Keepin it Cool

It always amazes me to see how much God wants us to be in relationship with Him. It can be looking over something majestic in nature that draws us to Him. The way people love one another that we see Him. Or the words and life of Christ that we first see Him. Ultimately though, it is God who shows us Himself and calls us to follow Him.

As Jesus was again in Jerusalem in John 10:22-42, we see another example of Jesus' compassion and mercy towards us. Jesus was talking with a group of people who wanted to see Jesus prove He was the Messiah. They wanted to know His plan and His relationship to God. This would have to be getting frustrated. It's the most annoying thing when you keep getting the same question asked of you..over and over and over again. But we see Jesus having so much patience with them, reminding them of everything He has said. How do the people respond? They want to kill Him. But Jesus keeps His cool. He always does that...

Jesus never gives up on that group of people as we see in the rest of the passage. His love for them never changes, and even when they try to grab Him, He wants them to know the truth. That amazes me. God is the same way with us, and with others for that matter. He is eternally patient and loving with us, as He is with others as well. It is Jesus' desire for everyone to be in a relationship with Him and His Father. He will continue to seek them even at their worst. He is using us to show others Himself. Are you doing that today?

Patience to power

I am really glad the disciples are in the Bible. To me, it makes the whole story that much more valid. But it also makes me feel a lot better about myself sometimes. The first point, that the story is more valid, comes from this. Take a look at pretty much any story in the gospels that have the disciples in them. After you find it and read it, what happens to or with the disciples? Generally, they are screwing up, not believing, or acting scared. Not that great of a legacy. But if we compare it to how they act in the rest of the New Testament, we see quite a change don't we? What is the difference. How did wussy fisherman who have just invested three years into a guy who died turn into some of the biggest history changers and courageous men of all time? Jesus didn't stay dead.

It was only after the resurrection and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that the disciples really changed and really started making a difference. That is where I find my encouragement today. Our Christ did not stay dead, and he has given us the means to live for Him. We see his patience with His disciples in their mistakes, but we also see His power IN His disciples in their ministry. God is doing the same with you. Spend some time praying for opportunities for his power and thanking Him for His patience.

In the Bad times

One of the biggest things people have trouble getting over in Christianity is the idea of bad things happening to people when God says he is a loving God. They can't understand why bad things might happen to seemingly innocent people. It is a tough question to answer and a good question to ask God. But if we take a look at John 9:1-12 we may be able to get some answers to that question.

First things first, when God made the world back with Adam and Eve, he wanted it to be perfect. Free from pain and suffering. Even work was supposed to be enjoyable (See Genesis 1-3). It wasn't until sin entered the world through Adam and Eve that pain and suffering started. So all the "bad stuff" that happens has some relation to sin. In the first century, the Jewish people believed that if anything bad happened it was the fault of sin in that person or their family (another good example of this would be the book of Job). So that brings us to the start of John 9. The disciples have asked Jesus about a man born blind, what the sin cause of that was. And to their astonishment, Jesus answers that it was no specific sin of him or his family.

This type of answer is mind blowing, even by today's standards. We are always looking for the reason something happens. It's why law suits are so big, we need to find some place to put the blame. But Jesus gives an even better reason to them, "so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." This can be a tough thing to hear when we, or others, are going through trials in our lives. But the important part to remember is that God wants to work through those problems so that His work can be displayed in your life. This does not necessarily mean that everyone will be healed or great visible miracles will take place (but they can). This means that God wants to work in you no matter what. It may be physical healing, it may be a supernatural peace or calm, it may even just be the way you handle the problem, or give you the opportunity to help somebody else with a similar problem. But know this: God wants to work with you and through you, especially in your hardest moments.

Look up II Corinthians 12:9-10. Take hope in this.

Faith builder

Sometimes I find myself praying for more faith. I feel that if I only had a little bit more faith, being a disciple would be easier. That if I had that faith what Jesus says in John 8:31-32 would be easier. Take a look at John 8:12-32.

