon us. Now is the time that I fade into the background and he step out into the limelight.
The chosen one will come from Heaven and be ruler of everything. The flesh bound human is just an earth dwelling human and cannot be much more than that. Therefore the heavenly one is above the others.
The chosen one is going to say it like it is. He has the credentials. Unfortunately people are going to give him the cold shoulder. The few that do accept it are acknowledging that God is telling the truth. This one that God sent speaks for God. The Spirit is endlessly bountiful in this area.
They are Father and son and God loves the son. He gave him access to everything. If you believe in this son you will get to live forever, but if you throw away God's son and deem him unimportant you will be on God's bad side.
John 5:19-38
Jesus justifies his testimony and purpose on this Earth. Using logic that he is mimicking his father, Jesus paints a picture of his ministry and purpose. But even if the Pharisees and lawmakers did not believe him Jesus does not need their approval.
John 15: 19-38
Jesus stated this response to his persecutors, "I am telling you that the son is not acting on his own, but doing exactly as he sees his Father doing. My Father loves me and shares everything. He is prepared to show even greater works that will drop your jaw. My Father can even make dead people fully alive. The son can also raise the dead in anyone he chooses. The father has judgement power, but he is tagging in the son to exercise this authority. This is so that you guys can show the same respect to the son as you show the father. Moreover, if you are giving sass to the son you are hating on the father who employed him.
If you are picking up what I am putting down and truly holding onto the one whom God sent you will live for eternity. He will not be called eternally dead by God, but will be marked as an eternal being. The major event has come, the dead are listening to my golden words and choosing life. My Father is full of life and has given the son the powers of life. Because I am the Son of Man, I have authority to give life and take it away.
Don't look so astonished. The grave is opening to hear my voice and they are choosing to live again. Those who have lived rightly will rise like a Phoenix, those who veer off this good path will only rise up to be put back into eternal prison. I can do nothing for myself. I call these plays as I see them being done. My final verdict is fair because I am not in this for my own gain, but to give props to him who employed me.
If I am telling stories about myself then I could be making stuff up just to mess with you. But there is another who shares all my stories and his stories are telling the truth.
John made his business to spread my fame all over this land and you heard him. I don't need a human to spread my fame to know myself, but mainly for your rescue. Just remember that John spoke with a fiery passion for me and you guys were basking in that warmth.
My other testimony holds much more street cred than John's story. My mission of salvation and my works to save speak volumes of my purpose here on this Earth. And even the Father has given me the thumbs up and spoken approval of my being here. The problem is that you guys never heard it and the words of God fall apart inside you like cheap knock off toys. All because you won't take my word as true.
John 15: 19-38
Jesus stated this response to his persecutors, "I am telling you that the son is not acting on his own, but doing exactly as he sees his Father doing. My Father loves me and shares everything. He is prepared to show even greater works that will drop your jaw. My Father can even make dead people fully alive. The son can also raise the dead in anyone he chooses. The father has judgement power, but he is tagging in the son to exercise this authority. This is so that you guys can show the same respect to the son as you show the father. Moreover, if you are giving sass to the son you are hating on the father who employed him.
If you are picking up what I am putting down and truly holding onto the one whom God sent you will live for eternity. He will not be called eternally dead by God, but will be marked as an eternal being. The major event has come, the dead are listening to my golden words and choosing life. My Father is full of life and has given the son the powers of life. Because I am the Son of Man, I have authority to give life and take it away.
Don't look so astonished. The grave is opening to hear my voice and they are choosing to live again. Those who have lived rightly will rise like a Phoenix, those who veer off this good path will only rise up to be put back into eternal prison. I can do nothing for myself. I call these plays as I see them being done. My final verdict is fair because I am not in this for my own gain, but to give props to him who employed me.
If I am telling stories about myself then I could be making stuff up just to mess with you. But there is another who shares all my stories and his stories are telling the truth.
John made his business to spread my fame all over this land and you heard him. I don't need a human to spread my fame to know myself, but mainly for your rescue. Just remember that John spoke with a fiery passion for me and you guys were basking in that warmth.
My other testimony holds much more street cred than John's story. My mission of salvation and my works to save speak volumes of my purpose here on this Earth. And even the Father has given me the thumbs up and spoken approval of my being here. The problem is that you guys never heard it and the words of God fall apart inside you like cheap knock off toys. All because you won't take my word as true.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
John 3:1-18
Context: Jesus talks to Nicodemus in the night. Nicodemus only wanted to be buddy-buddy with Jesus, but Jesus lays out the new revolutionary life for believers. It confuses poor Nick, but later in the gospel we see a new strength from Nicodemus that suggests a new spirit.
