tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179795690167027792024-03-13T00:56:09.972-07:00Coffee With DaveCoffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-74091367935866960562010-06-08T08:57:00.000-07:002010-06-08T08:57:34.593-07:00Guess what's in the kitchen for dinner?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Peter was willing to do about anything but this, well, this was way too far across the line for him. All of his life he had stuffed himself with organic vegetables, fruits, nuts and good Jewish food. God couldn't be serious about eating these pigs, birds, lizards and who knows what else. This was not a multiple choice game however. Peter was proud of the fact that his diet could be written up in "Heart Healthy Living" or "Eating Well" middle-eastern magazines. But God was in the kitchen this day and everything he prepared was eatable.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Peter was confused but knew he was not ready to graduate from cooking school just yet. Three men from the other side of the tracks came looking for Peter. God told Peter to go home with them. Peter goes and entering the house of the man who sent for him, announced to everyone that this was against the Jewish law for him to be there. And then one of the most significant words in this sentence-"But God...". When God shows up and talks it changes everything. Henry Blackaby said once "When God speaks to you, it is the most serious thing that could happen to you and it changes something you have believed or practiced." The vision of a new diet and now these men caused Peter to not hesitate in deciding to visit this man. Peter learned several lessons that day but he had to lay down his certainties or preferences first.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Have you excluded some things from what you have believed is acceptable or legitimate in the Christian life? How about spiritual gifts and their use today? How about who can serve communion or baptize? Or what about what constitutes church? We need to make sure what we believe and practice is rooted in the Word rather than our tradition or preference.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>THINK ABOUT THIS</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>1. Think through a few traditions or practices of yours and make sure they are biblical and not just preferences.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>2. Spend some time with someone who believes something different from you but who is definitely seeking to follow Jesus. See if you can have an unemotional conversation with them about it.</b></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-14148418965359606462010-05-24T08:58:00.000-07:002010-05-24T08:58:55.295-07:00Connecting the Dots<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Sometimes it really helps to have a plan in our minds that makes sense to us. It is kind of like drawing some kind of picture. If there are dots to connect in a specific order, the picture takes shape and looks like something that makes sense <i>to us.</i> If you are trying to draw a horse and you can connect dots 1 to 2 and then to 3 and so on, you have a better chance it will look like a horse and not a squirrel if you had no numbered dots.</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Discipling another person is more comfortable if there are dots to connect. You just cover the material with someone or memorize certain verses and it's done. But...you don't have to think or be challenged or stretched or have to trust God to do the work in their life. In your mind, the picture of this person you are helping become a real follower of Jesus is more easily accomplished if there are certain dots to connect.</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b> </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Phillip is about to go to a class without a textbook and the instructor is not in sight. How can you possibly learn or help anyone without the "Dot" textbook? Check out Acts 8:34, 35 and 39. What kind of textbook was Phillip working with here? Aren't we supposed to teach people to practice everything Jesus taught the original team?</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Don't get caught in the trap of limiting God and using one discipling plan with everyone you are helping. After Phillip shared some stuff with this Ethiopian and baptized him, without notice God said "time to leave." But what about the follow up? There is no one box disciple making box with God. He is capable of bringing people into mature relationships with him any way he wants to.</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b> </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Once in Athens, Greece in 1991 a student and I were teaching some Ethiopian refugees some basics in following Jesus. After our discussion they asked us what the origin of our church was. We had no clue. They however said they traced theirs back to this Ethiopian eunuch in Acts. This eunuch began the Coptic Church these refugees were a part of. Looks like Phillips discipleship plan worked.</b></span></span></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-52934611958321796282010-05-06T15:46:00.000-07:002010-05-06T15:46:27.811-07:00Google Earth<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">N<b>one of us knew what Google Earth was a few years ago but it has become one of the best tools to check out new cities, get directions for travelling, view topography and whatever. But think about trying to determine how to get from Seattle, Washington Enterprise rental car location to Bellingham, Washington by looking at the globe that appears at the beginning of the Google Earth experience. All you see is a large globe that is cool for sure but will not get you out of the parking lot of your rental car dealer. However, if you type in your rental car dealer and city you can get a street view that will show you exactly how to get on Interstate 5 and head north.