Things Above

Scripture – Colossians 3:1-4: ¹Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. ²Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Christ raises and expands my vision of life. It’s so easy to focus on day to day concerns. That leads me to walk through life looking down – watching only where my next step will take me. That really narrows my whole perspective on life. I soon find myself focusing primarily on myself and the immediate things around me. Christ calls me to look up – to set my heart and mind on things above. He calls me to look around beyond my needs and see the wider vision of the world and humankind.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will lift up my heart and mind today. I will look from the wider perspective of the Kingdom. From environmental concerns to economic and political agendas, I’ll look above and beyond today’s plans.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I’m sorry I keep my head down so much. It seems a lot easier to manage just my day to day affairs. Yet you have called me and lifted me to live on a higher plain. Open my eyes and let me see whatever you intend for me to see. Show me how you would have me live as I look above this day.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Tomorrow’s Reading – Sunday, September 30, 2007

Colossians 3:5-8: ⁵Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. ⁶Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. ⁷You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. ⁸But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Troublesome Questions

Scripture – Colossians 2:20-23: ²⁰Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: ²¹“Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²²These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. ²³Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is a powerful question! As much as I’m committed to Christ and continue to follow Him in new, deeper ways, this question continues to come up. Since Christ has freed me from the concerns and power of this world, why do I still live as though I belong to the world? What holds me back? Why does peer pressure still exert such influence on me? Why do I let that happen?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will pay attention to those questions today. I’ll note a couple of instances when I find myself submitting to the world’s rules rather than the rule of Christ. I’ll write those down and mull them over until I understand the “Why?” Then, I’ll turn one of them over to Christ to change me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I’ve been playing at spiritual growth in some areas of my life. You know that. Help me today to move past that and move into authentic transformation. Make me different today. Change me as this day progresses.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

The Real Reality

Scripture – Colossians 2:16-19: ¹⁶Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. ¹⁷These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. ¹⁸Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. ¹⁹He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) It is easy to get caught up in externals. I guess everyone carries around some idea of what a Christian should look like. Baptists especially have been good at judging the depths of a person’s spiritual life by any number of artificial measures. It’s a new day. And the new technology around us affects all areas of life. It’s not up to me to judge various churches because they look and sound different than mine.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll be careful about doing that. When I think less of another church, it’s usually my pride at work. I will remember, “the reality…is found in Christ.” As long as He is being proclaimed, that will be enough.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, help me see the planks in my own eye and remove them first. Sometimes I can’t see as clearly as I think. Please be patient with me as I keep re-learning the same lessons.

This New Day

Scripture – Colossians 2:13-15: ¹³When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, ¹⁴having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Yesterday, I had a powerful experience of Christ’s grace and forgiveness. The specifics are too personal to share. But in confessing my sin, I was suddenly overwhelmed with a sense of peace. It was clear He forgave my sin and freed me to move forward with no need to keep looking back. That experience still carries me today, along with the message that He has disarmed the powers and authorities that try to keep me captive and under their control.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will live today in Christ’s grace and power. In Him I will face anything that comes along, for He is never out of control.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, you are so good to me. In you I don’t have to look back. In you guilt loses its hold. In you each day – this day – is fresh and new. Teach me to embrace today, ready for whatever new thing you have in mind.

Enough is Enough!

Scripture – Colossians 2:8-12: ⁸See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. ⁹For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, ¹⁰and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. ¹¹In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, ¹²having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is a passage for our day. We are surrounded by hollow and deceptive philosophies. An evening watching TV – especially the commercials – illustrates that. The reality is, God has given us all we need in Christ – a fullness of life we can find nowhere else. I’m still tempted by the commercials and ads. In fact, I rarely read the sales flyers that come with the weekend newspaper. It seems I always find myself wanting something I had not even thought about before picking up the flyer. In Christ, I have all I need. The hard thing, in the midst of this culture, is to say, ‘I have enough.’

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) What would happen if I quit buying things I don’t need? Over these next few days I’ll pay attention to my spending habits. I’ll ask myself, ’Do I really need this? What do I expect from it?’

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, this is radical thinking. If we all stopped buying things we don’t need, what would happen to our economy? The power of Mammon is strong. Remind me that you are the head over every power and authority. In you I trust, O Lord.

