Pinelake Life Journal Blog

The Mento effect

lifejournal — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:41:54 +0000

Scripture:
“Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37-38

Observation:
Jesus is teaching about how we are to treat others — with a forgiving spirit, compassionate heart and generous attitude. How we treat others is a picture of our heart and a depiction of our relationship with our Savior.

Application:
One of my kids’ favorite outside things to do is to take a two liter bottle of Diet Coke and insert a few pieces of Mentos candy. The result is amazing! Before you can get out of the way, you witness a six foot geyser of Diet Coke shooting in all directions! My kids learned a song this summer that said, “God’s gifts are pressed down, shaken up, running all over the place.” They loved that song. Every time I heard them sing it, I thought about the exploding Diet Coke and thought — that is what God wants to do with my life if I will let him. The blessings he wants to give us are so much more than we could ever imagine. He wants to bless me. As Chip reminded me on Sunday — the hand of God can rest upon me today! The hand of God brings divine blessing but it is not random. It comes only to those who are with Him and give their life to Him.

Prayer:
Lord — I want to feel your blessings running all over the place. My prayer is that you would continue to guide me, to use me and to show me how I can minister to those around me. Let me give to others from an overflow of your love in me.

— Jennifer Van Norman, children’s minister, Reservoir campus

Leave and follow

lifejournal — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:22:32 +0000

Scripture:
“When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.” Luke 5:11

Observation:
Peter, James, and John left everything behind to follow Jesus. They left their jobs, their routines, their family and friends – EVERYTHING.

Application:
Every time I read about the calling of the disciples, I am amazed. I try to picture what it would be like to literally drop everything I know, everything I trusted, and everything I loved to follow Jesus. Many of us think that Jesus doesn’t call us to be that radical today, but in a way he does. He may not ask us to leave our family behind, but he does call us to put our family after him. He may not ask us to change professions, but he does call us to put our jobs after him. When Jesus called me to leave my job in healthcare and enter the ministry, I will admit that I struggled with the decision. Even today, I have times that I am tempted to second guess my decision. Then I am reminded of what He gave up for me. I am reminded that following Jesus means more than just acknowledging him as Savior. We must leave our pasts behind and commit our future to him.

Prayer:
Lord my prayer to you is that I want to serve you with my whole heart. Lord, whatever you ask of me, I want to be willing to leave everything and follow you. When I am tempted by the comforts of this world, Lord please remind me of what you gave up for me. Lord, serving you is such a privilege. Thank you for giving me each day. May I serve you with all that I am.

— Jennifer Van Norman, children’s minister, Reservoir campus

Leave and follow

lifejournal — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:47:18 +0000

Scripture:
“When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.” Luke 5:11

Observation:
Peter, James and John left everything behind to follow Jesus. They left their jobs, their routines, their family and friends — EVERYTHING.

Application:
Every time I read about the calling of the disciples, I am amazed. I try to picture what it would be like to literally drop everything I know, everything I trusted, and everything I loved to follow Jesus. Many of us think that Jesus doesn’t call us to be that radical today, but in a way he does. He may not ask us to leave our family behind, but he does call us to put our family after him. He may not ask us to change professions, but he does call us to put our jobs after him. When Jesus called me to leave my job in healthcare and enter the ministry, I will admit that I struggled with the decision. Even today, I have times that I am tempted to second guess my decision. Then I am reminded of what He gave up for me. I am reminded that following Jesus means more than just acknowledging him as Savior. We must leave our pasts behind and commit our future to him.

Prayer:
Lord my prayer to you is that I want to serve you with my whole heart. Lord, whatever you ask of me, I want to be willing to leave everything and follow you. When I am tempted by the comforts of this world, Lord please remind me of what you gave up for me. Lord, serving you is such a privilege. Thank you for giving me each day. May I serve you with all that I am.

