Christmas "Last Words"

S - Luke 1:30a, 37-38 (TLJ): "The angel said to Mary … Don't be afraid ... God can do anything! Mary said, ' I am the servant of the Lord God. Let this thing you have said happen to me!" Then the angel went away."

O - We live in a day and age where everyone always wants the last word; politicians, teachers, scientists, news commentators and religious leaders most often leading the way.  The Christmas exchange between the angel Gabriel and the young Nazareth virgin Mary (an unlikely pairing) holds the ultimate last words for heaven and for earth; for beings celestial and terrestrial. God's kingdom encompasses both heaven and earth and the last words of heaven to Mary and her last words to Gabriel reveal the only right conclusion both can come to.  Heaven says to all: God can do anything!  The point is not merely academic … it is personal and practical. Earth says to all: I am the servant of the Lord God. Let this thing you have said happen to me.  The beauty of these last words includes relief from our points of origin.  The focus is not where you're from or even what you're made of (heaven or earth) but rather what will be your last words to any day, any situation and any other person? What if we lived and shared these last words every day while it is called today?  Just think what could happen in heaven, on earth and in us!

A - As a human being reaction is a part of my make-up and design.  I can't always control my initial response to anyone or anything.  Fear, shock, anxiety can all emerge immediately and predominately in the midst of life on earth. In fact, fear is how Mary started her encounter with heaven.  She confirms the truth that it's not the first thoughts or words but the last which will really carry the day. My assignment is less about my first reaction and way more about my conclusion to any day, any situation and other person.  I want to embrace and live out loud these last words: God can do anything! Whatever he's up to I’m in!  Let it be to me just as he as planned and purposed!

P - Lord,

You know exactly where I'm from and what I'm made of and you call me to these last words for every day, every situation and every other person.  I do believe this to be true because of Jesus, your written voice and the presence of the Holy Spirit.  So, Lord, please let me follow you in this regard as well.  Let me think, speak and live these last words unto new wineskins, mulberry trees in the ocean and that which is too wonderful for me.

All in,

Steve

Game Changer According to the Expert

S - “‘Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not break your oath, but fulfil to the Lord the oaths you have made.” But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply “Yes,” or “No”; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Matthew 5:33-37 NIVUK

O - Culture, secular and religious, is big on oaths. Jesus and the Kingdom that can never end aren’t.  In fact, while the world affirms and engages oaths as a good and essential component of human interface with God and with others Jesus identifies a very different dynamic.  Lurking underneath the swearing of oaths is a most malevolent reality seeking to devastate the one making the oath.  According to Jesus (the expert and consummate game changer), all of life's interactions with humans and with God can be, must be, confined to direct and simple engagement … simply let your "yes" be yes and your "no" no.  Anything and everything beyond this has only one source and bodes a most tragic outcome.

A - Heaven doesn't want our help, it wants our cooperation.  We cooperate by living and speaking a simple yes or no. Helping with the additional declarations culture likes is inspired by the source seeking our demise.  Heaven is inspiring the opposite and is seeking our best and eternal wellbeing here and hereafter.  I will cooperate … I say yes to living a simple yes being yes and no being no … and the kingdom of heaven which is near stands ready to empower such living.

P - Lord who made today,

Thank you for simple and empowered living on earth today while it is called today.  I accept your counsel and coaching and am looking forward this day; to the free and empowered beauty of life as you intend it to be. You are the game changer for each life and all are wanted and welcome.  You are amazing to this very day.  I love you back.

Living and praying in Jesus' name,

Steve 

Forget Arguing the Point - Live it!

