temporary or permanent

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

SDC12085 Luke 20:45-21:6.  Jesus could see beyond the temporary. He warned people not to be taken in by the pomp of the scribes, because their glory was cheap and temporary. He commended a poor widow who gave a measly two copper coins – hardly enough to bother with. But her gift would outlast the temple she had given to. When people gawked at that magnificent temple, Jesus told them that it too would be destroyed. Investment in the kingdom of God is the only wise investment.

LORD, give us grace to invest in your permanent coming kingdom… the one within us.

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afraid of a little theology?

Posted on January 30, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

ruap doom1 Luke 19:47-20:44.  You have probably encountered some theological questions. These are questions that arise out of interpreting a text of scripture or trying to explain a mystery of the faith. As Jesus was making his last efforts to reach the lost sheep of his own nation, he appears to have been bombarded with theological questions. Jesus took each question seriously, and spoke with divine wisdom in answering them — in spite of their coming from impure motives. Never be afraid of theology. The Holy Spirit always has an answer to every “difficult passage” and problem issue.

LORD, we trust your truth. Grant us the wisdom to respond to the enemy’s challenges.

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from shame to glory

Posted on January 30, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

rotorua1 Genesis 27:1-40.  The story is not flattering to Jacob. It serves no historical purpose in the narrative of Genesis other than to explain why he inherited the blessing of sovereignty over Esau, who was the literal firstborn. The Holy Spirit prompted Moses to include it in his record of the generations. God wanted his people to know that the promised land and all that they would receive from him are undeserved grace. It would also explain their age-long enmity with Esau’s descendants, the Edomites. When you decide to repent of your sins and follow Jesus, God forgives your past, but you do not forget it. Those memories which are to your shame now contribute to God’s glory.

LORD, we praise you for your deliverance. Help us to live that delivered life, and never cease to thank you for your grace.

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outsourcing

Posted on January 29, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

58707_1587198678255_1184444053_31700237_6435028_n 2 Chronicles 2.  Solomon continued the policy of his father by enlisting the help of Hiram, king of Tyre. David had purchased raw material for the temple, and Solomon procured more of the same, and also skilled craftsmen. It is a wise leader who knows not only how to delegate to his own team, but also knows when to call in the experts from outside the organization. One might think that God would provide all Solomon needed for the temple within the confines of Israel itself, but he did not. Perhaps the LORD used this joint venture as a means of cementing the peace between the two nations. Perhaps also the church of today can learn a lesson from this. Not every one of our service or benevolence projects have to be stamped with the “Christians only” seal of approval.

LORD, give us wisdom to know when we can cooperate with those outside your kingdom in order to accomplish the work of your kingdom.

Posted in kingdom of God, leadership, ministry, peace, works | Tagged | 1 Comment

sharing his touch

Posted on January 28, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Peter heals lame at gate 68-9 Luke 18:31-19:27.  On his way to be Jerusalem where his will be beaten and killed — Jesus stops to heal a blind man, and to bring reconciliation to Zacchaeus. He is still involved in his mission to seek and to save the lost (10) even as he prepares to give his life as a ransom.  He told the parable of the minas because his followers were convinced that he was going to Jerusalem to take his kingdom by force. It explains the economy of his kingdom on earth while he is away in heaven. The mina is the touch of Jesus. He touches us and gives us healing and salvation. We invest in his kingdom by sharing that healing and salvation with others. We have the same mission: to seek the lost and to share the gospel of salvation with them. When he returns, he will evaluate our faithfulness by our investment in others.

LORD, make us wise investors, sharing your touch with a lost world.

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why is this happening to me?

Posted on January 28, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

SDC12067 Genesis 25:21-23.  Rebekah asked that question. All of us do. We should not be ashamed of questioning God when something in our lives does not seem to make sense. Many of the problems and trials we face are outside of the present limits of our understanding. Many are also beyond our present ability to do anything about. Praying to God is a way of acknowledging that he is sovereign and we are not. Perhaps the LORD will give us an answer, as he did Rebekah. But if not, remember that we will one day be able to look back from the standpoint of a blessed future and see the reasons for the things that confused us.

LORD, help us to trust you and wait for your answers. May we not despair even if we have to ask you why things are happening to us.

Posted in faith, patience, prayer, suffering | Tagged | 1 Comment

getting to God

Posted on January 27, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

redwoods Luke 18.  Sometimes getting to God in prayer seems like a futile task. The temptation to give up is so strong.  But Jesus taught that persistent prayer breaks through to God, because he is not like the unrighteous judge. He cares about our needs. But he does look for persistence as a sign of true trust. Sometimes our egos get in the way. Nobody deserves answered prayer. We must always approach the throne of grace with our hands out because that is what it is — the throne of grace. We must approach like a child because we are asking for our father’s presence. The rich ruler could not get to God in spite of his obedience because his wealth got in the way.

LORD, help us to get out of our own way so that we can get to you.

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where are the nine?

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

SDC12069 Luke 17:11-37.  Luke relates a story about ten lepers whom Jesus healed. Only one of the ten turned back to give thanks when he realized he was healed. Perhaps Luke saw a connection between that event and what Jesus proclaimed about the age preceding his coming. It will be an age where the kingdom of God is in the midst, but is mostly rejected. Like the generations of Noah and Lot, salvation will be available, but few will bother.  They are too busy with normal life. The second coming will not come gradually. It will overtake the world violently and suddenly, and only the few who are prepared will survive it.

LORD, grant us the wisdom to be among the few who hear, respond in praise, and are prepared for your arrival.

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false security

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

piggy_bank Luke 16. Jesus’ parables in this chapter are all directed toward the elite sect of the Pharisees, who trusted in their personal wealth as a sign that they were in God’s favour. Jesus said that the Pharisees justify themselves before men, but God knows their hearts. He knows that money is their true god.  So Jesus teaches them using two parables –the dishonest manager (1-9); the rich man and Lazarus (19-31). Both have a reversal of expectations.  The manager is going to be fired (2); The rich man is not going to rest in Abraham’s side (23).  The point Jesus was making had nothing to do with the future (what happens at death). It had to do with the false security the Pharisees had in the present. They were attempting to serve two masters: God and money (13).  The dishonest manager had to take sides. He had to cheat his present master in order to prepare for his future. The Rich man discovered too late that his allegiance was to the wrong master – his money.

LORD, we want to serve you and you alone. Purge us from our selfishness.

Posted in genuineness, obedience, relationship with God, sleep of death | Tagged | Leave a comment

preparing for his presence

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

SDC12090 Psalm 24.  The ESV Study Bible notes: “This psalm seems fitted for some liturgical occasion, perhaps one that celebrates the way that David brought the ark of the Lord into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6); this would explain the interest in God’s presence in Ps. 24:3–6, and the address to the gates in v. 7–10. ”  It may also look forward to the return of Christ, for he is the King of glory who is coming, to whom the gates of Jerusalem must open. The generation who will see this is the generation who seeks his face (6). They will be given righteousness from the God of their salvation, and blessing.  The benefits of our relationship with God through Christ begin today, but are only a taste of what will be ours at his return.

LORD, we seek your face. Come Lord Jesus!

Posted in future, holiness, Jesus Christ, preparation, relationship with God, worship | Tagged | 1 Comment