365 Days with God - Day 41: Evangelism

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 41, January 30, 2014

Readings: Psalm 40, Genesis 37, 2 Chronicles 14, Acts 8

Have you ever shouted out to God? Proclaimed His glory? Shared His love and mercy with others? Told of the wonderful things He's done for you? The misery He has saved you from? That He gave His one and only Son to die so that you could live? That all your wealth, all your success, everything you have is His? Have you ever shared just how amazingly awesome He is?

This is something I struggle with. As my wife will tell you, I am not a "words of affirmation" person. I don't lavish praise upon people - not because I think they don't deserve it. I just don't. It's not what I do. But even so, God deserves this. He deserves it enough that I need to overcome my personality to give Him praise.

A friend of mine once said, "Everyone is an evangelist. We always talk about the things we like, or love. Our favorite sports team, a car, a significant other. When are we going to start being evangelists for God? We know how, we're just unwilling!" This hits home. I can wax poetic about my wife. A sports car. A game I enjoy. My kids. And I do this, quite often. But how often do I gush (yes, gush) about God? How often do I sing His praises? He is certainly more worthy than cars, games, or even my family.

Even though I'm not a "natural" at words of affirmation, I can still learn. I'm no natural at math, but I can (sort of) do that. And what better way to learn than to share the words of one of the best, talking about this very subject? Can I encourage you to read it? To think about how the God of the universe has impacted your life? How He is worthy to be praised?

Psalm 40

I waited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD.

Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after a lie!
You have multiplied, O LORD my God,
your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
non can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
yet they are more than can be told.

In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,
but you have given me an open ear.
Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.
Then I said, "Behold, I have come;
in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
I delight to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."

I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD.
I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.

As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me;
your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!
For evils have encompassed me beyond number;
my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see;
they are more than the hairs of my head;
my heart fails me.

Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me!
O LORD, make haste to help me!
Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether
who seek to snatch away my life;
let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
who delight in my hurt!
Let those be appalled because of their shame
who say to me, "Aha, Aha!"

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation say continually, "Great is the LORD!"
As for me, I am poor and needy,
but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
do not delay, O my God!

365 Days with God - Day 40: A Self-Centered Culture

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 39, January 28, 2014

Readings: Psalm 39, Genesis 36, 2 Chronicles 13, Acts 6:8-15, Acts 7:1-60

I'll start this off by saying this: I never intended these writings to be political. But sometimes something must be said. It is not enough to contain the truth, hoping that someone else will see it. As stated in yesterday's post, sometimes it is necessary to suffer the judgement and condemnation of others for the sake of the truth.

Today I saw a billboard that caught my eye. And it defined, very clearly, an issue that is facing America. An issue that we don't want to acknowledge. An issue that is, I believe, at the core of the deterioration of our society. The billboard read:

Your Embarrassing Problem? Our Tuesday Morning. Planned Parenthood.

Friends, let's be honest. Children. Are. Not. Problems.

To be sure, they're challenging. They're hard to bring into this world, hard to raise, expensive. But they are people. People who are loved by God just as much as anyone else. The fact that you're pregnant isn't an "embarrassing problem." It's a miracle. It's the most amazing thing. And yet we live in a culture that is perfectly OK with treating people like a problem that just needs to stop impinging on our lives.

Our culture has made an idol of idealism. Living the ideal life is the utmost ambition. Get the right education, the best job, the right spouse, the perfect wedding, the house in the right neighborhood. But at the end, none of this matters. People matter. Children are people, and they matter. We have replaced God with our own advancement and comfort. We have made a god of ourselves. And we're not the first.

"Our fathers refused to obey him(Moses,) but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, saying to Aaron 'Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.' And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the work of their hands. But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets:

"Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrifices, during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? You took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.' (Acts 7:39-43)

In Acts 7, Stephen is recounting the story of Israel's rejection of God. And the Israelites rejected God because they wanted to live life their way. They didn't want to trust God. They didn't want to believe that He would provide. They wanted to be their own god, their own savior. And that led them to worship golden calves...and to worship Moloch. Any guesses about what sacrifices to Moloch entailed?

Child sacrifices.

Abortion is wrong. It is deplorable. The fact that our society rationalizes it, explains it away as a "woman's right to choose" is awful. They are children. Our children. Sacrificed on the altar of comfort, the altar of not having "embarrassing problems." I'm not demonizing the people who chose to have an abortion. That must be an incredibly difficult and heart-wrenching decision that they live with for eternity. I'm placing the blame squarely on our society that has promoted and idolized a culture that is entirely self-focused.

Recently someone posted a video of a senator (who was attempting to limit, and his end goal was to eradicate) abortion in his home state. He was asked (and this is what the video was about) "Why do you think women have abortions?" He didn't have an answer, and received much derision. Guess what?