S - “‘Why then,’ they asked, ‘did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?’ Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.’ The disciples said to him, ‘If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.’ Jesus replied, ‘Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others – and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.’” Matthew 19:7-12 NIVUK

O - The question is asked by those who were devoted to the Hebrew Scriptures. They studied, memorized and taught them. Jesus' answer concludes rather curiously on a couple of counts as he's being tested by the Pharisees. First, his answer cut against their understanding and practice. Since, from their perspective, Moses obviously permitted, validated and affirmed the practice of divorce, the answer to their question should have been a simple yes. Such a reply would not only give the 'right answer' but affirm the 'right view' of scripture. After upholding scripture Jesus refutes their conclusion … so much so that his own disciples are shocked. Then secondly, instead of demanding universal acceptance and compliance of his authoritative reply Jesus tells his followers "The one who can accept this should accept it." Isn't that a weak and dangerously permissive approach? No. Jesus is never satisfied with someone who can give a correct answer. He is calling all to follow him and to refuse a focus on someone else's shortcomings and failures. He wants his followers less concerned about authoritative pronouncements and more concerned about authentic living.

A - Religion (culture) wants the focus on authoritative pronouncements while Jesus wants to enable all people to authentic and abundant living. Religion will argue the point where Jesus will embody it. Religion will accuse others of compromising the truth of scripture while Jesus will invite all people (the strictly religious included) to accept the purpose and point of the scriptures. The purpose of the scripture is not about pronouncements or plans but about being a witness to a person who is life itself (John 5:39-40).  The point of scripture is me getting the beam out of my own eye rather than yelling about the sawdust in another's (Matthew 7:1-5). In the words of Jesus, I can and will accept this!

P - Great King and True Friend of all,

Thank you for calling me and the entire world to yourself and not to a cause. Thank you for loving us first and most and for refusing to change your mind. I accept the purpose and the point of the scriptures. I admit my huge need of help in this and every regard; to love you back with my all, to love my neighbor as myself and to get and keep the beam out of my own eye. I accept you who are life and the 2x4ology you require.

All in according to love,

Steve

Don't Change the Words of Jesus, Believe Them

S - “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you [my highlight] out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:18-20 NIVUK

O - This well-known exchange between Jesus and the brothers is misrepresented by the translators and publishers of this most recent edition of the NIV and NIVUK. The change appears to be a small one. One most likely justified under the guise of dynamic equivalency. The problem is it is not even close to what Jesus said and it obscures his way of engaging people. The verb (ποιέω) occurs in the New Testament 576 times according to Strong's Concordance, has no definition associated with sending and is never translated as send until now. In fact, no other translation renders this verb in this passage any other way than make (i.e. I will make you …). This story is also told in Mark 1 and there the NIVUK and NIV accurately translate the same verb as make. So why the change and more importantly why does it matter? Jesus did not say follow me and I will send you …, though he will later send them out. He said follow me and I will make you … and the critical point is what action is being accomplished in those following and who engages the action prescribed. Jesus wants the brothers to follow and he will do the making, transforming them into those who fish for people. Publishers should never change the words of Jesus and followers should believe them.

A - According to Jesus, he wants me/us to focus on following his person and he will focus on making his followers everything he intends for them/us to be. He does the creating and transforming; we don't make ourselves anything. He doesn't want our help he wants our cooperation. He leads and we follow. He does the making and we experience the joy of his person and the ongoing miracle of personal transformation.  I accept the assignment to follow and cooperate. He'll do the leading and the making -- beautiful!

P - Lord who leads and makes,

Thank you for calling all citizens of planet earth to the exact same point of engagement - following you. I'm relieved that I'm not required to make myself anything and to cooperate with everything you already have in mind to do in me and then to do together with you. I accept. I will live and pray in Jesus' name.

Steve

Worthy of Death

S - "So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed." (John 5:16-20 NIV)

O - Culture (secular and religious) not only takes on a life of its own it actually takes life. This life taking is a dynamic affecting more than those it executes. It takes life from all who subscribe to its demands. Culture must take life to exist. It takes life from all who embrace and follow it.  Jesus is worthy of its wrath because of when and how he chooses to help those culture has already categorized, written off and discarded. He is not in line and under the control of culture's worldview on healing, helping, God, religion and the like. In stark and direct contrast to culture is the Kingdom of God which is not only near but life giving to all who engage. Everything in the kingdom lives and is life giving; living bread, living water, living words, living stones, living sacrifices, living faith, hope etc. the person, life, words and activity of Jesus exposes culture for what it is and therefore he comes under its wrath. It will pursue him to death … only to be repelled and repudiated by him who is the resurrection and forever life. All are invited to join him in this life and work which continues to this very day. It is the life that is really life!