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Matthew 4:4, Hebrews 4:12 and 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 are like Google Earth in "street view". They give a clear perspective of what life is supposed to look like. The Message translation of John 10:10 adds that we will have "life better than you ever dreamed of." And the Timothy verse adds that the Word shows us truth, exposes our rebellion, corrects our mistakes and trains us to live God's way. That street view may be a little too close for you or maybe it just shows how much God really does love us and is interested in every aspect of our life.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Most people you and I know (including us at times) are trying to figure out life by looking at the globe map rather than the street view. Most don't even know there is a street view of how to live life. Some people don't even know what Google Earth is.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Google earth is a great tool if you are trying to figure out how to get somewhere or what something looks like...but only if you use the "street view."</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Think about this</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>1. What kind of decisions are you trying to make these days? Get with a friend who has the "street view" and ask them what the Bible says about your decision.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>2. What is a practical step you could take to change from looking at life from the "globe" perspective to a "street view"?</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, when I read Acts 8:26-30 I see a guy who is hanging out with some others and an angel shows up to tell him something. He obviously hears the angel because he starts out on the trip. Then later the Spirit tells him to go see a guy whose car is on the side of the road. Hearing again, he does just that and has one of the most significant conversations anyone could have. The guy he talks with becomes a follower of Jesus and later starts the Coptic Church in Egypt and Ethiopia. Did you ever wake up thinking you would talk with someone who would end up doing this?</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What the spank does an angel sound like and why did one talk with Philip? Then why did the Spirit take over later. Frannie and I are waiting to hear from God about a couple of things. We have been waiting from our perspective, for a while. I am not getting younger as you probably know and want to get on with it. Silence! That is what I am hearing these days. I am thinking Philip got a good deal.</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am intrigued by something Larry Crabb said. "How deep into darkness do Christians have to go to find light?" I love that and I hate it. I am not sure what it means but I think I am learning. Do I want answers or relationship with Jesus? God is all about relationship and answers to some of my questions are secondary to the larger picture. I have to remember my part in the movie is about "one" word. Darkness is indeed one of the best teachers. Taking the class over is a rip though. Isaiah 50:10-11 are huge as I think about my role in listening and planning.</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Think about this</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. What can you learn in darkness that you can't learn in the light?</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. Do yo want Jesus more than you want answers to your questions? How do you know?</span></span></b></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-32915726064886111622010-04-03T09:02:00.000-07:002010-04-03T09:02:25.402-07:00Stretch...you can reach it<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I can remember several times being on a ladder trying to reach something that seemed out of reach. In one final effort I would stretch beyond what I thought was possible and grabbed the light bulb or smoke detector. But, I had to really stretch. Now I doubt Jesus would be standing on the floor asking "how are you going to reach the bulb?" Not really. His questions challenge something much deeper and significant within us. We think we are at the top of the class in faith, understanding, ability...and then Jesus asks a question like he did with Philip in John 6:5-6 and we soon realize how long the trip is to get where God wants us to go or who he wants us to be.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Simple question-how are we going to feed several thousand people who are listening to Jesus? Maybe simple, but at the bottom of the well. Jesus already knew the answer but Phillip didn't have a clue. Phillip of course responded like we would "It would take almost a year's salary for everyone to get t bite." It makes sense as long as faith is not in the equation.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>When was the last time Jesus posed a question to you like this? A man once told me "Don't let your vision be limited by men of limited vision." This is a Jesus thought but it is easy to respond to Jesus' questions from a perspective that does not involve faith and has no sense of adventure to it.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Are you uncomfortable with questions Jesus wants to ask or is asking you? He wants to stretch you and me in such a way that faith is the only answer that will give us a grade of 100 on the exam. But maybe it is easier to get a "B" on the test. The problem is there are only 2 grades: Pass or Fail. And there is only one way to pass. Maybe you won't even take the class.