2 Peter 1:16-21
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Here we find the challenge of Christianity -- it's something that we do on our own, peering into the darkness to find the light, paying attention so as not to get distracted by the reflections and mirages that drag our attention away. At the same time, it's a communal effort, when we join with one another to discern what the prophets had to say, to hear what Scripture has to say to us today. If we do this on our own, it's easy to creep away from the truth, because there is no one to correct you, no one to challenge newfangled ideas you might come up with.
So we do this together. I've been thinking a lot lately about the child who ended up in the gorilla enclosure at the zoo. It's so easy to get distracted, and I'm as guilty as any parent of turning my attention for two seconds and turning back to find an empty place where my energetic child once was. In times like these, I'm grateful to have a spouse or friend who has corralled my child before they make it into the parking lot or other space.
Faith works the same way. We often have rough days or weeks, and in these times it is so good to have someone come alongside us and remind us of where we need to have our energy focused, of the central importance of Christ in our lives. We have individual responsibilities, but we also are joined together.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Friday, May 27, 2016
May 27
Good morning --
Moving is disruptive. It's hard to change -- we get comfortable, and then we continue doing what feels normal, even if we know it isn't the best path forward. It's like the proverbial road sign in Alaska that warns us to 'Choose our rut carefully, because we'll be in it for the next 100 miles'.
Rachel and I have been forced to disrupt our lives, and in many ways, I'm grateful for the opportunity. I've had so many intentions over the years of modifying my behaviors, of being more intentional about being guided by the presence of the Holy Spirit. When I step back and think about it, the God of the universe, the one who holds and sustains the stars in his hands, is seeking me out, knocking on the door of my soul and hoping that I might make him the most important thing in my life. How do I respond? Often with indifference, as though speaking to my Creator is not worth bothering with.
I know in my head by behavior is ignorant at best, but I don't put change into motion, and so this disruptive move is an opportunity for change. It's also a reminder to examine regularly my ways of being, through prayer and silence, to ensure that my heart is focused on first things first, and I'm seeking to make every thought captive to Christ.
We'll get back to Scriptural devotions on Tuesday. I pray you all have a Memorial Day weekend that is filled with a constant awareness of the presence and grace of God.
In Christ,
Keith
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
2 Peter 1:10-15
2 Peter 1:10-15
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Sometimes, when we really aren't interested in doing something, we put a half-effort into it. We do enough to make it look like we're trying, but our efforts inevitably erode what the result might have been, and others can usually tell we didn't really try. It's like when I draw a picture -- I don't like drawing, and so when people look at the drawings I attempt, they can tell that I didn't put much work into it, because my half-hearted efforts are evident of my disinterest.
In our lives of faith, in our pursuit of a relationship with God, what kind of effort do you put in? Do we strive to demonstrate how our faith changes us? Do we seek Christ with all of our hearts, or do we do so with a half-hearted effort, so busy with other things that the results of our seeking are sabotaged by our hearts' dalliances with other gods.
May we do all we can to demonstrate the love of God that seeks us, that strives to rescue, that endeavors to love in all times. May our lives be constant evidence of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Sometimes, when we really aren't interested in doing something, we put a half-effort into it. We do enough to make it look like we're trying, but our efforts inevitably erode what the result might have been, and others can usually tell we didn't really try. It's like when I draw a picture -- I don't like drawing, and so when people look at the drawings I attempt, they can tell that I didn't put much work into it, because my half-hearted efforts are evident of my disinterest.
In our lives of faith, in our pursuit of a relationship with God, what kind of effort do you put in? Do we strive to demonstrate how our faith changes us? Do we seek Christ with all of our hearts, or do we do so with a half-hearted effort, so busy with other things that the results of our seeking are sabotaged by our hearts' dalliances with other gods.