A -   Culture thinks God is waiting for us to give life to his desires and plans. Jesus says he's already working everything for good and is inviting us to join him in the work that is life giving to all. I choose to say yes to him, his invitation, the work he's already doing and to all he has in mind to do. Culture wants to control me with fear and the kingdom wants to inspire me with love. Culture needs my life's energies to exist and the kingdom that can never end is offering to infuse me with vibrant, irrepressible life.

P - Lord God who is life,

It is amazing that want us to join you in your work and life … irrepressible life. I give myself, little and weak, to you and all you already have in mind to do … unto the life that is really life.

Amazed in Jesus,

Steve

Zero Degrees of Separation

S - “but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” 2 Timothy 1:10-12 NASB

O - Here we find the term "gospel" referenced as heaven intends.  The gospel is primarily a person not information. Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light … not the information, the person.  Paul's confidence was not in the accurate information about Jesus but in his very person: I know whom not what; I am convinced that He not it; I have entrusted to Him not to it.  There is NO degree of separation … believing facts or truths is insufficient.  They only have consequence in direct and ongoing connection to the person.  All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus (the person); not to facts and truths.  He is the Gospel and he is welcoming all people to life and immortality. 

A - Earth, culture, religion, academics all want to separate the thoughts, ideas, facts and teachings of Jesus from his person; to objectify them.  Heaven, the Kingdom, the only lasting reality intends no such division.  I am not saved by the cross, the blood, the empty tomb.  I am saved by Jesus; it's his cross, his blood and his empty tomb.  According to Jesus, real, eternal life is only found in knowing a person (John 17:3) … and he is even more amazing than the facts.

P - Lord who is near,

Thank you for the confidence found only in your person … and for insisting that we not settle for acceptance of information but engage ongoing relationship with you.  I admit that you are life and give life generously to all who will receive.  You really are amazing.

Grateful for zero degrees of separation,
Steve

Our World's Great Pandemic

S - "Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus in order that they could put him to death. (Matthew 26:59 LEB) … Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the governor’s residence. Now it was early, and they did not enter into the governor’s residence so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover."‭‭John 18:28 ‭‭LEB‬‬

O -  This glaring and tragic inconsistency was of no notice or concern to the practitioners and leaders of the religion of Jesus' day. Were they not, even according to their own religion, already defiled by falsely accusing Jesus (the ninth commandment "And you shall not falsely bear evidence against your neighbor." ‭‭Deuteronomy 5:20 LEB)?  Why would they be so careful about observing a (sad) tradition with no support from the Scriptures and blatantly violate one of the Scriptures' primary commands?  This is the blindness caused by all religions; the yeast (hypocrisy) of the Pharisees Jesus consistently warns against and the practice which inspires a complete disregard for the truly important matters ("Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees—hypocrites!—because you pay a tenth of mint and dill and cumin, and neglect the more important matters of the law—justice and mercy and faithfulness! It was necessary to do these things while not neglecting those. Blind guides who filter out a gnat and swallow a camel!" ‭‭Matthew 23:23-24). 

A - Religion is culture; all religion (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.). This dynamic swirling around Jesus and all the inhabitants of his day is the same one which swirls around me/us. It is the product of culture over time … all culture - religious and secular. Politics, education, science, economics, athletics, social cubs and service clubs, etc. all move to this myopic sickness. For us earthlings there is no once and for all cure, only one specific, intentional, ongoing regimen which will deliver relief. Daily, full strength, complete commitment and response to the person and spirit of Jesus. Relief for me and for all only comes from this one source for all of cultures' expressions.  He says: "Truly, truly I say to you, we speak what we know, and we testify about what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony! If I tell you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?" ‭‭John 3:11-12 LEB

P - Our Father,

I admit my susceptibility to this great sadness and praise you for engaging the entire human race with it's relief. Thank you for offering it to us all in the person of Jesus and for his willingness to engage an ongoing relational regimen with us. I accept! I am grateful to live and pray in him and in his name.

