Andrew was had one of the most honest and intellectual questions lately. He told me that he was frustrated because he knows that God can hear him, but he can’t hear God’s voice. The first time he shared this with me last week, my heart sank—I don’t want my child struggling to find God’s voice—I don’t want him to struggle with his relationship with Jesus. But it is such a fantastic question.
Previously, I told him that God was talking to him whenever there was a lightning storm. God’s voice came in the thunder and is saying, “I love you Andrew”. That seemed to calm him during the storm. Yesterday—he said as we went over the question again—he knows he can hear God’s voice in thunder but is frustrated that he can’t understand it.
How many of us know God talks to us, but are frustrated that he can’t understand him or can’t hear his voice (or are unable to recognize his voice between the noises of this world and our life). If the naiveté of a 4-year-old is struggling with this concept, how much more are we?
Yesterday, I think I had a break-through with him. I told him God speaks in many ways to us—particularly through the Bible (God’s words). However, what sparked his interested is that I told him that sometimes God speaks to me through him (Andrew) and vice-versa. He liked that idea, so I think is mulling that over. But than he asked, how can I hear God’s voice when he is in my heart. How do you answer that question? It seems to me that answer that question is the question itself. If God is in your heart—your life is transformed to respond to God and to be directed by him.
Lord, may you grant Andrew and Joshua the ability to hear your voice. May they hear you speak and recognize your words. May they be faithful children to you. May they grow deeper in love with you.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Joy vs. "Like"
"constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. . . . dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear. . . . Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel," (Philippians 1:4, 14, 27)
Joy. I often lack joy—the joy of knowing the good news; the joy of being in the good news; the joy of sharing the good news. It is not about the reward of seeing people respond to the good news. The joy is being in the good news.
Why do we in our culture fear sharing, particularly verbalizing the good news? It should be joy. Yet, we feel it as a burden. We don’t want to offend. We don’t want to be disliked. We rather have people “like” us then to bask in the joy and glory of the good news.
Imagine if God was more interested in people “liking” him than loving him—or being just. Imagine Jesus more interested in being like than willing to die on the cross.
Joy. I often lack joy—the joy of knowing the good news; the joy of being in the good news; the joy of sharing the good news. It is not about the reward of seeing people respond to the good news. The joy is being in the good news.
Why do we in our culture fear sharing, particularly verbalizing the good news? It should be joy. Yet, we feel it as a burden. We don’t want to offend. We don’t want to be disliked. We rather have people “like” us then to bask in the joy and glory of the good news.
Imagine if God was more interested in people “liking” him than loving him—or being just. Imagine Jesus more interested in being like than willing to die on the cross.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Absolute Truth of Scriptures
"I (Jesus) have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world." (John 17:14, NRSV)
"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17, NRSV)
"“I (Jesus) ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word," (John 17:20, NRSV)
Truth can be a slippery thing in today’s world. People don’t like it when we assert something is absolute or certain or as truth. Ironically, have you ever listen to how many people use the word, “absolutely.” Even people that are relativism use the word, “absolutely” in their conversations. I challenge you to listen for that word. It is astonishing how much you will hear it in everyday conversations.
I think most people use that word because they feel they need to overemphasize their position, or they really don’t have a good defense. There seems to be an insecurity with people in regards to the commonness of the usage of “absolutely.” I have tried to limit my use of the word. Not that I don’t believe in absolutes or truth, but when I use the word, I want people to take notice and realize that I really believe what I am saying and I don’t take casually the absoluteness of the Truth.
In Jesus’ pray for this disciples and the church just before his arrest, he talks again about the given of the word. Jesus has given us the good word—the word that is Truth. The word is not casual or common, the word is from God and this word is like no other word—it is life-changing. In the beginning of his gospel, John points out that Jesus is the Word, and the Word is God. Here, John continues along this theme but also develops they idea, the Jesus has given us himself and his message—his word, so we may proclaim Him, the Word to the world.
