Nov. 1

Read 1 Corinthians 9

 ^1-2 And don't tell me that I have no authority to write like this. I'm perfectly free to do this—isn't that obvious? Haven't I been given a job to do? Wasn't I commissioned to this work in a face-to-face meeting with Jesus, our Master? Aren't you yourselves proof of the good work that I've done for the Master? Even if no one else admits the authority of my commission, you can't deny it. Why, my work with you is living proof of my authority! (The Message)

In these days when it still seems popular to question authority (even though the questioning looks very different then it did 30 years ago) we still face the problem of what is authority. Jesus faced the question when the religious leaders of his day asked him by what authority he was doing the things he was doing. Paul is facing the same kind of question as there must have been people in Corinth that were asking who he thought he was to be saying and doing the things he was doing. So Paul responds with a statement that is both easy and difficult at the same time. Paul says judge me by the fruit I have produced. He challenges the people to to look honestly at what he has done and see whether or not God has been active in the midst of it and if so to continue to trust his word and leadership. Paul seems to want to make it very clear that his whole life is a testimony to what Jesus has done and that he will never ask people to do what he says and not what he does. This might be a good model for all of us to strive for in our own lives as well as in the lives of those we turn to for advice and knowledge.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What do you think might have been some of the work that Paul had done that he thought should show the Corinthians his authority?
• What do you look for in people you trust with authority?
• How might others look at you and your life as an example?
• What could you begin doing today that would help make your words and deeds become more in line with one another?

Oct. 31

Read John 6: 16-21
¹⁶When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, ¹⁷where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. ¹⁸A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. ¹⁹When they had rowed three or three and a half miles,^[b] they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. ²⁰But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." ²¹Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. (NIV)


It seems rather appropriate that the scripture for today features the words, "Don't be afraid" when all around us are the trappings of Halloween. The setting is one where we can't help but sympathize with the disciples when they see Jesus. He wasn't where they expected him to be and he was doing things that were beyond what they anticipated was possible. But the Bible says to the people of God over and over again, don't be afraid, and yet fear seems to be one of the greatest hurdles for us to overcome. We and the disciples are in the same boat and when we hear those words of Jesus it might help if we actually let him into our boats and see where that might take us.


Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What do you think the disciples thought was going to happen when they first saw Jesus walking toward them?
• The disciples turn out to be people who are able to face even death without fear. What do you think it took for them to overcome the fear in their lives?
• Do you find yourself dealing with fear on a regular basis? What are some of the things that cause you to fear?
• If you let Jesus into one part of your boat that is facing fear today what difference might that make?

Oct. 30

Read 1 Corinthians 8

^11-13Christ gave up his life for that person. Wouldn't you at least be willing to give up going to dinner for him—because, as you say, it doesn't really make any difference? But it does make a difference if you hurt your friend terribly, risking his eternal ruin! When you hurt your friend, you hurt Christ. A free meal here and there isn't worth it at the cost of even one of these "weak ones." So, never go to these idol-tainted meals if there's any chance it will trip up one of your brothers or sisters. (The Message)

Don't ask me to make sacrifices!
It is a phrase communicated in so many ways on a daily basis in our world. We want things to be better for ourselves and others but we don't want to have to give up anything that we already have. We believe that others should sacrifice but not us or we believe that it really is possible for everyone to have everything. So when Paul asks us if maybe we should be willing to make a sacrifice for the sake of a brother or sister in faith it often times falls on deaf ears. In this case Paul is referring to eating a meal that might make someone question their own salvation but the example could move well beyond a meal into so many other areas of our lives. We have begun to think that it just isn't right to make a sacrifice anymore. We have decided that if others suffer then that is their problem and not our own. But Paul says that we should care about what others think as well as what others need.
It could well be time when the followers of Jesus need to begin asking what they can sacrifice for the sake of others and then willingly embrace that sacrifice for the sake of those who are far from God.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Why do you think Paul appeals to the Corinthians friendships as a reason for making sacrifices?
• What was the last thing you did that was really a sacrifice for someone else?
• Why do you think people in the United States don't want to be told that they must make sacrifices?
• What might you begin doing today to make it easier for you to make sacrifices for others on a regular basis?

Oct. 29

Read 1 Corinthians 8

 ^1-3The question keeps coming up regarding meat that has been offered up to an idol: Should you attend meals where such meat is served, or not? We sometimes tend to think we know all we need to know to answer these kinds of questions—but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds. We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all. (The Message)

Humility never seems to come easy. In this year of extreme political gamesmanship humility is the last thing that you see on the news or read about. It seems like everyone has the right answer and no one seems willing to recognize that they don't have all the answers to the problems that face our country and world today.
Paul was never a man to shy away from giving answers but even he recognizes that there is no simple answer that always works. Here he is addressing the issue of meat offered to idols and he knows that the meat is not changed because it was offered to an idol and that God would not love him any less if he ate or didn't eat the meat. He could have proudly showed off his disdain for the false idols by eating the meat and showing it off to prove to others that he did not fear these false gods. But Paul's heart allows God to overrule his head. God has made it clear to Paul that just because something is alright to do does not make it the right thing to do. So Paul refrains from eating meat so that others might not get caught up in a debate that will lead them away from God rather than closer to God.
I've often wondered what it was that Jesus did in Paul's life to bring this level of humility to Paul. I'm guessing that the humility did not come quickly and that it wasn't an easy lesson. Many times I wish others would learn these lessons of humility but hope that I won't have to. But knowing God and the ways God works I'm guessing that each one of us will need to learn that just because we can doesn't mean that we should.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• When you think of Paul do you think of a humble man or a head strong man? Why?
• Why might the issue of eating meat offered to idols been a big issue for the people of Corinth?
• Has God even convinced you that just because you could do something it wasn't necessarily the right thing to do? What was it?
• How is God teaching you humility these days?