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Think about this</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>1. When was the last time you decided to go all out and trust God for something you either thought was crazy or just plain not possible? </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>2. Get with someone and talk about what God is testing in you or them and your willingness to move from where you are to wherever God has in mind. </b></span></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-10248196081475341122010-03-23T09:01:00.000-07:002010-03-23T09:01:35.629-07:00New prescription for your glasses<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">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.</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">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.</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">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.</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">First step-Do I believe God is always working in the people I am around?</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Step two seems to be consistent time with God by reading and thinking about what I am reading in the Bible.</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">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.</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">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)</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Think about this:</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">1. Which of these steps do you need to take this week?</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">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? </span></span></b></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-50760320170506773872010-03-15T09:20:00.000-07:002010-03-15T09:20:12.419-07:00Who are these guys?<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">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.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">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?</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">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.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">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.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">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.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Think about this:</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">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.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">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. </span></b></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-85963981716252663292010-03-08T14:59:00.000-08:002010-03-08T14:59:27.251-08:00Quick, go to the store! John 2:1-11<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>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.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>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.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>He showed up at a wedding (a very common deal in any culture) and did something that would be remembered forever.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>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?</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>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?</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>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?</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How about a glass of wine tonight? Oh, all you have is water in the house?</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Think about this</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. Do you want Jesus to show up in your daily life and do something that will force you to think about life differently?</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>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?</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 4:27-Jesus' guys were coming back from town with food and were alarmed that Jesus was talking with a woman from the wrong country. Wrong gender and location-doesn't Jesus know the customs? He would get hammered if some of the religious types knew about this. They were surprised but why should they be-this is what he did regularly. But none of them was willing to ask Jesus anything about it.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What does their being surprised indicate about them? They certainly didn't expect it. What does that reveal about their understanding about Jesus? What the spank is he up to?</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Do you and I expect Jesus to surprise us with anything today or is it just another day "hugging the balance beam as Francis Chan says? (You should check out this video). Sure, some days are going to look the same but why not live with the expectation that when you follow Jesus, he might just show up talking with a woman at a well or maybe something even more exciting or challenging for you to experience?</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Your following Jesus has taken you so far, but there are other places he wants you to visit.</b></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-60083675968854932522010-01-27T08:45:00.000-08:002010-01-27T08:45:04.377-08:00Neighborhoods<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How do you decide where you are going to live or where you will spend time? Are there certain roads you drive on and others "no way?" Are there certain parts of town you are not about to walk around in? We do have to be smart but in our justification for having comfort and security at any cost, we will not venture into certain areas that jeopardize either of these. And perhaps we are missing being in a place where God can seriously use us.