DEVO Apr 28 - An Introduction to Simplicity

Sound the trumpet …

hallow the fiftieth year …

proclaim liberty throughout the land …

It shall be a jubilee for you …

Leviticus 25:9-10

 

The trumpet has sounded (see Leviticus 25:9-10). Yesterday, we began our focus on God’s freeing principle of Jubilee. For the next six weeks, we’re going to focus – in very practical ways – on how to discover more joy, peace, freedom, and balance in our lives and in our families. And it all starts with …

 

Simplicity.

 

Yesterday, I read some reflections inspired by a little research on simplicity. It was all good (and I say that, not because I wrote it, but because it inspired me as I uncovered it!)

 

But when reading it in a sermon, it blows by too quick! So today, I’m just going to print it. And then through the rest of the week, we’ll reflect on it.

 

So today … Read it. Think about it. Let it seep into your heart. And starting tomorrow, we’ll start talking in more detail about how to make this message of freedom come more and more alive in your life.

 

Enjoyment of life is not based on how enjoyable our circumstances are.

Rather, enjoyment of life is an attitude of the heart.

 

It is possible to live our lives blandly.

It is possible to just go through the motions.

It is more than possible to be caught up in a spider web of complication.

 

And complication is a form of bondage.

It is the work of Satan.

The Prince of Darkness loves complication.

And he hates simplicity.

Why? Because of the joy and power it brings

 

Simplicity is focusing on one thing: Jesus.

(And it is learning to see Jesus in the lives of others.)

 

Simplicity is not doctrines and particulars.

It’s Jesus.

It’s spending time with him.

And it’s finding satisfaction in him … (and with his people).

And it’s not looking for satisfaction in possessions and activities and things.

 

Simplicity is understanding the freedom of Jesus’ offer of grace.

It’s forgiveness rather than guilt.

It’s hope rather than regret.

It’s confidence rather than dread.

And it’s freely offering rather than legalistic duty.

 

God doesn’t love us because of what we do.

He loves us because he loves us.

Simplicity comes from simply accepting that love.

 

Simplicity is trying to live life Jesus’ way.

It is honesty rather than the maddening complexity of lies (and trying to keep all our stories straight).

It’s integrity rather than the complexity of sin … and its inevitable consequences.

It’s godly wisdom rather than the hit and miss nature of our changing opinions and the world’s changing morays.

It’s forgiving others rather than the complex and drowning baggage of bitterness.

 

If you’re ready for some simplicity, find a horn and blow it. We’re declaring a season of Jubilee and we’re claiming God’s plan for freedom!

 

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who’d like to be

known as a simpleton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we said yesterday, simplicity is focusing on one thing. So, the question is this …

 

In your life, what is your one thing?

 

Wait! Let me give you a way to answer to that question tomorrow. A solution to life’s busyness. Today, however, let me focus on our chronic lack of simplicity. Let’s call it the devil of complexity.

 

Now, stop and think about the way most of us live. Aren’t we all trying to juggle too many balls?! If I asked you make a list of all the things you have to do in each of these categories, how long would your list be? How many work demands? How many home chores? How many daily necessities? How many kid’s activities? How many volunteer commitments? How many things do you really want to do ... need to do … hope to get to?! And how many things does your spouse have for you on your honey-do list? Are there hobbies you want to get to, books you want to read, shows you want to watch? Are you tired yet?!!

 

And yet, that’s the way most of us live our lives. It’s an unending and overwhelming checklist.

 

 

 

 

 

Our heart is glad in him

because we trust in his holy name.

Psalm 33:21

 

 

In my sermon

 

 

 

Enjoyment of life is not based on how enjoyable our circumstances are. Rather, enjoyment of life is an attitude of the heart.

 

Its Possible to

    Live blandly

    Go through the motions

Its more than Possible to

    Be caught up in a spider web of complication.

 

Complication is a form of bondage. It is the work of satan. The Prince of Darkness loves complication and hates simplicity because of the joy and power it brings

 

Simplicity is focusing on one thing: Jesus. (And Jesus in the lives of others. )

 

It’s not doctrines and particulars. It’s Jesus. (And it’s finding Jesus in the face of others.)

Simplicity is one thing: spending time with Jesus. It’s finding satisfaction in him (and his people) .,. not in possessions and activities and things.

 

Simplicity is understanding the freedom of Jesus’ offer of grace. It’s Forgiveness rather than guilt. Hope rather than regret. Confidence rather than dread. And Freedom rather than duty.

 

God doesn’t love us because of what we do. He loves us because he loves us. Can you accept that love?