— Jennifer VanNorman, children’s minister, Reservoir campus

A sign from above

lifejournal — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:22:11 +0000

Scripture:
“I set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between me and the earth.” Genesis 9:13

Observation:
When God made this covenant with Noah, he promised three things: 1) never again will a flood do such destruction, 2) as long as the earth remains, the seasons will always come as expected, and 3) a rainbow will be visible when it rains as a sign to all that God will keep his promises.

Application:
How reassuring it is to know that in this craziness of life, that God is still faithful to his Word. As the New Year starts, I am reminded anew of God’s promise to care for us. What an awesome God we serve!

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your promises. Thank you for your faithfulness. My heart’s desire is to serve you faithfully this year. Please place your hand of goodness on me this year.

— Jennifer Van Norman, children’s minister, Reservoir campus

A sign from above

lifejournal — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 15:44:39 +0000

Scripture:
“I set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between me and the earth.” Genesis 9:13

Observation:
When God made this covenant with Noah, he promised three things: 1) never again will a flood do such destruction, 2) as long as the earth remains, the seasons will always come as expected, and 3) a rainbow will be visible when it rains as a sign to all that God will keep his promises.

Application:
How reassuring it is to know that in this craziness of life, that God is still faithful to his Word. As the New Year starts, I am reminded anew of God’s promise to care for us. What an awesome God we serve!

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your promises. Thank you for your faithfulness. My heart’s desire is to serve you faithfully this year. Please place your hand of goodness on me this year.

— Jennifer VanNorman, children’s minister, Reservoir campus

Did God really say…

lifejournal — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 20:42:35 +0000

Scripture:
Genesis 3:1 — "Now the serpent was more crafty than all the other wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, "You must not eat from any tree in the garden."

Observation:
The enemy appears on the scene and the first thing he does is question what God says. He makes Eve question the validity of God’s word causing her to doubt and ultimately sin. She, when questioned, adds to God’s word (don’t touch it) and the enemy finds her vulnerability. The enemy is crafty and will do anything he can to make us question the words, commands and promises of our God.

Application:
The key to victory is to know what God said in the first place. Eve did not accurately handle the truth she had been given which ultimately led to the fall. If we know God’s Word we will be a lot less likely to buy into a lie the enemy tries to sell us about God or ourselves. The same enemy attempted to question God’s word to Jesus in Matthew. The outcome is much different though. Jesus, being the Word of God, spoke the truth back to the enemy with confidence and clarity and the enemy retreated to search for a more opportune time. Satan will never give up as long as He has the chance, but accurately handling the truth of God will lead to victory in the day to day battles.

Prayer:
I need to know you more, your Word more. I want to be able to stand firm when the enemy says…."Did God really say….?" Let my foundation for victory be found in the promises of your Word and not in my own strength to stand up against a crafty enemy

— Jason Smith, student pastor, Madison/Ridgeland campus

Hovering

lifejournal — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 03:47:17 +0000

Scripture:
Genesis1:2 — "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."

Observation:
Formless, empty, dark. That was the earth before it was exposed to light. God’s Spirit hovers over it all and in a moment it’s emptiness and formlessness is brought to light. I can imagine the Spirit hovering over the deep as if it were a blank canvas, dreaming His creation up as he went. Picking where oceans would stop and shores would begin, picking how tall mountains would be, where stars would go, how the moon and sun would work just right. Even how galaxies would lay just right amidst it all, or exactly far earth would be from His sun. He is just hovering, and planning His next move, How He will create life, and redeem it.

Application:
I love how the Spirit’s work in Gen 1 and His work today are the same. He still hovers over our lives. Lives that are formless- seeking an identity, empty- without hope and meaning, chasing mirages to find satisfy our deep thirst, and dark- blinded by sin and walking aimlessly through life with each self gratifying step. He hovers over us with a plan to bring us into the light. He is intimately involved in the movement of our lives. He doesn’t leave us. He is never far enough away to be blinded from our pain, nor too far away where He can’t reach in change things. He is right there moving amidst us and re-creating us.. giving us a form, filling us with purpose, and giving us light to see the truth. May we never forget His presence in our lives, always be ready to see His hand move amidst us and always be prepared to adapt to the change He brings.