May we do all we can to demonstrate the love of God that seeks us, that strives to rescue, that endeavors to love in all times. May our lives be constant evidence of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Monday, May 23, 2016
2 Peter 1:5-9
2 Peter 1:5-9
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
A little break can do wonders for the soul. It gives pause to reflect -- we're often so busy that we don't bother thinking about what we are doing, we just act, and we aren't mindful about what we're doing, and therefore we don't think about the roots of our actions. Our true motivations are obscured because we believe that if we slow down, we'll get trampled by the mountain of to-do's that are calling for us.
Spiritually, we need to remember the root of our faith. Peter reminds us to grow in faith. As we grow, we are continually reminded that forgiveness is at the root of our faith, and the more we remember this, the more motivated we are to respond with grateful praise and worship. The more we grow, the stronger our gratitude is, because we are more and more amazed at how great God is and how sinful we are, and it is all the more incredible that God bridges the divide in Jesus Christ.
So let us seek God first, because the more we study and learn, the more amazed we are at the person and work of Jesus Christ, and understanding the root of our faith pushes us to want to grow closer and closer to Christ with every passing day.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
A little break can do wonders for the soul. It gives pause to reflect -- we're often so busy that we don't bother thinking about what we are doing, we just act, and we aren't mindful about what we're doing, and therefore we don't think about the roots of our actions. Our true motivations are obscured because we believe that if we slow down, we'll get trampled by the mountain of to-do's that are calling for us.
Spiritually, we need to remember the root of our faith. Peter reminds us to grow in faith. As we grow, we are continually reminded that forgiveness is at the root of our faith, and the more we remember this, the more motivated we are to respond with grateful praise and worship. The more we grow, the stronger our gratitude is, because we are more and more amazed at how great God is and how sinful we are, and it is all the more incredible that God bridges the divide in Jesus Christ.
So let us seek God first, because the more we study and learn, the more amazed we are at the person and work of Jesus Christ, and understanding the root of our faith pushes us to want to grow closer and closer to Christ with every passing day.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
2 Peter 1:1-4
2 Peter 1:1-4
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
1 From Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ.
To everyone who shares with us in the privilege of believing that our God and Savior Jesus Christ will do what is just and fair.
2 I pray that God will be kind to you and will let you live in perfect peace! May you keep learning more and more about God and our Lord Jesus.
3 We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. 4 God made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.
*********
So often, we fall for the lie of 'things will be better when...'. We think that once we achieve a certain status or reach a certain goal in life, then we'll be better able to focus, then we'll be free of stress, then we'll get serious about the serious things of life.
Peter issues a helpful reminder -- we have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. We don't need things or status or experience -- we need hearts willing to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all we do. We don't have to wait on something magical to happen. In Christ, we have seen the fulfillment of so many of God's promises, and he sent the Holy Spirit to dwell with us and guide us and lead us forward. Life is not for waiting -- it's about following God here and now, with what we have and who we are, even though we are imperfect.
God didn't wait for us to reach perfection before reaching out to us. God reached out as we are, and he casts his grace upon us and lifts our vision. Let's not spend our time waiting, but rather invest our time and energy in loving and serving now.
************
I'll be taking a little break to celebrate graduation and our 10 year anniversary. We'll pick back up on the 23rd of May.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
1 From Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ.
To everyone who shares with us in the privilege of believing that our God and Savior Jesus Christ will do what is just and fair.
2 I pray that God will be kind to you and will let you live in perfect peace! May you keep learning more and more about God and our Lord Jesus.
3 We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. 4 God made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.
*********
So often, we fall for the lie of 'things will be better when...'. We think that once we achieve a certain status or reach a certain goal in life, then we'll be better able to focus, then we'll be free of stress, then we'll get serious about the serious things of life.
Peter issues a helpful reminder -- we have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. We don't need things or status or experience -- we need hearts willing to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all we do. We don't have to wait on something magical to happen. In Christ, we have seen the fulfillment of so many of God's promises, and he sent the Holy Spirit to dwell with us and guide us and lead us forward. Life is not for waiting -- it's about following God here and now, with what we have and who we are, even though we are imperfect.
