Simon Peter answered, “Lord, who will we go to? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” John 6:68–69 (HCSB)
Jesus fed the 5,000, and then Jesus walked on water. He showed the disciples that, with a mustard-seed faith, they too could step onto, and not into, the water, like Peter taking baby steps toward Jesus.
But then Jesus said he was the Bread of Life – that his ministry wasn’t about giving the faithful a free lunch, all the food and miracles anyone could ever want. “Don’t come to me for what you can get,” Jesus explained. “Come to me because I am the One.”
“From that moment many of his disciples turned back and no longer accompanied him. Therefore Jesus said to the Twelve, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?” (John 6:66–67, HCSB)
Peter, forever stating exactly what he’s thinking, says there’s no where else to go. “We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” (John 6:69, HCSB)
And God wants to bring us to this same place, where we understand there is no other way, or truth, or life, but Jesus (John 14:6); where we stop wandering in the wilderness, holding on to a hopeless hope that there is someone else, something else that can do for us what only Jesus, the One, the Son, can do.
We believe there is somewhere else to go when we step out independent from God, following the wrong gods home. We may chase after little gods, such as drugs, sex, or theft; but the danger is that we also follow the more subtle false gods of anger, gossip, or lying.
But like the prodigal, we keep coming back to Jesus, until we finally understand deep within that only he has the words of eternal life; only he is the Holy One of God. (John 6:68–69, HCSB)
In my own walk, I have come back in confusion; I have come back in heartbreak; I have come back in defeat. I have come back with my anger and my shame, crying out, “I am leaving; I am leaving; I will leave.”
Yet, I remain because my Savior never leaves.
What does this mean?
God is pushing you toward the narrow gate – He knows that there is no one else to go to and so he is drawing you toward the narrow gate: “How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.” (Matthew 7:14, HCSB) God’s insistence that there is only one Way, one Truth, one Life is not a selfish demand; he knows, painfully so, that there is no other way to him except through Jesus Christ.
Really, there is no one else – For many years, I chased after the wrong things, and I’m still tempted to do so today. Sometimes, when I hear voices from the far country, I turn my gaze toward the horizon. But I’ve learned through costly trial and painful error that I’ll eventually just end up right back at the feet of Jesus. So, I sit back down at the Master’s feet, and turn my gaze upon Jesus. Ask God to help you – and to help me – act as we believe: “We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” (John 6:69, HCSB)
Look to where God is pushing you – God is pushing you closer and closer to the One who has the words of eternal life. By coming to the place where you can say to Jesus, “You are the only and Holy One of God,” you have also come to the place where you are seeking him, and him alone.
Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Leaving to Go Home by Jon Walker
Simon Peter answered, “Lord, who will we go to? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” John 6:68–69 (HCSB)
Jesus fed the 5,000, and then Jesus walked on water. He showed the disciples that, with a mustard-seed faith, they too could step onto, and not into, the water, like Peter taking baby steps toward Jesus.
But then Jesus said he was the Bread of Life – that his ministry wasn’t about giving the faithful a free lunch, all the food and miracles anyone could ever want. “Don’t come to me for what you can get,” Jesus explained. “Come to me because I am the One.”
“From that moment many of his disciples turned back and no longer accompanied him. Therefore Jesus said to the Twelve, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?” (John 6:66–67, HCSB)
Peter, forever stating exactly what he’s thinking, says there’s no where else to go. “We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” (John 6:69, HCSB)
And God wants to bring us to this same place, where we understand there is no other way, or truth, or life, but Jesus (John 14:6); where we stop wandering in the wilderness, holding on to a hopeless hope that there is someone else, something else that can do for us what only Jesus, the One, the Son, can do.
We believe there is somewhere else to go when we step out independent from God, following the wrong gods home. We may chase after little gods, such as drugs, sex, or theft; but the danger is that we also follow the more subtle false gods of anger, gossip, or lying.
But like the prodigal, we keep coming back to Jesus, until we finally understand deep within that only he has the words of eternal life; only he is the Holy One of God. (John 6:68–69, HCSB)
In my own walk, I have come back in confusion; I have come back in heartbreak; I have come back in defeat. I have come back with my anger and my shame, crying out, “I am leaving; I am leaving; I will leave.”
Yet, I remain because my Savior never leaves.
What does this mean?
