Me and Jesus

Yes - this really appeared on my screen during "Soda Crush"

From Tom T. Hall's song "Me and Jesus"
(my apologies to the grammar police...)

Me and Jesus, got our own thing goin',
Me and Jesus, got it all worked out,
Me and Jesus, got our own thing goin',
We don't need anybody to tell us what it's all about.

Jesus brought me through all of my troubles,
Jesus brought me through all of my trials,
Jesus brought me through all of my heartaches,
And I know that Jesus ain't gonna' forsake me now.

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This song might sound a little selfish.
But that is the relationship that Jesus wants to have with me (and with you).
A personal one.

He's not content being a voice on a TV screen.
Or being held at arm's length.
Or just "there when you need him".

In fact - it's the most personal and close relationship you can have.
Closer than mom, dad, spouse, brother, sister, bestest friend ever...
Because he is IN you.
The term we use nowadays is "in our heart".

Speaking to us in his Word and through his World.
Some of us physically feel it.  Some don't.
But through faith, we all KNOW it.
His love and life and death and resurrection guides our thoughts, words and actions.

Here is how close Jesus wants "me and Jesus" to be.
Listen in as he speaks to his Father about us in John 17:20-26 (Message)

I’m praying not only for them

But also for those who will believe in me

Because of them and their witness about me.

The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—

Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,

So they might be one heart and mind with us.

Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.

The same glory you gave me, I gave them,

So they’ll be as unified and together as we are—

I in them and you in me.

Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,

And give the godless world evidence

That you’ve sent me and loved them

In the same way you’ve loved me.

Father, I want those you gave me

To be with me, right where I am,

So they can see my glory, the splendor you gave me,

Having loved me

Long before there ever was a world.

Righteous Father, the world has never known you,

But I have known you, and these disciples know

That you sent me on this mission.

I have made your very being known to them—

Who you are and what you do—

And continue to make it known,

So that your love for me

Might be in them

Exactly as I am in them.

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Father God,
Jesus and me got a good thing goin'.
All and only because of You ("For God so loved the world...").
Thank you for this gift that will keep on giving until eternity.
Past the day I die and on and on and on...
Amen.
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What's the big deal about Jesus?

joyfully serious, seriously joyful

Life.
I don't know about yours - but mine seems to go between being Seriously Joyful and Joyfully Serious.
The only reason I can say that is because of my friend.
My friend Jesus.

(What's the big deal about Jesus?)

Joyfully Serious

From Titus 2 (NIV)
6 ...encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Seriously Joyful
Romans 12:11-13 (NIV)
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

From Colossians 1:9-14 (Message)
"As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us."

James 1:2-4 (ESV)
2 Count it all joy, my brothers,[a] when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

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Jesus,
Thank you for the serious joy.
And the joyful seriousness.
Give me more, please!
Amen.

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Go ahead, lose yourself.

Go Ahead, Lose Yourself.
These were the words printed on a shopping bag from a beauty supply store.

They want you to lose your purchasing inhibitions (and your bank account) in their store, of course.

But this phrase also could be a very scripturally sound Biblical bumper sticker.

Go ahead, lose yourself.
Lose yourself.
Lose YOURself.
Lose yourSELF.

Matthew 16:24-26 (Message version)
Jesus said...
“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. 
You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. 
Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. 
Follow me and I’ll show you how. 

Self-help is no help at all. 
Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. 
What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? 
What could you ever trade your soul for?"


Go ahead, lose yourself!

Luke 6:24-25 (Message version)
"...it’s trouble ahead if you’re satisfied with yourself.
    Your self will not satisfy you for long."

Go ahead, lose yourself!

Ephesians 4:20-24 (NIV)
20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Go ahead, lose yourself!

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Jesus,
You lost yourself.  Your "God" self.  Your "Creator of the universe" self.
You became a human baby and went through every possible growing pain - for me.
You lived a perfect life - never doing anything wrong - ever - for me.
You volunteered to be cruelly crucified on a cross - for me.
You did this all - for me.
I need to, want to, must lose myself in You.
Help me to do just that.
Amen.
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What's the big deal about Jesus?

May I have your undevoted attention?

May I have your undevoted attention?
Oh - I already have it - great.

