St. Patrick: The Rest of the Story (Part 3)

The captive becomes the captor.

Captured St. Patrick had come to appreciate the Irish people, all the while still serving as slave. He eventually escaped back home to England. But not to stay. Patrick felt that he needed to go back and walk among the very people who had enslaved him. He wanted them to know Jesus like he did. To be changed, freed, and experience real peace and joy.  He would now be the captor, capturing these people with the good news of Jesus Christ. He studied for the priesthood and got permission to go back to Ireland despite the protests of his family and some church superiors. Places like Ireland were isolated from the Roman Empire, and church officials knew little about the people there other than that they weren't Roman, were fierce in battle, were known to practice human sacrifice and carried the heads of their defeated enemies around on their belts. They were a tough crowd, to say the least. But while the Roman church knew little about the Irish Celts, Patrick did know them and knew them well. Throughout the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes in his letters that he never got tired of being captured by Jesus. Recall that he previously imprisoned and murdered Christians. One day Jesus appeared to him in a bright light, knocked him off his horse, and blinded him. After some reflection, Paul believed in Jesus. The captor became captive, though Jesus healed him of his blindness. Later in his missionary travels, Paul suffered much for the gospel, including imprisonment.  Later, he would write, "So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace" (2 Timothy 1:8,9).  Though the Roman empire captured him, Paul considers himself captured by the Lord. He always did. That it what allowed him to suffer so much and survive. More than that, to lead people to Jesus.  Sometimes, it is your connection to Jesus during times of stress and something that people notice. Or your willingness to deal with difficult people in a loving way.  PRAYER: Dear Jesus, capture my soul today. Take me away from sin, away from my limited thinking and lies I believe, away from my temptations and people who lead me astray. Capture my heart, my mind and my strength. Make me your prisoner, and as you do, I will tell others how great it is! What freedom, peace and joy! Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: Read 2 Timothy 1:8-14. How can you suffer for the gospel, just like Paul (v. 8)? How does v. 9 emphasize that being saved, and being called to a holy life, is by grace? How did Paul feel about suffering, even as he was trying to do a good thing for God (v. 12)? Where is God the Holy Spirit right now (v. 14)? Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron pastordaron@crosslifepf.org 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

St. Patrick: The Rest of the Story (Part 2)

Seeing people differently.

Jesus Glasses "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view" (2 Corinthians 5:16). There's a video of a man having a bad day. People around him just make life difficult for him, beginning with his own family during the morning routine, then the neighbor kid in his way as he's backing out of the driveway, then idiot drivers on the road, then inept coworkers, and the frustrations go on. He mysteriously receives a pair of glasses and the next day he tries them on. The same difficult people do the same irritating things to him, but with these mysterious glasses on, he sees things differently. He sees people differently. His teenage daughter ignoring her chores while glued to her phone—she's being bullied online. The man who pulled in front of him in traffic—he's on his way to the pharmacy for his wife, a bit distracted by the terminal cancer diagnosis she just received.  You have those glasses. They've been given to you as the revealed, miraculous truths about Jesus. The more you see Jesus by faith, the more you "put him on," then the more you see through him and notice things you didn't see before. Things about people. Difficult people. Patrick later wrote in his Confession, "After I reached Ireland I used to pasture the flock each day and I used to pray many times a day. More and more did the love of God, and my fear of him and faith increase, and my spirit was moved so that in a day [I said] from one up to a hundred prayers, and in the night a like number; besides I used to stay out in the forests and on the mountain and I would wake up before daylight to pray in the snow, in icy coldness, in rain, and I used to feel neither ill nor any slothfulness, because, as I now see, the Spirit was burning in me at that time." He was seeing Jesus, and then he started seeing through Jesus. He began to love his Irish captors, and identify them not as the barbarians most Romans considered them to be but as people who need Jesus. He learned their language and culture, understood their own view of the world and their religion. Patrick dealt with difficult people by first dealing with himself. Turns out, the people weren't so difficult after all.  PRAYER: Dear Jesus, you love everybody. I am going to cross paths today with some difficult people. I need to wear my Jesus glasses to remember that you love them. And because you love them, I can love them, too. Thank you for loving me as I develop better eyes to see you and see through you. Thank you for the people in my life who give me grace and patiently put up with me because I, too, am a difficult person. Oh, how you love us all! Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. With what words does v. 14 state the truth that Jesus loves everybody? How does v. 15 explain the phrase, "I live for an audience of One"? The gospel appears in vv. 16-21 as creation, reconciliation and substitution. Meditate on those truths as you consider this question: how does this change my opinion of myself? Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron pastordaron@crosslifepf.org 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

St. Patrick: The Rest of the Story (Part 1)

A goal for Bible knowledge.