Personal Experience

Scripture – Colossians 2:4-7: ⁴I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. ⁵For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. ⁶So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, ⁷rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) If I understand and embrace the truth of Christ, I will be safe from “fine-sounding arguments.” The fact is, I have walked with Him enough and have so many personal experiences with Him, there are no arguments that can stand in the face of that. My faith is not built on logic. It’s built on trust in one who has always been faithful.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will continue living in Him. I will rely on the roots of my personal relationship with Christ to hold me firm in these ever-changing times.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the firm foundation you provide in life. You are unshakable. Help me hang on to you no matter what comes my way.

But Now!

Scripture – Colossians 1:21-23: ²¹Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. ²²But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—²³if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) For me, “but now” are two of the key words in the good news. I used to be a sinner, but now God has reconciled me to Himself. I used to be alienated from God, but now I am His child. And so now I’m able to continue in this faith, established and firm. I’m able to move forward in life, always filled with hope – aware no one else can deliver on the ultimate promise of eternal life except Jesus Christ.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will continue in my faith today. I am especially aware of God’s grace and mercy.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) For the hope and gift of eternal life, I thank you today, Lord Jesus. I could not face anything without you. Thank you for your continuing forgiveness and transforming work in my life.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

A Servant Perspective

Scripture – Colossians 1:18-20: ¹⁸And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, ²⁰and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Jesus Christ is the head of the church. That is a simple truth, clearly proclaimed throughout the New Testament. There are profound implications when I remember that and when I forget. As the pastor of Bethel, people often joke about me being the boss. And certainly, form the perspective of people outside the church, I’m seen as the one in charge. Whenever I lose sight of the fact that Christ is the head of the church, the ministry and witness of the church is hindered.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will keep my vision lifted up where Christ is. I will keep making a conscious effort to hear His direction – to serve Him as I serve this church.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, you are the head of this church. We exist because you have called us together to continue your ministry in the world as a community of Christian love. You have called me to serve as part of that ministry. Keep me mindful of that today. Thank you for the trust you have placed in my hands. Teach me to be a faithful servant.

The Cosmic Christ

Scripture – Colossians 1:15-17: ¹⁵He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. ¹⁷He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) It’s interesting that Jesus Christ came to earth, in part, to give us a human face for God. God is far too great to comprehend in my mind. Yet I can well picture a person. However, even as He is “the image of the invisible God,” I don’t know what Jesus looked like, either. At the same time, it’s far easier for me to wrap my mind around Him as a human being. I’m also struck by the last line, “in him all things hold together.” “All things” covers a lot. There’s a cosmic side to Christ that’s still hard to comprehend. Yet I do know He holds my life together.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will thank Him today for that. And as I feel my life being pulled in some different directions today, I will rely on Him to hold me together.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you so much for being my soul glue. Without you I would be so overwhelmed with worry and problems. Because I know you hold all things together, I know you hold me.

Because of Him!

Scripture – Colossians 1:10-14: ¹⁰And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully ¹²giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. ¹³For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, ¹⁴in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Yikes! This passage is way too full. There are so many things that pop out – nearly every word. I guess underneath it all is the beginning of vs. 13: God has “rescued us from the dominion of darkness.” In Christ, God has done for me what I cannot do for myself. That’s a lesson I keep coming back to. Without Him, I would be stumbling in darkness – unsure of where to go or what to do or even why to live. Because of Him darkness no longer dominates me. Because of Him I live on the bright side of the cross. Because of Him I’m able to do all the stuff mentioned at the beginning of today’s passage.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll pay attention today to how I live. I will live a life worthy of the Lord.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Again, Lord Jesus, I come to you with great thanks. You have rescued me and redeemed me. You have qualified me to share in your kingdom of light. Your cross is the only credential I have that counts toward eternal life. That’s your gift to me. How I live here this day is my gift to you.