God is pushing you toward the narrow gate – He knows that there is no one else to go to and so he is drawing you toward the narrow gate: “How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.” (Matthew 7:14, HCSB) God’s insistence that there is only one Way, one Truth, one Life is not a selfish demand; he knows, painfully so, that there is no other way to him except through Jesus Christ.
Really, there is no one else – For many years, I chased after the wrong things, and I’m still tempted to do so today. Sometimes, when I hear voices from the far country, I turn my gaze toward the horizon. But I’ve learned through costly trial and painful error that I’ll eventually just end up right back at the feet of Jesus. So, I sit back down at the Master’s feet, and turn my gaze upon Jesus. Ask God to help you – and to help me – act as we believe: “We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” (John 6:69, HCSB)
Look to where God is pushing you – God is pushing you closer and closer to the One who has the words of eternal life. By coming to the place where you can say to Jesus, “You are the only and Holy One of God,” you have also come to the place where you are seeking him, and him alone.
Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker.
Jesus fed the 5,000, and then Jesus walked on water. He showed the disciples that, with a mustard-seed faith, they too could step onto, and not into, the water, like Peter taking baby steps toward Jesus.
But then Jesus said he was the Bread of Life – that his ministry wasn’t about giving the faithful a free lunch, all the food and miracles anyone could ever want. “Don’t come to me for what you can get,” Jesus explained. “Come to me because I am the One.”
“From that moment many of his disciples turned back and no longer accompanied him. Therefore Jesus said to the Twelve, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?” (John 6:66–67, HCSB)
Peter, forever stating exactly what he’s thinking, says there’s no where else to go. “We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” (John 6:69, HCSB)
And God wants to bring us to this same place, where we understand there is no other way, or truth, or life, but Jesus (John 14:6); where we stop wandering in the wilderness, holding on to a hopeless hope that there is someone else, something else that can do for us what only Jesus, the One, the Son, can do.
We believe there is somewhere else to go when we step out independent from God, following the wrong gods home. We may chase after little gods, such as drugs, sex, or theft; but the danger is that we also follow the more subtle false gods of anger, gossip, or lying.
But like the prodigal, we keep coming back to Jesus, until we finally understand deep within that only he has the words of eternal life; only he is the Holy One of God. (John 6:68–69, HCSB)
In my own walk, I have come back in confusion; I have come back in heartbreak; I have come back in defeat. I have come back with my anger and my shame, crying out, “I am leaving; I am leaving; I will leave.”
Yet, I remain because my Savior never leaves.
What does this mean?
God is pushing you toward the narrow gate – He knows that there is no one else to go to and so he is drawing you toward the narrow gate: “How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.” (Matthew 7:14, HCSB) God’s insistence that there is only one Way, one Truth, one Life is not a selfish demand; he knows, painfully so, that there is no other way to him except through Jesus Christ.
Really, there is no one else – For many years, I chased after the wrong things, and I’m still tempted to do so today. Sometimes, when I hear voices from the far country, I turn my gaze toward the horizon. But I’ve learned through costly trial and painful error that I’ll eventually just end up right back at the feet of Jesus. So, I sit back down at the Master’s feet, and turn my gaze upon Jesus. Ask God to help you – and to help me – act as we believe: “We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” (John 6:69, HCSB)
Look to where God is pushing you – God is pushing you closer and closer to the One who has the words of eternal life. By coming to the place where you can say to Jesus, “You are the only and Holy One of God,” you have also come to the place where you are seeking him, and him alone.
Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker.
Leaving to Go Home by Jon Walker
Simon Peter answered, “Lord, who will we go to? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” John 6:68–69 (HCSB)
Jesus fed the 5,000, and then Jesus walked on water. He showed the disciples that, with a mustard-seed faith, they too could step onto, and not into, the water, like Peter taking baby steps toward Jesus.
But then Jesus said he was the Bread of Life – that his ministry wasn’t about giving the faithful a free lunch, all the food and miracles anyone could ever want. “Don’t come to me for what you can get,” Jesus explained. “Come to me because I am the One.”
“From that moment many of his disciples turned back and no longer accompanied him. Therefore Jesus said to the Twelve, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?” (John 6:66–67, HCSB)
Peter, forever stating exactly what he’s thinking, says there’s no where else to go. “We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” (John 6:69, HCSB)
And God wants to bring us to this same place, where we understand there is no other way, or truth, or life, but Jesus (John 14:6); where we stop wandering in the wilderness, holding on to a hopeless hope that there is someone else, something else that can do for us what only Jesus, the One, the Son, can do.