</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jesus had to go into a dangerous or at least a questionable zone because he knew his father was working there. Check out John 4:4 and 9-10. Samaritans and Jews never high fived each other because they intentionally avoided any contact at all. they hated each other at the worst and distrusted each other at the best.</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, you can imagine what the disciples were thinking as Jesus started walking down this road. Jesus not only was walking through this rough part of the country but spoke to a Samaritan woman and asked her a question. She gave the typical reply "what are you doing here and why are you talking with me?" (my paraphrase) Jesus bypassed this because he knew that God wanted everyone to experience the gift of life that was only to be located in a relationship with him.</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The results of this conversation are significant. (Read the rest of the chapter) Don't be trapped by the dual demons of comfort and security. Yes, these can actually be dangerous for your life and eliminate the adventure Jesus promises if we exclusively follow him.</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Take a different route to somewhere this week. Go somewhere you have never been before that you consistently avoid. Maybe you can ask someone for some water or coffee.</span></span></b></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-78517381413375316002010-01-20T12:16:00.000-08:002010-01-20T12:16:24.212-08:00What do you want?<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">A short scene in John 4:1-3 reveals that the religious crowd was always checking up on Jesus. What was he doing, why was he doing it, was he doing it in the right place?...and on and on. They had heard that more people were following Jesus than were following John and for whatever reason, they wanted to know what was going on.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jesus did not care about this kind of thing. This was not what really mattered to him. They could debate and talk about what he was doing all day...he didn't care. Also, he was not interested in getting any kind of recognition for what was going on. However, he was interested in defining for those following him, what was important in life. If, when he left them they knew what really mattered and were living that way, he had done his job.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">So, when he learned that these religious types were talking about this, he took off. He deliberately avoided any games these pseudo religious people were playing, He knew there was only one thing that really mattered and that their only concern was how his popularity was becoming greater than theirs.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">What do you want? Who is your audience? Are you looking for a compliment from someone for some tidbit of information you know? Or, are you doing everything you can to focus people on Jesus rather than yourself?</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">This week deliberately do everything you can to not draw attention to yourself. Think about your conversations and what you talk about. Listening more than talking not only focuses attention away from yourself but you also learn about others.</span></b></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-21775345287207371912010-01-09T07:18:00.000-08:002010-01-09T07:18:39.027-08:00Sit Down!<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It begins at an early age. We probably can't tell when but we agree that early in our life we want people to notice us. It can be for who we think we are, what we have done or whatever. We want people to notice us.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And in our relationships with Christians-nothing changes. It becomes "here is what I think", or hearing people say "you are really a great teacher" or, well you get the picture. Would the real important person please stand up? And of course that would be you or me.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Old JB had the right perspective. People were checking him out and it was not because of his diet and wardrobe. Locusts and some kind of wrap around outfit that was not purchased at Abercrombie and Fitch might catch your attention but it was what he was talking about that drew people to him.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>But John was focused on the right thing. He had already pointed out that Jesus was the one who deals with sin in a way he could not. Look at <i>John 1:29.</i> And now someone pointed out that everyone was going to Jesus to be baptized and they were leaving John. John is not thinking "man, I've got to come up with something big to keep these people focused on me." He knows it is time for him to SIT DOWN.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>He is comfortable with the purpose, gifts, personality and abilities God has given him. He says it is all given from heaven to us. He didn't earn it, have to jump through certain hoops or do anything except be content with who he is. This does not stifle our developing our gifts or abilities but it puts the focus on what is right. It also diminishes stress and anxiety in us when we chase after anything that causes people to look at us rather than God.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Don't you ever get tired of standing after a while? Try sitting down several times this week.</b></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-18046678869921572662009-12-29T12:16:00.000-08:002009-12-29T12:16:06.697-08:00Why Bother Jesus?