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John 8:9-12

04 Dec

When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
John 8:9-12

Dear God, I don’t know if the end of the adulterous woman story and the beginning of this new confrontation with the Pharisees are supposed to be linked, but other than the division the the translators put in there, John doesn’t give us any indication that this didn’t happen all at the same time so I want to look at them all being together. He told the woman he wasn’t going to condemn her and to go and sin no more. Then he told people that if they can walk in his light and have life.

Go and sin no more. Walk in light. Have life.

On the other hand, I can go ahead and sin, leave the light, and miss out on life. But sinning in the moment can feel so good. Judging others. Gossiping. Lying to cover up my mistakes. Lusting. What fun is it to treat others around me with respect, be vulnerable and tell the truth, and love my neighbor as myself?

I guess it can be compared with eating a healthy meal or eating poorly. The balanced, nutritious meal will leave me satisfied and feeling good while the pizza buffet and the big desserts will be enjoyable in the moment, but leave me feeling bad and, overall, less healthy. Then when you pile those experiences on each other time after time you are left with a terrible body. That’s walking in the dark.

Father, help me to be mindful of what walking in the light looks like at any given moment. Give me the strength to choose you, to sin no more, and to walk in your light. I want this not only for myself, but also so that you can use me in the world around me.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 4, 2019 in John

 

John 6:32-35

03 Dec

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.” Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 6:32-35

  • Dear God, what are we seeking and what do we need? As I prepare to preach this Sunday for the Presbyterians I am starting to formulate an outline of seeking you and finding what we don’t expect. I set out thinking you will be one way and do certain things for me, but I end up finding something else. From yesterday, the people who went out to see John were looking for something and we’re probably surprised by what they found in John. The people in this story were looking for Jesus and were probably surprised by what they found.
  • So what am I looking for from you, even in this moment. If I drill down and get completely honest and transparent with myself I guess I can say that there’s at least a part of me that is hoping that you will reward my worship of you with favor. You will answer my prayers with a “yes.” You will keep me from suffering too much. Funny, but that doesn’t sound like someone who has really, truly, and deeply died to himself to take up your cross and follow you.
  • Father, help me to formulate all of this into a cohesive message that I need to hear and then that your church needs to hear. I can still be so selfish. Please forgive me.
  • In Jesus’s name I pray,
  • Amen
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    Posted by on December 3, 2019 in John

     

    Matthew 3:1-12

    02 Dec

    In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. ” The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”
    Matthew 3:1-12

    Dear God, who are these people that came out into the wilderness to hear John? What were they looking for? Why were they baptized? I’ve never really thought about them before. I know they were repenting, but why? What were they gaining from it other than a clean conscience?

    What I’m about to say are all assumptions because Matthew doesn’t really tell us why. But if I had done what they did, this might be why.

    • I was miserable in my first-century, Roman-ruled life and I was looking for some hope.
    • I was looking for the Messiah and John seemed to know about him.
    • When I got there, John made my life about me and my attitude towards you. He did the old “ask not what God can do for you, but what you have been doing for God” routine.
    • I made a recommitment to be Jewish and clean my own life up as a result of listening to John.

    Father, I guess I have two things coming out of this passage. First, I’m sure there are things in my life for which the Holy Spirit is trying to convict me. I can think of a couple right now. I’m truly sorry. I do need you to forgive me. I am very sorry.

    Second, as I prepare to preach at a local church this Sunday, give me the words you want this congregation to hear. Lay your truth on them through me. Speak through me so that your Spirit might enter the world through them.

    In Jesus’s name I pray,

    Amen

     
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    Posted by on December 2, 2019 in Matthew

     

    “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” by Fred Rogers

    01 Dec

    https://youtu.be/_biMtzAxiy0

    “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” by Fred Rogers

    It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood
    A beautiful day for a neighbor
    Could you be mine?
    Would you be mine?

    It’s a neighborly day in this beauty wood
    A neighborly day for a beauty
    Could you be mine?
    Would you be mine?

    I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you
    I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you

    Let’s make the most of this beautiful day
    Since we’re together, might as well say
    Would you be my, could you be my
    Won’t you be my neighbor?

    Won’t you be? Won’t you please?
    Please won’t you be my neighbor?

    Dear God, such positivity! There is so much positivity in this song. As I think about Fred Rogers (a.k.a. Mr. Rogers) sitting down to write this song for the opening of his children’s show, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, I am trying to get myself into his process for coming up with these lyrics.