Knowing God's Will

Scripture – Colossians 1:7-9: ⁷You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, ⁸and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. ⁹For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) To be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. What a goal for each day! What keeps me from achieving that? If indeed God is ready to fill me, what must I open? I guess a related question is, how do I know God’s will? How do I understand His direction for me?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As this week unfolds, I’ll pay attention to those questions. I’ll take another look at how I experience and “hear” God’s voice.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you have been part of my life for many years. You have guided me in some very clear ways and in some that have been more subtle. I don’t really listen for you as much as I should these days. Teach me to do that this week. Thanks.

Wonderful Words

Scripture – Colossians 1:1-2: ¹Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, ²To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) There are so many words and phrases in the Bible and in the language of the church that I easily skip over. Paul begins by mentioning “the will of God.” God does have a plan for my life. He gives me direction each day. At the same time, He has a larger plan – a wider vision for how He wants to use me. Timothy is “our brother.” In Christ we do have a relationship with other believers – a new kind of family. This includes people within the church that I don’t particularly like. There are many more things mentioned here: “holy,” “faithful,” “in Christ,” “grace,” “peace,” and “from God.”

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As we start this new exploration of Colossians, I will read carefully – lingering over some of the words. Today, I’ll remember again that God has a plan for my life. I’ll be careful how I live. Am I working and living within that plan?

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, thank you for your presence in my life. I can’t imagine facing life without you. I don’t know how people do that. Use me today. Keep me aware of my brothers and sisters.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Sunday, September 16, 2007

Scripture – Colossians 1:3-6: ³We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, ⁴because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—⁵the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel ⁶that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.

Finishing the Story

Scripture – Jonah 4:9-10: ⁹But God said to Jonah, “Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?” “I do,” he said. “I am angry enough to die.” ¹⁰But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. ¹¹But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In all the times I’ve read Jonah, I’ve never really understood this vine business. Jonah says he’s angry about the vine. Yet his anger is way out of proportion for that. Is he still angry about the redemption of Nineveh? Is he still angry with God for bringing that about and using him to do it? I can only wonder what that anger’s about. The story ends here. Jonah’s still in this very resentful mood. God is trying to get him to understand that He is concerned for the people of Nineveh. I want to add a few more lines and bring it to a conclusion. As it is, the story’s not over.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) It could be I’ll complete the story in my own life. There are resentments I’m carrying around. There are some unanswered questions I have for God. I will lift up one resentment and offer it to Christ as a sacrifice of praise.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, help me bring this story to a conclusion. Show me how to let go of things that keep me captive. Please change me today so I might serve you freely without resentment or hesitation.

Beyond Myself

Scripture – Jonah 4:5-8: ⁵Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. ⁶Then the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine. ⁷But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the vine so that it withered. ⁸When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is sort of a reminder that God can, and does, do whatever He chooses. He chose to give the people of Nineveh another chance. He provided the vine for Jonah, then He took it away. In the midst of all this, Jonah still seems quite focused on himself.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I tend to filter things as to how they will affect me. Today, I will remove that filter. I will look for other people, listen to them and give them my time and attention.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for giving up your life for me. Help me live like that today. Thanks for the vines you supply.

A Troubling Attitude

Scripture – Jonah 4:1-4: ¹But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. ²He prayed to the LORD, “O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. ³Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” ⁴But the LORD replied, “Have you any right to be angry?”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What did Jonah have against the people of Nineveh? Obviously, there’s no answer to that here. What is clear is that Jonah did not want them to experience God’s grace and forgiveness. There are a lot of “safe” ways I could go from here. However, the question confronts me: Who are the Ninevites in my life?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Even as I raise that question, I try to block it out. Are there people I think don’t deserve God’s mercy? That’s a troubling question. I certainly can think of people I think need to pay for their choices in life – people against whom I carry a grudge. I’ll be aware of them today. I’ll lift them up to Christ in prayer today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, in my heart I know there’s no one you don’t love. And while no one “deserves” your mercy (especially me), you want to extend it to all. Please bring your light into these dark areas of my life. Set me free from such judgmental attitudes. Teach me to be a bearer of your grace and compassion to all people.