God didn't wait for us to reach perfection before reaching out to us. God reached out as we are, and he casts his grace upon us and lifts our vision. Let's not spend our time waiting, but rather invest our time and energy in loving and serving now.
************
I'll be taking a little break to celebrate graduation and our 10 year anniversary. We'll pick back up on the 23rd of May.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
1 Peter 5:12-14
1 Peter 5:12-14
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
It's amazing the difference a short note can make. I've received a number of notes over the years that have come at just the right time to encourage or support. They cheer me up and renew my desire to serve. They remind me that I am not alone. They are gifts.
Who do you know that might need some encouragement? Is there someone you can reach out to remind them of how kind God is? It doesn't have to be an elaborate plan -- just a short note can change the way they see the day, reminding them of God's goodness, when often others are surrounded by messages that pull the sight down, to the troubles around us, nipping at our heels, rather than directing our vision to the hills, from whence our help comes. God is near -- may we be messengers delivering that great news to one another.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
It's amazing the difference a short note can make. I've received a number of notes over the years that have come at just the right time to encourage or support. They cheer me up and renew my desire to serve. They remind me that I am not alone. They are gifts.
Who do you know that might need some encouragement? Is there someone you can reach out to remind them of how kind God is? It doesn't have to be an elaborate plan -- just a short note can change the way they see the day, reminding them of God's goodness, when often others are surrounded by messages that pull the sight down, to the troubles around us, nipping at our heels, rather than directing our vision to the hills, from whence our help comes. God is near -- may we be messengers delivering that great news to one another.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
1 Peter 5:5-11
1 Peter 5:5-11
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
It's easy to forget who we are.
As we are bombarded by thousands of messages a day, many of them telling us that we are the center of the universe, we can easily forget that we owe everything to others. We owe our lives to God, and much of what we have learned we owe to the patience and sacrifice of those who raised us. For this reason, we need to stay humble and remember to be ever grateful for the gifts others have poured into us.
Also, we need to remember the danger that lurks. The devil is ever-ready to pounce, and so we must be constantly on our guard, strengthening ourselves through the reading of God's Word and the practice of Christian community. We need to pay attention to ourselves, noticing our weaknesses and faults, and looking at others to see if there are areas where we can lend our strength to encourage and support them.
It's not easy to remain constantly ready to serve, constantly ready to love, constantly aware of our gratitude to others, but the struggle for faithfulness is worth it -- God gives us the ability to persevere, and in so doing we are given the eternal laurel wreath, and we share in Christ's victory over sin and death.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
It's easy to forget who we are.
As we are bombarded by thousands of messages a day, many of them telling us that we are the center of the universe, we can easily forget that we owe everything to others. We owe our lives to God, and much of what we have learned we owe to the patience and sacrifice of those who raised us. For this reason, we need to stay humble and remember to be ever grateful for the gifts others have poured into us.
Also, we need to remember the danger that lurks. The devil is ever-ready to pounce, and so we must be constantly on our guard, strengthening ourselves through the reading of God's Word and the practice of Christian community. We need to pay attention to ourselves, noticing our weaknesses and faults, and looking at others to see if there are areas where we can lend our strength to encourage and support them.
It's not easy to remain constantly ready to serve, constantly ready to love, constantly aware of our gratitude to others, but the struggle for faithfulness is worth it -- God gives us the ability to persevere, and in so doing we are given the eternal laurel wreath, and we share in Christ's victory over sin and death.
Monday, May 9, 2016
1 Peter 5:1-4
1 Peter 5:1-4
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Church leadership is challenging. There are a multitude of responsibilities requiring a wide variety of abilities, and any group of people will, at times, develop conflicts and strife that demand wisdom and discernment from the leader. Church leaders are called to inspire and teach, as well as comfort and counsel. It's a hard job, asking much of the leader and often offering few benchmarks allowing for honest evaluation. Success and failure aren't marked by annual performance reviews, but are distilled in relationships and the stories of individuals over time, often years or decades.