 

Simplicity is trying to live life Jesus’ way. Honesty rather than the complexity of lies and keeping all the stories straight. It’s Integrity rather than the complexity of sin’s inevitable consequences. It’s Godly Wisdom rather than the hit and miss nature of our changing opinions. It’s Forgiving others rather than the complex and drowning baggage of bitterness.

 

THE NEXT BIG THING - Devo: Apr 24 - Lev 25:10

Proclaim liberty throughout the land! …

It shall be a JUBILEE for you …

Leviticus 25:10

 

We are NOT free. Just look at the statistics …

 

·         61% of workers report unrealistically heavy workloads … causing stress and often health problems.

·         55% of workers report job insecurity … which has a significant impact on stress levels too.

·         73% report that money and finances contribute to their stress level and more than half worry about providing for their families.

·         70% of families report health concerns in their family and extended family as another cause of stress.

·         The effects of stress include: Sleeplessness (47%), Irritability or Anger (60%), Depression (34%), Overeating or Indigestion (65%), Alcohol (18%), Headaches (34%), etc.

·         And even our children are not immune: For example, 42% of teens say they get headaches. (Although only 13% of parents report being aware of their children’s headaches.)

 

That’s not the way it’s supposed to be!

 

And it sure isn’t God’s plan!

 

The next BIG THING is coming to Spirit of Joy. And it’s NOT one more thing to do!

 

For the next several weeks (in a sermon series) and for the next several years (as we gently refocus our ministry), we will be utilizing God’s principles, including Jubilee, to help us restore balance to our lives.

 

Are you ready for more peace, joy, and freedom? We’re proclaiming a release to the captives! Join us, starting this Sunday!

 

In Christ’s Love,

Mr.

 

 

 

STARTING THIS SUNDAY - Devo: Apr 25 - Matt 11:28

Jesus said,

“Come to me, all you who are

weary and carrying heavy burdens,

and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28

 

Are you tired of being tired?

 

God has a plan for your rest. For your peace. For your family’s greater joy.

 

·         But do you know what it is?!

·         Do you know the way to get there?!

 

Starting this Sunday we’ll be tracing a scriptural map to more freedom, peace, rest, and joy for your family … and for our church.

 

Join us Sunday’s starting this week. And come along as whole church discovers God’s plan for greater balance.

 

In Christ’s Love,

a joyful map reader

 

IT'S COMING!!! - Devo: Apr 23 - Lev 25:9-10

Have the trumpet sounded! …

Hallow the fiftieth year! …

Proclaim liberty throughout the land! …

It shall be a JUBILEE for you …

Leviticus 25:9-10

 

The next BIG THING is coming at Spirit of Joy. And thankfully it’s NOT one more thing to do!!!!

 

We’re proclaiming a release to the captives! (And aren’t all of us busy, exhausted, and captive too many of this world’s crazy ways?)

 

So … we’re sounding the trumpet. Our focus – starting this Sunday – is on freedom! We’re going to use God’s principles to help make our lives more jubilant and free.

 

This is much more than a sermon series! We’re tired of being tired. We want joy and peace and freedom and rest to permeate our lives … and our church … in very practical ways.

 

So … if you want to hear more wonderfully the trumpet of hope in your family, come and find out God’s plan for more peace and joy!

 

In Christ’s Love,

a jazz trumpeter

who’s starting to have fun!!!  

 

 

DEVO: Apr 21 - 1 Thes 4:13 - plus, an Easter Thanks!!!

But we do not want you

to be uninformed, brothers and sisters,

about those who have died,

so that you may not grieve

as others do who have no hope.

1 Thessalonians 4:13

 

I want to share a picture with you at the end … but first let me say … what a glorious Easter Season!

 

·         Thank you to Rhonda, Ian, and ALL of our choirs and musicians. All of Holy Week was glorious!

·         Thank you to our members who shared their faith with their Good Friday reflections.

·         Thank you to all who beautified the church on a work day, lit the sanctuary … and decorated so magnificently for each unique Holy Week day.

·         Thank you to Prayer Team for coordinating the three day Prayer Vigil … and to those who coordinated Secret Church.

·         Thank you to our members who were willing to give up their seats on Easter because the sanctuary was so full!!!!

 

In a world that is uninformed and too often grieving, all of you helped proclaim the hope of the resurrection!

 

Indeed, because Christ is risen we do not need to grieve or fear like the rest of the world … even when … sickness is brewing … or earthquakes are trembling … or nations are warring … or blood moons are shining.

