Luke 17

⁶ He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.

Another version of through God all things are possible, we simply need faith.  It seems he even is encouraging us, that if we are new in our faith we can expect great things through our faith.  But the illustration also shows faith as taking an action, actually asking for and expecting something to happen through faith rather than a passive I have faith and sitting around waiting for something good to happen.

just some rambling thoughts--

Merry Christmas if by chance I'm not on again before then.  I hope you are recovering well from your surgery.

knut

Luke 16

²⁶ And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.

There is great pain in the rich man's message, he is in hell can't get out, can't cross over, can't do anything to help his family who are still living and on the wrong track.  We have to live for Christ now, the picture of burning in hell while being in full view and consciousness of heaven for eternity is frightening.  

I'm reminded we don't have time to wait, our friend Gina woke up  a week ago Monday with a Christmas to do list and by the end of the day her work on earth was over and she was in heaven dancing.  I learned being at our memorial service how many people she touched in the most meaningful way possible, she brought many people to Christ.  

I need to learn how to be more like our friend Gina.

knut

Luke 15

What's so great about these parables that Jesus is telling...is that they offer us a glimpse into the the perspective that God sees us in.  We get so wrapped up in our view-point, that we miss the overall picture.  This is something that I'm really working on.  The parable of the lost sheep is the perfect example.  Of course there would be great celebration in heaven in a person that was completely off track, came back to the narrow path....of course.  But, all we can think is "what about me".    When we don't really fit into the equation for that person and their redemption at all.  It all comes back to our selfish point of view.  The older brother of the prodigal son is the perfect example of this

²⁸ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. ²⁹ But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. ³⁰ But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
³¹ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³² But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

I find it very frustrating that I can understand this concept, and know that being selfish isn't the right was to think or act......and I still do it.  But, I'm workin on it.

peace, out!

Luke 14

⁶ “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.

Like you noted before he references the family finding what he knows is probably most important to many people to make it clear where the priority needs to be in our lives, he is first even above our family.  If I'm completely honest with myself I don't know that I could say that's where I'm at in my life.

knut

Luke 13

I really like Jesus' analogy of the Fig tree.

⁶ Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. ⁷ So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
⁸ “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. ⁹ If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

It makes a lot of sense to me.  If you really love figs.....and you plant the tress, in order to get the fruit...and then the tree doesn't produce, you would eventually see that you need to cut it down and start again.  That really made me see humanity from a different perspective.  But the last line..........it reminds me of when Abaraham was trying to make a deal with God before destroying Sodom and Gamorah.  If you can find 10 righteous men living there........just give me a little more time.  From God's point of view, why would he waste the good soil on a tree that isn't producing the fruit.

Theres a lot of really good stuff in here. 

I can't help but draw some questions around the driving out of demons, (that seems to be in all of the gospel books) and all of the mental health issues that are in the news lately.  It makes me wonder if these people have some sort of evil possession going on.  Destroy, and Kill is the devil's mission in this world.  It looks like he is doing a really good job.  We have a couple of kids in our lives that remind me of the connecticut situation.  It makes me wonder for their future.  It also makes me wonder what I should be doing for them now....as a follower of Christ.
I don't know........something to spend some time in prayer about.

Luke 12

⁴⁹ “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! ⁵⁰ But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! ⁵¹ Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.

This isn't the typical portion on the chapter to chat about, but I think its really interesting.  In 3 lines, he says a TON!  To me, he is saying that he is the fulcrom.  He is the tipping point on which the world will forever be divided.  Those for him, and those against.....just like you pointed out yesterday.  He even talked about dividing families, which seems like a strange concept that I'll get to in a sec.  The other thing that hit me here is the weight of the future, on his conscience.  He knows his ultimate fate, and he seems to be dreading it.  Understandable..........but interesting.  It seems that some of his conversations bend in the direction of frustration, when talking to the people.  He called them a "faithless generation", and with all the "woe-to-you's" yesterday.  It must have been difficult to understand it all...from top to bottom, and yet see people missing it all around you......and then to know that you are going to be the one that has to pay the price for the blindness......frustrating.