It's not a job to pursue for riches. (While there are some individuals who are fundraising for a new coat of paint for their private plane, I could write books about how wildly I disagree with their chosen direction of resource stewardship.) It's a calling to pursue out of love for God and God's creation, particularly God's created people, who are separated from God by sin, often unable to see or understand the depths of God's love and the breadth of God's grace. The church leader's job is to communicate both the willingness and eagerness of God to forgive and the responsibility of the church member to respond with grateful praise, offering oneself as a living sacrifice back to God, enjoying God and God's gifts with wisdom.
Church leadership is challenging, and so we are called to pray for our church leaders, to give thanks for their willingness to pour themselves out for the sake of Christ's beloved church. May we support, love and encourage them, that they may see the church at work in the world and the love of God active in relationships, that they may continue to lead wisely and boldly, so that the Gospel may be proclaimed far and wide through the work of the church.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Church leadership is challenging. There are a multitude of responsibilities requiring a wide variety of abilities, and any group of people will, at times, develop conflicts and strife that demand wisdom and discernment from the leader. Church leaders are called to inspire and teach, as well as comfort and counsel. It's a hard job, asking much of the leader and often offering few benchmarks allowing for honest evaluation. Success and failure aren't marked by annual performance reviews, but are distilled in relationships and the stories of individuals over time, often years or decades.
It's not a job to pursue for riches. (While there are some individuals who are fundraising for a new coat of paint for their private plane, I could write books about how wildly I disagree with their chosen direction of resource stewardship.) It's a calling to pursue out of love for God and God's creation, particularly God's created people, who are separated from God by sin, often unable to see or understand the depths of God's love and the breadth of God's grace. The church leader's job is to communicate both the willingness and eagerness of God to forgive and the responsibility of the church member to respond with grateful praise, offering oneself as a living sacrifice back to God, enjoying God and God's gifts with wisdom.
Church leadership is challenging, and so we are called to pray for our church leaders, to give thanks for their willingness to pour themselves out for the sake of Christ's beloved church. May we support, love and encourage them, that they may see the church at work in the world and the love of God active in relationships, that they may continue to lead wisely and boldly, so that the Gospel may be proclaimed far and wide through the work of the church.
Friday, May 6, 2016
1 Peter 4:12-19
1 Peter 4:12-19
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
It's so challenging to wrap our minds around the idea of being grateful for suffering. Partly this is because we're so far removed from the 1st century experience of every church member living in fear of persecution, and partly because our 21st century lives are often so insulated from the world's suffering that we forget how prevalent it is. From our places of comfort, we simply can't make the connection.
So what does it mean to suffer in today's world for American Christians? I don't know that I'm going to try and answer that here, because I'm still wrestling with it, but I know this -- these verses are teaching us about how to value the incomparable worth of our relationship with God. That relationship, made possible through the person of Jesus Christ, should have such incredible value, far greater than anything else in our lives, that we would endure anything if it meant we could hold onto that relationship. We should view the grace of God as such a treasure that we would not count the cost for a moment if we had to endure suffering to hold onto such grace. It should mean more than anything else, and it should be a daily cause of joy to know that this grace continues to permeate our lives. If suffering can remove any barrier that exists between us and that relationship, then it should be welcomed, because drawing closer to God is more valuable than breathing, more precious than gold, more wondrous than any other thing that can possibly exist.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
It's so challenging to wrap our minds around the idea of being grateful for suffering. Partly this is because we're so far removed from the 1st century experience of every church member living in fear of persecution, and partly because our 21st century lives are often so insulated from the world's suffering that we forget how prevalent it is. From our places of comfort, we simply can't make the connection.
