resolved---women

Tuesday, March 30

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 23:27:03 +0100

Good Morning!

Today brings the end of our study... and I sure will miss discussing Scripture with you! Thank you so much for joining me on this journey... and especially for being a part of our first session of Resolved. This will always be very special to me! Please do let me know if you have any suggestions or input, and please keep in touch! I would call it an honor at any time to be able to help you in any way possible... and I am also just so thankful for your friendship and partnership in following Christ!

Today we're going to finish off the study by reading Peter's 2^nd letter... but first, please make sure as always to spend some time in prayer. Let's not let this be the end of a Bible study that leads to not digging in the word daily tomorrow, but let us always be reminded to follow Him!

Please read 2^nd Peter, it's only 3 chapters and a wonderful read!

I'd like to go ahead and mention the things that stood out to me the most... and I'd invite you to please discuss, add, and share with all of us throughout the day as well. One of my favorite sections of the book is in chapter 2, verses 4-9. It's basically one great big “I know... and so...” That equation to me first of all denotes a certainty that makes me feel so very safe. It just plain makes sense. We may not know how God will deliver us or bring us through a trial... but we know that He did it before time and time again, and we serve the same God. And He will lead us as well. Isn't that awesome?!? I hope and pray that you'll comforted in His love as I am today!

Another thing that really stands out to me is Peter's frequent reference to knowing, and to knowledge. Please check out these verses, 2 Peter 1:3,8 and 2:20-21. Peter not only explains how we can live what we know, but also emphasizes the importance. I think that in chapter two we see him remind us that, if nothing else, we know too much to stay the same. We know to much to stay where we are.. we must follow, one step at a time, each and every day.

In the last few weeks I've been reminded of the love of God... and I've really needed that reminder. Why? Because I mess up so much! Because I was beginning to dwell on my uncertainties more than what I KNOW about God.... and was relived to be reminded again, through Peter, of His incredible love and grace. I think that these things were especially emphasized again in 1 Peter. In 2 Peter, he builds upon that foundation with action.

2 Peter is a call to follow.

Without reserve.

Without hesitation.

Without selfish ambition.

And with the Savior who can and will lead us every step of the way.

Peter very graciously removes every single excuse we could possibly come up with to follow. From struggles and hardships, to our own unworthiness. Peter had learned that God's grace can and will cover anything... and Peter needed to move forward and be as deep in that grace as possible, by following with reckless abandonment and clinging tightly to the hands of Jesus.

And he was resolved.

We are to set out minds on “things above.” Not what we don't know, not on what we want, not on how unable and unworthy we are to “attain all of these things.”

And when we set our minds on things above, we'll be aware of the completely surrounding of His love, and therefore able to follow Him to places we've never been before.

And that's the whole point, afterall, isn't it?

What is the point about learning so much about Him, and remaining the same? That is what leads us to collectors of idle knowledge.

And as he said to Peter so many years ago, and with such repeated love and dedication the Savior gave the same call that He gives to us... today.

“Come. Follow me. And I will make you Fishers of Men.”

Jesus set His resolve on us. Will you set your resolve on Him... and follow? Don't waste a moment. Come and see Him... all throughout your day. Follow Him. And you'll be amazed at His saving grace in your life. Guaranteed.

It's a reasonable way to worship a Savior.

Are you resolved?

Monday, March 29

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:21:53 +0100

Good morning! Only two more days to study with you, and that makes me sad! We're going l to mostly finish out this study with discussion, so please dive in and let's finish well! Your discussion has been such an encouragement and challenge to me throughout the study, and I'm so thankful for you!

Let's dig right back into the letters of Peter today! I'd like to point out before we begin who Simon Peter at this point had become. He preached sermons, and thousands were saved. He went to prison, and could not be held there... his chains were loosed by the angels themselves! A touch of the hand of Peter was used to heal the sick. He led the church, he taught his friends, and he traveled as a missionary.

[I guess you could say our humble fisherman had become somewhat of a celebrity.]

After the years and time that Peter had spent wanting to be ahead of the pack, he finally could have gained any amount of attention and admiration he desired. He could have rallied his own followers, he could have held to his importance as being one of the only people on earth to have walked so closely with Jesus. He could have been defined by the miracles that God worked through him.

But that's not what Peter wanted.

Peter wanted Jesus. And that is the only reason that so many wonderful things were worked in and through Peter in the first place.

Peter wanted to know Jesus, to serve Jesus, to please Jesus, and to fully accomplish what was asked of him. He was resolved to follow.

