The Harvest of Needed Change

S - "A large crop is in the fields, but there are only a few workers. Ask the Lord in charge of the harvest to send out workers to bring it in. Now go, but remember, I am sending you like lambs into a pack of wolves." Luke 10 TS

O - Jesus doesn't instruct us to pray for souls or for revival or the like.  He does plainly tell us that our part in the change our world needs is to pray for workers and to be one.  What kind of worker should we be?  The kind who are like sheep among wolves.  The kind who start at love, lead with mercy and then (and only then) address facts.  The kind that love unconditionally and refuse to judge.  The kind that live and inspire unity, relationships with all and the wisdom of God's Kingdom.  The kind who believe Jesus about earth. "I tell you for certain we know what we are talking about because we have seen it ourselves. But none of you will accept what we say. If you don't believe when I talk to you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I talk to you about heavenly things?" John 3 TS

A - There is a huge difference between solidarity and unity; networking and relationships, skepticism and wisdom. Jesus prayed for unity not solidarity; called us to relationships not networking and to wisdom not skepticism (sheep among wolves not a better version of a wolf). I will embrace Jesus and his instruction about life on earth, the change we need and my part in it.   I will pray for workers since the harvest is already white.  I will ask for personal transformation so I will be the kind of worker he's inviting to work with him. I will accept my daily, hourly assignment to love God and love all others as my equal.     

P - Lord of all and of the Harvest,

I am accepting your invitation to work and pray.  I am asking for workers to join you and offering myself as well.  I will believe you about earth and not just about heaven. I will refuse to become a better version of a wolf. I know my safety as a sheep among wolves is being near the shepherd. Yes to unity; yes to relationships; yes to wisdom, … yes to YOU!

All my love,

Steve  

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

Productive Living

S -“Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me. If you don’t stay joined to me, you will be thrown away. You will be like dry branches that are gathered up and burned in a fire. Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can ask for whatever you want, and it will be done for you. … Now I tell you to love each other, as I have loved you …  You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. So I command you to love each other.” John 15 TS

O - Production itself is not the focus of Jesus in this coaching moment he takes with those closest to him. Earth has long been producing a wide range of items; many of them tragic and all of them temporary. The issue is what is produced and its shelf life. In direct contrast to the thinking of earth, lots of lasting fruit is not the variable. A life which becomes and remains fruitful isn’t dependent on supply chains, market forces, talent, skill sets, resources or opportunities exploited. The only variable is a relational one. Staying joined to a person, Jesus, and cooperating with his instructions is the point upon which it all pivots. He’s the exclusive difference between a life in the fire or one on fire.

A - If the guarantee of fruitful, lasting and unlimited (ask for anything) living weren’t enough, the unflinching commitment of the only source for it is almost unbelievable (except for who it is making this commitment). Jesus will unconditionally stay joined to me/us. The question is will I stay joined to him? Will I believe him about earth or try to limit his influence to my beliefs about heaven (cf. John 3:11-12)? Will I work for him or with him?  Will I live to him or in him?  The outcome for me, my living and my praying hang in the balance. I’m not given the option of being a stick in the mud … it's either a fruitful branch or a dry branch for the fire. I will choose to stay joined and to let his teaching about everything become a part of me. The company alone is worth whatever it may require. Yes to Jesus on earth … yes to fruitful, lasting production! 

P - Lord of heaven and earth,

I fully embrace that without you I can do nothing … nothing. Thank you for your relentless love and commitment to all — me included. You lead and I’ll follow. I love you back!

Steve

Unreasonably Together

S - “Would you really die for me?” Jesus asked. “I tell you for certain that before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you don’t even know me. Don’t let your hearts be troubled! Have confidence in God and have confidence in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together. …  Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. It isn’t like the peace this world can give. So do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” John 13 &14 TS

O -These words of Jesus are spoken in very close proximity to a great and public failure on the part of all of those closest to him … and Peter will lead the way. In light of such catastrophic failures on all levels there is no scolding, no lecture, no guilt. Instead, there is a clarion call to personal confidence in the one they are with, the one they will fail. His confidence in the outcome, regardless of such heartbreaking desertions and denials, is relentlessly unflickering. They will be together! Don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid. 

