Sometimes We Can't See

 I always find it striking when you read through the gospels how the disciples really only saw and listened to what they wanted. Even though the intimate time spent with Jesus and His clear warning that He would have to die , they preferred to see the miracles and embraced the message of the power Messiah . For Jesus was going to restore the glory of Israel and became the greatest King , even over David. Of course that was shattered when Jesus was arrested , tried and crucified.

His closest followers ran scared , lied about knowing Him and wept in shame over what had happened. I can only think some of the tears where as well for thinking , I have given up all and now I will be marked as well. For what ? As well for the shattered hope of Jesus being triumphant over the enemies of Israel .

Sometimes as I have read through the gospels and tried to place myself there , I ask would I have not done the same. For I know my heart and often see how I can easily slip into the same error these men did. I want Jesus on my terms. The one the blesses me and gives me what I want. But when He calls me to enter to Hos sufferings and take up my cross daily , not so much. I want the Jesus that gives me rest but not the one who calls who tells me the world will hate me if I follow Him because it hated Him first.

So even though we have the whole of Scripture and know the rest of the story that the disciples did not , we really are worse in some ways. The disciples of course were transformed . After the resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit in His fullness , they turned the world upside down. They fully grasped and understood the whole story. A light bublb moment if you will .

We must always do the same. Its so easy and tempting to only hear and see what we want. Cheery picking Christians make very shallow ones. For they fail to see the majesty,wonder and splendor of the whole truth of following Jesus . So may we read the whole story and look to God in all His amazing love and truth . That will help us not get blinders on that makes us see only what we want to see or hear with our ears.

Open Hands

Christians are called to bare fruit in our lives as a clear sign we are truly born again. But when it comes to money , how many are truly free from the allure of the world . To live in this world with open hands means that we will not hold on to money like the world. That the treasure we want to store up is found in heaven . They are good works done in Christ and for God by serving our fellow believers and neighbours .

Yes we need to pay our bills, feed our families etc... but to hoard and to act like the world shows that we have a root in our lives that needs to be pruned. Money is a great tool and gift from God . If we have been blessed with much or little , we all need to look in the mirror to see  if we are clutching on to money like Scrooge prior to his visits from those three faithful ghost.

As James says , what good is our faith if we see a need and just pray and say go your way but we have resources to help in a real tangible way. That is no faith and we deceive ourselves if you can look around at your life and see no compassionate giving , no mercy and no open hands in some real way that impacts another person. It could be family,stranger,friend,charity or a little girl/boy sponsored in some poor country but you should be able to have a check-list of giving . A giving that exults God and honours Jesus.

The question is how can we not when we ponder what God has given to us , His son , Jesus who is our treasure . The more He becomes our treasure then our hands will be open to others freely .

This Movie Never Gets Old

This film was a one that I did not really think I would like. But after viewing years ago , it was instantly one of my all time favourite films. This movie has a little of everything . Its action packed , a love story , a family movie that can be enjoyed with the whole family. So if you haven't seen it , get some popcorn , find a rental place or netflix and get your whole family and enjoy.Pure film magic.

Preaching The Gospel To Yourself

This amazing song by Jason Gray reflects the truth that we are new creations in Christ. That we are hidden in Christ . That our sins are forgiven . May we preach the gospel to ourselves each day. We are being made new. Amen.

To Live is Christ , To Die is Gain

Death is the great equalizer between the poorest of the poor living in the third world and the richest of the rich in the west. No one escapes it, no matter how much one has or possesses , it claims the rich as well as the poor. It comes with no bias .

So as the world awakes tomorrow and commentators speak of the impact Steve Jobs has had on this world , I will leave that to them . I'm not a computer geek kinda of guy , so my knowledge about Jobs is limited but do know that through Apple and I-Tunes , I have been touched by Steve Jobs company and inventions. No question he has had a impact on the world . Some have said a modern day Thomas Edison. Perhaps, but there can be no denying the Apple logo and brand is known the world over.

But death has come to Jobs and my prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends.

I do not presume to know his relationship with Christ . From all accounts he followed a hybrid type of Buddhism and new age thought.

One thing I do know , that even though death will come to all , if your faith is in Jesus Christ , then death is a defeated enemy . It no longer has the sting , the power over you . Christ has made you His own and in the power of His resurrection , you , a sinner , deserving of the wrath of God eternally in hell , are now forgiven through the precious blood of Jesus.

May we say with Paul , " For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better."
(Philippians 1:21-23 ESV)

Adjusting the Lens

As I was sitting watching a bit of T.V , I wanted to pay attention to the commercials . Over and over they promoted everything from soap to anti-ageing creams . The push is to make you feel unhappy or discontented with what you have. Its not enough or never enough. Even watching a show where couple look for a new house or become first time buyers , the comments about things that are so trivial given for reasons they don't like a house , point to a society in the west spoiled and discontented.

We all have a world view. A filter which we see the world. Those who say they don't or have no religion , if challenged concerning how they make decisions , will soon understand a world-view at work and a under-girding religious system of belief. Even if its cobbled together. Bottom line , in the west we are dominated by a materialistic , give me more , I want more and I deserve more mind set. From the culture around us to I would argue even within our education system , greed and materialism is the dominate world view. 

So as we approach Thanksgiving Day here in Canada , I'm both thankful and content. According to the worlds eyes I really should miserable and not happy. As I struggle to find employment that this body can do well , the world tells me I should be discontented. Yes there are moments when this can happen. If I allow the world-view bombarded at me through the lens of this fallen world but when I correct it with God's truth , His love and grace sets my eyes back to 20/20 vision through His lens . 

But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

(1 Timothy 6:8 ESV)

Paul in a very simple and profound way tells all believers , bottom line if you have food and clothing , be content. For when its all said and done , that should be enough . The pursuit of wealth and things are folly for one , they can be gone in a second and you can't take it with you.So may we be thankful this Thanksgiving with what God has given us and if we have more than we need , open our hands and share . Besides do we not have riches in Christ that are true riches and can never be taken away. 

Profound and True

There is something so true in this clip. Poor Charlie needs to be encouraged and given hope but instead its judge,condemn and an exaggeration of all his faults.There is a time to speak truth in someones life but if its not measured with grace,mercy and love , it is poison to the soul. Jesus would not brake the bruised reed. So are you more of a encourager or fault finder ? Can you see your own sins clearly and therefore measure your tongue with grace and love ? Or are you a Lucy , filled with a self righteous  glee in saying , look I'm not like you .