 

And with those last words, I share a picture of the last week’s blood moons that Pat Ware’s nephew too. As you look at it (hopefully with the same awe that I did), let us celebrate that our God is always in control!

 

In Christ’s Love,

a joyful Easter-Christian

 

 

EASTER: Apr 20 - Romans 6:4

Therefore we have been

buried with him by baptism

into death, so that,

just as Christ was raised

from the dead

by the glory of the Father,

so we too might walk

in newness of life.

Romans 6:4

 

Lutheran funerals start with these words.

Easter centers on this truth too!

 

Christ was raised.

So we too [will] walk

in newness of life.

 

Today, pay attention to two words -- "was raised." Think about what that means.

 

If the consistent testimony of Scripture was that "Jesus rose," it would imply that Jesus might have done it under his own power. It implies that his death wasn't really death -- that he still retained some power.

 

But when Scripture says that he "was raised," it implies that Jesus submitted to full force of death. He was fully dead. He was utterly powerless. His sacrifice was total and complete. God -- the Son of God -- ceased to exist.

 

And then "by the glory of the Father [there was] newness of life"!

 

Jesus died. The Father raised him.

 

One day, you and I will die too. And "by the glory of the Father ... we too [will] walk newness of life"!

 

In Christ's Love,

Hallelujah!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's why Peter denied Christ three times. He couldn't comprehend any purpose or value behind

 

 

 

But if wasn't for the power of the cross, Peter -- and all of us -- would be "perishing."

 

LENT: Apr 19 - Luke 24:17

And [Jesus] said to them,

"What are you discussing with

each other while you walk along?"

They stood still, looking sad.

Luke 24:17

 

Today is Saturday. Imagine standing in the shoes of the disciples. 

• Yesterday was horrific. Jesus was crucified.
• Tomorrow will be glorious. Jesus will rise from the dead.
• But today is Saturday. How must his followers be feeling?

Although the verse above is an Easter-Sunday-afternoon scripture, it shows the raw emotions.

 

Two disciples were walking along a road to Emmaus. They are debating about what will come next. The one they thought was the Messiah is dead.

 

They don't recognize Jesus (implying that his new resurrection body doesn't look quite like his old earthly body). So when he speaks to them, "they stood still, looking sad."

 

Our Saturday is different from theirs. We KNOW Christ is risen. They didn't.

 

Nevertheless, I invite you to sit in a little bit of awkwardness and in-between-ness today. Yes, we know that Christ is risen. But allow yourself to contemplate grief in this world ... and the only thing that can conquer it -- the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

 

In Christ's Love,

a guy who's known grief

and still has hope

 

LENT: Apr 18 - 1 Corinthians 1:18

For the message about the cross is

foolishness to those who are perishing,

but to us who are being saved

it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18

Mark is my favorite of the Gospels.

The interpretative key to Mark, is right in the middle. In chapter 8, Jesus asks, "Who do people say that I am?" Peter says, "You are the Messiah." And he's totally right. And half wrong.

Huh?

He's right, Jesus is the Messiah. But when Jesus begins to explain to him that the Messiah must suffer and die, Peter tries to rebuke Jesus. For Peter, "the message of the cross [was] foolishness."

• He couldn't envision any practical purpose behind Jesus' death.
• He couldn't stomach the bloody nature of this kind of sacrifice.
• He couldn't comprehend how the cross would conquer sin and death.

Peter tried to rebuke God's plan and Jesus' mission. He wouldn't be the last. The world still tries to rebuke, reject, and disrespect the Gospel. To too many, the cross seems like foolishness. And that's the middle, key turning point in the Gospel of Mark.

 

A half-a-Gospel later, Jesus is denied and betrayed. He is mocked and beaten. After being nailed to a tree, the sky turns black. The curtain of the temple is torn in two and Jesus breathes his last.

 

And it's at that moment, that the first human recognizes who and what the Messiah truly is. When the Centurion says, "Truly this man was the Son of God," suddenly, the cross of Christ is no longer foolishness. Rather it is the power of God for salvation to us who are being saved!

In Christ's Love,

a guy who sees in those

two intersecting boards

power and hope

not foolish meaninglessness 

 

 

LAST CHANCE for Prayer Requests

Come pray anytime on Saturday.

The doors will be open.

 

And let us know how we can pray

for you and your family this Holy Week.

Right now, email me back prayer requests.