Back to the other point for a sec.  In our society, we place such an emphasis on familiy and kids.  But, Jesus doesn't seem to value it, to the point that we do.  At least, not at all close to how we are to value our relationship with God.  We've read several passages where he talks about not needing to take the time to say goodbye to your family, or dividing brother against brother........i find it interesting.  Or when the disciples told him his mom and brothers where there to see him, he doesn't seem to care.  Interesting.

have a great weekend!
In 2 days......we will have a teen-ager in our house!  YIKES!

Luke 11

Man, here's another one.  Too much to take in.
I like how Jesus, not only understand every concept of life, of all the people....but, he can put that knowledge into stories that make his point looks so clear.  I can understand why they are getting angry with him.  Its almost like trying to trap your sibling, into getting spanking, but at every attempt, they make you look ridiculous..........the wisdom is epic.

The "woe to you..." portion of the chapter seems really heavy.  I'm not sure I understand the magnitude of what he's saying here

⁴⁷ “Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your ancestors who killed them. ⁴⁸ So you testify that you approve of what your ancestors did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. ⁴⁹ Because of this, God in his wisdom said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.’ ⁵⁰ Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world,

anyway, I'm pretty much rambling.....good stuff.....too much to write.  These chapter need a weeks worth of reading/reflection.

Luke 10

I'm not even sure how to break these chapters down.  They seem to not be structured around 1 idea.  They are an assemblage of events.
When I read these chapters, I'm trying really hard to imagine myself in the situation, and try to come up with how I would most likely react to it.  In this chapter I'm thinking about the 72 that Jesus sent out.  They were given a lot of responsibility, and power.  I find myself wondering what that would have been like.  To know that you are literally in Jesus' army.  And that peoples reaction to me is determining their eternal fate.......that's crazy! 
And then, my next thought is that I'm doing the same thing that the disciples did when they were talking about who is greater in chapter 9.  I'm thinking how great it would be for ME to have that power, and mission.....see that?  I didn't even make it 1 day!  DANG!

There's a lot more here.  I have always like the Good Samaritan story.  There's a lot of good life lessons in that parable.  It continues to amaze me that Jesus can tell these simple stories, and 2000 years later, we are still breaking them down, and finding new meaning and insight through them.

have a great one, today!

Luke 9

Just like the last one....there's almost too much here to grasp.  It reads in rapid-fire fashion from one unbelievable event to the next. 
There's a lot that I could write about in this one....from the feeding of the 5000, to the man wanting to say goodbye to his family......but, the thing that really strikes me everytime I read this chapter, is the actions of the disciples.
They are witnessing things that have never been seen before.  Miracles, healings, massive crowds....and all they can think about is, which one of them is the greatest disciple.  I think that completely sums up humanity.  We are so busy thinking about ourselves and our position in this world.....that we completely miss the wonders that God is doing all around us everyday.
I'm going to try really hard for the rest of the holiday season to look for the miracles around me, and not worry about myself so much.  Some days I do pretty well at this, and then I follow it up with a week of completely selfish behaviour.

peace out

Luke 8

What a great chapter, full of images of Jesus teaching and performing miracles.  I don't understand why does he tell the parents of the girl he heals not to tell anyone?  

There many teachings in this chapter, but the following is one that strikes me:

¹⁴ The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 

Out of this parable, I think this is the one that reflects me the most.  I am really trying to be better and again this daily reading is a big part of change for me.  I'm a work in progress and I aspire to be like it says in verse 15:

^'15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.'

I have a lot of work to do, but I do want to be a seed that produces a great crop of Jesus.

knut

New Pastor for Westview - Dec 9 2012

We are in the process of finding a new pastor.  Our potential new pastor who is from North Holland Reformed Church did today's message, he covered a portion of Luke 1.  Fun to hear him teach on something we had just read.

He did a great job, we are praying for him and his wife to clearly discern if God's will is to have them join us...selfishly I hope it is.  But also know if it is it will be challenging for his NHRC home to have him leave.  Please say a little prayer for Josh and Heather, their family and both churches.

Luke 7

⁴⁰ Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

⁴¹ “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,^[c]and the other fifty. ⁴² Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

⁴³ Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

duh, do you think so...This little exchange between Simon and Jesus struck me today.   In just a couple sentences he is able to draw a picture for Simon that probably humbles him as he recognizes this dirty woman in his eyes loves Jesus more than him. 

