Pastor Mike's Devotional Blog

Title: Locked Out! / Topic: The Key To Knowledge

2012-01-11T10:21:00.001-08:00

Today’s Reading: Genesis 27, 28; Psalm 4; Luke 11

Scripture: Luke 11:52 “Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.”

Observation: Jesus is ticked! And what Jesus says here is so interesting because he mentions a "key to knowledge" and tells the teachers that they have taken it away and "hindered those who were entering." I'm not sure just what the "key to knowledge" is but it fascinates me to think that there is such a key and that leaders can do things to make it (and God) inaccessible to people.

Application: I take that to imply that leaders also have the capability to do things to make the key to knowledge more accessible to people. So that makes me ponder, "What kinds of things make this key more accessible and encourage people to enter in?"

In other words, what can I do as a leader to make it easier for people to have access to truth and access to God? Here is a list of things that come to mind: 1) providing clarity in the delivery of the message, 2) using words easy to grasp, 3) removing distractions in the delivery of the message, 4) making the word relevant to the people, 5) the teacher must have character that lines up with the message, 6) telling the truth, 7) respecting people. So these are some that come to me right now. This seems like a "John the Baptist calling": prepare the way for the Lord, make a level path by making the high places lower, the low places higher, and the crooked places straighter. Then get out of the way and let the Lord come through.

(The reverse is also true. If I don't do these things, and, in fact, do the opposite, I am working against God and people can be locked out as a result.)

Prayer: Father, help me to be a man who opens doors for people to be able to have easy access to truth and to you. May my live and message be that which makes the key to knowledge available to all who desire to unlock the door that leads to you.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: If You Do What Is Right / Topic: The Victim

2012-01-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

Today’s Reading: Genesis 3, 4, 5; Luke 2

Scripture: Genesis 4:4-7

The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.”

Observation: We are not told why God accepted Abel's offering but rejected Cain's. Some Bible teachers and theologians have come up with ideas about Abel raising animals which was more dependent upon God than Cain's working the garden. But that never made any sense to me, both of these occupations are dependent upon God. The farmer can't make the plants sprout any more than the rancher can make the animals reproduce. These things happen because God created animals and plants to do what they do. I think it must have been that Abel brought the good stuff and Cain brought some not-so-good stuff. (There is a lot of produce that is not-so-good.) But whatever it was, Cain knew exactly what to do. God speaks to him and warns him about his anger and lousy attitude: "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?" He tells him: "Shape up. Do what you know is right. And the rejection will be gone." But of course, Cain doesn't do what is right. He is ticked, but not with himself or his failure to do the right thing. No, he is angry at his brother Abel, who did the right thing. And Cain says Abel is the selfish 1% and Cain is going to Occupy Abel. And rather than fix his own problem, Cain kills his brother.

Application: Even a direct warning from God himself cannot change the mind of a person determined to play the victim. Lord help us.

Prayer: Lord help us.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: God Shows Up / Topic: Mind-Numbed Religion

2012-01-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

Today’s Reading: Genesis 1, 2; Luke 1

Scripture: Luke 1:21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple.

Observation: The worshipers at the Temple were expecting Zechariah to come out quickly and were surprised when he did not.

Application: It seems that they had, in those days, reduced the priestly intercession in the Holy of Holies to a brief affair. Perhaps just mumbling a few ritualized words memorized over the centuries by hundreds of priests who each took their turn, one by one, in that sacred place. Just going through the motions. Mind-numbed religion. No one expected anything to happen. No one thought that God would actually show up and do business. Surprise!

I think this is not unlike us today. We "do church" pretty much the same way week after week. We show up and put in our time and go home. What if God actually made an appearance and had something to say? I suspect that some folks might be mad that the service didn't end on time.

Prayer: Lord, please surprise us and show up. And may we be expecting you and ready for you.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Hallelujah! / Topic: The Curse

2011-12-31T09:43:00.000-08:00

Today’s Reading: Revelation 19, 20, 21, 22

Scripture: Revelation 22:3 No longer will there be any curse.

Observation: This short phrase announces a truly wonderful blessing: The curse is lifted!

Application: Think of all the negatives on this planet since the dawn of time. They are all the result of the curse. Now think of life without the curse. The curse meant pain, hard labor, a creation resistant to fruitfulness, and a break in the relationship between male and female, and death. (See Gen. 3:14-19)

The thought of a world free of the bondage of sin and the constraints of the curse is a dream that I can't wait to experience!

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the coming age in which you reign supreme and sin and the curse are banished from the earth. This last day of 2011 concludes a year that moves us one step closer to your return and this great fulfillment. Hallelujah!

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: No Easy Victory / Topic: Christian Suffering

2011-12-29T08:56:00.000-08:00

Today’s Reading: Revelation 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Scripture: Revelation 13:1-10 (excerpts)

... And I saw a beast... The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority... He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation...

He who has an ear, let him hear.

If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go.

If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed.

This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.

Observation: These words from John's Revelation writings are ominous and, like so much of the Revelation, shrouded in mystery. While I have long taught that Revelation's basic message is "God Wins!", these verses clearly show that it will be no quick and easy victory. There is war -- suffering -- death. And not just for the enemies of God. We see that the saints, God's faithful and chosen ones, have to suffer mightily at the hands of the beast. In fact, the text tells us that the beast is "given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them." (vs. 7) Apparently, God's plan requires a season of defeat for the people of the Kingdom of God!

Application: We often hear teachings and testimonies of victory and deliverance. I like to hear them. We want to be encouraged with ideas that God will intervene and we will be rescued from the battle. But the truth is that often, we as God's people must go through seasons of battle and even defeat. Yes: in the end, God wins. But let us remember and hold on to the words of John: "this calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints."

Prayer: Dear Father, May I be found faithful in my days of battle and my seasons of defeat. May I find strength in the constancy of you regardless of the fickle circumstances of my life. I am so glad to be in your strong and loving hands.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: It's One or the Other / Topic: Single-mindedness

2011-11-05T10:06:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Job 28, 29; Galatians 1, 2

Scripture: Galatians 2:10

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Observation: Paul is writing to confront the Galatians because they have veered away from the faith that Paul had delivered to them. They have been led onto a wrong path by false teachers and Paul is trying to persuade them to get back.

In verse 10, Paul makes a statement in his own defense that caught my heart. He points out a dichotomy: you can please people or you can please God -- it's one or the other. And he makes a strong definitive declaration. "If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Serving Christ and trying to please people are mutually exclusive.

Application: This is something I personally have to contend with on a regular basis. Likely rooted in my own insecurities is my hunger to be considered important in the eyes of others. Paul says this is inconsistent with being a servant of Christ. Here's what I believe on the subject: If you please God, it doesn't matter who you displease and if you displease God, it doesn't matter who you please.

Prayer: Lord I want to be single-minded in my pursuit of pleasing and serving you and you alone. Help me to find my security in your approval. I am your servant.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Get It Over With / Topic: Jesus' Thinking

2011-11-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Psalm 121; Mark 9, 10

Scripture: Mark 9:25-27

When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

Observation: Jesus is confronted by a father of a boy who is possessed by a demon. The boy is rolling on the ground, foaming at the mouth, in a demon induced convulsion. Jesus stops his conversation with the father. Notice the language: "When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit." Jesus took fast action to get rid of the demon because there was a crowd gathering to see what was going on. He wanted to get it over with before the crowd arrived. Most of us would wait, welcome the crowd, and milk it for extra effect (and a big offering): "OK, everybody stand back and witness the awesome power of God!"

Jesus doesn't seem to be interested in crowds. For example, after feeding the 5,000, he puts his disciples on a boat and disperses the crowd. Here, he intentionally does a quick deliverance to avoid a show, then gets alone with his disciples.

Application: In all of today's reading in Mark, what struck me was how Jesus' thinking and approach was so totally different from the disciples. They don't listen, they don't get it, they don't understand, they want the wrong things, etc. They are really clueless. This gives me hope. If Jesus can work with those 12 guys, just maybe he can work with me too. I hope so. I just want to think and be more like Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, that's my prayer. To think and be like you more and more.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Convenient Lies / Topic: Christian Mythology

2011-10-29T16:23:00.001-07:00

Today’s Reading: Job 20; Mark 3, 4

Scripture: Job 20:4-5

“Surely you know how it has been from of old,

ever since man was placed on the earth,

that the mirth of the wicked is brief,

the joy of the godless lasts but a moment."

Observation: Zophar, along with Job's other "friends" in his suffering is incensed at Job's insistence on innocence. All are convinced that Job is suffering because of his own misdeeds (although they have not been able to give a single concrete example of one).

Here, Zophar repeats the accepted religious mythology: "the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment." And, he couches it in language designed to present this as a well-established truth that no reasonable person could disagree with.

Application: The only problem with the "truth" that Zophar confidently asserts is that it is false. Other than that, it is great advice! The real truth is this: wicked, godless people often enjoy lives that evidence obvious power, pleasure, fame, and fortune. They can have wealth and ease throughout their lives. So is that "brief" or "but a moment?" Maybe in geological terms, but in terms that a suffering person relates to, no. So Zophar's assertion is not only untrue, but, compounds the ugly accusations of those who are supposed to be his comforters.

Christians have a number of convenient lies that we hold to and repeat with confidence but that are not true.

(Example: I have heard this advice given: "Don't say 'I'd never go to Africa because once you say that, God will send you there.'")

We need to look to the word of God for our information and hold tightly to the truths we find there. We can offer those as reliable truth in our counsel to others. Everything else we need to give as suggestions or opinions.

Prayer: Lord, make me a faithful teller of truth. Show me the convenient lies that I have accepted unaware. Help me to give the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Get Specific / Topic: Becoming Better Communicators

2011-10-20T11:08:00.001-07:00

Today’s Reading: Job 6, 7, 8; Acts 12

Scripture: Job 6:24-25
“Teach me, and I will be quiet;
show me where I have been wrong.
How painful are honest words!
But what do your arguments prove?"

Observation: (This post continues the theme of the previous day's post.) Job is reacting to Eliphaz words in the previous two chapters. Eliphaz's theme was the idea that good people get rewarded by God while bad people get punished. So Job and his children must have done something bad or all this bad stuff would not have happened.

This ticks off Job. He tells Eliphaz that the general nature of his points is worthless. He wants Eliphaz to get specific. Give concrete examples: "show me where I have been wrong."

And Job commits himself to being teachable, if -- and this is an important if -- Eliphaz can give him those specific places where Job has been wrong. "Teach me and I will be quiet."

But as the discussions continue, the specific examples Job is requesting are nowhere to be found, but platitudes about.

Application: It is easy to spout platitudes and generalities. While most of these commonly believed sayings have some truth at the root of them, they have plenty of exceptions, and some are even flat-out wrong. When giving criticism or correction, it is important to give actual examples. This provides a handle for the person to know what it is that you are talking about and what to do to improve.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for faithfully recording these events so we can learn how to better communicate your truth to those needing guidance. Help your people to become great communicators and comforters.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Eliphaz Has Spoken / Topic: Condescending Comforter

2011-10-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10, 11

Scripture: Job 5:27

“We have examined this, and it is true.

So hear it and apply it to yourself.”

Observation: This is the conclusion of remarks made to Job by Eliphaz, one of the friends that came over to comfort Job. What strikes me here is the absolute surety that is expressed in all of what Eliphaz says as clearly reflected in these words: "We have examined this, and it is true." Case closed, end of story. Eliphaz has spoken. And, as if this is not audacious enough, he concludes with: "So hear it and apply it to yourself." Not only is what Eliphaz has said fully and incontrovertibly true, it is the exact prescription for what is wrong with Job. "Job, just take the prescription and that will fix you." It's quite arrogant and condescending, if you ask me.

Application: It seems to me that many Christians today are like Eliphaz, tending to have quick, sure answers to those who are hurting around them. But, like Eliphaz, many supposed answers are not real answers at all, but are clichés and formulas that can be hurtful or offensive and often miss the issue entirely. Job's friends started well by simply being with him in his misery. But once the advice started flowing, they stopped listening and slipped into counselor mode, giving Job their pat answers and really bringing more grief into his situation. This was the last thing Job needed.

I think we need two things in this regard, greater humility concerning the things of the invisible realm, and to become better listeners.

Prayer: Lord, keep me from becoming a condescending comforter to those who are hurting and need your help. May I be quick to hear and slow to speak. And help me to recognize that I "see through a glass darkly" concerning the things of your realm so that I don't assert my opinion ignorantly as if it is fact.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Guard the Gates / Topic: The Sabbath

2011-10-15T11:03:00.001-07:00

Today’s Reading: Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1, 2; Acts 4

Scripture: Nehemiah 13:19-22

When evening shadows fell on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I ordered the doors to be shut and not opened until the Sabbath was over. I stationed some of my own men at the gates so that no load could be brought in on the Sabbath day. Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem. But I warned them and said, “Why do you spend the night by the wall? If you do this again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time on they no longer came on the Sabbath. Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy.

Observation: Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem to find gross violations of God's law. Neglect and corruption are everywhere. The tithes are being embezzled, the Levites have left their posts, an enemy of the Jews has a rented room in the temple, and the Sabbath is ignored.

So Nehemiah takes action. Here he enforces the Sabbath by ordering that the gates of Jerusalem be shut tight and guarded for the entire Sabbath (from sundown to sundown). The merchants and traders who regularly did business on the Sabbath showed up and camped out, but they were not allowed in. Eventually, they gave up and stopped coming on the Sabbath.

Application: The Sabbath principle is this: There is a part of our time that belongs to God. It is his and not ours. (This is similar to the tithe principle, which has to do with our income.) This story clearly demonstrates that there are plenty of people and activities that will try to steal God's time. And if we aren't paying attention, they will be successful. It takes real determination and effort to reserve God's time for God. This is especially true today with 24 hour TV networks, ever-present Internet on WiFi, smart phones, iPods, and the multiplication of entertainment and amusement opportunities.

We have to shut some gates, post some guards, and monitor those points of entry so that those intruders cannot get in and steal from us what is not ours to give.

Bottom line: Give God his time. It takes force to set it apart and guard it. Get alone with God. Give him at least one day out of seven. (Sabbath means seventh.)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father,

Forgive me for my neglect of time with you. And I confess that this will be a struggle for me, as I am an easily distracted man. Help me to find the will and the ways to guard your time in my life. I want to know you more and more. May I live these words that I claim to believe.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Currency of the Kingdom / Topic: True Riches

2011-10-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Nehemiah 11, 12; Psalm 1; Acts 3

Scripture: Acts 3:6-8

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I 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. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Observation: Peter and John encounter a crippled beggar at the gate of the Temple. They make eye contact and the beggar is hopeful that they will put some money in his jar. (Most people avert their eyes from beggars.) But Peter doesn't give him money. In fact he says he doesn't have any. But then, these words: "but what I have I give you..." are prelude to the miraculous. "In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, rise up and walk." And the man is helped to his feet and he can walk and even jump around! Peter didn't have money, but he had the currency of the Kingdom.

Application: Unfortunately, most of our American churches cannot say what Peter said. We would have to say, "Silver and gold we have, (some much and many a little) and that is all we can give." Today, the crippled, the blind, the deaf, the demon possessed, we can only help with money. We sponsor a program or provide an outreach. But precious few are dramatically healed by the name of Jesus.

Money has become a crutch that has crippled the church. With prosperity and acceptance, we have drifted steadily away from the miraculous. But if all we offer is social programs without the power of God, have we not just become another social services provider?

Somehow we need to get back to the true riches of the power of God and forsake the religious urge to do good with our own resources.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father,

Give us your power. We have lost so much. We say we believe in your power but we don't walk in it. Help your church repent and to come back to functioning in the power of your Holy Spirit. We would see the name of Jesus elevated, not by clever words, but by the demonstration of the power of God in our broken world. Help us, dear Lord.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Do You Tremble? / Topic: The Fear of the Lord

2011-10-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Ezra 9, 10; Psalm 131; Luke 21

Scripture: Ezra 9:3-4

When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled. Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of this unfaithfulness of the exiles. And I sat there appalled until the evening sacrifice.

Observation: Ezra has just been informed that many of the Israelites have intermarried with the nations around them. And Ezra is appalled. He tears his clothing and pulls out hair from his head and beard -- a sign of his deep distress. And there are people that join him in his sorrowful travail. They are described as "everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel." That means that also among God's chosen people there were those who did not take God seriously. Apparently, many were casual and nonchalant about God and what it meant to be a God follower. And those casual Israelites did not understand what Ezra was making such a fuss about. Why make a big deal over who marries whom? Doesn't God love everybody anyway? And what's with this trembling at the words of God? That seems pretty extreme.

Application: Today we Christians have a "personal relationship with God." God is our friend. God is gracious and kind. He gives us 12 steps to freedom, happiness, prosperity, fulfillment, family harmony, church growth, etc. Just raise your hand and accept Jesus as your personal Savior and you are set for eternity. There are not too many people who tremble and the words of God. We take our assurance of relationship with God as a done deal. But is our casual approach to God right?