<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">John 2:1-11 Jesus loved people, parties and any event he was invited to. He shows up at this wedding and either too many people came or they were just having too good of a time. But, they ran out of wine. Jesus' mom told him they were out of it. Jesus seemed almost frustrated with her statement and basically told her it was not his problem. His mom ignored that and told the servants to do whatever he told them. You know what happened next-he had the jars filled with water and made the best wine of the day. This was his first "big deal" and a glimpse of who he was and the disciples didn't miss the point. They were sold on him.</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Was Jesus really bothered by this request or did he want to see who was on his team? Is he ever really interrupted by our questions? Not really. Nothing escapes his interest in us.</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'll bet that during this past year you have had some questions or thoughts you would like some kind of resolution to. Maybe some were big things and some not so big. Did you involve Jesus in them? Or did you think he might be busy with some real big deals and you didn't want to bother him? As you and I become radical followers of Jesus, one thing we learn is that he is not bothered by anything we talk to him about. He still wants to see who really wants to be on the team.</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We are turning a page in a couple of days. Some of us will wake up and yawn but is there one thing you can think of that will get you to the heart of what it really means for you to be more of a radical follower of Jesus? Bother Jesus and talk with him about it. Better-go to a wedding or a bar and take Jesus with you and see what happens. </span></span></b></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-74367474823231331222009-12-15T08:23:00.000-08:002009-12-15T08:23:19.329-08:00Too Close for Comfort?<span style="color: red;"><b>Interesting scene in John 1:46-48 It is one thing to be an acquaintance with someone but quite another to be intimate with them. It is much more safe and non-threatening to be casual with people. Not much usually happens in these relationships if they can even be termed relationships. but ask a significant question or make a revealing comment and you quickly know if the conversation is over or just beginning.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Nate was real "Can anything good come from Nazareth?' He expressed what many in those days thought. Phillip didn't argue but just said "check it out yourself."</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Jesus sees what is going on and said "Here comes a guy who is real-nothing fake here." Was Nate proud in saying "How do you know me?" or did he recognize that Jesus really saw through him? Whatever, Jesus said he saw him under a fig tree. He had not met him but already knew Nathanael. Nathanael knew they had not met and that could only mean one thing for him-this had to be the Son of God.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>How close are you to Jesus? Maybe we like the acquaintance idea more than the "he really knows me" thought. One way to tell is what your Christian life is like. I mean if we are in the acquaintance section we show up at the right Christian meetings, with a smile, and make a few innocent comments, being friendly and checking our watch to see how much longer we have to do this. If you are in the other section, you talked with Jesus before the meeting about who he might want you to listen to or speak with and you asked him to help you know how to be sensitive to what you should say.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Jesus hangs out in this section and never really goes to the acquaintance area. He is committed to knowing us and us knowing him-really knowing him! Is that scary or exciting to you?</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Real church is made up of those who are real-with each other and with Jesus. Where do you church?</b></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-11065650437350120042009-12-07T09:22:00.000-08:002009-12-07T09:22:24.274-08:00Watch Out!<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">John 1:35-39 opens a door of understanding for us. These two men thought they knew who Jesus was. Maybe they did know some things but they were about to hear a question and a statement that are critical aspects of following Jesus.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Jesus saw them following him and asked them "What do you want?" Seems easy enough but this question is one that has deeper roots than we first think about. Jesus always asks these kinds of things because he wants us to learn what our real motivation is in following him and we need to think through what we believe following Jesus is about. Some of what we want may not be what Jesus is all about. If we want predicitable, comfortable, happiness, cool stuff and insights we better get off the road now.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">So these guys ask Jesus a question but Jesus' answers are designed to get us to not only think but also to change. Their question-"Which motel are you in tonight?" Jesus' answer-"Come and you will see." Did he answer their question? Much better than they could have imagined but now, they have to decide-do we check it out or is it a a little scary.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">We will often ask Jesus questions and we will get the exact answer Jesus gave here. Why? It puts us in a place where we are going to trust Jesus that he knows more than we do. To really follow Jesus means getting into these situations where the answer draws out our heart and always means something is going to change for us. Ready for the trip?