New prescription for your glasses

Ever have a day or week that really happened but you are not sure what it was about? I mean, not much of anything seemed to happen and you thought God must have gone on a trip somewhere because he did not seem to show up where you were.

There are times where it is hard to see that God is really working in or through your life and you are not sure what is going on. You can examine your heart, lifestyle, motives and attitude and come up with no explanation. Life just seems to move forward because you see a new date on the calendar every day.

But Jesus is in each of us who have become a follower of him and he is always at work in and around us. John 5:17 is as true as the new day that challenges us every day. Our Father is always working and so is Jesus. Jesus added in verses 19 and 20 that he only does what he sees the Father doing. He was able to wake up each day and see that God was working all around him.

First step-Do I believe God is always working in the people I am around?
Step two seems to be consistent time with God by reading and thinking about what I am reading in the Bible.
Step three might be doing exactly what God speaks to me about in the Word without hesitation or rationalization. When I do this, for whatever reason, I seem to be more alert and sensitive to seeing God at work around me.

But you still have to have an eye examination in order to get a new prescription. David asked God to examine him to see if anything was in his life that needed removed or changed. (Psalm 139:23,24)

Think about this:

1. Which of these steps do you need to take this week?
2. How serious are you in wanting to see God at work around you? What if it requires some adjustments in your routine, schedule or commitment?

Who are these guys?

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were being chased by a group of men who were persistent in their pursuit and almost caught up with Butch and Sundance until they jumped into a river and floated away. More than one time they asked "who are these guys?" as they were being chased.

Check out Acts 2:42-47. I have asked the same question about these followers of Jesus who lived a long time ago. Who are these people? Where are they or have they disappeared today? Have you really ever seen any believers live like this? I mean, really in our culture, is this possible or are we trapped into wondering what this is really about? Was this for them but not for us?

As I thought about this, God made it clear that this is a mark of a follower of Jesus who takes what Jesus said seriously. There are no multiple choice options for followers of Jesus then or now. So, how do I do this? I believe it is a lifestyle that basically says to other believers willing to live this way that what I have is theirs if they need it. We do this with our immediate families so why not with followers of Jesus who want to be on the same page? God made it clear to me that everything in our house is his and another believer if they need it.

I am determined to live this way with others who want to do the same. I have found two men who said they would live this way with me.

Is this reasonable? It is right if I am going to follow Jesus. these kinds of lifestyle commitments are the kinds that separate belief from conviction. Talk is easy and must be backed up with real change or it is pointless and is an insult to these early followers of Jesus.

Think about this:

1. Talk with another believer and see what they think about living this way today? If you are willing to do it, ask them if they are. But you have to mean it.

2. List every reason why this is not possible today for you and then what that means about any of the other statements of Jesus about following him.

Quick, go to the store! John 2:1-11

Ever been having a good time with a bunch of friends at your house and you run out of something? Not just something but one of the most important things. You quickly send someone to go to the local store and get some more of whatever. It would be embarrassing or your hospitality might be questioned if you didn't replenish what you ran out of.


Jesus and his buddies were hanging out at a wedding. These events were a huge part of the culture and they just ran out of wine. His mom told him but Jesus replied "hey, what are you telling me for?" But whenever someone (like his mom) trusted him, he got involved.


He showed up at a wedding (a very common deal in any culture) and did something that would be remembered forever.


As I thought about this, God brought a question to my mind. Dave, when was the last time I showed up like this in your life? I can't remember when. In fact, I don't even expect him to show up. It was like God agreed with me-that's right, you don't most of the time. Do I really believe he wants to invade my space like this?


Then, God reminded me that this was an easy deal. Water into wine-hey, he spoke and there was water that came from nothing so it would be an easy deal to turn water into wine. He could have made it into a Mountain Dew and that would really gotten them to think-who is this? and what is this we are drinking?


What does this say about my view of God? Is it a mind game or am I afraid he might really show up and change something?


How about a glass of wine tonight? Oh, all you have is water in the house?


Think about this
1. Do you want Jesus to show up in your daily life and do something that will force you to think about life differently?


2. Do you really believe he still wants to do this today or are you just supposed to read this stuff and think-great story, what's the next one?