Oct. 28

Read 1 Corinthians 7

^32-35I want you to live as free of complications as possible. When you're unmarried, you're free to concentrate on simply pleasing the Master. Marriage involves you in all the nuts and bolts of domestic life and in wanting to please your spouse, leading to so many more demands on your attention. The time and energy that married people spend on caring for and nurturing each other, the unmarried can spend in becoming whole and holy instruments of God. I'm trying to be helpful and make it as easy as possible for you, not make things harder. All I want is for you to be able to develop a way of life in which you can spend plenty of time together with the Master without a lot of distractions. (The Message)

For those who choose to be unmarried Paul suggests it is a way for them to draw close to God without the daily requirements of domestic life. But tucked in this passage is a hint about the married life that is worth paying attention to. Paul comments that those who are married spend time and energy caring for and nurturing one another. It seems to me that this is something that should not be quickly glossed over. Paul's expectation is that a married couple will devote themselves to one another and that is a good things.
There are times when the church has gotten in the way of the primary relationship that a couple might inter into before God as they share the covenant of marriage. In fact there are times when a person might say that they need to devote more time to their faith then they do to their spouse. To these Paul would raise a warning and suggest that faith is not to be used as an excuse for drifting away from a spouse. In these days of business, temptation, and overwork the marriage commitment needs to be reexamined. Paul would say that for those who are married it is the marriage itself that might provide the way of life to draw closer to God and that it should not be ignored for the sake of seeking God else where.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What do you think Paul saw as the benefits of marriage? The drawbacks?
• Do you think Paul's experience as a single person impacted the way he viewed marriage? Why or why not?
• If you are married how does your marriage draw you closer to God?
• If you are married how might you give more energy and time to caring for and nurturing your spouse?

Oct. 27

Read 1 Corinthians 7

It's good for a man to have a wife, and for a woman to have a husband. Sexual drives are strong, but marriage is strong enough to contain them and provide for a balanced and fulfilling sexual life in a world of sexual disorder. The marriage bed must be a place of mutuality—the husband seeking to satisfy his wife, the wife seeking to satisfy her husband. Marriage is not a place to "stand up for your rights." Marriage is a decision to serve the other, whether in bed or out. (The Message)

The magazines at the check out counters weren't the first ones to have suggestions for strengthening your marriage and keeping it spicy for years to come. Paul recognizes that sex is an important part of the human experience and the marriage relationship specifically. Paul is clear about the role of sex within a marriage even though he choose to be single and was pleased with his decision. Paul could not comprehend a sexless marriage anymore than he could comprehend sex outside of marriage being a healthy option. For Paul marriage was an opportunity to practice serving another person on a daily basis in all ways including sexually. Paul suggests that problems are going to derail a marriage as soon as one of the partners begins to exert their rights above the needs and comfort of the other party. He says that marriage is a place of mutuality and it is where not only the partner is served but that God as well.
Discussions of sex and sexuality aren't always easy to have within a Christian context. Paul gives us a glimpse of what a healthy marriage might look like here in his words to the Corinthians. It is a place that the church should be willing to explore in openly amongst those who are married, those planning on marrying, as well as those who choose to be single.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Paul says that he is answering questions that have been asked but he doesn't repeat the questions. What do you think might have been the questions that Paul is addressing?
• When you were growing up did you see any marriages that were based upon mutuality? Whose were they and what caught your eye about them?
• Why do you think it is so difficult for the church to talk honestly about sex and sexuality?
• How do you understand Paul's words about mutuality in the marriage bed?

Oct. 26

Read 1 Corinthians 6

¹²Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims. (The Message)

When you have children one of the things you might find yourself asking is, do I want my children to do this? It might be the way you respond to other drivers or the things you listen to or watch. You might not find anything wrong with the activity and no one else is telling you that you shouldn't be doing these things but there is something inside of you that wonders if this is what your child should want to be emulate. As a parent you want the best for your children and you try to provide an atmosphere that nurtures them and gives them the best possibility of growing up well if at all possible. This is the same kind of thing that Paul is addressing here. Not if something is right or wrong so much but whether or not what we do is good for our, or others, spiritual growth. It is a good question to ask and one that doesn't always have an easy answer.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What might be some things that were technically legal for the Corinthians but not spiritually appropriate?
• When you were a child do you ever remember being told, "Do as I say, not as I do!" What was it that was being done?
• What things in your life might you be doing that aren't helpful to you growing closer to God?
• What might you do if there was someone else doing something that broke your faith rather than building it up?
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Oct. 25

