"This, then, is how you should pray:
'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one."
Matthew 6:9-13
In order to contrast the ostentatious prayer he previously spoke of, he chose to give us an example of how we should pray. I have chosen not to spend time discussing the Lord's Prayer in my blog because we have numerous resources pertaining to it already. Not only that, but I'm sure all of us have heard a hundred sermons about it, and we've probably done some type of study on it in church at one point or another.
That being said, remember this:
God reigns over heaven and earth.
God is sovereign.
God is our provider.
God is full of grace and mercy.
God does not tempt us.
God is our conqueror.
May you go today, and know God in a new light that you have not known Him before. May He reveal some new part of Himself to you, that you can glorify Him all the more.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
SOnTheM 24
"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." Matthew 6:7-8
Occam's Razor = the more complicated a solution is, the more likely it will be incorrect.
KISS = Keep It Simple, Stupid
God prefers an honest prayer over a long one. He knows what you need. He knows what you want. He also knows what He's going to give and what He's going to hold back. He's waiting on you to seek His face, then He'll shower His blessings down on you, even if you don't realize it.
Prayers don't have to be short, and they don't have to be long. Just make it honest, and express your heart to God.
May you go through your day today expressing your heart to God in an honest way.
Occam's Razor = the more complicated a solution is, the more likely it will be incorrect.
KISS = Keep It Simple, Stupid
God prefers an honest prayer over a long one. He knows what you need. He knows what you want. He also knows what He's going to give and what He's going to hold back. He's waiting on you to seek His face, then He'll shower His blessings down on you, even if you don't realize it.
Prayers don't have to be short, and they don't have to be long. Just make it honest, and express your heart to God.
May you go through your day today expressing your heart to God in an honest way.
Friday, January 25, 2008
SOnTheM 23
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:5-6
Is anyone seeing a pattern here? Cry out to God. Call to Him. Fall on your face before the Throne of Glory. But don't do it so that others can say, "That guy/girl is spiritual. Do it because the Spirit compels you to do it. By all means, intercede for others, but do so in such a way as to keep a pure heart, not being motivated by any selfish desires.
Does this mean we shouldn't have prayer meetings? That we shouldn't pray over our food when we go out to eat? For those of you who are asking these questions, drop the legalism, and love God! Of course we should meet with other believers and cry out to our God together. Of course we should pray a blessing over our dinner. Just be sure your motives are pure.
May your heart be pure today.
Is anyone seeing a pattern here? Cry out to God. Call to Him. Fall on your face before the Throne of Glory. But don't do it so that others can say, "That guy/girl is spiritual. Do it because the Spirit compels you to do it. By all means, intercede for others, but do so in such a way as to keep a pure heart, not being motivated by any selfish desires.
Does this mean we shouldn't have prayer meetings? That we shouldn't pray over our food when we go out to eat? For those of you who are asking these questions, drop the legalism, and love God! Of course we should meet with other believers and cry out to our God together. Of course we should pray a blessing over our dinner. Just be sure your motives are pure.
May your heart be pure today.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
SOnTheM 22
"Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:1-4
Jesus is saying here that we should not perform good deeds so that others will see us and think we are good people. After all, we are all beggars at the foot of God's door, right? If you do good deeds so that others will think good of you, then God will not reward you, for you have already received the reward you wanted--the approval of men, which pales in comparison with pleasing the Father.
But wait! Doesn't Jesus also say to let our light shine before men? Yes, but He says to let our light shine before men so that they may see our good deeds AND GLORIFY OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN (Matthew 5:14-16).
Don't do good deeds to gain the approval of men. Do them to glorify God.
May you seek to be righteous today, so that others will see you and glorify your Father in Heaven.
Jesus is saying here that we should not perform good deeds so that others will see us and think we are good people. After all, we are all beggars at the foot of God's door, right? If you do good deeds so that others will think good of you, then God will not reward you, for you have already received the reward you wanted--the approval of men, which pales in comparison with pleasing the Father.