There is no good reason.

 Okay, I promise to get off my soapbox...in one minute. America, stop living for yourselves. Stop living in such a way that you would sacrifice children for your own comfort. We know what this looks like. Abortion is only the most politically charged symptom of our disease. Life is not about you. Or me. It's about loving God, and loving people. You can't do that if you're always looking inward.

365 Days with God - Day 39: Suffering for good

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 39, January 28, 2014

Readings: Psalm 38, Genesis 35, 2 Chronicles 12, Acts 4:32-37, Acts 5, Acts 6:1-7

Who among us really enjoys suffering? Especially when the value in it cannot be seen? If we knew the reward, knew that it was secure (if I do x I will receive y) then we may dare to suffer. But what if we suffered for the unknown? And what if agreeing to suffer only meant that the suffering would increase?

Our culture disdains suffering, or even having less. We're told to get what we deserve. In fact, deserve is a pretty common misconception held in our culture. We often expect that life owes us something. A job, a good family, a good education, cool gadgets. And we are frustrated, disappointed and discouraged when we go without.

So what would cause someone to choose to go without? What would drive an individual to suffer for what was apparently nothing?

Faith.

Jesus prepared His apostles to share the gospel, the good news of Jesus, with the world. He taught them for three years, and left them with the charge to continue His work in the world. But this was no easy calling. This was a call to suffer. Jesus said that if He had been killed and hated, how much more would his apostles? But they defy reason, culture and understanding:

But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life." And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. (Acts 5:17-21)

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying "We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us." But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree." (Acts 5:27-30)

When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them...So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. (Acts 5:33, 39b-42.)

Peter and the other disciples knew by preaching that they would suffer. They witnessed Jesus' beating and death. And there was no reward waiting for them at the end of the whip. No exaltation, no fame, nothing great on this earth. But they volunteered to suffer, again and again for the name of Jesus.

What makes them so different from us? Were they the few whom God called to suffer for His name? Are we in America somehow the lucky winners of the Christian gene pool that we don't have to suffer? No. We are called to the same gospel mission. We are called to suffer for Christ's name. We are called to have faith that He is worthy.

I want to challenge you to have a faith that is willing to suffer. It will look different for everyone, but willingness is God's open door. The apostles served God and shared the gospel through suffering, and in doing so, presented the good news to the most powerful and influential people in all Israel. What will God do when you are willing to suffer for Him?

365 Days with God - Day 38: His Promises

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 38, January 27, 2014

Readings: Psalm 37, Genesis 34, 2 Chronicles 11, Acts 3:1-26, Acts 4:1-31

A few days ago I wrote about God's promises. How we can call on Him to honor them. How we can trust Him to honor them. How He will be our steadfast rock in our time of need. God is good, and we need Him all the time - I can't do anything good without Him. Today I read Psalm 37, a beautiful list of God's promises and how He loves His children. I am reminded of His faithfulness - and how I can trust Him. I'll let the list speak for itself - try returning to it when you are in need. I know I will.

He Will Not Forsake His Saints

 Of David.

37 Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
    be not envious of wrongdoers!
² For they will soon fade like the grass
    and wither like the green herb.

³ Trust in the Lord, and do good;
    dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
⁴ Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

⁵ Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
⁶ He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.

⁷ Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!

⁸ Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
    Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
⁹ For the evildoers shall be cut off,
    but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

¹⁰ In just a little while, the wicked will be no more;
    though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
¹¹ But the meek shall inherit the land
    and delight themselves in abundant peace.

¹² The wicked plots against the righteous
    and gnashes his teeth at him,
¹³ but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
    for he sees that his day is coming.

¹⁴ The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows
    to bring down the poor and needy,
    to slay those whose way is upright;
¹⁵ their sword shall enter their own heart,
    and their bows shall be broken.

¹⁶ Better is the little that the righteous has
    than the abundance of many wicked.
¹⁷ For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
    but the Lord upholds the righteous.

¹⁸ The Lord knows the days of the blameless,
    and their heritage will remain forever;
¹⁹ they are not put to shame in evil times;
    in the days of famine they have abundance.

²⁰ But the wicked will perish;
    the enemies of the Lord are like the glory of the pastures;
    they vanish—like smoke they vanish away.

²¹ The wicked borrows but does not pay back,
    but the righteous is generous and gives;
²² for those blessed by the Lord shall inherit the land,
    but those cursed by him shall be cut off.

²³ The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
    when he delights in his way;
²⁴ though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
    for the Lord upholds his hand.

²⁵ I have been young, and now am old,
    yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
    or his children begging for bread.
²⁶ He is ever lending generously,
    and his children become a blessing.