Read 1 Corinthians 6

 ^5-6I say this as bluntly as I can to wake you up to the stupidity of what you're doing. Is it possible that there isn't one levelheaded person among you who can make fair decisions when disagreements and disputes come up? I don't believe it. And here you are taking each other to court before people who don't even believe in God! How can they render justice if they don't believe in the God of justice? (The Message)

Paul is not known as someone who holds back from saying what he thinks. He gets to the point and makes it clear that he is trying to get things across without adding more confusion to the subject. Paul's point here is fairly straightforward. He is asking people why they don't trust one another and have to turn to the civil courts instead of seeking out wise counsel within the body of believers. His point is still valid today just as it was in his own day.
Just like many things the real issue here centers around the issue of trust. Who do we trust? Do we trust the court system or do we trust the wisdom of other Christians who might decide for or against us? Are we willing to believe that others have our best interests in mind even when it might not be what we think or want? Do we trust that God might be able to work and guide through the gathering of people we call church?'
I have seen the church not as a discerning open body looking for God's will but as a self-seeking, opinionated, self-centered group often enough to understand why the Corinthians might want to put their faith in the political/civil courts rather than trust themselves to one another. However, just because it has happened in the past doesn't mean that we should give up hope that can't be different.  So we are left with the question, what will it take for the church to become different?

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Do you prefer someone to talk to you bluntly if necessary or would you rather have them come around slowly to their point? Why?
• As the Corinthians were hearing Paul's letter read to them to you think they were optimistic or feeling beat down by this time?
• Who would you rather trust with passing judgement on a disagreement between you and another person, people in your church or strangers in the civil courts? Why?
• What would a church look like where the people trusted one another enough that they could do what Paul suggests? What would be necessary to create that kind of church?

Oct. 24

Read John 6: 1-15

 ^5-6When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, "Where can we buy bread to feed these people?" He said this to stretch Philip's faith. He already knew what he was going to do.

 ⁷Philip answered, "Two hundred silver pieces wouldn't be enough to buy bread for each person to get a piece."

 ^8-9One of the disciples—it was Andrew, brother to Simon Peter—said, "There's a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that's a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this." (The Message)

Why can't a miracle just be a miracle? Shouldn't it be enough that Jesus saw the people who were hungry and had compassion and decided to feed them? Why did Jesus find it necessary to test or stretch Philip's faith, wasn't what Jesus teaching and saying about God challenge enough?
It would seem that the miracles reported in John are there for a reason and this is another one worth looking at from some different perspectives as if we were Philip. So for the sake of growing our own faith can we consider:

• Where do we think the problems in this world are to big for Jesus?
• What are we afraid to ask for because it might not happen?
• What are we afraid to ask for because it might happen?
• What have we grown comfortable in knowing about Jesus but don't exactly expect to see happen for ourselves?
• What would we rather not have Jesus ask us to do to help someone else?
• How might our view of the world look if Jesus showed us that what he did then can still be done today?

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Who is this miracle for; the disciples, the people who are hungry, the small boy, all of them?
• Who do you think was changed the most because of this miracle? Why?
• Have you ever witnessed a miracle? If you have never talked about it before why not?
• How has Jesus stretched your faith recently?

Oct. 23

Read 1 Corinthians 5

^9-13I wrote you in my earlier letter that you shouldn't make yourselves at home among the sexually promiscuous. I didn't mean that you should have nothing at all to do with outsiders of that sort. Or with crooks, whether blue or white-collar. Or with spiritual phonies, for that matter. You'd have to leave the world entirely to do that! But I am saying that you shouldn't act as if everything is just fine when a friend who claims to be a Christian is promiscuous or crooked, is flip with God or rude to friends, gets drunk or becomes greedy and predatory. You can't just go along with this, treating it as acceptable behavior. I'm not responsible for what the outsiders do, but don't we have some responsibility for those within our community of believers? God decides on the outsiders, but we need to decide when our brothers and sisters are out of line and, if necessary, clean house. (The Message)

"If necessary" are the words that stand out here for me. As we considered the difficulty yesterday of confronting someone who is doing wrong today there comes the reality that at times it is necessary to part ways. To say the hard thing and point out that because of certain things the relationship cannot continue. In the past and I'm sure even in some churches today some behavior immediately gets you shunned or thrown out of the fellowship. But Paul sees this not as the first response but as a last resort.
Today we might need to ask ourselves what are the things that could be most distructive to a fellowship and to Jesus' reputation in the community? It could be that greed or gossip is more destructive than gambling. It could be that many of the things that we choose to allow or look the other way today are actually the very things that are destroying our churches from the inside out. Confronting sin is never easy or fun whether it is our own or someone else's. Confronting destructive behavior in a loving way within a church will demonstrate to the world that Jesus does care about those who are impacted by others sins. Confronting sin is a necessity, seeking reconciliation is a priority, cleaning house should be a last resort.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Paul seems to be saying that the Corinthians went to far in distancing themselves from people they thought were involved in sin. Why do you think they might have come to that conclusion?
• What would be easier for you, to pass judgement quickly and break off a relationship or to spend a long time trying to work things out? Why?
• What do you think is the most destructive sin in a church body? Why? Where have you seen it take its toll?
• How might you comfort those who have been impacted by someone else's sin within a group of believers?