    • What do children of every background need to hear?
    • There will be some children watching this show that live in poverty that watch this show. What do they need to hear?
    • Some of the children watching this show will live in scary situations. What do they need to hear?
    • Some of the children will have it all (in a good way). What do they need to hear?

    The thing about Mr. Rogers is that he communicated to every person that they were wanted and worthwhile. “It’s not only a beautiful day, but it’s a beautiful day to have a friend. Not only can you be my friend, but will you be my friend? I’ve always wanted to have a friend just like you. I’ve always wanted to live near you.”

    Then he almost depersonalize it and opens up the possibility that anyone can be friends. “Since we are together, let’s make the most of the fact that we are together and be friends in this moment.”

    I am like many people who were young from the 60s through the 90s. I used to watch this show. If you asked me to rate Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, and The Electric Company, as a child I would have put Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood last among the three because it moved a little slow and was quieter, but there were a couple of aspects I loved. I always loved the model of the neighborhood that the camera would scan over as it seems to lead Mr. Rogers to his own front door. And I loved Trolley and the Land of Make Believe. I can’t tell you why, but I loved that trolley and how it would go through that tunnel. In retrospect, however, what appeals to me from my memories is the gentleness and the sense of being wanted. And I was a loved child, so it’s not like I had a big hole in my heart where that is concerned. But it’s still nice to feel wanted.

    Father, as I go through my life at work tomorrow, help me to express this emotion to others. Help me to let them feel wanted by me. Help me to listen and hear them in a new way. Help me to let you shine through me. Help me to communicate to them how much you love and want them. Mr. Rogers was your ambassador to the world, whether the world knew it or not. Help me to be that ambassador as well.

    In Jesus’s name I pray,

    Amen

     
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    Posted by on December 1, 2019 in Hymns and Songs

     

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    Romans 15:4-13

    29 Nov

    Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote: “For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to your name.” And in another place it is written, “Rejoice with his people, you Gentiles.” And yet again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles. Praise him, all you people of the earth.” And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.” I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
    Romans 15:4-13

    Dear God, patience. Patience, patience, patience. I measure time in days, weeks, months, and years while you measure it in decades, centuries, and millennia. Even after all of my prayers about dying to myself and waiting on you to work your plan out on your own timetable, I can get my feelings hurt and become completely selfish. But that good news is that you are teaching me. I did a little better this time than I’ve done before. I at least had the sense to keep my mouth shut. Then, after time, I was able to see beyond the surface and appreciate that there might be more at play than I realize.

    I say all of this because Paul is talking here about patiently waiting on you. But I think waiting might mischaracterize it a little. I just have to adjust my eye to see what you are actually accomplishing. It might seem like a snail’s pace to me, but if I look closely I can see that you are working.

    I also have no idea where you are going. Life is a little like a who dunnit? murder mystery. My wife and I saw Knives Out this week. It kept us guessing the entire time, but the final answer made perfect sense. In retrospect, I could see how all of the pieces fit. The same is true of life. It’s hard to figure out what you’re doing in real time, but I can often look back and see what your hand working.

    Father, I’ll quote a Newsboys song here. “Lord, I don’t know where all this is going or how it all works out. Lead me to peace that’s past understanding. A peace beyond all doubt.”

    In Jesus’s name I pray,

    Amen

     
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    Posted by on November 29, 2019 in Romans

     

    1 Chronicles 16:8

    28 Nov

    Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.
    1 Chronicles 16:8

    Dear God, this was the beginning of David’s song as they moved the Ark to Jerusalem. What a time that must have been.

    As I sat down to write this prayer to you this morning, I received a Happy Thanksgiving text from and old friend. About four or five years ago he went through a similar struggle to what I went through about six or seven years ago. I replied to his text that we both have a lot to be grateful for because you have really heard our prayers. You might not have answered them the way we hoped you would, but you helped us to endure and then you have let your plan unfold.