 

Remember:

Maundy Thursday Worship – 7pm

Good Friday Worship – 7pm

Easter Worship – 8:30 and 11:00am

Easter Breakfast & Egg Hunt – 10am

 

LENT: Apr 17 - Matthew 10:40a

Whoever welcomes you

welcomes me …

Matthew 10:40

 

Yesterday I wrote on what Jesus was doing in his last days – separating sheep and goats and indeed teaching on how to get to heaven.

 

I made the case that the key to eternal life in a dying world is opening our doors and our hearts to Jesus’ disciples. Opening our doors? Yes! Feeding, housing, and clothing them if necessary. Why? Because they come to us carrying the message of eternal life through Jesus Christ. And opening our hearts to this message is the secret to eternal life.

 

Today’s verse reiterates that point. In a chapter – Matthew 10 – devoted to discipleship – calling them and “16 sending [them] out like sheep into the midst of wolves,” Jesus concludes with these words: “40 Whoever welcomes you welcomes me.” (Or to retranslate that: “whoever opens their door to your message and opens their heart to me.” And isn’t that the key to eternal life?!)

 

Jesus goes on to say to the world, “42 if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded."

 

“25 Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? … 40 And the King will tell them, 'I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”

 

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who needs to join

the welcome wagon

 

 

LENT: Apr 16 - Matthew 25:31-32

"When the Son of Man

comes in his glory, and all the angels with him,

then he will sit on the throne of his glory.

All the nations will be gathered before him,

and he will separate people one from another

as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats …

Matthew 25:31-32

 

What did Jesus do in his final week on earth? He separated sheep from goats …

 

… or rather, he told how – on Judgment Day -- humanity will be “sorted.”

 

The famous line in Jesus’ teaching here starts in verse 34. “Then the king will say to those at his right hand, "Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom … for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink …”

 

The saved sheep answer, "37 Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink?” The condemned goats didn’t give “him” food or clothing, so they answer in the same way – “44 When was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or …”

 

Many faithful people view this passage as scripture’s most passionate call to care for the poor. And indeed, caring for the poor is one of scriptures most important themes!!!

 

But I don’t think that this is what this passage is really about.

 

Why? Several clues …

 

·         We are saved by grace, not by works. That is THE repeated theme of the New Testament – that we sin and fall short, so it’s faith in Jesus and God’s grace that saves us. Period. Therefore, as crucial as caring for the hungry is, it can’t be the basis of salvation!

 

·         Except isn’t that what Jesus just said?!!

 

·         Here’s the second clue. In verse 40, Jesus says, “just as you did it to one of the members of my family, you did it to me.” In a generic sense, yes, everyone in the world, including the poor, is a member of Jesus family. But let’s be specific. Who does Jesus specifically say is a member of his family? In Matthew 12, “47 someone told [Jesus], ‘Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside …?’ 49 [But] pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’”

 

·         Now read that previous quote in this context of family: “37 ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry … or thirsty … 38 and when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you …?” … 40 And the king will answer them, ‘ … Just as you did it to one of the least of these [who are my disciples and thus members of my family], you did it to me.”

 

·         So what if this is saying, not “take care of the poor as your ticket to heaven,” but “graciously receive and listen to and even take care of Jesus disciples who come to you with gospel because what they’re proclaiming is the ticket to heaven.”

 

·         Indeed, if people kick out those who are proclaiming the Gospel, isn’t this kicking out Jesus and his message from their lives?!

 

·         Doesn’t this understanding focus sheep and goats and salvation on faith in Jesus and the message that all disciples (including you and me) are called to proclaim?!

 

·         Doesn’t this make sense in the context of Matthew 10? It says, “5 Jesus sent out … these twelve [disciples, saying] … 7 As you go, proclaim the good news … 14 [but] if anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town.” 37 ‘Lord … 38 when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you …?” … 40 And the king will answer them, ‘ … Just as you did it to one of the least of these [who are my disciples and thus members of my family], you did it to me.”

 

·         In Matthew 24, Jesus says his family will be hungry, thirsty, and lacking shelter or clothing. No wonder. When Jesus sends his disciples out – Matthew 10 – he says, “9 Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food.”

 

·         In Matthew 24, Jesus says that his family might be imprisoned and needing visiting and care. No wonder. In Matthew 5 he predicts those exact circumstances for his followers, saying, “11 Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 [Instead,] rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

 

·         In Matthew 24, Jesus says that accepting his family (of disciples) will determine whether they’re sorted into sheep and goats on the day of judgment. In Matthew 10, Jesus says that if we do NOT accept Jesus’ (family of) disciples and their message it’ will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”

 

Are we called to take care of the poor? ABSOLUTELY.