</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Do you want certainty in answers to your questions or do you want to learn? Sometimes you get both but it seems we learn more when Jesus says "Come and you will see."</span></b></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-17425568176333655512009-12-01T11:46:00.000-08:002009-12-01T11:46:58.895-08:00If I could only see God, it would be easier<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><b>Ever had an imaginary friend? I had 3 of them-Dieter, Gogus and Gugli. I never asked them how to spell their names. I used to talk with them and play for hours. One day they were gone and that was it. These guys were not real.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Jesus is real but sometimes I know we would just like to see him in person. Sometimes, we just wonder if God is anywhere. Check our Luke 24:13-17-these two men were taking a 7 mile walk (they walked everywhere) and they were talking about recent events and Jesus shows up. But they didn't recognize him. Jesus even talked with them and they just didn't get it. They were focused on the events they had just witnessed.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>There are times when we just don't think God is anywhere near us. He is always present even though we don't recognize him or his activity. He might be in a smile from someone, or a neat sunrise, or as we read something and our heart is pierced. How many ways does God appear to you? Do you recognize it when he does or when he speaks in the small voice? If you are focused on non-essential things in life, you are going to miss meeting Jesus just like these guys did at first.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>It would not be easier if we could physically see Jesus because he can't get any closer than he is now. He did say "I am with you always." What makes it easier is not for Jesus to come up and high five you, but to become sensitive to his presence and his speaking to you through <i>small</i> things.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Hey, we can bring Jesus closer to people who don't know him at all because he is in our life. So, get out there and mix it up with people this week.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;">In Luke 24:13-17 there is the story of 2 guys walking on a road from Jerusalem to Emmaus who are discouraged about life now that Jesus is out of the picture or so they think. Jesus shows up on the road and walks with them but they don't recognize him for whatever reason. He even talks with them and they still are so focused on their discouragement they do not know who is talking with them. Maybe Jesus is wearing a mask.</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;">If we were on this road and Jesus came up and started talking with us, we would certainly recognize him wouldn't we? There are times in our life or our day when we get into a funk like these guys and we conclude the whole thing sucks. And to make it worse, Jesus shows up in some way but we do not see him at all. It may be in a kid who is laughing and having a great day or a sunrise that is so filled with orange and red colors that it is hard to describe. Maybe it was a song that attempted to stir your spirit. Maybe a homeless guy held out his hand as we walked along.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is easy to miss Jesus. Sometimes we won't open the Bible and Jesus is there ready to speak to us but we have to get on with life and we will spend some time looking at it later. But later never opens the door.</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;">Look around and listen. Jesus is here...now.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Right. Except that is exactly what these women did. I mean if someone said they would be killed but you would see him later and have dinner, you think you would remember that one. These women were no different than you and I. It is easy to read the words of Jesus and just pass them by not really believing what he said. Take John 4:14 where Jesus says if we live by his life and words we will never be thirsty for anything else that really doesn't matter. How many times have we read this? Yet we long for things that do not matter at all. We have forgotten his word.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jesus told these people in Luke 9:22 exactly what was going to happen to him. They forgot but when these two angels reminded them, they remembered.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">What does it take for you to remember Jesus' words? The discipline of scripture memory which is usually the one that we stop doing, or the process of consistent Bible study which no one really has time for, or daily time with Jesus in a quiet time that is squeezed out by busy routines all contribute to our forgetting what Jesus told us about how to live life.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">To forget what Jesus said is really to forget Jesus. </span></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-7553213915446439662009-10-19T07:14:00.000-07:002009-10-19T07:14:50.580-07:00What's going on here?<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: blue;">Luke 23:34 Familiar? Yes, but are we thinking far enough? This statement was definitely focused on the event of the cross and how those not following Jesus were viewing the event. They did not know what they were doing in killing Jesus. Instead of anger on Jesus' part, he asked the Father to forgive them. He asked the Father to not hold it against them.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: blue;">But I believe there are more things God wants us to understand as we and others try to "figure out life and faith." Those who do not know Jesus and many who do are doing their best to understand what Monday, Tuesday and the other 5 days are about. What the spank are they supposed to be doing to make sense out of the life they are living? They may or may not know there is more than the 20-30 minute commute to work, work, watch a little TV, tell the kids goodnight and crash into bed.