A - In the face of failures, private and public, the world (secular and religious) demands that my heart and mind be troubled, afraid. It insists I suffer a complete loss of confidence and prepare myself for the worst (and deserved) possible outcome. Jesus is teaching me to send this reasoning back to hell where it came from. He has never asked me to place confidence in myself or in my capacities to perform anything. He calls me to himself and to confidence in his person and in person of his Father; and to refuse a troubled or fearful heart because of them. His desire is not found in flawless performance but in relational authenticity … failures and all. He is preparing a specific and personal place for each one and he himself is the way. His only desire is that we be together with him. I am remembering the thief on a cross next to Jesus … today you will be with me in paradise.

P - Amazing Lord,

Amazing love, amazing grace, amazing life … together this day and every day because of who you are. Thank you for wanting us at our worst and not just at our best. For loving us simply because you do … no performance, no relational tightrope, no conditional approvals. Imperfect as I am and as my love is … I love you back with my all! No to troubled and fearful thinking and living. Yes to you … to confidence in you and your unconditional love. 

Steve

Everything and Everyone

S -"Jesus told his followers: Have faith in God! If you have confidence in God and don’t doubt, you can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. Everything you ask God for will be yours, if you only have faith. Whenever you stand up to speak with God, you must forgive what others have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins." Mark 11 TS

O -In the wake of a fig tree dried up from the roots, Jesus instructs his followers on the dynamics of asking and receiving. The baseline is not theologically accurate conclusions about God but ongoing personal confidence in and connection with God. The not doubting part is relational (confidence in God) not circumstantial (belief in an outcome). God makes and keeps everything possible. Such faith, such confidence compels and requires a conclusion which is essential beyond any needed or desired outcome. The freedom of forgiveness from any sin and for any who’ve sinned against us.

A - According to Jesus, asking anything and forgiving everything, everyone, are directly connected. They are inseparable because of the One with whom nothing is impossible and who is working everything for good. Earth wants to separate the issues and heaven won’t have it. I will admit and accept this unchanging reality: asking anything and forgiving everyone as I am being forgiven. 

P - All Merciful and All Mighty God,

With confidence in your person and forgiveness for all I will ask and not doubt you. Come what may I am overjoyed in the freedom of forgiveness received and given. Thank you for loving us first and most … and for refusing to change your mind. I’ll love you back with love for all.

According to Jesus,

Steve

Justice for All

S -"So God’s promise came true, just as Isaiah the prophet had said, “Here is my chosen servant! I love him, and he pleases me. I will give him my Spirit, and he will bring justice to the nations. He won’t shout or yell or call out in the streets. He won’t break off a bent reed or put out a dying flame, but he will make sure that justice is done. All nations will place their hope in his name.” Matthew 12:17-21 TS

O -These words, spoken in the 6th century BCE, describe Jesus of Nazareth; his person, influence, methodology and activity. The description is not exhaustive but it is stellar and strikingly poignant when one considers the condition of our world and the volume of injustice currently imposed. No nation, ethnicity, social strata or cultural group is exempt. Yet all people and all nations have the same access to the only enduring source and fulfillment of justice. Governments, religions and the United Nations cannot produce it. Legislation, verdicts and marches won’t accomplish or sustain it … a person will.  

A - Justice is not a function of laws, regulations or court mandates; it is a function primarily of the heart.  It comes from within not from without.  Certainly, we should have just laws, regulations and mandates but these have never produced the justice they seek.  Justice requires an ongoing transformation of the human heart. This is something exclusively in the prevue and activity of Jesus and he is available to all … to me.  I will welcome his ongoing transformation of my thinking, living, loving and speaking unto the freedom and justice intended for all.  I will seek to remove the plank in my own eye; to love my neighbor (7.6 billion minus one … anyone who's not me) as my equal, my very self and to count on his help to do it.  I will admit and live the reality that justice comes from within me from him to all around me. Yes to liberty and justice for all! 

