Monday, October 31, 2005
Is Anybody Out There?
While it's been at least a month since I've posted here, I wonder if anyone checks this site anymore. Life and church and all my other commitments have apparently suffocated my ability to "UNPLUG" here on this site. I would love to keep updating thoughts here on this, and may do it even if nobody is listening or reading.
Yesterday, we gave a lot of thought to the issue of judgment.
In John 8, some teachers of the law find a woman "caught in the act of adultery" and bring her to Jesus for judgment. John tells us that they are setting a real trap for Jesus. If he tells them to let her go, they could claim that He rejects the law of Moses that says she must be put to death (Leviticus 20:10; Exodus 22:21). If he tells them to kill her, they could claim that Jesus rejects the judicial priority that only the Romans can enact capital punishment on someone.
Ultimately, John leads us to sympathize with the woman - as Jesus does when he says, "Neither do I condemn you."
I hate to break it to you... but... well....
You are that woman. I am that woman.
We are all sinners who deserve judgment. We have all fallen - and we DO fall - into sin and should be pronounced guilty.
And yet, Jesus forgives. Jesus restores. Jesus saves and does not condemn. Jesus brings hope. Jesus helps us change. Jesus shows us how to change. Jesus teaches us.
And he says things like, "Go and leave your life of sin."
He believes you can do it.
Many people feel helpless, pointless, hopeless in the quest to do right or stop doing wrong.
But Jesus believes, empowers, and releases.
Will you let Him keep doing that in your life?
Is anybody out there?
Yesterday, we gave a lot of thought to the issue of judgment.
In John 8, some teachers of the law find a woman "caught in the act of adultery" and bring her to Jesus for judgment. John tells us that they are setting a real trap for Jesus. If he tells them to let her go, they could claim that He rejects the law of Moses that says she must be put to death (Leviticus 20:10; Exodus 22:21). If he tells them to kill her, they could claim that Jesus rejects the judicial priority that only the Romans can enact capital punishment on someone.
Ultimately, John leads us to sympathize with the woman - as Jesus does when he says, "Neither do I condemn you."
I hate to break it to you... but... well....
You are that woman. I am that woman.
We are all sinners who deserve judgment. We have all fallen - and we DO fall - into sin and should be pronounced guilty.
And yet, Jesus forgives. Jesus restores. Jesus saves and does not condemn. Jesus brings hope. Jesus helps us change. Jesus shows us how to change. Jesus teaches us.
And he says things like, "Go and leave your life of sin."
He believes you can do it.
Many people feel helpless, pointless, hopeless in the quest to do right or stop doing wrong.
But Jesus believes, empowers, and releases.
Will you let Him keep doing that in your life?
Is anybody out there?
Sunday, October 09, 2005
The "Happy-Faced Guy"?
Hey, I'm back with a few more devotional thoughts. Sorry I've taken a few week's "hiatus" from posting here at UUNPLUG. Fall is always a busy (and fun) season of ministry, with more lessons, thoughts, and opportunities than one can schedule into these "already full" days.
Here goes with one of the latest thoughts, that I'm not sure I can fully "develop" or "polish" off for you...
----------
I know that God tells us that the "fruit" or evidence of His Spirit's work in our lives consists of "love, joy, and peace" (Galatians 5:22-23).
Love? Joy? Peace?
I wonder if I display those qualities in my life. Do I bring joy to the room?
Some people overflow with joy. I have a friend named Brian who has ALWAYS given me the freedom, the humor, and the comfort to "have fun" when He's around. Do you know anyone like that?
Someone who has a knack for making your day a little happier? Someone who picks you up with his laugh, her smile, or his "make yourself at home" personality?
Over the last few days, Jennie and I have been thinking about people in our lives - friends, family, co-workers... who are really just "happy-faced people."
Not fake. Not forced happiness. Not "playing the Christian role."
We're talking about people who have a knack for warmth, love, and a smile. One of my favorite music groups of all time has a new song out about the power of our smiles.
The power of a smile. Do you believe in that? In fact, human studies show us that our natural instinct is to smile when someone else smiles at us.
One of my teaching mentors always reminds me to "smile" when I'm up front or talking with people. He's right - it makes a difference in the way you come across and what people remember about you.
The picture above is my profile for this website. But it's also something I want to be known for.
I don't have to be the "life of the party" but - with the hope and joy God has put in my heart.... I would really like to "bring life" to the party. In short, I want to be a "happy-faced guy." I want to be a guy who picks people up. Who makes them feel loved and appreciated and at ease. I want them to see a contagious love, a consistent joy, and a confident peace in my life.
When it's time to mourn and be honest about the struggles of life, I won't force a happy face. I won't be fake about it. But I do want to look for the good and find God's presence in every situation.
What would your closest friends say about you? Are you known as someone who can light up the room and brighten someone's day? Are you that "Happy-faced guy"? Could you be...?
Here goes with one of the latest thoughts, that I'm not sure I can fully "develop" or "polish" off for you...
----------
I know that God tells us that the "fruit" or evidence of His Spirit's work in our lives consists of "love, joy, and peace" (Galatians 5:22-23).
Love? Joy? Peace?
I wonder if I display those qualities in my life. Do I bring joy to the room?
Some people overflow with joy. I have a friend named Brian who has ALWAYS given me the freedom, the humor, and the comfort to "have fun" when He's around. Do you know anyone like that?
Someone who has a knack for making your day a little happier? Someone who picks you up with his laugh, her smile, or his "make yourself at home" personality?
Over the last few days, Jennie and I have been thinking about people in our lives - friends, family, co-workers... who are really just "happy-faced people."
Not fake. Not forced happiness. Not "playing the Christian role."
We're talking about people who have a knack for warmth, love, and a smile. One of my favorite music groups of all time has a new song out about the power of our smiles.
The power of a smile. Do you believe in that? In fact, human studies show us that our natural instinct is to smile when someone else smiles at us.
One of my teaching mentors always reminds me to "smile" when I'm up front or talking with people. He's right - it makes a difference in the way you come across and what people remember about you.
The picture above is my profile for this website. But it's also something I want to be known for.
I don't have to be the "life of the party" but - with the hope and joy God has put in my heart.... I would really like to "bring life" to the party. In short, I want to be a "happy-faced guy." I want to be a guy who picks people up. Who makes them feel loved and appreciated and at ease. I want them to see a contagious love, a consistent joy, and a confident peace in my life.
When it's time to mourn and be honest about the struggles of life, I won't force a happy face. I won't be fake about it. But I do want to look for the good and find God's presence in every situation.
What would your closest friends say about you? Are you known as someone who can light up the room and brighten someone's day? Are you that "Happy-faced guy"? Could you be...?
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
