tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37216280641430317202011-07-08T01:27:31.418-05:00Forgiven yet Enemies... Godly Estrangement: The Road Less Traveled-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comBlogger281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-39626906971270680912010-05-30T17:03:00.003-05:002010-05-30T17:10:47.059-05:00

Sometimes following means leaving. Bible Passage: Mark 1:16-20 16As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18At once they left their nets and followed him.  19When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-73751995591857327782009-12-21T11:27:00.000-06:002009-12-23T23:36:01.845-06:00

Christmas can be a schizophrenic time for a griever. On the one hand, the reality of God coming for us can be so meaningful. On the other hand, it is often a time for vacant places to be highlighted or strained relationships to be exacerbated. This month in my family, there has been a death, several wounds, and sad vacancies leading me to ask the question, "What is the point? Christmas is

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-21009033255652868412009-12-12T07:34:00.000-06:002009-12-12T07:34:07.935-06:00

Christmas is the perfect time of year to stand with Jesus, knowing full well that our God is not merely skilled at empathy but has endured pain... by us... for us. Scripture Reference: John 1:11 "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him." Reflection: Christmas is the perfect time of year to stand with Jesus, knowing full well that our God "had to be made like his

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-72990341331426956302009-11-15T22:51:00.002-06:002009-11-16T20:27:53.205-06:00

'Twas dark as weary traveler descended down the path... The path that once held visions of light now a murky, foggy bath. Forsaken and abandoned... forgotten, abused, forlorn... Pushed and lectured, preached and prodded, not heard... just merely scorned. By past rejected and present worked ... requiring more than could This weary traveler drags a foot to unknown rest for soul. O Lord our God

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-37863800166912353592009-11-11T00:01:00.000-06:002009-11-11T07:49:20.233-06:00

The Yellow Ribbon by JR for S, J, H and their dear families that stand by their sides Though no one in my home be found in military shroud, A yellow ribbon did adorn my tree on my front ground. And, wind and weather did abuse this display I'd made. Time took its toll as dirt and grime grew steadily in its shade. The months flew past for me but yet my ribbon showed great wear. My months

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-34106601399295133282009-10-26T12:46:00.045-05:002009-10-26T14:32:27.291-05:00

A relational split does not necessarily destine the church to decline but could be the very thing to disperse resources and enhance the kingdom. Biblical Reference: Acts 15Biblical Summary: Paul and Barnabas are effective and powerful co-ministers of the gospel. Because of a disagreement, they part ways.Reflections -Paul and Barnabas were a powerful pair. Acts 15 begins with the Council at

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-91704606251926006402009-10-25T14:03:00.027-05:002009-10-27T07:55:13.082-05:00

We often categorize traits into two distinct camps. In one, we lump anger, aggression, justice, and lack of control. In the other, we lump peace, mercy, grace, and self-control. However, our God is a God that often combines seemingly opposite characteristics. Biblical Passage: Romans 16: 20 "The God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet."Biblical Context: Paul is finishing the book of

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-50984525709730132192009-10-18T15:29:00.021-05:002009-10-19T13:08:01.082-05:00

The Bible calls us to "accept one another ... as Christ accepted you". Can I say "no" to a relationship with another when God has said "yes" to a relationship with me?Biblical Passage -Romans 15:7 "Accept one another, then just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." NIVBiblical Context -After discussing the varying convictions of the day and exhorting the church to refrain from

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-27431050724855967142009-09-19T16:42:00.025-05:002009-09-19T23:56:35.997-05:00

I wanted to start a new section in this blog: Encouragement. There have been many songs that have encouraged me the last years as I've wrestled with abandonment while being misunderstood and attacked. The truth of God's word through song is powerful. I've written the lyrics with a prayer interwoven...Song and prayer:1.In Christ alone my hope is found,Lord, though situations seem hopeless, You are

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-72320425139095004482009-09-18T11:57:00.015-05:002009-09-19T17:40:51.255-05:00

