Triple Rejection Before Sunrise

 bob-maclafferty, Uncategorized  2 Responses »
Apr 122011
 

“Weren’t you with the guy who’s on trial?” the girl questioned. Peter winced as he heard the words. He had tried his best to melt into the crowd, not wanting to be noticed, but unable to tear himself away from the courtroom drama unfolding as the night wore on.  “I have no idea what you’re talking about!” he answered defensively, fear making his voice just a little louder than he had intended.

Peter eased himself away from the group, attempting to be casual. Hoping to regain anonymity, he joined a circle of  court staff warming themselves by an open fire.  The firelight cast harsh highlights and shadows on his face as he turned around, trying to let the warmth from the flames soak in from all sides. Slowly, he became aware that someone was staring at him across the fire.

“Yeah, this guy definitely was with him. I recognize him!” Peter slowly turned, seeing the pointing finger directed at him. “&$#%@!, you’re crazy. I don’t know him from Adam!” Peter retorted, letting a little anger turn his voice harsh. Peter finally made an admission to himself. He was afraid. He was really afraid! Ever since the garden, seeing Jesus captured violently, he had been afraid. His one attempt to defend Jesus failed when he missed the attacker’s head and lopped off his ear instead. And then, to have Jesus miraculously re-attach the ear and tell him to put up his sword-  He was the Christ, wasn’t he? But he was going down! Peter lost all the will to resist and started thinking about survival. He had no desire to be captured and tried as a troublemaker like Jesus!

 He felt someone jab him in the shoulder. Turning, he saw a relative of the man he had attacked in the garden. “Deny it all you want, but you are definitely with that guy! Besides, your accent says you aren’t from around here!”

Peter stared dumbstruck as his heart pounded several heavy beats. This was it. He could almost feel the rope being tightened around his wrists, hear the tearing sound of his coat being ripped from his shoulders, feel the bite of the chunks of metal woven into the whiplash as it ripped into the muscle of his back. No, no, no! Not him, not here. Not tonight!

He inhaled through his nostrils. Opening his mouth, the most vile curses poured out. Everything he had heard from the rough fishermen on the docks in Galilee. He lost all reverence for God’s name, saying things that no Jew would ever utter, thoroughly denying that he had ever known Jesus.

And then he heard the sound, the unexpected, yet normal sound piercing the early morning air. The sound of a rooster crowing. Once, then silence, then once again.

Horrified, Peter instinctively looked behind him toward the courthouse hoping against hope that…. But there he stood.  Jesus, beaten, bruised and bloody. Jesus, the one who had heard him promise loyalty to the death just a few hours ago.  Jesus, the one who had predicted his failure.

Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!  John 13:38 NIV.

Peter could feel the guilt weighing heavily on his shoulders. He stood rooted to the ground, unable to move. Tears began to make their way down his face. He felt their saltiness on his lips. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from Jesus. What would he say? What would he do? Had Jesus heard his every word?

No words came from Jesus’ lips. No harsh expression showed on his face.  Peter stared. Sorrow filled Jesus’ eyes. Recognition that Peter had failed him just as He said he would. But there was something else in those eyes. Something that made Peter feel even more guilty. Something that could only come from God.

The tears were free-flowing now.  His body racked with sobs, Peter finally turned from Jesus and staggered toward the courtyard gate, trying to get away from those eyes.

Father, let me stand for You today. Let me be willing to be counted for You today. Let me joyfully be recognised as Yours today. And if I fall- no, and when I fall, look at me like Your Son looked at Peter. Amen.

Part 1 of a 3 part series followed by 153 Miracle Fish and Triple Commit After Breakfast.

Tweeting Prayer?

 Uncategorized  1 Response »
Mar 252011
 

Seriously? What can Twitter and prayer possibly have in common, right? At least two of you are already asking,”So Twitter is what, exactly?” 

According to tweeternet.com, Twitter is a social networking and microblogging service that allows you answer the question, “What are you doing?” by sending short text messages 140 characters in length, called “tweets”, to your friends.

Whew, okay, What were we talking about? Oh yeah, prayer! Let’s check out some great texts.

pray continually;  1 Thessalonians 5:17, NIV

Well, that’s short and to the point.  Need to think a bit about that “continually” concept.

Seven times a day I praise you
   for your righteous laws. Psalm 119:164

Okay, seven is less than “continually”, right?

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10

I read online earlier today about a guy who set up future tweets so that he would get one every hour on the hour during the day, prompting him to pray from the Book of Common Prayer. Does that seem stiff and artificial to you? Maybe so, but I applaud his initiative in making prayer a significant part of his day. How many times a day do you pray? One, three, seven, continually, or…none?

Is it important to you to talk to the Father, the Son, the Spirit often? Yes? But do you often find yourself reaching the end of the day without doing so?