I thought that might be the case - given the blank stare.
Or maybe it was the surreptitious glances down at your phone (yes, I see it).

I am great at giving my undevoted attention.
Unfortunately - I am greatest at doing that to the people who are most important to me in my life.
I catch myself saying "uh-huh" or "yes, dear" or [nod in assent - as though I am actually listening and reacting to what you said].

Call it a short attention span or ADHD or easily distracted - it ends with the same result.

I am faced with asking only one question.  "What?!?"
NOW, you have my attention (and I just realized I don't know what you actually said).
But I'm listening now...

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Now - pivot this thought to my quality time with my God.
My sister shared a devotion with us this morning that caught/convicted me with this sentence.
"Study the Bible with greater diligence than any other activity of your day."

Really?
Greater diligence / focus / thoughtful consideration than...
...commuting to work?
...actively listening to my spouse or someone important in my life?
...proof-reading/validating my work before turning it in?

God's answer is a solid YES.
Time with Him is more important than anything else I could do today.
Reading my verse/chapter of the Bible is not a "check that off my to-do list" item.

Colossians 3:1-4

3 1-2 So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.

3-4 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.

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Lord,
What was it I was going to ask you?
Oh - yes - fix my eyes on You today.
Open my ears to hear you - this minute!
And stress to me the importance of spending distraction-free time with You in your Word.
What advice and guidance do you have for me today?
Shhh?  Stop?  Listen?
Amen.

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Stay 'til the end!

Have you been to a movie recently and had to answer the call of nature so urgently that you headed out just as the credits started rolling?

And then later you heard from someone about the "extra scene" with crucial plot information (usually setting up a sequel) that was saved until after the credits.

And you thought - "I should have stayed 'til the end"?

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Or the sporting event where many fans thought it was a lost cause.  
So they chose to beat the crowds in the parking lot and leave early.
Only to find out later that their team had pulled it all together and won?
They were definitely thinking - "I should have stayed 'til the end"!

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This Sunday in our sermon ("Jesus loves the Good Life") we heard about a young man who "should have stayed 'til the end".

The Bible recalls his story in three separate areas.
Matthew 19:16-26 | Mark 10:17-27 | Luke 18:18-29

A confident young man who "has it all" (it seems) comes to Jesus and asks what he has to do get to heaven - to be saved from any sin that he perhaps, maybe, might have committed.

Jesus recalls a few commandments and asks this young man if he's kept them.
Oh - yes - the young man is sure he has.  He's got those bases covered.

And then the kicker - just one more thing, Jesus says.
Take all of your wealth and give it to the poor - and then you will have treasure in heaven.
In other words - young man - what is REALLY the most important thing in your life?

In the Matthew and Mark telling of the story - we hear "At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.".

He should have "stayed 'til the end" - because Jesus went on to explain to those who were still gathered around him.

Mark 10:24-27

24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again,“Children, how hard it is[b] to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”

27 Jesus looked at them and said,“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Stay (in faith in Jesus Christ) 'til the end, my friend.
It's going to be AMAZING! 

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Lord - I am prone to wander off at the shiniest thing that grabs my attention.
I need your help to keep be steady, steadfast and true.
And to "stay 'til the end".
You've promised the most glorious ending - one that I can't even imagine.
Thank you!
Amen.

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

The Power of a Plan

(guest devotion from my brother Chris)

The Power of a Plan

One of the best planners I've ever worked with/for was also one of the most divisive and destructive leaders I've ever encountered.   It was as recent as last year that God opened my eyes to allow me to fully appreciate just how much there is to learn from "bad" leaders.  But that's a discussion for another devotion. (Or someday perhaps a book or two!)  Today, I'd like to talk about one of this leader's amazing strengths; Organization and planning.

We aren't all as blessed as Solomon was when his father David documented in detail the clearly defined plan of God in a manner that made it virtually impossible to fail.  The building plans, documented.  The materials and resources, arranged.  The labor, both front line and management, identified.  In 1 Chronicles 29:19-21 we read, "19 “All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.”

20 David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished. 21 The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing person skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command.”"

It will be the rare, if ever occurrence, that a plan this well imagined and realized will be handed to us.  In most cases, we're on our own.  Back to the example I mentioned earlier...