Prayer:
Father, that is what you did for me. You took me, who was searching for my real identity, empty from never satisfying my thirst, and in the dark about everything that really mattered….and you brought your light to my life. You saved me, redeemed me and gave me a new life….made me a new creation.

— Jason Smith, student pastor, Madison/Ridgeland campus

Coming Soon

lifejournal — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:43:05 +0000

Scripture:
Revelation 22:20 — "Yes, I am coming soon."

Observation:
I just saw a commercial on TV while watching bowl week on ESPN today. The commercial was promoting an upcoming show that talks about how there is proof the world will end in 2012. But Jesus didn’t make it that clear, that sure. Jesus tells us numerous times and closes off His great Revelation to us reminding us He is coimg soon. Crazy thing is He has been saying those words over and over again for the last 2000 years. What about the first century Church that heard that promise…Wasn’t that promise unfulfilled….to them atleast. What does soon mean anyway? To me it means like, tomorrow or next week not 2000 years….. But I was also reminded about what soon means today when looking at pictures of Beth and I’s first Christmas with our daughter Rayna (just a few months old at the time). I remember how people told us to cherish those moments because "soon" they would be gone. Man was that true, our little baby girl is now 10 and I am almost unable to hold her. That first Christmas with her seemed like just yesterday. Soon could be tomorrow, it could be years, it could be lifetimes…..but soon always comes….

Application:
With another year drawing to a close and a new one beginning in just a few short hours I am reminded that we are another hour, another day, another year closer to the day He returns! May I live my life expectant of your coming and excited to share your love with others.

Prayer:
God Thank you for 2008! May 2009 be a year of great revelation and the year of Your great return! Come quickly Lord!

— Jason Smith, student pastor, Madison/Ridgeland pastor

Coming soon

lifejournal — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:25:19 +0000

Scripture:
"Yes, I am coming soon." Rev. 22:20

Observation:
I just saw a commercial on TV while watching bowl week on ESPN today. The commercial was promoting an upcoming show that talks about how there is proof the world will end in 2012. But Jesus didn’t make it that clear, that is sure. Jesus tells us numerous times and closes off His great Revelation to us reminding us He is coming soon. Crazy thing is He has been saying those words over and over again for the last 2000 years. What about the first century Church that heard that promise? Wasn’t that promise unfulfilled … to them at least? What does “soon” mean anyway? To me it means like, tomorrow or next week not 2000 years. … But I was also reminded about what soon means today when looking at pictures of Beth and I’s first Christmas with our daughter Rayna (just a few months old at the time). I remember how people told us to cherish those moments because "soon" they would be gone. Man was that true, our little baby girl is now 10 and I am almost unable to hold her. That first Christmas with her seemed like just yesterday. Soon could be tomorrow, it could be years, it could be lifetimes, but soon always comes.

Application:
With another year drawing to a close and a new one beginning in just a few short hours I am reminded that we are another hour, another day, another year closer to the day He returns! May I live my life expectant of your coming and excited to share your love with others.

Prayer:
God Thank you for 2008! May 2009 be a year of great revelation and the year of Your great return! Come quickly Lord!

— Jason Smith, student pastor, Madison/Ridgeland campus

A Song of Victory

lifejournal — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:59:14 +0000

Scripture:
"Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of Ages. Who will fear your, O’ Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." Rev 15:3-5

Observation:
Those who persevere the tribulation, those who worship God through the Hell on Earth, will sing a song with harps in hand to the King of all Glory. It amazes me that these people just walked through the darkest days that will ever be on earth and their first instinct when face to face with the King is to worship Him. I also think it is awesome that they all know how to play the harp … now that is a miracle in and of itself! I love how all their pain and suffering leads to praise when face to face with the King. All that matters is His Glory, His Holiness, His Revelation.