Oct. 22

Read 1 Corinthians 5

^1-2I also received a report of scandalous sex within your church family, a kind that wouldn't be tolerated even outside the church: One of your men is sleeping with his stepmother. And you're so above it all that it doesn't even faze you! Shouldn't this break your hearts? Shouldn't it bring you to your knees in tears? Shouldn't this person and his conduct be confronted and dealt with? (The Message)

Silent looks of disgust, quiet whispers off to the side, turning away so as not to see the obvious, these are the usual ways we choose to deal with behavior that seems inappropriate. After all we don't want to get involved in some one else's business and we really don't know the whole story. It could be that we know it is wrong but that it is just easier to talk to someone else about it rather than confront the situation directly. In all these years we haven't changed much from the people that Paul was dealing with.
Paul finds it frustrating that he has to ask why wrong behavior isn't being addressed. It sounds like Paul is concerned for the two people involved in an inappropriate relationship but also for the church as a whole which doesn't seem to care enough about one another that they aren't distressed by the situation. This is the point that is easily missed I believe. It isn't just that sin is present in the church, that is a given and will always be. The heart breaking reality is that no one in the church had a relationship with the individuals that was deep enough that the situation could be lovingly addressed. Sadly in most churches that is still true and I think it breaks Jesus heart as it Paul's.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• When the church at Corinth received this letter what do you think they thought of these words the first time they heard them?
• How might the persons involved in the inappropriate relationship heard these words?
• In what circumstances might you confront someone about something that seemed inappropriate?
• Who do you have in your life that will say hard things to you if you get yourself into a situation that you should have avoided?

Oct. 21

Read 1 Corinthians 4

^14-16I'm not writing all this as a neighborhood scold just to make you feel rotten. I'm writing as a father to you, my children. I love you and want you to grow up well, not spoiled. There are a lot of people around who can't wait to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up. It was as Jesus helped me proclaim God's Message to you that I became your father. I'm not, you know, asking you to do anything I'm not already doing myself. (The Message)

When someone asks me if they might be able to give me some constructive criticism my first tendency is to say NO! Now I usually don't follow through with that response but it is still there inside of me. The reason I respond that way is that the constructive criticism usually looks a lot like, "You are doing things different than I would and if you would change your ways then I would like you better." The problem with criticism is that we end up wondering if the person giving the feedback has our best interests in mind or their own.
Paul is telling the Corinthians up front that he loves them and this is the only reason why he is telling them these hard things. He wants them to know Jesus fully the way that he does. He knows that they could tune him out and not pay attention to his words of correction but he knows that would only make things worse. So he points to his own life as the example and shows that what he is telling them is what he is already doing.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• How do you think the people of Corinth first heard these words of correction from Paul?
• Would you rather give correction or receive it? Why?
• Who do pay attention to that gives you constructive criticism and why?
• Is there someone you might seek out that has your best interests in mind that could help you see your life and faith in a new way?

Oct. 20

Read 1 Corinthians 4

⁵So don't get ahead of the Master and jump to conclusions with your judgments before all the evidence is in. When he comes, he will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of—inner motives and purposes and prayers. Only then will any one of us get to hear the "Well done!" of God. (The Message)

Don't get ahead of God! What good words but how hard to truly embrace.
Even when I'm not trying to pass judgement upon others or circumstances it comes so easily I'm afraid. From an early age we are told to be aware of our circumstances. We are warned to watch out for strangers and stay away from potentially dangerous circumstances. We go through life watching out for anything and everything that might cause us harm. But what do we miss when we judge our circumstances without first getting all the evidence? Could it be that we miss the opportunities for God to show up in big ways because we pass judgement of good and bad upon people and situations before we truly look for God in the midst of them? The questions aren't meant to encourage foolishness or recklessness but rather to invite us to wait a bit longer than we have become accustomed to for the chance that God just might be leading us in a new and different way.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What do you think Paul is saying about the way we judge leaders?
• How do you think the early believers discerned gifts of leadership?
• How do you usually judge people and situations that you find yourself in the midst of?
• Is there a situation or person in your life right now that you might need to reconsider the way you have judged them?

Oct. 19

Due to illness todays post will have to wait until tomorrow.