He once led us through a 4 day, 10 hour/day exercise where every single hour spent, led logically to the next.  When we were recapping the accomplishments of that week on the final day it was incomprehensible that everything we'd done, every conversation we'd had, every exercise we'd completed brought us to exactly where this leader had intended us to be.

I don't know about you, but I sometimes struggle to deliver an intelligent hour long meeting for my team, and this man had managed to turn a mountainous task and turn it into something manageable; without us even knowing it.

How?  Planning and organization.  He put in the time...not just a little; a LOT!  After that meeting, I asked him what the secret was to leading such effective meetings.  In a nutshell, here's what he told me.
1)  It's bigger than you...no matter what "it" is.  Don't be so full of yourself that you forget to reach out to others.  Ask questions, get others involved.  Go to the experts.  You'll never regret doing this.

2) Know what it is you want to accomplish.  The answer can't be "We want to have a meeting..."  Meetings aren't accomplishments, they're tools to be used to drive accomplishments.  Know where it is you're going and then map backwards to get to the beginning.

3) Put in the time.  I was dumbfounded when I learned just how much time this leader had put into preparation for this nearly week long session.  Care to guess?  3 work weeks.  Something he said has stuck with me since then; "For every hour you plan on meeting, you need to spend at least 2 hours planning and preparing."  REALLY?  Who's got time for this, right?  If excellence in planning is our goal, we need to MAKE the time.

There's much more to being an excellent planner and, as noted above, this leader fell FAR short in many other areas, but I believe God crossed our paths so that I could gain invaluable insight into what it takes to be an excellent planner.

So let's apply this to something more important that leading a work meeting; our faith life.

It is bigger than me.  The expert is the Author of all things and His word is my infallible source of all truth.

What I want to accomplish is an eternity in Heaven with my Father and my Savior.  My place has been purchased and my salvation earned, but I must ensure that I do not allow my sinful ways to steal this gift from me.

Finally, I must put in the time to study, to grow, to learn; daily.  Time in worship, both publicly and privately, is a critical component to my faith journey; starting with confession and prayer and centering always on You and Your word.

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

You've got a friend in me

(Guest devotion from my brother Chris)
You've Got a Friend in Me

If you're anything like me (I'm sorry), the title of this devotion instantly brought Randy Newman's one of a kind voice into your head singing the theme song to Disney Pixar's movie "Toy Story".   For those who haven't seen the movie, first I question where you've been and how you've managed to escape this classic, but more importantly, it's a timeless tale about friendship, growing up, sticking together and learning to trust each other.  Andy, the main human character, is a boy who loves his toys, his favorite being his cowboy doll named "Woody".  Normalcy and routine are thrown to the wind when "Buzz Lightyear" a futuristic space ranger action figure appears on the scene; Andy's latest birthday present.  Eventually, Andy learns to love both toys and Buzz and Woody become the best of friends and life is golden (until the sequel).

The focus of our Monday devotion this week was friendship in the workplace and the benefits that comes from promoting such relationships.  While the "riding off into the sunset" part of the Hollywood version of friendship stories like Toy Story may not always be realistic, the benefits of caring for and sharing with others IS real and tangible and scientifically proven to improve health, well being and attitude.

So, how does one go about establishing a work friendship you ask?   I'm glad you asked, because this devotion would need to be a short one if you hadn't... :)

1) As with all things - begin with God.  If you're seeking a friend @ work and haven't yet found one, seek God's guidance through prayer.  Not just once, but continual and ongoing prayer.  Be specific in your prayer and in what you ask for.  God invites and commands us to ask for the things we want in prayer.  He WILL bless your efforts in His time and according to His plan.

2) Be patient -  Friendships don't spring up overnight.  They are often the results of unplanned circumstances.  Assigned seating at a class or seminar.  Mixed up mail deliveries.  Having to ride share with strangers.  Joining a bible study or other group.  Remember, friendships aren't a "just add water" endeavor.  The strongest friendships are often forged through much work, perhaps hardship and selfless work.

3) Take it back to God.  In EVERY human relationship, because we are sinful, there will be conflict, hardships, heartache etc...  Keep God inyour relationship and ask him often to bless both of you, especially when hard times come.  Friendships based on shared beliefs, prayer and faith are deeper, richer and more fulfilling for both parties.

