More than Wanted - Help Needed!

S - "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. … But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.  … “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. … Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged." (John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-11 ESV)

O - I will ask, send, give you another Helper … with you, in you, to be with you forever … teach you, bring to your remembrance, bear witness about me, convict the world.  Jesus, the expert on God, the Kingdom, Humans, Earth and the interface between them, is identifying the dynamics his followers may expect when it comes to the Spirit; dynamics for the here and now, each day, each circumstance.  Like Jesus, the Helper will actually help … he's not engaging a method of self-help but the miracle of transformation.  The followers aren't going to be hindered by the physical departure of Jesus and neither will they merely be a little better off because of the Spirit.  They are singularly and completely advantaged!

A - Jesus identifies the Spirit as "Helper".  This unlikely designation for divine presence and activity confirms two essential realities: my desperate need and his unflickering desire.  What if I actually believe this as Jesus intends?  What if I throw open my complete self to the Helper each day and each circumstance?  What if I rely on him and not on me … to fully cooperate with what Jesus has clearly said he's up for?  This is how he (Jesus) lived among us and how he intends for his followers to live.  This day, I say yes to Jesus and to the Spirit … unto my ongoing transformation and his amazing will on earth as it is in heaven.

P - Lord who has not left us orphaned,

I admit my desperate need of help.  I welcome everything you already have in mind to do in me, through me and in this world.  I admit that you are working and have invited all to join you in the work you are doing … according to the Spirit and forever life.  Yes!  I'll engage my part and not try to do yours.

All in,

Steve 

Healed Curiously

S - "And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. (Mark 10:46-52 ESV)

O - By this time in Jesus' public life no one is surprised that he could heal a person who'd become blind; he even healed those born blind.  The crowd considered Bartimaeus' cry an annoyance to be silenced … another hassle from one of the countless beggars in the world.  Apparently, Jesus heard something very different in his shout; something more than urgency or despair. Whatever the cause, the outcast blind man is called to come and be in the very center of the crowd, to be in the immediate presence of Jesus.  Not only is their exchange brief, it is remarkably casual considering the outstanding result.  A simple straightforward question and answer followed by an instruction to simply move along … no touching, no praying, no commanding, no scriptures invoked, no formula engaged.  Jesus doesn't offer him a deal … I heal and you commit to follow.  He just speaks, agrees with his faith and releases him to "go your way." Bartimaeus makes a second great choice.  The first was to keep crying out and the second was to keep following: "immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way." 

A - It seems obvious (though not stated in the scripture) Bartimaeus had some previous knowledge of Jesus and embraced the information he had.  Jesus of Nazareth is someone who is capable of outstanding healings.  He had the concept in mind and agreed with the capacity and possibility.  This no doubt inspired his insistent and even uncouth response. Yet, none of this produced his healing.  The power to heal is not in the concept, principles, history, promises or plans of Jesus.  Each of these point to such amazing dynamics as healings but they do not accomplish them.  All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to the person of Jesus, not the concept, principle or promise. These are given so we would come to him (John 5:39-40).  I admit that I am often relying on or responding out of the concept or principle rather than with and to the person.  According to Jesus, in each day and each circumstance the point and focus remains the same, come to me and follow me.  I gratefully accept the difference between the person and the concept. I want to live this difference out loud day by day!

P - Lord Jesus,

I am so grateful for your patient and unoffended love for me and for all … and I want to be helped/transformed in my thinking and living in this awesome, beautiful, challenging, intimate and critical distinction.  We are designed for personal relationship with you and your Father. I want to live in you not to you (concept); to work with you and not for you (plan); to be holy to you not for you (principles).  I choose to ask for mercy, come near and follow.