I need to remember he has forgiven a huge debt for me and my love of him should reflect that...does it?

knut

Luke 6

⁴⁹ But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

I have heard his words and want to make sure my life is build on this foundation and that I fill in any cracks by continuing to study his word and keep it in my heart.  

On Monday a friend, Gina, from church suffered cardiac arrest.  Her time here on earth appears to doctors that it may be to its end though we are still praying for a miracle for this special family that we know He can make happen.  Her life is absolutely built on Jesus' words and she absolutely will be spending eternity with Him.  ⁴⁴ Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.  ...Gina's fruit is rich and plentiful for anyone who meets her, Jesus please provide a miracle and her stay her with us a bit longer there are so many people that need her here on earth.

knut

Luke 5

<sup>This a very familiar chapter with the recording of what are now well known miracles Jesus had performed and images of people flocking to see him as word was spreading like wild fire of who he was and what he was doing.  Great images to think about.


Jesus addresses the pharisees

22</sup> Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 


He know's whats on my mind and heart I need to make sure both focused on him because while I might be able to fake out people here on earth there is no faking out him.

knut

Luke 4

I pray your recovery is going well, from the reports I've seen it sounds like it is going at least as well as can be expected after such a rough time. I know you had many people thinking of you and praying for you during the past week.  I was praying for you the morning of the surgery before doing my chapter for the day.

Today I don't have any specific verse or key takeaway.  I'm just struck by how powerful God is and what an impression Jesus made in his short time on earth.  Here we are reading about him 2,000 years later because the impression he made on people at that time left them with no doubt about who he was, so much so that someone like Luke documented some of his acts and experiences for us to read years later.  Imagine if he had come during this day and age of technology, he would be going viral on Youtube word would be spreading on chat boards and Facebook.  Even without all this technology He still went viral, amazing.

get well,
knut

Special Post & Luke 3

I received a message from Gina this afternoon that you were in the hospital suffering from appendicitis.  I hope they are at least able to medicate to take the edge off the pain until your 7am surgery, I know it can be excruciating.  I pray for the doctors to make quick work of this operation and you come out feeling better immediately and have a quick recovery.

Luke 3
⁸ Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. ⁹ The 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.”


John let's us know God can do great things with any stone, even me.  But also that we better not let ourselves feel we have some right of passage, we better produce fruits with whatever gifts he has given us as a part of our repentance.  So while we can't earn our way to heaven, maybe producing fruits (doing good works and obeying his rules for us) is a reflection of someone who is genuine in their repentance?

Get healthy brother!
knut

Luke 2

There's so much in this one.....its hard to pin-point 1 thing to talk about.
I'm gonna skip the obvious, and talk about Simeon.
He had been promised to see the Messiah before he died.  I'm wondering why God chose to work it that way?  Was it a fulfillment of prophesy that Simeon would not die before he came?  Did everyone know that God had this agreement with Simeon, therefore alerting them to the Messiah?.......I don't know.  I'm glad that God is a lot smarter than me.  I'm sure there was a very well thought thru reason.  I just seems a little random on the surface.
I like how it reads from verse 27.

When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, ²⁸ Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

²⁹ “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you may now dismiss^[d] your servant in peace.
³⁰ For my eyes have seen your salvation,
³¹     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.”

There doesn't seem to be any doubt in Simeon's mind.  There isn't any test that he gives the boy to verify anything.  No conversation with Mary and Joseph.  He immediately recognizes Jesus as the long awaited Saviour.  I love this picture.  He is so filled with the Holy Spirit that he is compeltely in-tune with what is happening around him......the bigger picture; even though it states that he is OLD!

Luke 1

³⁸ “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.


So upon being told by Gabriel she will become pregnant with the Son of God, knowing it is humanly impossible she needs little convincing it will happen before making the statement in v38.  Mary must have been a woman of amazing faith, I wish I was more like her.  I would have been more like Zechariah saying what are you talking about that doesn't even make sense, God would probably have to zip my lips too because of my lack of faith.  So I am going to try and keep this verse handy when I have doubts.

knut

Psalms 1

6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.


This is a familiar chapter drawing the picture of how when we really study God's word and have it in our hearts it helps us grow and be strengthened like a deeply rooted tree, rather than becoming the chaff that blows away in the wind. Its comforting to think of God watching over me, crazy the God of the entire universe paying attention to me!