We believe there is somewhere else to go when we step out independent from God, following the wrong gods home. We may chase after little gods, such as drugs, sex, or theft; but the danger is that we also follow the more subtle false gods of anger, gossip, or lying.
But like the prodigal, we keep coming back to Jesus, until we finally understand deep within that only he has the words of eternal life; only he is the Holy One of God. (John 6:68–69, HCSB)
In my own walk, I have come back in confusion; I have come back in heartbreak; I have come back in defeat. I have come back with my anger and my shame, crying out, “I am leaving; I am leaving; I will leave.”
Yet, I remain because my Savior never leaves.
What does this mean?
God is pushing you toward the narrow gate – He knows that there is no one else to go to and so he is drawing you toward the narrow gate: “How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.” (Matthew 7:14, HCSB) God’s insistence that there is only one Way, one Truth, one Life is not a selfish demand; he knows, painfully so, that there is no other way to him except through Jesus Christ.
Really, there is no one else – For many years, I chased after the wrong things, and I’m still tempted to do so today. Sometimes, when I hear voices from the far country, I turn my gaze toward the horizon. But I’ve learned through costly trial and painful error that I’ll eventually just end up right back at the feet of Jesus. So, I sit back down at the Master’s feet, and turn my gaze upon Jesus. Ask God to help you – and to help me – act as we believe: “We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” (John 6:69, HCSB)
Look to where God is pushing you – God is pushing you closer and closer to the One who has the words of eternal life. By coming to the place where you can say to Jesus, “You are the only and Holy One of God,” you have also come to the place where you are seeking him, and him alone.
Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker.
Jesus fed the 5,000, and then Jesus walked on water. He showed the disciples that, with a mustard-seed faith, they too could step onto, and not into, the water, like Peter taking baby steps toward Jesus.
But then Jesus said he was the Bread of Life – that his ministry wasn’t about giving the faithful a free lunch, all the food and miracles anyone could ever want. “Don’t come to me for what you can get,” Jesus explained. “Come to me because I am the One.”
“From that moment many of his disciples turned back and no longer accompanied him. Therefore Jesus said to the Twelve, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?” (John 6:66–67, HCSB)
Peter, forever stating exactly what he’s thinking, says there’s no where else to go. “We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” (John 6:69, HCSB)
And God wants to bring us to this same place, where we understand there is no other way, or truth, or life, but Jesus (John 14:6); where we stop wandering in the wilderness, holding on to a hopeless hope that there is someone else, something else that can do for us what only Jesus, the One, the Son, can do.
We believe there is somewhere else to go when we step out independent from God, following the wrong gods home. We may chase after little gods, such as drugs, sex, or theft; but the danger is that we also follow the more subtle false gods of anger, gossip, or lying.
But like the prodigal, we keep coming back to Jesus, until we finally understand deep within that only he has the words of eternal life; only he is the Holy One of God. (John 6:68–69, HCSB)
In my own walk, I have come back in confusion; I have come back in heartbreak; I have come back in defeat. I have come back with my anger and my shame, crying out, “I am leaving; I am leaving; I will leave.”
Yet, I remain because my Savior never leaves.
What does this mean?
God is pushing you toward the narrow gate – He knows that there is no one else to go to and so he is drawing you toward the narrow gate: “How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.” (Matthew 7:14, HCSB) God’s insistence that there is only one Way, one Truth, one Life is not a selfish demand; he knows, painfully so, that there is no other way to him except through Jesus Christ.
Really, there is no one else – For many years, I chased after the wrong things, and I’m still tempted to do so today. Sometimes, when I hear voices from the far country, I turn my gaze toward the horizon. But I’ve learned through costly trial and painful error that I’ll eventually just end up right back at the feet of Jesus. So, I sit back down at the Master’s feet, and turn my gaze upon Jesus. Ask God to help you – and to help me – act as we believe: “We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” (John 6:69, HCSB)
Look to where God is pushing you – God is pushing you closer and closer to the One who has the words of eternal life. By coming to the place where you can say to Jesus, “You are the only and Holy One of God,” you have also come to the place where you are seeking him, and him alone.
Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker.
