Upper Loft Meditation - 2 Timothy

July 22, 2008

“Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” - 2 Timothy 3:17 (MSG)

As a pastor and spiritual leader, Timothy was experiencing immense amounts of pressure from others around him to change his teaching and to lead the church in a different direction.  Paul writes to Timothy to encourage him to remain faithful and on message during this time of trouble.  Many leaders today need this encourgament as they are facing constant pressure from those in their flock, fellow leaders, neighboring communicities to “conform” and change to the culture around them.

It is at this time that Paul points out that one of the primary reasons for Scripture is not a source of information or something just to be read, but as a source of insight.  Paul describes Scripture as being “useful”, because it is about enabling people to believe properly and to behave appropriately.  Not simply in a moral sense, but in terms of knowing how to deal with the problems which are part of the human condition, dealing with unjust accusations and cruelty, and coping with powerlessness and abuse in a Christ-like way.

Whether or not the Scriptures shape us for “all kinds of good deeds” (CEV) is the real test of whether we are reading the Bible properly.  In the midst of changing cultural tides, the Scripture should be a “useful” and personal shaping tool so that we might remain faithful and on message.

Consider how you read the Bible.  Would you be able to say that Scripture is shaping you?  Is it leading to “personal transformation” in your life?

Palabras de Aliento - Marcos 15

July 19, 2008

“A uno que pasaba por allí de vuelta del campo, un tal Simón de Cirene, padre de Alejandro y de Rufo, lo obligaron a llevar la cruz.” – Marcos 15:21

Un hombre que iba pasando la multitud fue repentinamente empujado al centro de la escena del drama de redención. ¿Pueden imaginarse la conmoción y pena que Simón de Cirene debe haber experimentado? Aquí estaba un judío orgulloso enredado en el feo acontecimiento de una crucificción – algo reservado para criminales y esclavos. Lo “forzaron” al servicio.

Simón iba pasando, él estaba en sus propios asuntos, y su viaje fue interrumpido por circunstancias que él no escogió. El tenía otras preocupaciones sobre él. Algunos de nuestros fracasos y decepciones son resultado de nuestra cosecha egoísta, decisiones poco sabias o juicios apresurados. Otras veces quedamos atrapados en las consecuencias del pecado de otros. Simón tipifica el sufrimiento de gente buena en todos los tiempos. Su experiencia ilustra el amplio círculo de influencia que decisiones individuales tienen sobre otros.

La experiencia de Simón nos asegura la preocupación especial de Dios por aquéllos que llevan cargas que no escogieron. “Vengan a mí todos ustedes que están cansados y agobiados, y yo les daré descanso.” (Mateo 11:28)

Tú puedes ir pasando este día – sólo una persona en la multitud. Tal vez tienes una cruz de oro que cuelga alrededor de tu cuello. ¿Qué significa eso para ti? ¿Has alzado tu cruz? El camino de la cruz guía al perdón, vida abundante y la derrota de la muerte. Simon de Cirene, un hombre que iba pasando a través de la multitud, encontró esta sorprendente esperanza en la cruz. ¡Todos podemos!

Upper Loft Meditation - Mark 15

July 15, 2008

“Simon…was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.” - Mark 15:21

A man passing through the crowd was suddenly thrust to center stage of the drama of redemption. Can you imagine the shock and shame that Simon of Cyrene must have experienced? Here was a proud Jew entangled in the ugly proceedings of a crucifixion - something reserved for criminals and slaves. They “forced” him into service.

Simon was “passing by”, he was going about his business, and his journey was interrupted by circumstances not of his own choosing. He had another’s burden thrust on him. Some of our failures and disappointments come as a result of our own selfish sowing, unwise decisions, or hasty judgement. At other times we are caught in the consequences of another’s sin. Simon typifies the suffering of good people throughout all time. His experience illustrates the widening circle of influence that individual decisions have on others.

Simon’s experience is an assurance of God’s special concern for those who have to bear burdens they did not choose. “Come to me, you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)

You may be passing by today - just a person in the crowd. Maybe you have a jeweled cross that hangs around your neck. What does that mean to you? Have you taken up the cross? The way of the cross leads to forgiveness, abundant life, and the defeat of death. Simon of Cyrene, a man passing through the crowd, found this amazing hope in the cross. We all can!

Palabras de Aliento - Hebreos 12

July 11, 2008

“Por tanto, también nosotros, que estamos rodeados de una multitud tan grande de testigos, despojémonos del lastre que nos estorba, en especial del pecado que nos asedia, y corramos con perseverancia la carrera que tenemos por delante.” - Hebreos 12:1

Era solamente un pequeño insecto, pero su presencia en su hombro causó una reacción nuclear.  El nivel de decibelios, el saltar de arriba a abajo con una rapidez que intensificaba, todo esto era una reacción para hacer que la separaran inmediatamente del pequeño insecto lo más lejos posible. Todos los demás asuntos, cuidados, conversaciones fueron dejados de lado. Sólo una cosa importaba, que le quitaran el insecto.

Nuestro viaje de fe es representado aquí como una carrera. Al correr una competencia tan larga es muy fácil sentirse casual, cómodo y satisfecho. Nos podemos volver turistas espirituales enfocados en las experiencias del momento, las atracciónes del camino y olvidar así que estamos en una competencia con una línea final gloriosa por delante.

Hay tres pensamientos en esta frase que ayudarán a enfocarnos en esta carrera.

1. Todos cargamos lastres en este viaje. Estos obstáculos deben ser identificados y puestos fuera del camino. Un corredor olímpico quita todo excepto lo más escencial para correr la carrera.
2. Estos obstáculos que cargas contigo pueden ser cosas buenas. La opción entonces es entre lo que es bueno y lo que es mejor. ¿Qué es lo que más me ayudará en la carrera y qué es lo que me hará ir más lento? Ningún corredor de una maratón lleva una mochila con 20 de sus CDs favoritos, un gran sandwich, ½ galón de bebida energizante, y el periódico matutino para el tiempo de descanso. El no está en una carrera  ¡El está de turista!
3. Si estás muy ocupado para estudiar la Biblia, orar o servir para bendecir a otros, entonces tu ocupación es un estorbo.

La meta es correr libre por la gracia de Dios para bendecir a otros, proclamar su bondad y gozarlo para siemptre.

Upper Loft Meditation - Hebrews 12:1

July 8, 2008

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” - Hebrews 12:1

It was only a small bug, but its presence on her shoulder caused a nuclear reaction.  The decibel level, the jumping up and down with escalating speed, all this was a reaction calling for immediate removal of the small bug as far away as possible.  All other issues, cares, conversations were set aside.  Only one thing mattered - bug removal.

Our journey of faith is portrayed here as a race.  In running such a long race it is easy to become casual, comfortable, and contented.  We can become spiritual tourists focusing on the experiences of the moment, the roadside attractions, and forget we are in a race with a glorious finish line ahead.

There are three thoughts in this phrase that will help us focus in this race.

1. We all carry encumbrances with us on the journey.  These hindrances are to be identified and put out of the way.  An Olympic runner removes everything but the bare essentials to run the race.
2. These obstacles you carry with you may be good things.  The choice then is between what is better or what is the best.  What will most help me in the race and what slows me down?  No marathon runner carries a backpack with 20 of his favorite CDs, a large sandwich, 1/2 gallon of power drink, and the morning paper for his break time.  He is not in a race.  He is sightseeing!
3. If you are too busy for Bible study, prayer, or serving to bless others, than your business is an encumbrance.

The goal is to run free by the grace of God to bless others, to proclaim His goodness and to enjoy Him forever.