Though many would agree gossip is wrong, they allow for slanderous accusations to go unchecked as long as the person is "really guilty". How interesting that the Bible addresses this using the most extreme example, Satan, to demonstrate that this is unacceptable.Reference: Jude 1: 8-9Biblical Summary: The archangel Michael and Satan were disputing yet Michael "did not dare to bring a slanderous

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-71652724835074028202009-08-16T15:49:00.015-05:002009-09-12T22:53:01.164-05:00

Most Christian circles celebrate Ruth as she accompanies Naomi in a beautiful demonstration of loyalty and kindness. We cannot forget, however, that her devotion to Naomi required a departure from her own family.Bible Reference - Ruth 1Story Recap -Naomi is a widow. After raising 2 sons in a foreign land, her husbands and sons both die leaving her destitute. Deciding to return to Israel, she bids

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-59227621161624311282009-08-09T14:36:00.009-05:002009-08-15T23:43:49.300-05:00

We often forget when we read stories about Moses confronting Pharaoh that he was confronting family. As an adopted family member who had fled in shame, he bravely fought to pull others out of the bondage. How difficult his stand must have been considering their adoption for him had saved his life. Yet, this "gift-of-life" did not necessitate a debt at the expense of his calling.Bible Reference -

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-60233448092814230462009-07-26T00:04:00.007-05:002009-09-12T23:22:15.862-05:00

Imagine if Christians went around encouraging fellow brothers and sisters, “Keep the faith... God is coming with ‘muscle’, ‘boy’ is he angry and He is going fix this ‘good’!”Bible Reference - Hebrews 12 & Isaiah 35Hebrews 12:12 “Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. ‘Make level paths for your feet so that the lame may not be disabled but rather healed.”The first subtitle of

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-22801569618864175442009-07-25T23:39:00.005-05:002009-09-21T00:20:07.417-05:00

Relational rifts causes shame. Having an unattainable idol also causes shame. If we are experiencing shame, we need to ask ourselves, "Is this shame sorrow over a lost relationship OR disappointment for an unmet idolized goal?Bible Reference - Jeremiah 10:14 “Every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. His images are a fraud.”Reflection -Sometimes people shame us. Other times, we are shamed due to

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-69980448441827954972009-07-25T23:37:00.003-05:002009-08-03T01:01:48.936-05:00

Just because it is thought differently does not mean victims are never proud. Let’s consider Nebuchadnezzar’s desires.Bible Reference - Daniel 4:30 “[Nebuchadnezzar] said, ‘Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my might power and for the glory of my majesty?’”Story Recap - Nebuchadnezzar is a king who finishes a beautiful palace. As he struts about the roof over

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-90448286226419254292009-07-25T23:33:00.005-05:002009-07-31T13:34:45.198-05:00

Soap has the ability to break connections, destroy unions, and loosen the strength of natural bonds. Its purpose? ...to force the integration of separate entities.Do we desire this in the church? Are we willing to make difficult choices to protect the body from those that would weaken it?Reflection -Soap has characteristics of both water and oil. Chemically speaking, soap is long nonpolar chain (

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-30180230863384803672009-07-25T23:27:00.009-05:002009-08-03T01:04:11.468-05:00

Stain: “a discoloration produced by foreign matter having penetrated into or chemically reacted with a material; a spot not easily removed.” (Dictionary.com)“Stain” is usually a negative word. But... depends on the perspective. Is the “stain” & irritation we have left the result of penetrating a fallen condition with the bold love of God?Reflection -I was thinking about oil. It sure can be a

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-72606063816333527422009-07-25T23:25:00.010-05:002009-09-01T20:02:03.588-05:00

God created oil and water... two substances that do not mix together into integrated solutions. This is in their inherent, God-ordained nature.Reflection -Why don’t oil and water mix?I was contemplating the chemistry behind the water-oil separation. If there ARE reasons, could they be related in a parable-like way to relationships. It’s not fool-proof but is an interesting analogy when

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-55201613506457366112009-07-25T23:22:00.004-05:002009-09-12T23:00:36.253-05:00