So what does it mean to suffer in today's world for American Christians? I don't know that I'm going to try and answer that here, because I'm still wrestling with it, but I know this -- these verses are teaching us about how to value the incomparable worth of our relationship with God. That relationship, made possible through the person of Jesus Christ, should have such incredible value, far greater than anything else in our lives, that we would endure anything if it meant we could hold onto that relationship. We should view the grace of God as such a treasure that we would not count the cost for a moment if we had to endure suffering to hold onto such grace. It should mean more than anything else, and it should be a daily cause of joy to know that this grace continues to permeate our lives. If suffering can remove any barrier that exists between us and that relationship, then it should be welcomed, because drawing closer to God is more valuable than breathing, more precious than gold, more wondrous than any other thing that can possibly exist.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
1 Peter 4:7-11
1 Peter 4:7-11
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
It's so easy to be jealous. I look around and see people with amazing gifts that make them stand out from the crowd, and I'll envy them. Often, these gifts give them a platform from which they can influence large crowds of people. "It'd be easier if I had that gift," I think to myself. "Once I really develop my gifts, then I'll start opening up and sharing," I also think.
It's not about waiting and wishing -- Christian service and love is about using whatever gifts and abilities you have here and now, using those for the Gospel, proclaiming God's love through your everyday abilities. These are all different, for God gives us different gifts in different combinations, but think about what you love, and then use that to glorify God and share God's love.
Often, what happens is the things we love become mini-gods to us, and they are the end in themselves. Our love of something takes over that part of our life. What Peter calls us to do is think seriously about how that gift can be leveraged for the glory of God. Open up yourself and your life, and as others enter in, share the Gospel with them along the way.
And in all things, Peter says, be sensible enough to pray. Cover your life in prayer, for that is building the relationship that will last beyond this brief moment of life we are gifted, preparing us for eternity. Reach out to the One who loves you beyond measure and say thank you for today.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
It's so easy to be jealous. I look around and see people with amazing gifts that make them stand out from the crowd, and I'll envy them. Often, these gifts give them a platform from which they can influence large crowds of people. "It'd be easier if I had that gift," I think to myself. "Once I really develop my gifts, then I'll start opening up and sharing," I also think.
It's not about waiting and wishing -- Christian service and love is about using whatever gifts and abilities you have here and now, using those for the Gospel, proclaiming God's love through your everyday abilities. These are all different, for God gives us different gifts in different combinations, but think about what you love, and then use that to glorify God and share God's love.
Often, what happens is the things we love become mini-gods to us, and they are the end in themselves. Our love of something takes over that part of our life. What Peter calls us to do is think seriously about how that gift can be leveraged for the glory of God. Open up yourself and your life, and as others enter in, share the Gospel with them along the way.
And in all things, Peter says, be sensible enough to pray. Cover your life in prayer, for that is building the relationship that will last beyond this brief moment of life we are gifted, preparing us for eternity. Reach out to the One who loves you beyond measure and say thank you for today.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
1 Peter 4:1-6
1 Peter 4:1-6
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
We want to have it all, right? We want jobs that pay us lots of money but demand very little. We want expansive lawns that are perfect but require no maintenance. We want to have perfectly healthy and athletic bodies but don't want to exercise. We want it all, and we want it on our terms, at no cost to us.
Discipleship, however, comes at a cost. To follow Christ means to daily lay down one's life, dying to the self, and letting Christ live in us. It means setting down our own egos so that the desires of Christ may fill us, overflowing so that our entire lives are pursuing Christ, rather than our own goals. In our wisest moments, we recognize that pursuing Christ will lead us into a life more abundant than we can find on our own, but our selfishness often lies to us and tells us that we can have it all on our own terms.
Following Christ isn't easy. I fail every day at it, but being a Christian means repenting and striving to sacrifice more tomorrow, knowing that boundless love is offered to us as a free gift of grace, and that it is worth the sacrifice, even if it means turning my back on things that once made me popular or powerful or influential. Christ never told us discipleship would be easy, but he promised us it would be worth whatever sacrifices are required, and he demonstrated this by sacrificing all for us.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
We want to have it all, right? We want jobs that pay us lots of money but demand very little. We want expansive lawns that are perfect but require no maintenance. We want to have perfectly healthy and athletic bodies but don't want to exercise. We want it all, and we want it on our terms, at no cost to us.