Steve

Please Don't Pass the Salt!

S - "Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. … “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”" (Mark 9:5-8, 50 NIV)

O - Jesus stands alone … i.e. he is the first, the priority, the way, the truth and the life. Peter was trying to harmonize the three (Moses, Elijah and Jesus).  The voice from heaven halts this process in its tracks.  "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" Moses and Elijah take their rightful place, in the background.  They are not and never were the point.  Jesus always was and always will be the point.  He gives them their significance and rightful place in the Kingdom -- not the other way around.  He (Jesus) draws attention to the most important person we are to influence; the most important person to reach with all that is true. Have salt among or within your selves.  It is always the beam out of my own eye first … Jesus leads the way in 2X4ology. Heaven coaches us all: "Listen to him!"

A - Jesus is the message -- he is the point and the message heaven sends to earth, to all people.  He wants me to get and keep the beam out of my own eye; to accept that no matter where I am or whom I am with the most important person for me to reach or influence is ALWAYS me.  He's not asking me to concentrate on being salt "for" or "in" another but for and in myself.  If I fail to accept this as my focus and priority I will fall prey to the one tragic dynamic he consistently warns against -- the yeast of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy.  If I'm cooperating with him reaching me then I can be assured he will also be reaching through me to the benefit of others. The sign of such salt is being with at peace with each other.  Amazing … I will listen to and follow him.

P - Lord,

Thank you taking away from us the burden to build three booths … to work at trying to accommodate and harmonize everything.  I accept that you call all people to come to you and find rest from all the realities of earth (secular and religious) which exhaust us.  You are amazing and I am so grateful to be loved and wanted by you.  I admit my need of help (not self-help) … unto salt in myself and being at peace with all.

Living and praying in Jesus' Name,

Steve

Which Gospel?

S - “Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), … I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! … For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. … But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.” Galatians 1:1, 6-8, 11-12, 15-17 NASB

O - Though Paul will speak of the cross several times in this letter he does so only in the context of the resurrection. His preaching, apostleship and gospel is based singularly on the person of Jesus and his resurrection from the dead (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8). This is heaven's message - Jesus and him raised from the dead (“that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;” Romans 10:9 NASB). The context of Kingdom living (the reality which engages all the rest) is the resurrection of Jesus not the crucifixion.

A - Heaven sends one way and earth another. Religion is focused on information and crucifixion. The Kingdom is focused on a person and resurrection. Heaven has one gospel and earth has another. Heaven proclaims the resurrection and then unpacks the cross. Earth proclaims the crucifixion and occasionally mentions resurrection. I am called by Jesus to Jesus and his irrepressible (cannot be controlled or contained), eternal life. The question asked later in this letter remains paramount: “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” Galatians 3:3 NASB

P - Lord Jesus,

You are the gospel, the way, the truth and forever life. You call us all to yourself and to adoption and God's sons and daughters. I admit and accept you are the good news … the gospel sent from heaven.  I am very glad to know you as a person and not a concept.  I love you back!
Steve

Assigned Influence

S - “But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. …“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” 2 Corinthians 10:13, 17-18 ESV

O - "The Area of Influence God assigned". What a great phrase and reality.  God already has it mind to assign us areas of influence which allow us to work with him in his purposes in people and on earth. He's not waiting for us to get it started, he's already working. [“But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working. … So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.” John 5:17, 19-20 ESV] He's not wanting us to 'take the lead' he wants us to follow. “Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.” John 6:5-6 ESV

A - Jesus never called me to a cause, only to himself ("Follow me and I will make you …"). He came to earth sent by the Father to work with him and he is still working to this very day. He doesn't want me to work for him but with him. He doesn’t want me to carve out my territory and make a name for myself "for him." Jesus made himself of no reputation. He wasn’t doing things to prove his worth or earn his way. This is the way he was sent and how he sends all others. [“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:5-7] I'll follow unto a boasting which is only in him and an influence which really is on earth like it is heaven.