Oct. 18

Read 1 Corinthians 3

^16-17You realize, don't you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God's temple, you can be sure of that. God's temple is sacred—and you, remember, are the temple. (The Message)

Paul reminds us in a variety of ways in his writing that we are made in the image of God and should never loose sight of that reality. I think we need this reminder on a regular basis because the truth is that we don't remember. We don't think about our bodies and minds being the place in which God dwells.
I've been through the church fights about what is or is not acceptable to take into the sanctuary. I've heard the debates about whether coffee cups should be allowed into the sanctuary and I don't want to even talk about the arguments over electric guitars and drums. There is a place for respect and reverence in a church sanctuary that I can completely agree with (without going completely overboard). But there is also a place for respecting our own bodies and minds that we often times forget about.
How you view the things that goes into your body and mind say a lot about how you understand the place where God dwells. I'm not suggesting that we go to the extremes of past generations in never going to a movie, not dancing, etc. I think those efforts were an attempt to limit the influence of worldly values without necessarily understanding the total impact of the rules. It could be time to take another look at not trying to legislate behavior but rather to bring awareness once more of the impact that the world has on the place where God dwells within us.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What do you think is not appropriate in a church's worship space?
• When was the last time you thought about God living within you? Why did this come to mind?
• What do you allow to come into your body or mind that might not be appropriate to bring into a sanctuary?
• What one thing do you need to stop allowing access to your body and mind that might be taking you away from God rather than drawing you closer to God?

Oct. 17

Read John 5: 19-47
^39-40"You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want. (The Message)

But aren't we supposed to study the Bible?
We hear over and over again that we should be spending time reading the Bible. In fact having a good understanding of the whole Bible goes along way in being able to see where and how God might be leading one in a given situation. But there is a problem that can arise. The Bible itself can become an idol. Rather than the Bible leading us to it's author we can begin to believe the Bible itself is to be worshiped. We can study the Bible so much that we loose the relationships that it is meant to guide us through and that provide the frame work for living out our faith. This is the problem that Jesus was addressing with the religious establishment of his day. They had focused upon the details of the words for so long that they had lost sight of fact that it was pointing toward God and His son. Jesus warning is that we can get so caught up in the details of religion/church that we miss the relationship that is of ultimate importance.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Have you ever found yourself so immersed in details that you couldn't see/didn't see the bigger picture?
• Why do you think the religious leaders knew the details about God but seem to have missed seeing God?
• What could a healthy balance between knowing about the Bible says and doing what the Bible says look like?
• How might you remind yourself to see the big picture of God's plans for you and those around you on a daily basis?

Oct. 16

Read 1 Corinthians 3

^1-4But for right now, friends, I'm completely frustrated by your unspiritual dealings with each other and with God. You're acting like infants in relation to Christ, capable of nothing much more than nursing at the breast. Well, then, I'll nurse you since you don't seem capable of anything more. As long as you grab for what makes you feel good or makes you look important, are you really much different than a babe at the breast, content only when everything's going your way? When one of you says, "I'm on Paul's side," and another says, "I'm for Apollos," aren't you being totally infantile? (The Message)

Babies are a special gift and they are to be lovingly cared for and nurtured as the gift that they are from God. However babies are not meant to stay helpless. the very nature of life is that a baby grows to become an adult and to be able to feed themselves and take care of themselves apart from the parents and other adults who nurture and care for them when they cannot take care of themselves. Paul sees the Corinthians as choosing to stay in the baby stage of faith rather than to grow in faith and understanding. So what would Paul like to see happen in their lives? It appears that Paul wants them to begin dealing with one another without concern for who gets what and become selfless in all things. A worthy goal it would seem but is it reasonable for Paul to expect this? After all we are only human aren't we.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What do you remember about the early stages of your walk with Jesus?
• How do you deal with someone who is old enough to know better but chooses to act like a child anyway?
• What areas in your life might God be inviting you to grow to become more mature?
• What might you do in the next two days that would allow you to make a positive impact upon someone else's life without them knowing that it was done by you?

Oct. 15

Read 1 Corinthians 2

^14-16The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can't receive the gifts of God's Spirit. There's no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit—God's Spirit and our spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God's Spirit is doing, and can't be judged by unspiritual critics. Isaiah's question, "Is there anyone around who knows God's Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?" has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ's Spirit. (The Message)

One of my frustrations in life is when I'm around believers who are praying for a very real need and they pray eloquently and powerfully for the circumstance only to close the prayer with, "but what ever your will Lord may it be so." At that moment I want to stand up and shout at the top of my lungs, "Why did you waist that much breath praying for something that you don't know is under God's will!"
For those of you who are immediately offended or puzzled I better stop and explain myself. Paul tells us that we can know the will and ways of God because Christ's Spirit (the Holy Spirit) is available to us and lives within us. Now that doesn't mean that we always know exactly what it is in a given circumstance that will bring the most glory to God. It doesn't mean that God is going to intervene and bring about the miracle we pray for because God is not a genie that we can wish upon or control. However there are some things that we should know about God's intent and purpose for the way the world is supposed to work. If you are unclear about those a more complete reading of the Bible might be in order.
So next time when you pray may I suggest two options for you rather than simply praying, "what ever Lord."

• Lord, help me to see what your will is in this situation that I might pray alongside of your will.
• Lord I know that you are ..... and that you desire ..... I pray that you will fulfill your will in this way .... by ..... .

As you pray in this way you will learn several things. First you will learn that God is a God who still does miracles. Second you will learn that the Spirit will guide your prayers in ways that might be different than your first inclination. Plus you will learn that no matter what the outcome you have boldly gone where God has asked you to go.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What percentage of time do you think you know what God is up to in your life on a regular basis?
• Do you find it easy or difficult to pray for specific things? For yourself? For others?
• Where do you need to grow the most in understanding God's will and ways?
• Who might you join in praying more boldly to God for specific circumstances? What would you pray?