    I’ll admit that I don’t always like your plan, but I have learned enough over the last few years to understand that I need to be grateful for what you are doing that I cannot see. I need to trust you and be faithful. Anyone reading these prayers knows I am a huge football fan, and a Baylor alum. Our coach talks a lot about the process. When he was new and they hadn’t played a game yet, he talked about the process. When the team went 1-11 in his first year, people mocked his process. Now that they are 10-1 this season, people are paying attention. But what is the process? Here is a link to an interview he gave this week about the upcoming game against Kansas. It’s the first time I’ve heard him specifically reference what the process is. The process part starts at the 3:00 mark:

    So, according to Coach Rhule, the process is simply getting better every week. You take your eyes off of what you consider to be winning and you just grind to get better. Applied to life, I think that means ignoring what I perceive success to be. Whether it is how my life, my wife’s life, my children’s lives, or even politics and the world, I need to take my eyes off of my own wisdom and turn them to the daily grind of growing closer to you and then letting the chips fall where they may. One problem when I try to pursue my own outcomes is that sometimes my desired outcome is wrong and I am putting energy into something that feeds my own self instead of just worshipping you and living in the present.

    Father, thank you. Thank you for what you’ve done for me and my family over the last several years. I’m still concerned for all of our futures, but I no longer fear it. I no longer expect you to do what I want you to do. And I’m no longer disappointed in you. I was for a while, but I’m not anymore. I guess I needed to see a figurative 10-1 season from you to trust the process of grinding to love and know you more and more. Thank you for growing my faith. I know there is still a long way for me to go.

    In Jesus’s name I pray,

    Amen

     
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    Posted by on November 28, 2019 in 1 Chronicles

     

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    Isaiah 10:33-11:10

    27 Nov

    But look! The Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, will chop down the mighty tree of Assyria with great power! He will cut down the proud. That lofty tree will be brought down. He will cut down the forest trees with an ax. Lebanon will fall to the Mighty One. [Chapter 11] Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He will delight in obeying the Lord. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment. In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all. The cow will graze near the bear. The cub and the calf will lie down together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm. Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord. In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.
    Isaiah 10:33-11:10

    Dear God, the passage for today was the first 10 verses of chapter 11, but I thought the last couple of verses of chapter 10 were important because they reference how the stump in 11:1 came to be. You had cut down the tree of Assyria. Out of that destruction, after that time of suffering under Assyria, you brought Jesus. Of course, as it turned out, Jesus came while Rome was in charge. But he still brought an entirely new covenant. He brought healing. He brought forgiveness. He brought peace. I could go in depth on the metaphor. The new Branch. The old root.

    The people who first heard and read this didn’t have any idea what it meant. They had no idea how this would all work out. They didn’t know where, when, or who. All they knew was that there was hope.

    For me, I have seen some frustrating things unfold in my life. I’ve been discouraged at times. But you are teaching me that you are doing things I cannot see. You are giving me hope. I don’t have to know where, when, or who? I don’t have to know how. But you have spoken to my heart and assured me that there is hope. My job is to put my trust in you, worship you, love you, and love my neighbors.

    Father, thank you. Thank you for hope. Thank you for peace. Thank you for justice. Thank you for encouraging humility. Thank you for opportunities to love others and serve you. Thank you for everything you’re doing that I can and cannot see. Thank you for what you have done and what you will do. Thank you that you care at all. You don’t have to.

    In Jesus’s name I pray,

    Amen

     
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    Posted by on November 27, 2019 in Isaiah

     

    Hebrews 12:28-29

    26 Nov

    Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.
    Hebrews 12:28-29

    Dear God, there is something I hate about myself. I am only really good at worshipping you when the chips are down and I’m in trouble. I was thinking about this yesterday. Things are in a pretty good spot for my wife and me right now. Yes, there are a couple of stressors in our lives, but comparatively things are really good. So, on paper, you’d think this would be a tome when I’m full of worship and gratitude. You’d think I’d see your provision for different things and just fall on my knees. You’d think I’d be singing worship songs all day. But I don’t. I take it all for granted and I start to indulge my own selfishness. I can just be the worst.

    When I was a child, I would hear stories about the Israelites and how they would fall away from you. I judged them so harshly. No more. I get it.

    Father, I’m grateful for these moments with you. I’m grateful for the Holy Spirit convicting next through scripture like he is right now. I’m grateful for everything you have done and are doing. There is so much around me in the lives of others that needs your attention. I should probably be more organized about this prayer list and entering into your presence on behalf of others. My wife is very good at this. Yes, I think this would probably be a good thing. I think I will develop a literal list and go to the chapel regularly to bring these things to you. I will also build in some time of worshipping you. You are so worthy of my praise. You are everything. You are my all in all. I will follow you regardless of my circumstances.

