Thursday, December 31, 2009

Κύριος Notes:Blessings During the Conflict


Adoration/Praise

Lord Jesus As I write this the moon is just setting on the sky is just begining to lighten with the streaks of dawn...blue sky with just a hint of clouds are visible and I celebrate and praise your mercies to me again. Be with Your people today.

Scripture Reflection Matthew 5
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Lord Jesus as I write this I realize that the clouds are gathering around me. That persecution for righteousness and for your sake may not be far away. Persecution may come to this place that I call home.

Politics are not the point nor is this little plot of ground that I call home in the Northcountry of New York. Following you Lord Jesus in the middle of a world that is filled with the spiritual battle that surrounds me continues to be the point. I know that the tradition that I am a part of spiritually has tended to think in black and white categories which keep us safe to a degree, but that hide the nuances of change that confront us in this twisted world..it is not just black and white there is red and purple...

It is about not just talking about doing what is right...it is about finding creative ways within our culture and our community to connect with people and develop relationship with them. It is doing what is right within my social and community context.
It is the doing part that seems to trip me up more than anyting...Your call to me Jesus is not just to talking about things, it is about doing...living out in reality of the weekday Your call. That results in people identifying that I am different....not so much because I look different or even try to stand out but I just do.

How? I don't lie, I don't cheat, I don't steal, I try to be a person of grace in the middle of conflict, I work for balance and sustainability, I try to identify the long term value of being honest in the big things and the small things...I focus on identifying the people values and not just the machines...I continue to point to the need for justice, mercy and kindness even when it is not cost effective or maybe even frightening or is not exactly a part of the political agenda of the group I may be a part of in larger issues. Lord Jesus that is the call, but living it out is the challenge and is not possible without You with me in a way that only Emmanuel can be with me.

I am impressed with the fact that these blessings if I have received them all tend to develop a balanced person...a person who is spiritually ready to meet the challenge of the present culture of change, but that is not looking to stand out. Just looking to be what you would have me be in a world that needs witness so desperately.


Lord Jesus in these coming days help me to be a balanced, Grace filled, powerful witness to You and to Your power to transform.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Κύριος Notes:Being a Reacemakers to a War Torn World

Adoration/Praise

Praise You Lord Jesus for this day--As it dawns around me...as I hear the activity of life starting around me I take time to praise you and thank you for the time, place and hope that this will bring.

Scripture Reflections: Matthew 5:

9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

More than anything Lord Jesus I want to live out the life that you have called me to be as a child of the Most High. Not easy to do in our war weary world. I know that the 21st century is not fundamentally different that the 1st one was. In your world Roman was the imperial power, set on controlling the Roman salt water lake that I know as the Mediterranean Sea. in the 21st century it is America that thinks that it owns the seven seas...maybe we are know we are not owners, but we at least think that we rent them.

So what does Your Way and your Word have to teach me about how to be a peace maker in a war torn world? What are the insights that you would have to take a way from your word today.

One lesson that is hard for me to learn is that politics are not the point. I would like to think that they are...that if we just get the right system real and lasting change can occur.

Mark 12:17

Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

In my heart I know that the New Jerusalem will not be based on political power...no one will be running for mayor of the New Jerusalem. It is not about taxes or health care or private property...as much as I feel safer surround by them in my back yard. They could be evaporated in a blink of an eye.

Security comes from your promises...from your hand of blessing. Yes I need to support the temporal system of which we are apart and work for meaningful justice, mercy and to walk humbly before you.

Peace making is much easier when I can get it through my head and heart that my rights are found not in citizenship that rest on this planet...or in this present world system but at your hand my needs are met. Every table I eat at is your table...every piece of ground that I walk on is yours and is holy because of your presence active and engaged in me to bring about your will and your way.

Lord Jesus remind me a new today that you lead and you guide and you give as you see fit. I can be secure with the reality of your blessing...I can be your peacemaker today.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Κύριος Notes:Pure of Heart



Adoration/Praise


Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.





