Acts 5:1-11

My son respects me. At times I would say that he fears me. I think that's healthy. Not like a frightened to death kind of thing, but more like a "I better listen or I'll get a spanking" fear.
The problem is sometimes he forgets that I'm daddy. It's easy for him to remember the fun parts about daddy, that we wrestle, watch movies, go on walks, fix stuff, etc. And it's easy for him to forget the not so fun parts about daddy, mainly the discipline. So when he whines about not wanting to do something, I'll tell him that he needs to do it right now or he'll get a spanking. Then normally he'll start to do it slowly, or refuse to do it, until I get up. Then he becomes immediately compliant. He's remorseful. He's fully in line with what I want because he doesn't want a spanking.
But he forgets about that sometimes and needs to occasionally be reminded that although we can be a lot of fun, he still needs to fear me.
The same applies to our relationship with God. When things are fun and easy, we forget that God is God. Things are going great, so maybe we slip up on our favorite sin. Or maybe we don't honor God with our money. That's when it's good for God to remind us that He is God, and that we should fear Him.

Matthew 27:54

Sometimes I refuse to believe things. Because it's easier. Or safer. Or more comfortable. But that doesn't make it true. I love the reactions of the roman soldiers here when they finally realize that Jesus was God. It reminds me of my own reaction. I can remember sitting on a couch at Missouri Baptist College and realizing that Jesus really was the Son of God. Realizations like that change your world. It's awesome. JM

Matthew 23:34-39

It's pretty bad when God writes you off as a lost cause. I mean, God is kind of one of those hope springs eternal kind of guys. He always hopes for the best. You could punch him in the face 99 times and he still wouldn't flinch on the hundredth because he thinks just maybe you'll learn.
But man, when God is done with you, he's pretty much done. He'll make sure you know that you lost something special.
This is one of the great mysteries of God to me. How he can be that trusting. I'm one of the most untrusting people in the world. I'd rather punch you and run if there's a chance in my mind that you might try to hurt me. I think we could all stand to be more trusting. To seek out the good in people. To help them realize their potential. JM

Sometimes

Sometimes I wish I were part of something great. Not that I'm not, but I'm definitely not part of something where the only explanation is God. Tony Morgan posted today about Living Hope Church. Their growth is incredible, but look at the baptisms: over 2,000 in 2 years. We do about 30 per year. They are also hoping to baptize 1,000 people this Easter. Wouldn't that be incredible to be a part of that? JM