Jesus declares the Word as Truth—previously John identifies Jesus as the Word, and Jesus identifies himself as the Truth. Beyond just the obvious declaration that the absolute Truth is personified, Jesus states that it is the message that he is given the Apostles to proclaim is the Truth.
The scriptures (the Bible) that we have today are the Truth, not because we declare them, but because they are the testimony and word that Jesus handed down to the Apostles. The scriptures get their authority not from the church, but from Jesus—the Truth, who hands the responsibility and word (message) to his Apostles.
Simply put Jesus is the Truth. Jesus is the Word. Jesus passes the Word which is truth to his Apostles. His Apostles proclaim the Word is Truth to the World. Eventually they write down the Word (the message) which was given to them by Jesus in the Scriptures. Therefore the Scripture that we have being inspired by the Holy Spirit—is the Word and the Truth. I that I declare to you is Absolute.
"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17, NRSV)
"“I (Jesus) ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word," (John 17:20, NRSV)
Truth can be a slippery thing in today’s world. People don’t like it when we assert something is absolute or certain or as truth. Ironically, have you ever listen to how many people use the word, “absolutely.” Even people that are relativism use the word, “absolutely” in their conversations. I challenge you to listen for that word. It is astonishing how much you will hear it in everyday conversations.
I think most people use that word because they feel they need to overemphasize their position, or they really don’t have a good defense. There seems to be an insecurity with people in regards to the commonness of the usage of “absolutely.” I have tried to limit my use of the word. Not that I don’t believe in absolutes or truth, but when I use the word, I want people to take notice and realize that I really believe what I am saying and I don’t take casually the absoluteness of the Truth.
In Jesus’ pray for this disciples and the church just before his arrest, he talks again about the given of the word. Jesus has given us the good word—the word that is Truth. The word is not casual or common, the word is from God and this word is like no other word—it is life-changing. In the beginning of his gospel, John points out that Jesus is the Word, and the Word is God. Here, John continues along this theme but also develops they idea, the Jesus has given us himself and his message—his word, so we may proclaim Him, the Word to the world.
Jesus declares the Word as Truth—previously John identifies Jesus as the Word, and Jesus identifies himself as the Truth. Beyond just the obvious declaration that the absolute Truth is personified, Jesus states that it is the message that he is given the Apostles to proclaim is the Truth.
The scriptures (the Bible) that we have today are the Truth, not because we declare them, but because they are the testimony and word that Jesus handed down to the Apostles. The scriptures get their authority not from the church, but from Jesus—the Truth, who hands the responsibility and word (message) to his Apostles.
Simply put Jesus is the Truth. Jesus is the Word. Jesus passes the Word which is truth to his Apostles. His Apostles proclaim the Word is Truth to the World. Eventually they write down the Word (the message) which was given to them by Jesus in the Scriptures. Therefore the Scripture that we have being inspired by the Holy Spirit—is the Word and the Truth. I that I declare to you is Absolute.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
The In-Between Places
"Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is He whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ." (Colossians 1:27b-28, NRSV)
"Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters," (Colossians 3:23, NRSV)
The task of discipleship—Paul takes serious is role as a shepherd. He goes into communities to proclaim Christ, build relationships, build up leaders, and then He continues to shepherd them with letters when he is away (even when he is in jail).
Paul states his tasks as (1) proclaiming, (2) warning, (3) teaching—but the goal is to present everyone mature in Christ. This means that it is a process. Maturity just doesn’t happen—it takes someone to point you the way to maturity. It takes effort and time by the shepherd to lead someone to maturity.
We miss that in the church today. Most churches view discipleship or church participation as individualistic. It is up to the individual to find what they need or maturity. We are told to go to Sunday school, Sunday service, read the bible pray—well, who is making sure that we do those things, who is present us. And conversely—who are we presenting. Discipleship is about community.