After all, the word does tell us that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" and that there is a "wide road that leads to destruction and a narrow road that leads to life and few find it" and that we are to "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling" in order to "somehow, attain to the resurrection from the dead." In Luke 21:36 (today's reading) Jesus admonishes us to pray that we "may be able to stand before the Son of man." This doesn't sound like I should glibly count on this being a done deal to me.

Our modern casual approach to God is based on partial truth. We need the rest of the story: God has expectations and makes demands of those who would follow him. And we ignore these things at great peril. When was the last time that the words of God caused me to tremble? How about you?

Prayer: Lord, have mercy on me a sinner. Enable and strengthen me in my inner being to love you and pursue you with all of my heart and mind and strength. Help me to be able to stand before you on that day.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Ears To Hear? / Topic: Listening For Today

2011-10-01T15:39:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Zechariah 10, 11, 12; Psalm 126; Luke 14

Scripture: Luke 14:35 ..."He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Observation: Jesus is speaking to the crowds with instruction peppered with parables. The topic is the cost of following Jesus. He says that to follow him will cost a person everything, even his family! And Jesus uses parables to encourage us to count the cost in advance. He likens following him to building a tower and to going to war, both intensive undertakings. He sums up in verse 33: "In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." Then, using salt as a picture of the true disciple he says this: "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out." I don't know of any way for salt to lose it saltiness except to be polluted or thinned by having other stuff mixed in. Lastly he gives the words which are the subject of today's post: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Application: As a person who has read through the Bible scores of times, I often come across familiar passages and say to myself, "yeah, yeah, I know what that means..." and the like. I can actually tune out because I have heard it all before. And I found myself doing this today, as I read Luke 14. "Yeah, yeah, hate your family, build a tower, go to war, be salt, zzzz..." Then I got a jolt: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." I realized that I don't have ears to hear. I had tuned it out. So I want to say,

Prayer: Lord, give me ears to hear -- ears that are wide open to always hear whatever you are saying to me today -- ears that never assume that I know what a passage means simply because I have read it before. It is so good to know you always have something fresh for me each day. Give us this day our daily bread.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Let The Children Play / Topic: God Shows Up

2011-09-30T21:59:00.001-07:00

Today’s Reading: Zechariah 7; Zechariah 8; Zechariah 9; Luke 13

Scripture: Zechariah 8:3-5

This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”

This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with cane in hand because of his age. The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.”

Observation: These words of the prophet speak of a future time of God's blessing upon Jerusalem. The Lord promises to return and dwell in Jerusalem. I love how the effect of God's physical presence in the city is described: safe streets. Men and women of "ripe old age" [you gotta love that phrase!] sit in the streets which are also "filled with boys and girls playing there."

Application: You don't see safe streets in most places in today's world. We have mean streets. Old people, particularly women, are not safe in our mean streets. And most parents wouldn't think of allowing their kids to be out in the streets playing. We can't let our kids out of our sight. But when God shows up, everything changes. God's presence results in people simply being able to live in a safe and fun place. The old folks hang out in the streets. Boys and girls at play fill the streets. I can't wait for the Lord to show up in Jerusalem. Let the children play.

Prayer: Lord, you are so amazing. You are holy and awesome and almighty and powerful. And yet when your presence comes into the realm of humans, it's recess for the kids! That's fantastic. Help me to be a person who walks in your power in the way that old folks and children feel free and at ease to just enjoy life.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Main Event / Topic: Focus

2011-09-27T11:24:00.001-07:00

Today’s Reading: Haggai 1; Haggai 2; Psalm 129; Luke 10

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Observation: Martha is busy and distracted with so many things: "all the preparations that had to be made." Mary prepared herself for the main event: sitting "at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said."

Application: "Only one thing is needed." That is what Jesus said. We need to remember these words of Jesus and the example of Mary. Stay focused on the main event. It is Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Father,

Thank you for this little story that always brings me back to my Savior's feet. Help me to stay put in that place.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Those Pernicious Jews / Topic: Israel Under Attack

2011-09-26T12:17:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Ezra 4; Psalm 113; Psalm 127; Luke 9

Scripture: Ezra 4:12-16

The king should know that the Jews who came up to us from you have gone to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring the walls and repairing the foundations. Furthermore, the king should know that if this city is built and its walls are restored, no more taxes, tribute or duty will be paid, and the royal revenues will suffer. Now since we are under obligation to the palace and it is not proper for us to see the king dishonored, we are sending this message to inform the king, so that a search may be made in the archives of your predecessors. In these records you will find that this city is a rebellious city, troublesome to kings and provinces, a place of rebellion from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. We inform the king that if this city is built and its walls are restored, you will be left with nothing in Trans-Euphrates.

Observation: A remnant of Jewish exiles have been allowed to return to Jerusalem. Their neighbors stand in strong opposition to any thought of the repatriation of the Jews in their homeland, or the reestablishment of the Jewish capital. Leaders of the anti-Jewish forces deliver a defamatory and accusatory letter to the emperor, an excerpt of which is the scripture above. The result was that the Jews were compelled by force to stop the rebuilding of the city.

Application: History is repeating itself. Just this past Friday, the President of the Palestinian Authority spoke before the UN General Assembly to ask for a permanent state of Palestine, with Jerusalem as its capital. Much of his speech was an attack on the nation of Israel:

"...the occupying Power [Israel] continues to impose its blockade on the Gaza Strip and to target Palestinian civilians by assassinations, air strikes and artillery shelling, persisting with its war of aggression of three years ago on Gaza, which resulted in massive destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and mosques, and the thousands of martyrs and wounded. The occupying Power also continues its incursions in areas of the Palestinian National Authority through raids, arrests and killings at the checkpoints. In recent years, the criminal actions of armed settler militias, who enjoy the special protection of the occupation army, has intensified with the perpetration of frequent attacks against our people, targeting their homes, schools, universities, mosques, fields, crops and trees."

These Jews sound really, really bad! (This strikes me in a similar way as the letter from Ezra 4. Hmmm...)

Also on Friday, the Prime Minister of Israel addressed the same body. He pointed out that the nation of Israel has been "singled out for condemnation more often than all the nations of the world combined. Twenty-one out of the 27 General Assembly resolutions [passed in the history of the UN] condemn Israel..." That is truly stunning.

What is going on here? Why is Israel under such vicious attack today and all throughout history? It must be those pernicious Jews, right? How ironic that the one true democratic government in the middle east is so vilified. I believe the true reason is that Israel is the only Jewish nation on the planet and the Jewish people have been selected by God as his unique people. So satan, who hates God, also hates his people, so he has been busy throughout history stirring up all kinds of hateful attacks against them.

Bottom line: Christians, God's "other" chosen people, must prayerfully and actively support Israel. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray for our world. Pray for God's truth and justice to prevail.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, our world needs your help. And right now, there is a strong tide against the Nation of Israel. Father, I ask for your strong hand of protection to be over this nation. Encourage those people who are the scorn of much of the world. And I ask that you would begin to unmask the deceiver and neutralize the deception and lies that propagate hatred and undermine the prospects for true and just peace. Defeat the enemies of Israel I pray. May there be peace and security for Israel. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: How's Your Credit Rating / Topic: God's Rewards Program

2011-09-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

Today's Reading: Daniel 11; Daniel 12; Luke 6

Scripture: Luke 6:32-36

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

Observation: Jesus gives an incredibly difficult challenge to us mortals here. He shares a standard that is so high that without divine intervention, we just can't do it. In fact, this is one of the earmarks of authentic Christianity: it is impossible to do in our human strength. Any system of religion that can be accomplished by people trying really hard is a man-made system. God's true system is beyond our ability. God himself must empower the human or it can't be done.

So Jesus says, "So you're a nice, honest person. You love and do good and even lend to others. That's nice. But that won't help your heavenly credit rating. Anybody can do those things. But how about loving and doing good and lending to your enemies? Without expecting to get anything back? Now if you can do that, your credit rating will soar -- and you'll earn lots of God's Reward points."

Application: Of course, the rub is that humans can't do what Jesus suggests. I mean we could be nice or love or lend to an enemy once or twice, but humans cannot live this kind of radical counterculture lifestyle consistently. And I think it is really hard even with God's help! It seems the point here is that all of us must realize how far short we fall of the kind of amazing person that we can be in God -- the kind of person that Jesus was. And that should cause humility to grow and inspire a hunger and a seeking after more and more of God.

Prayer: Lord help me to fix my heavenly credit rating. I need so much more of you and so much less of me.

This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: The God of Second Chances/Topic: God's Willingness to Forgive

2011-09-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 33; Ezekiel 34; Ezekiel 35; Revelation 18

Scripture: Ezekiel 33:14-16 And if I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but he then turns away from his sin and does what is just and right — if he gives back what he took in pledge for a loan, returns what he has stolen, follows the decrees that give life, and does no evil, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the sins he has committed will be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he will surely live.

Observation: The people of Israel were under great duress because of God's judgment that had fallen heavily upon them. They knew that they were getiing their just desserts. They had no one to blame but themselves. And they just gave up. But God tells Ezekiel to let the people know that their situation wasn't hopeless -- things still could change! In these verses the prophet gives God's words of hope: "If the wicked person stops being wicked, turns around, and starts doing the right things, he can experience blessing."

Application: I love the fact that God want to see wicked people change and not suffer. (Read verse 11.) He is a God of second chances. So the application is something like this: "If you're doing stuff that is bad, knock it off! Start doing the good stuff and you can get the good stuff from God." Yeah!

Prayer: Dear Father, Thank you that you love to give second chances to people, even when they have been stupidly subborn. Thank you that you are always looking for the lost sheep to bring it back into the safety of your flock and into the care of you as the Good Shepherd. Help me to do the good stuff.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later / Topic: God's Justice

2010-02-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 26; Leviticus 27; Acts 23

Scripture: Leviticus 26:40-43

40 "But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their fathers—their treachery against me and their hostility toward me, 41 which made me hostile toward them so that I sent them into the land of their enemies—then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for their sin, 42 I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land. 43 For the land will be deserted by them and will enjoy its sabbaths while it lies desolate without them. They will pay for their sins because they rejected my laws and abhorred my decrees."

Observation: Moses is concluding his instructions to Israel and here the Lord is speaking to the people through him. God is urging the people to follow Him and listing the blessings of obedience. But also,

God warns the people against disobedience and lists the severe consequences of rejecting Him. This passage, near the end of Moses' comments, is a part of the summary and in it God gives a way back to Him even after a season of rebellion. What I notice here is that God tells the people that even if they don't observe the sabbaths that God has proscribed, they will be observed through judgment. God will see to it.

Application: So I can obey and do what God is requiring, or I can disobey and not do it, but either way, it will get done. For if I don't do it, God will get it done another way, usually to my pain and loss. God says, "You can pay me now, or pay me later, but either way, I will get paid!"

Prayer: Lord, I choose to pay You now. Help me to remember this choice always, especially in times of temptation and doubt. I choose You as my Lord and not myself.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: When Can Kindness Be Cruel? / Topic: God's Perspective

2010-02-14T10:09:00.000-08:00

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 23; Leviticus 24; Psalm 24; Acts 21

Scripture: Leviticus 24:10-23

10 Now the son of an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father went out among the Israelites, and a fight broke out in the camp between him and an Israelite. 11 The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name with a curse; so they brought him to Moses... 12 They put him in custody until the will of the LORD should be made clear to them.

13 Then the LORD said to Moses: 14 "Take the blasphemer outside the camp. All those who heard him are to lay their hands on his head, and the entire assembly is to stone him. 15 Say to the Israelites: 'If anyone curses his God, he will be held responsible; 16 anyone who blasphemes the name of the LORD must be put to death. The entire assembly must stone him. Whether an alien or native-born, when he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death...

23 Then Moses spoke to the Israelites, and they took the blasphemer outside the camp and stoned him. The Israelites did as the LORD commanded Moses.

Observation: What a tough passage! My bride and I listened to today's reading, including this passage, with my mother-in-law, who we are visiting this weekend. She is a fairly new Christian and I felt a bit awkward as we listened with her to the story of the stoning of the blasphemer. If these are difficult passages for mature Christians, how much more are they for newbies? So my wife and I made a few comments about the fact that this is a difficult story but that God's plan was for His people to be holy and that meant ridding themselves of polluting influences. But even that was not thoroughly satisfying.

I am reminded of a phrase from Proverbs: "the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel." (Proverbs 12:10) A good example of this is those who have sympathy for terrorists and want them accorded the rights of American criminals. By trying to be so kind to these evil killers, they risk the lives of many innocents. Rather than being willing to give any discomfort to the terrorists (I am not talking about torture -- burning with hot irons or pulling out fingernails or shocking sensitive areas), they become willing to allow innocent men, women, and children suffer the cruelest kinds of pain as the result of terrorist acts that might have been prevented. Good-headed people understand the difference between unallowable torture and the wise, limited methods of maximizing the potential of getting the terrorist to divulge information that could save lives. One has to keep this difference in mind and maintain a long-range view.

Application: And that is what God, our Heavenly Father, has -- a long-range view. He saw that if this blasphemer was spared, significant damage to His people would be unavoidable. The message would be loud and clear that God could be blasphemed without consequence. The fear of the Lord, a vital factor to be maintained, would be effectively neutralized. (And remember, that this was a day where Moses had been communicating the instructions about "solemn assemblies unto the Lord.") God's kindness and mercy for "the innocents" required this man's death. Do I like it? No -- and neither did God, I believe. But it was right, and necessary, and ultimately the kindest thing God could have done for everybody.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for who You are -- that You have great wisdom that transcends ours and that You allow us to grapple with these things by including the difficult stuff in Your word. I am grateful that You have such great love for Your people that You are willing to make the tough calls. Help us to embrace Your wisdom and to humbly accept the limitations on our understanding and the subsequent "not fully knowing" that results. Keep me close to You, Lord.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: One Helpless Man / Topic: The Power of a Praying Church

2010-02-05T07:31:00.000-08:00

Today’s Reading: Exodus 39,40; Psalms 15; Acts 12

Scripture: Acts 12:1-5
1 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.
5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

Observation: I love verse five! This verse hints to what is really going on. The maniacal King Herod and the compromised Jewish leaders collaborated to destroy the Church. And after slaughtering James, their thirst for blood and power drove them to deal their death blow by killing Peter, the leader of the Church, as well. All the power of the Roman Empire was lined up against this one helpless man. "...but the church was earnestly praying to God for him." (vs. 5) Unbeknownst to Herod and his cohorts was the fact of an unstoppable Unseen Power behind this one helpless man. And the praying church was in the process of unleashing this Unseen Power against the Empire of Man. The situation was bleak as far as the church was concerned. But it did not stop them from "earnestly praying to God for him."

Application: 1) It is better to be one helpless man relying on the power of heaven than a mighty king with all the resources of earth. 2) The praying church may look helpless, but it unleashes a force against which nothing can prevail, so 3) Pray and keep praying.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are not restricted by what we see. Thank you that you are not restricted by anything but your own will and purpose. And thank you that ultimate justice will be done in the final analysis. I am one helpless man who trusts in you. Thank you for receiving me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Two Talented Guys / Topic: Skill Requirements

2010-02-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

Today’s Reading: Exodus 35, 36; Acts 10

Scripture: Exodus 35:30-35³⁰ Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, ³¹ and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- ³² to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, ³³ to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. ³⁴ And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. ³⁵ He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them master craftsmen and designers.

Observation: Moses and the Israelites are preparing to fabricate the Tabernacle. Now the Tabernacle is the very first officially-designated place where God will meet regularly with human beings! (Maybe it's the second one, with the garden of Eden being the first.) And Moses has invited the people to bring all kinds of raw and finished materials that will be needed to put this Tabernacle and all its furnishings together. And now it is time for the work to begin. Here Moses discusses the people that will be in charge of doing this one-of-a-kind task. What gets my attention is that these guys, Bezalel and Oholiab, are highly skilled craftsmen. In fact, that seems to be their only qualification! (Oh, and they could teach others too.)

Application: Sometimes in the church, we don't put enough emphasis on the skill of those doing the work. That is, we select people because they are willing, and because they say they have "a call from God." But sometimes, the work done by "willing" and "called" volunteers is not up to par. Now I'm not advocating that we select people for tasks in the church based only on their skill -- character and spirituality are vital considerations as well. But I think that if we want excellence in the results of any ministry, then high skill should be one of the primary requirements for those leading and carrying the bulk of the load.

Prayer: Lord, send highly skilled people to the church to do the tasks in a way that creates results that are in keeping with Your excellence. Let us not excuse slipshop performance by claiming that the "anointing" makes up for the poor quality. May we always be excellent in result, as well as in character and in spirituality.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Give Me All Of God / Topic: Wise, Godly Leadership

2010-02-02T08:52:00.000-08:00

Today’s Reading: Exodus 33; Exodus 34; Psalm 16; Acts 9

Scripture: Exodus 33:13-18 (excerpts below)
¹³ "If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people..."
¹⁵ Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here..."
¹⁸ Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory."

Observation: Moses and the Lord are having quite a conversation here. God is telling Moses that the people have serious problems and that leading them is going to be challenging. What I love here is how Moses responds to the Lord. He just keeps asking for more and more of God.