²⁷ Turn away from evil and do good;
    so shall you dwell forever.
²⁸ For the Lord loves justice;
    he will not forsake his saints.
They are preserved forever,
    but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
²⁹ The righteous shall inherit the land
    and dwell upon it forever.

³⁰ The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
    and his tongue speaks justice.
³¹ The law of his God is in his heart;
    his steps do not slip.

³² The wicked watches for the righteous
    and seeks to put him to death.
³³ The Lord will not abandon him to his power
    or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.

³⁴ Wait for the Lord and keep his way,
    and he will exalt you to inherit the land;
    you will look on when the wicked are cut off.

³⁵ I have seen a wicked, ruthless man,
    spreading himself like a green laurel tree.
³⁶ But he passed away, and behold, he was no more;
    though I sought him, he could not be found.

³⁷ Mark the blameless and behold the upright,
    for there is a future for the man of peace.
³⁸ But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed;
    the future of the wicked shall be cut off.

³⁹ The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
    he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
⁴⁰ The Lord helps them and delivers them;
    he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
    because they take refuge in him.

365 Days with God - Day 37: Christian Community

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 37, January 26, 2014

Readings: Psalm 36, Genesis 33, 2 Chronicles 10, Acts 2

What do you think of when you hear the words "Christian community?" Do you think of friends and family living life together? Do you think of a weird, occultish gathering? A commune, shut off from the evils of the world, isolating it's members (or perhaps brainwashing them?) In reality, there are all of these things going on in our world. But which one is biblical? Do we have an example?

Many times in my life, I have wanted to get away from the evil of this world. It's certainly tempting to gather all of your close friends and try to shut out all the things that you don't like. It may sound strange to some, but there were times when I definitely just didn't want to deal with the stress and mess of the world we live in. To save my children from the inevitable lure and corruption of sin.

But Christians are called to constantly be growing to be more like Christ. And Christ didn't sit in His perfect, heavenly commune, isolated from the mess we made of His creation. Our God is a missionary God. He left His throne and entered the mess for a purpose. He came to restore and renew the earth. And He called his followers to do the same.

And immediately after His departure, we find ourselves looking in on an interesting scene. Jesus has returned to heaven. It is a deciding moment. What will those left behind do?

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)

Does this sound like any community you've ever known? Does this sound like your Christian community? Have you ever stopped to ask why not? Many passages in the Bible challenge me to reevaluate myself, but this challenges me to reevaluate not only me, but how I relate to everyone around me. What are some key tenants of this kind of community?

- They devoted themselves to learning about who God is and what He has done, remembering through communion and speaking with him in prayer.
- They were together, and shared their possessions for the good of everyone in the community.
- They did not live to make their own lives better, but lived for the betterment of their entire community. It does not say that they gave to Christians as they had need, but to all.
- They ate together every day, remembering together who God is and thanking Him for His generosity.
- They had favor with all the people! Their lifestyle was not exclusionary or judgmental.
- The Lord added to their number daily.

Wow. There's a lot going on here. And it calls me to a different type of community than I've ever known. A community that is centered on God. A community that is lavishly giving to any who have need. A community that has open arms and open doors to the non-Christians around them. A community that is making disciples every day by the power of God.

What would I change if I wanted to live in community like this? How would I rearrange my priorities, change my lifestyle and bring others in? What would our cities look like if Christians acted like this? How would our neighbors view God if this is what His people acted like? This is the revolutionary, redeeming vision that God has for His people. Are we living it?

365 Days with God - Day 36: Claiming a promise

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 36, January 25, 2014

Readings: Psalm 35, Genesis 32, 2 Chronicles 9, Acts 1

Last time you spoke to God, what did you say? Did you ask for anything? What were your expectations when you asked? Did you think He'd come through?

I often ask for things from God - but I don't often think about why He might say yes or no. Usually I'm only thinking about what I want. This happened a lot in college when I didn't study for a particular exam. I'd sit down, freak out, and pray that God would somehow give me the right answers, because I wanted to be rescued from my laziness. But I didn't really give a lot of consideration to why God would want to answer my prayer. I just hoped He would.

And I think this happens a lot in our world. Even if I don't think I'm treating God like some genie in a lamp who gives me wishes, if I'm honest with myself, that's what I do a lot. Because without giving consideration to the person we're requesting something from, we're really just demanding it. And while God doesn't have limitations on power, He does have a purpose. And if we don't stop and consider God's purpose when making requests, we're probably going to be disappointed in the answers.

The beauty of the flipside is that if we do stop and consider why, we might just start asking for the right things. And being satisfied with whatever the answer is. Let's consider the story of Jacob, as he's returning home to see his brother, Esau. Last time they were together, Esau swore to murder his brother. And this is no idle threat. Esau is a great hunter. He is certainly capable. Jacob is afraid. And he prays.

And Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, 'Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,' I am not worth of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children. But you said, 'I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.'" (Genesis 32:9-12)

Jacob reminds himself and God of the promises made. Jacob is staring down death, and he may be literally shaking in his boots. But he doesn't just rub the lamp. He doesn't throw up a prayer without considering why God would save him and his family. He knows that God's purpose is for him to return to his home country. He knows that God has promised him a vast quantity of descendants. He strengthens his own resolve by reminding himself of God's promise, and he asks God in faith to deliver on that promise.

God never promised me success on all my exams. I certainly had lessons to learn when I didn't study for them and therefore didn't do so well. But what He did promise is His love. His Holy Spirit, with us always. He also promised to take care of our needs. (Notice: He did not promise to deliver our wants, like my want of a sports car.) He promised that His approval is all you need. And he promised us eternal life, with Him, if we abide in Him.

What can we consider going forward, in light of this truth? When we pray, what will we ask for? What will we say? How can we combat our fears with the truth of God? He is faithful and listening to our prayers, and He has promised us everything we need. 

So how does this promise change your prayers? 

365 Days with God - Day 35: His last words

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 35, January 24, 2014

Readings: Psalm 34, Genesis 31, 2 Chronicles 8, Luke 24

What would you say if you were about to leave everyone you love and care about? I'm willing to bet that it wouldn't be flippant, or insignificant. It would be meaningful.

And what if you were saying goodbye to a group of people you had mentored? Perhaps your children? If you had one thing to tell them, what would it be?

Lucky for us, Jesus had just such an event with His disciples. And he shared with them his final advice, his last charge, their mission going forward:

Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24:45-48)

Friends, if we call Jesus our Lord, we are his disciples. And his final words are very clear: "repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations."

Are we doing this? Are we listening, understanding and obeying the mission of the King? There are many good things to do in this world - love your family, serve others, social justice for the oppressed - but there is only one mission that is above all. Proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins. Bring the restorative work of Jesus to all people.

And this is not exclusionary of other things. We can, and should, share the gospel while loving others, growing in the knowledge of the gospel, and alleviating the oppression on the poor and widows. But the gospel is paramount. What use is love if we don't share the ultimate, saving love of Christ? What good is knowledge of the gospel if we keep it to ourselves? How are the widow and the orphan saved if they are only saved on earth and not in eternity? 

We are Christ's hands and feet on earth. He has called us to love and serve others. But in all things, we should proclaim the good news of Jesus. None of Jesus' disciples are excluded from this calling. The way and manner in which we share the gospel may be different - but we are all called to intentionally share the gospel. To restore the world. Have you answered the call?

365 Days with God - Day 34: An Unlikely God

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 34, January 23, 2014

Readings: Psalm 33, Genesis 29:31-35, Genesis 30:1-43 2 Chronicles 7, Luke 23:26-56

This is the pivotal moment. The defining example of how the God I serve, Jesus, is different from everything else. Other gods, religions, demand sacrifice, that followers be servants of their god. This service is to incur the god's favor, or blessings, or to gain an eternal paradise.

Not Jesus.

And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. "And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!" (Luke 23:33-35)

"Save yourself Jesus," they mocked. "If you're so amazing, if you performed all these miracles for others, perform a miracle for yourself!" And this scoffing, this mockery, truly shows the depth of how little the rulers (read: religious leaders, Pharisees) understood of their own Messiah. Because they believed in a god who demanded service. They had a "job" which paid in blessings. They didn't understand the nature of the kingdom. They didn't know their own King.

Jesus is different because he gives everything instead of demanding everything. He is a King who builds His kingdom by giving everything away, even His own life. Mocked and humiliated, he continues to serve. Continues to die. Continues to love unconditionally. Despite his ability, yes, as the Christ, He could have ended it all. Ascended to Heaven and left us to our misery and depravity.

But He didn't. He stayed. Endured. Faced not only the excruciating physical pain of crucifixion, but the overwhelming spiritual pain of separation from His Father. For us. Not for Himself, but for our redemption. He loves us so much, desires our salvation so much that he was willing to take that upon himself, solely for our benefit. He needs nothing from us - he has everything! But instead he chose to gave us everything.

One I read a quote from an atheist of some kind that read something like this: "If I was God, and I truly loved people, I wouldn't let ANYONE go to hell. I'd stop this religious crap, go down to hell myself and start pulling people out."