As you read through the letters of Peter, please notice the sheer simplicity and humility with which he writes. He does not write as a celebrity. He writes as a common man who has made terrible mistakes and received extraordinary grace. He writes as a man who is fully aware of the cost, has counted it, and will not dwell there for another moment. He is resolved to follow and move forward, and has put all dwellings on the cost behind him in pursuit of the cross. He writes as a man who loves other people... and wants them to know Jesus the way that he does. He writes as a friend of Jesus. He writes as a witness to the undeniable, daily reality of Jesus in his life.

And prophecy is fulfilled.

Peter has become a rock. He is a part of the divine Cornerstone that “gives us everything we need through the knowledge of Him.” Simon was out of the way... he no longer needed glory or control. Peter was a servant and a friend of Jesus Christ. And he had become a “Fisher of men.” Thousands were added to the church... daily.

“Come. Follow me. And I will make you fishers of men.”

Will you make the story of Peter personal today and thank the Lord for showing us through the life of Simon Peter that “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus?” Philippians 1:6. Will you praise the Lord and claim the fact that we know this same Jesus, and that His calling to us is the same?

WHAT A WONDERFUL SAVIOR! Talk about something to be thankful for!!! In thinking of and rejoicing in His incredible love for us, I am reminded of this awesome verse and I want to share it with you today:

On that day they will say [to JERUSALEM], “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:16-17

Isn't that the most mind-blowing, incredible thing imaginable? I can so easily picture Jesus loving Peter this way, and Peter made Jesus his focus... and look at what Jesus was able to do with his love in and through Peter! And we have the same Savior. :) Praise the Lord!

For Discussion: Today, I'd like to challenge you to read through 1 Peter. Tomorrow we'll read 2^nd Peter and conclude the study. There are only 5 very short chapters in the book of 1Peter and it won't take you long to read. Read it now as someone who knows more of Peter personally, and see what you glean from his writing. Notice his simple focus on the Lord. Notice and please feel free to discuss the multiple references to WHO WE ARE... just as Jesus had made multiple references to who Peter was. Peter had learned a lot about who they both were... and our lives can be greatly impacted by taking to heart and making personal what lessons their relationship can teach us. Don't let your knowledge by idle. Remember... [Forward motion.] Do you realize you can go further with Jesus today than you've ever gone before? What are we waiting for?!?

“Come. Follow me. And I will make you Fishers of men.”

Are you resolved to follow?

Thursday, March 25

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 02:20:42 +0100

Good morning!

We're going to spend the last 3 days of this study wrapping things up and discussing some of Peter's letters to us in the New Testament. Peter had a reason for writing, and he had an end in sight... and I'd like for us to start there and work backwards, shall we? Please read 2 Peter 1:13-15. Peter was living daily with the knowledge that he would lose his life for the sake of Christ. And he did not waver. He was resolved. And Peter certainly had to count the cost. We know that his wife traveled with him on at least some of his journeys (1 Corinthians 9:5). History accounts that Peter's wife was martyred before he was. Now can you stop for a moment and imagine the agony of watching your spouse being put to death? I have found in my own life, it is much easier for me to handle my own suffering, than to watch someone I love suffer. When my dear friend Rachel found out that her two year old son had cancer... I felt a realm of agony that was very different than anything I'd experienced before because I was powerless to do anything to help her suffering. But let's also stop and remember one beautiful thought. Peter's wife had also dined with Jesus. He had been in her home countless times.

She was his friend, too.

And she loved him.

And His promises and His guidance applied to her, too.

She knew that suffering was a possibility when she followed him. But she could not help herself. Because she loved Him. And she was resolved.

Tradition states that as Peter watched his beloved wife be led away to her death he called out this one statement to her. “Remember the Lord.' That strikes me all the way through. At the moment of greatest suffering they knew that it wasn't time for misery, for self-pity, or to claim heroism. It was time to fix their eyes on Jesus … and follow Him straight through.

Because He was their Promised Land.

They would not be freed from this pain... but they would walk through it to a reward FAR GREATER than extended life on earth. The Lord had decided it was time to reward them with eternal life with HIM... far away from any more suffering... rejoicing around his throne!

And Peter would not be far behind. History tells us that he, like his Savior, was crucified on a cross. Peter however did not count himself worthy to die as Jesus did, and he was therefore nailed to the cross upside-down. And his love was made complete. I can't help but wonder if through the indescribable pain, Peter might also have been relieved to finally be able to express his love, worship his Savior, and do as Jesus had already told him He must do. The work would be complete. And he was resolved, whatever the cost. Peter would not follow half-heartedly due to the risk of suffering. To follow half-heartedly is not really following, and it certainly won't get you where you most desire to go.

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” 1 John 3:16

I wonder if as Peter hung on the cross, he remembered walking on the water... and he knew just where he was going.