Oct. 14

Read 1 Corinthians 2

 ^1-2You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified. (The Message)

Plain and simple is how Paul presented Jesus to the Corithians. He makes a point of saying he didn't use fancy words or arguements but simply presented Jesus as the crucified and risen savior. Yes there are times when we need to be able to say more than "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so." Paul was able to speak in deep theological terms at times but he also recognized the place that was going to connect with those whom he was speaking with.
I've been told that you should be able to express your primary purpose in life in on sentence. I think Paul's purpose could be summarized as, "To preach Christ and him crucified." I recognize that my primary purpose is to leave a church for my grandchildren's children. Now it would take me quite a bit more time to tell you how I understand that purpose and how I'm trying to live it out. It might even take a day or two for me to tell you how I came to that understanding. But it is what I try to consider as I make decisions about things on a daily basis. I know that I need to be moving in that direction each and every day.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What do you think might have been the most simple and straight forward message that Paul might have given to the Corinthians so that the might understand who Jesus was?
• In one sentence can you state what your faith is?
• Can you state what you understand your purpose in life to be in one or two sentences?
• How does your purpose in life impact the decisions that you have to make on a daily basis?

Oct. 13

Read 1 Corinthians 1

¹⁰I have a serious concern to bring up with you, my friends, using the authority of Jesus, our Master. I'll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common. (The Message)

After Paul's greetings he doesn't waist any time getting to the point does he? Can it be any clearer and yet any more difficult?
The New Testament and early church history shows clearly that the church has never been completely unified as to belief and practice. In the midst of the differences it is clear that unity of spirit was important to Paul and we should ask ourselves if it is still important to us as well. While there are many things that are important in our beliefs it seems these days that it is a bit to easy to loose our civility toward one another. What has happened that we can no longer be considerate of one another in those things that are not of ultimate importance? I know that the quick response is to say, "But the things that I believe are important are REALLY important and they are worth fighting for because once you compromise then where will it end?"
But are the opinions and beliefs we hold so dear worth the destruction of the Christian life that is supposed to be lived with others?
You might ask if I have an opinion on this and I would simply respond that it could be time we started reading and doing what the Bible says rather than spending so much time arguing about what we think it says. What part of, "love one another as I have loved you" do we not understand?

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What do you think Paul means by being considerate of one another?
• Where do you see signs of Christians cultivating a life in common today?
• Do others see your actions as drawing other believers together or driving them apart? Why?
• What might you do this week that will help you to be more considerate of another believer who has different opinions than you do?

Oct. 12

Read 1 Corinthians 1

³May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours. (The Message)

Paul's first letter to the Corinthians begins with a greeting that we fairly quickly move past. But there is something in the verse above that I want to stop and consider. Paul is giving a blessing to the people to start with as he tells them that he wants them to experience every blessing that God could possibly give to them right now. It makes me stop and wonder why I might not pray the same thing for others?

• Am I concerned that God has limited blessings so that if someone else gets something good God won't have enough left over for me?
• Do I really think that you deserve the unlimited blessings that God is capable of or should you have to work as hard as I am just to get by?
• Do I think you need to suffer a bit first so that your ego gets under control and you become a bit more humble?

I'm sure the reasons could go on and on but the reality is that I've never walked down a street and prayed for each person that I see that God might pour out God's blessings in such overwhelming ways that they would be amazed by God's generosity. In fact I can't remember even praying this for those I love the most. I think I might have to change my prayer focus.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Do you think Paul's greeting is honest or that he is just saying nice things that everyone expects?
• How might the people of Corinth heard these first few words from Paul?
• Do you pray for people to be blessed even more than you pray for your own blessings?
• Today make a point of praying for someone that you are not related to in a way like Paul here that they might receive all of God's blessings; physically, spiritually, and materially.

Oct. 11

Read Genesis 50


^14-15 After burying his father, Joseph went back to Egypt. All his brothers who had come with him to bury his father returned with him. After the funeral, Joseph's brothers talked among themselves: "What if Joseph is carrying a grudge and decides to pay us back for all the wrong we did him?" (The Message)

We come to the end of Genesis and we are still facing the family dynamics that we have seen from the very beginning. Questions remain about possible feelings of resentment and anger that don't seem to be able to be dealt with in a straight forward manner. We have seen one brother kill another, one steal his brother's birth right, step brothers who couldn't live in the same area from fear of violence, brothers selling one of their own into slavery, and on and on.
The stories in Genesis make us feel like our own lives are not nearly as messed up as we thought they were. But then when we take the chance and really look at our own family relationships we realize that we are probably not that far away from what we see here. It looks different but it really isn't. The good news is that Joseph is able to see how God has worked in spite of his brother's attempts to harm him. It is in the realization that God has been at work all along that Joseph is truly able to let go and forgive.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Why might Joseph's brothers still be concerned about what Joseph might do to get back at them?
• What do you think Joseph would have felt when he heard the message from his brothers?
• When you look back over the family dynamics included in Genesis what stories most remind you of your own situation?
• If you could see God at work in your life in spite of the problems around you how might that change the way you relate to those who have caused you pain?