    In Jesus’s name I pray,

    Amen

     
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    Posted by on November 26, 2019 in Hebrews

     

    Colossians 3:16-17

    25 Nov

    Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
    Colossians 3:16-17

    Dear God, what is the richness of Christ that is supposed to fill my life and I am supposed to share? It takes me back to a great sermon I heard from Andy Stanley last December. He started with a thesis that he understands why people can’t bring themselves to believe in the Jesus of the Bible and that all of the things the Bible says happened really happened. He got that. What he couldn’t understand was why anyone wouldn’t want it to be true. The Jesus of the Bible and his message was so compelling, why wouldn’t you want him to have been real?

    So what is it about Jesus that I should want to be real? What is the richness of him that should fill me? Well, how about forgiveness of all of my mistakes and a clean slate between me and you? How about the fruits of the Spirit that enter and grow in my life when I am in relationship with you? How about the standard he and you (and the Spirit) ask me to live up to, asking me to live a life that loves you and loves others, and going and sinning no more?

    I think when it comes down to it, the richness comes from something I continually go back to–the fruits of the Spirit. When love, joy, peace, gentleness, faithfulness, kindness, goodness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23) are growing in your life and consuming the space that was once occupied by sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these (Galatians 5:19-21) then My life becomes richer richer.

    Father, help me to be your ambassador. That starts with me being worthy of representing you. Help me to be worthy of people knowing I’m a Christian and evaluating a life spent submitted to you by looking at me. Let them see all of the fruits of the Spirit in me, and that will start by me actually giving you good soil in my soul where you can grow.

    In Jesus’s name I pray,

    Amen

     
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    Posted by on November 25, 2019 in Colossians, Galatians

     

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    When People Let You Down

    23 Nov

    Dear God, being a Baylor fan, it’s been hard over the last four or five years to know whom I should like and whom I shouldn’t. There’s been scandal and I’ve heard conflicting information from various sources. Some have said that one football coach was to blame. Others have blamed the coach, the school president and the athletic director (AD). Some say the board of regents threw the other three under the bus, but the fault lies with them. They haven’t made it easy to be a Baylor fan.

    So three years ago, the school hired a new president, AD, and coach. I think I like all three of them, but I have admittedly guarded my heart against them and tried to remain skeptical–especially of the coach. And the coach has made it hard because, even when he went 1-11 in his first year, he sure says things that I like and seems like someone I can trust.

    Last Saturday morning, I found the video I linked above. It’s a 20-minute video of the coach speaking at a men’s conference after his first season (1-11) at Baylor. It was strikingly good and seemingly authentic. It spoke to me on a personal level, but it also pushed me closer to allowing myself to trust in him a little more.

    Why am I praying to you about this this morning? Well, I woke up thinking about what appropriate trust in others looks like and how we should respond to their failings. When I give this coach, this AD, and/or this president my trust, what am I giving them?

    • I’m willing to donate to the athletic department, trusting that they will use the scholarship money to develop a young person and give them opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.
    • I’m willing to cheer and applaud for the team(s), trusting that they are people worthy of my applause.
    • I’m willing to travel to see them play, trusting that they are worth the time I’m giving to cheering them on, win or lose.
    • I’m willing to show my support for them through the clothes I wear, stickers I put on my car, and the flag I hang on my house, trusting that they aren’t doing things of which I would be ashamed. For example, I threw away my Big 12 Championship t-shirt when the scandal broke a few years ago because I just couldn’t wear it anymore.

    Of course, the danger is always putting my trust in people and not in you. I’m not looking to Baylor’s athletic performance or how they behave behind the scenes to give me any kind of peace, which can only come from you. That means, when they disappoint me (not on the field, but off of it), I will look to see how they respond.

    But back to the video I posted above. I think this video shows me a vulnerability and depth of character and knowledge of you that really encourages me. When a friend of mine listened to it he said, “Wow, he’s a real Christian.” I think that is true. That doesn’t mean that he is incorruptible anymore than I am. In fact, he’s probably more vulnerable because he has a lot more notoriety and power than I have. But I believe he’s the kind of man who will repent after failing instead of pretending like none of it is his fault.

    Father, the lesson for me is to love people and be vulnerable myself. If I am going to appreciate someone else, it should be for the character they show, even when they fail. I should not look to them for my joy, but appreciate the work they do to bring your kingdom into the world. Matt Rhule isn’t perfect. He will make mistakes and fail. But I appreciate his willingness to vulnerably represent you. Thank you for his example and for the work you are doing through him, regardless of wins.

    In Jesus’s name I pray,

    Amen

     
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    Posted by on November 23, 2019 in Miscellaneous, Musings and Stories

     

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