Because Jesus was his Promised Land. He would not give up at the end. As we've mentioned many times throughout this study... Peter also writes: “His diving power has given us everything we need for life and for godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and purpose.” 2 Peter 1:3

Peter knew that he had everything he needed. He didn't know how to get through what he would have to suffer... he didn't know what would happen after he left...

but he knew Jesus.

He knew that Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen, and that Jesus wasn't caught off guard.

He knew he wasn't capable of understanding circumstances from his human viewpoint... that were orchestrated by a Sovereign God. But he knew that he could trust God.

Peter knew that Jesus would lead him one step at a time, just where he needed to go.

Peter knew that things things that he DID know... were more than enough to lead him straight through what he didn't and on to the other side where he would find joy, peace, and victory complete... with no more regret.

And he was resolved.

For Discussion: Please read 1 Peter 4. In this passage Peter (and remember he is not preaching AT people... he is sharing and encouraging as he himself is anticipating his own death!!!) addressing suffering, and expresses both the importance, and the ability that we have to suffer with innocence. Knowing what we do about Peter and about Jesus, what can we glean and apply from this chapter?

Wednesday, March 24

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:18:52 +0100

Today, will you join me in writing or renewing your personal commitment as to just what it is... that you're resolved to do?

Several months ago, the Lord very strongly urged me to do this, and it has been one of the most helping and motivating things I have ever done. I wrote down what I know... and what I'm committed to live... and then I shared it. I've pushed myself to share it whenever I have the opportunity but I'm going to be honest... sharing It sometimes makes me squirm. I know that when I share it I'll be held accountable. But that's what I really want... I'd rather be uncomfortable and follow, then sit still and never see my Jesus. Wouldn't you? The more I read it myself, and share it with others, the more immediately it comes to mind when throughout the different circumstances that I've walked through. It has both challenged and encouraged me in the Lord, it's my personal reminder to walk by faith and not by sight... and I am THRILLED to be able to say that every time I've forced my feet forward in this pattern, instead of what might otherwise “make sense” in my circumstances... God has revealed Himself to me like NEVER BEFORE. At the beginning of this study, we talked about revival, and the fact that it can be daily, constant, and unending. I don't ever want to stop experiencing more of Him. It's certainly not always an easy journey... but it is the most exciting, thrilling, and most valuable thing I have ever done. I am more in love Him than ever.... and I want to see Him more.

So will you hold me accountable?

Throughout the weekend... please think through your personal commitment. If you aren't comfortable sharing it here, that's ok. One step at a time... just make sure you're steppin! :) If you'd like to sign your name to the bottom of mine... please do. That's something that we'll offer at the end of this study each and every time... and I'm excited to see what kind of a list of names we come up with over time.... and what kind of accountability and encouragement in the Lord that will create for the friends who sign the same commitment. As we are aware of one another's commitment it'll be easier for us to call it to mind and be an encouragement. If you'd like to add your own lines... please do!!!! I'd love to know what the Lord is teaching you, and to prayerfully sign my name as well. I hope your weekend is full of JOY as you step forward and follow your Savior!

I am resolved.

I am resolved to worship.

I am determined to know… and then to act. Always.

I will follow. I will not run ahead, step to the side, or lag behind. I will stay close... and I will follow.

I am convinced that the pathway to victory is only discovered on my knees. Only.

I am resolved to see more of my God, and to [get out of the way] so that others may see Him as well.

I am resolved to live my days as one who has been saved from death. To remember. To rejoice… always. To stand firm in the hope I profess, and to never let the joy of the Lord leave my face. I will share. I am resolved.

I am complete in Him.

I have everything I need.

My God is my portion and my cup.

He is my Promised Land.

I am resolved that my life should be driven as a thank offering to my God.

I will trust in the character of the Lord, not my circumstances.

I will walk on the water.

I will fix my eyes upon Jesus.

I am resolved.

I will share and rejoice in what I see. And I will do it loudly.

I will praise God for who He is… before He answers my prayer. I will not ask anything of Him until I have trusted His ownership by acknowledging His character.

I will stand firm in what I know He has done.

I am resolved to studying His Word… to digging through it for the treasure that it is.

I will press forward one step at a time toward the goal.

I will get out of the way.

I will acknowledge my sin. I want nothing to do with the darkness that covers me from the light of God, that distracts my flesh to blinded comfort, that takes my eyes off of the One who saved me from the darkness. I will accept correction. I will face it with gratefulness that my God loves me enough to not allow me to step one foot into darkness, and who can change me. I will own change with action.

I am resolved.

I will not figure out what is wrong with others or try to fix them. I will pray for them. I will love them because God loves me when I’m unlovable and ungrateful.