A Picture of Repentance

Scripture – Jonah 3:6-10: ⁶When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. ⁷Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. ⁸But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. ⁹Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” ¹⁰When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is a picture of repentance. The king of Ninevah led the way. People heard the word of the Lord and they believed that word. They knew they were headed toward destruction. So they stopped and fasted and called urgently on God. They changed their behavior. They began living in good, peaceful, righteous ways. The lesson was taken to heart. God saw what they did, and in His compassion decided to let them live.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Sometimes it’s like I just wake up and all at once see that what I’ve been doing is wrong. For example, all the night-time snacking I do undermines all my efforts to eat well during the day. I’ll stop doing that. I will be disciplined in what and how much I eat.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, as I write that, I’m aware you have provided so much in my life. It’s never a question of, ‘Will I have something to eat?’ For that I’m thankful. And for abusing that blessing, I’m sorry. Give me a disciplined heart and mind today. Teach me to be satisfied with my daily bread today.

Letting God's Word Work

Scripture – Jonah 3:1-5: ¹Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: ²“Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” ³Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. ⁴On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” ⁵The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is like part two of the story. Now God’s word comes a second time. This time, Jonah obeyed. He takes God’s message of doom and judgment to the people of this exceptionally large city. What would happen if God sent this word to Detroit – or even Southgate? I can’t believe anyone would pay any attention. But then, God’s word has a power way beyond my imagination. The Ninevites heard Jonah and they believed God. And they repented.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will remember that. God’s word – His Spirit – has the ability to touch and convict anyone. It’s not my place to decide who will or will not pay attention. It’s my job to speak the words of truth Christ gives – to be His witness.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me a clear word. When I have that, help me share that word where and when you want. I’m sorry for making decisions for people. Your word is for anyone. And you can touch any heart.

Remembering Christ

Scripture – Jonah 2:5-7: ⁵The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. ⁶To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God. ⁷“When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Jonah’s prayer continues. He reached the low point where he was totally lost. He was, literally, in over his head. His disobedience led him to hit bottom. In that experience he remembered the Lord and called out to Him. In response, God brought him up and rescued him. I have a tendency, when I get myself in trouble, to think I’ve got to get myself out by myself. If I mess something up or break something, I think I’ve got to fix it. However, Christ is always ready and willing and able to help me fix things – and when necessary, He’ll fix them Himself.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will call on Christ to help me today. I will not let my pride get in the way of that. I will let Him help, even if His help comes through the help of other people.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, your faithfulness never fails. Thank you for that. Forgive me for ignoring you and refusing to call on you when I need help. Remind me it’s just that simple. I don’t have to do everything on my own. In fact, I cannot do everything on my own.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Sunday, September 9, 2007:

Jonah 2:8-10: ⁸“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. ⁹But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD.” ¹⁰And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

From Inside the Fish

Scripture – Jonah 2:1-4: ¹From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. ²He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry. ³You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. ⁴I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I’ve never known what to make of this “fish” business. Whatever that experience was, in the midst of it Jonah prayed and God heard. It’s interesting that Jonah speaks here in the past tense. So He’s looking back at what happened. Again, whatever the specifics were, God rescued him from an overwhelming situation. Jonah’s prayer acknowledges his banishment from God’s sight. He understood it was God’s hand punishing him for his disobedience. In the same breath, Jonah recognizes hope – “I will look again toward your holy temple.”

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) In Christ there is always hope. Sometimes God punishes me. Other times life just happens and I’m tempted to give up – to be overwhelmed. Whatever happens, I will live in hope. I will not worry about the future today. Christ will bring me through whatever I’m facing.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) You do that, Lord. You carry me and lift me all the time. Sometimes I forget to trust you. Sometimes I focus on the wind and waves rather than you and your call. Keep my heart and mind open to you this day. Save me from the demon of discouragement.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Relying on God's Power to Provide

Scripture – Jonah 1:13-17: ¹³Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. ¹⁴Then they cried to the LORD, “O LORD, please do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O LORD, have done as you pleased.” ¹⁵Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. ¹⁶At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him. ¹⁷But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) At first, the sailors acted just like Jonah. They were told what to do, but they did just the opposite. They tried to save themselves by their own power. And they could not. So they threw Jonah overboard, and the seas grew calm. As a result, the sailors gained a new understanding of God, leading them to make new vows to Him. I wonder what became of them after this. Did they become converted? Did they put their trust in the one God who could save them? Salvation begins when I recognize I cannot save myself. It continues as I let the Lord do His work in me – calming storms and bringing peace. As for Jonah, I also notice “the Lord provided” for him, as well.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll be aware of where and when I resist Christ’s direction. I’ll watch for the times I’m tempted to rely on my own power instead of His.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, you have done for me what I could not do for myself. I live with the hope of eternal life only because of what you have done through your cross. Thank you for that. And thank you for this fresh look at the old story of Jonah.