But wait! Doesn't Jesus also say to let our light shine before men? Yes, but He says to let our light shine before men so that they may see our good deeds AND GLORIFY OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN (Matthew 5:14-16).
Don't do good deeds to gain the approval of men. Do them to glorify God.
May you seek to be righteous today, so that others will see you and glorify your Father in Heaven.
Monday, January 21, 2008
SOnTheM 21
"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48
I know it's impossible to actually be perfect, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try. God views us, through Christ, as perfect and righteous. We need to do our best to live lives that reflect that.
Here are some lyrics from All Together Separate's So Hard I Try. The writer refers to himself as a tree, constantly striving to reach the sun, even though it will not happen.
There are times I feel so far
From where I want to be
But I know You've been there too
And now You're here with me
My roots' in the ground
Head's in the clouds
How I wish I could leave
I'm branching out to heaven
Bound to the dirt
But I can see the sun
Chorus:
No matter how high
I'm reaching out for what I can't hold
So hard I try
But I'm holding on to what I can't reach
In the summer it's easy to find a reason
To keep on growing strong
But in the autumn when my leaves fall
So do my hopes and I can't find a reason at all
Though storms wrestle my faith
I'll bend but I won't break
The clouds make it seem
The light is gone
But I can see the sun
Though storms may wrestle my faith
I'll bend but I won't break
The clouds make it seem
That all the light is gone, but I can see the sun
Today, reach for the Son, even if you can never completely imitate Him, strive to do so.
Reach out for what you can't hold. Hold on to what you can't reach. In doing so, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
I know it's impossible to actually be perfect, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try. God views us, through Christ, as perfect and righteous. We need to do our best to live lives that reflect that.
Here are some lyrics from All Together Separate's So Hard I Try. The writer refers to himself as a tree, constantly striving to reach the sun, even though it will not happen.
There are times I feel so far
From where I want to be
But I know You've been there too
And now You're here with me
My roots' in the ground
Head's in the clouds
How I wish I could leave
I'm branching out to heaven
Bound to the dirt
But I can see the sun
Chorus:
No matter how high
I'm reaching out for what I can't hold
So hard I try
But I'm holding on to what I can't reach
In the summer it's easy to find a reason
To keep on growing strong
But in the autumn when my leaves fall
So do my hopes and I can't find a reason at all
Though storms wrestle my faith
I'll bend but I won't break
The clouds make it seem
The light is gone
But I can see the sun
Though storms may wrestle my faith
I'll bend but I won't break
The clouds make it seem
That all the light is gone, but I can see the sun
Today, reach for the Son, even if you can never completely imitate Him, strive to do so.
Reach out for what you can't hold. Hold on to what you can't reach. In doing so, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Friday, January 18, 2008
SOnTheM 20
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?" Matthew 5:43-47
They'll Know We Are Christians
May you love and be loved today.
They'll Know We Are Christians
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
By our love, by our love
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
By our love, by our love
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
Love is patient, love is kind
Never boasts, not full of pride
Always hopes, always trusts
The evidence of Christ in us
May you love and be loved today.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
SOnTheM 19
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." Matthew 5:38-41
"Eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth" was basically the law in the old days. This wasn't a vengeful type of law. Rather, that is how the punishment was dealt by the judge when one man wronged another man. Basically, "the punishment shall fit the crime." Makes sense, doesn't it? Doesn't that satisfy the sense of fairness we all believe the world should run by? Yes it does, except that the world is not fair. If it were, Christ would not have been crucified for my sins and yours, and we could not have a relationship with the Father. Aren't you glad life isn't fair?
Instead of "The Law of Retribution," which is what scholars call fairness, Jesus states that we should operate under the Law of Grace.
Here's something my friend Steven Furtick refers to as the Two Cookie Principle:
If I have two cookies, and you and I are hanging out, I have a couple options. 1) I could be a jerk and eat both of my cookies, or 2) I could be nice and give you one of my cookies. The world says that option 2 is the right choice. Of course, I should share what I have with those who don't have anything. That way, everyone will know I am a good person, I'll get an award from someone for being a great philanthropist (people who give money to do good things instead of getting their hands dirty to do good things themselves), and everyone is happy.