I will love others, serve others, and respect others in worship to God because I want to make Him (God) happy… and He is my reward. I will not base my actions on the approval… or disapproval of man.

I am resolved.

I will attack every problem in this same way: Bowing low enough for the undeniable God to be seen… and for people and circumstances to have react accordingly. Outcome is not my responsibility. KNOWING HIM is my responsibility.

I am resolved.

I will offer what He has given me and REJOICE as I watch Him take it, multiply it, and feed others with it.

I will bring others into His presence by never leaving it myself.

I will not wander in the desert like the Israelites, looking for comfort and an easy life. I will listen for the voice of my God, I will remember what He has done, and I will KNOW that HE is my Promised Land.

I am resolved.

I will devote my first-thing-in the morning, and my every waking thought to seeking and obeying the Lord. I will honor the incredible treasure of family He has given me and spend myself in serving them and pointing them to Christ.

I will not try to be a perfect vessel. I will be the clay. It is only then that He can use me as a vessel at all.

I am resolved.

I will rejoice always that He who began a good work in me WILL carry it on to completion.

I am desperate to know that the presence of the Lord is undeniable in my home. That none of us have tried to take up Lordship in His place. That each one of us are personally accountable to a real… a living… and a just God. And that we are each held in His tight grip of love.

I am resolved.

I want more of Him. No matter what. Whatever it takes.

He is everything, The Great I AM.

He is God.

He is King.

And I am resolved.

Tuesday, March 23

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 23:29:03 +0100

Good morning! Are you ready to move forward?!?

I'd like to begin today with a quick peek at a part of the passages from yesterday, to mention something that I find endlessly amazing about our God. Ready? Please read Acts 4:1-14. I love the scene that this passage introduces. Peter and John up against an angry crowd... and angry in those days implied far more terrible consequences than we face on a daily basis. Turning this particular crowd against you could mean imprisonment, stoning, and isolation, just to name a few.

Peter and John calmed an angry crowd... or at the very least froze their accusations simply by bringing the truth to the front and firmly holding it there.

They did not argue about their rights, their reasons, or their credibility.

They did not walk away knowing they were right but deciding not to “rile the crowd” and face severe and undeserved consequences.

They did not answer side questions or tangents.

They stated the facts. Simply. And it was the most powerful and effective defense they had.

I love verse 14. The crowd saw the evidence. So there was nothing they could say.

Beautiful, isn't it?

Another awesome example of this is found in Acts 5:27-42.

I've been greatly impacted lately by realizing just how much common sense it makes... to obey what the Lord asks of us. I've realized more and more the incredible brilliance of scripture, of fulfilled prophecy, of answered prayer, and of just how undeniable He really is. Not comfortable, not easy... but true, right, and altogether trustworthy. Always. And I can boldly state what I know. Because I'm a witness!

I believe that more often than not, the most difficult thing about the gospel is us. The work is to simplify to what we believe about God.. and then to act on it.

Now, please read Acts 12:1-19.

This is the last story we'll read through in Acts for this study. I want us to clearly stop again and praise the Lord for how completely the Lord steered the events in Peter's life... down to the detail. I believe with all of my heart it's because Peter was finally so entirely resolved to follow. Can you imagine Peter's bewilderment at being awaken, led out of prison, and even watching a gate open in front of you? Even his friends were in absolute shock and awe at his exit from prison! Often we hear people say that they wished they could see God work that clearly. But we all can.

Peter had to learn so many lessons about following first.

He had to be resolved.

He had to be willing to walk on the water........ and then he was part of a miracle!

He had to be willing to go to prison..... in order to experience a miraculous escape!

“Come. Follow me. And I will make you fishers of men.”

For Discussion: Is there a miracle that you're waiting and hoping for in your life right now? You can't see the end of the path yet, but what does that path look like for today? Are you willing? Are you stepping forward? What encouragement can you draw from what you already KNOW about your leader.... from having walked down the path as far as you have already?

Monday, March 22

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 02:18:40 +0100

Good morning fellow travelers! :) I hope you're doing well today! I really enjoyed studying with you the difference in the disciples as they were plunged into a new chapter in their ministry and relationship with Jesus.

Today, let's talk about [forward motion]... shall we?

The disciples did not know the time or dates on which things were to happen, nor were their actions allowed to determine a time line (Acts 1:7).

Yesterday we talked about the change in the disciples, and as I read through the beginning of Acts and your comments, I realized that there wasn't necessarily a radical moment in which the disciples were transformed, at all. There was most certainly a radical power from the Holy Spirit that entered them... but it was a power that they had to consciously decide to invest. They needed to leave that room, and follow their Savior.

And so do we.

We have the same Holy Spirit in our bodies. We serve the same Jesus who rose from the dead! We follow the same Savior who promises to lead and guide every step.