P - Lord,

I accept the call to follow you and not take the lead; to work with you and not for you. I accept your assignment of influence which enables the beauty of your will on earth just like it happens in heaven. Thank you for wanting us, loving us and including us in your very self. I give my whole self back to you.

Steve

God's Self Portrait

S - "The Law was given by Moses, but Jesus Christ brought us underserved kindness and truth. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is truly God and is closest to the Father, has shown us what God is like." John 1:16-18 TLJ

O - Jesus was sent by the Father to clarify both his person and his purpose. The religious leaders of Jesus' day had distorted God's person and misrepresented his purpose. The very ones claiming to follow Moses and the Scriptures were way off on both.  Jesus, who is the Good News, confirms and reveals both the Father's person and purpose. He "has shown us what God is like."

v  “Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.” John 12:44-45 NIV

v  “For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” John 12:49-50 NIV

v  “Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” John 5:19 NIV  

v  “Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.” John 14:8-11 NIV

A - When anyone sees Jesus they are seeing God the Father.  Whenever anyone hears Jesus they are hearing the Father.  Jesus only says what the Father is saying and only does what the Father is doing.  If anyone's picture (understanding of God's person and purpose) is NOT identical to Jesus they have the wrong picture (understanding of God's person and purpose).  What is my picture of the Father?  Is he the friend of sinners?  Is he one who washes dirty feet?  Jesus is the great and only clarifier. The Father of Jesus and the Father of religious thought is not the same guy! This was true in Jesus' day and remains true today.  I will believe Jesus about his Father.

P - Our Father in heaven,

You're the One who sent Jesus to us because of your great love for all people.  Thank you for the striking clarity his presence, life and words bring to all.  I admit that I had the wrong understanding of your person and purpose and you loved me anyway.  Thank you for giving me/us such a completely accurate picture.  You are more wonderful than I can imagine and Jesus confirms this to all.  Thank you for letting us/me live and pray in him and in his name.

I love you back,

Steve

On Assignment on Planet Earth

S - “For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” John 5:21-24 NASB

O - Jesus says the Father is not judging anyone. Culture (religious and secular) is always judging everyone. There is only one judge and he has deferred judgment to the very end. Jesus is the judge and he is to be honored (τιμάω - to hold dear, count as precious, to value, revere, esteem) just like the Father. His consistent instruction to his friends and followers is do not judge. His consistent command is to love … God, each other, your neighbors and your enemies. To hear him unto eternal life and freedom from all judgment includes hearing him on judging and loving others.

A - Whatever the situation, Jesus always starts at unconditional love, leads with mercy and then addresses the facts (all of them). Culture (religious and secular) taught me to start with the facts, which inspire conditional love at best and not much mercy on the way to judging (called "tough love" ... long on tough and very short on love). Since I'm following Jesus and hearing him I'm admitting more than the error of my cultural training … I'm admitting my error and the rush to judgment it created in me and through me. Jesus isn't asking or wanting me (or anyone) to be his moral agent on planet earth (something I can't even do for myself - Romans 3:23) but rather the agent of his love. I accept the assignment and the only place to start every day and every situation. After all, it's the place he always starts with me.

P - Judge of all and judge of me,

I do respond to you and the honor you are due … the same as our Father in heaven. Thank you deferring all judgment so that all can come near and experience unconditional love and the mercy which sets and keeps us free. I accept your assignment as an agent of your unconditional love. I admit that I can never fully express this love until conditions arise. When they do, I will rely on you, your irrepressible life and love to empower me as you intend. Thank you for letting us live and pray in your name.