Application: What this reveals about Moses is the key. Moses knew he needed God -- all of God -- to succeed. There was no option -- Moses would do it no other way. He asks for God to teach him His ways (vs. 13), give him His Presence (vs. 15), and show him His glory (vs. 18). I'm sure Moses was a gifted leader. But gifting is not enough for Kingdom leadership -- a Kingdom leader needs the King -- his ways, his presence, and his glory.

Bottom Line: If you want to lead in the Kingdom with wise, godly leadership, talent, training, and skill are not enough. You need ALL OF GOD. So make the pursuit of God Himself your primary pursuit and let that be the foundation upon which the skill, talent, and techniques that you acquire as a leader.

Prayer: Lord, help me to know you and have your ways, your ongoing presence, and your glory as the obvious foundation of all you have called me to do, and the leadership responsibilities you have given me. May I exercise them faithfully, in a way that pleases you and blesses those you have called me to serve.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: God In A Box / Topic: Mystery

2009-08-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 1, 2, 3; Revelation 2

Scripture: Revelation 2:17
...To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.

Observation: Today's reading in Ezekiel and Revelation is full of strange visions -- some really weird stuff -- like "hidden manna" and "a white stone with a new name written on it." What's that all about?

Application: Every time I read these passages, I am reminded that God cannot be put in any box. Whenever I think that I have God figured out, and that I can put him into some sort of system, God moves out of my box and my system as if to simply remind me that he is God and is beyond my ability to fully know all about him. Now that should never stop me or you from doing all we can to learn about God, nor should it cause us to doubt what he has already revealed to us about himself, but it should keep us humble and seeking to learn more about him and his ways.

Bottom Line: "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Cor. 13:12

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you that you are a big God and beyond our ability to contain all that you are. Thank you for your mercy in reaching out to us and enabling us to know you, however imperfectly. Enlarge my understanding of you and keep me from ever presuming to know all about you. Thank you for being such a good, loving, and powerful Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: They Love To Be First / Topic: False Believers

2009-08-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 50, 51; 3 John

Scripture: 3 John:9-10
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. 10 So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.

Observation/Application: There are have been and there always will be false believers in the church. And, like Diotrephes, they sometimes end up in leadership positions. This is just a part of dealing with fallen people in a fallen world.

Bottom Line: Keep your eyes on Jesus, your feet on the ground, and your beliefs grounded on the Word. And watch out for those who present themselves as an authority disconnected from your established structure. Jesus is always right on -- other, not so much.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being a rock upon which we can always stand. Help me to live in submission to you and to your word and to those in authority over me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: "I Will Give The Order" / Topic: God's Power

2009-08-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 33, 34; Psalms 74; 1 John 5

Scripture: Jeremiah 34:21, 22
21 "I will hand Zedekiah king of Judah and his officials over to their enemies who seek their lives, to the army of the king of Babylon, which has withdrawn from you. 22 I am going to give the order, declares the LORD, and I will bring them back to this city. They will fight against it, take it and burn it down. And I will lay waste the towns of Judah so no one can live there."

Observation: The king of Babylon has been attacking Israel. They recently withdrew from Jerusalem and the people are breathing a sigh of relief. But God tells them that the attack will resume and Jerusalem will fall. What blows my mind are the words of God recorded in verse 22: "'I am going to give the order,' declares the LORD, 'and I will bring them back to this city. They will fight against it, take it and burn it down. And I will lay waste the towns of Judah so no one can live there.'" God himself will give the order to the enemy armies to return to Jerusalem and defeat the forces of Israel and destroy the city!

Application: God has the power to use whomever he pleases to do what he wants done. Sometimes we think that the evil people are beyond God's control and that we are defenseless against them. But God has ultimate control over every power and even uses the power of evil to bring about His righteous ends.

Bottom Line: Submit to God. Trust in Him. It can bring great confidence and peace if we rest in the truth that He holds the upper hand in all things. Therefore...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Prayer: Lord, You are Lord of all. And I am thankful that You called me to Yourself that I might belong to You. You are my Lord. Help me always to keep in mind that You have me in Your hand and that You have ultimate command over everything that I encounter. May I always live in Your blessing, Lord.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Keepin' It Real / Topic: Walk With God

2009-08-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 48, 49; Psalms 67; 1 John 1

Scripture: 1 John 1:6-10
6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Observation: Walk the talk if you're gonna talk the talk. That's the message John gives here. "If we claim" John says -- it's easy to make claims, but the proof is in how you live. If your life doesn't demonstrate the character of God, then your claims are false! Johns says it plain: "we lie and do not live by the truth." Walking with God means that we walk with others in open and confessory relationship: confession our sin, admitting our sin, not claiming that we are without sin or above sin.

Application: To have a real walk with God means that you have to be real in our walk with others. That means, we have to maintain an authentic accountability and openness that allows and even invites others to truly see what is going on in our lives and hearts and help us stay on the narrow path that leads to life.

Prayer: Lord, keep me firmly planted in the real walk with others that I may truly walk authentically with you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Do You Truly Love Me? / Topic: Passion & Motivation

2009-08-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 45, 46, 47; Psalms 105; John 21

Scripture: John:21:15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"...

Observation: Confrontation! The risen Jesus challenges Peter.

You will remember that Peter had decided to go fishing. (I think that they were supposed to wait where they were, but Peter, once again, got tired of waiting.) Peter apparently loved fishing -- or at least he loved the comfort of doing something that he was good at. Now Jesus appears to them on the shore after Peter and the others came up empty after a night of fruitless fishing. He tells them to throw their nets on the right side of the boat (notice that he didn't say the "port side" or "starboard," terms a fisherman or sailor would use -- he said "right side," a term a carpenter would use). When they do it, they make a huge haul of fish. Now, back on the shore, Jesus has just fed them a tasty breakfast of fresh fish and toast.

And it is at this moment that he challenges Peter: "I know you truly love fishing. Do you truly love me more than these fish?" Peter gives him a weak response: "Lord, you know that I like you a lot." But Jesus doesn't let up and challenges him again...

Application: I want to focus on the very basic challenge to Peter which is the most foundational challenge to every believer: "Do you truly love me more than these?" And "these" refers to the things that we are truly captivated by: our stuff, our pursuits, our loves, our pleasures, our image, etc. "Do you truly love me more than these things?" Jesus asks you and me. I think that, if we are honest we, like Peter, should say, "Lord, I'm very fond of you." But my inner desire is to be able to say unequivocally, "Yes, Lord, I love You more than these things!"

Bottom Line: To truly follow the Lord, we must Love Him more than anything that this world and our lives in it would offer.

Prayer: Lord, I want to love You more than anything and to have my obedience and dedication to You motivated by that love. Assist me and empower me Lord to have and maintain a love for You that eclipses any other passion.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Faithful Examples / Topic: Faithfulness

2009-08-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 26, 35, 36; John 20

Scripture: Jeremiah 35:8-10
8 We have obeyed everything our forefather Jonadab son of Recab commanded us. Neither we nor our wives nor our sons and daughters have ever drunk wine 9 or built houses to live in or had vineyards, fields or crops. 10 We have lived in tents and have fully obeyed everything our forefather Jonadab commanded us.

Observation: Jeremiah's attention is drawn to the clan of Recab by the Lord. And, though Jeremiah prepares and offers them wine, they refuse on the basis that their forefather, Recab, forbade them to drink wine. And the Recabites share their commitment to follow all of Recab's instructions to them.

Application: These Recabites were highly commended by the Lord for their faithfulness. But most of the people around them thought they were just plain weird. They lived in tents, they had no property, no fields, no crops -- they were nomads. What I get from this is that God can find high value in things that we would dismiss out of hand. That means we should be careful not to be hasty in judgment concerning the way that other believers are led to follow the Lord. As Paul warned against concerning "passing judgment on disputable matters":^"Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind," and "stop passing judgment on one another.. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way."

Bottom Line: God has people around us who are good examples of following him. Not only should we look for such examples, we should strive to be those examples.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be as faithful to You are the Recabites were to the words of their forefather. Make me into the kind of example that You can use to show others the pathway to you.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: A Real Good Shepherd / Topic: Character

2009-08-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 23, 24, 25; John 19

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-4
¹ "Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!" declares the LORD. ² Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: "Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done," declares the LORD. ³ "I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. ⁴ I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the LORD.

Observation: There are people who call themselves shepherds and like to be looked upon as spiritual and superior. But, as the scripture above clearly shows, not all who are "shepherds" have a true heart for the good of the people. Many are in it for themselves. And God truly detests these so-called shepherds. God wants and will anoint true and good shepherds who will love the sheep and take care of them.

Application: My father-in-law, Ed Stoddard, passed away this weekend. Ed was actually my wife's step-father, having married my wife's mom 26 years ago. And Ed has truly been a wonderful dad to my wife and her brother and sister, and a fantastic "Grandpa Ed" to his grandkids and great grandchildren. But Ed was not a religious, churchy kind of guy. He was a man's man who taught my sons to shoot a gun and my daughter to drive a stick shift. And though he wasn't a churchy guy, he knew the Lord and he prayed in the name of the Savior, Jesus Christ. And more than that, he was kind to everyone, patient, tolerant, generous, and always hospitable. He was truly a good shepherd to everyone who had the good fortune to be related to him in any way. For example, he was always more than willing to bring my mom along with him and Barbara on trips to see us. And he often asked me how she was doing. He was a true friend to me and I'm sure that God enjoyed his company too! I've met a lot of pastors who could not hold a candle to the quality and quantity of kindness and compassion and care that Ed doled out every day just being the down-to-earth, quality gentleman that he was. I will miss him. Earth is a little poorer and heaven a little richer since Ed Stoddard passed through the veil to the other side. "I always loved you Ed. We miss you. Thanks for being a good, kind, and loving man to Barbara and to all of us."

Prayer: Lord, thank you for good people that you bring into our lives. May those of us who claim to represent you have the kind of good influence on others that Ed had. Bring comfort to those who are in bereavement, Lord.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Certainties / Topic: Problems & Provisions

2009-08-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 16, 17; Psalms 96; John 16

Scripture: John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Observation: Jesus looks into the future and sees a certainty of trouble -- trouble for his followers. But, even though there will be trouble, Jesus also sees a certainty of provision -- the provision of peace and overcoming.

Application: Jesus is our example in overcoming. And he encourages us to "take heart" -- that is to find courage in our hearts because we have given our hearts to the Overcoming One who is also the Soon Coming One. Praise God!

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you have overcome the world and that you offer me a provision of overcoming power and peace in the midst of whatever difficulty the world will throw at me. I rejoice in your salvation and in your staying power.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Where Is The Power? / Topic: Christian Walk

2009-08-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 10, 11, 12; John 14

Scripture: John 14:12-14
¹²I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. ¹⁴You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Observation: Amazing words! Jesus says, "you may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." He says, that "anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing... even greater things!" Amazing!

Application: There is a gap between these words and the experience of Christians today (including me). Now there may be groups of believers here or there that are truly walking in this truth as an ongoing reality but I have never really seen this truth consistently lived out. I believe what Jesus said. I just want my experience to more closely align with what Jesus said.

Prayer: Lord, give me keys to the release of miracle power. I want to move in the realm of Jesus' words and the fulfillment of his promises that we read here. I don't want to just read about these things, and study them and teach them -- I want to see them and experience them in the life of your church all around me.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Living A Lie / Topic: False Faith

2009-08-11T07:28:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 7, 8, 9; John 13

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:4-8
4 Do not trust in deceptive words and say, "This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD! 5 If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, 6 if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, 7 then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever. 8 But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless.

Observation: "Trusting in deceptive words" -- that's what the Lord says to the people. How does he define these words? He gives an example: "This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD!" This reminds me of the chorus of a worship song. Saying (or singing) spiritual-sounding words or participating in a spiritual activity is not what God is looking for. He wants lives that reflect His character. He tells the people (that's us) that they must "change your ways and your actions" and that this will be demonstrated by honesty, and kindness, and holiness. If they will do these things, they will reflect his character and gain a standing before God. As He says in chapter 9, verse 24: "but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight."

Application: Knowing and pleasing the Lord will result in a changed life. God doesn't want only words or songs -- he wants my ways and actions to reflect His character: kindness, justice, and righteousness. If I fail to conform my life to these characteristics, then I am living a lie and trusting in "deceptive words." If I change my ways and my actions to these Godly characteristics, then God is pleased with me as He says, "for in these I delight."

Bottom Line: Live for God. If my faith doesn't translate into treating others with Godly kindness, justice, and righteousness, then my faith isn't real, as far as God is concerned.

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep it real. Show me where I am failing, or where I need work. I want to please You always.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Deadly Partnership / Topic: Spiritual Deception

2009-08-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 5, 6; John 12

Scripture: Jeremiah 5:30-31
30 "A horrible and shocking thing
has happened in the land:
31 The prophets prophesy lies,
the priests rule by their own authority,
and my people love it this way.
But what will you do in the end?"

Observation: "Horrible!" "Shocking!" Strong language, even from the ever-expressive Jeremiah. He looks at what is happening in his nation, Israel, God's chosen people, and he is alarmed. Not only have the people turned from God but the spiritual leaders are in on it! The rejection of God's authority is top to bottom. The spiritual leaders speak, not out of God's heart, but from their own minds. And, as a result, what they offer is lies. Are the people unaware of this? No, they know what is going on. And not only are they aware, "the people love it this way!" That is, they prefer lies to the truth. This is the most disturbing of all.

Application: Itching ears. People will find teachers who say what they want to hear. Paul warned Timothy that, "the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. (2 Timothy 4:3). So people and the spiritual leaders who serve them can enter into a hellish pact to deceive and be deceived, and to encourage one another in a kind of deadly game. Which brings us to the final phase in today's passage. "But what will you do in the end." Jeremiah warns that, while the game may work for a time, in the end, it will be shown for what it is: lies and deceit and rebellion. And the end of that kind of path is death: Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."

Prayer: Lord, keep my feet planted firmly in you and in your truth. Send to me spiritual leaders who will speak the truth, even when it hurts. And help me to listen, even when my self nature would want to reject it. I want your ways and not my own.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Give God Something To Get Excited About / Topic: Praise In Challenging Times

2009-08-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Zephaniah 1, 2, 3; John 9

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:16-17
16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem,
"Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.
17 The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."

Observation: This is a message of encouragement in the midst of despair. Jerusalem is in great distress. Destruction is everywhere -- there is danger and threat from every side. The people are defeated and scattered. But the Lord says, "Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp." How hard it is in the midst of such great struggle to find the strength to lift our hands. Yet God tells us to do it.

Application: This has a direct application to worshiping God in the midst of trials. I see many people who allow their negative emotions (which are typically based on difficult circumstances) to determine their worship response. If things are bad, then worship is subdued -- their hands hang limp, their faces downcast, their worship is muted. If things are good, then they can worship with enthusiasm. God says, worship even when times are bad. And the result is that God shows up and joins us in worship: "He will rejoice over you with singing."

Bottom Line: If we will keep in mind that the Lord is with us, and that he is strong and mighty to save, and if we can rejoice because of our confidence in him regardless of the circumstances, we will walk with him in many more times of joyful victory. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Prayer: Lord, You are my strength in every situation. Help me to keep my eyes on you and my hands uplifted and to give You something in my life that You can get excited about with me. Thank you, Lord, that You are looking for ways to rejoice with me and over me.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Company You Keep / Topic: Solomon's Folly

2009-08-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 23; 2 Chronicles 35; John 7

Scripture: 2 Kings 23:13 The king also desecrated the high places that were east of Jerusalem on the south of the Hill of Corruption—the ones Solomon king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the vile goddess of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the vile god of Moab, and for Molech the detestable god of the people of Ammon.

Observation: Josiah is leading the people back to God. And he is performing a clean sweep of the nation, getting rid of all the remnants of the idol worship that had led the people astray. What struck me here is that the idol worship actually had started with Solomon! Now, I know that Solomon had all those wives and concubines, and that he built palaces for many of them, but the fact that Solomon had actually built "high places," that is temples or shrines for idol worship for Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molech is shocking. Solomon had an encounter with God in a dream early in his life where God spoke to him. And God had granted Solomon extraordinary wisdom to lead his people. So to see the depths to which Solomon sank is quite striking.

Application: Don't be deceived, God cannot be mocked. Whatever a man sows, that will he also reap. Solomon had aligned himself with pagans. He had indulged his sexual lust and his political nature to take him in directions that were quite damaging to him and to the people of God that he was leading. Solomon may have had wisdom to lead, but he lacked the wisdom for his own life -- to restrain himself and to embrace discipline which could have kept him from a life of dissipation. I'm sure Solomon did not lack any of the pleasure he could imagine but the result of his life included so many negative aspect that adversely impacted his family and nation for generations to come.

Bottom Line: Guard yourself and your alliances. Make sure the people to whom you join yourself have the same values and priorities that you want to be true of your life. Make no mistake, bad company corrupts good character. (1 Cor. 15:33)

Prayer: Lord, keep me protected in good and supportive relationships where I am held accountable for the things that You want to bring about in my life. Help me to be in the world but not of the world.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Lost In The Shuffle / Topic: God's Word

2009-08-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 34; John 6

Scripture:2 Chronicles 34:14 While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the temple of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD that had been given through Moses.