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: blue;">Those perhaps without a spouse or kids desperately search for some fulfillment on Facebook, Twitter or any other .com sight that might offer some relief from the almost pointless track that they run on daily.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: blue;">In our attemps to find meaning, we consistently miss why Jesus lived, died and left to be with the Father. And he says again "Father, forgive them, they don't know what they are doing."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: blue;">How can you minimize these words of Jesus in your life? I mean how can you live so you don't have to hear it so often? He is always there to forgive but let's give him something else to say when he thinks about us. </span></span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-43082079648106693132009-08-25T08:57:00.000-07:002009-08-25T09:10:10.790-07:00Is anyone angry, frustrated or upset?<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We can learn something from each day in Jesus' life. Here is one. Jesus was being accused by people who had no intention of listening to, thinking about or doing what he was saying. As far as they were concerned if it did not have the right label on it, it not only could not be right but it should be outright rejected... and that included Jesus. Take a look at Luke 23:5,13 and 14. His teaching offended them and was contrary to their tradition and they were determined to put an end to it.<br /><br />Thinking and teaching something new or different is not important unless God has spoken and then it is critical that it be shared. It does not matter if people do not agree with it. They still have to deal with it. Jesus made these people come to a decision about what he had spoken to them about. He was willing to stir the pot even if it meant he might lose his reputation or life.<br /><br />Have you heard from God lately? Has he spoken to you about something new, against a traditional religious belief or something that will cause people to want to avoid you? More than likely they are not going to want to kill you as these people did but they definitely will want you out of the room.<br /><br />Jesus was thought of as a man who was inciting people to rebellion. The harder people fight against something can often indicate the truthfulness of what they are fighting against. If what Jesus was saying was true, they were in big trouble and they knew it.<br /><br />Don't be afraid of causing people to think. If you have heard from God, people need to know what he said to you. It will help those who really want to follow Jesus have a clearer picture of what that looks like.<br /></span></span></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-78791980783190065432009-08-10T08:49:00.000-07:002009-08-10T09:02:33.520-07:00Did you hear that?<span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">There were a bunch of religious guys trying to trap Jesus and they talked with him about who he was. They were not really interested in anything he said except that they wanted to nail him with violating some religious rule they had developed. He was more than ready to deal with them and give them an answer that they would later use to accuse him of a violation. Their conclusion in Luke 22:71 says it all. "We have heard it from his own lips."<br /><br />These guys were not even followers of Jesus but it was unmistakable what he just said. For my purposes, it does not matter what Jesus said. It rather is that he said it and they heard it. You could easily say that of course they heard it. He was standing there talking.<br /><br />But then every time we open the bible, Jesus is there talking...and specifically he wants to say something to us. We read it but do we hear him speak to us? When was the last time Jesus said something to you that you had no doubt it was him talking to you? We have to act on what he speaks to us about or we will not hear him again unless he speaks the same thing to us again. We can open our Bible all we want but if we treat what he says as an option, we're done and might as well play golf or whatever.<br /><br />Do you have people in your life who are listening and hearing God speak to them? Are you one of those people? Is it a common thing for you to visit with someone at the church you show up at and have a conversation about what God has been talking with each of you about or is the conversation about weather, politics or some other fascinating subject?<br /></span></span></span></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-1547568982213849922009-07-22T08:49:00.000-07:002009-07-22T08:59:50.594-07:00Are you kidding me?<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Luke 22:13 Jesus had given the guys something to think about as they thought about what he just told them. They were to go and make preparations for the Passover meal. They were to go to a man and talk with him about the guest room for Jesus and them. We do not know if they were surprised at what they found but their faith in Jesus had to have been strengthened by the event. and we know that they did exactly what Jesus told them to do.<br /><br />Why does having to know the why's and how's of what God is speaking to you and I about become such an important aspect to our doing what he is speaking to us about? When do we experience the joy? While we act on what Jesus has spoken to us about or when we see the result of our believing him? There is as much joy in the anticipation of what God is going to do as there is in the completion of it. And I believe God is more pleased in our acting on what we do not really understand than in our trying to talk him out of what he has just spoken to us about.