Scripture Reflections:Matthew 5
8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

pure
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): pur·er; pur·est
1 a (1) : unmixed with any other matter (2) : free from dust, dirt, or taint (3) : spotless, stainless characterized by no appreciable alteration of articulation during utterance synonyms see chaste


Lord Jesus this blessing you gave extends to me today? Moses in the Old Testament was the only one to see the back of God. In the age and time I live we struggle with knowing what is pure...from everything from water to relationships this time struggles with the pure. Put that adjective "pure" with heart and it just leaves me scratching my head and wondering...a little bit like Nic that night he met You and you talked of the new birth...his reaction was simple and stark:

John 3:9
9Nicodemus said to Him, "How can these things be?"

The reality is without Your love and without Your death on the cross working within me everyday...purity of heart just can not be lived out. It is through your death, and resurrection, and my participation in it daily that purity of heart can take place. I realize that the creation of a clean heart... a pure heart... is something that is left Your hands Jesus. Just like the prayer of David:
"Psalm 51: 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.


It takes a creative act just like when you spoke creation into existence for there to be pure anything in this heart of mine Lord Jesus.

Lord Jesus work in my heart today as you see fit.The goal of your work within me is to show me your activity and engagement in the world that surrounds me. Work Lord Jesus in my heart so I can see that activity.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Κύριος Notes:Mercy Experienced

Lord Jesus--Thank you for the time and the space to reflect about you this morning. Thank you for the reality of your presence in my heart and life. Guide and infuse my thoughts and mediation's about your word today.

Scripture Reflection Matthew 5
7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

In this blessing there is an implication of my active participation...something beyond where I already am at. Lord Jesus in the back ground here somewhere there is the principle of sowing and reaping.

Some where in the mix of life there is practical everyday expressions of grace. Right in the middle of where we live our lives. It is not about rituals said in church buildings or prayers prayed with just the right flowery words. Mercy is the place where you found me and the place where forgiveness is received and given.

Righteousness is lived out in the practical workday clothes of mercy demonstrated to those who have no where else to turn.

Micah 6:8
8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?

Micah the Old Testament prophet spoke with the voice of God when he talked about the real signs of renewal and revival of the heart...it was expressed in justice, kindness, mercy and humility. Mercy experienced leads to mercy expressed in creative and redemptive ways.

Lord Jesus in this day lead me in the ways of mercy that has the wisdom in it to express what I have experienced of your grace. Help me to live today at the intersection of hope and mercy.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Κύριος Notes:Essentials of Grace

Adoration/Praise
Thank you Jesus for this day and for coming into this world for no other reason than to reach out.
Essentials of Grace

Scripture Reflections: Matthew 5:
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Hunger and thirst are a necessity...not something that is optional. What does it say when righteousness is not something that is a necessity? The first thing that is says it that I am not blessed as long as I am in that place in my heart and life where righteousness is less than an essential.

Lord Jesus--Somehow it is fitting that I should be thinking, writing and praying about righteousness during the Christmas season...the day when light came into darkness...when hope broke through to find a humanity in desperate need. As long as righteousness is an extra piece of baggage and not integrated in my life it is not where it needs to be. Righteousness needs to be integrated into the fabric of my life just like water...just like food. When eaten food can only be jettisoned at great discomfort.

I am thinking about this in the airport and thinking about the people that are passing by in the prototypical urban landscape...do they thirst for righteousness? Some are thirsting, maybe that person who is so intent on reading is also thirsting for authenticity...genuineness in a world of imitations...maybe the person who is just out of frame is saying a silent prayer to You Lord Jesus.
Lord Jesus let hunger and thirst for you and for your righteousness and grace be infused into my everyday...into this day.




Κύριος Notes:Blessings Come Even When You Don't Push

Thoughts about Flying on Christmas Eve

Lord Jesus--Airplanes always remind me of you. Maybe it is because most of the time I am asking you to keep the wings in the air and the pilot focused on his job.

I am aware of all the other people that will be on the plane with Sharon and I ...people from everywhere, anywhere and nowhere. People who need to come to a saving relationship with you. People with hurts and losses, people with joy and with knowledge of The Hope that this season is all about. Remind me of the fact that I am yours when I am putting in my carry on bag and the guy in front of me is in a hurry.

This time of year spending it with family and taking time to reflect about what you have done is the point. Your blessings continue to flow and your Spirit continues to lead, even and maybe especially on vacation.

Scripture Reflection Matthew 5
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.


This is one of those verses that the investment bankers of Wall Street would have laughed at up to when the street started to crumble and all of the greed and short term thinking started to come home to roost with them.

