Duty

Posted on April 27, 2018 by cchrisholland

Feeling better about oneself seems to be the goal of many spiritual pursuits today, but there are some scripture passages that totally contrast the “greeting-card-quotes”. For example, when the disciples asked Jesus to “increase their faith”, He identified the power of “mustard seed” size faith; but then spoke this sobering truth:

“And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat?’ But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink?’ Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” – Luke 17:7-10 NKJV

Instead of it’s-all-about-me and what I need, He speaks as if there’s an expectation of dutiful service; because there is. And what’s more, he has a right to expect it. Yes, He loves us unconditionally, but He has also charged us to serve Him faithfully without an expectation for recognition or positional betterment.

What drives your service today? Does recognition play a role? Does the lack of it lessen your zeal? “We have done what was our duty to do…”

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Found

Posted on April 26, 2018 by cchrisholland

The good news about “lostness” is “foundness”.

Luke 15:1-32 records where Jesus told three parables back-to-back about “found things”. He started with a shepherd searching for a sheep who declared, “…I have found my sheep that was lost!” Then He described a woman searching for a coin who declared, “…I have found the piece which I had lost!” And finally, He finished with the story of a father diligently scanning the horizon for his son each day who declared, “…he was lost and is found!”

At the beginning of Luke’s narrative of the three parables, he described the scene, “Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him” (v.1). Consider this, they came to listen. There was something about Jesus that drew them. His genuine demeanor captivated their hearts. However, when the Pharisees protested, Jesus deliberately pointed out two key items (through parable) to all who were there; repentance and joy. The two go hand-in-hand; repentance brings joy. Not just joy for the forgiven, but joy in heaven also!

As you go, think about that joy. Obviously a person under a load of guilt is happy when freed from it, but ponder the joy in heaven. Hebrews 12:1 tells us we’re surrounded by “a great cloud of witness”, and as they’re cheering us on, let’s be:

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” – Hebrews 12:2 NKJV

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Exalted

Posted on April 24, 2018 by cchrisholland

When it comes to a potter’s work…the clay doesn’t get a say.

In the same way, none of us had a say in the skill-set, aptitude or body we were born with; that was God’s creative hand. He also holds the power to exalt and lower us at His discretion. Consider what Jesus said:

“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 13:11 NKJV

He was using the illustration of a wedding feast to address the “me-first” attitude of the Pharisees. They always angled for the best seats and praise of their peers. Pride can be subtle, seductive and quietly working its way through the blind spots; but Jesus elevated humility, and identified it as something to be embraced. How’s it going in the area of humility? Paul put it this way:

“Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.” – 2 Cor. 4:7 HCSB

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Life

Posted on April 23, 2018 by cchrisholland

If you’re a child of God, you not only have physical breath passed down from Adam, but spiritual life from the Second Adam-Jesus (Romans 5:12-21). As we go, the joy of the Lord and the seeds of life go with us. Jesus compared His kingdom to a mustard seed:

“What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.” – Luke 13:18-19 NKJV

He then compared it to leaven, working its way through three measures of meal. In both descriptions, there’s something very tiny bringing newness and profound change.

As we move through the day, our words, actions, and demeanor have great potential. There is life within us; may we carry it well.

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Required

Posted on April 21, 2018 by cchrisholland

God is not a cosmic abstract or blank canvas to project self-centered notions onto.

He has specific characteristics and has revealed Himself to us (through the Person of Christ, and His Word). However, we can easily find ourselves drifting toward a focus on stories and personal narratives at the expense of spending time in the actual scripture. As disciples we must remain diligent to keep our focus on the raw, unbridled power of God’s Word because our strength depends on it.

In Luke 12, Jesus describes a master charging his servants to run the household affairs while he’s gone. When the master returned, he found several that weren’t doing what they knew to do, and he punished them severely. Jesus then summed it up this way:

“…for everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” – Luke 12:48b NKJV

The Christian life includes requirements. Our Master didn’t speak in a timid fashion, hoping to be recognized as the right voice among many, He spoke then/and speaks now with authority. Through His wonderful grace we are saved (and not by works – Eph. 2:8-9), but we must also never forget that we’re His (and not our own – 1 Cor. 6:19).