P -Lord of all and Lord of me,

I am inspired and relieved to know this reality of justice and that you alone are its true source. I have hope for a transformed me and a transformed world … day by day.  My answer is yes to everything you already have in mind.  I will live and pray in Jesus' name. 

Steve

It Really is Crystal Clear

S - “Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” 2 John1:9NIV

O - Heaven sends Jesus to earth to clarify the person and purposes of God. He himself is the message. He only says what the Father is saying and only does what the Father is doing. Time and again the Scriptures affirm that when we see Jesus we see the One who sent him. Remaining in him and in his words is the assignment for all who want to follow.  Teachings about Christ abound.  Heaven calls us all to remain in Jesus and is his teaching (teaching of Christ not teaching about Christ). 

A - The proper use of the Scriptures is to always begin and end with Jesus (his person, presence and words - the four accounts).  He is the author and perfecter/finisher of faith, the beginning and the end, the alpha and omega.  We're not supposed to synthesize the Scriptures because he didn't (i.e. flatline them and make them all equally important. Consider the following:  Mount of transfiguration, greatest commandment, you have ignored the weightier issues of the law, etc.). According to Jesus, something greater than Solomon, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Jonah, David, the Sabbath, the Temple and the Twelve is here. 

P - (prayer from the fourth century):

Whom have we, Lord, like you?

The great one who became small,

the wakeful who slept,

the living one who died,

the king who abased himself to ensure honor for all

blessed is your honor.

It is right that heavenly beings worship your humanity.

It is right that earthly beings worship your divinity.

The heavenly beings were amazed to see how small you became

and earthly ones to see how exalted. 

Love and Lying

S - “Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. … And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” 1 John‬ ‭2:4-5; 4:21‬ ‭ESV‬

O -The point of the instruction/commands is not a flawless performance but a relentless love, love from God and love for God and for all others. The world (secular and religious) wants to make a separation between loving God and loving others.  Heaven will not have it.  

A - Accepting this reality doesn't make it easier to do. It does clarify my status with God and my interaction with his commands.  It is easier to be right than to love.  It is easier to use Scripture, to make huge sacrifices or to attempt great things than to love.  Nothing is more important than loving.  If I am not leading with and clinging to love, then every Scripture promise and kingdom reality is moving away from me.  When love is carrying the day (the moment, the circumstance, the known and the unknown) then all of heaven is moving, rushing toward me and looking to flow into me and out of me into this world which God so loves.  

P - God who is love,

Thank you for clarifying all of this in the person of Jesus.  I don't want to be lying to myself about loving you.  You don't want me to think you're demanding an impeccable performance. Thank you for loving all unconditionally; for letting us love you back and have it matter to you; and for identifying the exclusive outcome of such an interaction: the love of others. 

Amazed again,

Steve  

Matters of Life and Death

S - "Just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants to. The Father doesn’t judge anyone, but he has made his Son the judge of everyone. … You search the Scriptures, because you think you will find eternal life in them. The Scriptures tell about me, but you refuse to come to me for life. … Don’t think that I will be the one to accuse you to the Father. You have put your hope in Moses, yet he is the very one who will accuse you. Moses wrote about me, and if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me." John 5 TS

O - Since eternal life is a person (Jesus) and not an asset one secures against future unavoidable liabilities the instruction given takes on a remarkably relational context and purpose.  Eternal life, real, vibrant, death defying, irrepressible and refreshing starts now, not merely in concept but in personal exchange and transformation.  The call to eternal life is the call to Jesus and he is all about daily, ongoing relationship unto ongoing points of expression and change.