John 3:1-18
Nicodemus, a rule maker for council of the Jews, got a chance to meet up with Jesus in the night time. He approached the famous rabbi and stated,
"Teacher, we know you are a legit teacher who has God's stamp of approval. You would not be able to perform such great wonders if you weren't."
Jesus flat out replied, "Listen up, this is important. No one can be part of God's ultimate take over of the world unless they are reborn (in Heaven)."
Nicodemus was thrown off a little only focusing on the reborn part, "That is a bit tricky seeing as that I am old, should I take a trip back in my mother's womb?"
Jesus explained further, "The ultimate takeover by God is closed to others unless they are cleaned spiritually by the work of the Holy Spirit. God will wash you and it will make you new. Humanity and falleness leads to more humanity, but the spirit brings up the spiritual life. This is a no brainer that I am telling you that the spirit brings new birth to people. In fact, this Spirit goes wherever it wants, comes and goes as it pleases. Like the wind, you don't know if it is coming or going. Same idea with those who had their life remade."
"I am so confused," Nicodemus confessed.
"You practically majored in this, Nicky, and you still don't have a clue what I am saying. I swear, you people talk big about knowing God and teach like its your job, but you are missing my point entirely. I toned down the explanation so you would understand and you are still playing stubborn. How do you suppose you will get an understanding if I start speaking deep theology about Heaven? No one has any idea what Heaven is truly about except me who just came from there.
It was just like when Moses raised a snake on a pole for the people to see, so must Jesus be raised up for the world to see. For God has a deep heart for this world and gifted his only son to it for the sake of him dying. He would give his eternal life to the people of the world. When the son of God gets lifted up, others can believe and have eternal life. God is not hunting for people to go to Hell even though some will reject the son and be out in the cold.
Finally, this is light coming into the world. Unfortunately God's children are addicted to darkness. In fact those people hate the light because it shows something they do not want to see.
John 3:1-18
Nicodemus, a rule maker for council of the Jews, got a chance to meet up with Jesus in the night time. He approached the famous rabbi and stated,
"Teacher, we know you are a legit teacher who has God's stamp of approval. You would not be able to perform such great wonders if you weren't."
Jesus flat out replied, "Listen up, this is important. No one can be part of God's ultimate take over of the world unless they are reborn (in Heaven)."
Nicodemus was thrown off a little only focusing on the reborn part, "That is a bit tricky seeing as that I am old, should I take a trip back in my mother's womb?"
Jesus explained further, "The ultimate takeover by God is closed to others unless they are cleaned spiritually by the work of the Holy Spirit. God will wash you and it will make you new. Humanity and falleness leads to more humanity, but the spirit brings up the spiritual life. This is a no brainer that I am telling you that the spirit brings new birth to people. In fact, this Spirit goes wherever it wants, comes and goes as it pleases. Like the wind, you don't know if it is coming or going. Same idea with those who had their life remade."
"I am so confused," Nicodemus confessed.
"You practically majored in this, Nicky, and you still don't have a clue what I am saying. I swear, you people talk big about knowing God and teach like its your job, but you are missing my point entirely. I toned down the explanation so you would understand and you are still playing stubborn. How do you suppose you will get an understanding if I start speaking deep theology about Heaven? No one has any idea what Heaven is truly about except me who just came from there.
It was just like when Moses raised a snake on a pole for the people to see, so must Jesus be raised up for the world to see. For God has a deep heart for this world and gifted his only son to it for the sake of him dying. He would give his eternal life to the people of the world. When the son of God gets lifted up, others can believe and have eternal life. God is not hunting for people to go to Hell even though some will reject the son and be out in the cold.
Finally, this is light coming into the world. Unfortunately God's children are addicted to darkness. In fact those people hate the light because it shows something they do not want to see.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
John 12:24-37
Synopsis: Jesus is drawing near to his crucifixion and his time is spoken for. He tells the crowd about how committing to an unselfish life and abandoning your own agenda is a marriage with eternal life. Till death does its part.
John 12:24-36
What really matters
"Unless money is thrown at investments, pushed as far it can go, it just sits in a rainy day jar and has no value. When its value is exhausted and buried in investment it springs up and grows. The interest far outweighs the seed money. If you hold onto your life and keep it under a mattress for a rainy day then that is a life wasted. But if you sell out to my service you will invest in eternity.