What is the Master requiring of you today?

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Divine Friendship

Posted on April 20, 2018 by cchrisholland

Consider the privilege of divine friendship. Jesus described His followers this way:

“You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” – John 15:14 NKJV

The Creator and Righteous Judge of the universe not only provided a way for us to be forgiven, but also a way to know Him as a friend. There is an old hymn that reminds us of this precious truth. Think about the first verse as you go today…

“What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” – Joseph Scriven (1855)

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Wisdom 22.2

Posted on April 18, 2018 by cchrisholland

“The rich and the poor have this in common, the LORD is the maker of them all.” – Proverbs 22:2 NKJV

Society has always labeled people. Terms like rich, poor, famous, common, etc. have been used for centuries, but we’re all in need of God’s forgiveness. Don’t let society’s norms cause you to place more/less value on someone…or to place more/less value on yourself. Today, may we look past the labels and see the people.

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Fear

Posted on April 17, 2018 by cchrisholland

Fear can be paralyzing. It’s mentioned throughout the scriptures, with stories of people fearing each other, fearing to follow God’s instructions, fearing the presence of angels, fearing death, etc. There are also the words “do not fear”, and Jesus instructing us to “fear Him!” (which is to properly reverence God because He holds the ultimate power over life, death and eternity).

He goes on to remind us of this:

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” –Luke 12:6-7 NKJV

There is such a thing as healthy fear. It’s a deep acknowledgement within one’s self that “He is God and I am not.” The irony is that true “fearlessness” starts with a healthy fear. It’s not the absence of fear, but a properly placed one. What or who do you fear today? Step outside and listen to the birds chirping. Their little songs are valuable to the Lord. They’re never forgotten and you’re considered even much more valuable than them. Do not fear today…you’re in the hands of Almighty God!

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Conformity

Posted on April 16, 2018 by cchrisholland

The pressure to conform is part of life. Even within church circles, there are those who position themselves as the guardians of all things “acceptable”. Jesus spoke of such people, and one of His statements about them was this:

“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” –Luke 12:1b NKJV

In the Jewish world of the first century, the Pharisees were social bullies and dominated the public discourse. Their words, doctrines, and attitudes were the norm; and speaking their “language” was the only way to get their affirmation and acceptance.

As followers of Jesus, we must be careful to base our words, doctrines and attitudes on Him (and His Word), because the wind of peer pressure is always blowing. In former times, “legalism” was common, but today, the idea of tolerance has become the supreme virtue. Debate is no longer about absolute truth, but about what “truth” is comfortably accepted.

So, as the social climate changes and the wind picks up; who and what will your convictions, words, and actions be based on?

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Being

Posted on April 13, 2018 by cchrisholland

One of the biggest struggles in the life of faith is the pressure to “do”. Whether it’s spoken, unspoken, self-imposed, or “others-imposed”, the expectation to be “doing” something for Christ can distract from the powerful reality of “being” something in Christ.

Martha and Mary are perfect examples of the contrast. When Jesus was in their home, Martha was busy with hostess work, while Mary was busy listening to the Lord. Of course the scripture teaches a strong work ethic, but not at the expense of being “at the feet” of Jesus. Consider the Lord’s comment:

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away.” – Luke 10:41b-42 NKJV

Sometimes we simply need to “be” in the Lord’s presence. It’s not all about trying to keep up with structured reading (that we often fall behind on), getting a “quiet-time” marked off (that can feel robotic), or trying to prove our dedication through activity (that can drain us); it’s about pausing, exhaling, worshipping, and listening. May your spirit be renewed and set free today by simply being in His presence.

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Wisdom 21.23

Posted on April 11, 2018 by cchrisholland

“Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, keeps his soul from troubles.” – Proverbs 21:23 NKJV

Words spoken tend to live-on even after an apology, and some thoughts need time to mature before being revealed (or discarded). May our words be guarded today…

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Know

Posted on April 10, 2018 by cchrisholland

What do you know to be true?