The meek are blessed. The people who are the guppies in a world of sharks can find a place of blessing. Amazing...a place where they will not be stepped on, used as a door mat or manipulated and managed. That place of blessing is found at your side Lord Jesus.

I wonder if meek people would find me comfortable to be around. Lord Jesus I can be a driven, focused, goal oriented person. Help me Lord Jesus to sense the meek and to give them a place of blessing because I am yours.

The blessing that the meek can expect is an inheritance. Something that manipulation of the will, or birth order will finally not have an influence on. There will be a day when the inheritance reserved for your people will be realized.

Lord Jesus be in this day from beginning to end. Teach me lessons on meekness today make me a part of the blessed meek today.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Κύριος Notes:Blessings Come to the Unexpected

Adoration/Praise

The Day Before Christmas Eve
I wonder about that day on the road to Bethlehem
Mary and Joseph traveling.
The trip not easy and the travel wearing on
With every step the weariness increases.

Yet they continued their journey.
Was it known to them the ultimate reason for their trip?
That Scripture would be fulfilled.
All of their questions were not answered
Only the necessary ones.

Scripture Reflection Matthew 5
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Lord Jesus those who mourn are always left with questions...why? The loss is so real and the reasons seem so few and lacking of any real meaning. There is a promise to those who mourn--comfort for their loss.

For those who are willing to listen...for those who are willing to be met in their need. There is comfort.

The reasons are not always known, if fact are most of the time beyond our reach and our understanding, but not the comfort. The answers to all of our questions are not answered only the necessary ones...the ones we need to take the next step on our journey of faith.


Lord Jesus comfort those who mourn today.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Κύριος Notes:Light Increases In Different Ways

Adoration/Praise

Thoughts on the First Day of Light Increasing

Thank you Lord Jesus for the Light that is coming through the trees right now.The ground is so cold and covered with snow, and last night was the longest night of the year.Light will be increasing now.In years past, people feared the longest night and wondered if the sun would come back.Today I wonder not when and if the sun will return, but rather when the Son will return.Increase Your light in my heart, increase you ability to shine clarity in and on the places in my life that most resist the light of day and grace.

Scripture Reflection Matthew 5

1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:

People came to see the power of God at work in you, Lord Jesus. It was the miraculous that drew them to hear the message. It was because there was the authority and power of God displayed that the people wanted to hear the teaching.

3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Lord, those who come to you empty, you know how to fill. I have to allow you room in my life to move and fill and change me for there to be the miraculous demonstrated.

I realize my need for you today Lord Jesus...for you to work and make alive this heart and spirit of mine.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Questions?

As I reflect on where LSCC has been working through what Jesus did during his earthly ministry, I am struck by the reality of the power and the glory at work in Jesus.
This is a picture of the transfiguration which really was just the literal expression of the glory that was demonstrated daily in the disciples experience.
They lived out the days of miracles as they walked the dusty roads of Galilee and of Judea. You said:
John 14:12
12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Then why do I struggle Lord with the reality of something less than the miraculous? Are there ways that you are being limited by my lack of faith?

It seems as if much of my time is spent a lot like the children of Israel tramping around in the desert wilderness for 40 years, all because of perceived giants much bigger than the God that they served. Were they bigger than You? No never couldn't be, when faith was present the same walls that seemed so strong fell down to the shouts of your people. Jericho is just another example of what you can do when people trust you are work with them...using simple things like the spoken word to chage the way that the world works.

Where does that leave me? With questions that can only be answered as life is lived out from the vantage point of faith in the everyday. What questions do you have that have no easy answers?



Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Κύριος Notes:First Lesssons on Fishing for Men

Adoration/Praise


The Solid Rock

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.


On Christ the solid Rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand;

All other ground is sinking sand.



Scripture Reflections: Matthew 4


18As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20At once they left their nets and followed him.

The call to discipleship was a call to a change of vocation. Peter and Andrew were to be a fishers of men. They were going to be learning a whole new kind of fishing. The call to discipleship is always a call to change and growth. Where are the places that I need to grow Lord Jesus? Where are the places where the call of the Master is to stepping out and following in a new direction?

21Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

James and John were called to discipleship to learning from the Master and they left without hesitation.