Observation: Hey, let's clean out the temple. Boy, there sure is a lot of junk in here. What's this? Looks like a scroll. Should we throw it out? I don't know... I think it might me important..

It is astounding to me that the book of the Law had been lost. It just got forgotten and was in the jumbled up mess that was in the temple. Now keep in mind that there were still priests and Levites. They had time to learn to play musical instruments (vs.12). But nobody wanted the job of cleaning out the temple. And the simple fact was this: it had been such a long time since anybody saw the Book of the Law, it had been forgotten. Nobody was looking for it because nobody was even missing it.

Application: It is possible, through disobedience and neglect, to move so far away from the path that the path itself is forgotten. The word of God, which is the guide to life, and especially the guide to life for the nation of Israel, had been long neglected and shunned and, eventually, forgotten. I wonder what it was that the priests actually did and what they based their work on. If you don't have the book of the Law, which gives your job description, how do you do your job? I don't know.

Bottom Line: The point is that the word must be kept central and must be valued and a love for it must be nurtured or it is possible to move so far from its principles that the word itself can be lost in the shuffle.

Prayer: Lord, help me keep your word in clear focus and in the center of all I think and say and do and desire. And help me to live it out so others can read your word through my life.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Missing The Point / Topic: Spiritual Blindness

2009-08-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Nahum 1, 2, 3; John 5

Scripture: John 5:45
"But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set..."

Observation: Jesus is speaking to "the Jews," the term John uses to describe those Jewish leaders who consistently opposed him. Whether Pharisees, scribes, teachers of the Law, elders, or priests, they interact with Jesus throughout the gospel of John in an antagonistic way. Here, Jesus has healed a man who has been an invalid for 38 years and who has been waiting for years at the Pool of Bethesda where healings had apparently been experienced by whoever entered the pool after the stirring of the waters. Jesus, after hearing the man's story, says to him,^"'Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.' At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked." (vss. 8-9) But "the Jews" objected because it was the Sabbath day and to them, the man was violating the Sabbath by carrying his mat! Jesus launches a tirade against them near the end of which is verse 45 (above). These leaders claimed Moses as their authority and source. And they attacked the man and Jesus on that basis. But Jesus tells them that they are completely missing Moses' point. And that there will be a day when Moses himself will stand and judge them for it.

Application: Talk about missing the point! These leaders think that they are more holy and righteous than Jesus because they closely observe the Sabbath. But in truth, they are missing the real point of the Sabbath which was given by God as a blessing to man, a day of rest. And here is a man who can finally enter rest because of a healing given to him by God. But instead of celebrating God's gift to him, they attack him because of a rather technical violation. They rob this man of his celebration and they don't even hint that they are aware that God showed up and did something wonderful. How sad to be so hung up on something that you think is important to God and miss God himself as a result.

Bottom Line: The degree of spiritual blindness is directly proportional to an inordinate concern over trivial matters.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to not miss you because of something that is unimportant. Assist me to discern what truly matters and what does not so that I don't miss you. Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, I want to see you.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Parents In Pain / Topic: Finding Comfort

2009-02-09T08:56:00.001-08:00

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 10; Leviticus 11; Leviticus 12; Acts 16

Scripture: Leviticus 10:1-2
1 Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.

Observation: This is such a shocking story and what a tragedy for Aaron and the brothers of the two who died.

Application: But I thought that while this is sad there are even worse outcomes. And Moses' family comes to mind. He has a wife and children, some sons, I think. But at this point, we never hear anything of them. Apparently, they are completely out of Moses' life. So this strikes me as a very tragic situation. Moses has the call of God on his life, but his family is completely uninvolved. This would give me the sense of being unsupported and even abandoned. So, even though Aaron lost two sons, they died in the service of the Lord and in full participation with their father's call.

Bottom line: Just about everybody has family troubles of some kind. And if your a parent with children over 13, you typically have some struggles and heartache. And if your children are adults, there can be some deep pain and hurt. But I think that there is almost always something to be thankful for in every situation. I'm not saying it makes the pain disappear, but I think it is important to not allow the pain to consume you.

Prayer: Lord, I lift up parents in pain: those I know and those I do not. Father, I thank you for the gift of children, although there are times when this gift feels more like a curse. Help us who are parents to stay close to you so that we can always know your heart for us and our children. And help us to be good models of your love and character, so that we may assist our children in following you also.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Sacred Garments? / Topic: God's Values

2009-01-31T11:00:00.001-08:00

Today’s Reading: Exodus 28; Exodus 29; Acts 7

Scripture: Exodus 28:1-4, 39-41
1 "Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests. 2 Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron, to give him dignity and honor. 3 Tell all the skilled men to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest. 4 These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests. 5 Have them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.
39 "Weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban of fine linen. The sash is to be the work of an embroiderer. 40 Make tunics, sashes and headbands for Aaron's sons, to give them dignity and honor. 41 After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.

Observation: Sacred garments. This is a foreign idea to me (and, I think, to most Protestant Christians today). I tend to view the idea as a type of "throw back" to dead traditions that we need not pay much attention to. But is there something to these "sacred garments" that is important? God tells Moses to have these garments made for the purpose of giving "dignity and honor" to those who would serve as priests. Apparently, to God it is important that his representatives be held in high regard, with dignity and honor. That is what God thinks. Are "dignity and honor" high on our list or do we have other ideas?

Application: "Friendly and approachable" are characteristics that I have thought are vital to the man of God. But this does not seem to line up with God's values. Perhaps my idea is just wrong. My generation has spent much energy in rejecting tradition and substituting our own values for the "old ways." I must think about this more.

Prayer: Lord, help me get to the truth and live it.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Stick To The Pattern / Topic: Humble Worship

2009-01-30T10:01:00.000-08:00

Today’s Reading: Exodus 25; Exodus 26; Exodus 27; Acts 6

Scripture: Exodus 25:9, 40; 26:30; 27:8
25:9 "Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you."
25:40 "See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."
26:30 "Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain."
27:8 "...It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain."

Observation: God gives intricately detailed plans to Moses for the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. There are specifications for materials, dimensions, colors and finishes, attachments and supports, and architectural detail. And in the verses above, God is explicit that these directions are to be followed to the "T", as he says "exactly like the pattern I will show you."

Application: Nowadays, we think that if we have what we believe to be a good motive, that we can approach God in any way we please. We think that God is not concerned about the details of how we approach him -- as long as we approach him. But I do not think that this idea is right. God is God and he has given us, in his word, many instructions regarding how we are to approach him. Methods of prayer, worship, intercession, repentance, inquiry, and so forth. Humility is one of the hallmarks of all of these methods. And a "whatever" attitude that "God will accept 'whatever' I offer to him" demonstrates no humility whatsoever.

Bottom line: It is the job of every believer to approach God "in holy and reverent fear" (1 Peter 1:17) by seeking to know how God has instructed his children to seek him. It will be a rude awakening for those presumptuous individuals who insist that God must receive them, no matter how the approach him, because they have good motives.

Prayer: Lord, keep me from presumption that I may approach you in a way that pleases you and demonstrates love and reverence for you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: How To Be A Fool / Topic: Wise Living

2009-01-29T10:41:00.001-08:00

Today’s Reading: Exodus 23; Exodus 24; Psalm 14; Acts 5

Scripture: Psalm 14:1 The fool says in his heart,
"There is no God."

Observation: There is so much in today's reading that is excellent. This particular little verse spoke to me. It is a simple principle that a foolish person (and the term "foolish" refers to someone who is morally deficient, not just simple or uneducated) has the idea in his heart that God does not exist. And his life reflects that idea -- the decisions, priorities, pursuits and activities of his life are focused on the wants of self: power, pleasure, fame, and fortune.

Application: Whenever I act in such a way that does not reflect God, I am a fool. That may seem harsh, but that is the simple truth. And even though I believe in God, it is possible for my actions to not reflect this belief. And if I, through intent or neglect, allow this to happen, I truly fit the definition of a fool. Only a fool could look at this world in which we live and conclude that God does not exist.

Prayer: Lord, help me to always acknowledge you in everything I do, say, and think. I want to live my life as if you are walking right beside me because, in fact, you are. I love you, Lord. May I always live for you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Hot Headed! / Topic: Unrepentant Fools

2008-12-30T21:35:00.000-08:00

Today’s Reading: Revelation 15; Revelation 16; Revelation 17; Revelation 18

Scripture: Revelation 16:8-9
8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire. 9 They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.

Observation: These verses always make me shake my head, no matter how many times I read them. Here are people who are experiencing the judgment of God and they know it! And yet "they refuse to repent and glorify him." These stubborn people would rather face the painful consequences of resisting God than to humble themselves and turn to him.

Application: How sad this is. But it is true that there are many people who do not want to give in to God in any way and they will resist him to their grave. I don't understand this thinking but I believe it is a demonstration of sowing and reaping. People who sow to their pride and self and thus strengthen pride and self to the point that it would rather face destruction rather than give up. The message is: turn to God now!

Prayer: Lord, you are calling all people to yourself. I want to bow to you now and every day. Thank you for your mercy which you have given to me. Help me to lead others to bow to your name.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: A Time For Reverent Fear / Topic: Coming Judgment

2008-12-29T09:49:00.001-08:00

Today’s Reading: Revelation 10; Revelation 11; Revelation 12; Revelation 13; Revelation 14

Scripture: Revelation 14:6-7
6 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come..."

Observation: This angel, flying over the earth, has "the eternal gospel to proclaim." Since gospel means "good news" I would expect that he would be sharing something encouraging and hopeful. But what he says doesn't seem too encouraging: "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come..."

Application: When the time that this prophecy actually has arrived, this message will be good news. The situation on the earth will have become so dire that the phrase "the hour of his judgment has come" will bring hope for God's deliverance and the restoration of justice on the earth. And as God's intervention approaches, the only response that makes sense is to "fear God and give him glory." Mankind will become increasingly wicked and cruel and those who love the Lord will increasingly suffer persecution and death, so turning to God is the only logical thing to do. As he coming draws nearer, those who love him will gladly worship him in reverent fear while those who hate him will rage against him and those who honor him. This is no time for ambivalence -- it is an hour of decision. I choose to fear the Lord and give him glory.

Prayer: Lord, you are Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth and all that is in them. You are the Sovereign Lord and I honor you as my Lord and God. Keep me and those I love within the covering of your love and protection. Help your people to walk in holiness and dedication to you, shunning to indulge in any of this world's deceptive pleasures. Keep us on the narrow path that leads to life everlasting. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: A Compelling Passion/Topic: Love and Obedience

2008-12-22T09:07:00.000-08:00

Today’s Reading: John 12; John 13; John 14

Scripture: John 14:15-24
15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command... 21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."... 23 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.

Observation: Love and obedience. Jesus tells his disciples that obedience is the result of love. "If you love me, you will obey..."

Application: It seems to me that many who consider themselves Christians don't thoroughly obey Jesus -- that is, many are sloppy, undisciplined, and inattentive to full and careful obedience of his word. And, thinking about Jesus words in this passage, it is likely that this lack of obedience of Jesus is the result of a lack of love for Jesus. Love for Jesus should produce a passionate fervor that I see lacking in so many of my brothers and sisters -- and one that I myself need to fan into flame.

Prayer: Lord, help me to love you passionately so that I will obey you passionately as well. Stir your people to greater depths of love -- so many of us have forsaken our first love. Breathe a new freshness of your Spirit that we may be stirred with desire for you once again.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: What Chains? / Topic: Life Purpose

2008-10-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27; Acts 28

Scripture: Acts 28:30-31
30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation: I love the closing verse of the book of Acts. "Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." Describing Paul's activities in Rome we read the words "boldly and without hindrance". Incredible! Why? Because we are told in previous verses (16 and 20) that during this time Paul was held as a prisoner of Rome, chained and continuously guarded by a Roman soldier! But to Paul, these things were mere inconveniences -- not limitations or hindrances -- and he continued to fulfill the call on his life, preaching and teaching the Gospel of Christ (Romans 15:20, 1 Corinthians 1:17, 23).

Application: I would ask him, "How do you do it, Paul? I mean, with those chains and all?" "What chains?" Paul would declare -- and that is how he saw it. His life mission compelled him to keep on doing what he was built to do -- through arrest and trial, through beating and shipwreck, and through chaining and imprisonment. Paul was the Energizer Bunny -- he kept going and going... Because he knew the real secret: his Source was true unlimited power.

Prayer: Lord, help me not to be a wimp but to be like Paul who didn't stop until his dying breath. He kept his eyes on you and no matter what came his way, he stayed the course. I want to finish well like Paul did, never allowing the obstacles to block or limit anything of your life purpose for me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: They Never Stopped / Topic: Persistent Faithfulness

2008-10-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Malachi 3; Malachi 4; Psalm 148; Acts 5

Scripture: Acts 5:40-42
40 ...They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Observation: The apostles had been jailed, beaten, and threatened. And what is their response? To go on doing what got them into trouble in the first place: they kept on preaching. What were they thinking? Peter summed it up: "We must obey God rather than men!" They knew they had a Higher Authority that they must follow, and they were willing to accept whatever consequences would come as a result.

Application: What great courage and faith these men showed. How would I respond?

Prayer: Lord help me to be like Peter and the apostles who stood with resolve and faith to declare your Gospel in the face of persecution. Make me the best witness I can be.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Get Rid Of Thorns / Topic: Cultivation & Repentance

2008-08-09T07:45:00.001-07:00

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 3; Jeremiah 4; John 11

Scripture: Jeremiah 4:3-4
3 This is what the LORD says...
"Break up your unplowed ground
and do not sow among thorns.
4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD,
circumcise your hearts...

Observation: God is speaking to Judah, his people that had been so unfaithful to him. He is telling them how they can be restored to relationship with him. The message is one of repentance and positive transformation. What I notice is that it takes work and determination. Breaking up hard earth that has not been plowed is really tough work. It's backbreaking. But the Lord tells them that they have to prepare the soil (their hearts) to receive the seed so that it may grow and produce a good result. "Do not sow among thorns," the Lord tells them. And he shifts the illustration to circumcision. We really must get rid of the thorns in our lives if we want to grow in God. And circumcision, the cutting away of the flesh, is the means that is required. There must be a cutting away of that which is not of God -- a removal of anything that is distracting or that draws us away from him.

Application: I must set myself to pay attention to anything in my life that is a thorn or snare and I must let the Lord cut it away. I must work hard to cultivate the soil of my life so that I am not taking what the Lord gives me and mixing in among unproductive and hurtful elements. It takes intentionality and vigilance and determination.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remove the thorns from my life that I may take your seed and put it in fertile soil. I want to be one in which you can sow good seed and produce an abundance.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: To The Rescue / Topic: God's Gracious & Merciful Help

2008-07-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 29; Isaiah 30; Isaiah 31; James 1

Scripture: Isaiah 30:15, 18-19, 23-26, James 1:5
Isaiah 30
15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it...
18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you...
23 He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows. 24 The oxen and donkeys that work the soil will eat fodder and mash, spread out with fork and shovel. 25 In the day of great slaughter, when the towers fall, streams of water will flow on every high mountain and every lofty hill. 26 The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Observation: God's judgment against his wayward people is the theme of Isaiah 29-31. And throughout these chapters, God's verdict of harsh consequences is given in horrific detail. But throughout these accounts there is a sprinkling of verses that show the mercy of God toward his people. When the people return to him in repentance, God is ready to forgive and heal and bless them.

Application: God's mercy is rich and ready for anyone who will humble themselves and seek him. God promises blessing and healing for those who turn their hearts to him, no matter what their previous rebellious ways have been. And in James, the Lord even promises to give wisdom to anyone who is willing to ask, giving freely "without finding fault." How merciful our Lord is to his children. He watches us and stands ready to receive us back into full fellowship and blessing, like the father of the prodigal who saw his son's return from a great distance and welcomed him back with love and restoration. Let us turn to the Lord and receive restoration, grace, love, and fruitfulness.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your gracious nature. Your love truly reaches to the heavens. I want to be a man who stands close to you always. But, if I should stray, bring swift judgment to me that I may quickly return to you, and be restored to the place of your grace and blessing. Thank you for your gracious and merciful help.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Human Super-man / Topic: The Jesus Life (WWJD)

2008-07-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Hosea 13; Hosea 14; Psalm 100; Psalm 101; Psalm 102; Hebrews 5

Scripture: Hebrews 5:7-9
7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him...

Observation: These are amazing verses. Jesus, the Son of God, is described in such fascinating ways. First aspects of his prayer life are described. Notice that Jesus "offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears" and "reverent submission." Most of us nowadays don't pray with passion like this -- "loud cries and tears" -- and we tend to look upon those who pray like this as maybe a little too fanatical. But this is how Jesus, the perfect man, prayed. And his status as God incarnate was not a "free pass" into God's presence or graces. Verse 7 tells us that "he was heard because of his reverent submission." And verse 8 says that even though he was the Son of God, he still had to go through the learning and perfecting experience by way of suffering.

Application: How amazing this is. Jesus went through suffering and travailing so that he could identify with our human experience. He didn't use his "super-powers" to cheat his way through. He lived and walked as a man, and demonstrated how it can be done, walking with passion and purpose in God's continual presence. This inspires me to set out toward a more passionate expression in my prayer life and to fully commit myself to total submission to God.