Oct. 10

Read John 5: 1- 18

^1-6Soon another Feast came around and Jesus was back in Jerusalem.

   Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there was a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, with five alcoves. Hundreds of sick people—blind, crippled, paralyzed—were in these alcoves. One man had been an invalid there for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him stretched out by the pool and knew how long he had been there, he said, "Do you want to get well?"

 ⁷The sick man said, "Sir, when the water is stirred, I don't have anybody to put me in the pool. By the time I get there, somebody else is already in." (The Message)

Jesus is at it again here in the Gospel of John. Earlier he turned the water into wine and only a few people knew what happened. Here Jesus heals a man who has been an invalid for over 30 years waiting by a healing pool and no one seems to notice until the man is seen carrying his bed on the Sabbath day. You might think that these miracles would get a bit more notice but John seems to not want to draw to much attention to them yet. It makes me stop and wonder about the expectations that I have of the way Jesus should work in my life and the lives of others. I wonder how many miracles I've missed because I wasn't paying attention to the right things and was instead looking for all the things that were supposed to happen according to my way of seeing life?

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• The man who Jesus heals has been waiting a long time by the pool. Why do you think he has waited there so long when nothing has happened for him?
• The area around the pool must have been crowed with people waiting to get into the water. What could you image was the reason Jesus focused upon this one man and not all the others?
• What kind of a miracle/healing have you been waiting for to come your way?
• What part of your life might Jesus be asking, "Do you want to be well?"

Oct. 9

Read Genesis 49

¹ Jacob called his sons and said, "Gather around. I want to tell you what you can expect in the days to come."  (The Message)

Jacob moves from blessing the sons of Joseph to now focusing upon his own sons. When you read the blessings it might feel like some of them are more of a curse than a blessing. But Jacob/Israel has discerned his son's strengths and personalities and he gives them a word about their future because of who they have become. The Bible says that both blessings and curses are passed down through the generations. Today we have a better understanding of how both the good and bad sides of family dynamics impacts the life of individuals. This chapter invites us to consider what might be the blessings and curses of our own families.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• As you read over the blessings Jacob/Israel gives to his sons which blessing would you like to receive? Which one would you not want to receive?
• How do you think these last words given to the brothers impacted the way they saw their future?
• What role do you think your family history had in determining your current life?
• What might you embrace in your family history to help you become who God desires you to be? What do you need to reject in your family history that is keeping you from being who God wants you to be?

Oct. 8

Read Genesis 48

⁸ Just then Jacob noticed Joseph's sons and said, "Who are these?"

 ^9-11 Joseph told his father, "They are my sons whom God gave to me in this place."

   "Bring them to me," he said, "so I can bless them." (The Message)

Bypassing all the questions about why Jacob has not met Joseph's sons up to this point we come to the end of Jacob/Israel's life. His desire is to leave a blessing to his grandsons and Joseph seems to desire this as well.
I have to admit that this is a rather strange concept to me as I grew up living far away from my grandparents and never really knew them. But when you read through the Bible it over and over again the passing of blessings between the generations seems to be a common practice.
So what might a generational blessing be in today's world? Can it only happen between blood relatives or can it be across family lines? Would it benefit us today to be intentional about giving others a verbal blessing on a regular basis?

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What might have been going through Joseph's mind as he watched his father bless his sons?
• What do you think the two boys were thinking as the grandfather they had never met placed his hands upon their heads?
• If you are over the age of 45 who might you need to give a blessing to?
• Who do you still need to / want to receive a blessing from? Why is it important to you?

Oct. 7

Read Genesis 47

²⁶ Joseph decreed a land law in Egypt that is still in effect, A Fifth Goes to Pharaoh. Only the priests' lands were not owned by Pharaoh. (The Message)

I've never really paid much attention to this part of the Joseph's story. It would be nice to say that following the reunion of Joseph and his family that everyone lives happily ever after but that isn't the case. The famine that brought Joseph's family to Egypt continues and Joseph uses the circumstances to buy up flocks, land, and even people for Pharoah's benefit. When Pharaoh owned everything Joseph instituted a tax upon the people that required them to give 20% of everything that they produced to Pharaoh. They willingly paid this tax because they knew that everything they had and their very existence was because of what had been done for them in the time of great need.
Many places in the Bible mention the tithe (10%) that is to be given to God. It is a gift given as the first fruits as we saw in the story of Cain and Abel. For those of us who practice tithing one of the reasons we do so is because we recognize that everything comes from God in the first place and that without what God has done we would have nothing. It is not given as a tax as it was in Egypt but as an offering that represents our joy for all that God has done. The joy in our giving represents the level of understanding we have of what God has done/continues to do in our lives.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• When you read this chapter what part of the story stands out for you?
• Having read this much of Joseph's story what words might you use to describe him?
• What are your feelings about the offerings you give to God?
• How might your offerings better reflect what God has done / is doing in your life?