Here's a third option--Jesus' option--Furtick's option: I give both cookies to you. I don't hold anything back. The grace and love of Jesus Christ abound in me so much that I give everything I have to those who not. Generosity is the key here.
Today, may you give away what you have. May Christ begin to develop a generous spirit in you so that He may be seen through your generosity. Go ahead. I dare you. Try to give yourself into poverty. Try to outgive God (I know that's cheesy, but it's true).
"Eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth" was basically the law in the old days. This wasn't a vengeful type of law. Rather, that is how the punishment was dealt by the judge when one man wronged another man. Basically, "the punishment shall fit the crime." Makes sense, doesn't it? Doesn't that satisfy the sense of fairness we all believe the world should run by? Yes it does, except that the world is not fair. If it were, Christ would not have been crucified for my sins and yours, and we could not have a relationship with the Father. Aren't you glad life isn't fair?
Instead of "The Law of Retribution," which is what scholars call fairness, Jesus states that we should operate under the Law of Grace.
Here's something my friend Steven Furtick refers to as the Two Cookie Principle:
If I have two cookies, and you and I are hanging out, I have a couple options. 1) I could be a jerk and eat both of my cookies, or 2) I could be nice and give you one of my cookies. The world says that option 2 is the right choice. Of course, I should share what I have with those who don't have anything. That way, everyone will know I am a good person, I'll get an award from someone for being a great philanthropist (people who give money to do good things instead of getting their hands dirty to do good things themselves), and everyone is happy.
Here's a third option--Jesus' option--Furtick's option: I give both cookies to you. I don't hold anything back. The grace and love of Jesus Christ abound in me so much that I give everything I have to those who not. Generosity is the key here.
Today, may you give away what you have. May Christ begin to develop a generous spirit in you so that He may be seen through your generosity. Go ahead. I dare you. Try to give yourself into poverty. Try to outgive God (I know that's cheesy, but it's true).
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
SOnTheM 18
"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." Matthew 5:33-37
In the Old Testament, how binding an oath was was judged by how closely it was related to God's name (Yahweh). Swearing by heaven or earth was not really binding, nor was swearing by Jerusalem. However, swearing toward Jerusalem was binding, because it was swearing towards the city of God.
If you have to swear for someone to believe you, then you probably haven't proven yourself to be trustworthy in the first place. Instead of swearing to prove your honesty, just be honest. Your reputation will speak for itself, and those who truly know you will believe you, even without an oath.
If you have been dishonest toward someone and have not yet sought forgiveness from them, find them, confess to them, and ask them for their forgiveness. They may not like you, and they may indeed hate you, but at least they'll know that you tried to be honest with them, even if it took you a little while.
In the Old Testament, how binding an oath was was judged by how closely it was related to God's name (Yahweh). Swearing by heaven or earth was not really binding, nor was swearing by Jerusalem. However, swearing toward Jerusalem was binding, because it was swearing towards the city of God.
If you have to swear for someone to believe you, then you probably haven't proven yourself to be trustworthy in the first place. Instead of swearing to prove your honesty, just be honest. Your reputation will speak for itself, and those who truly know you will believe you, even without an oath.
If you have been dishonest toward someone and have not yet sought forgiveness from them, find them, confess to them, and ask them for their forgiveness. They may not like you, and they may indeed hate you, but at least they'll know that you tried to be honest with them, even if it took you a little while.
Monday, January 14, 2008
5 Year Anniversary
Just to let everyone know, today is Sarah and my 5 year anniversary from our first date. If I had known then that I was going to marry her one day, I'm sure I would've made that date a whole lot better than ice cream at Marble Slab and going to see Antwone Fisher. Anyway, things worked out great from where I'm standing. Sarah, I LOVE YOU!!!
SOnTheM 17
"It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to be come an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery." Matthew 5:31-32
Mawidge...mawidge is what bwings us togewer today...
Mawidge, the bwessed awwangement, that dweam wiffim a dweam...
... Ven wuv, twoo wuv, wiw fowwow you fowever..