Prayer: Lord, help me to lay aside anything of sin or self or fear or compromise that I have allowed into my life. Enable me to reverence you alone and to passionately pursue you with every fiber of my being. And may my prayer life be renewed and filled with energy and emotion as I seek you daily. I want to be done with anything less than all of me given over to all of you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Stuff To Go For / Topic: Worthwhile Pursuits

2008-06-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 11; 2 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11-12
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Observation: Paul is writing to Timothy, his dear son in the faith. This is Paul's charge to Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy, calling him "man of God" to "flee from" materialism and desires and pursuits related to it. Timothy is instructed to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness," godly character qualities, and to "fight the good fight of the faith..." and to "take hold of the eternal life to which you were called..."

Application: Stick to the basics. That is what I hear Paul saying. We, especially leaders, can get wrapped up in all kinds of peripheral pursuits. As a pastor, there is a constant pressure for increasing church attendance, and there are thousands of ideas and gimmicks for producing greater numbers. As a 21st century American, there is constant pressure toward wealth. But Paul says, "don't let these things move you from the focus on the basics." So what are the basics? Godly character and eternal life. These are pursuits truly worth pursuing. Paul points out that those who seek worldly gain have "pierced themselves with many griefs." But pursuing godliness and eternal life are always good, always positive, always worthwhile.

Prayer: Lord, I want to pursue you and your character in my life. Help me in my many activities to maintain this focus. I don't want to try to gain the world. I want to gain you, your character, and eternal life. Help me to be successful in your ways and in your eyes.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: I Don't Much Like This God / Topic: God's Negative Side

2008-06-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22; 2 Chronicles 23; 1 Timothy 5

Scripture: 2 Kings 10:30 The LORD said to Jehu, "Because you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes and have done to the house of Ahab all I had in mind to do, your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation."

Observation: Jehu, King of Israel, is one of the bloodiest characters in the Bible. He is responsible for the slaughter of the entire family of Ahab, including 70 young royal sons, whose heads are put into two piles at the city gate of Samaria. As I was reading through the stories, I was thinking how horrible it all was. Then I came across verse 30 where the Lord commends Jehu and evaluates him quite favorably, "...you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes...", and promises him a reward for his butchery!

Application: Wow! There is more to our Lord than the "nice God" that has been portrayed in most of our churches. I will be honest to say that I am not totally comfortable with the harsh, retributional, and even vengeful aspects of God's nature. But whether or not I am OK with it, God is the way God is -- he doesn't ask or need our approval or endorsement. The fact is that there is nothing about God that needs to change, so if I don't like something about God, it is I who need to change. I think it was the great preacher Jonathan Edwards who penned the sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, over a hundred years ago. Most of us "modern Christians" don't relate to God as an "angry God", and subsequently we have lost much of the "fear of the Lord" in our churches and in Christians in general. "God is love." "His grace is sufficient for me." "By grace are we saved." These are the ideas that we most identify with God and the result is that the church is very casual about God and not at all worried about judgment from him for themselves. It would be a good idea if we modified our thinking to include attributes of God where his vengeance is meted out to those who are not careful to follow his ways. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Prayer: Lord, you are an awesome God. Help your people to understand and know you better so that we will conduct our lives with appropriate reverent fear.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Humble, Powerful Prayer / Topic: God's Sufficiency

2008-06-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 6; 2 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Timothy 3

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:12 "O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."

Observation: I love the prayer of Jehoshaphat that ends in verse 12. He clearly lays out the problem and asks for God's intervention. I particularly love his humility. "We do not know what to do..." he says. This is a hard thing for a king (or any leader) to admit.

Application: But so often, leaders are confronted with new challenges and opposition. These are frequently situations that have not been faced before and the leader really does not know what to do. I love the fact that King Jehoshaphat just says it. So often, people, especially leaders, put on a good face and pretend they know exactly what to do, even as if they had anticipated the problem in advance. But God doesn't require that we know how to handle every problem -- he just requires that we know him, and take every problem to him. He delights in helping his children when they call on him.

Prayer: Lord, right now I do not know what to do in my own ministry. We are facing great opponents of apathy and lethargy within and other opponents without. Our eyes are upon you. Give us wisdom and deliverance so that we may gain the victory that is our destiny in our community.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Clueless King / Topic: No Discernment

2008-06-18T08:35:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18; 2 Chronicles 19; Colossians 4

Scripture: 1 Kings 22:2, 4
2 ...in the third year Jehoshaphat king of Judah went down to see the king of Israel... 4 So he asked Jehoshaphat, "Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth Gilead?" Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, "I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses."

Observation: Jehoshaphat is naive. He appears to be a bit of a simpleton. He gets together with Ahab, his counterpart in Israel, who, encouraged by his evil wife, Jezebel, has been one of the most godless and wicked kings ever. Jehoshaphat is a godly king who has been seeking to lead the people of Judah toward the Lord, while Ahab has been the opposite, actively wiping out any remnant of godliness from Israel. But Jehoshaphat is clueless about the significance of this. And he makes the statement, "I am as you are...", thus identifying himself with Ahab. What a mistake. In fact, his naiveté almost gets him killed as the sly Ahab convinces him to wear his royal robes in the ill-fated battle while he (Ahab) goes in disguise. (Of course, Ahab gets his comeuppance as he cannot thwart God's justice and is killed by a "random arrow" that "just happens" to penetrate the seam between his body armor plates.)

Application: Jehoshaphat is an example of well-intentioned believers who want to reach out to wicked people but compromise in the process. His desire not to offend anybody almost got him killed and did eventually bring judgment from the Lord.

Bottom line: Those who walk with God should never walk in fellowship with those who actively oppose him. There is a time for drawing lines between righteousness and wickedness. Discernment and courage are needed and not everybody will like you.

Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom and courage to not be afraid to demonstrate righteousness and challenge the wicked to repent. Help me not to me a hypocrite in my life but to be righteous and faithful.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Christians Alive And Well / Topic: Loving Fellowship

2008-06-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 20; 1 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3

Scripture: Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Observation: This verse is vibrant! I see this group of believers that Paul is talking to and they are so alive as the "word of Christ" is alive among them. They are excited and interacting with one another -- contending with one another by teaching and having spirited debates correcting each other (that's what the word admonish means). These people are spiritually intimate with one another. The word has a prominent place in their lives and in their interaction -- it dwells among them richly. And there is music -- melodies of praise and worship fill their conversations and gatherings as they gratefully share of the goodness of God in song.

Application: I long to be a part of such a close group of believers. I see most Christians today retreating away from fellowship into their own worlds -- as our homes become more and more focused on entertainment and amusement. Many Christians don't seem to show a love for sharing their lives in deep, committed, accountable relationships like Paul describes here. I would like to be part of reversing the trend toward the isolated Christian where I live.

Prayer: Lord help us to get back to loving one another deeply -- from the heart. Lord, we are being seduced by a world of electronic entertainments that suck us in and captivate our attention, robbing our time until we have little or nothing left to give to our brothers and sisters. Help us to see that if we don't have the word dwelling among us richly, then I will not have the word living in me richly if at all. Your life must be shared to be fully experienced. Help your people to love one another and give their lives to and for one another.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Settle The Issue / Topic: The Heart

2008-06-13T06:47:00.001-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 13; 1 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 12:14 He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD.

Observation: This is a description of King Rehoboam, King of Judah. Although he was not as despicable as King Jeroboam, King over Israel, his reign over Judah brought judgment from God. This verse is interesting because is gets to the heart of the matter. And the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart. King R did evil because his heart was "not set" on "seeking the Lord." He, at times, had good responses to God, as we read earlier in chapter 12. But because his heart was not firmly set on God, he allowed evil practices to persist in his kingdom. And the evil brought God's judgment.

Application: If I do not set my heart on seeking the Lord, my heart, and therefore my whole life, is divided. The Psalmist writes on this very subject: "My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. I hate double-minded men, but I love your law." (Psalm 119:112-113) The juxtaposition of these two things: a heart that is set on God and a double minded person clearly highlights the contrast between the two. I must be determined -- I must set my heart on God -- or my future will be in doubt. James, in his epistle, gives clear instructions on how to remedy this. "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:7-10)

Prayer: Lord, this is how I want to conduct my life -- with a heart set on you -- seeking, hearing, following you. Keep any waver far from me. Bring to my attention any area in which I am in any way wobbly in this regard. I declare that I will serve you all of my days. Help me to stay on this solid path, dear Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Still Standing / Topic: Spiritual Warfare

2008-06-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Song of Solomon 1; Song of Solomon 2; Song of Solomon 3; Song of Solomon 4; Ephesians 6

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12-13
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Observation: What important truth is communicated here! First of all, Paul assumes that we are engaged in a struggle. His purpose is to shed light on the nature of the struggle and the response we are to make, but the fact of this struggle is not in question.

Paul tells us that this struggle is not against people, but is a spiritual battle against invisible enemies arrayed against us. And the picture he paints is of a significant enemy force, with ranks and organization and effectiveness.

In verse 13, Paul instructs us what to do because of this battle and these fierce enemies. He tells us to "put on the full armor of God." First we have to do something... "put on" the armor. Second, we must have the right armor, the armor "of God." And third, we must be thorough, putting on "the full armor."

The verse continues with the phrase "so that when the day of evil comes..." Notice that it doesn't say "so that if the day of evil comes..." No, the day of evil will come -- it is certain. The only uncertainty is whether of not we will be prepared. If we have been diligent to "put on the full armor of God," we can stand, but only if we have "done everything." Notice this phrase, "when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." The outcome of successful spiritual warfare is simply to be still standing at the end.

Application: Sometimes, if you simply survive, you are the victor! The battles we face are fierce and our enemies are strong and determined. We can get confused and see people as our enemies (and for certain, people can be used by our enemies to come against us). But we must not simply fight against the people. No, it is imperative that we recognize the power behind these attacks -- it is an invisible spiritual power. We will not be victorious by contending with man alone. We will only be victorious as we take the action of putting of the armor that God has provided for us -- the whole armor -- and then standing our ground -- doing everything possible. And if we do it all, we can be still standing at the end.

Prayer: Lord help us. Lord help me. I am still standing but I am continually taking blows. And I have seen many fall at my right hand and at my left. Teach me how to fully put on your whole armor. And teach me how to go to war in the spiritual realm so that the enemies of my soul and of your call on my life do not overwhelm me. And, Father, give us aid and support in this warfare. You are my God. It is in you that I trust. Defend me -- sustain me, o Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Peacefully Crushed / Topic: Deep Truth

2008-06-04T09:42:00.001-07:00

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 28; Proverbs 29; Psalm 60; Romans 16

Scripture: Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet...

Observation: What an amazing verse! Let's examine it piece by piece:
"The God of peace..." Here Paul describes God as one whose very nature is peace, that is, promoting a conflict-free and stress-free existence.
"...will soon crush Satan..." So this God, this peaceful God will do some serious damage and violence against Satan, described as "crushing". (This doesn't sound too peaceful, does it?!)
"...under your feet..." the feet that will actually "crush Satan" are not God's feet, but the feet of God's people. God will use his people to crush Satan. Interesting.

Application: I make three brief applications.
#1 This passage is an example of how easy it is for us to misunderstand the nature of God and what is written about him in the Bible. When we read the "God of peace," we generally take it to mean a nice, easy-to-get-along-with kind of God. But that is clearly not what it means. So the phrase "God of peace" means something very different than what our first impression might be.
#2 For peace to truly exist, evil must be destroyed. And that means conflict and warfare. Warfare is a means to peace. Without warfare there can be no peace. This seems contradictory to us, but that just demonstrates our skewed understanding -- we get it wrong.
#3 God uses people to do his work. He will crush Satan under our feet. I suggest that means we have a part to play. We are not just passively sitting and tapping our toes or shuffling our feet and -- ta-da -- there appears Satan under there. Nope. We will have to be more involved in the warfare. We've got stuff to learn and stuff to do.

Prayer: Lord, show us our part. I truly don't understand all that I need to do to cooperate with your will and plan in this matter. Show your people, and the leaders, how to engage the enemy and defeat him in your strength and power.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Got Encouragement? / Topic: The Bible

2008-06-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 25; Proverbs 26; Proverbs 27; Romans 15

Scripture: Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Observation: This phrase caught my attention: "the encouragement of the Scriptures." And in the next verse, Paul tells us that it is "God who gives endurance and encouragement."

Application: I see so many people who are discouraged and who, as a result, give up on God or turn away from him. It's not that they stop believing in God. No, they just stop believing that God will do great things in their lives.
And they settle for the status quo. But it doesn't have to be that way. If anyone lacks encouragement, there is a place where they can get it: the Bible. So the question is, "Got encouragement?" If not, read the Bible. Through it, we gain courage -- that is the meaning of encouragement: "to put courage in." (In-courage = Encourage) So read the Bible and...

...in with courage
...out with doubt
...out with discouragement
...out with giving up
...in with endurance.

Read the Bible. Seek God. Ask him for help. Keep going, keep growing, keep seeking, keep believing, never give up. It all comes from him.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you are our source -- and a wonderful, unending source you are! You give and you keep on giving because our need does not stop. Help us to keep on seeking and receiving from you. Give us the spirit of "whatever it takes" that we may keep on going and growing.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Five Things for Faith-filled Living / Topic: Humility

2008-06-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 22; Proverbs 23; Proverbs 24; Romans 14

Scripture: Proverbs 22:17-19
17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD,
I teach you today, even you.

Observation: What great truths are in all of today's reading. It is hard to select just one passage to write on. The passage above sums it up for me. It is about God's wisdom based on the sayings of wise people. These sayings (and these people) require us to make a choice -- to heed or not to heed. If we heed, good for us -- blessing will follow. If we don't, bad for us -- we will suffer. So, when it comes to the "sayings of the wise..."

Application: ...pay attention, listen, apply, keep them, have them ready. If we will do these five things, there is a guaranteed result: our trust will be in the Lord. That's right, do these five things with the sayings of the wise and your trust will be in the Lord. So many people don't get this. They mistakenly think that it is possible to have a trust in the Lord that doesn't involve submission to "the wise," that is, to Godly authority. But that is wrong. To do these five things -- pay attention, listen, apply, keep them, have them ready -- requires humility and teachableness and an openness to God that he will always reward. (One reason that people have a hard time submitting to human authority is that it is always flawed. That's right, always flawed. But God doesn't say to do these five things to the sayings of "the perfect wise," he just says "the wise."

Bottom line: Find somebody wise, as demonstrated by a track record of godly character and healthy relationships, and do these five things.

Prayer: Dear Lord, make me truly wise in you, and give me wise people to follow.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Let The Word Speak / Topic: Hearing God's Voice

2008-05-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 16; Proverbs 17; Proverbs 18; Romans 12

Today, so many verses popped out at me as I was reading. So I thought I would let the verses themselves be my post today. Let the word speak to you -- through these verses we can hear God's voice.

Scriptures:
Proverbs 16
2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him,
but motives are weighed by the LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to choose understanding rather than silver!
18 Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth,
and his lips promote instruction.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.
28 A perverse man stirs up dissension,
and a gossip separates close friends.

Proverbs 17
1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
than a house full of feasting, with strife.
2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son,
and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.
9 He who covers over an offense promotes love,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
10 A rebuke impresses a man of discernment
more than a hundred lashes a fool.
14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
19 He who loves a quarrel loves sin;
he who builds a high gate invites destruction.
21 To have a fool for a son brings grief;
there is no joy for the father of a fool.
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father
and bitterness to the one who bore him.
28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Proverbs 18
2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding
but delights in airing his own opinions.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
13 He who answers before listening—
that is his folly and his shame.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the LORD.
24 ...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Romans 12
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought...
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your word. May I abide daily in your word. I ask you to speak to your people and transform us by it.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: No Denial / Topic: Faith

2008-05-23T09:49:00.001-07:00

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 6; 2 Chronicles 7; Psalm 135; Romans 4

Scripture: Romans 4:18-22
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness."

Observation: I love this section about faith. Paul gives us so many insights here. Verse 19 is awesome! Abraham had strong faith, yet did not deny the facts. But he didn't let the facts weaken his faith because he was "fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised."

Application: Faith is not psyching myself up through some kind of mantra. It is being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what he says he will do. And then faith is trusting God for the results. Abraham moved forward with his life -- he didn't get stuck wishing and hoping and praying for a son. And in due season, God brought these things to reality. Faith is trusting God to be God, both in the ability to do anything and everything, and in the directing of events and the bringing about of his will. This kind of faith lets me rest in the Lord and trust in him and not feel the need to make it happen myself. That is God's job.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that you do your job well. Help me to not waver in my faith regardless of the circumstances. I am convinced that you are able to do all that you have promised. Show me how to cooperated with your will so that I can receive your maximum blessing and greatest fruitfulness.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Paul's "Prayer Request" / Topic: Challenge

2008-05-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 4; 1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2 Thessalonians 3

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.