[So we need to move our feet.]

Over the last few weeks and throughout my time introducing and sharing The 5.2 Project, I've been struck at how often we hear the word of God, agree with the word of God, have emotional reactions to the word of God...... without every changing. I realized with sudden discomfort, the awesome sermons that I have heard over the years and thought of fondly that I have yet to apply to my life in real and tangible ways. That's not good.

Please read James 1:22.

As this study draws to a close in the next two weeks, I am increasingly burdened that we continue to follow. I pray that we'll have taken hold of the word of God, not of any study or opinion, but of our ability to follow the footsteps of Christ and lead others to Him... and be DIFFERENT. We can all... always take steps forward, and we must. We need to be resolved. When I refer to taking steps to follow Christ, I hope that we realize that one decision at a time we need to put one foot in front of the other and follow Christ.

Today I'm going to ask you to read through quite a portion of Scripture. As you do so, please notice that we are watching the disciples walk from one event to the next, and each event is incredible.

That must have been exhausting.

It must have been hard not to be so excited by the miracles.... to remember to focus on the Savior.

It must have been a lot of pressure to hear people calling out your name for healing.

It must have been unsettling to have your life threatened so often.

And it must have been wonderful.

It must have been amazing to KNOW that Jesus is willing to do miracles through you.

It must have been thrilling to realize that when you're willing to walk on the water, to face Jerusalem, to even suffer.... that AFTER that obedience... you would see miracles and victories that would turn the head of even the greatest scoffer.

It must have been overwhelming to see others realize their need for Jesus and begin to follow Him as well.

It must have been hard to miss seeing Jesus as they had seen Him before and to be so far out of their comfort zone... without physical refuge.

It must have been incredible to walk through such difficult circumstances and feel perfect peace, freedom, victory, and power in knowing that they were even still... walking right behind their Jesus, every step of the way.

You see... even if they were afraid to go forward, surely by now they knew to much to go back.

They knew that standing still would be crippling.

They knew that trying to walk on the water and look at anyone or anything besides Jesus... would sink them straight to the bottom of the lake.

Today please take a few minutes and read through Acts 2:42-5:42... (OH MY GOODNESS I wish we had more time to go through each passage!) and especially notice the last verse: Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Day after day... house to house... they never stopped.

Not because they were stronger than us, not because they knew more of a plan than we do, not because they weren't tired.... but because they knew the Savior who was leading them... and they knew that they needed to follow.

And they were resolved.

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.' Acts 4:13

If the crowds had noticed great things about Peter and John... they might have noticed less of Jesus.... and do you know what? People being noticed often provokes very little change in others. It was the power of Christ in Peter and John... the undeniable reality of a risen Savior that was allowed to pervade every thought, word, and deed by these friends... and the confidence of what they knew of Him that caused others to stop and take notice. It is Christ that changes the heart of men.

So lead them to Him. [Forward Action.]

There is always more of our Jesus to be seen. There is always more of His power to be known. There is always more of His extravagant love to be experienced. There is always more of His saving hand to correct, guide, and mold us out of the sin that holds us captive. So... move forward. One step at a time. Every day. [Starting... today.]

For Discussion: What happens within a persons mind and body when they add action to word? What happens among family and friends when they rally to move forward together? What does Jesus say about “two or three gathered...” Are there steps you have been taking forward that have led you further with Christ that you are willing to be a witness to with others?

Friday, March 19

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 01:51:00 +0100

Good morning my friends!

Have you traveled through yesterdays' discussion lead as Peter and the disciples transition to ministry as Jesus physical walk on earth had come to an end? I hope that you were able to travel back to Jerusalem and like Jesus and the disciples, experience resurrection after pain... and freedom from sin that can no longer punish you. That's what a clear conscience and fresh slate bring, and I'm so thankful that we are given that opportunity!

It struck me today that any and every time I go down on my knees before my Savior and Father in prayer it brings me back to Jerusalem. It's a position of humility and of remembrance, and as we've said before, we know that Jesus is on His knees interceding for us. So please meet Him there today and spend some time positioning yourself to follow.

Now … grab your Bible and read through Acts 2:1-13. The promised Holy Spirit did indeed come on the disciples... and it came on them with power! They had returned to Jerusalem, whatever the cost. They had waited on the Lord and they had sought Him in prayer. I love that in the first two verses of chapter two we see that the Holy Spirit didn't come at an announced moment. His arrival wasn't specified as being based upon a certain prayer of the disciples. They were to wait, to be good stewards and to be in the right place. The time was up to the Lord entirely. He doesn't follow our bidding, we follow His. Just... follow. THAT is where we receive power!