So originally I thought it would be nice to go back to the Old Testament for a while, but then I thought maybe during this Christmas season it would be good to stay in the New Testament, flipping through the chapters I was thinking of going back to Luke.  What do you think?  Maybe Old Testament after 1st of the year?


Random note, it was fun getting a Friend request from Ben on FaceBook!

Jude 1

HEY JUDE!  hahahaha!

Whoa, this one is really dark and gloomy.
I guess there are never too many warnings to stay on the straight and narrow, and to not follow those that are wandering in the darkness.

there is one verse that hit me in this chapter.
¹⁷ But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. ¹⁸ They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” ¹⁹ These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

This is a good warning for me.  Sometimes I feel like this.  Like I don't really have the Spirit.....like I'm just following a learned behavior.  That's not a good place to be, and is probably a warning sign that I need to tie my roots back into God.  I don't like it when I'm in this place, but sometimes that's where I find myself.

3 John 1

¹¹ Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

This verse struck me.  I am going to talk to Max and Ben about this one.  In general, we tend to imitate the stars and the people that we think are cool in our society.  Or even the popular kids at school. 
This is a reminder to get your mind and your behavior firmly rooted in the one place that gives life.....and to look for others that are striving in that goal, to imitate.
Hopefully, as fathers, they can look to us to be a positive influence to imitate.

tp

2 John 1

 ⁶ And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.


Pretty much a repeating theme here, we need to constantly be acting out the verb love everyday.  We have been reading it in several chapters, I think he means it.  Our church in Bettendorf used the simple mission of Love God, Love others and our guidepost for all we did.  As we approach the holiday season it seems like a good time to put even more focus on following God's commands, focus on loving others.  I know there are many opportunities I miss during a day to act in love for others, sometimes its selfishness others its laziness or just exhaustion that get in the way but really those are just excuses.  Maybe thinking of obeying God's commands can provide the incentive to act a little more often.

knut

1 John 5

¹⁹ We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

This chapter seems a little random to me.  Even in the ending verse, it feel s a little disconnected.  I think the important concept here is the fact that it is the wrap-up to the preceeding chapters.  If we are truly living in Christ, then we cannot keep living the same way.  If you see someone living the same way, and professing that they are living in Christ, then we need to pray for them. 
I'm not sure I've heard of the reference to the Spirit, the Blood, and the Water before.  It sounds a little like the Last Air Bender cartoon that the kids used to watch.  Its interesting.

peace
tp

1 John 4

¹⁸ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

I struggled with this chapter.  Basically, I got we need to love each other to be more like God.  I read and re-read it several times.  The above verse did jump out at me right before I was giving up on getting anything else out of the chapter.  

Have you ever noticed people who you know have a very strong faith also seem to have a very calm confidence about them?  Just the way they carry themselves and speak there is something that is different about them, they are not concerned what people think about them.  Its not arrogant either, its just something where they are so comfortable in their skin it appears nothing worries them.  Maybe that is what this is talking about?  If you have the love of God in you completely, maybe it drives out the fears and worries of this world and gives you a sense of peace?  Maybe I'm stretching this into something it isn't but that is what crossed my mind after about the 6th pass over the words of this chapter.

have a good one.

knut

1 John 3

¹⁸ Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.



This chapter is full of short convicting statements of what it means to a child of God, truly loving others.  The one verse I selected is a good one for me, I think sometimes I know the right things to say but my actions aren't always in aligned.  Its not that I necessarily do hateful things, its more my apathy for showing love through actions.  Many times I have thoughts of what I could do to show love for people but more often than not I don't get off my rear and follow through.  I pray for the nudge that gets me to act more often.

knut

























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1 John 2

⁶ Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.


11 simple words, but 1 tall challenge.  But really what more compass do you need to get through the day?  I guess the WWJD bands fit right with this verse and it really is a great reminder.

While impossible for an imperfect person to live the perfect life as Jesus did I don't think its so impossible to aspire to that.  Starting with reading the bible every day and putting God's words directly into our minds, then listening to my heart throughout the day and behaving in a way that is consistent with what my heart is telling me.  If I'm honest with myself I think most of the time when I'm acting in a way that Jesus would not live its not that I don't know it, I'm just making a bad choice.  I know and feel it, but for some reason I lack the discipline to stop it.  So I think keeping the WWJD montra in my head is a good way to try to fulfill verse 6.

knut  

1 John 1

⁵ This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.


