Next Door Savior by Max Lucado
"Ordinary Places"
Mark 6:3
3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,[a] Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
For starters, please pray for me that I will become more intentional and consistent in my quiet time (which can be evidenced by my blog entries). As of late, I have allowed the hectic spring schedule to preempt my morning times. I know that blogging does not mean prayer and meditation, but for me the three seem to go hand-in-hand-in-hand. The blog entries are one of the signs that I am spending time in the Word.
Now on to "Ordinary Places". This particular delay in sticking with my reading of Next Door Savior was fortuitous. On Sunday I returned to Bolivar, home of my childhood and high school years, for my nephew's high school graduation. Back in the day, many hours were spent cruising the streets of Bolivar, playing basketball in various driveways and sitting in the pews at First Baptist Church.
As I made a sentimental lap around the main drag, I was struck with a sense of sadness. The feeling resulted from the realization that my whole life to date has been spent within 30 miles of my boyhood home. No grand adventures. No hostel trips through Europe. My foot has never set foot on another continent. The feeling was so great that I called Kristi and spread my cloud of despair over her Sunday as well.
Later that night I drug out NDS to get back on track. The chapter "Ordinary Places" was due to be read, and boy was it a swift kick in the britches. Max spends the first part of the chapter discussing the "ordinariness" of life. He then goes on to parallel our ordinary days to how Christ's first 30 years were just as ordinary. It was during these "ordinary" times that God was further preparing His Son for the final three years of his ministry. Many of the illustrations Christ used in His teaching may have been drawn from his years as a "ordinary" carpenter. Max also reminds the reader that in the geographic sense, Christ had a small ministry.
I don't have to travel to Guatemela to be a missionary. Running a halfway house in the projects is not the only way I can help those who are down on their luck. For most of His life, God's plan for His Son was to be the best carpenter he could be, continue to grow his relationship with the Father and be willing to take the next step in God's plan for his life. That message was just what I needed on Sunday night last.
Praise to our Lord and Savior for His perfect timing in even the most "trivial" of events such as when I read a particular chapter in a $10.00 book.
On a different topic, can you add to this list?
Prayers a Christian never need pray:
1. God, please forgive me for (insert sin). At the moment of genuine salvation, we are forgiven ALL sin, past, present and future.
2. God, please be with me in or during (insert event). The Holy Spirit is ALWAYS with, no make that IN, us at all times and in all circumstances.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
May 9- NDS- Inward Places
Next Door Savior by Max Lucado
"Inward Places"
Luke 1:38
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Max offers an interesting extension on the Mary, mother of Jesus, story. He begins the chapter by reminding the reader that God actually indwelt Mary. From conception to birth, God was in Mary. As Christians we have that same indwelling, but on a greater scale. Max reminds us that the indwelling of God in Mary was as a fetus. For the Christian, we have God as the Holy Spirit in us.
God was with Abraham. He was with Moses. He was with the disciples. But as a result of His willing death and self-resurrection, God now offers to live in us and will do just that if we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Unlike the patriarchs of the Old Testament, I don't have to locate the tabernacle to find God. Unlike Adam and Eve, I don't have to search for God in the Garden of Eden. Unlike the disciples, I don't have to find God among the throngs of people. He is my constant, indwelling companion. All His resources are at my disposal. The peace, power and positivity He demonstrated during His life and available to me 24/7.
Max writes that just as Jesus grew in Mary until He had to come out, so Christ will grow in us and come out in our actions and speech toward others. The trick is to not allow David to get in the way and make sure Jesus is coming out and not the sinful nature.
"Inward Places"
Luke 1:38
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Max offers an interesting extension on the Mary, mother of Jesus, story. He begins the chapter by reminding the reader that God actually indwelt Mary. From conception to birth, God was in Mary. As Christians we have that same indwelling, but on a greater scale. Max reminds us that the indwelling of God in Mary was as a fetus. For the Christian, we have God as the Holy Spirit in us.