Experience the truth Now that your green wardrobe choices are buried again in the back of the closet, I'm going to reflect on St. Patrick. Why was he so important? What was his real impact on the history of the world? Somewhere in northeastern England, which was near the edge of the Roman Empire, lived a young man named Patricius (later known as Patrick). He was born into Roman Britain aristocratic family in the late fourth century.  Even though this grandfather was a priest, church life and practicing Christianity was a marginal priority for his family. Patrick learned biblical truths, but didn't really practice them. Actually, he rebelled against religion like many other youth. When he was 16 years old, a band of Celtic pirates sailed from Ireland and raided his hometown. The Irish were interested in capturing people to serve as slaves on their pagan island, and Patrick himself was taken there, far from home. He was sold to a tribal chieftain named Miliuc, and forced to shepherd cattle out in the hills. Not the life any 16-year-old dreams about. As a matter of fact, it was quite lonely and dangerous, as he was constantly exposed to the wind and wintery weather, given little food and clothing, and expected to protect Miliuc's cattle from predators and thieves.  It was then that Patrick begin to pray to the God he knew about, but hadn't really known.  Like the prodigal son who didn't appreciate his father, but only his father's things, Patrick hadn't appreciated God. He hadn't developed a loving relationship with Jesus. But desperation changed that.  The Bible is filled with accounts of marginally religious people humbled by troubling circumstances, only to draw closer to God and learn this: the closer you are to Jesus, the less desperate your circumstances really are. Bigger Jesus = smaller problems. "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees" (Psalm 119:71). There's a difference between knowing truth, learning truth, experiencing truth, and then living truth. By the mysterious grace of God mercifully drawing Patrick near by pushing him away from home, and church, and the comfortable life, Patrick was maturing through this process. Oh, how desperately Jesus seeks your soul, your attentive inner life, your heart of passionate love that beats for him. Pain and trouble are his servants, and he uses them as a growing opportunity for you to come closer to him. PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I want to praise you in the storm. I want you to be bigger and closer, so that when problems confront me they are smaller and less threatening. Mercifully, you want that, too! Forgive my marginally religious life of little faith. Open my eyes to see you reaching for, seeking, and desiring me through my troubles. I need your Holy Spirit this week to walk with me, teach me, and show me not just your truth, but you. Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: Even Jesus, the all-knowing Son of God, learned by experience what he didn't fully appreciate before. Read Hebrews 5:7-9. Where do you see Jesus' desperation in these words? What caused him to mature in his experience of truth? And notice how the Bible calls us to do the same. What problems can bring you closer to Jesus this week? Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron pastordaron@crosslifepf.org 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

Peter is blessed like you

by the only Christ and Savior.