 

Is that what separates us into sheep and goats? I doesn’t jibe with any other passage in the New Testament.

 

Therefore, what did Jesus spend his final week doing? Separating sheep and goats? I don’t think so. Rather, he spent his time imploring his current generation and all future generations to accept him and his message … and to accept his disciples and their message about him … for when we invite these itinerant ministers into our home, and feed them, and clothe them, and accept their message, then we are saved.

 

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who wants to say “baa”

… forever

 

LONG ONE … SORRY!!!

 

LENT: Apr 16 - Matthew 25:31-32

"When the Son of Man

comes in his glory, and all the angels with him,

then he will sit on the throne of his glory.

All the nations will be gathered before him,

and he will separate people one from another

as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats …

Matthew 25:31-32

 

What did Jesus do in his final week on earth? He separated sheep from goats …

 

… or rather, he told how – on Judgment Day -- humanity will be “sorted.”

 

The famous line in Jesus’ teaching here starts in verse 34. “Then the king will say to those at his right hand, "Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom … for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink …”

 

The saved sheep answer, "37 Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink?” The condemned goats didn’t give “him” food or clothing, so they answer in the same way – “44 When was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or …”

 

Many faithful people view this passage as scripture’s most passionate call to care for the poor. And indeed, caring for the poor is one of scriptures most important themes!!!

 

But I don’t think that this is what this passage is really about.

 

Why? Several clues …

 

·         We are saved by grace, not by works. That is THE repeated theme of the New Testament – that we sin and fall short, so it’s faith in Jesus and God’s grace that saves us. Period. Therefore, as crucial as caring for the hungry is, it can’t be the basis of salvation!

 

·         Except isn’t that what Jesus just said?!!

 

·         Here’s the second clue. In verse 40, Jesus says, “just as you did it to one of the members of my family, you did it to me.” In a generic sense, yes, everyone in the world, including the poor, is a member of Jesus family. But let’s be specific. Who does Jesus specifically say is a member of his family? In Matthew 12, “47 someone told [Jesus], ‘Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside …?’ 49 [But] pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’”

 

·         Now read that previous quote in this context of family: “37 ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry … or thirsty … 38 and when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you …?” … 40 And the king will answer them, ‘ … Just as you did it to one of the least of these [who are my disciples and thus members of my family], you did it to me.”

 

·         So what if this is saying, not “take care of the poor as your ticket to heaven,” but “graciously receive and listen to and even take care of Jesus disciples who come to you with gospel because what they’re proclaiming is the ticket to heaven.”

 

·         Indeed, if people kick out those who are proclaiming the Gospel, isn’t this kicking out Jesus and his message from their lives?!

 

·         Doesn’t this understanding focus sheep and goats and salvation on faith in Jesus and the message that all disciples (including you and me) are called to proclaim?!

 

·         Doesn’t this make sense in the context of Matthew 10? It says, “5 Jesus sent out … these twelve [disciples, saying] … 7 As you go, proclaim the good news … 14 [but] if anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town.” 37 ‘Lord … 38 when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you …?” … 40 And the king will answer them, ‘ … Just as you did it to one of the least of these [who are my disciples and thus members of my family], you did it to me.”

 

·         In Matthew 24, Jesus says his family will be hungry, thirsty, and lacking shelter or clothing. No wonder. When Jesus sends his disciples out – Matthew 10 – he says, “9 Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food.”

 

·         In Matthew 24, Jesus says that his family might be imprisoned and needing visiting and care. No wonder. In Matthew 5 he predicts those exact circumstances for his followers, saying, “11 Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 [Instead,] rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

 

·         In Matthew 24, Jesus says that accepting his family (of disciples) will determine whether they’re sorted into sheep and goats on the day of judgment. In Matthew 10, Jesus says that if we do NOT accept Jesus’ (family of) disciples and their message it’ will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”

 

Are we called to take care of the poor? ABSOLUTELY.

 

But is that what separates us into sheep and goats? This one lone story doesn’t jibe with the process of justification and salvation in any other passage in the New Testament. And besides bread and a meal only last for a few hours. Indeed, as Jesus reminded Satan in the wilderness, “4:4 Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

 

So … what did Jesus spend his final week doing? Separating sheep and goats? I don’t think so. Rather, he spent his time imploring his current generation and all future generations to accept him and his message … and to accept his disciples and their message about him … for when we invite these itinerant ministers into our home, and feed them, and clothe them, and accept their message, then we are saved.

 

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who wants to say “baa”

… forever

 

LONG ONE … SORRY!!!