November 7, 2012

Why?

GUIDANCE

Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, tells his persecuted church that “He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son” (Revelation 21:7 NIV).  And then says something hard to accept.

PERSPECTIVE

“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murders, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur.  This is the second death” (Revelation 21:8 NIV).

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

It’s not hard to believe these people deserve the fiery lake.  But to start the list with the cowardly?  And even include the cowardly in the list with these horrible people?   When the Christians hearing these words are already being persecuted?

Perhaps standing up for Christ against a perverse culture means more to our King than we want to think.

Tony

October 24, 2012

The cloud appeared. And behind it were eyes.
And it was coming.

GUIDANCE

Penetrating eyes. 
Not just observing. 
All seeing and knowing eyes. 
Capable of creating or re-creating with a single glance. 
Nothing to hide us from the all-powerful and
holy God enshrouded within. 

PERSPECTIVE

“While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.  A voice came from the cloud saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him” (Luke 9:34, 35 NIV).

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

Like talkative Peter on the Mount of Transfiguration,
we must learn to listen to Jesus. 
He alone can lead us through the cloud.

Tony

October 10, 2012

It’s difficult to believe this can be true--for us!

GUIDANCE

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God”  (John 1:12, 13 NIV).

PERSPECTIVE

Through His amazing grace, we can become children of God.   With all the rights and privileges all His other children possess.  A place at His table and a room in His house.  Included.

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

If you are like me, you have trouble accepting this emotionally.  The God who created everything, who gave the law on Sinai, who resurrected Jesus, and will one day cast the devil and all his followers into the lake of fire.  How can this Holy God even want to be our loving Father?

His Word tells us this good news.  And the more I simply allow myself to receive this truth, the more blessed I feel. 

Thank you, Father.

Tony

September 26, 2012

Lately I’ve been thinking about home.  And what love might be like there.

GUIDANCE

“It was just before the Passover Feast.  Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father.  Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love” (John 13:1 NIV).

PERSPECTIVE

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist” (John 13:3, 4 NIV).

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

He was fully loved.  All His power, possessions, and purpose
were a gift of love from His Father, 
Which He first received in simple faith
And then offers fully to us.

 Lovingly washing our feet,
 Tenderly doing the dirtiest of jobs,
  With pleasure. 
Do we pull back from such love? 
Object? 
Or like Jesus, simply allow ourselves to be fully loved and
then freely pass it around. 

Sounds like home to me.

Tony

September 12, 2012

Jesus said:  “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me---just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:14, 15 NIV).

GUIDANCE

But why would you love sheep? 

To be honest, sheep are not the most intelligent of creatures.  With lots of qualities that we don’t usually admire.  Helpless, defenseless, dependent, needy, floppy ears, etc. 

Always needing guidance and leadership.

PERSPECTIVE

Jesus knows everything.  Einstein had some knowledge and Solomon had a bit of wisdom.  But hidden away in the depths of His infinite love are “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3 NIV).  If He loves us that much, He must have His good reasons for doing so.

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

Yet in spite of His thoughtful provision and love, we continue to go from dumb to dumber.  Staying on empty, polluting our souls, mindlessly wandering toward evil, and devouring all the wrong stuff.   When all He wants for us is the best.  Lacking nothing.  Green pastures.  Still waters.  All His best.

Recently it leapt off the page and hit me right between my floppy ears.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures . . .” (Psalm 23:2, 3 NIV).  He just wants me to stop the doing and enjoy quiet refreshing times with Him.  It’s not lazy or unproductive.  It’s really smart!  And it pleases Him when I get healthier, safer, and saner.  Enjoying His presence as He does the Father’s.

So why does He have to MAKE me lie down?  Again and again? 

Am I really that stupid?  Or do I just not care?

Tony