In this passage we see Jesus being questioned about his testimony, that is, being questioned about who He is. He speaks to those questioning Him telling them that "if they really knew Him they would know the father who sent Him (vs 19). This is a pretty important thing for us today. It is actually the whole point of this website/blog/devotion, that we can know Jesus better. Even though Jesus was saying some tough things, people continued to believe in Him. In verse 31 and 32 Jesus speaks to those who do believe in Him. This is the real challenge to believers when Jesus says

If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Sometimes in life, when we feel less than free, is when we feel like we are lacking in faith. In this circumstance our first response should always be not to worry but to pray (Philippians 4:6-7). The next step is to know Jesus more. But there is one more step that we can do, and this one is most often forgotten. This step is best summed up by Blaise Pascal, a 17th century theologian:

'I should have given up a life of pleasure,' they say, 'if I had faith.' But I tell you: 'you would soon have faith if you gave up a life of pleasure. Now it is up to you to begin. If I could give you faith, I would...(816)

When we give up our worldly "pleasures" to hold to Christ's teaching, we will find that we are set free from the bondage of this world. And in doing so, we will see that Christ has given us the faith all along. What is blocking us from being true disciples, from finding true faith, from being set free by the Truth?

Who is He?

It's amazing how divided people can be sometimes. Anywhere you go there are people disagreeing on a subject. It can be anywhere from politics, to sports, to clothing styles, people are divided. There is no bigger point of division in this world though than Jesus. It is funny to think that people can be so divided on the savior of the world, the greatest servant of all time. But they are, and they were in Jesus' day.

Take a look at John 7:25-43. Here is one of the many examples of Jesus telling the crowd who He is and what He has to offer and we see people getting angry, or at least arguing about it. Taking a look through what Jesus was saying what was so bad (besides being a little confusing)? Jesus claimed to be from God and made some challenging remarks, but what made it so tense?

To put it simply, things haven't changed that much since then. In our culture today if we make the same claims about Jesus as He did, people are going to get upset. Jesus even claimed that people will hate us because of Him. The message Jesus spoke was of truth, and people will respond in various ways when challenged with the truth. We should expect disagreement but we should respond in the way the followers of Jesus did.

In the last few days we have seen a number of examples of people sharing what Jesus did in their own lives and wanted to show people the "real" Jesus. When we share with others, let them know what Jesus has done and is doing in our lives and show them the real Jesus of the Bible. When this happens, the will have the opportunity to answer the question "who is He" with either just a man (vs. 40) or the Christ (vs. 41)? How would you answer?

your thoughts

Today will be a question for you to think about and answer. Let us know your thoughts. What is your favorite attribute of Jesus? What do you like best about Him? What examples from the Bible can you use? Leave a comment and let us know!

This has been a test.

Did you ever hear anybody talk about "God testing them?" I hear that every once in a while, and I even think that every once in a while. These generally aren't the big types of tests, like the ones Job went through, but more of the little things in life. Should I do this or do that, does God want me to talk to this person or not, or even does God want me to date or not? (OK, that is a little bigger of a question and I don't struggle with that one being married, but if you aren't married you probably wonder that).

Jesus offered up some pretty big tests to His disciples. Take a look at John 6:1-14. This is the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 (men only, probably closer to 10,000 if you count women and children). The test we see is what he asks Phillip in verse 5 and 6. First a little background. Jesus was the Rabbi, the teacher, who served his followers but chances are, they were probably trying to serve Him making sure they had enough food (like we see in John 4:31) and things like that. If you were a disciple you did what the Rabbi asked.

Now, put yourself in Phillip's sandals in this story. Your Rabbi just asked you how to feed 10,000 people. Phillip and the rest of the group didn't really have much money. The knew they didn't have the 8 months of wages to feed that size group (6:7). They were totally stumped and I am sure probably afraid that Jesus was going to drop them because they weren't able to do what he asked. Do you ever find yourself in the situation where you don't feel you can do what Jesus asks of you?