God was with Abraham. He was with Moses. He was with the disciples. But as a result of His willing death and self-resurrection, God now offers to live in us and will do just that if we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Unlike the patriarchs of the Old Testament, I don't have to locate the tabernacle to find God. Unlike Adam and Eve, I don't have to search for God in the Garden of Eden. Unlike the disciples, I don't have to find God among the throngs of people. He is my constant, indwelling companion. All His resources are at my disposal. The peace, power and positivity He demonstrated during His life and available to me 24/7.
Max writes that just as Jesus grew in Mary until He had to come out, so Christ will grow in us and come out in our actions and speech toward others. The trick is to not allow David to get in the way and make sure Jesus is coming out and not the sinful nature.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
May 4- NDS- Every Place
Next Door Savior by Max Lucado
"Every Place"
Philippians 2:6-7
The next section of the book is entitled, "No Place He Won't Go". Max starts off with an interesting parallel on Jesus descent to earth. Mr. Lucado tells his readers about a group of squirrels he watches from his study window as he writes. Although he enjoys watching them, he never even considers wanting to become one of them. Nuts for food, cars as mortal enemies and winters spent inside a tree are not lifestyle choices that appeal to Max.
But Christ willingly left a far greater life than we can image to become human. He traded 24-hour adoration for scorn. He substituted perfection for pain. He swapped streets of gold for dust and mud. Why? Because He loved (and still loves) us that much. That depth of love is unimaginable to me. I literally cannot wrap my mind around the level of sacrifice Christ made for me. I can read about it. Discuss it. Even blog about it. But to truly grasp the level of Christ's sacrifice, not sure our human minds are capable of grasping that one.
However, I can be thankful. I can use it as motivation to love Him more. It can be the kick in the seat of my britches when I don't feel like praying or studying the Bible. His love can motivate and change me, even if I don't completely understand it.
Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice just so I can have a better life today and spend eternity with you.
"Every Place"
Philippians 2:6-7
The next section of the book is entitled, "No Place He Won't Go". Max starts off with an interesting parallel on Jesus descent to earth. Mr. Lucado tells his readers about a group of squirrels he watches from his study window as he writes. Although he enjoys watching them, he never even considers wanting to become one of them. Nuts for food, cars as mortal enemies and winters spent inside a tree are not lifestyle choices that appeal to Max.
But Christ willingly left a far greater life than we can image to become human. He traded 24-hour adoration for scorn. He substituted perfection for pain. He swapped streets of gold for dust and mud. Why? Because He loved (and still loves) us that much. That depth of love is unimaginable to me. I literally cannot wrap my mind around the level of sacrifice Christ made for me. I can read about it. Discuss it. Even blog about it. But to truly grasp the level of Christ's sacrifice, not sure our human minds are capable of grasping that one.
However, I can be thankful. I can use it as motivation to love Him more. It can be the kick in the seat of my britches when I don't feel like praying or studying the Bible. His love can motivate and change me, even if I don't completely understand it.
Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice just so I can have a better life today and spend eternity with you.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
May 3- NDS- Imperfect People
Next Door Savior by Max Lucado
"Imperfect People"
John 1:29
The subtitle of "Imperfect People" is "The Trashman". It depicts Christ as the one who allows each of us to dump all of our emotional trash on Him. Bags full of regret, shame, scorn. There is no need for anyone to carry around the weight of sin and past mistakes. Jesus Christ willingly, no fervently, wants each of us to come to Him and dump all our garbage on Him. He went to the cross for that reason and that reason only--to free us from the penalty of our sin. That penalty is not just eternal damnation, but also a life full of regret, fear and disappointment.
The trick after giving Him our trash the first time is to keep from taking it back and refilling our trash sack with those items Christ has already placed in the landfill of His Death and Resurrection. In the area of sin trash, recycling is not the thing do to. Today's chapter provides a valuable visual aid when I start to allow past regret and sin to disrupt the present.
I wondered as I read the chapter, "How much trash have I put in another person's sack?" Although I cannot relieve anyone of their emotional trash, I need to strive not to add to that. Do I build up or tear down? Am I an encourager or a discourager? Will my interactions today lighten a load or add to someone's burden? I believe one measure of my "Christlikeness" can be found in the answers to these questions.
Please pray that I will not be a "trash giver" but a "trash reliever".
