Infatuation

I Am His

theinfatuation — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:52:06 +0000

Day 29 of 30: Your Will Be Done?

theinfatuation — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 23:13:32 +0000

Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him…

John 18:8-12

Throughout history, many Christians have made decisions in the name of Christ but outside of His guidance. You are probably still being traumatized by some. Maybe a teacher growing up, maybe your parent, maybe from a political leader…

This is not a new concept. As we see in the Gospel of John, Peter has his own idea of what is supposed to happen. His intentions are probably the best, but they are not in line with God’s will. He pulls out his sword (why does He even have a sword?!) and decides to free Jesus from His captors. Chew on this for a moment.

What most “Christians” miss is what we have been working to develop in Infatuation: relationship with God. Jesus says, “I will not leave you as orphans, but I will come to you” (John 14:18). Being Christians and knowing the Bible does not give us the responsibility or the right to navigate our lives by ourselves. He has imparted to us the great guide of our lives—His Holy Spirit—to lead us. He has a master plan that we can rest in. We have His presence to teach and lead us.

So, in what ways have you stepped away from His voice to make a “Christian” decision? Whose ear have you cut off in the name of Jesus? Maybe a political party? Maybe another denomination? Maybe a son or a daughter? Maybe a parent?

Can you see that God is the one who desires for us to trust in Him like little children? Do you see the big picture here? Take up your cross and die to your will, even your “Christian” will. In relationship with Christ there is rest. Religion and being “Christian” can become bondage. Christ died so we would have liberty.

Lord, I desire to quit cutting off ears when You are telling me otherwise. Lord, I need to know You. I need to know Your peace and rest. Lord, teach me to trust in You and in You alone…

Jason Goodnight

Day 28 of 30: Being Treated Just Like Him

theinfatuation — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 02:24:17 +0000

Students are not above their teacher, nor servants above their master. It is enough for students to be like their teacher, and servants like their master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!

Matthew 10:24-25

When choosing to walk in sincere communion with God we are eventually faced with an ultimatum. Old friends, co-workers, family members—basically “the world”—will demand our hearts back. When we tell them of our Lover, Jesus Christ, most of them will reject us.

The Spirit within us is a stumbling block to all who encounter us. They have to deal with the God in us, especially those of us who walk daily with Him. This doesn’t mean that we flash our Christian cards in a prideful way seeking rejection. The world simply can’t comprehend when we walk in the path of Christ, living in His Spirit and by His teaching. They will treat us like they treated Him—with rejection.

This kind of heartbreak can be tough, especially when it comes from friends and family you love. However, it can benefit us greatly by drawing us closer to Christ. See, we have to learn to utilize this pain to turn more toward Christ, for this is the best way to respond. We can’t hold any frustration towards the people who reject us but, instead, turn that rejection into prayers and forgiveness. For this is God’s pain made alive in our bodies. And we know the way He took rejection.

Moreover, if we truly believe in the saving power of our God and the fruit that will come from our relationship with Him, we have to believe that those who oppose us will one day thank us for taking a stand. In their eyes, we may always be the “Jesus Freak” who follows God instead of doing the things the world does. But one day when the great movie screen of life is pulled up and the truth is revealed, they will recognize that the lives we led were the better choice.

So today reflect on what it means for you to be rejected. Look at the pros and the cons of being counted with Christ. Pray for those who reject, avoid, and misunderstand your position. Love on Jesus who experienced this first for us.

Lord, I stand with You. You have shown me self-sacrificial love. You have worn the crown of thorns and been beaten for love. Lord, teach me to follow You in this. Teach me to see that when I am rejected for You, I am bringing Your love into this dying world. For when a righteous person suffers persecution, seeds of love and life burst forth….

Jason Goodnight

Day 27 of 30: Why Not Ask?

theinfatuation — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:29:09 +0000

Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.