Leaving to Go Home by Jon Walker
Simon Peter answered, “Lord, who will we go to? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” John 6:68–69 (HCSB)
Jesus fed the 5,000, and then Jesus walked on water. He showed the disciples that, with a mustard-seed faith, they too could step onto, and not into, the water, like Peter taking baby steps toward Jesus.
But then Jesus said he was the Bread of Life – that his ministry wasn’t about giving the faithful a free lunch, all the food and miracles anyone could ever want. “Don’t come to me for what you can get,” Jesus explained. “Come to me because I am the One.”
“From that moment many of his disciples turned back and no longer accompanied him. Therefore Jesus said to the Twelve, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?” (John 6:66–67, HCSB)
Peter, forever stating exactly what he’s thinking, says there’s no where else to go. “We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” (John 6:69, HCSB)
And God wants to bring us to this same place, where we understand there is no other way, or truth, or life, but Jesus (John 14:6); where we stop wandering in the wilderness, holding on to a hopeless hope that there is someone else, something else that can do for us what only Jesus, the One, the Son, can do.
We believe there is somewhere else to go when we step out independent from God, following the wrong gods home. We may chase after little gods, such as drugs, sex, or theft; but the danger is that we also follow the more subtle false gods of anger, gossip, or lying.
But like the prodigal, we keep coming back to Jesus, until we finally understand deep within that only he has the words of eternal life; only he is the Holy One of God. (John 6:68–69, HCSB)
In my own walk, I have come back in confusion; I have come back in heartbreak; I have come back in defeat. I have come back with my anger and my shame, crying out, “I am leaving; I am leaving; I will leave.”
Yet, I remain because my Savior never leaves.
What does this mean?
God is pushing you toward the narrow gate – He knows that there is no one else to go to and so he is drawing you toward the narrow gate: “How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.” (Matthew 7:14, HCSB) God’s insistence that there is only one Way, one Truth, one Life is not a selfish demand; he knows, painfully so, that there is no other way to him except through Jesus Christ.
Really, there is no one else – For many years, I chased after the wrong things, and I’m still tempted to do so today. Sometimes, when I hear voices from the far country, I turn my gaze toward the horizon. But I’ve learned through costly trial and painful error that I’ll eventually just end up right back at the feet of Jesus. So, I sit back down at the Master’s feet, and turn my gaze upon Jesus. Ask God to help you – and to help me – act as we believe: “We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” (John 6:69, HCSB)
Look to where God is pushing you – God is pushing you closer and closer to the One who has the words of eternal life. By coming to the place where you can say to Jesus, “You are the only and Holy One of God,” you have also come to the place where you are seeking him, and him alone.
Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker.
Jesus fed the 5,000, and then Jesus walked on water. He showed the disciples that, with a mustard-seed faith, they too could step onto, and not into, the water, like Peter taking baby steps toward Jesus.
But then Jesus said he was the Bread of Life – that his ministry wasn’t about giving the faithful a free lunch, all the food and miracles anyone could ever want. “Don’t come to me for what you can get,” Jesus explained. “Come to me because I am the One.”
“From that moment many of his disciples turned back and no longer accompanied him. Therefore Jesus said to the Twelve, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?” (John 6:66–67, HCSB)
Peter, forever stating exactly what he’s thinking, says there’s no where else to go. “We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” (John 6:69, HCSB)
And God wants to bring us to this same place, where we understand there is no other way, or truth, or life, but Jesus (John 14:6); where we stop wandering in the wilderness, holding on to a hopeless hope that there is someone else, something else that can do for us what only Jesus, the One, the Son, can do.
We believe there is somewhere else to go when we step out independent from God, following the wrong gods home. We may chase after little gods, such as drugs, sex, or theft; but the danger is that we also follow the more subtle false gods of anger, gossip, or lying.
But like the prodigal, we keep coming back to Jesus, until we finally understand deep within that only he has the words of eternal life; only he is the Holy One of God. (John 6:68–69, HCSB)
In my own walk, I have come back in confusion; I have come back in heartbreak; I have come back in defeat. I have come back with my anger and my shame, crying out, “I am leaving; I am leaving; I will leave.”
Yet, I remain because my Savior never leaves.
What does this mean?
God is pushing you toward the narrow gate – He knows that there is no one else to go to and so he is drawing you toward the narrow gate: “How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.” (Matthew 7:14, HCSB) God’s insistence that there is only one Way, one Truth, one Life is not a selfish demand; he knows, painfully so, that there is no other way to him except through Jesus Christ.