Discipleship, however, comes at a cost. To follow Christ means to daily lay down one's life, dying to the self, and letting Christ live in us. It means setting down our own egos so that the desires of Christ may fill us, overflowing so that our entire lives are pursuing Christ, rather than our own goals. In our wisest moments, we recognize that pursuing Christ will lead us into a life more abundant than we can find on our own, but our selfishness often lies to us and tells us that we can have it all on our own terms.
Following Christ isn't easy. I fail every day at it, but being a Christian means repenting and striving to sacrifice more tomorrow, knowing that boundless love is offered to us as a free gift of grace, and that it is worth the sacrifice, even if it means turning my back on things that once made me popular or powerful or influential. Christ never told us discipleship would be easy, but he promised us it would be worth whatever sacrifices are required, and he demonstrated this by sacrificing all for us.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
1 Peter 3:19-22
1 Peter 3:19-22
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
When I think of the president of the US, I don't really think of someone who is deeply concerned with me. Maybe if I was rich or powerful or had a large sphere of influence, then the president might concern himself with me, but as I'm not, I am meaningful to the powerful only as a part of various sub-groups that might deliver votes. I'm useful at times as part of a larger collective, but there isn't much personal interest in me.
All of this makes Christ's love for each of us all the more astounding. All angels, authorities and powers are under his control as he sits at the right side of God, and yet in the midst of this power, Christ is able to love each and every one of us individually, intimately, dearly. Christ knows each of us, and he cares for us, and he pursues us as individuals, seeking a unique relationship with us. That is how Christ loves us -- from a place of power, yet intimately. May the amazing grace that is lavished on each of us be astounding and amazing.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
When I think of the president of the US, I don't really think of someone who is deeply concerned with me. Maybe if I was rich or powerful or had a large sphere of influence, then the president might concern himself with me, but as I'm not, I am meaningful to the powerful only as a part of various sub-groups that might deliver votes. I'm useful at times as part of a larger collective, but there isn't much personal interest in me.
All of this makes Christ's love for each of us all the more astounding. All angels, authorities and powers are under his control as he sits at the right side of God, and yet in the midst of this power, Christ is able to love each and every one of us individually, intimately, dearly. Christ knows each of us, and he cares for us, and he pursues us as individuals, seeking a unique relationship with us. That is how Christ loves us -- from a place of power, yet intimately. May the amazing grace that is lavished on each of us be astounding and amazing.
Monday, May 2, 2016
1 Peter 3:13-18
1 Peter 3:13-18
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Who is the most hopeful person you know? What gives them such hope? How do you display your hope?
I was reading an article this morning about different ways to keep unfortunate events from ruining your week. As a Christian, I think we have to keep all things in perspective -- our ultimate hope that Jesus Christ invites us into God's eternal kingdom by defeating the powers of sin and death should be able to prevent us from getting too down about anything. No matter what threatens or buffets us in this life, the ultimate hope we face in Christ should drive us to be a people who are guided by a strong hope.
So let us live in such a way that encourages others and displays to the world how rooted we are in our faith. We will never be abandoned or forsaken by Christ, and we shall live eternally at peace with God.
How do we show that hope to the world?
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Who is the most hopeful person you know? What gives them such hope? How do you display your hope?
I was reading an article this morning about different ways to keep unfortunate events from ruining your week. As a Christian, I think we have to keep all things in perspective -- our ultimate hope that Jesus Christ invites us into God's eternal kingdom by defeating the powers of sin and death should be able to prevent us from getting too down about anything. No matter what threatens or buffets us in this life, the ultimate hope we face in Christ should drive us to be a people who are guided by a strong hope.
So let us live in such a way that encourages others and displays to the world how rooted we are in our faith. We will never be abandoned or forsaken by Christ, and we shall live eternally at peace with God.
How do we show that hope to the world?
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