<br /><br />Sometimes I know we do not really believe God talks to us like this. Isn't this just reserved for pastors or those in the Bible? The reason we think like this is partly due to our not having an adventurous relationship with Jesus each day. When we take Jesus at his word, as someone said "life becomes a romance."<br /><br />Maybe we are anticipating being disappointed in God's not coming through with what we believe he is speaking to us about. Whatever the reason, most people never experience the joy of responding to what God is saying.<br /><br />When was the last time you were filled with joy at knowing God had spoken to you about something and you trusted him with no reservations?<br /></span></span></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-83525577824657593532009-07-10T08:01:00.000-07:002009-07-10T08:11:00.110-07:00Have you seen Long's Peak lately?<span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I can see Long's Peak from my home window. At 14259 feet above sea level it is quite a sight to see anytime of year. As awesome as this sight is, it does not challenge my mind or heart as thinking about what God has done throughout the history of our world. Or does it inspire me more than what God has done because I have not personally seen or experienced who he is or what he has done? Do I really stand in awe of God's deeds?<br /><br />Am I convinced that God is really who he says he is, that he has done what the Bible says he has done or that he is committed to working in my life? How do I know? Do I want to know? It becomes too easy to enter into a long journey of mediocrity in our Christian life. Conversations that focus on the insignificant, life that steals joy, relationships that never develop or mature all can cause me to move from an emptiness to hopelessness too easily.<br /><br />I want God to be more real to me in everyday life so I can say with this ancient prophet " I stand in awe of your deeds, oh Lord." But what will it take to really mean this? What might God want to do in my life? I don't need him to make 5 more Long's Peaks but I would like to see some attitudes change in me. To see God make my heart tender to those who do not see things as I do would cause me to "stand in awe"of God's working in my life. How about you? How honest are you in wanting to see God work in your life? Don't settle for just talking about or wishing this could be true.<br /></span></span></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-88784994056111153032009-06-24T18:08:00.000-07:002009-06-24T18:16:48.710-07:00Do you get it?<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">Zechariah 4:5 and 13 Zechariah was a prophet. He was supposed to understand what was going on. But position does not always guarantee understanding. When this angel showed up and asked a question, Zach told the angel what he saw but asked the angel what this was about. The angel seemed surprised that Zach did not know and at least twice asked "do you not know what these are?"<br /><br />It isn't too surprising to identify with Zechariah is it? There are times when we should have learned something God has been trying to get us to understand but when we ask what is going on, God could easily reply just like this angel with "don't you know?"<br /><br />Why does it take us so long to get it? Psalms 119:59 and 60 give a clue. Instant obedience is what God is after. If I delay doing what God wants, the learning curve is lengthened and it becomes easy to not understand what God is up to in my life.<br /><br />I would like to blame anything but my lack of obedience, but God knows better and asks this question of us to get us to focus on the right issue.<br /><br />Are you having a hard time understanding something going on in your life right now? There could be another reason but maybe you are delaying doing something God has spoken to you about.<br /></span></span></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117979569016702779.post-89011583384386892612009-06-15T11:13:00.000-07:002009-06-15T11:26:21.617-07:00Blowing in the Wind<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">This is not a blog about Wyoming. It is connected to Haggai 1:9<br />There are always consequences to living like I want to and not like God has in mind. It was the same for these people. They neglected building God's temple because they were preoccupied with their own houses. As a result, their expectations were too high. It is not that they could not be achieved but rather their preoccupation with their own lifestyle adversely affected their expectations. What they earned and brought home, God diminished significantly. Having your gain blown away by God has to reveal how God sees this kind of lifestyle they were living. Too bad for them...right?<br /><br />How easy to focus on what I want to do, what I am convinced is important for me or my family, or even what ministry I want to focus on. But what is on God's heart for you and I? It is not so much things to do but rather relationship to develop in order to know what we are to be giving our time, motivation and energy to. We easily justify so much of our stuff and neglect what God says is critical. There are consequences to this attitude or behavior. What do you think God will blow away in your life? God has a determined purpose for us and is focused on it beyond what we could imagine.<br /><br />What are you thinking about buying this week? Doing next weekend or Thursday evening? To follow Jesus means we intentionally carve out time to do what he has said is critical and are involved in people's lives rather than spending more time than necessary on our computer or whatever we do for ourselves.<br /></span></span></span>Coffee With Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648405055495701899noreply@blogger.com0