Really, there is no one else – For many years, I chased after the wrong things, and I’m still tempted to do so today. Sometimes, when I hear voices from the far country, I turn my gaze toward the horizon. But I’ve learned through costly trial and painful error that I’ll eventually just end up right back at the feet of Jesus. So, I sit back down at the Master’s feet, and turn my gaze upon Jesus. Ask God to help you – and to help me – act as we believe: “We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!” (John 6:69, HCSB)
Look to where God is pushing you – God is pushing you closer and closer to the One who has the words of eternal life. By coming to the place where you can say to Jesus, “You are the only and Holy One of God,” you have also come to the place where you are seeking him, and him alone.
Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Just Getting Along? by Jon Walker
“Now, dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT)
The Bible doesn’t tell us to just get along with other believers. Even the worst of enemies can bury their differences for a short time and be cordial toward one another for a mutual goal or benefit.
But God calls us to a higher standard: “Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.” (Philippians 2:2 NLT)
Our testimonies are validated by how we get along with other believers – that is, how we get along with each other in our congregations, our small groups, our choir rehearsals, our deacon/elder meetings, even our families. Jesus said, “This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples — when they see the love you have for each other.” (John 13:35 MSG)
Yet, love doesn’t look very lovable when it’s accompanied by arguments and disputes and constant fighting. This is perhaps the hardest aspect of genuine Christian fellowship – because conflicts arise every time people are thrown together. Even a man and a woman who vow to love one another until separated by death can’t always see eye-to-eye. It’s understandable, then, when a group of people who have nothing in common but Jesus find it difficult to agree with one another all the time.
Our ability to get along with other believers simply won’t come from our human efforts, no matter how well intentioned, and it won’t come from continual compromises. Here’s the reason why – the church is a body!
The Bible calls the church a body of believers, but the funny thing about this body is every organ has a mind of its own. Yet, the human body is ruled by a single mind.
And so is the church, where the single mind that rules is Jesus, who is the Head of the church (Colossians 1:18). As with the human body, the desires of each individual organ, in the final analysis, don’t matter. It is only the desires of Jesus that count.
What does this mean?
Listen to your Head – If the left leg wants to walk and the right leg wants to run, it’s the head that decides what they will do. In the body of Christ, Jesus is the Head. Take your conflicts and disagreements to Jesus – and then do what he tells you to do, even if you don’t agree.
Agree on this one thing – We may have differing opinions, but on this one thing we must all agree: the only opinion that matters is the Lord’s. The cure for arguments and disputes that have infected the body is for all the parts – each of us – to submit to the will of Jesus Christ (James 4:7).
Question to consider – Has God brought to mind someone with whom you need to work out some differences? Instead of trying to make the other person agree with you, tell God that you will agree with him. If God so leads, tell those on the other side of a conflict or dispute that you are willing to submit to the will of Jesus and encourage them to do the same.
Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker.
The Bible doesn’t tell us to just get along with other believers. Even the worst of enemies can bury their differences for a short time and be cordial toward one another for a mutual goal or benefit.
But God calls us to a higher standard: “Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.” (Philippians 2:2 NLT)
Our testimonies are validated by how we get along with other believers – that is, how we get along with each other in our congregations, our small groups, our choir rehearsals, our deacon/elder meetings, even our families. Jesus said, “This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples — when they see the love you have for each other.” (John 13:35 MSG)
Yet, love doesn’t look very lovable when it’s accompanied by arguments and disputes and constant fighting. This is perhaps the hardest aspect of genuine Christian fellowship – because conflicts arise every time people are thrown together. Even a man and a woman who vow to love one another until separated by death can’t always see eye-to-eye. It’s understandable, then, when a group of people who have nothing in common but Jesus find it difficult to agree with one another all the time.
Our ability to get along with other believers simply won’t come from our human efforts, no matter how well intentioned, and it won’t come from continual compromises. Here’s the reason why – the church is a body!
The Bible calls the church a body of believers, but the funny thing about this body is every organ has a mind of its own. Yet, the human body is ruled by a single mind.
And so is the church, where the single mind that rules is Jesus, who is the Head of the church (Colossians 1:18). As with the human body, the desires of each individual organ, in the final analysis, don’t matter. It is only the desires of Jesus that count.
What does this mean?