Now we're coming upon what I'd consider one of the most exciting portions of Scripture. It is the moment in which the man who is no longer Simon... but is called Peter, stands up and addresses the crowd. Please read Acts 2:14-41.

I think perhaps the thing that stands out the most to me about Peter's address to the crowd, is the way that he is FINALLY showing the resolve to stand firm in what he KNOWS... only. He simply stated what Jesus had done, without apology, as a witness and as one surrounded by other witnesses. Period. He didn't try to make predictions. He didn't try to take it further than he needed to this time. He didn't add his two cents or his interpretation. He finally didn't run ahead, to the side, or lag behind. He stated the truth about what he knew about his Savior and his friend... a message that rings true to a theme that Jesus taught, does it not?

“The kingdom of heaven is near.”

Period.

Now let's look at what happened in verse 41.

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Wow.

I don't know about you, but the more I have gotten to know Jesus, the more I have studied this journey between an ordinary, floundering fisherman and a Savior... the more I long, ache, and grow in desperation to know Him better and for other ordinary people to know an extraordinary Savior. Don't you?!? YES, I KNOW that we could see people saved... by the hundreds... by the thousands.

But we have to be resolved.

We don't have to be resolved to see thousands saved daily.

We have to be resolved to know Him.

We have to be resolved to get out of the way.

We need to be resolved to allow Him to be an undeniable reality in our lives.

We need to be resolved to speak about what we have witnessed...

We need to be resolved to tell others that HE is near... the Kingdom of Heaven is near!

We need to be resolved to follow, and to bring others with us.

We need to be resolved to know what we know, live what we know, and share what we know. Daily.

We need to offer our resolve, our focus, and our footsteps as a simple offering of worship that He will once again offer.... to a multitude. I know in my own personal life I still get in the way to much. But I'm desperate to go further with Him. Will you continue to go with me? I'm learning so much from you... let's continue to move forward and see where He leads.

For Discussion: What else do you notice about the change in Simon Peter, or about the transition that the disciples make after Jesus ascends into heaven?

Thursday, March 18

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:08:33 +0100

Good morning again to you my friends! I hope you're doing well! Have you had some coffee? (Always helps...) and some time in prayer with our Father (essential.) No matter what you face today... that'll get you on the right foot!

I'm so excited to finish off this study with Peter's journey as he continues to follow Christ in the book of Acts. Obviously we could go on for months studying his ministry (which I wouldn't mind one bit!!!) but we're just going to have time to study a few things. And I'm so excited :) Today, let's set the stage be set as we transition from the earthly ministry of Jesus, and watch the disciples regroup and the first church be formed. Wow. Ready?

Please open your Bible and read Acts 1:1-5. In these verses, Jesus promises an incredible gift to his followers that would direct their steps as they followed Christ from here. They were promised the Holy Spirit... just as we are also. Jesus wasn't leaving them alone. They would still be allowed to listen for His voice, to allow Him to direct their steps, and to have His presence. They would still be allowed to learn and to grow. They were still following a Savior who continued to show more love and kindness than we can fully grasp as He led them every step of the way!

But where would this new chapter of the journey begin? Have you ever felt like you were unsure of where to go next in following Christ? We've all been there. I think there are 3 very clear lessons from these verses, that brought the disciples from being wavering, fearful men, to instruments through which thousands were saved daily.

Check out verse 4 again. Jesus said “Do not leave Jerusalem.”

Now please read verse 12. “Then they returned to Jerusalem...”

The disciples were on a mountain just outside of Jerusalem, and Jesus asked them to go back. They had to walk back to where they had just watched their Savior and friend be crucified on the cross. They had to place one foot in front of the other in the direction of a city that was not welcoming to followers of Jesus Christ. They had to set their gaze on the place of their greatest discomfort. Verses 9-10 make me laugh. They were standing in amazement staring into the sky and angels had to literally shake them to reality and say... ok, GO! Remember, worship wasn't about the miracles, it wasn't about the deeds, it wasn't about the big things they could do... it was about following Jesus.

They had to start where they were.

So often I struggle with wanting to run ahead for results. I want to learn a lesson or go through something uncomfortable and then just move right on past it. But very often it just doesn't work that way. Jesus gives us the strength to face what we need to. He wants us to understand completely the lessons He is teaching us. I often remind myself the process of building a wall or a fortress. It would be wonderful many times to just rig something as fast as possible and have it done. But it's only by building brick by brick that we will be fully assured of every inch of our foundation. We will be less likely to make the same mistakes. We will be less likely to question why we took the steps we did because we'll have built a foundation.