On assignment,

Steve

Yes

S - “But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us-by me and Silvanus and Timothy-was not yes and no, but is yes in Him. For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.” 2 Corinthians 1:18-20 NASB

O - The promises of God are yes "in Him." The "in Him" is the sole focus of Paul's speaking and living. The "Him" is Jesus … Jesus the person not Jesus the concept. The "in Him" is NOT primarily a description of status but of relationship, person to person. Religion puts its focus on principles and status while the Kingdom is focused on a person and relationship. This is why Jesus answered the question about doing the work of God the way he did. “Therefore they said to Him, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent."” John 6:28-29 NASB

A - Religion taught me to put my trust and confidence in principles from Scripture and in a status based on promises. The problem is that the principles and promises are not self-contained. They are yes ONLY in a person. They are not yes in the concept or plan regarding a savior from heaven but literally in his person. He's not offering amnesty but adoption; not a change in status but in personal experience and ongoing relationship. Religion tells us to believe Scripture and then teaches us to live contrary to its teaching. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)." I am not to lean on my own understanding of promises and principles but on a person in whom all of them are already yes. He is eternal life and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him, not to principles, promises or concepts. His call and invitation remains the same "follow me."

P - God who relentlessly loves the world,

I accept your invitation and focus to follow Jesus unto the life that is really life. He is the good news and only in him are your promises yes. Thank you for offering, giving, your very self to all people and asking for all to return the favor. I say yes to you this day and every day. Thank you for letting us live and pray in Jesus (the person not a status).

Steve

There is no Cause of/for the Real Christ

S - "But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, "Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also." Acts 23:11 NASB … “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,” Philippians 1:-12-13

O - These verses are the two times in the NASB New Testament where the idea of a cause for or of Christ is presented.  Both times the term "cause" is completely absent in the Greek.  In Acts 23 Jesus actually says to Paul "as you have solemnly witnessed the things concerning me".  He did NOT give witness to a cause but to a person.  In Philippians it says literally "the bonds of me manifest in Christ" i.e. imprisonment in Christ … not in a cause.  Humans want other humans to think there is a cause worth giving one's life to. Hell wants humans to think they are called to a cause. Heaven wants all humans to know they are not called to a cause but to a person.  Jesus never called one person to a cause … only to himself.  "Follow Me" is the call (money, missions [i.e. causes/projects] and methods all want to divide us). Jesus wants us all together in one spirit, mind and heart following him. Any cause for Christ comes not from heaven but from earth or hell.

A - Communists, Capitalists, Atheists, Military, Political and Religious Leaders all love causes.  The cause provides them with a tool to enlist, direct, judge and even execute others.  All causes eventually end in division and death … all of them (religious causes are among the worst).  Jesus calls the entire human race to himself … never to a cause.  While he has given me various assignments over the years they were never the point of my life or daily activity.  He is the point … and all who follow him are known by the only one qualifier he identified: all will know you are following me if you love one another. The cause will want me to love it more than someone who appears to be hindering or resisting it.  It's what tragically divided Paul and Barnabas (cf. Acts 15:36-39). Jesus doesn’t' want us divided but united.  It's very specific in his living (John 10), teaching (John 15) and praying (John17).  We're called to Jesus and to live as an answer to his prayer rather than a cause of it.  I want to be an answer and not a cause … I will follow him.

P - Lord who is life,

I accept your call to yourself … and am grateful to work with you in what you've already decided to do.  Thank you for wanting us to work with you and never for you.  Thank you for not calling me to a cause but to your very self.  You lead and I'll follow according to love. 

I love you back,

Steve 

First does not Mean Exclusively

S - "You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. … For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’ “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets ... have spoken have foretold these days. … When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.” "(Acts 3:15, 22-24, 26 NIV)

O - Peter's explanation and exhortation to the people is exclusively focused on the person, name and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus was sent to earth to clarify once for all the person and purposes of God. God "sent him first" to the Jews but not exclusively to them. Jesus was sent and given to all. To this the Scriptures have consistently witnessed and "foretold these days". The great and tragic misunderstanding of the religion of Jesus' day was that the Christ was only for those belonging to that religion. This deceptive and divisive error remains in many of the religions of our day, with Christianity sadly leading the way. It is time, as Peter points out, to "listen to everything he [i.e. Jesus] tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off".  He says: "“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." (John 10:14-16 NIV)