The Christ We hear a lot of complimentary titles for Jesus these days. Benevolent fraternal organizations refer to him as the architect of the universe. Counselors suggest him as a wonderful friend. World religions agree that he's a great prophet. Your friend at work invokes him as an inspirational teacher.  These identities of Jesus aren't really saying anything bad about Jesus. But neither are they saying enough. Jesus once asked his disciples who they thought he was and …"Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God'" (Matthew 16:16). To say that Jesus is the Christ is to mean that nobody else in all the universe completes the crossword puzzle of prophecies in the Old Testament cluing the world into the exact identity of the Savior. That's quite an exclusive claim!  Peter is saying that John the Baptist isn't a Savior, Elijah isn't a Savior, Moses and the prophets aren't a Savior. If you agree then you're saying that Allah isn't a Savior, Buddha isn't a Savior, Mohammed isn't a Savior, Peter isn't a Savior, Mary isn't a Savior, and certainly some nondescript and mystically spiritual force isn't a Savior.  Jesus is "the Christ," literally "the anointed one," appointed and authorized by God as the only qualified Savior.  Jesus replied to Simon Peter, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah," (note here that Peter had commented on Jesus' lineage and now Jesus comments on Peter's lineage) "for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood but by my Father in heaven" (Matthew 16:17). In one statement of both condemnation and commendation, Jesus makes Peter a promise that he is blessed. Why?  He's blessed in spite of the fact that his human lineage makes him a sinner by birth. Peter's conviction is in no way the product of his own reason, superior intellect, meritorious quality in himself or outstanding effort.  Are you the exception to this grace for some reason? Is it true what your conscience whispers to you during a sleepless night that you're just not good enough for Jesus to care about, listen to, help, and forgive? To be honest, Peter – the almost drowning, often disagreeing, three times denying disciple – wasn't good enough either. Jesus reveals his saving love not to those who are so "good" they don't need it but to those who aren't good enough.  That's Peter. That's you. "Blessed are you," Jesus says to you, delighted to be not just the Christ of the world but your personal Savior. The only Christ and Savior. PRAYER: Christ, my Savior, make my witness as bold and clear as Peter's confession and testimony. When I have my doubts as to your loyalty then take me to the cross where you proved your love for me and won my forgiveness forever. Be a Savior to all those in this world who look with false security and empty hope to idols or religious figures who cannot save them from sin and guilt. Use me as your witness today. Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: Take time this weekend to watch this 5-minute video called The Messiah https://youtu.be/3dEh25pduQ8. What did it help you appreciate about Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) in a new way?    Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron pastordaron@crosslifepf.org 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

Five areas of focus for work/life balance

and how Lent can help.

Focus Smartphones, wifi, email, Alexa, social media, and hands free driving create incredible ability and desire (Fear Of Missing Out) for constant access. Whatever "work" is for you (employment, classwork, structured family need, position in community group, even an ongoing member ministry position at church) it will not shut off easily. Here are 5 warning signs of imbalance and lack of focus … Availability replaces accessibility. You check work email during non-work hours, always available instead of simply being accessible should a crisis arise. Unhealthy eating and drinking habits as your reaction to stress. Donuts at the office because you deserve a break. Skipping meals then binge eating at night while binge watching Netflix or ESPN. Waking up during the night ruminating about work. Usually because you schedule work calls or check work email right before bed. Fatigue, feeling sluggish, low energy. Healthy fitness, nutrition and sleep habits usually prevent this, but if you don't have the time for healthy habits then the unhealthy consequences take over. So you just ingest more caffeine. Bad idea. That creates dehydration, which is a primary cause of daytime fatigue.  People say, "You look tired … Are you okay? … Where have you been? … How come you don't hang out anymore?"1 The season of Lent is a season of focus. During our Midweek Meditation last night at our church, we focused on fasting and also Lent's favorite number: forty. They're related.  We identified 7 particular periods of 40 days/years in the Bible, and each of them helped to focus somebody more intensely on God, his Word, his presence, and his purpose.  Along those lines, the discipline of fasting (intentionally going without food for a period of time) provides focus and clarity. "I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting" (Psalm 35:13). Going without an essential need realigns and resets our essentials. Jesus himself fasted in the wilderness when he was being tempted. For 40 days. It helped him focus on his Father's words of life, assurances of promise, and glorious plan of salvation. Jesus focused for you. How can you fast from the extra demands and accepted pressures of work, and focus on the essentials of God's words of life, assurances of promise, and glorious plan of salvation? PRAYER: Dear Jesus, your focus, passion and zeal to save me and please your Father is my only hope. I confess that I've neglected you, shrunk from my responsibilities, and given into the lies of shame and guilt holding me back. By myself, I can't focus on you the right way. You are my Savior. Your dedication to me, and disciplined work on my behalf are the mercy I need. Thank you. I know that you love me and forgive me. I love you, too. I need your help so that I love you more than work, more than pleasing people, and more than the thrill of productivity. Teach me the joy of pleasing you and being productive for your kingdom. Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: Read these episodes of 40 in the Bible. Slow down. Ask questions like, "How does going without an essential need realign and reset essentials?" Look for focus. Pray about each episode. And don't forget to thank God for his work in your life. Genesis 7:17 Exodus 34:28 1 Kings 19:8 Numbers 13:25 Deuteronomy 8:2,3 1 Samuel 17:16 Luke 4:2 1  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-signs-your-work-life-scale-off-balance-chris-cooper/ Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron pastordaron@crosslifepf.org 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

Man who tries to cash $50K check

from God is arrested.