23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. 25Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis,[f] Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

Lord Jesus--The first lesson of fishing for men that these four disciples learned was the the lesson of the miraculous. Catching men would always be an event that was not based on a pattern or a plan so much as a divinely sponsored, divinely lead and divinely powered process. People lives were changed.by their encounter with You Lord Jesus. They were physically changed, those who had demons were spiritually changed, those who had severe pain no longer had pain. People were lining up for miles around to see and to experience that change in their lives.

I wonder what was going through the minds of Peter, Andrew, James and John as they were watching You heal the masses Lord Jesus. As they saw that a touch from you hand made the pain go away, at the touch of your hand the disease went away, at your command the demons fled. I wonder if they realized how dependant on You that they would be...without you active in lives of your people it is all dead motion. But with you active and working among your people life is never the same.

Lord Jesus work in the life of your people today teaching the lesson of miracles to this needy generation. Teach me the lessons of miracles if I get that right the fishing becomes easy.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Κύριος Notes:Let the Light Shine

Adoration/Praise

He is Here
He is here, He is near us
In our hearts, in our lives, in our midst He is here,
He is near us
Calling us to trust in Him
Cast your every care on the One Who gave you life
Lay your burdens down at His feet
Open up your heart to the living Word of God He is love,
He is love
Brian Doerksen & Paul Baloche

Scripture Reflections Matthew 4:12-17
12When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee.


There was reason to avoid Herod Antipas. He was a despot and an evil man. He was the son of an evil man. I wonder if he has heard the story of the King of the Jews being born in Bethlehem from his father, and the deaths that his father caused in his fear. The palace intrigue and the back stabbing that went on to maintain power in this puppet kingdom cause much pain.

Lord Jesus the way in which you dealt with the political is something that I need to learn. Your ministry was not centered on maintaining the status quo or in a conservative or progressive agenda. It was about impacting peoples lives in way that the political can never touch even at its best. You were concerned about changing hearts and then lives by calling people to a hope beyond the political and beyond this world's power.

I don't think that you were concerned about a tax deduction when you were teaching about giving. You were concerned about unmet need and about seeing the poor reached for the kingdom. You were thinking about the reality of the oppression of the poor by those with more knowledge, power and money. You were interested in a more just and equatable distribution of what came from the Father's hand in the first place.


13Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: 15"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."
17From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Not only did you preach giving to the poor, but you demonstrated giving to those who do not have by your preaching to those who had so little light. You did not restrict knowledge of the kingdom to the few or even those with the right family heritage. You allowed access to all who would listen, not just the rich, not just the powerful, but the oppressed, those with little knowledge, and even those who were outcasts.

Light was your gift to all who would open their eyes and see.


Lord Jesus, Keep my eyes open even when it is so easy just to fall off to sleep. Keep my eyes open to the work of your grace in my life and in the lives of those that you bring into my life.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Κύριος Notes:Dialogue with the Devil(part 3)

Adoration/Praise
My granddaughter is playing at my feet
Reminds me of the duration of Your blessings Lord
To my children's, children's, children.
Thank You Jesus for your loving kindness.

Scripture Reflection:Matthew 4:8-10
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" 11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.


Lord Jesus this is really a temptation about timing and commitment to the will of the Father. All the kingdom's of the world secular and sacred, seen and unseen will bow down before you in the timing of the Father. Satan could only offer a temporary change in circumstance. You were willing to wait for the eternal kingdom given at the Father's hand according to His time table.

Philippians 2
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Satan the very one tempting you to step outside of the Father's timing will bow his knee and confess to the glory of the Father that you are Lord.

Lord Jesus teach me the ways of your timing and your work in my life. Help me be content in the place and time where you put me. There are lessons to be learned right where I am. Lessons that once learned will be the building blocks for the next step in your plan.


Lord Jesus work in this day help me yield to your timing.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Κύριος Notes:Dialogue with the Devil(part 2)

Adoration/Praise
It is still dark outside Lord Jesus
But the Light of Life is with me.
This is the darkest part of the year and yet
I celebrate Your Light.
Shine in me today Lord.


Scripture Reflection:Matthew 4:5-7
5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"

Lord Jesus you had nothing to prove to this liar and murder. I am sure that jumping off the temple and coming to earth without a scratch would have brought a following and an audience with important people. Herod would have been thinking how he could use this skill to outwit his Roman overlords. I am sure that the Romans would have wanted to mechanize your abilities and rule the rest of the world. But you did not listen this liar.