You want to know that life? Follow me. Be present in constant ministry where I am. My Father will respect you for such noble service.
I am going through some life sized hurricanes. Am I going to hit the ejection button and go to Heaven? Nope! This is my moment to show how good my father's reputation and honor is.
A voice presented from the Heavens, "I have lifted up that name and it will rise again."
At this moment the people were confused and thought it was thundering out, while some people speculated an angel was talking.
Jesus spoke again, "that voice was not for my sake, but for yours. Our world is not in good shape. Satan is the true king of this ball of dirt, but his dominion is going to end abruptly. I am going to be lifted up from the Earth and that is going to be the pivotal moment in history that brings all the people to me."
Jesus had just described the details of his death.
Some of the people answered, "wait a second. I learned in Bible school that the chosen savior was immortal and his throne will last forever. Who is this savior, this son of God, who is going to die?"
Jesus replied, "Right now you are walking with the lights on and the dark cannot touch you on account of me. If you walk toward the darkness, away from me, confusion and lostness will ensue. Take advantage of this personal light. Believe in its power and goodness. You will notice that this light is inside you, Christ has made his base in you and now you are a child of that light.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Colossians 3
Context: We often see the verses in this chapter that talk about how much God hates sexual immorality, lying and anger. If that is the only message you get from Colossians 3 then you are missing the greater truth. This new life in Christ makes us holy and beloved. This is a title that gives purpose and a plan to our existence. We might have to commit to making sure the sinful life stays dead, but look at the new life that Christ has for us.
Colossians 3
The Life Defined
Since you just crossed over from the dead life to Jesus' brand new life, let's make sure your thoughts are thinking on a Godly level, where Jesus is master. Make a conscious decision to think the thoughts of Heaven and not the thoughts of popular culture. You died, bro, your life is now firmly secure in Jesus the master, waiting like a ninja to strike when the fateful day comes. When Christ makes his glorious comeback, we will be right there enjoying it with Him.
Slay your problematic sins and leave them. I am talking about the loose sex morals, the dirty thoughts, the inappropriate relationships, the whining about not having enough toys. This is bowing to a straw god. God has a vendetta against this life and he will be bringing the axe down. Take them out with prejudice. I am talking about the outbursts, wall punching anger, the jokes you make that would make a sailor blush. That life is a lie and it deceives others when you live it.
Here's the alternative. You are a spitting image of your creator, the God who made you. Start acting like that life matters. Slip on the new life God has for you. In this life it does not matter where you live, what your gender is, your political leanings nor if you follow a religious denomination. All that matters is we are free in Christ.
The new task is trying out the new life in Christ, the life that sets you apart to be clean and deeply loved. Try out caring for others in a way that breaks your heart, waiting for others, serving others, being nice to others intentionally, servant like attitude and soft spoken behavior. Be prepared to forgive and communicate with those who are horribly imperfect to you. Christ treats you that way. To cap it all off, everything should be covered in love, the deep chocolaty shell that makes up this blessing sundae. Love sets the world right.
Colossians 3
The Life Defined
Since you just crossed over from the dead life to Jesus' brand new life, let's make sure your thoughts are thinking on a Godly level, where Jesus is master. Make a conscious decision to think the thoughts of Heaven and not the thoughts of popular culture. You died, bro, your life is now firmly secure in Jesus the master, waiting like a ninja to strike when the fateful day comes. When Christ makes his glorious comeback, we will be right there enjoying it with Him.
Slay your problematic sins and leave them. I am talking about the loose sex morals, the dirty thoughts, the inappropriate relationships, the whining about not having enough toys. This is bowing to a straw god. God has a vendetta against this life and he will be bringing the axe down. Take them out with prejudice. I am talking about the outbursts, wall punching anger, the jokes you make that would make a sailor blush. That life is a lie and it deceives others when you live it.
Here's the alternative. You are a spitting image of your creator, the God who made you. Start acting like that life matters. Slip on the new life God has for you. In this life it does not matter where you live, what your gender is, your political leanings nor if you follow a religious denomination. All that matters is we are free in Christ.
The new task is trying out the new life in Christ, the life that sets you apart to be clean and deeply loved. Try out caring for others in a way that breaks your heart, waiting for others, serving others, being nice to others intentionally, servant like attitude and soft spoken behavior. Be prepared to forgive and communicate with those who are horribly imperfect to you. Christ treats you that way. To cap it all off, everything should be covered in love, the deep chocolaty shell that makes up this blessing sundae. Love sets the world right.
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