A - The purpose of the Scriptures, according to Jesus, is to tell (testify) about him so that we would come to him. He is heaven’s only point and our only hope. Life, grace, safety, hope, strength, wisdom, etc. are in him not in words, promises or principles. The humans who planned and demanded his unjust and undeserved crucifixion were those who regularly read Scripture, prayed daily and rarely missed a worship service. Today’s (and any day’s) reading, praying, worship have only one purpose. I will accept and live this out loud verse by verse, prayer by prayer and in each action of worship.

P - Lord who is life,
I am so very grateful that you alone are the purpose and the point … and you call the whole world to follow you into the life that is really life. Yes to you, to all you already have in mind. Thank you for giving us the great dignity of choosing you back.
All my love to you, Jesus!
Steve

The Right to Judge

S -"You judge in the same way that everyone else does, but I don’t judge anyone." John 8 TS

O -This statement of Jesus was made to the Religious Experts of his day. These leaders were skilled in the Scriptures and in the traditions dating back to Moses. Their "information base" was quite different from the Roman Empire which ruled over them. It was very different than that of the multitude of religions and cultures that were a part of first century Palestine.  Yet, they are completely mistaken and the problem identified is twofold.  First of all, they were judging; something Jesus says is not to be engaged before the end of the age.  And when it is employed, none of us will be the ones doing the judging. Secondly, having opposed and refused the first prohibition, these experts engage judging just like everyone else. Their conclusions are not the conclusions of heaven and are not superior to others. The right to judge has NOTHING to do with the accuracy of one's information base or the veracity of one's opinions (legal, religious, spiritual, cultural or otherwise). The right to judge has been given to only one human being and he's deferred all judgment to the end.  He expects his followers to follow his instruction: "Don’t judge others, and God won’t judge you. Don’t be hard on others, and God won’t be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated." Luke 6 TS

    

A -Following the Jesus sent by heaven is always simple but not always easy.  It is a formidable challenge to refuse judging others when one's information is accurate. Nevertheless, his instruction is crystal clear on this point. Earth thinks the most important thing is saying it out loud.  Heaven thinks that's not it at all. Jesus wants me to live each day as his work site not as a part of a work crew.  I'm the project not the project manager. All truth that is made clear to me has one intended purpose … that it would be lived out loud in my life. With Jesus, it's always the beam in my own eye not the sawdust in another's. Paul puts it this way: "God isn’t like anything that humans have thought up and made … now he says that everyone everywhere must change their thinking. He has set a day when he will judge the world’s people with equity. And he has chosen the man Jesus to do the judging for him. God has given proof of this to all of us by raising Jesus from death." Acts 17 TS

P -Lord who is the judge of all,

I accept your instruction and want to live it out loud.  I am very grateful to be one of the 7.6 billion projects you are working on day by day.  I regret all judgements I have made against others. I need help with the beam in my own eye.  I admit there is only one judge.  You lead, I'll follow.

Steve 

Where to Begin: Defense or Introduction?

S -"The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. There he met Philip, who was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. Jesus said to Philip, “Follow me.” Philip then found Nathanael and said, “We have found the one that Moses and the Prophets wrote about. He is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip answered, “Come and see.” John 2 TS

O -Philip's response to the terse and maybe even skeptical retort of his brother is not only worth noting but emulating.  He doesn't attempt to overwhelm the opposition with information or guilt laden reproof.  Instead of starting a debate he offers an invitation. Heaven has no intention of winning arguments; just hearts. Before the day is out Nathanael's heart will be won by experiencing the person of Jesus. Jesus doesn't need to be defended only introduced.    

A -Jesus is the only point heaven is making. It is primarily a relational point, not an informational one.  His definition of eternal life confirms this beyond any doubt. "This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent." It's not knowing about but KNOWING. Knowing requires an experience of personal interface. This was Philip's response to Nathanael and will be mine to all others especially when there seems to be some opposition.  Rather than responding with "Listen here …" I'll simply offer what Philip did "Come and see."  