Discipleship (leading someone to maturity) doesn’t happen in Sunday school, bible study, prayer, or service, it happens in the spaces in-between those things. All those things are helpful and important and certainly a part of discipleship, but true maturity comes in the in-between spaces. The life on life encounters with a mentor (shepherd, discipler).
Then Paul tells us to put ourselves into the task as if we are doing it for the Lord. Dive in wholehearted into the task that God has given us. The task of making disciples, the task of presenting people mature in Christ.
"Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters," (Colossians 3:23, NRSV)
The task of discipleship—Paul takes serious is role as a shepherd. He goes into communities to proclaim Christ, build relationships, build up leaders, and then He continues to shepherd them with letters when he is away (even when he is in jail).
Paul states his tasks as (1) proclaiming, (2) warning, (3) teaching—but the goal is to present everyone mature in Christ. This means that it is a process. Maturity just doesn’t happen—it takes someone to point you the way to maturity. It takes effort and time by the shepherd to lead someone to maturity.
We miss that in the church today. Most churches view discipleship or church participation as individualistic. It is up to the individual to find what they need or maturity. We are told to go to Sunday school, Sunday service, read the bible pray—well, who is making sure that we do those things, who is present us. And conversely—who are we presenting. Discipleship is about community.
Discipleship (leading someone to maturity) doesn’t happen in Sunday school, bible study, prayer, or service, it happens in the spaces in-between those things. All those things are helpful and important and certainly a part of discipleship, but true maturity comes in the in-between spaces. The life on life encounters with a mentor (shepherd, discipler).
Then Paul tells us to put ourselves into the task as if we are doing it for the Lord. Dive in wholehearted into the task that God has given us. The task of making disciples, the task of presenting people mature in Christ.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Santification: The Will of God
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-6, ESV)
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22, ESV)
I have a little mantra that I give to my flock over and over again about the will of God. The universal will of God for everyone is quite simple. Love God! Love Neighbor! Tell people about Jesus! Okay, that really is an over-simplification, but I think it communicates the point clearly.
The most important thing we need to do in our life is to Love God, glorify him in all things. The Westminster Shorter Catechism stands it wonderfully in the first question, “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” This is end game: the glory of God. So therefore in order to glorify God we love each other and our neighbors. We show God’s love in this world. We allow Holy Spirit of God to work through us to demonstrate this love. And the best way to love this world is to share the good news that Jesus Christ, who was crucified, is risen. We need to tell people about Jesus so they to might understand the purpose of life is to glorify God.
It is a cute little mantra and I think helps people understand some difficult concepts and moves them away from the distracting and sometimes paralyzing question of “what is God’s will for my life?” The answer, of course, is to glorify God.
I love what Paul says in his letter to the Thessalonians as we expounds more fully on the will of God for them. Paul writes an encouraging letter to the community of faith—basically thanking them for keeping the faith and being an example of love to the community. He further encourages them and points out the God is not done with them yet. That God’s will is to continue to perfect them (sanctification) in this life so that they can further glorify him. God will continue to work in them to move them away from evil and the lusts of this world. Then Paul states clearly do not quench the Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that is wanting and doing this work in us—let us not get in the way of God’s will of sanctification for us.
Let us not get in the way of God’s will for us. Let us not get in the way of God’s work. Instead let us join in it by rejoicing always and praying without ceasing.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22, ESV)
I have a little mantra that I give to my flock over and over again about the will of God. The universal will of God for everyone is quite simple. Love God! Love Neighbor! Tell people about Jesus! Okay, that really is an over-simplification, but I think it communicates the point clearly.
The most important thing we need to do in our life is to Love God, glorify him in all things. The Westminster Shorter Catechism stands it wonderfully in the first question, “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” This is end game: the glory of God. So therefore in order to glorify God we love each other and our neighbors. We show God’s love in this world. We allow Holy Spirit of God to work through us to demonstrate this love. And the best way to love this world is to share the good news that Jesus Christ, who was crucified, is risen. We need to tell people about Jesus so they to might understand the purpose of life is to glorify God.