Application:
Though I am not living in the great tribulation I still feel overwhelmed many days with the things I face. The pressures of life … finances, responsibilities, being a husband, father and leader. Then add to that the constant attacks of the enemy attempting to thwart God’s plan for my life and at the end of the day I can just crumble under the pressure. I notice that my songs to God are songs that are solely focused on His forgiveness and His mercy. Mostly because in the midst of the pressure I fail so much. So those are two characteristics of God that I love to sing through my life. In this scripture, these saints sing about the great and marvelous deeds God has done … through them! I want to sing this song. May my song today be a song of victory! A song of your awesome power displayed through my life and the life of your people!

Prayer:
I love my songs of forgiveness and mercy. Without them I would be nowhere. But today I have been challenged to add to the playlist of my life … May the end of this day be filled with songs of your Victory, Your Glory, Your Holiness, and Your great Revelation to every nation through my life and the life of your Church.

— Jason Smith, student pastor, Madison/Ridgeland campus

God’s Gracious Limit

lifejournal — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 07:45:54 +0000

Scripture:

"Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days." Revelation 2:10

Observation:

Jesus said to the believers of the church in Smyrna that they would have tribulation for ten days. The word tribulation means "to press, to squeeze, to crush." This is how Jesus described their coming experience. He had already said in v.9, "I know your tribulation." It was already occurring. However, a time was coming that would be very difficult for them. Yet, in God’s grace, He has set a limit on both the intensity and the time this experience would last! Even though this church is suffering and would yet go through a great ordeal, they can be encouraged that God has a plan and there is a cut-off time — a limit to how long they would suffer.

Application:

Even as I face difficult times, I can be assured that God has a plan and He is working it out as He is working in me. Every trial I face, I can trust that God has set limits. I can live with confidence that there is a time and a limit beyond which my struggling will not pass. As I am seeing 2008 come to an end in just a few days, I can look back and see where God has brought me through times of personal and spiritual struggle. With this memory of these in my past and Jesus’ promise to me that my future struggles will have limits, I can face the future with greater confidence knowing that even though I will face hardships, even times that I feel as though I am being crushed, that is not my final experience. God will provide for me in the midst of my suffering, and He will bring me out.

Prayer:

Father, thank You that You have set limits on the struggles I face. I know there will be times when I am prone to doubt that. But I trust Your love and grace for me that You hold me and You will not leave me to face them alone. Thank You for Your constant presence and Your great help. I praise You that You are an "ever-present help in trouble.

— Jeff Holland, congregational care pastor, Reservoir campus

Three Gifts

lifejournal — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 07:44:08 +0000

Scripture:
"Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love." 2 John 1:3

Observation:

As John writes his second letter, he greets his readers with a promise that no doubt filled them with hope. Confidently he assured them that grace, mercy and peace will be with us. The source of these three gifts is what assures their provision: they are from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father. The packaging in which the gifts are wrapped? Truth and love. Truth in the sense that they will come at the exact moment I need them; they will be perfectly suited for whatever my need is; and, I can be assured they will not be exhausted regardless how much of each I need. The motive behind the gifts: love. How will these gifts be applied in my life? Grace in which to live a life that honors Jesus Christ who gave it to me, mercy to forgive me when I fail, and peace to protect me and give me confidence in any situation I face. Three gifts for the journey! What a blessing!

Application:

This Christmas season will soon be over. When it is, I will look back at the gifts I received with special memories. I will certainly enjoy them and may be using the gifts well beyond the Christmas season. However, as eventually happens, the newness will wear off. Some of the gifts will break, fade or go out of style. But these gifts from God will never face, spoil or ruin. I am reminded of the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus. They perfectly symbolized His life: gold for the King; frankincense for His life of prayer; and myrrh to anoint His body for death. Just as those gifts were tailor-made for Jesus, the gifts of grace, mercy and peace perfectly suit me. Today and each day I can live in hope and confidence knowing that every good and perfect gift God will generously supply for me. He knows what I need, when I need it, how much I will need and how long I will need it. Therefore, as I begin this day, I know at the end of today I will look back on these gifts and know that God has provided everything I needed.