P -Sovereign Strong and Lord of all,

Am so very grateful to belong to you by right and by grace.  Thank you for loving the world … all 7.6 billion of us.  Thank you for calling all of us into ongoing relationship with yourself.  I admit this is a function of spirit more than anything else.  I welcome the work, thinking, loving and living of you and your everywhere spirit.  I do love you back!

Steve

Answered Prayer - Not a Theological Formula

S - "As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:20-25 ESV)"

O - Faith in God, faith that can ask for and receive anything, is not reserved for a select few nor determined by ascribing to certain theological conclusions. Jesus says "whoever says … ". What he does attach to asking anything is living out an intentional and ongoing forgiveness toward all. 

A - I am learning that the "flicker" of doubt is less about what I am asking for and more about who I'm asking. It's not that I doubt his capacity but his willingness. The answer to this conflict is not resolved by an internal vigilance which keeps its focus on a conclusion but on a person, his nearness and his willingness to engage me, my world and my requests. Children don't stress about the how of their requests … they simply ask and stay near. Jesus wants me to be like that … and I do too.

P - Lord Jesus,

The fig tree cursing is edgy to me and my way of thinking. You want me to accept a transformation in my thinking unto the nearness of your person and kingdom. I am asking for help not self-help in this and every regard as I follow you. I love you back. My answer is already yes to everything you have in mind. 

All my love,

Steve 

A Surprise Regarding Authority

S - "Jesus and his followers went to the town of Capernaum. Then on the next Sabbath he went into the synagogue and started teaching. Everyone was amazed at his teaching. He taught with authority, and not like the teachers of the Law of Moses. … Everyone was completely surprised and kept saying to each other, “What is this? It must be some new kind of powerful teaching! Even the evil spirits obey him.” News about Jesus quickly spread all over Galilee." Mark 1 TS

O -There is no doubt that the teaching of Jesus is unlike any other. It was amazing when he first spoke it and it remains just as amazing today. The people then immediately connected it with the power and authority to dispatch demons and heal the sick.  And this is a problem to this very day. Culture, religious and otherwise, looks to content alone to validate and influence. But Jesus was very clear on this point.  His authority did not come from the content or presentation of information, new or old. It came from his relationship with his Father.  He says: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me"; not to the content of my teaching or the quoting of Scriptures. His teaching didn't give him authority, his authority and relationship with his Father infused his teaching and actions.  He will always be the point heaven is making, offering and honoring. 

A -Jesus is the good news from heaven, not information.  Scriptures do not reveal him or his Father, they testify them so all would come to him for life (John 5:39-40; Matthew 11:27).  The information (teaching), as wonderful and important as it may be, is not the point nor the source of power or authority. Jesus is. We are not loved, saved or included because of what he said or what we think he said.  We are loved, saved and included by Jesus who has all authority in heaven and on earth. Surprise!  The gospel is a person.  The Kingdom of God is relationships. He treats all people the same. Being near is more important than being right!   

P - Lord,

You remain surprising and amazing to this very day everywhere.  Thank you for being sent to the world - all 7.6 billion.  All authority is yours.  You are the point.  You are very near.  You love us first and most and refuse to change your mind.  Thank you for the great dignity to love you back, to come near and to follow. Nothing is too difficult, impossible or too wonderful for you -- and anyone can ask anything!

Asking according to your person,

Steve 

Friends not Fans

S - "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you. My Father is honored by this, that you bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples. “Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain in my love. If you obey my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. … My commandment is this – to love one another just as I have loved you. … You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that remains, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. This I command you – to love one another. (John 15:7-10, 12, 16, 17 NET)

O - Asking anything with the hope of receiving is not the variable with Jesus. The variable is a "remaining" which is directly connected to other humans on earth. The asking and the remaining in Jesus (and his love and words) is inseparably tied to an obedience which expresses itself in loving unconditionally his other followers … all of them. The Lord of all is not content to be loved in isolation/exclusively. He will not allow his followers to disconnect heaven from earth or his person from his followers.He's really not interested in fans, just friends, brothers and sisters together in him, his love, his words and his commands.