We remind ourselves to do all kinds of things-pick up the dry cleaning, get milk, remember our anniversary, things that are important to us. Is prayer important enough to remind ourselves about it?

Does God consider our prayers of lesser value if they are delivered in 140 characters or less? If they come after a prompt from a Post-It or a tweet on a phone?

As a father, I can tell you that I want to hear from my girls any which way. Short or long, timed or spontaneous, I just want to hear their voices and share their day. Does my Heavenly Father love me any less than that?

So, whether you are a tweeter, a blogger, a Post-It poster, or a Sharpie on the palm writer, do what you have to do to keep prayer a regular part of your day.

And as you do that, you will grow closer to the One to Whom you speak, closer to living your days in continual connection, closer to letting Him choose your words and actions to please Him and reflect Him.

Sinful Trees?

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Mar 212011
 

Thunk! The splitting maul’s edge slammed into the end of the log, straining to split the grain. I looked down in disgust as the edge penetrated a measly quarter-inch. My older daughter’s boyfriend and I had been splitting wood steadily for the last half hour and making slow progress of it. Sometimes the edge of the maul would simply bounce off the end grain, not penetrating at all. Sometimes a sledgehammer-pounded wedge would get stuck in the twisted wood fibers swirling around a limb.

I stopped for a minute to catch my breath. I reflected on the fact that we were doing something so abnormal to this tree. Something far from its intended purpose.

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. Genesis 1:11 NIV

I looked around at the woods around me. Literally hundreds of trees jutting up into the sky, their thousands and millions of huge limbs, branches and tiny twigs ending in buds just starting to burst with flower and leaf. We talked about the powerful structure: a complicated and far-reaching root system, providing not only stable support for the tree above, but gathering huge quantities of nutrients and water and pulling them ever higher into the trunk for life and growth.  We looked at the rings of fibers, showing years of life.  The needles of the giant pine had gathered energy from the sun, creating new growth and producing life giving oxygen to enrich the atmosphere.

What a wonderful design! And yet, its huge trunk lay on the ground, its decay becoming more and more evident years before it was finally cut  down. As we continued to split large chunks, the bark fell off in sheets, revealing insect damage and riddled with holes from insects and woodpeckers alike. Was this God’s intention that third day when He created this beautiful thing? Was this tree meant to die?

Recently, I wrote about Jesus sealing his commitment to die for us in the very moment He breathed the breath of life into Adam. Was Adam meant to fail and die? No. Yet our loving Creator, knowing that we would walk away from Him, foolishly choosing darkness and death, had a plan in place to recreate us, even before He created Adam!

Was the tree we struggled to split created to die? No! Yet it thrived and provided beauty even in the midst of our damaged and polluted world. Even as it died, it gave of itself, supporting insects and birds.  Falling to the ground, it provides organic material to replenish the soil,  supporting new life from death.

What an intelligent design! What a wonderful Creator! No matter how hard we try to ruin His creation, He still brings life and beauty from death,

whether it is a single pine tree….

…or me.

Dad, I know!

 Uncategorized  2 Responses »
Mar 062011
 

He had put his best efforts into this latest work of art. Truly, it was his crowning acheivement. The symmetry, the elegance of its design, the sheer beauty of it. He wondered what his father would say.  In spite of his age, he wanted nothing but his father’s approval.

As pleasing as it was in appearance, it’s design was very…unusual. It was, in fact, quite daring. Actually, shocking would be more accurate. He wanted to do his very best for his father. He would even risk his disapproval, yes, even that, if what he had made would please his father.

The cost, well- the cost had been staggering. In fact, he had put his entire inheritance at risk, had incurred a debt so heavy that even he wondered if he could pay it off.

A slight touch here, a subtle change in color blending there. He analyzed the structural details one more time, making careful adjustments, building in even more grace and balance.

He was nearing completion, finally satisfied with his work. Hearing a slight rustle behind him, he rose from his knees, squatting on his heels, not able to tear his attention from the completed work, but wondering, wondering what his father would say.

“Son, you have done so well!”, his father began,”far beyond what anyone expected!”

“Thanks, Dad. I just wanted to make you happy,” he replied without turning around.

“And so I am, but the cost, it is so high!

 “Dad, I know the cost.  Yes, it is high,” he agreed.

“Son, I can hardly bear to think of you paying such a price, just to please me. It could cost you everything!” His father’s voice, sorrowful, yet full of love… and pride in his son.

“Yes, Dad, I know. I choose to finish this, because I love you and because we love this.”

Then, in one quick movement, he stretched over his work….

and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7 NIV.