Acts 3:2-7

Signs and wonders follow those who live in relationship with God. We see it over and over again in the gospels and in the early church—those who knew Jesus laid hands on the sick and they were healed. Jesus has given this as a gift to show the world who He is and to bring glory to the Father.

As we are continuing to walk in relationship with Jesus, be aware of whom He may be calling you to pray for. Prayer is asking God to do what we cannot, so why would you hesitate to pray for healing? You can’t heal, but He can.

Furthermore, let public prayer for others become a more natural aspect of your Christian witness. Most people will receive prayer even if they haven’t seen a church pew in 10 years. And when you pray for them from a place of relationship with Jesus, you can expect God to show up and change things.

Ever felt like you wanted to see God move? Maybe you should ask Him to. Maybe you should take the chance to pray for amazing miracles. Maybe it’s not His fault the world doesn’t know Him; maybe it’s ours.

Lord, I want to be a witness of our relationship. I want to see others come to know You through my actions. I want to see others healed miraculously. Help my unbelief and my fear. Help my personal prayer life become part of my everyday life; let them become one-and-the-same life….

Jason Goodnight

Day 26 of 30: Letting Love Have Its Way

theinfatuation — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:52:32 +0000

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

2 Corinthians 6:11-13

As our connection with God has become stronger over the past three weeks, let’s turn our focus to our connection with other believers. In the text above, Paul speaks of opening wide his heart towards the Corinthians. What he’s talking about here is loving people without reservation, not holding anything back. This is a concept that is made possible by strong trust in our relationship with God.

When we are living in right relationship with God, we are given the ability to love people like God does. Unfortunately, sometimes we get hurt by others who take advantage of our love. But didn’t Jesus tell us that we would be treated like He was? Furthermore, in the verse following those of this passage, Paul says not to be yoked together with unbelievers, clarifying that we have to be wise concerning to whom we open our hearts. It’s a shame that some folks hold their love back and fail to receive the great benefits of being in community with others because of instances of failure. (If this is you, I would take this message as an opportunity to see the bigger picture, bandage up your wounds, and repent.)

So what are the benefits of this type of openly loving, godly relationship? This is where we find the joy of life. This is where we begin to understand that where two or three are gathered in God’s name, He there in the middle of it (Matt. 18:20).

In trustworthy, godly relationships, Jesus is able to minister through other people, bringing encouragement and counsel. We are able to be our real selves. We share our struggles with these trusted people and are able to feel the same comfort and understanding we get when we sit in the presence of God. This is how we begin to see that, in this setting and with these trusted people, we are the supernatural body of Christ. But if we hold back some of ourselves, we in turn hinder our ability to receive.

So who are you being real with? Who are you opening wide your heart to? Who do you allow to know your real self so that they may help you? Who’s your pastor?

Today, in the spirit of the holiday, be thankful for those you are sharing your life with. Invest some thanks and prayers for those who are caring for your soul in this way. By doing so you are allowing God to dwell even further in your relationship with them.

Lord, You have given us the ability to love wholeheartedly, because You first loved us this way. Thank You for this gift; teach us to take full advantage of it. Help us to continue to see that we must Love God with all we’ve got and love our neighbor as ourselves…

Jason Goodnight

Day 25 of 30: Get Real!

theinfatuation — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:30:06 +0000

Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine figs? Neither can a salt spring furnish fresh water. Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his [good] works with the [unobtrusive] humility [which is the proper attribute] of true wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth.

James 3:12-14 (Amplified Bible)

David and the other psalmists are great examples to us of authenticity in prayer. When David was troubled about his enemies, he didn’t hesitate to tell God about. When God seemed to be far off, David cried out and searched his heart looking for an answer. He was real with God.

When seeking to be in union with the Holy One in this same authentic way, we are confronted with the real us. This means that the kind of fruit we are bearing and the source of that fruit is completely exposed. You can’t hide the truth from God. He might be merciful enough not to make you deal with it, but that’s doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.