In John chapter 9 a man born blind is miraculously healed by Jesus. Afterwards, the Jewish leadership verbally attacked the man and his story; questioning his integrity and disassociating him from the synagogue. However, in the midst of the conversation, the man makes a wonderful statement;

“One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I see.” – John 9:25b HCSB

There were a lot of things about the healing (and the Healer) that the man didn’t have answers for yet, but he could see. There’s great reassurance in thinking about what you know to be true. There are parts of the faith journey that come without explanations, but ask yourself, “What do I KNOW to be true?” Later on in John’s ministry, He wrote several epistles. In the one we call “1 John”, he uses the words “know” or “known” 38 times. He was telling the original readers (and now us) to be confident and “know”. He wrote;

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” – 1 John 5:13 NKJV

So what things do you know to be true today? Can you list some of them? Faith in Christ isn’t “blind” faith, it’s “seeing” faith (like the man in John 9). Our faith is in One we know, and we know Him to be faithful…always.

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Free

Posted on April 9, 2018 by cchrisholland

Cultural shifts often promise new liberty, but only deliver old bondage in new ways. There’s only one form of true personal liberty;

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” – John 8:31-32 NKJV

The Word of God is the only place to find answers to questions that tug at our souls. When Jesus spoke these words, He was debating Jewish leaders who knew the scriptures, but struggled to know the One who gave them. At the beginning of John’s gospel, he tells us that Jesus is the Word. He always was, He is now, and will always be. To know Him personally is to be free.

What thoughts, struggles or trickery of the world are you struggling with today? In Christ, there’s freedom through a deep down, settled conviction that He’s Sovereign King. Yes, there will still be personal “gnats” pestering us from time-to-time, but the question is, “Do you let them dominate?” If we’re not careful, we can subconsciously let them rule us and the only way forward to freedom is going back to the Word and His counsel. It’s the “abiding” part; and where there’s abiding, there’s freedom…even from the personal gnats.

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And

Posted on April 7, 2018 by cchrisholland

The word “and” makes a difference. For example, it can cause anxiety, like “The meeting is tomorrow AND the report is due”, it can bring a smile, like “Grandma’s coming AND she’s bringing a cake.”, etc. When it comes to spiritual matters, there’s a lot of “and” words too. Consider this one:

“Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” – John 8:11 HCSB

The first part of the verse is often quoted, but what about the command part? The picture of the woman getting a second chance is wonderful…but then the pesky “and” must be dealt with. There’s a temptation to conveniently ignore and rush past the fact that Jesus expected something from her after the encounter. To be clear, it wasn’t to earn His forgiveness (He had already shown kindness and forgiveness); it was to demonstrate a new commitment to honor God and not herself.

What about the “and” in your life? Jesus offers grace freely to all who will receive it; however, it did come at a high personal cost to Him. May our lives be a grateful demonstration of “and” today.

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Discernment

Posted on April 6, 2018 by cchrisholland

Godly discernment looks beyond the obvious.

“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” – John 7:24 NKJV

When Jesus spoke those words, He was being accused of blaspheming Jewish law. Obviously, Jesus knew the Law given to Moses (and was not violating it), but there was a fundamental lack of discernment on the part of many to see beyond the surface. However, there are also examples in the gospels of people taking time to pursue what may not be readily understood.

Consider Jesus’ mother Mary and Nicodemus. First, on several occasions, Mary is said to be “pondering these things in her heart”. She didn’t understand exactly what was happening, but her heart was searching for God’s truth. Second, Nicodemus was an educated leader of the Jews (and the one in John Ch. 3 asking Jesus about eternal life). He is mentioned several times and eventually takes part in anointing Jesus’ body while laying it to rest. Neither Mary nor Nicodemus had every detail in advance, but their hearts were tender to God’s voice and were given heavenly insight as time progressed.

Are there things today you don’t understand? It’s okay to ask questions. Mary and Nicodemus both asked questions (that’s what produced Mary’s wonderful exchange with the angel and the great verse of John 3:16). Questions aren’t the problem, it’s the heart behind the questions that can be. Insight from the Lord is a very precious commodity, and seeking it first is always the best course of action. Are you seeking His insight today?

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Wisdom 21.3

Posted on April 4, 2018 by cchrisholland

“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” – Proverbs 21:3 NKJV

The “right thing” isn’t always recognized by the crowd. We must remember that choosing righteousness and justice is ultimately in service to Him, not people. Obedience is the mark of a disciple, and the foundation that supports maturity.