Oct. 6

Read Genesis 46

^3-4 God said, "I am the God of your father. Don't be afraid of going down to Egypt. I'm going to make you a great nation there. I'll go with you down to Egypt; I'll also bring you back here. And when you die, Joseph will be with you; with his own hand he'll close your eyes." (The Message)

When God speaks to Israel he uses words often found in the Bible, "Do not be afraid". As often as these words are spoken in the Bible it would seem that maybe we should take them seriously. But most of us read these words as if they were only given to special people like Israel, Mary, and the 12 disciples. It must have taken a great deal of faith and strength for him to leave the place he thought that God was giving him and his ancestors to go down to Egypt. It would have been natural for him to be afraid. But God tells him not to worry that everything is going to be alright.
What would it be like to hear those same words today? In the face of radical changes in our personal lives, in the life of our country, in the church, what if God is speaking into the midst of it all and saying, "Don't be afraid!" Would it change the way we looked at life both in the present and in the future?

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Why do you think God needed to tell Israel not to be afraid?
• How do you think God telling Israel not to be afraid might have impacted the way he dealt with the rest of his family?
• What are the things in your life that might benefit the most from God saying, "Do not be afraid!"
• How might you live differently if you trusted God's promise that it was all going to be ok?

Oct. 5

Read Genesis 45

 ^25-28 They left Egypt and went back to their father Jacob in Canaan. When they told him, "Joseph is still alive—and he's the ruler over the whole land of Egypt!" he went numb; he couldn't believe his ears. But the more they talked, telling him everything that Joseph had told them and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him back, the blood started to flow again—their father Jacob's spirit revived. Israel said, "I've heard enough—my son Joseph is still alive. I've got to go and see him before I die." (The Message)

What a turn of events Israel has experienced. Suddenly out of the midst of his mourning and fear news comes to him that he would never have expected. The son that he thought was dead is alive! Not only is he alive but he is the second most powerful man in Egypt. All that Israel had thought was true has turned out to be a lie. He had been living as if Joseph was dead but now he finds out that he was alive all those years. What had he missed or let pass by because he didn't know the truth?
You might never get the kind of news that Israel received but maybe there are other messages that might be as life altering as this. What if you were told that you could sing after always believing that you couldn't carry a tune? What if you learned that the parent that left you as a child had always loved you and tried to contact you  repeatedly but the message was never given to you? What if you really are beautiful even though the message you received growing up was that you were nothing? What if .... ?

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Why do you think it was difficult for Israel to believe the message that Joseph was alive?
• When Israel found out that Joseph was alive what do you think he did our thought if / when he learned that his son's had not told him the truth about Joseph?
• Have you ever leaned that something you thought was true has actually been a lie for years?
• What lie about yourself have you grown up with that you need to cast aside as not being true?

Oct. 4

Read Genesis 44

 ^33-34 "So let me stay here as your slave, not this boy. Let the boy go back with his brothers. How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? Oh, don't make me go back and watch my father die in grief!" (The Message)

Judah can't stand the thought of what might happen if the brothers go home without Benjamin. So he offers himself to Joseph to stand in the place of Benjamin and stay in Egypt so that his father might not suffer once more the lose of a favorite son. This act of selflessness might represent who Judah has become over the years and gives us hope that we too might change.
The reality for most of is that we are selfish and self-centered. We are willing to do things for others when it doesn't really cost us that much. If we have the time, resources, and abilities we are more than willing to help out. But when it could cost us more than is considered normal we hold back. We don't want to be inconvenienced or put off of our own goals and dreams. We feel sad for those who have to pay the price of living but that is just the way it is.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What do you think was going through Benjamin's mind in the midst of all this?
• Why do you think Judah was willing to stay in Benjamin's place?
• What would it take for you to really give up something for someone else not to have to suffer?
• What might you do to begin practicing being less self-centered in the coming week?

Oct. 2

Read Genesis 43

^8-10 Judah pushed his father Israel. "Let the boy go; I'll take charge of him. Let us go and be on our way—if we don't get going, we're all going to starve to death—we and you and our children, too! I'll take full responsibility for his safety; it's my life on the line for his. If I don't bring him back safe and sound, I'm the guilty one; I'll take all the blame. If we had gone ahead in the first place instead of procrastinating like this, we could have been there and back twice over." (The Message)

Judah gets frustrated with his father because of Israel's fear. The fear that something else bad is going to happen has paralyzed not only Israel but all those around him as well. Now things have come to a point where there aren't any other options. Israel has to face the reality that what he fears could happen is not nearly as great as what the family faces if they don't do anything. There is a good chance that Israel has been paralyzed by this fear sense the day he got the news about Joseph. But it isn't just Israel that becomes paralyzed by fear, we can find ourselves in the same place ourselves. At some point we have to face these fears and we make a choice to either move forward in spite of what might happen or we simply role up and die to the life that is before us.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Why do you think Israel procrastinate about sending his sons back to Egypt for grain?
• What do you think is the reason that Israel finally agreed to letting his sons go?
• What events of the past have a tendency to paralyze you and keep you from making decisions for the future?
• What might you need to do to face your fears of what might happen so that you might move forward with the life that God desires for you?