Umm…Yeah, You!

May 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment

May 7, 2009

Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Title: Umm…Yeah, You!

 

Thoughts:

For those who think I am perfect, please stop reading HERE…

 

For those who know me to be a jerk, you’ll enjoy the rest of this devo…

 

For the most part, I am digging this whole idea of parenthood. I mean, who can resist the affectionate hugs, jovial smiles, and rewards that came with raising a nearly perfect 7 year old?! These are the moments when life is going well. And, yes, if everyday were like this, the world would be overpopulated.

 

Yet, the other night was a bit different. Because Wisdom is doing so good in school his homework difficulty is increasing. Add this to an already long and exhausting day for all parties and the 8:30 bedtime is a stressful reality.

 

Such was the case for us Tuesday night, following prayer nonetheless. Our little guy was a bit sluggish in his homework tasks, was half-heartedly completing the tasks, and on the verge of being whiny. After a long day, my patience was wearing thin. With a casual reference to temporarily removing some privileges, I began my evil parent phase.

 

Then…gotta love that word…came time for our New Testament Challenge reading time. It just so happened that we were in Matthew 7. In case you don’t know this chapter, let me give you the first few lines, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” (Matt. 7:1-2 NLT) Continuing on it begins to describe the folly of trying to remove the toothpick from your brother’s eye with a light pole in your own eye.

 

That was about as far as I could get. Suddenly, I recalled Sunday’s passage, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Tim. 3:16) Humbly I grabbed the little guy up in my arms, embraced him with the biggest embrace I could, and asked for his forgiveness. Seeing my own error, how could I deny the Lord saying, “Ummm…Yeah, You! You’re the one that needs to change!”

 

I couldn’t help but eat all the words I had been writing and speaking during the previous days. Our time in the Word did exactly what I’ve said it would do, it brought correction. Without the enlightenment and correction of Scripture, I would have felt justified for being a jerk. Yet, through His Word, God revealed my obvious faults. Oh, the beauty of allowing the Word to correct us.

 

Application:

Have you ever had one of those moments when Scripture corrected you?

 

How is the Lord using the New Testament Challenge, our 90-days through the New Testament, to change your life?

 

What is the Lord seeking to correct in your life today?

 

Prayer:

Father,

 

Thank You for correcting me with Your Word. Oh, how foolish I must have looked this week. Knowing the truth, I was struggling to live the truth. Nevertheless, by submitting myself to Your Word, You corrected me. Two lives were changed in that process. Thank You for loving me enough to force change in me. May I continue to submit to You.

 

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Filed Under: Archived Blog Tagged With: , , ,

Eclectic Authority

May 6, 2009 By Leave a Comment

May 6, 2009

Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Title: Eclectic Authority

 

Thoughts:

I guess it’s kind of funny how certain images and events stick in your mind. Seemingly insignificant, and for the most part they really are, they add good fodder for a thought years later. As a child, I have a distinct memory of the beefy and awkward, yet cutting-edge 8-track my dad had spliced into our car stereo system. At the time, we were current. Decades later, we have weeks of music at our fingertips and that is wirelessly sent to our stereo systems.

 

In addition to the obvious size differences, the music eras have other striking differences. The 8-track that I remember playing was limited to 1 artist in 1 genre played in sequential order. (How did we survive?) Today, our playlists include every possible mix of artist, genres, and order you can imagine…without the suitcase-sized library in the trunk. It is truly eclectic.

 

As I was writing yesterday’s devo, this word eclectic rose to the forefront of my mind concerning our current approach to authority. When Paul wrote Timothy, he reminded Timothy of the source of his authority. He penned, “…from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 3:15) For Paul and Timothy there was but one source for their authority: the ancient text.

 

Admittedly, far too many of us have created an authority list than is as eclectic as our iPod playlists. We compile an “Authority” playlist from Scripture, friends, mentors, religious leaders, movie stars, and the internet community. Sadly, we deduce the ancient text that leads us to salvation and elevate the authority of our friends and superstars. In the end, God becomes as one of our office buddies; accepting and adopting our good ideas, just as we accept and adopt His. Unfortunately, this is not how authority works.

 

Eclectic mixes work in music. Authority, however, is as broad and narrow as Scripture. When we are judged, it will not be according to our “Authority” playlist. It will be according to the Word of God, just as the defendant in court will be held to the law of the land and not the eclectic worldview he has obtained from his friends and family plan.

 

Application:

If you were asked to present your “Authority” playlist, who would be on it? (Scripture, your church, friends, internet, etc.)

 

What dangers are there in placing equality in authority figures?

 

As you have followed the New Testament Challenge this week, how is God correcting your view of authority?

 

Prayer:

Father,

 

Today’s devo was stretching for me. Imagining my authority figures as a playlist, I could clearly see the influence media and others have had on my view of absolute authority. Paul’s words to Timothy stir me today. It is the sacred writings that made them wise to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. While others are certainly used in my discipleship process, You and Your Word will be the standard I am judged against. May I stand acquitted by my faith in Christ Jesus and obedience to His commands.

 

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Filed Under: Archived Blog Tagged With: , , , ,

Respect for Authority

May 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

 

May 5, 2009
Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Title: Respect for Authority

 

Thoughts:

A year or so ago, I began to reflect upon the thought of what would be the most important lesson I could teach my children. After a few moments I settled on what may not sound too religious at all. My greatest lesson may possibly be: respect for authority. Yes, I do believe Jesus, God, and faith are essentials and non-negotiables. But each of these stand upon one foundation: the authority of Scripture, which establishes the authority of God.

I must admit I come from a bit of a tainted background. Coming from Bible Belt and raised in a God-fearing family, respect for adults, authority, and God were etched in my DNA strains at conception. Authority was not questioned, challenged, or violated without consequences.

While I don’t license everything about the manner in which I was raised, I do embrace the healthy foundation of respect for authority. Like bumper pads for children bowling, respecting authority has directed me toward my target in life. Unfortunately, we have a portion of our society that has failed to embrace a respectful view of authority. 

Scripturally, the apostle Paul establishes ultimate authority in the life of the believer, and for all creation for that matter. He refers Timothy, his protege, to the Word of God. He writes, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). In the future, when Paul is not there to sort through the issues, answer the questions, and render guidance, Timothy is encouraged to return to the Law as his reference point. In this, he will be “equipped for every good work.” Without it, Timothy would be tempted to organize, orchestrate, and operate from his own level of authority.

 

Application:

What does it mean to respect authority?

How much respect do you have for the Word of God?

Beyond the padded, lip-service answer, who has the true authority in your life? 

 

Prayer:

Father, 

Oh, that I would develop a passionate and reverent respect for Your Word. Beyond my own ideologies, I will be held to Your holy standard. May You ignite in my heart an honorable respect for Your authority. I am often tempted to value my beliefs and opinions above what You have already established. Bring me closer to You today.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Filed Under: Archived Blog Tagged With: , , ,