When Jesus created you, when He created the first human, He knew full well what it would cost Him, not only His life, but separation from His Father! And yet He made you anyway.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. 1 John 3:16 NIV

71 is what He said

 bob-maclafferty  No Responses »
Feb 212011
 

I hung up the phone and sat down heavily at my desk. I had just completed a phone conversation at work that had not gone well.  I sat quietly, letting discouragement and disillusionment invade. I could feel my spirit sinking lower. I was in no condition to be productive. I felt… well, stuck.

Have you ever felt that way? Blocked, stuck, down? Have you felt those negative influences affecting your relationships, your work performance, your faith?

I need to break some news to you. I am not writing today about what to do with discouragement. Right now, I’m not interested in blasting sunshine into your day. In fact,  my drive to write today has nothing to do with me and my troubles or even about what you might be facing.

This is about God and what He has done and can do.

I’ve got bragging rights on this.

That day as I sat at my desk, I turned to God and said, “Look, God, I am down right now and I need help. What do You have for me right now? I need… something…”

I waited…. waited for a sign, for words, for something, anything from Him.

Do you hear God speak? Many of us struggle with that whole concept. Does God still speak with an audible voice? When I hear others say “God told me…”, does it make me feel like a second-rate Christian?

So, I sat at my desk, letting my request hang in the air….

“Psalm 71”, the thought, voice, impression came to me. Did I hear it? Did I feel it? Did I think it? Dream it?

“Really, Psalm 71?”, I thought? “How odd, I don’t really know anything about Psalm 71!”

So, I did the only thing that I could think to do. I picked up my Bible and turned to Psalm 71. It had one single verse underlined in it from some time back. Why Psalm 71?

So, I started to read. In my Bible, it is one page, 24 verses. At first, it seemed to begin like many other Psalms, but then, as I let the words flow through me, I realized that it had just the message my heart needed to hear on that day. I read it several times and several times more over the next few days.

Now this is my Psalm! God gave it to me just in time, just when I needed those very words. I am so thankful for Psalm 71, but more than that, I am thankful for my Father’s voice. Did I hear it? Maybe. Did I hear it with my ears? Maybe, Maybe not. I don’t really care. All I need is the knowledge that He spoke and that the message I received was just for me.

…and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Psalm 71:17 NIV.

Father, thank You for speaking! Yes, I brag on You for answering me in such a cool way.  Forgive me for not listening more.

Bragging Rights

 bob-maclafferty  1 Response »
Feb 102011
 

In my mother’s kitchen, there is a fridge. On the fridge there is an old piece of paper. On the paper is a drawing of a very strangely shaped lion drawn years ago by one of my nieces.  It gets lots of attention. Sooner or later, everyone who visits the kitchen sees the lion and hears the story about who drew it and when. My niece knows that it still hangs on the fridge and that her grandma has bragging rights on it!

Now, she is a quite accomplished young sketch artist. While part of her might be embarrassed that this earlier creation of marginal artistic value is still featured in a place of honor, I think that another part of her is pleasured to know that her art is valued by someone she loves, someone who loves her back.

Bragging gets a lot of bad press. Most of the time, it is negative only when self promoting or when it is used to devalue someone else. There is one time when bragging is always okay. It is when we brag about our Father in heaven. While I have spoken about this in passing before, I felt impressed to focus on it today.

Our Father loves to hear His children tell stories about Him! One way to worship is to tell stories about Him. One way to build faith, yours and that of those around you, is by sharing what He has done for you and in you.

But as for me, I will always have hope;
   I will praise you more and more. 
My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
   of your salvation all day long,
   though I know not its measure.
Psalm 71:14-15 NIV.

Is that great or what! David was so good at bragging on God. I just love these words, “I will praise you more and more.” David even says that he is going to brag about how good God is, even though he doesn’t know how to measure it!

When God does something for or in you, don’t keep it a secret! Tell about it! Tell your husband. Tell your wife. Tell your kids! Tell your work colleagues! Tell about it at church! Make a news event of it! Share it freely!

Father, let me boldly share what You do in me with those around me. Let my words make You happy! Let my stories bring a faith blessing to others.

The Widow’s Last -part 3

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Feb 072011
 

 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. I kings 17:13 NIV

For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.’” verse 14.

“Easy for you to say,” thought the woman, “You’ll say whatever you can to get the first, and probably only, cake.” Cynicism written all over her face, she looked again at the man. His eyes never wavered, focusing ever deeper until she felt they would pierce her very soul.

“Give”, she heard the now familiar voice say again. She whirled around and seeing no one, turned back to the man and with a slight tilt of her head, beckoned him to follow her.

Inside the small hut, man and son watched as she poured the last of the oil, the last of the meal into a small bowl. Mixing it with her fingers, she made a simple dough and placed it on a hot rock close to the small fire she had built. All three watched as the dough slowly baked. The smell caused hunger pangs to surface. Her stomach complained loudly and her embarrassed laugh startled them, breaking the silence.