No darkness at all.  The closer I can get to Jesus and the more of him I have in me the more it will squeeze out the bad stuff and feelings that are sometimes in my mind and my heart.

knut 

2 Peter 3

¹⁸ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

This chapter talks about being prepared for his return, not listening to the noise of our environment telling us not to have faith.  There is plenty of that in today's society but reading this tells me that while they didn't have 24hr news and internet spreading doubt its clear they dealt with similar societal issues.  The message of preparation speaks to continuing our daily reading, like you said a couple a days ago gathering knowledge.  Use the knowledge to prepare our hearts and help shield ourselves from the attacks on our faith that come with living in today's society (or that or 2000 yrs ago).

knut

2 Peter 2

⁹ if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.


In the verses prior to this he give examples of how God punished the unrighteous and was also able to carve out the righteous and protect them from unjust punishment.  They are real examples of how when judgement day comes for us he knows our hearts...there is no faking it, I am either with Him or against Him and he knows it so I better have my house in order.


knut

2 Peter 1

⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶ and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷ and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.


At work we are constantly in process improvement mode.  We do things pretty well, but we can always finds areas that can be run more efficient or effectively all for the benefit of our customers.  This series of verses seems like a process improvement road-map for me with the benefit of my improvement being to God's glory.  

I like the 7 simple areas called out to work on.  I bet I can think of something about myself to improve in each of these areas without too much effort.

have a good day--knut.

1 Peter 5

 ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Just a good reminder that he is always there for me and cares about me no matter what may be troubling me.  I don't feel anxiety to often anymore but when I do it's usually at work and I need to remember he is there to turn to.  Have a good weekend!   From my iPhone in Portland or.

1 Peter 4

There's a lot in this one.  Sometimes they hit my like a ton of bricks.

4  They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.
I like this one.  Some of the GM fellas tease me for the things I won't do with them.  I can remember being teased in school, for being the "Christian kid."  I think that's some of what Max is going thru right now.  I should definitely show him this!

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of Gods grace in its various forms.
I find this verse to be comforting, in some way.  It re-assures me that if I treat others with love and compassion, that will make up for a lot of my short-comings........I like it.  I think that's a great goal.  I can see sitting at someone's funneral, and hearing, "he wasn't perfect, but jeez,  what a great, loving guy".


Theres more in this one....but, I'll stop there, and leave the rest to you.

have a good one today!

1 Peter 3

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.  Alwys be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that your have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.

Max came to Kim and I a couple of weeks ago, and told us that he got into a discussion about God, with another kid at school.  The conversation was long, and I won't go into it in great detail.  But, essentially what happened was another kid challenged Max on his faith.  And Max wasn't prepared for that.  He wasn't prepared, like the verse says.  It was an eye opener to me that I haven't been preparing them for the tough questions that come your way, inevitably.  I don't think it has to be some great revelation to them.  But, just having some conversation about why the kids believe what they do.  Is it just because Kim and I do?...., or is there something else that is rooting them in their faith?

I'm not touching the first part of this chapter.
I'll leave that to Gina.

1 Peter 2

¹⁶ Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.


There are several good points made throughout this chapter about how any of us can bring glory to God by how we live, especially in difficult circumstances. Enduring suffering when we haven't done anything wrong shows up strong to people who are observing.  As I write this it makes me think of what you went through earlier this year at work and how difficult it was, yet I think you really held onto your faith and I imagine it showed to people who knew what you were going through.

The verse I selected has nothing to do with what I wrote above that just came out as I began to type.  What I was thinking about with the verse above was not taking advantage the promise my faith gives me to act in a way that would not make Jesus proud.  If someone that doesn't know me observes me in my daily life and action, would it be obvious I have faith in Jesus or would I look to fit right in with the desires of today's society?  Am I using the freedom my faith gives me as a cover for evil actions or am I living a slave to God?  I'm afraid too often its the latter.

1 Peter 1

^13-16 So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”

No specific take aways but I just like several areas of this chapter.  I pulled the above from the Message version of the bible.  I like the imagery of rolling up your sleeves and getting serious about living a life focused on Jesus.  I also like the reference to obedient children, they do have the best faith not clouded or infected by the cynical world they will be growing up in.  