Observation: I just love this prayer of Paul's -- actually it is a prayer request. (At least it starts out that way.) In verse one, Paul asks for prayer for effective and fruitful ministry. In verse two, Paul requests prayer for protection from human opposition, which is always something that must be contended with in any true Godly ministry. Then in verses three through five, Paul shifts into encouragement and affirmation sprinkled with a little "positive pressure," giving the Thessalonian Christians a gentle but firm reminder that what Paul has said is what God wants for them. Some would call claiming to speak for God presumption or arrogance. I call it being confident in your call and ministry.

Application: And desiring to be confident and effective in my own call and ministry, aspiring to the example of Paul, I would make the same request of you, my dear reader, to "pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored... and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men..." And I would also offer the same positively-pressured encouragement that "we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." May the Lord help me and you and all those who name the name of Jesus to conduct ourselves in these ways.

Prayer: Father, I so desire to see believers grow in obedience and fervor for you, laying aside the distractions of this world, which is passing away. Strengthen us in your Spirit and in your word that we would walk in a way that lifts Jesus up and draws others to him.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Two Vital Things / Topic: Spiritual Survival

2008-05-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 22; 1 Chronicles 23; 1 Chronicles 24; 1 Thessalonians 3

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

Observation: Paul has been speaking to the Thessalonians about their spiritual condition. He has shared his concerns regarding the fact that they were going through tough times and he worried about their spiritual survival. He sent Timothy to find out if they were going to make it and was greatly relieved when Timothy brought back good news about their faith. This is Paul's wish and prayer for them, that their love for each other increase, and that their hearts would be strengthened, so that they will continue to the point of holiness as long as it takes.

Application: I so relate to Paul. I think that these two things are keys to spiritual survival: 1) love for the church family and, 2) strong and firm hearts. In fact, it is the lack of these two factors that is contributing mightily to weakness in the church and in Christians in general.
So often, people don't have deep love for the church family, that is, they don't have deep affection and concern for their brothers and sisters, because they don't get truly bonded and connected to others in the church. Church has become something that you shop for (when you get around to it) and pick out (when you finally find a good one) and attend (when it's convenient) and leave (when the pastor or somebody else says or does something that you don't like). Church is like an article of clothing. You get it because you think it's a good deal and you wear it because you like it and you discard it because it got worn out. But few are the people who truly fall in love with each other and bond with a lasting bond. This lack of deep love makes it very easy to jump ship with the flimsiest of reasons: "I wasn't being fed" or "The pastor offended me" or "Nobody called me when I got sick." Thus the church, rather than being a coordinated body exerting force for good, is a disjointed blob, with a few dedicated individuals carrying the load and the majority just along for the ride. Deep love within the church family is the antidote for this. And it provides for so much of the life and vitality of the church. Without it, the church is an organization -- parts connected by titles and tasks. With it, the church is an organism -- alive and functional.
And strong hearts -- hearts that are firm in the Lord and growing in the Lord's love and purposes -- are essential if people are to be spiritually sound. All too often we just assume that church people are firm in the Lord. I've found out that some of these church people aren't even saved! So strong hearts are essential. How does one strengthen his heart in the Lord? I think it is by exercising our hearts in spiritual things. That means regular practice of spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible reading, fellowship, accountability, Bible study, meditation, fasting, sacrifice, tithing and other giving, expressive worship, submission to elders, etc. These are things that are not main characteristic in the lives of many American Christians. And without them, it is not possible to have a strong heart. Is it any wonder that the American Christian church is so ineffective?

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a man whose life is characterized by these two things that Paul emphasized. I want to have deep love for your people and others as well as a strong heart. And Lord, I want to be a leader who assists others in growing in these vital qualities. Lord, strengthen your church.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: A Truly Bad Story? / Topic: Me vs. God (God wins!)

2008-05-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 21; 2 Samuel 22; 2 Samuel 23; 1 Thessalonians 1

Scripture: 2 Samuel 21:1-14
1 During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the LORD. The LORD said, "It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death." ...
3 David asked the Gibeonites, "What shall I do for you? How shall I make amends so that you will bless the LORD's inheritance?" ...
5 They answered the king... 6 "let seven of [Saul's] male descendants be given to us to be killed and exposed before the LORD at Gibeah of Saul..." So the king said, "I will give them to you." ...
9 He handed them over to the Gibeonites, who killed and exposed them on a hill before the LORD. All seven of them fell together; they were put to death during the first days of the harvest...
14 ...After that, God answered prayer in behalf of the land.

Observation: I must admit something. I truly hate this story. (Can I say that?) Here is my take on it: Seven innocent people are killed to neutralize the bad karma brought about by the actions of one of their relatives and, because of this mass killing, God says, "Well done. Now I'll answer your prayers." The whole thing is horrible. I don't get it at all.

Application: The application is simple. God is God and I am not. The fact that I don't get it doesn't make the story bad or God bad. It just means that I am missing something in my understanding. It must be that there are underlying issues and truths that are beyond me. But because I have made myself subject to the scriptures (and not the other way around), I simply have to put my confusion on the shelf and wait for further illumination from God. Someday I will understand why this happened and how it fits into God's good nature. Until then, I must wait and not let my own sense of right and wrong invalidate God. As the scripture says, "Let God be true and every man be a liar." I must remain in submission to God and his word, even when my mind doesn't understand every detail. To do otherwise is to elevate my mind above God and his word.

Prayer: Lord, open my understanding so that I can understand you better. Thank you for teaching me to exercise my will over my emotions and to keep myself moving forward based on faith and not on feelings. Keep me moving forward, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Deadly Curiosity / Topic: Temptation

2008-05-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23

Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:2-3
2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3 and David sent someone to find out about her...

Observation: David didn't go to fight with his army -- he stayed home -- kind of a vacation from war. And one night he couldn't sleep. (Of course if you've just been laying around the palace all day, why would you be tired?) So he gets up and takes a little stroll around the balconies of the palace roof. From his high perch, he can look down on the whole city. And he sees a beautiful naked woman taking a bath. His desires are stirred. He should have gotten off the roof at that moment and taken a cold shower (by the way he had many wives that were available to meet his sexual needs). But he is curious. Actually he is lustful, but he acts curious and takes one small step to satisfy his curiosity. And this step leads to other steps and David ends up committing serious sins against God and horrible trespasses against others.

Application: One step at a time, we can get ourselves into some real bad situations. I once knew a woman who had an affair with someone who she first connected with by dialing a wrong number! Think about all the steps that lead from a wrong number to an affair. And think about the steps that lead David from a first glance to adultery, conspiracy, and murder. Don't indulge your curiosity -- to look, to hear, to know, to experience -- steer clear of sin.

Prayer: Lord, what a sad chapter in the life of David! Help your people to learn the lessons of this tragedy and maintain purity and holiness in their lives. Help me to be pure in thought, word, and deed.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Forgiveness Required / Topic: Giving God His Due

2008-05-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 14; 1 Chronicles 15; Psalm 132; Matthew 18

Scripture: Matthew 18:34-35
34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

Observation: This is a harsh passage. Jesus asserts that God will take the role of a torturer for those who do not forgive their brothers. God as torturer? Yikes! (This is a good example of the importance of interpreting a passage in its context.) The man in the parable had just had his multi-million dollar debt wiped out by the king. Then he went out and imprisoned a man who owed him only few bucks, even though the man begged for mercy. You see, the problem here is that the first man, since his large debt had been eliminated, had been given the means to write off this small debt by the king. But he took the king's gift and refused to share it. In fact, he caused others to find fault with both him and the king for his naked and monstrous hypocrisy.

Application: God gives us the grace to forgive others when they wrong us. If we do not forgive others when they wrong us, then we are resisting and refusing God's grace. An unforgiving heart is evidence of a heart devoid of God. But God doesn't just wipe us out. No, he tortures us! Now this may sound mean, but God is trying to get us to make the changes that will result in our ultimate salvation. In the story, the man refused and resisted God's grace, so God allowed him to suffer "until he should pay back all he owed." What does that mean to us? I think it means that since God has forgiven us, if we do not walk in forgivness toward others, God allows and even directs suffering in our lives. Once we settle our debt to God, that is accepting his grace to truly walk in the same forgiveness we have received, then this suffering will cease. (There will always be a certain amount of suffering in this life. But the suffering that is a result of God's judgment will cease once we have repented and reaped the harvest of our misdeeds.)

Bottom line: God is expecting that we will follow through with the grace he gives us. He does not give his grace simply for our ease or comfort. His grace is given to produce Godly character. He expects us to be the Christ-ians that we profess to be.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you give us everything we need to live this amazing kind of life. And thank you for not giving up on us when we fall short. Help me to pay attention to your corrections in my life so that I can get and stay right with you in every aspect of my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Burning Deception / Topic: Rebellion

2008-04-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17

Scripture: Psalm 68:6
God sets the lonely in families,
he leads forth the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Observation: This last clause got me. "...the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land." What a brutal way to live. Rebellious people think that by asserting their "right" to self-determination ("Nobody is going to tell me what to do."), they are truly free and unencumbered by the burden of demands from others. And the ultimate freedom, according to "the rebellious," is freedom from God -- from his expectations, judgments, and demands. The fullest expression of this freedom is to deny even the existence of God -- if not with words, with the way they live: they live as if God is dead. Thus, they are, according to their value system, truly free.

And now, the rest of the story: The reality of the rebellious is quite different from this. And this phrase from Psalm 68:6 shows God's perspective on their "freedom": "the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land." This is an oppressive place with no relief. This picturesque description drives home the reality. Have you ever been in a place where the sun was so hot and no shade was to be found? I remember a time in a small fishing boat on a lake. When we first put out, the sun was just below the horizon and the air was cool. But a few hours later, the sun had risen and the air was stifling. The reflection of the glare off the water made the rays of the sun so oppressive. We had to row to get off the lake and it seemed like hours. This experience is etched on my memory as one of the most unpleasant environments I have ever been in. And the Psalmist tells us that it is this kind of place, "a sun-scorched land", where the rebellious person lives. It's really a tragic place, and way, to live.

Application: The only answer is to live a crucified life. Our flesh, or self nature, cries out for respect, protection, attention. Its demands are incessant: "take care of me, don't let anybody step on me, don't let me be put down, etc." And the biggest lie that your flesh will tell you is this: "I (the flesh) am you." But this isn't true. Your flesh (sin nature) is not you. It is a part of you, but you (the essence of who you are) is much more than the flesh. In fact, the flesh is like a cancer on who you are. It is a part of you, but it is deadly and is, in fact, killing you. The only way to be free is to kill it first. We must cut the flesh out of our lives. But it is fast growing and you can never get it all. So we must go through a daily intentional process of execution. Jesus said, "if anyone would be my disciple he must take up his cross [instrument of execution] daily and follow me." This is the only way to be truly free.

The second biggest lie that our flesh offers is that its demands are easy in comparison with other masters. But the flesh is not an easy master. No, the flesh is the cruelest master of all. It is never satisfied, never gives peace, never ceases its demands. And it won't quit until it kills you -- like a parasite destroys its host.

In contrast, we can have Jehovah God as the master of our lives. Yes he is demanding, but he himself actually grants us the means to fulfill the demands he places on us. And he gives comfort, and peace, and encouragement all along the way.

Bottom line: Serve the Lord, kill the flesh. This is the only road to a truly happy life and the greatest freedom that human can know.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your loving ways. May I be one who always embraces you and shuns the selfish demands that originate in my fallen nature. Please continue to cultivate your life in me and assist me to live in full cooperation with this process in my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Soil Analysis / Topic: Personal Evaluation

2008-04-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13

Scripture: Matthew 13:3-9
3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 He who has ears, let him hear."

Observation: This whole chapter of Matthew is marvelous! So many rich truths as Jesus teaches in parables. This parable, commonly known as the Parable of the Sower, is actually the Parable of the Soils. And when I read it, I usually think of the different people I have met over the years and how they did or did not respond to the gospel. I apply this parable to the "them." But this morning, as I read, I began to think of the soil of my own life. How receptive am I to the seed of truth that God plants in my life?

Application: That is the main point of this parable. Not to look at others and try to figure out who is what kind of soil. But to examine myself -- to do personal soil analysis to see how the seed that God is planting in my heart is doing. Is it bringing forth fruit? Or is the seed just sitting there dormant? Or has the seed been removed by forgetfulness, or inaction, or other distractions? I want to be fruitful for the Lord. I want his truth to penetrate deep into my heart and to spring forth in new life and bring forth fruit. So I must do some personal evaluation. When I read the word, I must ask myself, "How do I put this into practice?" When I hear a teaching, I must evaluate my heart: "Am I doing this or do I need to change something to begin to do this?"

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a man who is good soil for your truth -- with abundant fruitfulness evident in my life. I want to be a good place for you to plant your richest seeds of wonderful truth.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Nowhere Else To Turn / Topic: God's Help

2008-04-25T08:13:00.001-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 30; 1 Samuel 31; 1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12

Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:3-6
3 When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive... 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

Observation: What a tough situation. David and his men return home to discover their town destroyed and their families taken. What heartache! And on top of this, David's men turn against him and talk of stoning him! When he needs someone to stand with him, there is no one there. That is why the last phrase in verse six is so significant: "But David found strength in the LORD his God." When there is nowhere else to turn, David turns to God. And he finds great strength there. Because he is does this, he is able to keep his composure and his wits about him and inquire of the Lord. When he gets a favorable response through the priest, he rallies his men to recover those that were taken.

Application: In the final analysis, God is the only one we can trust in. He is always there, always trustworthy, always up to the challenge, NO MATTER WHAT! Every other thing or person that we place our trust in will fail us at one time or another, but God will never fail us. He will always be there.

Prayer: Lord, I trust in you. Thank you for being there even in the darkest hour. When I am at my weakest, you show yourself strong. You are more than adequate for anything that life can bring. Thank you for your love and your power and for your availability and accessibility to me. May I always abide in your strength and your presence.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Desperate For Answers / Topic: Spiritual Gifts

2008-04-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11

Scripture: 1 Samuel 28:5-7
5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. 6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. 7 Saul then said to his attendants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her."

Observation: This is such a sad and tragic scene. Saul had turned away from the Lord and the Lord had turned away from Saul. And now, Israel was under attack. Saul was terrified because he knew that God was not with him. He sought for answers from the Lord but got nothing. There was no response: "the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets." So Saul turns to another source to know anything about the spiritual realm: a medium.

Application: This makes me wonder about people who are fearful in their lives and who are seeking some kind of answers about what is happening to them. Sometimes these people actually come to church looking for those answers. And I wonder if they might come up empty as Saul did. Sadly, I think that this might happen to them, particularly since so many of our church people are not conversant in the spiritual gifts such as word of knowledge or word of wisdom, and so forth. And when these seekers come up empty at church, getting nothing from "dreams or Urim of prophets" (or pastors, teachers, and Christians), they might turn to alternate sources, like the occult. I think that it is more important than we know for us to be hearing from God. People are searching for answers. Will they find those answers from Jesus, from his Body?

Prayer: Lord, make me a source for people to find the information and answers they are seeking. Help me to be empowered in the spiritual gifts that I may be the vital link that answers the burning questions that people are asking.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: What Is God Seeking? / Topic: Worshippers

2008-04-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 27; Psalm 141; 1 Chronicles 9; Matthew 10

Scripture: Psalm 141:2 May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

Observation: David is a worshipper. He prays to the Lord and worships as a regular and vital part of his life. David asks the Lord that his prayer would rise to God like the offering of incense in the Tabernacle and as he raises his hands in worship, that the Lord would receive it as the sacrifice offered each evening.

Application: This Psalm reminds me that our simple acts of worship have great significance to God. Last evening in our Bible study we discussed the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman (aka the woman at the well). He tells her that the Lord is seeking worshipers who worship in spirit and truth. This means that our worship is sincere and comes from sincere hearts. So the Lord is looking around for those whose worship of him comes from the core of our being. David is such a person. And I want to be such a person as well. How about you? Join me in daily offering prayers as incense and lifting our hands as sacrifice to the Lord. When I do it with joy and from the heart, the Lord looks upon me and finds a worshipper that he is seeking.

Prayer: Oh Lord, gracious Father! I love you and thank you that you are looking for me -- and that you found me! May the worship and praises that I lift to you be as sweet and beautiful sacrifices that please you. May my worship be acceptable to you and may it be contagious to others who are seeking you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Shepherds Needed / Topic: Nurturing Leadership

2008-04-22T07:19:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 25; 1 Samuel 26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9

Scripture: Matthew 9:36-38
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Observation: Jesus sees the people and they need help. Specifically he sees them like sheep who need a shepherd. These needy people need caring and nurturing leadership. Jesus says that workers are needed to meet the need. These workers are shepherds who will help the people.

Application: What an honor it is to be a worker for the Lord. And the calling of those who would lead is work -- it is not a white-collar job. It is a get-your-hands-dirty calling. The shepherd is to help the sheep who are harassed and helpless. (Now many of these sheep resist the help that the shepherd would bring, but that is another topic for another day.) The other thing that is needed is prayer to God to supply more workers -- we need more shepherds, more caring and nurturing leaders to help bring the fullness of God into people's lives.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the calling to be your worker, your shepherd. You are my shepherd. May I follow you well and may I receive from you all the care and nurture that you have for me. And help me to be a good shepherd to those you have called me to lead.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Key To Effective Prayer / Topic: Forgiveness

2008-04-19T23:04:00.001-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 22; Psalm 17; Psalm 35; Matthew 6

Scripture: Matthew 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Observation: This is in a section where Jesus is teaching about prayer and this is an obvious key to prayer. If we want our prayers to have any effect, we must walk in forgiveness. If I harbor unforgiveness, I effectively cut myself off from God.