Prayer:

Father, I praise You for Your love. It is so great for me that You provide me with every ounce of grace, mercy and peace I will need today. I can live in confidence and great joy knowing that You have given me everything I need for life and godliness. Thank You for Your generous gifts.

— Jeff Holland, congregational care pastor, Reservoir campus

Christmas Morning

lifejournal — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 07:39:16 +0000

Scripture:
"By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:9-10

Observation:

God’s love for me is amazing! He sent His only Son for me that I might live through Him. Jesus was born to die. God sent Him to be the propitiation, or "appeasement" for me. Jesus appeased the wrathing of God against me by taking my sin and dying in my place. And John makes it clear that this gift from God was not in response to my love for Him but wholly out of His perfect love for me. Now, the life I live does not have to be out of the frailty of my sin, but in the power of His righteousness given to me through Jesus.

Application:

In light of this truth, this Christmas day I am going to do three things. First, I will give God some of my day thinking about and giving thanks to Him for this incredible gift of His Son and His righteousness given to me. Second, I will share the wonderful news of this gift of God with my family as a reminder of the real message of Christmas. Third, as God gives me an opportunity, I will share this great news of God’s love gift with at least one other person.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son for me. Your wrath was against me, but You leveled it against Your only Son. I am amazed once again at the beauty of Your love. Thank You for loving and giving. Help me to share this message with my family and others who need to know or simply be reminded of Your great love! Amen.

— Jeff Holland, congregational care pastor, Reservoir campus

Who is Waiting for Me?

lifejournal — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:38:23 +0000

Scripture:
The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first; and stopping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in… So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb then also entered, and he saw and believed. John 20:4-5, 8

Observation:

Two disciples ran to the tomb after hearing the women report that Jesus was not there. Peter and the disciple who is identified only as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" ran to the tomb. This other disciple was so excited that he ran ahead faster than Peter. But, when he arrived at the tomb, he simply looked in. The Scripture points out that he did not go in. Peter, on the other hand, went busting right on in. But something kept "the other disciple" from going in. He saw the linen wrappings, but for some reason, he did not go any further. However, after seeing Peter go all the way in, he then entered the tomb himself, saw what Peter had seen, and then believed. It was the actions of Peter that led this disciple to his belief.

Application:

Just as the actions of Peter going on into the tomb led the other disciple to his belief, the actions of my life can lead others to a greater belief in Jesus. Life leads me into many different situations where people have the opportunity to observe my actions and reactions. While I often don’t get to choose my situations, I do get to choose how I respond to those situations. Many times, my response has the potential of drawing others closer to believing in Jesus. For this to happen, I have to consciously be aware of and be watching for opportunities to make Jesus known in every situation. Jesus said it best: I am to let my light shine before men in such a way that they may see my good works, and lead them to glorify my Father.

Prayer:

God, I want to be aware today of every opportunity to make You known. As I encounter people, use my life to lead them to a belief in You. I want others to know that You are alive by seeing You in me. Amen.

— Jeff Holland, congregational care pastor, Reservoir campus

Lasting Joy

lifejournal — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 07:37:10 +0000

Scripture:
“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11

Observation:

Jesus is speaking of the reality of true and lasting joy in the believer’s life. The obvious declaration in this verse is that the often elusive and always sought-after joy does not come from objects, but from a daily, moment-by-moment relationship with Jesus. "Abide in Me," Jesus said a few verses earlier. "Rest in Me," "Hang out with Me," "Slow down and snuggle up with Me," is the essence of Jesus’ words. True, lasting joy is my treasure when I commit with Jesus in a continuous habit of daily abiding.