Living Beyond Myself

Scripture – Jonah 1:8-12: ⁸So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” ⁹He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.” ¹⁰This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.) ¹¹The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” ¹²“Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) How interesting! The sailors knew about the Lord. They had not known it was from Him Jonah was running. They knew enough that they were “terrified” when they found out. What was going on in Jonah’s heart? He recognized it was his fault that the storm had come. Did he also feel compassion for the sailors and responsibility for what they were experiencing? Whatever was happening, he offered his life to save theirs. All the times I’ve read this story, I’ve never really noticed that before.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Would I do that? If I knew my actions had put others at risk, would I give up my life to save them? Obviously I can’t answer that – and I hope I never face such a choice. At the same time, I do face other people each day. I will be aware of how my actions affect them.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, keep my heart open to your power and presence today. Teach me to look beyond how things will affect me. Help me see how my behavior affects other. Teach me to live in a way that’s good for them and that will help them see a glimpse of you.

Always in God's Sight

Scripture – Jonah 1:4-7: ⁴Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. ⁵All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. ⁶The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish.” ⁷Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Jonah seemed quite content in his disobedience. Maybe he thought he’d really gotten away from God and His call. Maybe he thought God had forgotten about him and simply found someone else to go to Nineveh. Clearly, though, God had not forgotten. And so the sailors had to pay a price for Jonah’s sin. That’s something I often overlook. My actions, good or bad, affect people around me. The sailors had a sense that someone on board was the problem. And so, “the lot fell on Jonah.”

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll be aware of decisions I make today regarding my behavior. I’ll be aware of the affect those decisions have on other people.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, I cannot get away from you. The wind of your Spirit will always find me. For that I really am thankful. Keep me aware of the people around me today. I don’t live in a vacuum. May I honor you in my life this day.

Jonah and Me

Scripture – Jonah 1:1-3: ¹The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: ²“Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” ³But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Jonah is given a clear call, and he just as clearly refuses to obey. God points him one way. He immediately heads in a different direction. It’s interesting that his plan was to run away from God, not the task to which he was called. Sometimes I get myself really busy with a lot of different projects – even good ones in the church. The effect of that is I can block out any word from the Lord. It’s like, if I don’t hear Him, He’s not here.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) It’s easy to laugh at this picture of Jonah. I just need to stay aware it’s also a picture of me sometimes. I’ll pay attention this week. When do I try to get away from the Lord?

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) I will listen for your word, Lord Jesus. There have been many times when you’ve been as clear with me as you were with Jonah. And I have refused. I’m sorry for that. Keep me open to you this week. Teach me through the experience of Jonah. I have a sense you have a strong word for me in this little book.

Living at the Growing Edge

Scripture – 2 Timothy 4:16-18: ¹⁶At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. ¹⁷But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. ¹⁸The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Faith is strengthened as it is exercised. And it is exercised only as I take a chance. At least, that’s how it feels to me. Living by faith means I move forward without really seeing where I will end up. Sometimes I don’t see where the next step will take me. Yet I have this history: the Lord has stood at my side in the past and He has given me strength. So I believe He will rescue me in the future.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) It would seem like the more I practice faith, the easier it would get. In many ways that’s true. At the same time, life on the growing edge is always a bit scary. I will take a new step today. I will live as though God will provide as I move a little deeper in trusting Him.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I don’t know what that step might be today. Give me the nerve to take it whenever it comes. I’m sorry for the times I resist you. Help me release more control and trust to you this day.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Reading for Sunday, September 2, 2007:

2 Timothy 4:19-22: ¹⁹Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. ²⁰Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. ²¹Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers. ²²The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.