It is a cute little mantra and I think helps people understand some difficult concepts and moves them away from the distracting and sometimes paralyzing question of “what is God’s will for my life?” The answer, of course, is to glorify God.
I love what Paul says in his letter to the Thessalonians as we expounds more fully on the will of God for them. Paul writes an encouraging letter to the community of faith—basically thanking them for keeping the faith and being an example of love to the community. He further encourages them and points out the God is not done with them yet. That God’s will is to continue to perfect them (sanctification) in this life so that they can further glorify him. God will continue to work in them to move them away from evil and the lusts of this world. Then Paul states clearly do not quench the Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that is wanting and doing this work in us—let us not get in the way of God’s will of sanctification for us.
Let us not get in the way of God’s will for us. Let us not get in the way of God’s work. Instead let us join in it by rejoicing always and praying without ceasing.
Monday, May 15, 2006
The folly of Belief Righteousness
"Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel," (2 Timothy 2:8, NIV)
"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:1, NIV)
Jesus, raised from the Dead—this is the good news. What I love about Paul is his unrelenting reliance on the grace of God. Paul emphasizes over and over again it is all about what Jesus (God in flesh) has done and will do. It has not about us, but a dependence on God alone.
We cannot earn our salvation, we cannot earn a relationship with the Holy God, but we can receive it when it is freely given. We cannot not even choose to accept it, unless God allows His Spirit in us to accept His grace (what? Does that mean I cannot choose to accept Jesus?) Well—basically yes. We cannot choose, because we are unholy. The gift of God is about what He does, not what we do. Therefore works righteousness is not just a matter of trying to do the right things to earn God’s approval and salvation—but belief righteousness is someone trying to believe in the right things to earn salvation.
Keep in mind—orthodoxy (right thinking) is important. But God’s grace is just that grace. We don’t suddenly believe the right beliefs—God works through us to accept him and confess Jesus with our lips. We are transformed by the Spirit to confess the Truth of Jesus Christ and receiving the Good News that Jesus is raised from the dead.
It is not about what we believe, but who resides in us and what he has done for us.
This doesn’t mean all beliefs are equal—far from it—there is only one Truth and He is Jesus. We just don’t earn our salvation by believing it, we are given it. That is grace!
"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:1, NIV)
Jesus, raised from the Dead—this is the good news. What I love about Paul is his unrelenting reliance on the grace of God. Paul emphasizes over and over again it is all about what Jesus (God in flesh) has done and will do. It has not about us, but a dependence on God alone.
We cannot earn our salvation, we cannot earn a relationship with the Holy God, but we can receive it when it is freely given. We cannot not even choose to accept it, unless God allows His Spirit in us to accept His grace (what? Does that mean I cannot choose to accept Jesus?) Well—basically yes. We cannot choose, because we are unholy. The gift of God is about what He does, not what we do. Therefore works righteousness is not just a matter of trying to do the right things to earn God’s approval and salvation—but belief righteousness is someone trying to believe in the right things to earn salvation.
Keep in mind—orthodoxy (right thinking) is important. But God’s grace is just that grace. We don’t suddenly believe the right beliefs—God works through us to accept him and confess Jesus with our lips. We are transformed by the Spirit to confess the Truth of Jesus Christ and receiving the Good News that Jesus is raised from the dead.
It is not about what we believe, but who resides in us and what he has done for us.
This doesn’t mean all beliefs are equal—far from it—there is only one Truth and He is Jesus. We just don’t earn our salvation by believing it, we are given it. That is grace!
