We had another great night at Kaio with our second week of Revolutionaries. We covered the thought of being consistent with our relationship with Christ. (When eyes are on us and when they are off of us) Short follow up here, but the bottom line is: “can we be just as passionate about the cause of Christ when we stand alone?” Col. 3:23 (we work as unto the Lord and not men)

1 John 5:13 (The Message)

This could be considered part 2 of yesterdays post on “Abracadabra”. Not all illusions fascinate me; some are dumb. (just saying) I must also say that I like the one in the picture above. Anyways, in 1 John 5 our author is talking about the power of our faith in Jesus. (vs.4) When I read down to verse 13 in The Message; I was challenged with not only the way I look at the gift Jesus has given, but the way in which I now live out that gift of eternal life. I have to be honest; there are a lot of times that I walk through the day and approach people, creating an illusion. The illusion of a redeemed, conquering, overcoming life! I put on the face instead of realizing the reality of the gift that God has given to me and that it is available to all. Lets face it; everyone will stop and check out an illusion for a moment because it looks cool. People cling to reality though! And the reality is that God gives the gift of forgiveness of sins and eternal life through his Son Jesus. May I walk in that reality everyday so that it gives others Jesus to cling to and not some illusion to simply stare at!

1 John 3:16-17 (The Message)
This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.

Switching gears, many of us have asked the question of “why does God allow evil things to happen?” I have always given the patent answer of – “we are a people who have been given free will and have been born into a sinful nature at the same time.” There for we chose to do good or do evil. (and some chose evil) Now, I must admit that there are questions left in my mind with an answer like that, but after reading 1 John 3:16-17 I have a different question to ask. The question is; why do I allow evil to continue? (Especially if God has given me the means to help in a situation) I don’t know about you, but I want to leave the magic acts to David Blaine and keep the very real love of our God in the open for all to see!

Jeremiah 25:5-7

Do you remember your first attempt at pottery in Jr. High school? I do and it was horrible. I made an orange bowl/jar/ashtray thingy. It sits in my office as I write this, and let me just say that it is something that only my mother would say she is proud of. (I hope that she has repented of that lie) Anyways; that piece of pottery sat on a shelf to be adorned by my mom for many years. I was even proud of my accomplishment. Why? Because I had made something with my own hands. Though very innocent in those Jr. High days it can be very devastating for me today. Things I do today in ministry and family can be appreciated, but should not be worshiped. Jeremiah is warning the people on behalf of God to turn from worshiping idols that they have made with their hands and worship Him. The reality is that I am capable of constructing idols with my own hands. (worshiping the accomplished work) This takes praise from God and is applied to my life. 1 Corinthians 10:31 advises us in this way: “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Worship God in all that you do; not worship what you do or have done.

I love the tattoo that Jesse James has on the palm of his hand that reads, “pay up”. I can imagine that a custom bike, car or anything else made by him would cost you a good little penny. So pay up is right. Anyone who seeks his services would expect it too. (your getting the best) It is no different for us who have sought the service of Jesus. (Luke 14:27-29, count the cost) Thomas and the rest of the disciples understood this. Before Thomas makes this statement in verse 16, Jesus is telling the disciples that he wants to make a trip back to Judea and see his sick friend. The disciples try and convince him not to go back saying; “a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you want to go back there?” (verse 8)  So here is Thomas, most often remembered as the doubter, because he doubted Jesus’ resurrection;(John 20:23); demonstrating courage. They all knew the dangers that stood before them in returning, but they were all willing to return; even though it appeared they might have to die with Jesus.  There are unknown dangers in doing God’s work and it is wise to consider the cost. Are you ready to pay up? Thomas was!