Application: Stay sweet. Only by forgiving others am I able to keep my relationship with God wide open. Unforgiveness becomes a choke point that progressively reduces the flow of life between me and God. And unforgiveness which is nurtured can actually jeopardize my standing as a forgiven person before the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, may I never withhold forgiveness, no matter what the offense against me. Help me to operate in your Spirit and power of forgiveness.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: How To Do The Impossible / Topic: I Need God!

2008-04-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 20; 1 Samuel 21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven... 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Observation: Jesus says to you and me, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Wow! It's impossible. That is, it is impossible for me without the assistance of God. Without God's help, I may be able to restrain the hate I express toward my enemies, but to actually love them requires the help of God. In fact, I believe that loving one's enemies is a true proof of salvation. It could be reworded as follows: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, for this proves that you are the sons of your Father in heaven... In this way, you can demonstrate how to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Application: God commands the impossible so that I can never be tempted to try it on my own. When I really understand the expectations that my Father has of me, it drives me to my knees -- to seek his empowerment. It is in the realization that I am absolutely incompetent to fulfill God's requirements in that my own "strength" falls so far short that it truly is weakness, that I seek his enablement and receive strengthening in my inner man to become that unstoppable servant of God that actually can do God's work.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you do not need my help. But I sure need your help! Empower and enable and fill me with all of you, dear Lord. I want to walk in your strength and not in the mirage of my own resource.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Spirit-Filled Leader / Topic: Intensity

2008-04-11T22:24:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 11; 1 Samuel 12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11

Scripture: 1 Samuel 11:6-7
6 When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger. 7 He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel."

Observation: The people of Jabesh Gilead are under siege and they only way that can avoid destruction is to allow their enemies to gouge out the right eye of each man as the price for peace. They send word to their countrymen for help and the people weep when they hear the terrible news. Except for Saul. He doesn't weep. He gets mad -- really mad. "...He burned with anger." And this is the right and righteous response. It is the truly spiritual response. How do we know? Because the verse tells us that "the Spirit of God came upon him and he burned with anger."

Application: Some people want leaders who are all touchy-feely and super sensitive. But Saul was right on with an intensity of anger and a strong and demonstrative response that called the nation to action in the strongest of terms. He cuts up a pair of oxen and sends the pieces to the tribes with a threat. This doesn't seem like the actions of a spiritual leader.

Bottom line: A leader has the right to respond strongly. People may not like it -- but I think God does.

Prayer: Lord, help me to lead with intensity and sensitivity to you. May I be a man of action.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Two Kinds Of Men / Topic: Character & Response

2008-04-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10; 2 Corinthians 10

Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:26-27; 2 Corinthians 10:7-8, 12
1 Samuel 10:26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some troublemakers said, "How can this fellow save us?" They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.
2 Corinthians 10:7 You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he. 8 For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it... 12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise...

Observation: In both of these passages we see leadership that causes a response. In the passage from 1 Samuel, Saul has just been anointed king and there are two kinds of men described. The first is "valiant men whose hearts God had touched" and the second, "troublemakers" -- and, based on their character (valiant men or troublemakers), they have different responses. The valiant men get a touch from God and follow Saul, willing to relocate to do so. The troublemakers critically and cynically question Saul's authority and, with others (implied by the text), despise him and refuse to acknowledge and honor Saul as king.
In the passage from 2 Corinthians, Paul is the leader to whom there are different responses. There are those who willingly follow Paul (implied by the context), and those who criticize and question his authority, having challenged his right to exert authority over the Corinthian church. These critical people rely on comparisons, using their own opinions as a standard of judgment, comparing Paul and themselves to each other. They have found things in Paul that they believe to be deficient and thus they reject his authority. Apparently, they do not like the fact that Paul presumes to act as if he has a role in their maturation process by speaking to them with rebukes, corrections, and direction. They don't want Paul telling them what to do or how to live, and they feel as though he is tearing them down. Paul asserts that indeed he does have a legitimate role in directing their lives, but it is to build them up, not to tear them down -- to help anyone who is willing. But because they have a critical spirit, they don't get it. Paul tells them that they are "only looking on the surface of things." And he refuses to join into their foolish comparisons.

Application: Each of us sets his own path in responding to authority. Some people reject authority because of flaws in the people exercising authority. But all human authority that God establishes is flawed, and God expects us to follow it just the same. We are to submit to authority in the same way we submit to God himself. And the way we respond to authority, with submission or rejection, willing cooperation or critical challenge, is a reflection of the character of our lives: the valiant person follows (not blindly but willingly and fully engaged) and the troublemaker criticizes and rejects (and gets others to join in their group).

Prayer: Lord, I want to be a valiant man, not seeking my own way but willingly and happily responding to the human authority you have placed in my life. May I submit to authority in such a way that you are pleased with me and that those over me may be aware of my love and support for them.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: You Can't Outgive God / Topic: Giving And Receiving

2008-04-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 6; 1 Samuel 7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work... 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Observation: In this last section of 2 Corinthians chapter 9, Paul deals with the offering that he is to collect from the Corinthian church. He makes the point that they had promised to give significantly and they need to deliver on that promise! One point that Paul makes is found in the above verses: as we give, God gives to us -- and in more ways than one!

Application: When we give in obedience to God, he gives back to us in so many ways. We receive grace to do good works (verse 8), additional seed for future harvests and an enlargement of the righteousness in our lives (verse 10), comprehensive richness which redounds to greater generosity and causes people to thank God (verse 11).

Bottom Line: Giving to God is a wonderful deal! We receive so much that whatever we give, God gives us more in return. The old saying is true: You can't outgive God.

Prayer: Father, I thank you for your giving nature. You are such a loving Lord and you express your loving through giving. I have been richly blessed because you have delighted to bless me by giving to me. Help me to be a conduit of your grace and generosity in my own practice of giving. I want to cause people to know you and your truly amazing grace.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Faithless Leaders -- Faithless People / Topic: Spiritual Leadership

2008-04-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 3; 1 Samuel 4; 1 Samuel 5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.

Observation: This last statement is made in a very matter-of-fact manner. But no reason is given for the rarity of the word of the Lord and visions. But the reading from yesterday clues us in. The sons of Eli were wicked in the function of their priestly office to the point where they caused people to despise the experience of the sacrifice. This caused a general turning away from seeking the Lord. When we see a nation that is turned away from seeking the Lord, is it any surprise that the Lord doesn't speak much to that nation?

Application: Sins and abuses by spiritual leaders can turn a people away from seeking the Lord which can result in a dearth of spiritual experience. When those who are supposed to lead any people fail to honor the Lord, they not only cause people to dishonor them, but they cause people to dishonor the Lord as well. There will be great judgment and punishment for such leaders.

I believe these assertions are true but that does not excuse the people from their responsibility to seek and honor the Lord. Leaders indeed bear a heavier responsibility but every person must also take responsibility for his own spiritual condition.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a faithful leader and to draw every open and receptive person into a deep relationship with you. May the culture of our spiritual environment be rich and deep, with everyone seeking and finding you in a ever deepening way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: What A Mess! / Topic: No Moral Code

2008-04-04T12:41:00.001-07:00

Today’s Reading: Judges 19; Judges 20; Judges 21; 2 Corinthians 4

Scripture: Judges 21:25 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.

Observation: The story in today's reading from Judges 19-21 is probably my least favorite in the whole Bible (yes, there are things in the Bible I don't like). What is obvious is this: moral confusion reigns. The closing verse, Judges 21:25 (above) gives the underlying cause. The situation was without leadership and had degenerated into a "anything goes" situation. However, it is clear that though there was a great deal of moral confusion, some semblance of a sense of right and wrong prevailed. The men of Israel were outraged by the actions of those who brutalized the woman. And the ghastly demonstration by the Levite surely stunned them.

Application: But the problem is not that Israel needed a king to rule over the nation -- at least not a human one. They needed a King, that is, God, over their hearts. God had led them through Moses and had imparted a code of morality but the people had apparently long-forgotten it. Though Moses has explicitly warned them and instructed them to write it down and to rehearse it to one and another and to their children and grandchildren, it had fallen from their awareness. "Everyone did as he saw fit." There were no standards. This brings me back to this truth: it is vital that each person instill God's truth into their own heart. A leader, whether a king or an pastor or a parent, cannot keep others on the right path. We each need God as our mentor and, thankfully, that is easy to do. We only need to spend time in reading and study of his word. It is readily available to us and within its pages we find the keys to life as God intended it to be lived. So the only question is, "Will we make it happen?"

Prayer: Lord, you did not leave us without guidance, to guess or feel our way forward. You gave us a clear code of principles on which to live. Thank you. Help me to regularly study it, to imbed it into my awareness, and to follow it carefully. And help me to lead others in this right and righteous path.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Wise Example Rejected / Topic: Singular Weakness

2008-04-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Judges 13; Judges 14; Judges 15; Judges 16; 2 Corinthians 2

Scripture: Judges 13:8-12, 14:6
Judges 13:8 Then Manoah prayed to the LORD : "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born." 9 God heard Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman while she was out in the field; but her husband Manoah was not with her. 10 The woman hurried to tell her husband, "He's here! The man who appeared to me the other day!" 11 Manoah got up and followed his wife. When he came to the man, he said, "Are you the one who talked to my wife?" "I am," he said. 12 So Manoah asked him, "When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy's life and work?"
Judges 14:6 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done.

Observation: I am so impressed with Manoah and his wife. Manoah has real faith and humility -- in verses 8 and 12 we see it clearly. His prayer to the Lord and his question of the angel reveal that he did not doubt the promise of God to his wife and his desire to seek and follow God's instruction regarding the fulfillment of this promise. Look at these expressions of faith (italicized) and humility (bold): "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born."... "When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy's life and work?"

I am also impressed that even though Samson's parents have a true faith and humility, Samson did not pick it up. Though he has this amazing encounter with: 1) God (being filled with spiritual power and physical strength); 2) a lion (which attacked him); and 3) satan (who empowered the lion to kill him -- though Samson did not discern this), he doesn't mention it to his parents! This inclination not to open up to them -- to deal with his life privately and on his own -- persists throughout his life and is one of his downfalls. What might have happened, had he shared the lion encounter with them? Who knows? One thing is for certain -- had he shared his other private struggles with them, the horrible consequences of his life could have been avoided.

Application: For me the bottom line is that I must have people with whom I can share my private battles. This is something that I must intentionally make happen: finding others who know what I am going through and dealing with. I must have these comrades because this can help me from making truly disastrous choices in isolation.

Prayer: Lord, keep me connected to others that will speak your wisdom in my life. May never rely only on what I think and believe. And like Manoah, give me faith and humility that trusts in you without question and is open and teachable.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Leader's Thankless Lot / Topic: Leadership

2008-04-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Judges 11; Judges 12; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 1

Scripture: Judges 12:1-3
1 The men of Ephraim called out their forces, crossed over to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, "Why did you go to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We're going to burn down your house over your head."
2 Jephthah answered, "I and my people were engaged in a great struggle with the Ammonites, and although I called, you didn't save me out of their hands. 3 When I saw that you wouldn't help, I took my life in my hands and crossed over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave me the victory over them. Now why have you come up today to fight me?"

Observation: Jephthah has been sought out to fight against Israel's enemies and he has won a great victory. Sadly, he made a rash vow which brought him great sorrow. (Read about this in the previous chapter.) Now, on top of that heartache he is threatened with death by his fellow Israelites from the tribe of Ephraim. Why? Because he didn't get their help in the battle. I can't quite figure out this logic: "Congratulations on defeating our enemies. We wanted to help you fight. But we didn't get to. So now we are going to kill you!" With friends like these who needs enemies.

Application: Leadership is tough. Those brave souls who stepped forward to lead Israel as judges had a difficult job. Not only did they have to fight against Israel's enemies, but, more often than not, they had to defend themselves from attacks by their own countrymen. And being a church leader today has similar situations. The key is to remember who it is that I am serving. I am serving the Lord. If I please him, that is all that matters. If I displease him, nothing matters.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you have called me to your service. Give me strength, determination, and stamina to stay strong and stay sweet as I serve by leading your people. And I thank you for those faithful ones who stand by me in love and loyalty, no matter what. Give them a special blessing for their service.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Got Submission? / Topic: True Spiritual Authority

2008-03-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Judges 6; Judges 7; Psalm 52; 1 Corinthians 14

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:36-38
36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.

Observation: Paul is mocking those Corinthian believers who don't want to listen to Paul. They are just "too spiritual" and "too enlightened." They are way beyond Paul! Paul challenges them in verse 36: "Are you the originators of God's word? Did you get it before anybody else? Does it all stop with you? Is God restricted to you?" As far as these psuedo-spiritual, self righteous, and inflated spiritualists were concerned, it was all about them. But Paul puts the kibosh on that. In verse 37, he states an eternal principle: to have authority, one must be under authority. If a person does not recognize and respect the authority that God has ordained (i.e. the Bible, the Church and it's God-given leaders), then that person is not to be recognized or respected. That person is a phony -- do not listen to such a person.

Application: True spiritual authority is not independent. It does not stand alone.* It is connected to and submitted to authority -- the authority of the Word and the authority of the Church. Those who claim to have authority but refuse to submit to authority are to be ignored as false. It takes great faith to recognize that God will work through the flawed human leadership of the Church and even greater faith to submit to it when I think it is in error. But it takes no faith at all to fly solo, relying only on my own mind and interpretations.

Bottom line: Submit to God and demonstrate true faith by staying submitted to your leaders. This is where true spiritual authority is forged and honed.

Prayer: Lord, keep me submitted to the authorities you have placed in my life, that is your Word and my leaders and elders. May I be a man who functions in true submission and true spiritual authority.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

*In some cases in the Bible, prophets of God did have a solitary role, but their ministries were based on God's word and consistent with the traditions of their past.

Title: Love Suffers / Topic: Love

2008-03-28T21:30:00.001-07:00

Today’s Reading: Judges 4; Judges 5; Psalm 39; Psalm 41; 1 Corinthians 13

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails...

Observation: Paul is schooling the Corinthians about true spirituality. They have been thinking that they were really awesome because of all their spiritual gifts, but Paul put them in their place. Here he describes love. Every time I read verse 4, I remember the King James Version rendering, "Love suffers long and is kind." Love suffers. That is the truth about true love. Love is willing to suffer. It is willing to take a blow and not strike back. I especially like the phrase in verse five, "it keeps no record of wrongs" -- isn't that great.

Application: Just think what the church would be like if Christians lived out the truth of love in this passage. Wow! It would be such a great testimony of Jesus -- something that isn't true much today.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a man who truly loves. May I be willing to suffer long and stay sweet. Work your character into my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Don't Assume / Topic: Humble Walk

2008-03-25T07:46:00.001-07:00

Today’s Reading: Joshua 21; Joshua 22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12
1 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert.
6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.
11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!

Observation: These verses give a great lesson about presumption. Here's a breakdown of the basic points:

Verses 1-4 ...our forefathers were all:
1) under the cloud
2) passed through the sea.
3) baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.
4) ate the same spiritual food (manna)
5) and drank the same spiritual drink (water from the spiritual rock)
Verse 5: "Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert."
Verses 6-10 ...these are examples to keep us from:
1) setting our hearts on evil things
2) idolatry
3) sexual immorality
4) testing the Lord (i.e. doubtful and faithless questioning)
5) grumbling
Verses 11-12 "These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us ...so be careful!"

Application: Here's the message: Just because you are part of a group in which God is moving and have witnessed and participated in some amazing spiritual experiences, don't assume you are OK. Each of us has a personal responsibility to live principled lives with purity and honor. If we compromise and fall into sin, no spiritual experience can negate or neutralize the consequences of the sin and the judgment we deserve.

Prayer: Lord, keep me humble. I want to avoid the pride and arrogance that can so easily trip me up. May I always remember that I must take up my cross daily, or as Paul said, "die daily," if I am to stay in right relationship with you. May I put no confidence in "the arm of flesh," that is, my own strength and abilities, but may I always walk by faith in you. Bring strength and victory to my life as I walk in your strength and victory.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Enemy Next Door / Topic: Spiritual War

2008-03-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Joshua 12; Joshua 13; Joshua 14; 1 Corinthians 7

Scripture: Joshua 13:13 But the Israelites did not drive out the people of Geshur and Maacah, so they continue to live among the Israelites to this day.

Observation: Chapters 12 and 13 of Joshua are not the kind of Bible reading that I enjoy -- they are a labor more than a joy. Nevertheless, I found this verse interesting. Here is the account of two towns that the Israelites overlooked in their battles to conquer the land. Geshur and Maacah were left intact along with their people, and, as a result, "they continue to live among the Israelites to this day."