"Imperfect People"
John 1:29
The subtitle of "Imperfect People" is "The Trashman". It depicts Christ as the one who allows each of us to dump all of our emotional trash on Him. Bags full of regret, shame, scorn. There is no need for anyone to carry around the weight of sin and past mistakes. Jesus Christ willingly, no fervently, wants each of us to come to Him and dump all our garbage on Him. He went to the cross for that reason and that reason only--to free us from the penalty of our sin. That penalty is not just eternal damnation, but also a life full of regret, fear and disappointment.
The trick after giving Him our trash the first time is to keep from taking it back and refilling our trash sack with those items Christ has already placed in the landfill of His Death and Resurrection. In the area of sin trash, recycling is not the thing do to. Today's chapter provides a valuable visual aid when I start to allow past regret and sin to disrupt the present.
I wondered as I read the chapter, "How much trash have I put in another person's sack?" Although I cannot relieve anyone of their emotional trash, I need to strive not to add to that. Do I build up or tear down? Am I an encourager or a discourager? Will my interactions today lighten a load or add to someone's burden? I believe one measure of my "Christlikeness" can be found in the answers to these questions.
Please pray that I will not be a "trash giver" but a "trash reliever".
Monday, May 2, 2011
May 2- NDS- Spiritually Weary People
Next Door Savior by Max Lucado
"Spiritually Weary People"
John 3:1-6
The two previous chapters, "Grieving People" and "Tormented People", while interesting and enjoyable reading, did not particularly resonate with me. However, when I saw the title of today's reading, I thought, "Here we go!" Weariness. Bone tired. Tuckered out. So often lately that is how I have felt.
I blog. I church security. I Life Group. I help teach English to Chinese students at Ridgecrest. Yet I still have a critical spirit. My mind still fills with worry. Self recrimination for past mistakes is still a constant mental companion. So tired. So defeated.
But after reading today's chapter, some light bulbs came on. I have tried to change who I am. I have been trying to make myself a better person. Me helping me. The problem is that the "me" that is helping me is just as weak and frail as the me, me is trying to help.
I don't ever remember reading the verse from Ezekiel that Max includes early on in the chapter.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
I have gotten the cart before the horse. I have been trying to change my actions in hope of realizing a heart change. Not gonna' happen. I must allow God to change my heart, then my actions/thoughts/attitudes/priorities will change.
I have been working for God, not allowing God to work in me. Until I am able to realize and practice this truth on a daily basis, I will continue to be tired, weary and ultimately a Kingdom failure.
A parting thought from Max, "No prison is as endless as the prison of perfection." (p. 69) Perfection cannot be achieved this side of heaven, but genuine, God-pleasing change and growth are if we allow Him to do the work.
"Spiritually Weary People"
John 3:1-6
The two previous chapters, "Grieving People" and "Tormented People", while interesting and enjoyable reading, did not particularly resonate with me. However, when I saw the title of today's reading, I thought, "Here we go!" Weariness. Bone tired. Tuckered out. So often lately that is how I have felt.
I blog. I church security. I Life Group. I help teach English to Chinese students at Ridgecrest. Yet I still have a critical spirit. My mind still fills with worry. Self recrimination for past mistakes is still a constant mental companion. So tired. So defeated.
But after reading today's chapter, some light bulbs came on. I have tried to change who I am. I have been trying to make myself a better person. Me helping me. The problem is that the "me" that is helping me is just as weak and frail as the me, me is trying to help.
I don't ever remember reading the verse from Ezekiel that Max includes early on in the chapter.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
I have gotten the cart before the horse. I have been trying to change my actions in hope of realizing a heart change. Not gonna' happen. I must allow God to change my heart, then my actions/thoughts/attitudes/priorities will change.
I have been working for God, not allowing God to work in me. Until I am able to realize and practice this truth on a daily basis, I will continue to be tired, weary and ultimately a Kingdom failure.
A parting thought from Max, "No prison is as endless as the prison of perfection." (p. 69) Perfection cannot be achieved this side of heaven, but genuine, God-pleasing change and growth are if we allow Him to do the work.
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