Application:

It’s a few days before Christmas and I’m sitting in front of my fire, starting my morning with the most powerful and meaningful reminder of the way to a true and lasting joy. It’s not found in the presents I see under the tree so neatly wrapped in colors of red and white. But as I have been reminded several times this Christmas season: "It’s not about the presents, but the Presence!" I find my greatest joy when I encounter the daily presence of Jesus in His Word. When I fill my life with so much activity and busyness that I allow this time to be pushed out, my spirit withers and dries up just like the holly berries on my mantel, cut from the bush just a few days ago. Removed from its life-giving and sustaining flow, it is now ready for the trash. Just as it is impossible for it to sustain its bright red beauty, it’s impossible for me to sustain my joy without that close connection, "abiding" in Jesus. For me to experience the real, life-fulfilling and satisfying joy that Jesus offers, I can’t have it in any other way than spending quality and quantity time with Him!

Prayer:

Father, I want to be drawn back to this truth long after this moment today is only a memory. Help me to protect this time with you and to see it increase to spread out throughout my days. My joy in in You — fill me today! Amen.

— Jeff Holland, congregational care pastor, Reservoir campus

To Be Where You Are

lifejournal — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:29:17 +0000

Scripture:
“If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.” John 12:26

Observation:

Here in this verse Jesus plainly reveals the truth that my service to Him and for Him is the result of following after Him and being where He is. I’ve heard it and said it a number of times — that ministry is what I leave behind as I follow Jesus. If I am passionately pursuing Him, service will be the natural outflow of my life. I will not have to plan acts of service to others as a part of my life; it will simply be my life — the fallout of my following His heart. “Where I am, there My servant will be also.” This reminds me that my following after Jesus may lead me to places of ministry I never dreamed I would go. Yet, to be there, and to be serving Him, will be my greatest joy. For there, the Father will honor me.

Application:

If I am going to follow Jesus, I have to be willing to walk the path Jesus walked. This means a change of perspective for me. Rather than pursuing opportunities for service, I must be focused on pursuing the Savior. For me, this means beginning each day by reorienting my heart to Jesus. It means surrendering to Him fresh each day. Then, when my thoughts begin to wander away from a pursuit of His heart, I need to check that and run back to Him. This calls for nothing less than an intentional action on my part. If I am going to be a servant that receives His honor, I’m going to have to seek His heart.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to follow You. I want to be where You are. Today, in every situation I find myself, I want to know Your desire for me. Help me to seek Your heart and let You use me any way You desire. I want others to be blessed by Your presence working in and through me. Help me not to be so set in my ways that I fail to respond to the soft and subtle prompting of Your Spirit. Open my eyes to see Your heart in every part of my day. Enlighten the eyes of my heart today. Amen.

— Jeff Holland, congregational care pastor, Reservoir campus

The Bigger Plan

lifejournal — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 15:22:05 +0000

Scripture:
“Martha then said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’” “Therefore, when Mary came where Jesus was, she saw Him, and fell at His feet, saying to Him, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’” “But some of them said, ‘Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have kept this man also from dying?’” John 11:21, 32, 37

Observation:

Mary, Martha and some of the Jews responded to the news of Jesus’ arrival at Bethany four days after Lazarus had been buried by saying, “Lord, if only you had been here…” They were finding it difficult to believe that Jesus, who obviously cared much for Lazarus, would delay His coming after He heard about his sickness only to arrive four days after he had been in the tomb. Yet, there was a bigger plan that was being unveiled — one that was unknown to Lazarus’ family and the watching bystanders. Jesus had stated to His disciples in v.4, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” The final scene involving Lazarus would not be death, but God’s glory. The bigger plan was God’s glory being revealed in a situation that appeared all too hopeless. In time, Mary, Martha and the Jewish onlookers would clearly see God’s plan being laid out before them.

Application:

There have been difficult seasons of my life when things took a turn in a different direction that what I expected or even wanted. An outcome far different from my plans happened. During times like this I am prone to ask, at least in my mind if not verbally, “God, where are you? Why is this happening?” During those times I am certain that God has not left me. The Bible assures me of this. Nor has He withdrawn His love from me. Yet, I need to remember just as confidently that He is working in my life for His glory. He is going to be glorified by the things going on in me. As I walk those paths, He will give me His peace, comfort and hope that will ultimately carry me along into His abundant grace.

