What does it mean to follow Jesus? A family devotional.

I can not believe I’m doing this, but (because apparently I am going to do this) we are now recording our family devotionals, unedited and completely uncut! First, my hope is that you will use these as a stepping stone to having your own family devotionals.  Second, that you will experience all the raw, dysfunction of our own family and not feel so bad about your own (this was sarcasm for those of you who do not know me). Read more

The family who is ONE

More than anything, Jesus wanted his disciples to be one - united.  He has this same dream for the rest of us as well.  The cool thing is…when we are one we reflect Jesus through our relationships so the world will know that we follow Him.

The greatest example a family can be for those around them is one.  When a family loves each other, serves each other, cares for each other’s needs the rest of the world will take notice.  

John 17:20-24 (NLT)

20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

 22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

If you want to know how to be one as a family, look no further than Jesus’ 8 Beatitudes:

Matthew 5:3-10 (NLT)

3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble,  for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,  for they will be satisfied.  7 God blesses those who are merciful,  for they will be shown mercy.  8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

When you take on the kind of personality described in Matthew 5 it makes it easier for you to become one as a family.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Why do we want to be one as a family?
2. What is a ‘beatitude’?
3. How can we apply this as a family to our neighbors?

Don’t worry - be happy by praying and focusing on God

Who do we turn to in times of trouble? I know for me I used to turn to the person I experienced on a physical level, whether that be my parents, brother, sister, or friend. When we are stressed out it is easy to turn to people or things of this world for comfort and guidance. But Paul is pushing us to a much better, and in fact, much healthier response when we are stressed out.

Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”

Paul is encouraging us to run to God, let God know what is going on with our lives. When we pray, we reach out our hands to the Almighty in trust and reverence. The best part of us reaching out is that God takes our hand and comforts us - and he does it far better than anyone on this earth could ever do.

When our eyes are fixed on God it just becomes easier, and fellowship with Him gives us the wisdom and certainty to know how to move forward in a way that is pleasing to God, others, and even ourselves.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. How do you pray?
2. What do I do if God doesn’t answer my prayer right away?

Red Letters: Jesus - Liar, lunatic, or Lord? (Week 1)

In this first message in my six week series about the greatest words ever spoken (the words of Christ) we explored the massive question of whether Christ was a liar, lunatic, or Lord? The issue is important because there is no middle ground. Listen to the sermon here.

Red Letters: The greatest words ever spoken about your life, your relationships, and your future!

I couldn’t be more excited about my next sermon series! It is all Jesus, all the time.  One of my dear friends, Steve Scott, has written a book that is coming out in the Fall of 2008 titled “The Greatest Words Ever Spoken”.  He is the first person to categorize everything Jesus was ever recorded saying.  His book is over 500 pages and it’s literally an Encyclopedia of knowledge about what Jesus said on over 200 topics!

My sermon series will go something like this:

1. Jesus: Liar, Lunatic, or Lord?
2. Personnel Jesus: What Jesus can do for you today.
3. Counter Culture Christ
4. Jesus CEO
5. Are you someone Jesus despised?
6. Evolution: What Jesus said about your future.

If you haven’t checked out Parkway Church, then please come say hi in Victoria, Texas.

Transformation through taking care of yourself (week 5)

Is self-care selfish? Learn what Jesus said when he was asked, “What’s the most important commandment?” Listen to Michael Smalley’s fresh look at how to love yourself so you can better love others.

Transformation through the spiritual acts of silence and solitude (Week 2)

Learn the ancient art of silence and solitude and watch how you can transform your life by getting away and letting go. Listen here.

Transformation through community - God created lonliness then He solved it (Week 1)

Transform your life through building a community of support and encouragement. Listen to Michael Smalley’s understanding of community and how to develop it in your life.