7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

In fact just like fasting, the reality of angelic protection at moments of the Father's choosing was a strength not something to be tested, worried about or managed. The Father's protection was to be trusted and followed in a walk of faith.

So I am back to the Jesus walk, a walk of faith and light, trusting in the Father's direction for the journey. I don't have to test because the next step is the validation of protection.

Help me walk today as you would have me to Lord Jesus.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Κύριος Notes:Dialogue with the Devil (Part One)


Adoration/Praise

Good Morning Lord Jesus
The early morning finds me thinking of you
Be close in this day.
Lead my thoughts, my feelings and my actions in this day.
Make of me and this day what would be pleasing to you.

Scripture Reflection:Matthew 4

1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.

Lord Jesus--It seems like there is something that is written right into the fabric of the space and time of this world that when ever there is great insight and grace, there is challenge and temptation that is just around the corner. You had just seen John and been baptized by him with the validation of the Father's word.

2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.

As you fasted and prayed you knew that the tempter was on his way. You knew why you were there...in fact the fasting and the prayer was not so a point of weakness as one of strength. That is just the way the tempter works. The very points of strength he would deceive us into believing are weaknesses. you were hungry and weakened from the forty days of fasting and it was the direction and will of God for you to be there. Hunger was a part of the will of God for your life at that point. It was the preparation needed to have a dialogue with the Devil.

3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

So Lord Jesus did you mean it literally that we live not by the food that we take in our belly's but by the word that we take into our hearts.

Acts 17:28 For in him we live and move and have our being.

Makes a lot more sense when I look at it from the perspective of grace lived out in the everyday of temptation, testing and the centrality of role of the word of God in my experience. So even eating takes place within your scope and will for life...or in this case the cession of eating.
Lord Jesus help me to see the need of following in a way that brings into sharp contrast you grace lived out in the everyday.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Κύριος Notes:Faith Walking

Adoration/Praise


Jesus Generation

Let the earth rejoice
See the risen King
On the clouds of praise
He's exalted forever
We will rise to him
Son of Righteousness
And the earth will shake
With the glory of heaven
See the heavens open wide
And His glory, like a flood
Fills the earth with salvation
See the nations take His hand
And in righteousness they stand
This is Jesus' Generation
Glory, glory, glory
Emmanuel
God is with us

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 3:13-16
13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"

Lord Jesus--John was in awe of your coming to him to be baptized. It seems inappropriate to him that he should be he one who baptized Messiah. The job given to him he was not worthy of in his mind. In so many ways that is the way it is in all efforts made in your kingdom. The person doing what you have lined out is imperfect, fundamentally flawed of heart and mind.

The truly amazing thing is you use ordinary flawed imperfect people in your work. People not perfect but saved by grace, the unmerited favor of your love poured out right while I am in the middle of my imperfection.

15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.

Fulfilling all righteousness was what your whole life was about Lord Jesus. It is your example that I am attempting to follow in the big things and in the little. You lived your life to full up to overflowing what the Father expected of you. I do a poor job at best of following your steps.

16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

A voice from heaven validated what you already knew in your heart to be true. Lord Jesus you know how it is in this walk of faith, so much of the time it is a walk where "we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror." So as I walk today help me to live out the kind of life that reflects your example even when it is as in a poor refection. I am convinced that at my best my attempts at following your example leaves much to be desired.

Lord Jesus bring life to my attempts at discipleship and at walking the Jesus walk.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Κύριος Notes:Jewels and Junk


Adoration/Praise
All Hail King Jesus
All Hail Emmanuel
King of kings,
Lord of lords
Bright morning star
And throughout eternity I'm going to praise him
And forevermore, I shall reign with him


Scripture Reflection: Matthew 3:7-12
7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.


Vipers is not an endearing term. The religious leaders of a nation that was theocratic at its core were coming to John. He wanted to make sure that they were coming for the right reason, or they did not need to stay. John was not in love with the crowd, he was on fire for the work of God. He wanted above all to see change in a nation that was more concerned with improving the status-quo than the movement of God. John saw the need for a shift in basic structure, a shift in the paradigm was needed. Radical change was needed. He was looking for the person who would bring about that change.