A - Jesus isn't offering a series of options for me to consider. He knows the virtual impossibility of his insistent instruction. In fact, it is impossible on my own and he never wants me in that condition (i.e. alone). Instead, what is impossible for humans is always possible with God. He wants me to choose to engage and he stands ready to make it very possible. Hmmm…the first (not the last) anything should be this remaining. Will I embrace his instruction? Will I choose this day and every day to ask? I will!

P - Lord,

I have some big things I want to ask you for … big. But this first one is your desire for me and I thank you for it. I ask that I will live each day in the remaining you prescribe. I don't want to deceive myself by thinking that I can disconnect heaven from earth or you from all who follow. I say yes to you, your words, your love and to loving all. Yes!

In Jesus' Name,

Steve

Repenting … from Religion

S -"Now because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began persecuting him. So he told them, “My Father is working until now, and I too am working.” For this reason the Jewish leaders were trying even harder to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was also calling God his own Father, thus making himself equal with God. … “But I have a testimony greater than that from John. For the deeds that the Father has assigned me to complete – the deeds I am now doing – testify about me that the Father has sent me." (John 5:16-18, 36 NET)

O -Actually, Jesus wasn't breaking the Sabbath at all; he was breaking religion's Sabbath which claimed to be God's and was not. In fact, the very things which offended and inspired the leaders to pursue him were very things the Father gave him to do and was doing with him. "So Jesus answered them, “I tell you the solemn truth, the Son can do nothing on his own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise." (John 5:19 NET) Religion, all religion, is always susceptible to misquoting the Scriptures, misguiding people and masquerading as God's kingdom. It will speak with "authority" where the Scriptures are silent and remain silent and resist where they speak with pristine clarity. At its best it can be a good reflection but never the reality; not any more than my body could become my spirit. Thus, the inaugural slogan and call of Jesus remains paramount for all who will follow him. Engage and accept the ongoing transformation of your thinking (repent) because the Kingdom is at hand. 

A -I admit my susceptibility to misquoting, being misguided and masquerading as something I'm not. I embrace the need for ongoing transformation in every area of my life and thinking. I don't want to be left to myself, even my best intended self. Today, while it is called today, I repent. 

P -Lord who works and calls to this very day,

Thank you for wanting me/us and for wanting to bring the ongoing transformation so desperately and consistently needed. I give you my full and unqualified cooperation … do what is already in your heart to do so that I will be transformed into your likeness in every way. I want to think, speak, live, love and act like you; unto the life that is really life. I repent from my religion and say yes to transformation in Jesus' name.

Love,

Steve

Help Not Wanted

S - “God made the world and everything in it. He is Lord of heaven and earth, and he doesn't live in temples built by human hands. He doesn't need help from anyone. He gives life, breath, and everything else to all people. ... God has done all this, so that we will look for him and reach out and find him. He isn't far from any of us, and he gives us the power to live, to move, and to be who we are. “We are his children,” just as some of your poets have said. … He isn't like anything that humans have thought up and made. … He says that everyone everywhere must change their thinking. He has set a day when he will judge the world's people with equity. And he has chosen the man Jesus to do the judging for him. God has given proof of this to all of us by raising Jesus from death.” Acts 17 TS

O - Heaven is requiring a change in thinking about everything. Every thing … God included. He does not dwell in religious buildings or places. He made everything and everyone (all 7.6 billion and counting). He does not need anyone’shelp for anything. Everyone will be assessed in these terms by Jesus of Nazareth. All people will be treated with equity. All. The proof for all of this is the resurrection of Jesus. He is reaching out to all and hoping all will reach back. As Jesus says, “Change your thinking the kingdom of heaven is near.”