But here is the catch. Verse 6 says "He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do." When God asks us to do the tough things. The things that we get confused on, the beauty of it is He already has in mind what He is going to do. All we have to do is go along with it.

So when we are not sure about what God is telling us, or we think that the test He has put us in is too hard, we need to search the scriptures and find wise counsel and then go for it in God's will, because he already has it in mind what He is going to do. Don't miss out on being a part of that.

I'm not religious.

Figuring out why you believe what you believe is one of the defining points of one's faith. I know this was true for me. It was at this point that my faith became a real relationship and not just something I did. It doesn't mean I didn't have points where I felt like my faith wasn't strong, but I didn't have to worry about it being somebody else's decision any more.

In John 5:39-40, Jesus is talking to the religious leaders of his time. He was telling them something that can be true for many Christians in America I believe. Jesus says this:
You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you posses eternal life. These are the scriptures that testify about me, and yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

We need to remember that it is not the words of scripture, the do's and don'ts that bring us to life, but the relationship we have with Christ. The scriptures are a way for us to learn about Him, but they do not take the place of Him. Our faith is not about being "religious" (which is good because I don't think I would be very good at being "religious") but it is about loving Jesus and His father because they first loved us.

Let us find new ways daily (in the scriptures and our lives)to love God more. Because it is only in this belief that we will truly find life.

The path of faith.

Some people call it a spiritual journey, others a path or walk, but regardless, we all are on some type of path with where we are with our relationship with God. Some days we have our ups, some days our valleys, some are standing at the gate unwilling to enter and some don't know where the path even starts. Jesus recognizes this in the life of his followers. Check out what happens in John 4:1-42.

Most probably know this story about Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus points out her need (she didn't know where the path started) and shows her how to enter the path (which she does). Now that may seem like the whole story, but in reality, we learn much more about being a disciple from this than we sometimes notice.

First, we see another example of somebody becoming a disciple and immediately going to tell others and secondly, we see Christ's command to "harvest" individuals that are seeking to make them disciples. But the often overlooked part comes in vs. 42. The towns people tell the woman "we once believed because you told us, now we see it is true for ourselves."

Just like in Acts 8 with Phillip and the Ethiopian, these people did not understand the path of faith until they were told, but then when they went further on the path and entered the gate, it was then that they knew for themselves.

Examine yourself today. Where are you on the path? Have you believed because someone told you? Have you seen for yourself? Are you showing and telling others where the path is? Today I hope you can take a step further down the path and show others where the path begins.

How is God using you?

How is God using you to further His kingdom? How do you want to be used?

That makes me feel...Uncomfortable.

We live in a very politically correct society don't we? There is not much we can say that won't offend somebody, even if we don't mean to. And to some people, there is nothing more offensive than the Bible, and in particular what Jesus has to say about getting to Heaven (John 14:6). But do you ever feel uncomfortable when somebody asks you "why does the Bible say this, isn't that really intolerant?" I can sometimes.

I am sure the disciples felt this way at times. Take a look at John 2:12-25. This has to be one of those experiences where the disciples were like "Jesus, I can't believe you just did that!" In the story, Jesus flips out at the temple (right when probably more people were there than any other time of the year) and starts a stampede and throwing money. We are talking a large commotion. Picture Christmas Eve service and somebody starts flipping out and throwing things around in the hallway.

Of course we see now that Jesus was justified in doing this (and the disciples remembered this later), but think about what was going through their heads at that very moment. I'd be hiding someplace I think. This is the way we can respond when the truth of scriptures is brought to light in the public setting. Jesus was not ashamed to do whatever it takes to right an injustice (note- he was not pushing rules on people but rather defending his father's house). Are we willing to stand up and bring to light peoples misunderstandings of scripture? Are we willing to stand up for what is Biblical in our lives? Think about this as you get ready to head back to school. Is your perspective on God's word one of passion or one of timidity?