I also liked the references to the old testament, thinking how faithful and full of Jesus and the Holy Spirit the prophets were during a time that seems so long ago to us but is just a blink of the eye to God.  Here we are all these years later readying their words and they are just as relevant today as they were over 2000 years ago.  

have a good Friday  knut

James 5

¹⁶ Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.


I sometimes wonder about prayers effectiveness, does it matter what I think because God will do his own will regardless of my request?  When I read this I see the we are told prayers are powerful and effective, when done by a righteous person.  So maybe there is the catch, who is truly righteous?  Its not for me to judge but I think I know in my heart its not me based on things I do, say or think.

This also says confess your sins to each other and pray so you may be healed, that is a scary proposition.  I don't know that I have it in me to share my sins with others.  

So I read this to say if I want my prayers to be effective and powerful, change is required.  -knut

James 4

⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts,you double-minded.


The entire first section talks about being humble towards God, submitting to him, disconnecting from the noise of our human desires for the things around us on this earth.  My take away is make the effort to get close to God and He will get to close to us.  He has given us free choice and he won't force himself upon us, but when we choose to be close to him he will come running to us.  It would be sad to think I left him hanging.

later,
knut  

James 3

⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.


This goes along with quick to listen, slow to speak.  What comes out of our mouth can undo many good actions.  Looking at the political process today, how often has Obama, Romney or others made a comment when asked a question that was captured as a sound bite that was used to set fire to their campaign--I think it was Romney's 'binders of women' last week which I'm sure doesn't really represent his position but is what everyone was talking about.

We often talk about actions speak louder than words, but it seems like that's more true for when we do something stupid versus when you are doing things right.  Sometimes good deeds may slip into the night without notice, but a passing comment or joke might cut someone right to the core even when that wasn't the intent.

I think in general I control my tongue but there are times I know I say things I don't mean or that may hurt--James is a good reminder to keep myself in check whenever I feel myself starting to run at the mouth.

knut

James 2

 ¹⁷ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

As I read this I fear my faith looks dead, I'm not sure I can point to any actions demonstrating my faith.  Hopefully there are some I'm just overlooking but it seems it shouldn't be hard to come up with answers.  Gina and I were just talking about something like this based on what she is reading--I can't remember which book, but maybe this is why this struck me as I read today.  

I just went back and read our James 2 post, you had chosen a similar v26 that time.  Have you had any more thoughts regarding a ministry for single moms?

have a great weekend--knut

James 1

19 My dear borhters and sistere, take note of this:  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,..

I've been working on this for a little while now.  More the slow to speak and quick to listen portion....but I find if I practice that, I don't put myself in a position where I will become angry.

I like this chapter.  Much more for me to grab onto than what I was able to gleen out of Hebrews.
There were actually several portions of this chapter that struck a nerve with me.

Hebrews 13

5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.

that one hits me right between the eyes.  Both in terms of our society, and the way I tend be live my life.
I am constantly spending my next profit sharing money.....that I don't have yet.
I am really working on this one.

There's lot of good stuff in this chapter, from a directional and teaching standpoint.
But that verse got me!

Hebrews 12

I'll be honest.  When I read these chapters, I don't find many "ah-ha" moments.  I like what is written and I understand it, but don't grab much that I think is worth writing in here.

Here's what I did grab today.
Somebody once told me that if the football coach stops yelling at you.....then you're in trouble.  If he IS yelling at you that means there's still hope for you and you should listen.
I think that's what the middle portion of the chapter is saying about God and discipline.  It might seem ugly and painful at the time, but the end result is that you become a better person, and know that God still considers you one of his own.

any other thoughts?

Hebrews 11

1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

It was interesting to read so many quick accounts of people throughout the bible who acted on faith.  They all seemed to live without fear or concern of what others may think of them, all with their eyes on a greater prize.

I don't feel like I'm to that point, but wouldn't it be great if someday someone  would say:

By faith Chris.... or By faith Todd....



Continued prayers for Nicki and family after the birth and death of Zeke.  I can't imagine how difficult this time must be for their family.

Hebrews 10

²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,

There are plenty of people and movements in this world trying to sway our convictions in our faith.  v24, makes me think of how powerful loving someone and doing a good deed is towards countering negative attacks on our beliefs.  I need to look for opportunities for myself to love others--as well as encouranging and spurring others to do the same.