Yes, yes yes! That is exactly what God did. God left Heaven and His throne. God came to Earth, in a human body, enduring all of the pain, hardship and suffering that we experience because of our sin. And at the end of his life, Jesus took the punishment meant for us. Jesus went to hell for us. He took the full wrath of God, the pain of separation from a perfect relationship. This is a pain I cannot imagine. A punishment I cannot survive. A God who defies expectations.

Have you met this God? Have you experienced His love? Do you know the lengths He has gone for you? He is no mere puppet master in the sky. He does not leave us to our misery. He does not demand sacrifice. He is a God who serves. Who gives abundantly, beyond our wildest imagination. He is a God who loves us enough to experience the worst punishment, punishment beyond anything we could think of - so that we don't have to.

This is the God I serve.

365 Days with God - Day 33: Chomping at the bit

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 33, January 22, 2014

Readings: Psalm 32, Genesis 29:1-30, 2 Chronicles 6, Luke 22:47-71, Luke 23:1-25

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a horse? Saddled up, bit and bridle, controlled by an unseen being, and no idea where you're going? Some days, that sounds really, really familiar. Uncomfortably so. After all, if I've given up on the illusion of control (see my previous posts,) then I really don't know where I'm going, or where I'll end up, or if there will be tasty green grass at the end of the road.

But I'm not the first one to use this analogy. David shares this wisdom with us in Psalm 32:

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you.

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, 
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. (Psalm 32:8-10)

Three things are evident in this passage:
1) God will instruct us and show us the way
2) We need to listen to His guidance, or He will correct us
3) Wickedness earns it's just rewards, but the love of God blesses us when we trust Him.

When I think of a bit and bridle, it really doesn't sound very comfortable. Some hunk of metal in my teeth? Forcing me to go one way or another? I think I'd rather not need it. And many view the guidance of the Lord as this bit and bridle. Many disregard God's guidance as needlessly archaic rules and regulations, designed to rid life of all fun.

But not all are "curbed with bit and bridle" - we have the choice. We can listen to God's counsel. We can trust in the Lord, and His leading. Only when I buck and reject God's counsel is this needed. The beauty of God's bit is that it can be removed. When I am following Him, no bit is needed, and therefore no bit is present. I am free to enjoy life when I follow the path that God has directed me down.

Earlier in the Psalms, David says that God leads us to green pastures besides still waters. If I trust that He will keep His promise, I have no need to reject the way God is taking me. For He knows what I need and will bring me to it. He promised His steadfast love and affection. All I have to do is believe in Him, and accept His teaching. Will you follow the instruction of the Lord? Or will you grind against His bit and bridle?

365 Days with God - Day 32: Meaningful sacrifice

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 32, January 21, 2014

Readings: Psalm 31, Genesis 28:10-22, 2 Chronicles 5, Luke 22:1-46

What advantage is there in following traditions? Rituals? Some believe in superstitions. Many religions have vast requirements for their followers. What about Christianity?

Many would say that Christian "traditions" are Christmas, Easter and other holidays surrounding the faith. Some might even throw in some Jewish traditions such as passover. And these traditions do serve a purpose - they are reminders of who God is, and what He has done for us.

But in the grand scheme of things, they don't mean a thing. Jesus never says "celebrate my birth with gifts and a fat dude," or "hide brightly colored eggs for your kids to remember my resurrection." In fact, the New Testament has but one tradition: Communion.

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." (Luke 22:18-20)

What's so important about communion? Why do this during passover? Let's look back a little farther to one of Jesus' great-great-great-something-grandfather's day:

And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to it's place, in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim." (2 Chronicles 5:6-7)

Wow. This is the scene of the first time that God came to dwell with man, in the house that Solomon had made. Too many sacrifices to be counted. All for the celebration of God's coming to dwell with Israel. To remember that a sacrifice is required to atone for sins. That sin leads to a debt of death, and that debt must be paid.

But countless sheep and oxen couldn't do it. Otherwise, we'd still be involved in a bloodbath today. But the beauty of Jesus' coming is that he is the sacrificial lamb. He broke all the old traditions, rituals and requirements. Instead of the slaughter of countless animals, there is only One. And just as in Solomon's day, the sacrifice also points to a monumental event - the moment when God comes to live with us.

Communion is the remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice for us. But it is also a celebration of His coming to dwell in humanity, in those He has saved. I think my favorite name for Jesus is emmanuel, God with us. He has overcome sin and death. He has come to live with us. Communion may be the only tradition Christians have, but it sums up the most important tenants of the faith:

- The sins of the world require payment, and that payment is death.

- Jesus paid the price for our sins.

- Because of His grace, we are free!

- Because of His sacrifice, He has a home with us.