You think that's great?

For many people, coming into a relationship with Christ is the greatest day of their lives, and rightfully so. Up to this point in his life, this was the greatest moment for Nathaniel.

As we looked at John 1:43-51 yesterday, we only saw half the story. The greatest part I think happens when Nathaniel actually meets Jesus. After being pushed by his brother to just check Jesus out, Nathaniel is shown a miracle by Jesus. This miracle totally freaks him out and he claims Jesus to be the Messiah.

Now this is great. This is what Israel had been waiting for, but what is Jesus' response to Nathaniel? He tells him that this miracle led him to believe but to just wait, in following Jesus he would see much greater things. How awesome is that? Jesus wants to show his disciples more things everyday!

When we come into that relationship with Jesus Christ, it is the start of an awesome experience. Jesus never planned for that day to be the greatest moment of our lives. He wants us to continually see his power. The longer we walk with Him the greater the things we see. You thought that just starting a relationship with Jesus was great? Wait until you see what He is going to show you...

No use arguing

There were times in my life when I would get in to conversations with people about Christianity, and in particular Jesus. I usually enjoyed these conversations especially when they were not heated arguments. Most of the time these discussions would end up with the other person saying something like, "There is no way Jesus could be the son of God," or "that's fine for you to believe but I am not going to, what did Jesus ever do besides make rules." Often I think they just started to feel uncomfortable talking about deep things.

But this situation was not that different than some of the early disciples. Take a look at John 1:43-51. In the beginning of this Jesus calls Phillip to be a disciple. This has the same effect on him as it had on the other disciples--he immediately goes and tells someone, in this case, his brother Nathaniel.

When Phillip tells Nathaniel, he gets a similar response to my conversations. Nathaniel tells him, "What good can come from Nazareth?" Basically, he shuts him down and doesn't believe him. But Phillip gives him the perfect response. Instead of arguing with him, he simply tells him to "come see for yourself." Phillip knew that if his brother would come and see what Jesus had to say there would be no doubt in his mind. Instead of us arguing Jesus, it may be better to show Jesus both in the scriptures and our lives.

As disciples of Jesus, it seems to be the natural response to tell others. But by telling others, there is no use in arguing our point, but rather we must show our Lord and letting those who may not believe "see for themselves."

A disciple is born.

Sometimes in life we find ourselves following the wrong leader. This can take many forms such as business, or sports, or even teachers. But in reality we are all following something or somebody, even if it is ourselves. We have been talking a lot about what it means to be a disciple lately, because that is what we are called to be.

In John 1:35-42, Jesus calls his first disciples, Andrew, Peter and another. But when we look at this, we see the first disciple is already the follower of John the Baptist. What makes Andrew change rabbi's? The answer is found in the verse 35...when John said, "look, the lamb of God!" At this the two men followed Jesus.

When we hear the truth, are we immediately drawn to it? Are we willing to look at what we are following and say "that isn't God?" But even more so, are we willing to leave the other "rabbis" behind and follow after Jesus, even when we don't know where that will lead? Andrew was willing to do that, and he even brought his brother with him. This year, will you follow Jesus? Will you bring somebody else to show them Jesus? This is the start of being a disciple.

More than 12?

How many disciples did Jesus have? I always thought it was 12, didn't you? But if we take a look at scripture we see that Jesus apparently had many more. Take a look at at John 6:65-71.

In this passage we see the latter part of Jesus giving some really hard teaching. Of this teaching, many of his disciples were saying things like "this is difficult, who can listen to it? (v. 60)" Can you believe that? These were some of his followers saying this, people who had traveled around with Him listening to his teachings and watching his miracles. In verse 66 we see what happens to them, "many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore."