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Pay Close Attention
Reflections on 1 Timothy 4:12-16 (NRSV)
12 Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
I have used this verse often with the youth of the church, but this phrase from Paul to Timothy is used in the context that Timothy is given pastoral responsbilities over people. Timothy was young, but he was a man that was gifted and ordained by God to serve the people. His calling was to set an example for the all believers in his speech and his conduct—His WORDS and DEEDS. I have heard several times in the past 7 months references regarding my youth—I receive those comments, but hope my life is an example to believers (not a life of perfection, but a life of repentance).
13 Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching.
I love this command to Timothy. Read the scriptures first and foremost. Read them publicly. The proclamation and reading of the scriptures God will use. People need to read the word in order to believe it. Then we are to exhort, urge them, encourage them to believe and follow the Good News—it is a matter of urgency. Lord, help me to be a pastor and friend that reads the scripture aloud and proclaiming the urgency of following Jesus.
14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.
We are given gifts and are affirmed of those gifts by the leaders of the Church. Lord, help me not to ignore or downplay my gifts, but develop them and use the for your glory.
15 Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.
Lord, help me devote myself to the gifts that you have given. May I use them for your Kingdom and your glory. May people see my development not to glorify me or for my praise but for yours and that my life may be an example to follow.
16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.
This passage took me back the most. It gives me permission to pay attention to myself—to care for myself. I need to be diligent to my life and the teaching that comes from me—and then the reward is not just for me, but for those that hear me. I have been entrusted with the message of salvation. Lord, may I be diligent and pay close attention to my life and teachings so that people may fall deeper in love with you.
12 Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
I have used this verse often with the youth of the church, but this phrase from Paul to Timothy is used in the context that Timothy is given pastoral responsbilities over people. Timothy was young, but he was a man that was gifted and ordained by God to serve the people. His calling was to set an example for the all believers in his speech and his conduct—His WORDS and DEEDS. I have heard several times in the past 7 months references regarding my youth—I receive those comments, but hope my life is an example to believers (not a life of perfection, but a life of repentance).
13 Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching.
I love this command to Timothy. Read the scriptures first and foremost. Read them publicly. The proclamation and reading of the scriptures God will use. People need to read the word in order to believe it. Then we are to exhort, urge them, encourage them to believe and follow the Good News—it is a matter of urgency. Lord, help me to be a pastor and friend that reads the scripture aloud and proclaiming the urgency of following Jesus.
14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.
We are given gifts and are affirmed of those gifts by the leaders of the Church. Lord, help me not to ignore or downplay my gifts, but develop them and use the for your glory.
15 Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.
Lord, help me devote myself to the gifts that you have given. May I use them for your Kingdom and your glory. May people see my development not to glorify me or for my praise but for yours and that my life may be an example to follow.
16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.
This passage took me back the most. It gives me permission to pay attention to myself—to care for myself. I need to be diligent to my life and the teaching that comes from me—and then the reward is not just for me, but for those that hear me. I have been entrusted with the message of salvation. Lord, may I be diligent and pay close attention to my life and teachings so that people may fall deeper in love with you.
Monday, May 08, 2006
The Sacrifice of Praise
"Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:15-16, NRSV)
It is interesting that the offering of praise to God is compared to and stated as a sacrifice. Literally a sacrifice is something that had to be given up—killed—in order to pay the debt. We are to give something up—kill it—in order to praise God. More so we are to do it continually!
What do I need to sacrifice? What do I need to let die in my life (I think this is more metaphorically—I don’t need to kill an animal or person—but something in my life). What do I hold on to that constricts my praise to God?
Then the very next sentence says to not forget to do GOOD and share what I have. So not only am I to sacrifice something to praise God, but a part of my sacrifice is my security and resources to help God—because that is pleasing to God.
Word and Deed aren’t separated biblically. To praise God, we need to proclaim Jesus with our lips and our actions—and it is (at least should be) a sacrifice for us. So if my life doesn’t seem sacrificial perhaps I am not proclaiming God or praising Him?
Lord, Teach me what it is that I must sacrifice to praise you. Help me to confess your name and to not neglect what is good and pleasing to you.