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Help!

Posted on April 2, 2018 by cchrisholland

Admission of weak faith can be the beginning of moving forward.

For example, Mark records that a father brought his son to be healed from an evil spirit and the disciples couldn’t help him. Later, when Jesus arrived, the father asked Him to heal his son and they had this exchange:

Jesus: “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

Child’s Father: “Lord I believe; help my unbelief!”   (Mark 9:23-24 NKJV)

Mark also describes how desperate and tearful the man was. He was so concerned for his child, but admitted his shortcoming and asked for the Lord’s help. In a moment, his son was healed and his faith grew exponentially; not because of self-generated commitment, but because of his humble request.

Honesty with the Lord is always the best place to start. He knows every secret thought of our heart already and we’re in need of confessing them. Is there an area of life where your faith is wavering? If so, confess it. Admit the obvious, and speak the words of “Lord please help my unbelief…”

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Happy Easter!

Posted on April 1, 2018 by cchrisholland

He is risen…He is risen indeed!

 

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Life Between Good Friday and Easter

Posted on March 31, 2018 by cchrisholland

Life can sometimes feel like the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter. In other words, current events aren’t validating faith…at all. Think about the thoughts of Jesus’ followers that day. They would have questioned their beliefs, wrestled with anger, and wondered how they could have been so wrong. And to top it off, there was no presence of Jesus to steady them, no sermon to explain it, or any possibility to change the circumstances. They were confused, embarrassed, and without hope.

In much the same way, as we walk this journey of faith, we can get confused, we can get embarrassed, and we can lose hope; but while the critics are grinning, He is working. Jesus never abandoned them. Yes, they were broken-hearted…but Sunday was coming, and all the glorious victory, joy and hope that would come with it!

“Jesus answered and said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”…therefore when he had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.” – John 2:19-22 NJKV

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Good Friday-Before the Cross was Gold it was Rugged

Posted on March 30, 2018 by cchrisholland

The cross is a familiar object. It’s been fashioned into jewelry, wall art, and various household trinkets, but before it was gold (or silver, etc.), it was rugged.

I. It was rugged by design

  • As a symbol – The Romans didn’t invent the cross, but they perfected it as their method to execute non-Roman criminals and rebels. It was a brutal reminder to the world that any who dared test their imperial sovereignty would get the cross as a consequence (which is why Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:24 to “take up your cross and follow” wouldn’t have sounded poetic, but scary and sobering).
  • As a process – It was meant to be a slow, excruciating, and humiliating death. It started with a scourging, which was done by an expert “Lictor” swinging a “Flagrum”. His choice of whip (one with leather only or one including metal/bone fragments) determined the severity of the lashes.

II. It was rugged as the altar for our sin

  • The Cup – When Jesus prayed in the garden prior to the crucifixion, He knew the physical aspects of what was coming, but “the cup” was the struggle. The cup was the full wrath of God to be poured out on sin. There simply was no other way, and He said, “Your will be done”.
  • The Payment – During the three hours of darkness, the weight of mankind’s darkest sins and cruelties were laid on Jesus in a crushing blow of blunt-force trauma. The Bible says in Romans 5:8 that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He knew the full scope of sin’s price tag and still chose to go through with the transaction – “It is finished!”
  • The Veil – Once Jesus gave up His spirit (by His own choice), the great symbol of separation between God and man, the Temple Veil, was violently torn open. It wasn’t tenderly cut while soft music played, it was ripped with Divine authority as a permanent invitation to those “in Christ” to enter into the Most Holy Place and talk openly with our High Priest – Jesus (Hebrews 4:14-16).

III. It’s rugged because it confronts us

  • The reality – In Jesus’ great conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, while leading up to very familiar verse 16, He said this, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” As a Jewish leader, Nicodemus would have immediately recognized the symbol of Israel’s rebellion and God’s forgiveness. The cross revealed the ugliness of sin.
  • The response – In the end, Nicodemus stood up to be counted among the disciples of Christ. He personally helped take down the body and prepare it for burial (John 19:39). He was no longer just privately curious, he was willing to be publicly identified with Jesus. How about you?

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16 NKJV

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