When approaching God to pray and be intimate, we are no longer able to simply hand Him a token prayer on a sheet of paper, kneel by our beds, and repeat the rhythmic chant; now we are confronted with the real us. There is no way around it. And truthfully, why would we want to step over the “us” part of this relationship? God is not only in pursuit of gaining glory for Himself, He wants us to partake in the joy of it.

This means that “if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth.” He will show you what is going on inside of you, because He wants you to help Him change it. This is how great His love is for you.

So today as your spending time with Him, ask Him what kind of sins of attitude are going on inside of you. Ask Him if pride is working in you. Ask Him if you’ve been embracing an attitude that is hindering Him from blessing you. Be brave with your intimate time with God. Tell Him you want to bear healthy fruit and you’re willing to do what it takes to be completely His.

Lord, I’ve been afraid to ask, but is there any unclean thing in me? (Wait for Him to show you.) Repent. Cherish His loving presence. Feel His strength and comfort…

Jason Goodnight

Day 24 of 30: God’s Justice

theinfatuation — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:43:58 +0000

David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals. When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The LORD’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God. Then David was angry because the LORD’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah. David was afraid of the LORD that day and said, “How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?” He was not willing to take the ark of the LORD to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and his entire household.

2 Samuel 6:5-11

This is truly a heartbreaking story. David danced as the ark was being brought home. Uzzah lifted up his hand to keep the ark from falling and BAM!—Uzzah was struck dead. Can you imagine the way the crowd must have reacted? Could you imagine this happening at church on Sunday?

The beautiful thing is that this instance screams of God’s justice. God has His ways and He’s going to stick to them. The first mistake that occurred was the ark was only to be carried by Levites, not by cattle. The second mistake was caused by the first: Uzzah reached up to the ark he should have never touched to keep the ark from falling, and he was struck dead.

We sing songs almost every Sunday about His grace and His mercy without reference to God’s justice. To a large extent we have the tendency to see God as some kind of cosmic entertainer telling us stories and singing us songs. Truth is, God still operates very justly within the parameters of His ways that are now interpreted through the ministry of Jesus.

Jesus’ sacrifice is the centerpiece of all history. Everything that ever was and everything that ever will be has been changed by the cross of the Christ. No longer are the people of God mandated to sacrifice a goat for an unintentional sin, and no longer are we stoned to death outside of the city for an intentional sin. Christ has paid the price and bought us with His blood.

According to many world religions, the way Jesus has revealed grace and mercy to us is too good to be true. They just can’t wrap their heads around it. How could God freely give us righteousness by accepting His sacrifice? This is the gospel. But this gospel does not make God soft. His character is still very much just. If we discredit His Son and trample on His grace, we can expect justice to be served. It’s God’s nature.

So, today, let’s revel in the Cross. Let’s think about all the punishment we had coming to us and rejoice at the way God has paid the price for us. Let’s enter into the Holy of Holies by the blood of God Himself and worship Him there. Don’t take Christ’s work for granted for there is no other way to the Father.

Lord, You have always been just, so much so that You laid Your own life down to uphold justice. Lord, forgive me for taking You for granted, for thinking that I could take Your sacrifice and act like a spoiled brat. Lord, help me have a balance of love and reverence for You. Teach me what it means to fear You, for I’m afraid that if I take You for granted now then there is no hope for me…

Jason Goodnight

Day 23 of 30: No Vacancy

theinfatuation — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:33:47 +0000

Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. Looking at his disciples, he said: ”Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.”

Luke 6:18-23

Jesus didn’t care about becoming popular. Everywhere He went He spoke with truth and power. So much so that many people were offended by how He called out their secret motives and rebuked them for the way their actions didn’t line up with their teachings. Jesus wasn’t playing around.

For all who were putting on a show, Jesus either angered them or they totally missed Him because of their lack of perspective. But for those who recognized their need, their whole lives were filled with joy and purpose.