Prayer:

Father, I ask for your help remembering that You are present in and working through every season and circumstance of my life to reveal Your glory. When I can’t see Your plan, help me to remember that I can always trust Your heart. As I walk through those days that have far different outcomes than I expected, I thank You for the help You are going to give and for the grace You are going to supply. Amen.

— Jeff Holland, congregational care pastor, Reservoir campus

The Mirage of Freedom

lifejournal — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:10:41 +0000

Scripture:
“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘if you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever.’” John 8:31 – 35

Observation:
As Jesus continues in this discourse with the Jews, he becomes increasingly pointed in reference to his identity as the Messiah. In the midst of the discourse, we are told more than once that those around him were coming to believe in him — but not the religious elite. In these verses, the religious leaders illumine a struggle that has plagued humanity since the Garden of Eden — the idea that they are free because they do not perceive any immediate oppression or involuntary directing of their actions. That lack of perception leads them to respond to the Truth as something that is not needed because they are already free.

Application:
Reading this passage is always a bit difficult for me because it reminds me of the subversive and insidious nature of sin. To personalize it, I am so tainted and wrapped up in my sin nature that at times I can exist in it and let it direct my paths and decisions without even consciously understanding that I am not free to lead my life without its influence. In those times, freedom becomes a mirage. If I were asked if I was free, I would say yes. The reality, though, is that despite the fact that there is a lack of a tangible, physical presence telling me to make this decision or to act in this way, I am still compelled by my sinful nature. However, I frequently do not realize it because sin’s influence is so engrained in me that it feels natural to me to make selfish choices and seek my own good. But then… Jesus talks about freedom — and not the freedom of the mirage variety. Jesus talks about a true freedom that allows me to see myself and the world as it is. At that point, things become clearer. I realize what is influencing my decisions. I realize my aptitude for selfishness. I understand that freedom for me to indulge my fleshly desires is no freedom at all, rather a fetter around my ankles. This is why it is vital for me to be immersed in the Word of God. It holds the fallacy of a fallen belief system up to the Light that pierces darkness and shows things to be as they are. Then, when that occurs and sin is confessed and Jesus touches me and renews me, I remember that the truth has made me free indeed.

Prayer:
Jesus, the freedom that you provide for me and grant to me is a gift that I cannot adequately thank you for. It is astounding to me how often I still continue to trade real freedom for a mirage. But, I praise you that I am still a child of God and a son that will remain in the house forever. Grant me clear eyes to see myself and the world around me. Help me be to be a bringer of the truth to others. Amen.

— Mike Watson, small group pastor, Reservoir campus

A Grander View

lifejournal — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:03:50 +0000

Scripture:
“For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.” John 4:18

Observation:
This verse occurs at the beginning of one of the more detailed descriptions Jesus provides regarding the nature of his relationship with the Father. The explanation has come that the Jews are trying to destroy Jesus, not only for healing on the Sabbath, but also for claiming that he and God are one. What Jesus provides in addressing them is a stark contrast to the view of relationship with God that the Jews possess. The Jews persecuting Jesus perceived religion as a system of regulations to be enforced and a legal code whose violators should be destroyed. Of course, it wasn’t always this way with the Jews. We see evidences in the Old Testament of genuine, heartfelt worship. However, over time without proper evaluation, the relationship had lost its fervor and wonder. Jesus then confronts them with a grander view of God. Jesus points them to the splendor and glory of God, his mercy and justice, and the nature of his relationship of love with the Father.

Application:
I think that I have some of the same tendencies as the Jews in this passage. I suspect that in any relationship that I allow myself to casually slip into a lethargic and passive approach that I will begin to unconsciously think of it in a maintenance mode sort of way. If I am not purposeful in keeping my relationship with God vibrant and consistent, I will most likely make the same slide. Maintenance mode in my relationship with God typically manifests itself in making sure I attend all the right events, say the appropriate things, as well as some much less godly things, such as judging those who don’t do and say the right things. In those times, I have completely lost the fervor and wonder of who God is, what Christ has done for me and how deeply I am loved. Saying it that way makes it sound preposterous that such tragic erosion could take place, yet I find that I must be vigilant to prevent it.

