Seeking the Kingdom…First

“Seek first God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness….” I’ve been thinking about Jesus’ words since I read them on Sunday afternoon. I’ve especially been asking myself what it means to “seek the kingdom of God.” I’ll probably share more about that at a later time. One thing I’m quite sure it means is advancing the kingdom, which raises an interesting and challenging question that I’d like to throw out to all of us: Where is your primary interest and passion — advancing your personal life or advancing the kingdom of God? I’m guessing that how we answer that question will clue us into how much we’re “following Jesus, wherever he leads us, whatever the cost.” Are we focussed on fulfilling our dreams or on fulfilling God’s Dream?

Narrow the Road

Yesterday afternoon I was reading through the Sermon on the Mount and came across this passage that I thought related well to yesterday’s sermon: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Loving the Ideal

It was good to read the responses to yesterday’s post. I want to respond to a question that Mary raised, and just throw something out there. Sharon and I watched a movie on Sunday night about Winston Churchill. During the movie someone made the comment that the “ideal” that Churchill called “England” may have never existed, but at least it got him through the war.

Applying the Great Commandment

Today’s gospel reading includes the Great Commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” One way we can love God is by loving what we’re doing, at least as much as that’s possible.

At a natural level, what we’re doing may not be the most satisfying or fulfilling. But we can love God through it. At least, that’s what the apostle Paul suggests when he addresses slaves in his letter to the Colossians: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for people, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”

I mention this today because I don’t always think of taking out the trash or brushing my teeth or even a lot of the stuff that I do at church as a way to love God (which is embarrassing). Have a great day loving him.

Another Story

I’ve struggled with whether or not to keep yesterday’s post on the blog. I think I will, for now, in case it can be helpful for some folks. I want you to know that I don’t feel any animosity towards my father. I’m sure my own kids have their own stuff to work through because of my relationship with them. It’s just that these early, primary relationships usually affect how we see and relate to God, and that can be instructive.

I want to share another story about my father that will explain why I said yesterday that he was a “good man.”

An Unexpected Turn

Day three of *28. Day three of “following Jesus, wherever he leads us, whatever the cost…for love.”

“Following Jesus” is fundamentally the experience of “being led.” We follow Jesus wherever he leads us. He takes the initiative, not us. Following Jesus isn’t just a matter of asking ourselves, “Okay, what would it mean to follow Jesus in this situation?” or “What would Jesus do?” When we’re following Jesus, the emphasis is on his leading rather than our thinking. I’m not saying we shouldn’t think about what we’re doing. It’s just that our thinking shouldn’t be turned in on itself, but should be a response to what we sense Jesus may be doing or asking.

The Two Ways Jesus Leads Us

Welcome to day two of *28.

“Following Jesus. Following Jesus wherever he leads us. Following Jesus, wherever he leads us, whatever the cost…for love.”

Where does Jesus lead us?

I’m realizing that it’s important to answer that question both broadly and narrowly. If we don’t grasp the broad answer, we may miss or misinterpret the more narrow ways he leads us.

Good Morning, Fellow-Travelers

The journey we are calling *28 has begun. Some of us are getting an earlier start than others. Maybe a few of you woke up in the night, remembering what day it was and wondering what the journey will bring.  As Sharon and I prayed in our advent-decorated living room last night, I sensed him calling, saying it was time.

“Following Jesus, wherever he leads us, whatever the cost…for love.” Thank you, Jesus, for this amazing opportunity. I pray for manna to be given to each of my companions at this the beginning of our journey together. Give each of us the direction and sustenance we need to fellowship with you, learn from you, and serve your purposes in everyone’s life we meet today. You are so awesome to allow us to travel with you like this. We love you.

Hey, Wait Up!

Okay Bobbie, Chris (see comments at end of previous post), no fair getting a jumpstart on the rest of us! Just kidding. (Actually, I’ve been doing a little cheating myself.) Seriously, some of you may be thinking, “I’m already trying to make Jesus the center of my life. How does this *28 apply to me?” First, I don’t want anyone to feel like they “should” be taking this journey. The call to join this band of pilgrims needs to come from your own desire and from the Lord himself, not from me. I’m hoping that you can let your imagination run with this a bit.

*28

People who were at worship yesterday morning heard about *28 (Star 28), which is the code name for a journey that I’m inviting people to join me on for 28 days, beginning this next Sunday. (If you didn’t hear the sermon, I encourage you to listen to the podcast. You can get there through this link.) The focus of this journey will be revolving our whole lives around Jesus Christ.