9And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. '

The paradigm shift that needed to take place was not based on hereditary relationships. It was instead based on heart change that produced changed behavior. Good fruit was the goal. Fruit that was just at the peek of perfection, ripe but not rotten. Production of that fruit of the heart is what the work of God really needs to be about. Fruit that grows and matures and is replaced by new fruit...as the season go. Inplying ongoing growth and production.

Jesus people...people after the heart of God are people who are not interested in maintaining the status-quo but are concerned about the ragged edge of change and following after the direction of God with a reckless abandon. They want to see the fruit of God in their lives more than anything else.

11"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

So what was John aiming at here Lord Jesus? It is a kind of warning isn't it? John saw your coming as a coming that brought judgement with it. John's baptism was just about water and repentance. It was a place to start but it was not the end of the journey. He was saying, " If you think that this is radical just wait and see what the One who follows me will be doing." There will be changes the only fire, differentiation, and judgement can accomplish. The picture is of a threshing floor and harvest. Part of the wheat is usable and nurturing, but part is just chaff a part of the growth of the grain that to be used it has to be separated from.

Lord I have thought before that these were different groups of people that were being judged. That there was going to be a separation of sheep and goats, John was talking about here. That will happen, but that is not what John's point here.

Instead John here is pointing to something a bit more internal, dynamic and ultimately more change inducing. The wheat and chaff were a part of the same plant...it seems to me that the winnowing process is more about the ongoing change of letting go and allowing God to work within my heart. This process is ongoing and continues to bring refinement and change as I chase after you Lord Jesus.

Is that the picture of your work in my life Lord? Thresher on the move? Sometimes...Lord Jesus sometimes I lose track of what is the wheat and what is the chaff. Then all I can do is to depend on you to make the choice and bring about the change that is needed. The essence of trust is to allow you to sort through all of the essentials of my life and let you decide what stays and what goes. You are the Only One skilled enough to know the difference between the jewels and the junk that inhabits my life.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Κύριος Notes:Voices in the Desert

Adoration/Praise

EMMANUEL
EMMANUEL,
OUR GOD IS WITH US,
PRINCE OF PEACE, MIGHTY ONE
THE EVER-LIVING GOD!
SEE THE PRAISES OF OUR SAVIOR
RISE TO OPEN SKIES
WITH THE DAWNING OF REDEMPTION
YOUR GLORY WILL ARISE
Raymond Badham

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 3:1-6

1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." 3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' "

The preparation for Your ministry in my life Lord Jesus still requires that I make straight the path for you in my heart. There is repentance that is required to this day...repentance for things done and undone.

4John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

John came dressed like a prophet and eating like a prophet with a prophets message of the need for internal change. He came at the right time, the nation was ready for the message of the need for change, the need for response and the reality of hope.

Lord Jesus the people's hearts were prepared by the work of the Holy Spirit in ways at the time that may not have been recognizable as being the work of God. It could have been the Roman taxes, it could have been the ineffective leadership of puppet kings, it could have been the clearly corrupt leadership of the temple. That preparation could have just been the internal need for reality in their interactions and encounters with the Spirit of God.

John's voice in the desert crying out for repentance and changed lives was at first alone. But as the Holy Spirit used a lone voice, there was a turn that took place in the nation and in the hearts of the people. You can still use a voice that is raised speaking your words.

John's message is true right now Lord Jesus. Lord Jesus prepare my heart for your work today.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Κύριος Notes:Returning to the Land of Promise

Adoration/Praise

There is a River
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of our God.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of our God.
So I will rejoice, I will rejoice and be glad!
I will rejoice, I will rejoice and be glad!
There is a fountain full of grace and it flows from Emmanuel's veins.
It came and it healed me, it came and refreshed me,
it came and washed my sin away!

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 2:19-23
19After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."


It was in God's timing when this small family would return to their home. It was the protection of God that provided for the means and the method of escape, and then for the return. God made it clear to this couple when the time was right.

There was implicit trust that God would speak and that whatever he said was what would happen. Lord Jesus thank you for the reality of the fact that you speak and that your leadership continues in my life to this day. The circumstances of my life are not a mystery to you and are not outside of your grace's and love's reach.

21So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee,

The dreams continued to come to this man Joseph who was so much involved in Your life as a child, a teen and a young man.

23and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."