Further, I think that this time of year it is particularly dangerous. There are so many things from a tradition and custom perspective that are wonderful about Christmas. Frequently, though, those traditions and customs that have come to characterize Christmas celebration over the years can crowd out the reason I am to celebrate in the first place — because the advent of the One who was to release me from my sin and allow me to spend all of eternity in the presence of God.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I know that I am susceptible to coming to a point of routine in my relationship with you. It creeps over me and occurs seemingly before I know what has happened. I pray that you would renew the wonder in my relationship with you so that my fervor compels me to love others as you love them, to share my faith when you give me open doors and to be the light of Christ that you have called me to be as a believer. There is nothing that compares with knowing that you are directing me and that I am intimately connected to you. Thank you for your forgiveness when I do lapse into lethargy. I praise you for providing the way for the forgiveness of my sin so that I do not have to be separated from you. Amen.

— Mike Watson, small group pastor, Reservoir campus

A Longing to Obey

lifejournal — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:04:38 +0000

Scripture:
“Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.’”John 4:34

Observation:
This chapter reports a densely packed series of personal encounters that Jesus had with a variety of people. A lot of the better known accounts of Jesus’ earthly ministry are found here: the conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus’ explanation that the fields are white for harvest but the workers are few, Jesus testifying that a prophet has no honor in his hometown and the healing of a royal official son. During the conversation with the Samaritan woman, Jesus uses several objects as teaching points to help explain the nature of the Kingdom and his ministry to those around him. One of those is a quick verse that is frequently overlooked because it is positioned immediately prior to the well known “the fields are white” teaching. The disciples have returned with provision for themselves and their master. As usual, the disciples find themselves just short of understanding exactly what it is going on. When they offer Jesus food, he uses it also as a teaching opportunity, saying that he has food they know nothing about. Jesus sustenance is doing the will of the Father.

Application:

Food and I are good friends. I use food for a multitude of reasons. Sometimes I use it as a comfort when I’m stressed or anxious about a decision. Sometimes I use it as an icebreaker when I’m meeting someone for lunch or getting to know someone for the first time over coffee. Sometimes it is strictly for fellowship like Christmas parties and Super Bowl parties. But it’s most fundamental use is to sustain and nourish me. It gives me strength and replenishes my fuel for living. This basic role is what Jesus ascribes serving and doing the will of God to. For Jesus, doing the will of God and accomplishing his work fulfilled the most innate and basic need of his life. It gave Jesus strength and nourished him. It is what Jesus thrived on. Conversely, to NOT do the work of the Father would have been starvation. That is such a far cry from my approach to doing the will of the Father. It is something I have to train myself to focus on. It takes tremendous discipline and frequent reminders. It can intimidate me and make me anxious for outcomes. I think the primary reason for that is that Jesus knew the Father far more intimately that I ever can. As I’ve grown as a believer, I’ve discovered that the more I know God and the more I abide in him, the greater my desire to do His will. Without doubt, pursuing and living in the will of God will require sacrifice. That sacrifice usually comes in the form of laying aside my preconceived ideas of what my life should be like or what I’m entitled to. However, in those moments and seasons that I have been able to know God’s will for my life and to do his work, I have found unbelievable fulfillment and a sense that my purpose in doing so is much greater than anything I would have conjured up for myself. I hope to continue growing until my relationship with God causes the intensity of my longing for his will to become a matter of eating or starving.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I know how it affects my life’s purpose to know that I am living inside your will for me. I know what a tremendous blessing it is to be guided by that purpose and to do the work that has been prepared for me to do. But, I pray that the centrality of doing so in my life would grow and deepen. I pray that I would know you more sincerely and that my heart would beat for the things that yours does. I know that I can never fully accomplish that on this side of forever, but I pray that it would be the trajectory of my life. Thank you for calling me and allowing me to serve you. Amen.

— Mike Watson, small group pastor, Reservoir campus