365 Days with God - Day 31: Using God

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 31, January 20, 2014

Readings: Psalm 30, Genesis 27:41-46, Genesis 28:1-9, 2 Chronicles 4, Luke 20:45-47, Luke 21:1-38

And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation." (Luke 20:45-47)

Jesus has some strong words for the crowds regarding the scribes. These were part of the religious leadership. They were the most knowledgable, they were responsible for the maintenance of God's scripture. They copied, word for word, over and over again, the Word of God so that it would last for generations. So you think that they would know it, forward and backward. And perhaps they did. But they certainly didn't know how to apply it to their own lives.

And don't we have folks doing the same? "Religious Rockstars," televangelists, those who go on talk shows and make lots of money, living grandly off their religious fame? Surely we do. And don't get me wrong, success is not the problem. It's what we do with our success, our wealth, our fame. Do we use it for the glory of God? To further His kingdom? Or do we use it to further our kingdom? 

Jesus minces no words about how the scribes are using God for their own personal gain. Despite their religious appearance, despite the honors they are given by people, God knows their hearts. He sees them using people (widows) and religion (long prayers) for self-gratification. And the end result is harsh: "They will receive the greater condemnation." Regardless of earthly appearances, these "religious leaders" are going to face God's wrath.

And we are in danger of walking the same path. We are blessed with the ability to learn and grow in our knowledge of God. We may even be gifted with wealth, or earthly fame. But we must remember that everything we have is from God, and to be used for His purposes. Our knowledge, our wealth, our fame, is His. 

Every good and perfect gift comes from God. We have been given the opportunity to use it for His glory and to further His kingdom. Without God, everything we do and believe is just religion. Just for ourselves. And those who don't know God see this. They call us hypocrites. They ask why they would believe in a religion whose members are so unlike the God they claim to believe in. What will you do with what God has given you? Will you serve yourself, or serve God?

365 Days with God - Day 30: Outcome Ownership

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 30, January 19, 2014

Readings: Psalm 29, Genesis 27, 2 Chronicles 3, Luke 19:47-48, Luke 20:1-44

How often can we make a "sure bet?" If we're honest with ourselves, we can't ever make a sure bet. We can only be very confident. Because we don't know the future. Because we really don't know. But how often do we plan, and scheme, and manipulate as if we did?

I don't know about you, but I do it a lot. I'm an "INTJ" - and this is what my life looks like: "INTJs live in the world of ideas and strategic planning. They value intelligence, knowledge, and competence, and typically have high standards in these regards, which they continuously strive to fulfill. To a somewhat lesser extent, they have similar expectations of others." (http://www.personalitypage.com/INTJ.html)

In other words, I plan. Extensively. Strategically. I'm always angling for a particular outcome. And my planning isn't for understanding, no, it's for application. Arriving at a result. But if I take a step back from my masterminding, I realize that for all my strategery, I have as much control of the outcome as a hamster has of his food supply. None.

And the sad part (for me) is that the Pharisees were like this too. They plotted and schemed, and came up with a sure-fire formula. Guaranteed to put them ahead of the pack. But instead, Jesus turned the tables and told this parable:

"A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.' But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that thte inheritance may be ours.' And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others." (Luke 20:9-16)

These tenants had a plan. They had gotten so accustomed to running their own show that they decided they didn't need the owner. They, who had been given  the right to borrow property and it's bounty for a time, decided they wanted it all. The owner of a property is the master of the outcome of that property - it's purchase, sale and fruit. The tenants wanted to be owners. So they hatched a plan. They scorned the owner in hopes of stealing what was his. But what do they receive in the end? Justice for their deeds. And their illusion of control is swept away.

How many times do I try to wrest control from God? How often do I try to be the owner of the vineyard? The parable says nothing about the tenants being unhappy, or poorly treated. They agreed to rent the vineyard for a price. But instead of being satisfied, they became greedy. Gluttonous. Murderous.

God has given me many wonderful things - on loan. My family, my possessions, are gifts from God for me to steward. I do not own them, nor do I own their outcome. I can, and will care for my wife and kids. But I do not control who they become. I can, and will, care for the money and things God has given me. But I cannot control if they break, or deteriorate. And when God asks me to give of my possessions, my family, I need to bow to the owner of all things. All I have, my life and everything in it, is God's. I am merely a tenant. So the question I must ask myself, daily, is: Will I submit to the owner? 

365 Days with God - Day 29: Expectations of a savior

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 29, January 18, 2014

Readings: Psalm 28, Genesis 26, 2 Chronicles 2, Luke 19:28-46

Just what did Jesus do to get crucified? Did he insult the wrong person's mother? Challenge the emperor of Rome for the throne? Lead Israel in rebellion?

