Easter: Monday, May 14, 2007

Old Testament Lesson

Deuteronomy 8:1-10

I've been thinking a lot recently about the idea of God as Father and relating that to my experience as a father. The one thing I want for my children is their growth, physical, emotional, and spiritual. I will do everything in my power to encourage and develop that. And, as a father, that does sometimes mean punishing them. But, a loving father is not out to "get" his children. He doesn't punish at random. He is not waiting for them to make a mistake so he can get them. He only wants what is best for them and will not harm them.

If I am an imperfect father, and I feel this way, how much more must our Heavenly Father feel towards us?

New Testament Lesson

James 1:1-15

Someone once said the devil gets credit for a lot of stuff he has nothing to do with. James tells us that when we are lead into temptation, we are lead there by our own flesh, by our own sinful desires. That is why are temptations are so different, they are unique to each of us.

That means we must know ourselves and know our weaknesses. And be careful. Do not put yourself in a position to allow temptation to overcome you. If one is an alcoholic, they should not work in a bar. If one is glutinous, they shouldn't schedule a lunch meeting at a buffet. We must know ourselves to know the areas of life were we are more likely to fall into temptation.

Gospel Lesson

Luke 9:18-27

We see Jesus promise us life today. But it is not life like the world promises. Jesus says to know life, to know what means to live, to know what it means to truly be alive, we must lay down our life and follow Him. For life is found nowhere by in Christ. It is not found in the things of earth, it is not found in possessions, it is not found in earthly success. Life is found in Jesus and in letting Him lead, guide, and direct.

Today, know life. Know what it means to breath free, to have hope, and joy and peace. Know life, and know that it comes through Jesus.