This isn't that different than today. Did you know that nearly half of students who grow up in the church and say they have relationship with Christ leave the faith within a couple years of being out of high school? That is 1 in every 2 people! But from this passage we see that this was similar to what happened to Jesus himself when He was on Earth! When the teaching got tough, "many of His disciples withdrew."

We at Crossfire desire what Christ desires, that all will come to know and love Christ, but they have to do so on HIS terms, which is different than the worlds ideas. Will you make the commitment today to stand with ALL of Christ in every part of your life? What will you answer when Christ says "You do not want to go away also, do you?"

Forgiveness

Well, it has been since Monday that I have written here and for that I ask your forgiveness, it has been a hectic week. But at the same time I am going to ask a favor of all of you. As we approach the new school year, what are some things you would like to have talked about either here on Contemplations or at Crossfire. Also, let us know if you have anybody else who would like to sign up for Contemplations for the new school year. I hope that this blog has been an encouragement to you. Look for a new blog to start on Monday.

Showing Christ

On Sunday at Crossfire, we discussed what love looks like, especially to those who we may not like. The conclusion we came to, based off of Christ is this: Love others. In doing this, even when it is hard we are showing Christ. Here is a follow up to that concept. Look up 1 Peter 3:8-18.

When we are different than others around us, and showing them love at the same time, they will want to know what our deal is. As 1 Peter 3:15 says, we "must always be prepared to give a reason for that hope." We can not tell people about God without loving them. Are you showing others Christ in your life?

What is God showing you?

What are some of the things you have been learning lately? How have you been applying them to your life?

Are you sad?

When Jesus was on earth, I have to think he was often sad. I don't think he was sad because he was on earth, but sad because of the state of people around him. He was sad because they were missing the only way to right their relationships with God. Not only were some missing it, but some were denying it all together.

The Bible talks about God wishing for all to come to know Him. The question we need to ask ourselves is this: are we saddened by the spiritual state of those around us? Are we sad because they don't know God? Or are we too busy living our own lives to care much about where others will go after their lives are over?

I am guilty of being selfish in this area, but thankfully, Jesus wasn't. He died for all of our sins because he loved us so much. Take some time today to take a look at part of Jesus' life, any part. Take notice of how he cared about people's lives overall, their life here on earth but more so their relationship with God. Are you sad?

Motivation

Tonight, as I was trying to figure out what to write, I was running into the infamous "writers block." It's not like there isn't a ton of things to contemplate in life, but sometimes it's tough to get motivated in a certain direction. So as I am trying to figure this out, I ask my wife for some ideas. She starts giving me a bunch of wonderful ideas about thinking about different things in life or songs we sing as a kid. These were really great ideas but none of them seemed to click. Isn't that the way life can seem sometimes? Even in America where we have limitless opportunities, we often have trouble finding that motivation or that thing that clicks.

So as she is coming up with more ideas I start to wonder: what is the motivation for this blog? Even more so, what should the motivation be for our lives? The answer is the gospel. Everything in our world, if it knows it or not, revolves around God and what he sent Jesus to do. So tonight, think about your motivation in life, think about what "clicks" for you. Is it the gospel? Is it the good news of the life that Jesus brings? Is that our motivation for everything we do? Take a look at Philippians 1:15-18. Where are your motives?

Direction

Finding your way in life can be hard. Trying to pick what group to hang out with, where to go to school, what job to get, and who to date. You do this all while managing the minutiae of life. This isn't going to be one of those "this is all you have to do" messages, but there are a few things to remember.

First, our God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. No matter what direction or where you go, God is always there and is always the same (as is His word).

Second, you have been given community to help you choose and manage that direction. Your family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, mentors, Crossfire, even this blog, are here to help you along your path.

Finally, it's NOT about YOU! We often times make the mistake as to picking the path that we want and leave God out of it. It may be harder to pick God's direction, but it is better in the end. Proverbs says "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways, acknowledge HIM and He will make your paths straight."

Think about your path and your direction, are you utilizing these three points?