It amazes me that location which appears to be an accident of history, was instead a detail that was planned. Lord Jesus have the freedom in my life to move in such a way that the details of my life, like where I live fit into the plan for my life. Lead guide and direct.

Κύριος Notes:A Family on the Run

Adoration/Praise
Emmanuel
Emmanuel Emmanuel,
Emmanuel Emmanuel,
Emmanuel Wonderful, Counselor
Lord of Life, Lord of all
He is the Prince of Peace
Mighty God, Holy One
Emmanuel, Emmanuel

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 2:13-18

13When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."

The Angels were busy watching over Mary and Joesph as they did their best to protect and provide for you Lord Jesus. The communication process was personal, it was verbal and it was ongoing. I wonder if Joseph ever worried about going to sleep, afraid of what the night might bring.

14So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."

Much like the people of the Exodus, this small family left for Egypt. I am thinking of the miles walked and the hours in the sun that it must have taken to get a safe place. Only in a couple of years to turn back and end up where Joesph and Mary had started out in the first place.

16When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

The connection between prophecy and history is so tangible in this passage, Lord Jesus. It was out of the context of the historical situation of King Herod trying to back track from the time he had seen the Wise men that there was this need to leave for Egypt. The pain that this despot inflicted on his own people and the blood that was on his hands brings new meaning to the safety and freedom that I live in right now.

17Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
18"A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more."
Just in time Joseph and Mary move out and You are kept safe. Lord Jesus as I read these lines I am impressed with the reality of your watch care over my life and times. Keep me safe and guided in this day.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Κύριος Notes:The Magi Meet A Murder

Adoration/Praise

Emmanuel
See the praises of our Saviour
Rise to open skies
With the dawning of redemption
Your glory will aries
For You alone are worthy
Here in Zion you are praised Our Lord and King forever

Emmanuel
Our God is with us
Prince of Peace Mighty One
The Ever-living God
You will reign
Scripture Reflection: Matthew 2:1-12
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."


So much is left between the lines Lord in this passage. There were miles to be traveled, discomfort and worry experienced, as well as the assurance that God was watching over the events that formed Mary and Joseph's life.

Then enter the Wise men...They too traveled miles to arrive at Herod's doorstep. They may have traveled the farthest, with the least amount of data. When I think of the data that they had I wonder at it's accuracy and how much stock that they had put in it. They left home and family, risked death and wealth on this enterprise to find the King of the Jews. Maybe they should have been called the Brave men?

3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

Herod was a person who if you were close to him you wanted him to be happy. People had a habit of dieing around him when he was not happy. Unease settled over Jerusalem as Herod pondered the request of the Wisemen.

4When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.

Herod knew immediately who they were looking for. He must have had some training in the law and the prophets. Note to self...knowledge without obedience just makes for smart despots and not Godly men.

5"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 6" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

Side note Lord...small places sometimes have large impacts...the places that seem to be off the beaten track are sometimes the places where great movements of Your Spirit begin. Size and location are not as important in your economy as obedience and openness to your leading.

7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

Pious words spoken by a King that had evil in his heart. And yet in the middle of this picture, Herod was part of the direction that lead the Wise men to You Lord Jesus. Herod the Great killer of innocents directed the Magi on their mission.

So what does that imply about the way that You lead Your people Lord Jesus? Evil men sometimes can be used by God in ways that they do not intend? That you are watching over our steps and directing our paths in ways and at moments we least expect?

9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

I don't understand how a star could ever go ahead of these Wise men, but I also don't understand how an evil man bent on murder ends up being used by You to direct people looking for You. I continue to be amazed at the way that you make a way when the way seems unclear and even blocked for those who are seeking to follow your direction. If you did it in the first century for a small group of Wise men and a couple expecting their first child, then you can do it for your people in Saratoga.

11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

They came to worship and give gifts to the small child king, their gifts were tokens of thier honor and faith. Was it partly to support the trip to Egypt that the wise men came? The interconnectedness of grace is something that reoccurrs to me time and time again. God leads and supplies one person and that impacts another which in turn creates opportunity for a third group all of which are being lead and guided, directed and financed by your grace.

12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

What is seen clearly again and again in the Christmas account is the simple fact that you direct your people, your protect your people and you supply the needs of your people.

Lord Jesus in this day help me to look for the ways in which you are leading me.