Listen to your Head – If the left leg wants to walk and the right leg wants to run, it’s the head that decides what they will do. In the body of Christ, Jesus is the Head. Take your conflicts and disagreements to Jesus – and then do what he tells you to do, even if you don’t agree.
Agree on this one thing – We may have differing opinions, but on this one thing we must all agree: the only opinion that matters is the Lord’s. The cure for arguments and disputes that have infected the body is for all the parts – each of us – to submit to the will of Jesus Christ (James 4:7).
Question to consider – Has God brought to mind someone with whom you need to work out some differences? Instead of trying to make the other person agree with you, tell God that you will agree with him. If God so leads, tell those on the other side of a conflict or dispute that you are willing to submit to the will of Jesus and encourage them to do the same.
Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Jesus or the Boat? by Jon Walker
By Jon Walker
“But the boat was already over a mile from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them.” Matthew 14:24 (HCSB)
Jesus needed time to refresh and so he sent his disciples on ahead, across the Sea of Galilee in one of their fishing boats. But storms sweep across this inland sea like tornados that emerge from nowhere.
And now the disciples were in a fight with the Goliath-like forces of nature. Some of the disciples were fishermen. They understood the danger, and so they fought the storm long and hard, but made little headway.
It was three o’clock in the morning, that no-man’s-land time of day when you haven’t yet escaped the night, but you still haven’t crossed into morning. It’s the kind of time when you wonder if you’ll even make it through until sunrise.
The Golan Heights, rising from the water like a wall within a quarry, are hard to distinguish against a sky so dark and drench. They’re over a mile from shore, and the water is transforming into an evil presence, so deep and so menacing.
And just then, someone on the boat yells, “Look! What is that? It looks like a man, but it just can’t be.” Before he’s even finished saying them, his words disappear into the wailing wind. But no one has to say anything else. All eyes are on this ghostly figure walking toward them like an incarnation of the storm!
And then Jesus says, “It is I.” (v. 27)
What does this mean?
Jesus or the boat? – When faced with such a situation, where is the safest place to be? In the boat or in the arms of Jesus?
Jesus peace – Logic tells us we’re safer in the boat; but the Bible tells us we’re safer in the arms of Jesus, the Lord and Master over the storm. He offers a peace that passes all understanding.
Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.
“But the boat was already over a mile from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them.” Matthew 14:24 (HCSB)
Jesus needed time to refresh and so he sent his disciples on ahead, across the Sea of Galilee in one of their fishing boats. But storms sweep across this inland sea like tornados that emerge from nowhere.
And now the disciples were in a fight with the Goliath-like forces of nature. Some of the disciples were fishermen. They understood the danger, and so they fought the storm long and hard, but made little headway.
It was three o’clock in the morning, that no-man’s-land time of day when you haven’t yet escaped the night, but you still haven’t crossed into morning. It’s the kind of time when you wonder if you’ll even make it through until sunrise.
The Golan Heights, rising from the water like a wall within a quarry, are hard to distinguish against a sky so dark and drench. They’re over a mile from shore, and the water is transforming into an evil presence, so deep and so menacing.
And just then, someone on the boat yells, “Look! What is that? It looks like a man, but it just can’t be.” Before he’s even finished saying them, his words disappear into the wailing wind. But no one has to say anything else. All eyes are on this ghostly figure walking toward them like an incarnation of the storm!
And then Jesus says, “It is I.” (v. 27)
What does this mean?
Jesus or the boat? – When faced with such a situation, where is the safest place to be? In the boat or in the arms of Jesus?
Jesus peace – Logic tells us we’re safer in the boat; but the Bible tells us we’re safer in the arms of Jesus, the Lord and Master over the storm. He offers a peace that passes all understanding.
Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
We Weren't Made to Live Alone by Rick Warren
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is like him.” (Genesis 2:18 HCSB)
*** *** *** ***
Today’s devotional is from Pastor Rick Warren.
If I were to ask you what you considered to be the most common emotional hurt in people, what would you say: Depression? Anxiety? Guilt?
How about loneliness?
After all the pastoral conversations I’ve had over the last 30 years, I’m certain loneliness is not only common to us all; it’s epidemic. I first noticed this when people who were married would come to me for pastoral care, saying they were lonely – extremely lonely.
It may surprise you that it is not all that uncommon for a husband and wife to not really talk to each other. Yet loneliness emerges in a lot of different situations. It may arise from the death of a loved one or the death – by divorce – of your marriage.