Though Saul asks for forgiveness, Samuel never sees Saul again. Is it our place to forgive a sin committed against the Lord? What is our role and responsibility? Are there attitudes Saul exhibited that shed any light?Bible Reference - 1 Samuel 15Story Recap - Saul was king of Israel and disobeyed the Lord. Samuel was a priest and confronted Saul with God’s disapproval telling him God rejected him

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-18542568794657650472009-07-25T23:18:00.004-05:002009-08-06T21:27:03.996-05:00

Relational consequences existed even in Biblical marriages ... even with the “man after God’s own heart.” How interesting that David’s role in this rift is inconclusive.Bible Reference - 2 Samuel 6:16-23 and 1Chronicles 15:29Story Recap -- The Israelites were finally bringing the ark back to Jerusalem. King David was so happy he danced before the Lord with the community. His wife, Michal, was

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-49087651293381601042009-07-25T23:16:00.003-05:002009-09-12T23:05:57.816-05:00

Separations are not the norm and are therefore misunderstood by others. Even in the Bible, circumstances are unclear. God’s allowance of these separations can be disturbing. Can we rest in God’s approval alone? Can we rest in God’s care for another? Or, will we live lives of self-justification?Bible Reference - Genesis 21Story Recap - Abraham and Sarah are married and have no children. Sarah

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-60622363190846898332009-07-25T23:13:00.003-05:002009-08-06T21:31:20.145-05:00

Is our separation from family a result of pursuing God’s calling? Or, is our separation from family a bitter flight?Bible Reference - Genesis 12 “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.’” Story Recap - Abram lived in an area called Haran. God calls Abram to leave for Canaan. He leaves with his wife, nephew and

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-2067050625219006802009-07-25T23:11:00.005-05:002009-09-12T23:16:54.755-05:00

During family quarreling, what should be done? Most christians would propose sitting down and talking it through until resolution is made. But, Abraham and Lot are an interesting counter-example. They chose to separate but Abram’s love and self-sacrifice for Lot continued.Bible Reference - Genesis 13:8-9Story Recap - Abraham was Lot’s uncle. Both were established adults and wealthy. Because “the

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-34825879262599211312009-07-25T23:08:00.002-05:002009-08-06T21:38:57.252-05:00

God acknowledges the fact that his loved ones have enemies. Rather than simply push them to action-steps, he grieves with them.Bible Reference - Psalm 69:19 “You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my enemies are before you.”Reflection -I love how the first time someone called God by a name was Hagar when she was alone and distressed. And, the prayer she said was, ‘You are the God

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-45905400271602980432009-07-25T23:06:00.002-05:002009-08-06T21:37:25.059-05:00

Not only did God himself HAVE (past-tense) enemies, He still does.Bible Reference - 1 Cor 15:25, Hebrews 10:131 Corinthians 15:25 “For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.”Hebrews 10:13 “Since that time he waits for his enemies to become his footstool...”Reflection -To state again, God has enemies. Some were reconciled to Him by the death of Jesus (Rom 5:10) and are no

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-5824930580755334022009-07-25T23:03:00.003-05:002009-09-12T23:27:35.318-05:00

The existence of “enemies” does not necessitate the existence of sin or unforgiveness in both parties. God himself had enemies.Bible Reference - Romans 5:10a “... when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son...”Reflection -God had/ has enemies... a pretty radical thought. Does this mean he is angry? No. Does this mean He is wrong? No. Bitterly withholding

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-71781281106209316582009-07-25T22:57:00.005-05:002009-08-03T01:16:09.170-05:00

God does not address the existence of enemies but of the status of our hearts towards them.While we cannot always control our status (being unable to control another person’s hostility), we can control, by God’s grace, the motives from which we respond.Bible Reference - Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said ‘ Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721628064143031720.post-59668939922318536572009-07-25T21:56:00.005-05:002009-11-11T07:56:56.021-06:00

God does not require us to “do whatever it takes” to convert enemies into friends. This should encourage us and validate our sadness in the boundaries we keep that retain them. He does give us guidelines regarding our heart and our motives Bible Reference - Luke 6:27-36 Reflection - I was sitting and praying one day... asking God the question, “How am I to forgive someone for a wrong they

-JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952106279452323265noreply@blogger.com