No, he did none of these things. All he did was fail to live up to expectations. Expectations that were set in place the moment he triumphantly entered Jerusalem:

And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near - already on the way down the Mount of Olives - the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:35-38)

 This was the return of the King! Mighty works had been done, miracles performed, demons cast out. Jerusalem was a city prepared for a miracle of tremendous proportions. As a people, they had been beaten, abused, enslaved and downtrodden for centuries without reprieve. But they knew that the prophets of old had predicted victory. Prophesied of a coming King who would free them from their slavery.

But not long after this, the same crowd was calling for his execution. Hungry for his death. Because he wasn't the King they thought he was. Surely, Jesus is King. But they expected a warrior, an earthly king who would free them from the Romans. Jesus wanted to do so much more for them. He wanted to free them from the slavery of sin. To give them eternal life.

As Jesus alluded to many times, if the Jews had known, if the Jews had seen Jesus for who he really was, they wouldn't have missed why he came! Instead, their expectations drove them to kill Jesus. They were fair weather fans. They celebrated with great joy when he entered the city - expecting a coup, expecting healing, expecting miracles. And when he didn't deliver, their joy turned to anger. Hatred. They became murderous.

This is a warning and a lesson for us. What are we expecting of Jesus? Do we know him, or do we just know who we want him to be? Do we allow him to guide our life, trusting in him? Or do we place expectations of great wealth, perfect relationships, a great job and more upon a God who never came to give us such things?

We must take care to know Jesus for who he really is, and what he came to do. Jesus came to bring us freedom from sin. Jesus came to be the Lord of our lives, restoring all things to him. Jesus did not come to make our earthly lives great. He came to make our eternal lives amazing. So who are you living for? A made-up Jesus, or the real Jesus?

365 Days with God - Day 28: True Repentance

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 28, January 17, 2014

Readings: Psalm 27, Genesis 25:19-34, 2 Chronicles 1, Luke 18:31-43, Luke 19:1-27

Those of us who speak the english language tend to apologize a lot. We even make fun of the Canadians for how often and how they say it. (Soory guys.) We say it so much that I think it has lost a lot of it's potency. It's just a thing we say - a pass to hopefully placate someone. But the root of the word points to something more important than just a passing phrase - it comes from the Old English sarig - "to be depressed, grieved, full of sorrow."

That sounds like more than a passing phrase. That sounds like it's got some heart attached to it. It reminds me of a question my wife used to ask (that I really didn't care for!) when we first got married. Whenever I would say sorry (which was often) she said "Okay, but why? What are you sorry for?" And then I'd have to work it out. I couldn't just apologize because I saw sadness in her countenance. I had to ask myself what I had done that caused her pain. And then, when I realized what I had done, I felt true sorrow. Because I knew the depth of my sin.

Jesus calls a now (in)famous individual to do the same. Let's look in:

He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today." So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He has gone in to be the guest of a sinner." And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he is also a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:1-10)

I love this story, even though I have to sing it to my kids in an annoying sing-song voice. I always wonder, what was Zacchaeus thinking when he climbed the tree? When Jesus invited himself over? I bet he had no idea what would come of his attempt to get a look at Jesus. Without saying anything, Jesus' actions cause Zacchaeus to look at himself, at his life, and ask why this "good teacher" would want to come to his house. Zacchaeus is the outcast of outcasts. If it was legal, I'm sure the people witnessing this would have murdered Zacchaeus. That's how much they hated him. But Jesus not only spoke to him, he wanted to share a meal!

And this action, this crossing the divide between "sinner" and "saint" is what threw Zacchaeus into a tailspin. Jesus' actions demonstrated love, acceptance and a willingness to forgive. Jesus didn't give Zacchaeus a pass on his sins. Jesus didn't say it was "okay" for Zacchaeus to swindle, cheat and terrorize his fellow Jews. No. What he did, was show Zacchaeus that true acceptance, love and forgiveness could be found. The crowd shows what Zacchaeus would have faced if he had said "I'm sorry" - they wouldn't have cared. He would still be an outcast. Hated. Despised.

But because of Jesus's actions, Zacchaeus feels compelled to repent! Not just to say he's sorry - but publicly, openly, and through his actions, undo the wrong he has done in a very tangible way. He's rich because he has stolen and cheated his fellow man. How does he go about righting this wrong? By giving back - not just what was taken, but four times the amount. And half his goods to the poor. He didn't just apologize, say sorry. He didn't just break even. He overwhelmingly repented.

And because of this, salvation comes. True salvation comes through repentance. Zacchaeus repents because of Jesus' actions, not because of his words. Jesus loves Zacchaeus first, and repentance follows. We all wrong others, and we all have been wronged. What we do with that makes all the difference. Will you love those who have wronged you? Will you repent when you wrong others? That is the gospel.