... so tweasuwe your vruv..
Sound familiar? It's the Impressive Clergyman's lines from The Princess Bride. Great movie, and I think it may shed some light on our society's attitude toward marriage these days. In biblical times, marriage was viewed with reverend sanctity. However, in America today, marriage is just something you get involved in and then quit later if you want to, like a community baseball team.
I think it is very clear here that Jesus is saying that divorce is wrong (except for the case of marital unfaithfulness). No where in the Bible does it even seem like anyone says differently. Not only that, Jesus is saying that divorce, like lust, is the moral equivalent of adultery, since the divorced woman and the man who marries her after she's divorced both commit adultery.
Here's where I think a lot of people (especially in the Bible belt) have gone astray: Divorce is wrong, but IT IS NOT UNFORGIVABLE!!! I think that getting divorced is sinful, but, then again, so is speeding, lying, cheating at work, lusting (previously addressed), and a million other actions that we all commit regularly, but don't address as harshly. In our eyes, there are sins greater than others--killing a man is far worse than stealing a candy bar from the store. Guess what...in God's eyes, sin is sin. Stealing that candy bar would get you a one way ticket to the fires of Gehenna just as easily as killing someone.
Jesus didn't come to condemn the world, but to save the world from condemnation (John 3:17). Don't judge others because they have been divorced. Rather, be Jesus to them and love them. Against this, there is no law!!!
Today, may you rest in God's everlasting forgiveness. Know that His grace abounds more greatly than you could ever comprehend, and you will only fail to receive it if you fail to seek His face and ask for it.
Mawidge...mawidge is what bwings us togewer today...
Mawidge, the bwessed awwangement, that dweam wiffim a dweam...
... Ven wuv, twoo wuv, wiw fowwow you fowever..
... so tweasuwe your vruv..
Sound familiar? It's the Impressive Clergyman's lines from The Princess Bride. Great movie, and I think it may shed some light on our society's attitude toward marriage these days. In biblical times, marriage was viewed with reverend sanctity. However, in America today, marriage is just something you get involved in and then quit later if you want to, like a community baseball team.
I think it is very clear here that Jesus is saying that divorce is wrong (except for the case of marital unfaithfulness). No where in the Bible does it even seem like anyone says differently. Not only that, Jesus is saying that divorce, like lust, is the moral equivalent of adultery, since the divorced woman and the man who marries her after she's divorced both commit adultery.
Here's where I think a lot of people (especially in the Bible belt) have gone astray: Divorce is wrong, but IT IS NOT UNFORGIVABLE!!! I think that getting divorced is sinful, but, then again, so is speeding, lying, cheating at work, lusting (previously addressed), and a million other actions that we all commit regularly, but don't address as harshly. In our eyes, there are sins greater than others--killing a man is far worse than stealing a candy bar from the store. Guess what...in God's eyes, sin is sin. Stealing that candy bar would get you a one way ticket to the fires of Gehenna just as easily as killing someone.
Jesus didn't come to condemn the world, but to save the world from condemnation (John 3:17). Don't judge others because they have been divorced. Rather, be Jesus to them and love them. Against this, there is no law!!!
Today, may you rest in God's everlasting forgiveness. Know that His grace abounds more greatly than you could ever comprehend, and you will only fail to receive it if you fail to seek His face and ask for it.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
SOnTheM 16
"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell." Matthew 5:27-30
In the Old Testament, the commandment to abstain from adultery was seen more as matter of stealing another man's wife than it was a matter of purity. Here, Jesus makes it clear that adultery deals with the purity of the body, and He takes it a step further to make sure the people know that it is also a matter of the purity of the heart. Jesus (and therefore, also, God) has always been and will always be mainly concerned with the condition of our hearts. He knows that we will mess up in life, but longs for our hearts to be drawn to and connected with His.
Gouging out your eye and cutting off your hand are not literally recommended. Jesus is saying that sin is a serious issue, and, as such, should be dealt with in a radical and serious manner. Don't just try to change things, be radical about what you need to do to remove the temptation to sin and to abstain from sinning, not so you can be pious, but so you can be closer to the heart of God.