A - What if I/we believe Jesus about Jesus instead of someone else about Jesus? What if I/we believe Jesus about earth and not just heaven?  What if I/we decide to admit that religion is just culture and welcome God's Kingdom on earth the way they do in heaven? Intentionally, humbly and without exception. Jesus said to Nicodemus and he says to me/all: "Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?" (John 3:11-12 NIV)

P - Shepherd of the sheep and friend of sinners,

I want to welcome you and your kingdom on earth, in me and through me just like they do in heaven. I am so glad you are calling the whole world to yourself and not to a religion, cause or particular world view. Thank you for sheep from many flocks and for letting me be among them. I love you back. You lead and I'll follow.

Baaaaa:),

Steve

Forget the Outcome and Ask Anything

S - "When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked. Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” … Jesus said to them [the Pharisees], “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him." (Matthew 21:20-22, 31-32 NIV)

O - Two very different statements to two very different groups of people and yet the point is the same for both. What exactly are the disciples to believe so that they will receive whatever they ask for in prayer?  What exactly was the way of righteousness that John showed the Pharisees which they did not believe?  The answer? Jesus; Jesus the person not the theological concept.  He is to be the recipient of a faith which does not doubt and he is more than the way of righteousness. In fact, he is righteousness itself. The one who believes Jesus can ask anything. The one who believes Jesus will enter and live in the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Jesus is the exact image and representation of his Father, the righteous One.  

A - Religion taught me to "believe and not doubt" an outcome.  If the desired outcome did not materialize then the obvious and only cause was that I had doubted and ruined the whole thing.  So, the next teaching of religion was that I had to get and keep out all doubt.  Any flicker in me would produce another complete failure.  Finally, it taught me that even though neither of the previous "lessons" worked if only I engaged them with more intensity and stamina I would finally get what I asked for … but that didn't work either.  Now I am discovering what Jesus meant and how he lived. Jesus believed in his Father, not in withering trees. He didn't work at keeping doubt out he lived continually in his Father and his Father lived in him … the exact relationship he wants and offers to all who will follow. He's not requiring us to get doubt out but to let him in and abide in him.  On the heels of a faith failure He said to the twelve: "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. “(Matthew 17:20; cf. Luke 17:6 NIV) The person of Jesus makes nothing impossible; he keeps everything possible for the one who believes.

P - Lord Jesus,

Thank you that the work of God is to believe your person and this alone makes and keeps everything possible … it's the only dynamic which enables anyone to ask anything unto mulberry trees in the ocean and that which is too wonderful.  I welcome the beauty of you who are righteousness living in me and me living in you unto all you already have in mind to do and me asking whatever I wish.  I accept your invitation and instruction … I believe you and then ask for anything … and then it is done for me rather than me trying to do for you.  Amazing … because you are.

All in and all my love,

Steve 

More than Information

S - "The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” — “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ” And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." (Mark 1:1-4 NIV)

O - John begins to call people to think differently about sins (μετάνοια) Jesus will call all people to think differently about everything.  The NIV begins Mark's account with the phrase "The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah (my emphasis).  The Greek is properly translated of not about … the difference isn't minor.  Jesus didn't just bring good news he is the good news.  The good news of Jesus is not just information about him; the good news of Jesus is Jesus himself! "Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me." (John 12:44-45 NIV)

A - Heaven isn't calling the world to believe things about Jesus. It is calling the world to believe the person of Jesus.  "Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”" (John 6:28-29 NIV) Any and all information about Jesus has its true significance exclusively in the context of personal response to his person. "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." (John 5:39-40 NIV)

P - Father in heaven,

Thank you for sending the good news in the person of Jesus and in him giving us your very self. I admit that when I see and hear him I'm seeing and hearing you. I welcome the essential help of your spirit to know him and to engage the transformed thinking, living, speaking and loving which is your will on earth for all. Thank you for letting us live and pray in Jesus name.

Steve