The disciples had to go back and face people that would make them uncomfortable. Yet our lives are often most effectively used for Christ in honesty and transparency before the very people who have watched us struggle, fail, and flounder. Are you willing to follow the Lord wherever He asks you to go? Are you willing to follow if it means confession or discomfort? Are there struggles or uncomfortable areas in your life that the Lord has offered and promised closure to that you've put off because you don't want to go through the discomfort? I'm praying that you'll experience the joy, freedom, and incredible peace today of being willing to set your face to Jerusalem, and find victory even there.

You have to start where you are. Period.

You can pretend you're further ahead, you can tell others that you are. But, you have to start where you are. We all do.

As the first chapter of Acts finishes out the disciples seek the Lord's leading on who would take the place of Judas. They knew where they had to be, and while they waited for the promise from the Father they were good stewards of their time and took care of whatever matters they knew that they could and should do. We aren't to be idle. We're to be alert and aware. We're to make the most of our time. We're to do whatever we can... while we actively wait.

And finally, as we're already hinted at, we are to wait on the Lord. Check out Acts 1:6-8. Jesus said “It's not for you to know the [circumstances.]” But I will give you what you need to follow me there. I will help you start where you go, and reach the ends of the earth, but you can't know the times and dates for victory. The pathway to victory is by following the one who fights for you... not by following a victory in and of itself. That only leads you to following self. Follow your King!

Now look at Acts 1:14. They all joined together constantly in prayer. They needed to wait, and they were committed to showing the Lord that they wanted to follow Him. And the best way to do that was by coming before Him in prayer... constantly. The disciples knew they were on watch … and this time they would not be caught falling asleep.

So. Be willing to start where you are.... to honestly assess and evaluate where you are and be a good steward of it, and constantly wait on the Lord for direction. These things lead to single-minded devotion to the Lord. These things lead to turning your gaze off of yourself and fully on the Lord. These things lead to the practice of self-control. These things illustrate a child greatly loved by a real and Sovereign King.

And these things lead to victory beyond comprehension. Are you resolved?

For Discussion: What do you picture the scene being like with this group of friends heading back after seeing a miracle, to go back and face Jerusalem? We just talked about the need for one another as followers of Christ, and the need to bring others with us. Have you ever been impacted by honesty, transparency, and willingness to share after a failure from another believer? I don't think that details of CIRCUMSTANCES are what are important... but rather the lessons of character. Have you ever learned more about the Lord through the willingness of another believer to be empty of self this way?

Wednesday, March 17

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:30:42 +0100

Good morning!

Ready to dig in again? We're finishing Peter's walk through the gospels today, and though I think we could go on for quite some time I believe the study will wrap up again by Thanksgiving. I'm so grateful for your faithfulness!

Please make sure you've spent some time in prayer with your Father, and then read John 21:1-14. Isn't it just beautiful to picture? Simon just didn't know what to do with himself... he was back in his boat and his friends were there with him. Suddenly, a voice called out to them, a voice of provision, a voice saying “Friend”, a voice that was familiar, and yet not a voice that they were expecting to hear.

Do you expect to hear Jesus? Do you hear him, even in your [boat?]

It seems so funny that after all this time no one realized at the start that the voice belonged to Jesus, though it must have been running through their minds. How could they help but remember the last time a voice from the shore had told them to throw their nets to the other side?!? And as soon as one of them (John) dared to suggest out loud that it was the Lord, Peter could stand it no longer. Off came his robe, as he dove head first into the water abandoning even the bounty the Lord had given him behind. He needed to be near Jesus.

Period.

Are you trying to be near Jesus? Or are you trying to be in a boat full of fish? Are you looking for his voice, or for the bounty? Peter wasn't holed up in his house crying about his failures or his circumstances anymore.

He got back in the boat.

I love to stop and just picture Jesus face as he watched Peter dive into that cold water. It just makes you smile, doesn't it. I hope you're falling more and more in love with our Savior... I sure am!

Now let's go on and read as dinner with Jesus and His beloved friends on the seashore wraps up, and Jesus has his last earthly conversation with Peter. Please read John 21:15-18.

There have been so many outstanding messages and interpretations of these verses that I've heard throughout my life, but today we're going to keep it pretty simple. First, it's important to note that Jesus is publicly re-instating Peter. In front of the other disciples, He is addressing and charging Peter specifically. As far as the denial... [case closed.] Jesus had forgiven and and was walking forward. ALL were invited to follow.

Jesus is turning Peter's gaze from the immediate and moving him forward. It was time to shepherd others as well. Peter had learned what it meant to KNOW what he knew. (“And you... who do you say that I am?”). He had learned to LIVE what he knew. (“Come. Follow me. And I will make you fishers of men.”) And now... now it was time to share.