Counterfeit Kevin Russell tried to cash a check that was signed by "King Savior, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Servant." Payable for $50,000. He was arrested. The police detective on the scene explained, "I've heard about God giving out eternal life, but this is the first time I've heard of him giving out cash."1 Not bad theology. And a lesson for us all. When you want something from God, make sure it's something that he has actually promised to give. Like eternal life and a long list of many other blessings such as forgiveness, peace, strength to do his will, contentment, security, daily bread, answer to prayers, and plans for a future. Just to name a few. God doesn't promise to give you $50,000. Or the exact career you think you need. Or someone to marry and settle down and have a family. Or a big, shiny truck. Or perfect health. God doesn't speak from the skies and give you information about which lottery numbers to choose, how to make an ethical decision about filing taxes, or when to stop watching Netflix for the night.  God communicates much, much more clearly than that! In print. In the laws and teachings of the Bible. So he told Joshua, a new leader for God's people, to look there and he'd be more than informed. He'd be equipped with courage, prosperity and strength. And he'd find it all in God's clear words of Scripture. "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7-9).  Focus on the real promises and guidance of God. Believe in them with a faith that doesn't always understand, but does trust God's Word even when it disagrees with your opinion.  That's how you know that God goes with you wherever you go. PRAYER: God, make what you want to give me the very thing that I want. Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: Meditate on the words above in Joshua 1:7-9. If Joshua commits himself to the words of God, what will happen? What won't happen? Say a prayer using the PRAY acronym. Praise (tell God what you appreciate about his clear word) Repent (tell God about your sinful neglect of his word or disagreement, trust in his stated promises of forgiveness) Ask (go ahead, think big, or focus on a small detail, God wants to hear it all—what do you need to better grab onto his words and live with courage and strength?) Yield (talk to God about the next step after you say "Amen," how you want faith to lead the way, how you are willing to be part of his answer and see it develop for your good) 1(Yahoo! News, Feb 28, 2007) Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron pastordaron@crosslifepf.org 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

Jesus bridges the gap

as our Mediator, High Priest and Intercessor

Temple Ancient and modern religions all have a temple. Different sizes, forms and user interactions to be sure—but all provide the same function. They bridge the gap. Humans know by nature the expansive chasm between us and the divine (Romans 1:20, Psalm 19:1). God is big and we are small. God is holy and we are flawed.  Temples are what people use to bridge that gap. Some temples are buildings that display elaborate, intricate designs representing a god. Others aren't buildings, but connecting mindfully with the god of nature to experience transcendence above humanity's limitations and complications. Others ensure rituals and sacrifices are performed to please a god. All these are man-made designs to connect with the divine. All human efforts to bridge the gap are, well, human and since we're flawed they will be flawed. Unsuccessful. They might feel good, give us a sense of accomplishment, or connect us with a wide variety of historic practices. But they're just too human to reach God. Christianity says, "God bridges the gap!" He creates the temple, and it is himself. God as "go-between" is often called the temple, the mediator, even the great high priest (John 2:19, 1 Timothy 2:5).  Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess … Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 So God truly is not only the God on the other side, but the God who comes near and bridges the gap to himself. He is the bridge. PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank you for being the bridge and connecting me to God. Thank you for being God, who became human, and intervened for me. Be my temple and great high priest, and draw me near so that I approach God with new appreciation. I pray for your mercy and grace to help me hold firmly to this faith. Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: Watch this video about heaven and earth meeting in a temple https://youtu.be/Zy2AQlK6C5k.  Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron pastordaron@crosslifepf.org 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.