Jesus came to fulfill, not to be an additive. That’s why it often takes a tragedy for some people to come to know Jesus. We have a tendency to have full agendas and full hearts. Most of us have had “no vacancy” signs hanging in the windows of our hearts. Blessed are the poor, blessed are the hungry, blessed are those who weep, blessed are those who are hated because of Christ. To everyone who hears these proclamations there is a tendency to squirm. They either cut and chaff or bring comfort. These statements coming from the Christ demand truth. They peal back the fabric of nonsense we call reality and speak to something much deeper… they speak to the poverty of our souls.

Today, I believe Christ is speaking these same statements over you to see how you will respond.

Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.

Will you be offended by His words? Or will you realize that you are poor, hungry, weepy, and hated? Will you embrace your neediness? Will you fess up to not having it together?

Jesus, You challenge everything that I know. But You do so with a loving authority that makes me question everything that I thought was right. Lord, I’m empty without You…

Jason Goodnight

Day 22 of 30: The Spirit Inside

theinfatuation — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:25:21 +0000

Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn’t pleased at being ignored.

Romans 8:5-8

The Spirit of God is a constant force in the believer, seeking to bring us peace by guiding us unto righteousness and unto God. That’s the good news. The bad news is that we spend a lot of our time resisting the Spirit of God.

When looking at the Spirit’s functions (as described in Romans 8), we are faced with the eerie fact that the Spirit of God is living in us. Take a moment to think about that. I believe this fact has become too tamed.

God is dwelling inside of you in the form of the Holy Spirit, helping to guide your every move. He is very gentle and unassuming, but He is not happy with being ignored.

In what ways have you taken the indwelling Spirit for granted? What has He been saying to you repeatedly?

Growth in Christ is learning to yield to the Spirit. Many contemplatives from the past speak of turning their attention inside. This is what we must master. We must learn to turn our attention to the Spirit of God, distinguishing Him from us.

What are you struggling with? Do you need guidance? Have you sat quietly and listened to what the Spirit of God is saying to you?

Lord, help me to trust You to guide my life. Forgive me for seeking guidance from everyone other than You. Show me how to listen to You…

Jason Goodnight

Day 21 of 30: The Awkwardness of Grace

theinfatuation — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:29:12 +0000

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

John 13:6-8

Jesus had to wash Peter’s feet or Peter would have to part of Jesus. Peter didn’t like this; he couldn’t understand it. Peter had to sit down on his butt and receive a foot-washing from Christ. This almost caused Peter to blow a gasket.

This is the Gospel.

Many of us live in a state of faith where we are always earning our fair share. We reap what we sow; we just want what’s coming to us. But Christ says, “I must wash your feet. I must lay down My life for you. I must make a way for you to be with Me. You just sit right there while I take care of you.” Grace is unearned favor. Grace is hard for us to understand. Grace is the currency of heaven.

So why do we work so hard to discredit grace? Maybe because it’s disarming? To be taken care of takes humility and trust.

Just for a moment, imagine Jesus (the King of the Universe) putting on a robe and drawing up some water. He sets the water basin near your feet and with love gushing from His eyes, He looks up at you from His knees as He begins wash your feet. He weeps profusely as He cares for you, speaking with love and gentleness. Your heart is torn as He loves you from such a place of selflessness.

Could you take it? Could you just let Him do that?

Look upon the landscape of your life today and search for grace. Look for the ways God is washing your feet and all you can do is grin and bear it. Also look at the ways where you may be missing grace. Ask yourself if this is the way your walk with Jesus is defined. It seems for most of us the initial saving grace is an overwhelming transaction where we accept His unmerited favor, but then we spend months, years, and even decades running from the discomfort of grace.

No matter where you end up after today’s reflection, there is reason to rejoice. Let yourself realize that it was Him that did all the hard work. Sit back for a moment and reflect on His goodness towards you. Realize that your devotional time does not earn God’s favor. Your good deeds are not getting you cool points with Jesus. He did it all on the cross, and we just have to put up with it.

Lord, You are hard to handle. You are better to me than I could ever deserve…

Jason Goodnight