I love you back,

Steve

Word: well said; said in agreement - Urban Dictionary

S - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. … The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. (John 1:1-4, 9-11 ESV)

O - These verses give very clear information about the person (identity and activity) of Jesus and his interface with heaven and earth. The response of both places is very different yet both are dependent on him for their existence. Considering this shared dependence, the stark contrast between his reception in heaven and on earth is surprising but no surprise to him. Jesus comes to dispel darkness, to affirm and express heaven's love for earth and especially for all earthlings. This love does not love to be loved but loves because it loves completely (unconditionally). It wants to be loved back but will it love regardless of the response (like light shining). He is life and light to all. All are wanted and all may receive.

A - I rarely love him or anyone this way, even though this is how I am relentlessly loved by him. Heaven's hope in me coming to this sad and true conclusion is not to inspire remorse but to inspire a response to love the way I am loved. Not only to love him this way but to love all this way. The capacity to do this rests not in me but in him. The decision to engage is mine. Heaven knows it will literally take a miracle and is prepared to produce one. Jesus will go on to tell us all "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:4-5 ESV) According to the grace that is Jesus I choose to receive and respond … to step into the light that is already shining.

P - Lord who is love, life and light,

Thank you for loving us no matter what. I need and want you and all you already have in mind. I engage the grace filled dignity of choice to love you back and all others the way I am loved by you. I choose you back; love you back; and will look to love my neighbors (all others) as myself. I admit this is impossible to me but very possible in you.

Word,

Steve

Fear No Evil … Even When You Know It's Near

S - "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (‭Psalm 23:4 ESV)

O - The presence of evil is, in fact, a fear provoking reality.  Death holds its own intimidation and threat against the living.  Yet, these intense and formidable forces hold no sway over David.  He is not oblivious to their presence or intent.  He is not unacquainted with their activity on earth. Though not impervious to feeling their malevolent nearness he remains steady and confident. What is the inspiration and source of his comfort which repels the malevolence so close at hand? It is not his experience and skill as a fighter. He is not putting his confidence in superior resources.   The brave and seasoned warrior is put at ease by the presence of his shepherd.  The shadow of death is held at bay by the One he is with … "for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."[my emphasis]

A - Children do not rely on their skill, resources, history, information or planning … they rely on presence for comfort, inspiration, provision and direction.  David was living the very thing Jesus insisted his disciples embrace: "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (‭Matthew 14:1-4 ESV) My assignment today and every day is to be little, childlike unto the Kingdom which is near and the life which is really life. Today I get to join Jesus in his joy about how the Kingdom that is near works on earth:  "In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will." (‭Luke 10:21 ESV)

P - Lord who is near,

I accept the assessment you give … rather than spending my energies on endless threat assessments I will spend them on assessing my proximity to you.  Thank for all the hours and days when evil is far from me.  When your way leads to the valley of the shadow of death, I will stay near, follow and be confident because I'm with you.  Enable, transform my life so that I will be little today; childlike unto the fullness that you intend. I want to join you in your joy, Jesus.  No matter where you lead, I am glad to be following according to your person and presence.

Steve 

For Heaven's Sake!

S - "And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? … At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. … To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”" (Acts 26:6-8, 13-15, 22-23 ESV)

O - Saul of Tarsus was not converted to a new religion; he was transformed by a person … a person who never even said the word Christian. He was not convinced by theological argument but by an experience of presence. He was not called to a cause or worldview but to a person named Jesus whom God raised from the dead. His entire existence, after his encounter with the resurrected Jesus (Acts 9:1-19), revolved around three key realities; realities which filled his life, ministry and even his defense in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 22:6-16, 23:6), Caesarea (cf. Acts 25:13-19) and Rome. These realities are the name, person and resurrection of Jesus.

A - Religion wants converts made by information. Heaven wants children made by the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead. Religion wants its adherents to pursue and follow an "approved" worldview. Heaven wants its citizens to pursue and follow a person. Religion will call the world to a cause and Heaven calls the world to a man … follow me is the call and Jesus is the man. For Heaven's sake and for my own I want to live out loud the realities heaven gives to all people … the name, person and resurrection of Jesus.