 

365 Days with God - Day 27: In what do you trust?

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 27, January 16 2014

Readings: Psalm 26, Genesis 25, 1 Chronicles 29:22-30, Luke 18:1-30

We've spoken much lately of trust. Security. Hopefulness. Giving freely. God wants to build up these things in our hearts, but He wants them to be with a godly focus. Our security shouldn't be in earthly things. Our hope should rest in the only thing solid - Jesus, our giving should be done without reservation. And this looks different for all of us. But make no mistake, whoever you are, God is going to show you exactly what it is that you need to change. This is a blessing. And a challenge. Because most often what we need to change, is what we are putting our trust in.

And a ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother." And he said, "All these I have kept from my youth." When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me."But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich." (Luke 18:18-23)

This man asked a question, and received an invitation. Jesus offered him something that very few had the opportunity to say yes to: to follow Jesus. I think it was an offer to become a disciple. But only one thing remained in the way: the rich man's security in his money. Jesus didn't say that him being wealthy was a problem. Jesus didn't say that the money was bad, no, in fact, Jesus pushed for the money to be given to the poor. The money could be used for good things, for kingdom things.

The problem was that the rich young ruler trusted in his money. He came to Jesus because he had a nagging doubt, a persistent itch that told him that money, and following the commandments wasn't enough. So to put a check in the final box, he came to Jesus, asking what was left. And Jesus knew that it was trust.

Let's be honest, it's easy to feel like life is going well when you're rich. The stressors of life are often caused by not having enough, not knowing how you'll pay the bills, where you'll live, what you'll eat, or even how you'll have enough time to get it all done. When you're rich, there's no worry about where the next meal is coming from, or if you'll have a home, or even if you'll have enough time - you can always just hire someone to do it for you.

But if you have everything you need on earth, it's awfully hard to look up to heaven and recognize your need for God. Not impossible, but certainly difficult. Because what's driving you to your knees? What's causing you to cry out to God for help? And so, Jesus challenges the young ruler with this. He knows his weak spot. But he offers him a way out. A future with the King.

But the rich young ruler goes away sad - because he is unwilling to trust God more than he trusts his wealth. He's unwilling to put the Kingdom of God in front of his own kingdom on earth. What are you trusting in? What is Jesus calling you to lay at his feet in exchange for the opportunity to follow him? The opportunity to be sons and daughters of the King, unencumbered by the worries and concerns of this life?

365 Days with God - Day 26: Wisely giving God's abundance

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 26, January 15, 2014

Readings: Psalm 25, Genesis 24, 1 Chronicles 29:1-22, Luke 17:11-37

Hot on the heels of yesterday's post amount money, comes another post about...money. But from an entirely different time, place and perspective. Yet, interestingly enough, God weaves His perspective and truth throughout the entire Bible, so whether from King David or Jesus, the message stays the same. And the message is good.

David's life goal when he became king of Israel was to build a temple for the Lord. All this time, God's presence (the Ark of the Covenant) had dwelt in a tent. David, understandably, felt guilty that he was in a palace while the Lord was in a tent. But God instructed him that it was not David who would build the temple, but his son Solomon.

However, at the end of his life, David passes the torch to Solomon. And if he can't build it, at least he can bankroll it! And so he gathers the leaders of Israel from far and wide, and all commit to giving vast sums of gold, silver and other valuables for the building of the temple. Let's get numerical: A talent of gold (their measurement) was about 75 pounds in weight. Together, the nation of Israel gave 15,000 talents of gold, or 1.1 million pounds of gold. Value today: More than 2 billion dollars. Let's join in this amazing scene of giving:

Therefore, David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: "Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever." (1 Chronicles 29:10)

"But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own we have given you. For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you." (1 Chronicles 29:14-18)

David knows the truth, and speaks it before the entire assembly: the abundance is all from God, and is all God's. David didn't give from his abundance, he gave from God's. It was never his to own in the first place. But as God gave money, power and blessings to David, and the people of Israel, they in turn gave it back, freely and joyously. I cannot imagine the sight of that much giving. That much faith.

And the beauty of this story is how it applies to us today. Don't misunderstand, we are not called to give billions for the construction of a temple. Because of Jesus' work on the cross, we are the temple. Those of us who call Jesus our Lord, who serve Him, are the temple of God. God calls us to give freely, joyously to the beautification of His people, His temples. Share your abundance that God has given you. Bless our brothers and sisters who live in tents, but could live in splendor with the King. Build yourself and others up to be shining examples of the God who lives within us, a light to all the nations for His glory.

Friends, God has given to us abundantly. We live in palaces, we have much. Let's make sure we make our life's work this: giving the King of Glory beautiful temples to call home.