May you be serious about your sin today. Pray that God will reveal sin to you that you were not aware of, or that you were hiding from others. Confess these sins to God, and to other Christ-followers. Then, be radical about the ways you intend to deal with your sin, so that you may walk closer with God.
In the Old Testament, the commandment to abstain from adultery was seen more as matter of stealing another man's wife than it was a matter of purity. Here, Jesus makes it clear that adultery deals with the purity of the body, and He takes it a step further to make sure the people know that it is also a matter of the purity of the heart. Jesus (and therefore, also, God) has always been and will always be mainly concerned with the condition of our hearts. He knows that we will mess up in life, but longs for our hearts to be drawn to and connected with His.
Gouging out your eye and cutting off your hand are not literally recommended. Jesus is saying that sin is a serious issue, and, as such, should be dealt with in a radical and serious manner. Don't just try to change things, be radical about what you need to do to remove the temptation to sin and to abstain from sinning, not so you can be pious, but so you can be closer to the heart of God.
May you be serious about your sin today. Pray that God will reveal sin to you that you were not aware of, or that you were hiding from others. Confess these sins to God, and to other Christ-followers. Then, be radical about the ways you intend to deal with your sin, so that you may walk closer with God.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
I've Got the Joy, or Do I
"Joy is not found in the absence of suffering; joy is found in the presence of God" - David Arcos (sp?)
Joy is not based on circumstances. It does not arrive in good situations and go away in bad situations. It is not happiness.
Joy is found when we immerse ourselves in seeking God's face, when we wholeheartedly commit to His best for us, which is ALWAYS better than our best for us, even though we almost always fight it.
Joy is found in loving God, and in loving His creation, mankind. Joy is found in submitting your life to a cause greater than any other: having a relationship with the Creator of the universe.
May you know joy today. May you know joy tomorrow. May the joy of God flow through you, regardless of your circumstances, because circumstances can not bring you joy, and they can not take joy away.
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
WHERE?
Down in my heart
WHERE?
Down in my heart
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
WHERE?
Down in my heart
To stay!
Joy is not based on circumstances. It does not arrive in good situations and go away in bad situations. It is not happiness.
Joy is found when we immerse ourselves in seeking God's face, when we wholeheartedly commit to His best for us, which is ALWAYS better than our best for us, even though we almost always fight it.
Joy is found in loving God, and in loving His creation, mankind. Joy is found in submitting your life to a cause greater than any other: having a relationship with the Creator of the universe.
May you know joy today. May you know joy tomorrow. May the joy of God flow through you, regardless of your circumstances, because circumstances can not bring you joy, and they can not take joy away.
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
WHERE?
Down in my heart
WHERE?
Down in my heart
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
WHERE?
Down in my heart
To stay!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
SOnTheM 15
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny." Matthew 5:23-26
There are two different illustrations shown in this passage. The first is worshipful, and the second is judicial. One concerns your relationship with your brother, and the other with your adversary. However, neither actually mentions the anger of the reader. The anger caused by the reader is being addressed. How often do you remember when someone else has wronged you? How often do you remember wronging someone else (or even realized that you have wronged someone else)? We need not only to focus on our own anger, but also what we've done to make others angry.
Has something you've done caused your "brother" or your "adversary" to become angry with you? Regardless of their reaction and how they will welcome you, you should go to that person and make things right. Then bring your gift before the Lord.
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny." Matthew 5:23-26
There are two different illustrations shown in this passage. The first is worshipful, and the second is judicial. One concerns your relationship with your brother, and the other with your adversary. However, neither actually mentions the anger of the reader. The anger caused by the reader is being addressed. How often do you remember when someone else has wronged you? How often do you remember wronging someone else (or even realized that you have wronged someone else)? We need not only to focus on our own anger, but also what we've done to make others angry.
Has something you've done caused your "brother" or your "adversary" to become angry with you? Regardless of their reaction and how they will welcome you, you should go to that person and make things right. Then bring your gift before the Lord.
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