P - Only True Friend of the Entire World,

Thank you for calling the whole world to yourself. Thank you for your name, presence and resurrection life given to all who will receive. I welcome you, your presence and irrepressible life to come into me and hope that such will come out of me for your sake and for the sake of all, me included. Thank you that you want us to hold every life in the hope of transformation, especially our own. Yes, Lord … change/transform me. I will come near, stay near and follow wherever you lead.

All my love,

Steve

The One Character Trait that Outdoes All Others

S - "Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. (Acts 18:24-28 ESV)

O - The dynamics in and around Apollos are encouraging in many ways. The list of attributes is quite striking. Eloquent, competent in the Scriptures, fervent in spirit, accurate, helping believers and powerful in public discourse is a list anyone would love to be described by.  Amazingly, there is another quality of his life which is often not a part of people who possess so many outstanding characteristics. The powerful, brilliant, eloquent Apollos was coachable, teachable … a rare combination ("when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately."). Teachable is a quality of childlikeness … childlikeness is the only standard Jesus mentored the twelve toward which would cause them to enter and fully possess the Kingdom in its fullness (Matthew 18:1-4).  This is the quality which is the clearest affirmation that he both knew and was following Jesus.

A - Jesus did not tell his closest followers to be more like David, Daniel, Ruth or Moses. He did tell them to become like little children. Children:

o    rely on presences, not skill, resources or information.

o    are teachable unto change.

o    default to trust in the best and worst of times.

I want and need this attribute in increasing measure so I will continue to know (grow in my relationship with) and follow Jesus. I guess what I'm saying is: I want to be like Apollos so I can be more and more like Jesus. "In that same hour he [Jesus] rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”" (Luke 10:21-24 ESV)

P - Lord Jesus,

You lived it, taught it, commanded it and rejoiced in it … the revelation comes only to those who will become like little children. I am seeking, asking for spirit empowerment in this regard that my learning curve of you and from you would not fall toward horizontal but stay pleasantly toward vertical. Let me be coachable unto all you intend and to the life that is really life.

Looking to become and stay little,

Steve

What's Your Worldview on the Necessities of Life?

S - "And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”… While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him." (‭Luke 22:35-38, 47-51 ESV)

O - There is an absolute ton of dynamics going on in these few verses.  Yet, the anchor point for them all was the twelve being sent out to surrounding villages without the usual necessities; intentionally refusing to take them.  Amazingly, they actually believed Jesus and went with nothing and amazingly they  lacked nothing.  So he chooses this intense moment (his actual betrayal and arrest) to restate the point in a direct question.  According to Jesus, before you take moneybag, knapsack, sandals and even a sword, this reality of the nearness of the Kingdom and how life on earth works in that Kingdom is essential; not just in one's theology but in one's actual experience and current worldview. Even with this firmly in place, there's misunderstanding about the sword. Like the rest, it's a "lawful" thing to have. But for Jesus the point of having a sword in this situation is NOT using it. His inaugural slogan and his earlier words to Peter apply:

• "From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, [literally think differently] for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”" (‭Matthew 4:17 ESV)
• "But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”" (‭Mark 8:33‬ ESV)  

A - Am I willing to believe Jesus about earth (John 3:11-12) … to accept his instruction and live it out loud the way his first followers did?  Will I engage ongoing repentance; transformed thinking? Not just about sin but about everything because the Kingdom is near, not far away.  I admit I will not be able to do or sustain this on my own.  I will need the help of God's Spirit, the Scriptures and the followers of Jesus.  I have the privilege of choosing to engage in confident and dependent hope of the help heaven promises. I choose yes. I will believe Jesus and follow!  

P - Lord who is life,

Thank you for insisting that we follow your person and admit that you are fully engaged in life on earth … daily bread and swords included.  I admit that,  at what I think are my finest moments, I may be in error … thinking like a mere human rather than like you.  I welcome the help of your Spirit, your written and speaking voice and the counsel of my brothers and sisters.  Thank you that to this very day I still lack nothing. 

Saying yes in Jesus' Name,

Steve