The following would not be any easier, but now Peter knew what he had to do, and he was resolved. And he needed to bring others with him.

I recently heard a missionary say “The only thing you can bring to heaven with you... is another person.” I love that.

Jesus charged Peter, based on his love for JESUS... to feed his children. [Share the word with them.] Jesus told Peter, based on his love for JESUS... to take care of His children. [Look out for their needs! Know... who they say that He is... and shepherd them!] He reminded Peter that these actions needed to be based out of love for Jesus, not based upon circumstances or upon other people. It was worship. It was a natural reflection of what Peter had lived and seen already.

There were lives of others at stake.

Lives of others who... like Peter had... would try to serve themselves.

Lives of others who... like Peter had... would claim to love Jesus and then deny Him.

Lives of others who... like Peter had... would take their eyes off of Jesus and be misguided and misdirected.

So. Was he ready to love them as Jesus had loved him? Jesus loved Peter as a reflection of the love of God. We are to love others this same way. Other people are [not] to be seen as circumstances for us to [handle]. They are to be seen as children that God loves. Period. Are you resolved? The kingdom of heaven is near... and so many people have no idea. The kingdom of heaven is near... and so many people know that in their minds but not in their realities.

There are lives at stake. Follow Him. And take others with you.

Jesus also gave Peter a glimpse of His circumstances here that we don't often see. He let Peter know that he would die for Jesus. I think Jesus knew that Peter could handle that information... now. And handle it he did. I think Jesus wanted Peter to always remember that Jesus KNEW... that Jesus would be with him. That what would happen wasn't a surprise, it was all within His gaze.

What a comfort!

Finally, as Jesus finishes this intimate conversation with Peter, he wraps it up with something that is incredible to me... something that I just love. Please read John 21:19.

Jesus first words to Peter were “Follow me.”

And among his last words.... “follow me.”

Just, follow me. Just like before, no matter what things look like. We're just going further than we've ever been before. Just come. Follow me. And I will make you fishers of men.

For Discussion: Please read Matthew 28:18-20... widely known as the Great Commission. Now let's talk. :) We've watched Jesus ask His disciples to follow Him now throughout the gospels. We heard Him say “Come. Follow me.” We watched him teach the disciples to share that “The Kingdom of heaven is near!” We've watched His personal commission to Peter. And now we're watching one final rally to believers. Really... each commission is very much the same, but also uniquely important. In all, how can we sum up Jesus instructions for how we should live... TODAY? How important is it to draw others into your every step in following Jesus?!? And why?!? Do you feel like the lives of others are truly at stake? And... (for your personal thought and reflection...) What do you plan to do about it? Today?

Tuesday, March 16

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:36:12 +0100

LET'S TALK ABOUT A RESURRECTION!!!!

Wow. Just... stop. Will you take a moment to thank Jesus for loving you enough to die for you?!?! Will you praise Him that even death could not stop Him?!? Are you aware of who you're following today?!?

Will you praise God that this same Jesus who will surely lead you to Jerusalem will lead you to eternal life as well, and that He paid the price with His own life?!?

Will you kneel for a moment in the quietness of … wherever you are... to acknowledge that He is our King... and the victor over death and the grave?

Please read Matthew 27:62-66.

Will you praise the Lord that He is in the details?!? Will you acknowledge today through the historical account of the resurrection, and the hours of your own day that He is a God of detail and that there is no question about His reality?

Please read Mark 16:1-8.

Will you praise the Lord that He would call Peter by name, and long for Peter to be assured of restoration and desired to continue leading him further? Will you praise the Lord that He has called you by name and wants to lead you further?

Please read Luke 24:!2.

Will you thank God for evidence worthy of RUNNING after? Will you praise Jesus that getting close to Him after falling away is worth desperately, recklessly, pursuing?

“... and he wondered to himself what had happened.”

Peter was wondering. He was finally pushing his thoughts out of what impact circumstances might have on Jesus... to what impact JESUS might have.... on circumstances. Will you praise Jesus for the way that He continues to teach us?!?! Will you thank the Lord that He reigns triumphant over every circumstance?

Please read Mark 16:7 and Matthew 28:10.

Jesus was still leading the way. He was still about the business of leading His children. He was still about the work of pursuing the lost. And He still invited the disciples to follow Him. And they did. Are you? Follow Him through acknowledging what you know. If you didn't verbally praise Him through this study, will you take some time go back and spend some intimate time with Him thanking Him for who He is? Will you follow Him forward?

Are you resolved to follow Him recklessly?

Because He's about to reveal another step.

For Discussion: What will you add to our praise for today? Will you finish this sentence... just one step forward for today: “I am resolved to _________________________________________.” There is no right or wrong answer, its up to what the Lord has been teaching you.