Finally, she loosened the cake from the rock and handed it to the man. Mother and son watched as he looked to heaven with thanks and as he slowly ate their last meal. Finally swallowing the last bite, he gestured for her to look into the clay jar she had just emptied of meal. She hesitated, her brow furrowing with stress. Finally she reached a hand into the jar, feeling for the bottom.

Shock and wonder filled her eyes as pulled her hand out- filled with meal!

let this very short video clip wash over you and speak to you.

God wants you, and me, to give. Give when it doesn’t make sense. Give when it doesn’t seem fair. Give when it is our last. God grows us the most when we give like Him.

Father, give me the faith to give when You speak. Help me to trust You to care for me.  Grow me to be more like You.

The Widow’s Last-part 2

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Jan 272011
 

 She pushed on, further and further, gathering a few twigs here and there that had been missed by others. Suddenly, a long shadow crossed her path. Startled, she looked up and involuntarily gasped.  Skin bronze-baked by the sun, lips cracked and bleeding,  the man swayed slightly in the harsh wind that blew his long, unkempt beard. His clothes were dusty and sweatstained.

He leaned toward her. Dark, piercing eyes arrested her attention. His mouth opened and he spoke, his first words sounding like a rusty, long-unused hinge, then growing smoother, deep and rich-

He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 1 Kings 17:10 NIV

His voice quickly dissipated in the oppressive heat. She slowly stood, keeping her eyes fixed on him.  Her heart began to beat, drumming loudly against her rib cage. “Give”, she heard the voice between heartbeats. She involuntarily looked around her for the source.  Looking  back at the man, her eyes softened as she recognized his need. She nodded slightly and turned to make her way back to the well at the edge of town.

“And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” verse 11

Incredulously, she turned again to face the man.  Surely he wasn’t serious!

 “As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” verse 12

His gaze never wavered.

Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. verse 13

Have you ever been asked to give in a way that didn’t make sense?  God does not need to make His requests subject to a test of obvious logic in our minds.

Father, give me the faith to give when You say to give and how You say to give.

The Widow’s Last-part 1

 bob-maclafferty  No Responses »
Jan 232011
 

The woman slowly made her way up the hill. She stumbled, fatigue and hunger etched clearly on her face. In her mind, she clearly saw her young son standing hopefully in the doorway of their small home. His stomach already distended, his arms and legs pathetic in their skeletal appearance. It would not be long now. She only hoped to find a few overlooked dry branches to start a small fire, cooking their last bit of flour and meal into their last bread for their last meal. The last until they died. A solitary tear made its way down her dusty cheek, leaving a track behind.

She heard the voice in her head again. “Give,” the voice said.  Every day for the last seven days she had heard the voice.  Every day she tried to dismiss it as a product of her hunger induced delirium. Every day she thought,”I have nothing to give- nothing! Who could ask this of me?”

Then the word of the LORD came to him:  “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 1 Kings 17:8-9

Do you ever feel that too much is being asked of you? Have you ever thought, “If people knew the stress load I am carrying, they wouldn’t ask more of me.” Or “They know what a tough time I’m having. How could they justify asking anything of me?”

Have you heard a voice saying, “Give?” In what areas of your life have you been recently challenged to give?

Father, why do You ask me to give when what I really need is to get?

Closer to Heaven

 bob-maclafferty  No Responses »
Jan 152011
 

The world is full of striving people. People working to be worthy. Worthy of advancement in the workplace. Worthy of love by parents or spouse. Worthy of love be the God of the universe. Worthy of heaven. How much peace would flood our lives if we believed the truth, the truth that our Heavenly Father loves us just the way we are, that there is nothing we can do to make Him love us any more or any less than He does right now!

I believe that truth with all my heart! I also know that when most of us speak of that kind of love, we follow it with a “but”, a qualification of some kind. There is no “but”. There is an “and”, however.  Our Father loves us unconditionally, not based on our actions AND He knows that our lives will be filled with so much more joy when we learn to love like Him. Listen to the words of the song, You Lift Me Up, by Rachel Lampa: 

Climbing on a cloud
Dancing on a day dream
I don’t have a doubt
Just how good this life can be
You lift me upRunning in the rain
Singing in the sunshine
Telling all the world
Why I’m so in love with life
You lift me up
You lift me up
And I’m touching the blue sky
You lift me up
I’m on top of the world
I’m getting closer to heaven
In every little thing I love
You lift me up

Father,  You lift me up! Whenever I let you power me to love like You, I look more like You! Prompt me to let You do that more and more. Not to earn anything from You, but just for the sheer joy of pleasing You and reflecting You!

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