A -There is not one person God hasn’t made or doesn’t love. In a world full of problems and things which need to be done God does not need the help of anyone of us for anything — anything. In fact, he is working on all the problems right now; every one of them. What he’s hoping for and desiring is for us to work with him. What if we all stopped helping and started cooperating? What if we actually started believing Jesus about earth(John 3:11-12)? A true change in thinking will produce a change in how we live and work. I will pursue and accept ongoing change in my thinking and living according to Jesus; intentionally choosing cooperation. I will stop helping.

P -Lord of heaven and earth,

Thank you for loving us and wanting us to work with you. I admit that:

·      there’s nothing you can ask me to do with you that you couldn’t do better without me. 

·      the point of the work is being together rather than getting it done.

·      you are focused on how we live not what we accomplish. 

Reaching back,

Steve

Heaven's Certainty on Earth

S -"Now I am certain that God treats all people alike. God is pleased with everyone who responds to him and does right, no matter what nation they come from. This is the same message that God gave to the people of Israel, when he sent Jesus Christ, the Lord of all, to offer peace to them. … Jesus was put to death on a cross. But three days later, God raised him to life and let him be seen. Not everyone saw him. He was seen only by us, who ate and drank with him after he was raised from death. We were the ones God chose to be witnesses." Acts 10 TS 

O -  The ones God chooses to be his representatives, his ambassadors, are those who know that he treats all people alike.  Not just all people who join or belong to a certain subset of the world's population (religious or otherwise) -- all people.  The ones chosen by God, not self-appointed or commissioned by other humans, accept that they are to BE witnesses rather than to DO witnessing. Religion teaches that people can please God ONLY if they join their group. Religion wants its adherents to do witnessing (propagate its teachings and conclusions). Heaven wants all people to meet a person who is already reaching out to everyone. Those who respond to him are to be his witness. One of the very first follower put it this way: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”1 John1:1-3ESV

A -According to Jesus, he is not discovered in the Scriptures. The Scriptures testify of him but he is revealed by his Father, by the Spirit (John 5:39-40; Matthew 16:15-18). This is the experience of millions and hundreds of millions of people over the years and it is my experience too.  It’s not knowing about Jesus but actually knowing him that is the point.  This is because he is heaven's only point!  This is certain and made certain in him. “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John17:3ESV) God's Kingdom is relational not theological or religious. We are invited to a relationship with Jesus which is eternal life.  The result is being a witness of him rather than doing witnessing about theological ideas and precepts. This is the certainty all people are invited to … and I am gladly accepting him and his invitation!   

P -Lord of all and Lord of me,

Thank you for engaging me relationally according to Spirit; for letting me know you and not just know about you.  Your love for all people is amazing, unchanging and eternally life giving. I am very glad to be able to be a witness of your person.  You have made me certain on earth about heaven's intent and purpose. AMAZING!  I do love you back!

Steve 

Regarding God’s Love

S -“It was before Passover, and Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and to return to the Father. He had always loved his followers in this world, and he loved them to the very end.” John 13 TS

O -There is nothing passive or disinterested in God’s love for the world (7.6 billion and counting). Jesus and his Father love us “in this world.” They are not waiting for the next age to come to express their love to us. They’re not even waiting for us to respond … they’re initiating with unconditional love. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”(1 John 4:10 NIV) We are loved in this world to the very end.

A -We are loved unconditionally; actively, personally, passionately. We are not loved by God so that we will love him back; though he wants us to love him back. We are loved because we are loved, period, full stop. It’s a decision and commitment made by him and he refuses to change his mind. The relational, personal experience of his love and person is being offered unconditionally in this world, to every person, every day … to the very end. Will I open my heart to him who has already opened his heart to me? I will make myself loving present to him unto the life that is really life. His love for us/me will never end even when my days in this world do. 

P -Sovereign Strong and Friend of sinners,

Thank you for not waiting, for not conditioning your love toward us. You love us first and most and refuse to change your mind. I turn to you my face and offer a wide-open heart and life unto you and all you already have in mind. I do love you back.

Steve