This list is by no means comprehensive, but if you're in a place where you simply don't feel your seach for friendship has met with the success you'd hoped for, consider taking it to God for his guidance, insight and assistance.

1 Samuel 20:42 highlights one of the bible's most beautiful and enduring friendships betwee David and Johnathan.  "Johnathan said to David "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying "The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever."..."

What's your favorite bible friendship?  Mine is the friendship between Jesus and Lazarus, a friendship so deep that it lead Jesus to tears when Lazarus passed away. 

But even more important and powerful and endearing is the friendship our Savior Jesus shared with us when he reached out His arms, allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross and bore the weight of our sins in order to purchase an eternity in heaven for us.  Arms outstretched as if to say, "You've got a friend in me!  I will NEVER fail you, NEVER cause you stress, NEVER break your heart.  You've got a friend in me!"

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

When statistics get real

I saw this article about Texas maternal mortality on USA Today.

"The rate of maternal mortality in Texas spiked from 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2010 to more than 30 per 100,000 in 2011 and remained over 30 per 100,000 through 2014, according to a recent study in the medical journal Obstetrics and Gynecology. That’s significantly higher than Italy (2.1 deaths per 100,000 live births), Japan (3.3) and France (5.5), and more in line with Mexico (38.9) or Turkey and Chile (15.2), according to World Health Organization statistics.

Across the USA, the rate of maternal deaths also  jumped from 18.8 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 23.8 in 2014 – a 27% jump, the study showed."

Just numbers, right?
And then it gets real.

My son came home from work Friday with a small black ribbon on his uniform.  He's not supposed to wear any extra attachments to his uniform so he said "I"ll bet you're wondering why this is on my shirt".

A co-worker (one of the kitchen crew) had gone into the hospital due to complications with her pregnancy.  
Both the baby and mother died.
The joyful expected event is gone and replaced family tragedy.
The numbers get real.
Texas maternal mortality rate just rose.

Aside: Want to help?

This leads us to wonder - if God is almighty - why did this happen?

Pastor Patterson answered it well in a sermon to us in July - "If God is almighty, why is there evil and suffering?".  It's well worth a listen or a watching.
Bible Reference: Romans 5:6-9, 12, 20b-21

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Lord,
This reminds me that statistics (like "1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men will personally deal with cancer in their lifetime") will get real for me.
When it does - turn my attention away from myself and the pit of self-pity to You and your grace.
And to what is really real.
Your promise to me that heaven (perfection like I can't even imagine) is in my future.
Amen.
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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Confused and confused-er

I am a Christian.
What does that mean?
Is it just that I'm trying to be a good person - following in the footsteps of my ultimate role model - Jesus Christ?
That's what I read in 1 John 2:6 (NIV) - "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did."

But I'm also a sinful human being.
I'm trying to "live as Jesus did".
I'm failing miserably.
I'm confused.

I live in this world.
This world tells me to "believe in myself".
It tells me that if I just do that - I can do anything!
It's "me first" all the way.

But when it's "me first" I just head into the darkness.
1 John 2:9-11 (Message)
"Anyone who claims to live in God’s light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark. It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. But whoever hates is still in the dark, stumbles around in the dark, doesn’t know which end is up, blinded by the darkness."

I'm confused-er.
Darkness or light?
Jesus first or me first?
Am I trying hard enough?  Am I good enough?

And then I read 1 John 2:12-14 (NIV) and get peace, comfort and clarity.
"I am writing to you, dear children,
    because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
I am writing to you, fathers,
    because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
    because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, dear children,
    because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
    because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
    because you are strong,
    and the word of God lives in you,
    and you have overcome the evil one."

I AM a Christian.
I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
He gave up his divine nature and became human - so he could live a perfect life and die for me to save me from my sin.
I'm not perfect.  It's OK.
Jesus was and is so I don't have to be.

I still don't fully "get it".
I can't - because I'm a sinful human being.
My brains not capable of making it all make logical worldly sense.
And that's OK, too.
It only makes sense to me now because of the faith that the Holy Spirit has knit it into my heart.

Are you confused?
Is this all nonsense to you?
Let me introduce you to my friend, my Savior, my Jesus.

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Know Jesus, know peace.
No Jesus, no peace.
Amen.
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What's the big deal about Jesus?