Maybe you feel abandoned by someone you relied on or perhaps your work keeps you on the road, forcing you to spend lonely nights in a motel. Or maybe it’s because you’ve just moved to a new neighborhood, and you don’t know a soul.
The evidence of loneliness in our modern world is in the dial-in chat lines, where people pay by the minute to talk to a stranger. Ironically, the Internet connects millions of people around the world, and yet the end result is anonymity and isolation.
Have you eve wondered why we all have the capacity to feel lonely?
It’s because God made us to need each other. In other words, we don’t like to live alone because we weren’t made to live alone. The Bible teaches that, even when Adam was living in paradise – a perfect setting with no problems, no stress, no sin, and no one creating heartaches for others – God could see that it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone. (Genesis 2:18)
What does this mean?
There are several biblical ways to reduce the pain of loneliness:
· God gives you a plan – You may feel nobody knows the depth of your loneliness and think, “If I were to drop off the face of the earth, nobody would miss me.” Yet we know from the Bible that God created you, that he knows you by name, and that he put you on this earth for a purpose. When you focus on God’s plan for your life, you’ll find yourself feeling less lonely.
· God gives you others to serve – I’m convinced that part of God’s plan for overcoming loneliness is to get the focus off ourselves and, instead, to pour ourselves into other people’s lives by serving them and giving them your talents and gifts. I’d encourage you to take the initiative and get involved with a small group of people who share similar interests. Within that group, you’re likely to make real friendships.
God gives you his presence – We were made to have an intimate, personal and close relationship with God. No person, experience, drug, success, possession – not even fortune or fame – will fill that aching hole in your heart, a place God created for himself. God is everywhere; there’s no place in the universe where God is not. Knowing that can relieve your loneliness. Regardless of the source of your loneliness, God is right there with you. You’re never truly alone – and when you feel lonely, you can call on him to help conquer your loneliness.
© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved.
*** *** *** ***
Today’s devotional is from Pastor Rick Warren.
If I were to ask you what you considered to be the most common emotional hurt in people, what would you say: Depression? Anxiety? Guilt?
How about loneliness?
After all the pastoral conversations I’ve had over the last 30 years, I’m certain loneliness is not only common to us all; it’s epidemic. I first noticed this when people who were married would come to me for pastoral care, saying they were lonely – extremely lonely.
It may surprise you that it is not all that uncommon for a husband and wife to not really talk to each other. Yet loneliness emerges in a lot of different situations. It may arise from the death of a loved one or the death – by divorce – of your marriage.
Maybe you feel abandoned by someone you relied on or perhaps your work keeps you on the road, forcing you to spend lonely nights in a motel. Or maybe it’s because you’ve just moved to a new neighborhood, and you don’t know a soul.
The evidence of loneliness in our modern world is in the dial-in chat lines, where people pay by the minute to talk to a stranger. Ironically, the Internet connects millions of people around the world, and yet the end result is anonymity and isolation.
Have you eve wondered why we all have the capacity to feel lonely?
It’s because God made us to need each other. In other words, we don’t like to live alone because we weren’t made to live alone. The Bible teaches that, even when Adam was living in paradise – a perfect setting with no problems, no stress, no sin, and no one creating heartaches for others – God could see that it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone. (Genesis 2:18)
What does this mean?
There are several biblical ways to reduce the pain of loneliness:
· God gives you a plan – You may feel nobody knows the depth of your loneliness and think, “If I were to drop off the face of the earth, nobody would miss me.” Yet we know from the Bible that God created you, that he knows you by name, and that he put you on this earth for a purpose. When you focus on God’s plan for your life, you’ll find yourself feeling less lonely.
· God gives you others to serve – I’m convinced that part of God’s plan for overcoming loneliness is to get the focus off ourselves and, instead, to pour ourselves into other people’s lives by serving them and giving them your talents and gifts. I’d encourage you to take the initiative and get involved with a small group of people who share similar interests. Within that group, you’re likely to make real friendships.
God gives you his presence – We were made to have an intimate, personal and close relationship with God. No person, experience, drug, success, possession – not even fortune or fame – will fill that aching hole in your heart, a place God created for himself. God is everywhere; there’s no place in the universe where God is not. Knowing that can relieve your loneliness. Regardless of the source of your loneliness, God is right there with you. You’re never truly alone – and when you feel lonely, you can call on him to help conquer your loneliness.
© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