It is interesting that the offering of praise to God is compared to and stated as a sacrifice. Literally a sacrifice is something that had to be given up—killed—in order to pay the debt. We are to give something up—kill it—in order to praise God. More so we are to do it continually!
What do I need to sacrifice? What do I need to let die in my life (I think this is more metaphorically—I don’t need to kill an animal or person—but something in my life). What do I hold on to that constricts my praise to God?
Then the very next sentence says to not forget to do GOOD and share what I have. So not only am I to sacrifice something to praise God, but a part of my sacrifice is my security and resources to help God—because that is pleasing to God.
Word and Deed aren’t separated biblically. To praise God, we need to proclaim Jesus with our lips and our actions—and it is (at least should be) a sacrifice for us. So if my life doesn’t seem sacrificial perhaps I am not proclaiming God or praising Him?
Lord, Teach me what it is that I must sacrifice to praise you. Help me to confess your name and to not neglect what is good and pleasing to you.
Monday, May 01, 2006
God Penetrating our Hearts
"Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen." (Acts 1:24, NRSV)
"And God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us;" (Acts 15:8, NRSV)
"(and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”" (Luke 2:35, ESV)
"But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side" (Luke 9:47, ESV)
"He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?" (Luke 24:38, NRSV)
God knows us. However, he doesn't just know us--he knows our thoughts--he knows our emotions--he knows our deepest desires and thoughts. He can see through our exterior images of ourselves into the depths of our heart.
We usually use the term "heart" in reference to our emotions or non-logical, irrational side of our soul. However, in the times of Jesus and jewish culture, the heart was the center of the soul and body where the rational mind met up with the emotional center of the body (the groin). Therefore the heart was not only the rational thoughts of the person, but the emotional entwined with them.
God doesn't just know our desires, we knows our thoughts. We knows how we rationalize and what we want.
Knowing this about us, he doesn't turn away and just condemn us for our thoughts, we engages us with compassion and challenges us to move beyond them to his will. When the early church went about the business of trying to replace Judas and get another 12th Apostle--the used the criteria of own's heart. Our human perception of a person can only go so far--but God penetrates through that boundary (our boundaries) and sees into the soul--the heart of a person.
The Apostles didn't desire to pick a replacement, the desire to seek God's will and have him pick the replacement.
How can we apply that process to our leadership style? Do we seek out God's will or our heart? Do we allow God to move in our lives or do we stiffle him with our issues and doubts.
May I be a person that allows God to penetrate my heart and seeks his will.
"And God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us;" (Acts 15:8, NRSV)
"(and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”" (Luke 2:35, ESV)
"But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side" (Luke 9:47, ESV)
"He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?" (Luke 24:38, NRSV)
God knows us. However, he doesn't just know us--he knows our thoughts--he knows our emotions--he knows our deepest desires and thoughts. He can see through our exterior images of ourselves into the depths of our heart.
We usually use the term "heart" in reference to our emotions or non-logical, irrational side of our soul. However, in the times of Jesus and jewish culture, the heart was the center of the soul and body where the rational mind met up with the emotional center of the body (the groin). Therefore the heart was not only the rational thoughts of the person, but the emotional entwined with them.
God doesn't just know our desires, we knows our thoughts. We knows how we rationalize and what we want.
Knowing this about us, he doesn't turn away and just condemn us for our thoughts, we engages us with compassion and challenges us to move beyond them to his will. When the early church went about the business of trying to replace Judas and get another 12th Apostle--the used the criteria of own's heart. Our human perception of a person can only go so far--but God penetrates through that boundary (our boundaries) and sees into the soul--the heart of a person.
The Apostles didn't desire to pick a replacement, the desire to seek God's will and have him pick the replacement.
How can we apply that process to our leadership style? Do we seek out God's will or our heart? Do we allow God to move in our lives or do we stiffle him with our issues and doubts.
May I be a person that allows God to penetrate my heart and seeks his will.
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