Application: As a believer, I am engaged in a spiritual war. And throughout my life, there are battles to be fought and won. If I neglect to deal with a particular stronghold or problem area in my life, that area will remain to be a place in my life in which the rule and reign of Christ does not apply. It remains unconquered territory which my enemy still possesses within my boundaries and from which he has easy access to other areas of my life. It becomes a platform from which attacks against me can be launched.

Bottom line: Don't neglect to deal with any problem in your life. It can be tempting to not deal with certain sins because they are hard to get out or because we secretly have a certain affinity for them. But any sin neglected or glossed over will become a sore spot later. Many people who have simply covered over sin, like painting over rotten wood, have had that sin bring ruin to them later. Be relentless with sin. Get rid of it now.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for myself and any who will read this that you will remove any blinders or denial that has concealed areas where the enemy is still present in our lives. And, Father, give us determination, courage, and strength to fight the battles necessary to dislodge our adversaries and remove them completely from our lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Don't Take It Outside / Topic: Life In The Family Of God

2008-03-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Joshua 9; Joshua 10; Joshua 11; 1 Corinthians 6

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
1 If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! 5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? 6 But instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers!
7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.

Observation: Paul rebukes the Corinthians. But notice what he does and does not rebuke them for. He does not rebuke them for having disputes between believers in the church. Paul understands, and so should we, that disputes are a normal part of being in any family, and that's what the church is -- a family. So disagreements, arguments, fights, and disputes are a normal part of church life that we should expect and work out with God's grace and wisdom.
However, because the Corinthians are doing otherwise, Paul does rebuke them for not being able to settle their disputes within the church. He even goes so far as to say that it is better, as a Christian, to accept being a victim of another believer's cheating or other intentional wrong action against you than to take your dispute outside the church! In Corinth, they were even filing lawsuits against one another in court.

Application: Many in today's church, unfortunately, do much the same thing. They take their offenses and indignation and present their case to others, both within the church and outside, in the form of gossip and backbiting. They feel justified because they were wronged in some way. What is so sad is that this has the same negative impact on the testimony of the church as the actions that Paul spoke against. Outsiders and insiders are infected with the poison of conflict and soured on the church. People who were uninvolved with the conflict are drawn into it and the problem grows like an infection, damaging the church and many people in it. Many who need the message of hope the church brings turn away from the church because of being exposed to this kind of thing. It is so unfortunate and I know it makes our Lord sad. And it should make us sad. So many so-called Christians have never truly solved a dispute in the biblical way, or have never been willing to be wronged for the cause of unity for which Jesus prayed.

Bottom line: When you have a conflict within your church family, stay and solve it. If you can't get the result you want right away, accept it and stay put. Love the people you are in conflict with -- forgive them. Don't speak evil against them to anyone. Offer yourself to God as a sacrifice of love and forgiveness rather than harming the Body of Christ.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for all ways in which I have contributed to conflicts with my brothers and sisters that have resulted in harm to your children and your Church. Help us to truly take to heart your heart's desire that we abide in unity and self-sacrifice, being willing to be offended rather than to take up our cause against a brother or sister. Lord, may your church rise up in unity and love. Bring us back to the basics of greatest commandments: loving you with all of our mind and soul and strength, and loving our neighbor as ourselves.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Stand Up! / Topic: Leadership

2008-03-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Joshua 7; Joshua 8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5

Scripture: Joshua 7:6-10
6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD, remaining there till evening... 10 The LORD said to Joshua, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?..."

Observation: Joshua is panicked about the defeat of the Israelites at Ai. He and the elders are mourning and lamenting before the Lord. The Lord rebukes him.

Application: There is a call on leadership that is demanding. The Lord says, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?..." It's a sharp rebuke. This is not a time for mourning or reflection, it is a time for action and judgment. Instead of complaining to and about God and the defeat they suffered, they needed to look at their own failings, for they brought this defeat upon themselves. It is tough, in the midst of defeat, to stand strongly as a leader, but it is what the Lord expects. As the saying goes, "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." If you want to act out of your pain and circumstance, then leadership is not for you.

Prayer: Lord, strengthen me that I may lead in times of defeat as well as victory. Make me a leader that is tough and strong.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Follow The Ark / Topic: Divine Guidance

2008-03-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Joshua 3; Joshua 4; Joshua 5; Joshua 6; 1 Corinthians 4

Scripture: Joshua 3
3 ..."When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. 4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before..."

Observation: As the Israelites are preparing to enter the land, they are given instructions to follow the ark of the covenant.

Application: "You have never been this way before." This is the story of our lives. Every day is an unexplored experience that we walk through, never really knowing what will happen. And, like the Israelites, we have periods that are truly outside of our experience. And in all these, we need to stay close to the presence of the Lord, which the ark represents. Keep God in sight, "Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before."

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your willingness to guide us. I want to follow your presence and never stray from the places that you lead. Keep watch over me and keep reminding me to keep my eyes on you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: It's A Relationship Thing / Topic: Walk With God

2008-03-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Joshua 1; Joshua 2; Psalm 37; 1 Corinthians 3

Scripture: Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you?...

Observation: The Lord is reminding Joshua that he must carefully follow his instructions, now that Moses is dead. It's about intentionality and diligence. This line caught my eye. Depending on where you put the emphasis, there are interesting nuances in the meaning:
#1 Have I not commanded you? -- Hey, it's me, your God who has taken care of you and who brought you out of Egypt. Because you know me and my love for you and my power, you should automatically follow my word. It's a relationship thing.
#2 Have I not commanded you? -- Let me make this clear, this isn't my suggestion, it's my command. So no playing around. My commands must be handled with great respect and care!
#3 Have I not commanded you? -- Joshua, it's not just Moses that I spoke to, this word is to you. Receive it personally as Moses did because I am giving the same weight of responsibility for carrying out these words to you as I did to Moses or anyone else.

Application: I like the first one best and it seems to me to make the greatest impact. God appeals to Joshua (and to you and me) on the basis of relationship. If you've walked with God and you know him, it should be of great importance to please him and follow him closely. God is my father and friend. I want to love him because I know he loves me and I have be greatly blessed by his love for me. It's a relationship thing.

Prayer: Dear Father, I am so glad that I know you and that you know me. I am so blessed to be your son. Help me to always relate to you in love and obedience and give me strength to resist temptations of the world and the devil and the evil impulses of my own sin nature. I want to walk with you as my Father and my friend. Thank you for being a Father and a friend to me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Lock It In / Topic: Deliberate Living

2008-03-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 32, 33, 34; 1 Corinthians 2

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:45-47
45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess."

Observation: Moses does a lot of talking in these chapters. It makes sense because he is laying the groundwork for the transition from his leadership to that of Joshua. This statement, at the end of his "song" is so important. He tells them that the words he has spoken are of great importance and that they must take them with the utmost seriousness. Note the words and phrases:
"take to heart"
"solemnly declared"
"command your children"
"obey carefully"
"all the words"
"not just idle words"
"they are your life"
And the last summary statement, "By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess," implies what Moses states directly in other places: failure to follow them will bring disaster.

Application: I must take the word of God seriously, and not just the word of God, but also the words of Godly men and women, those elders that God has put in my life. I must be solemn and deliberate in making these words a priority in my life. I must take these words and lock them into my thinking. To fail to do so is to make them "just idle words" and thus endanger myself and those around me.

Prayer: Lord, help me to intentionally apply my heart and mind to the truths that you bring to me from your word and your servants. I want to live with the utmost care and diligence to give honor to you by closely following your word.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Don't Mess With God / Topic: God's Wrath

2008-03-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 28; Deuteronomy 29; Galatians 6

Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:20, 63; 29:19-21, 24, 28
28:20 The LORD will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him...
63 Just as it pleased the LORD to make you prosper and increase in number, so it will please him to ruin and destroy you. You will be uprooted from the land you are entering to possess.
29:19 When such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself and therefore thinks, "I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way." This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. 20 The LORD will never be willing to forgive him; his wrath and zeal will burn against that man. All the curses written in this book will fall upon him, and the LORD will blot out his name from under heaven. 21 The LORD will single him out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law...
24 All the nations will ask: "Why has the LORD done this to this land? Why this fierce, burning anger?"...
28 In furious anger and in great wrath the LORD uprooted them from their land and thrust them into another land, as it is now."

Observation: This depiction of God's anger directed toward those who turn away from him is horrific and frightening for those of us who take the word of God seriously. Note the italicized phrases above. God's anger is grim and the consequences for those who are objects of this anger are dire.

Application: I, like most Christians today, primarily focus on the "love side" of God. I don't really like these chapters because they detail a kind of harshness and severity that I do not normally associate with God. And yet it is a part of who God is: it is in the Bible. This causes me to pause and think that my view of God, as almost exclusively loving and kind and forgiving, isn't quite complete. There is this "dark side" of God: the punisher, the vengeful, the relentless pursuer.
To be honest, I wish God wasn't that way. But God is God and he is perfect and right in all his ways. The fact that these aspects of his nature cause me discomfort reveals flaws in me, not in God.
One thing is clear: don't mess with God. When I consider passages as above, I think that often, I must not approach my life with God with enough seriousness. As the Bible says, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your mercy. I pray that my life would never cause you to relate to me through your wrath, but that I will dwell in the loving shadow of your wings always. Lord, have mercy upon me, a sinner.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Keys To Victory / Topic: The Spiritual War

2008-03-14T07:22:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 25; Deuteronomy 26; Deuteronomy 27; Galatians 5

#1 Scripture: Deuteronomy 25:17-18
17 Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. 18 When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and cut off all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God.

#1 Observation: The Amalekites attacked the Israelites during their forty years of wandering. But it was not a frontal assault. They picked off "all who were lagging behind."

#1 Application: It is dangerous to become separate from the main body. If a believer gets behind, he is isolated and vulnerable to all manner of spiritual attack. Therefore, stay in the center of the life of the church body.

#2 Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26
16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
[#2a Observation: There is not only spiritual warfare that is external, there is a battle within and if we don't fight, we lose. We must be led by the Spirit to fight and win the internal war.]
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
[#2b Observation: This is quite a list! It is so obvious that these things are harmful to humans -- these things destroy people. And these things not only damage a person, they make a person damaging to others.]
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
[#2c Observation: The contrast between this list and the last is striking! What beautiful characteristics are listed here in contrast with the ugly and damaging practices of the previous list. I also notice several action words that are required. I must: 1) give myself to Jesus ("belong"), 2) crucify the sinful nature, 3) live by the Spirit, 4) keep in step with the Spirit (which also keeps us safe from lagging behind as I discussed above), 5) shun conceit, 6) avoid provocation and envy.]

#2 Application: To fight and win the spiritual war requires an active awareness of the spiritual battle within and without. It means self-awareness and self-denial, shunning activities that degrade, walking in harmony with the Spirit and in God's power. And it results in a good and Godly character.

Prayer: Lord, lead me in your ways. I want to have your power strong in me so that I can win the internal and external battles and be victorious in the spiritual war.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Sad Retreat / Topic: Spiritual Battle

2008-03-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 22; Deuteronomy 23; Deuteronomy 24; Galatians 4

Scripture: Galatians 4:9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God — how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

Observation: The thought in this verse encapsulates the message of Paul's letter to the Galatians. These people had experienced salvation with all the blessings and benefits. But they had been won over by people who added a bunch of extra requirements to the Gospel, to the point where it wasn't the Gospel at all. Paul asks them why? Why would anyone who had experienced the blessing of knowing God want to walk away from that? Why would anyone who had been set free from bondages of various kinds leave the freedom and go back to the bondage? Paul asks, "Do you want to be slaves again?"

Application: "Survey says: apparently yes!" While I personally cannot understand it, many people do go back to the bondages that at one time had tormented them. Many people forsake the blessings and freedoms they had found in Christ and go back to the bondages and vexations of their lives before Christ. This shows the power of sin and the frustration of the inner struggle that people have. Apparently they would rather just give in to the sin than to contend with the fight against it.

Bottom line: Because the battle is stressful, we must be intentional to use God's power (rather than our own), and the support of others (rather than fighting solo), to keep ourselves from getting so discouraged that we face burn out and give up. With God's strength and the help and encouragement of others, we can stay strong and victorious.

Prayer: Lord, help me to lead others in the consistent pursuit of you and your will and ways. And help me to strengthen myself and others to fight and win the battle.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Divine Mentor / Topic: Serving God

2008-03-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 13; Deuteronomy 14; Deuteronomy 15; Galatians 1

Scripture: Galatians 1:10-17
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
16 ...I did not consult any man, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.

Observation: Paul makes quite a fuss about the fact that his ministry had it origins only with God. His was a gospel that came from God. He was not taught it by men, it was not shaped by consultations with others. It came directly "by revelation from Jesus Christ" was honed by God in solitary meditation in remote places. As a result, Paul feels beholden to no man -- he only strives to "win the approval... of God." This frees him from the tyranny of popularity, that is, being subject to the winds and whims of public approval.

Application: What freedom there is for Paul in having only one master. And what power in having a direct connection with God. So many people come to God through others and never get beyond that. Their faith is a second-hand faith that relies heavily upon those who brought the Gospel to them. But the true point of the Gospel is to bring people to the cross where they can get to know, in the deepest sense, God himself through Jesus Christ. Their connection is direct, their relationship is first-person, and this results in a strong, deep bond, not easily broken. The function of others is to reinforce and encourage this bond, but others do not provide the bond and others cannot destroy it. When I understand this, God himself becomes my mentor. We see this with Paul. And when we have it ourselves, what strength and security we have -- and what opportunities for growth into maturity. Those who are too dependent on others can too easily slip away from God.

Prayer: I want to know YOU, Lord, in the fullness of who you are. You are the only one who has the goods that I must have. Thank you for those who help and support and encourage me as I follow you. But I thank you that my relationship with you does not rely on them. I have an anchor: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that holds my life fast upon the solid rock no matter what storm may come. Thank you for the direct bond that you have given me and help me to strengthen in all my days and in all my ways.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: God's Motivation Revealed / Topic: The Love Of God

2008-03-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 5; Deuteronomy 6; Psalm 43; Mark 14

Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:29 Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!

Observation: Moses, in his farewell address, recites the law to the people. Some of it sounds harsh, even petty. An example of this would be: "...for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me..." (Deuteronomy 5:9). (Even Oprah has said that these words, "God is a jealous God," caused her to reject some of the Baptist teaching and question the Christianity that she was raised with.) But if we read the whole thing in its context we see the reason that God is jealous for us: he wants us to do well and be blessed. Just as we who are parents are jealous over our children, wanting to keep them away from influences that we see as harmful to them, and doing everything we can to protect them from bad people. Likewise God is jealous for his children. We see the heart of a loving parent in the scripture that I selected, "Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!" (Deuteronomy 5:29). This isn't about God on some sort of selfish, controlling, and possessive rant! No, it's about a loving Father whose heart is toward his children and intensely wants them to have the best lives possible.

Application: God loves us so much. When he tells us to do something, or to avoid something, it is for our own good. We need to remember this because there are many times when we don't understand the reason for the command or instruction. But if we will trust God and his motivation of love; and if we will obey, even in the absence of full comprehension of the reasons, we will experience his blessing.

Bottom line: Trust and obey.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your wonderful, kind and loving nature. Help us to listen and do what you say in every situation.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: WE MUST BE VIGILANT / Topic: Intentionality

2008-03-06T10:03:00.001-08:00

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 3; Deuteronomy 4; Psalm 36; Mark 13

Scripture: Deuteronomy 4, Mark 13 (various verses)
Deuteronomy 4
1 ...the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.
6 Observe them carefully...
9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.
15 ...watch yourselves very carefully...
23 Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you...

Mark 13
5 Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you...
9 "You must be on your guard...
13 ...he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
23 So be on your guard...

Observation: Watch yourselves, be careful, be on your guard, observe them carefully... All of these verses and their surrounding contexts give this message over and over: WE MUST BE VIGILANT.

Application: This is something that we must not to leave to chance. We are to be thoughtful and deliberate and intentional, that is we must plan in advance and carry out the plan faithfully, about these matters. To fail to conduct ourselves with seriousness in these matters is to sentence ourselves to failure. We must exercise great care and thought if we are to finish well the path that we have started.

Prayer: Lord, help us to pay attention to following you closely. Help us not to take our eyes off the ball.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Don't Use Your Head... Ask God! / Topic: Spiritual Guidance

2008-03-05T20:46:00.000-08:00

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 1; Deuteronomy 2; Mark 12

Scripture: Deuteronomy 1:22-23
22 Then all of you came to me and said, "Let us send men ahead to spy out the land for us and bring back a report about the route we are to take and the towns we will come to."
23 The idea seemed good to me; so I selected twelve of you, one man from each tribe.

Observation: Moses is speaking to the Israelites, retelling the history of their sojourn in the wilderness. Here he tells the story of when they reached Canaan for the first time. What I noticed is that the people made a suggestion and Moses says, "the idea seemed good to me, so I selected twelve of you..." (Of course we know this turned out to be a terrible idea as it resulted in a negative report by ten of the spies and rebellion among the people.) But did you catch the fact that Moses didn't take the idea to the Lord? He didn't pray about it or ask for wisdom. He just decided to run with it because it "seemed" like a good idea. Yikes!

Application: This speaks of the imperative of seeking God's will, especially for those in spiritual leadership. Just making a decision by thinking it over, or using your common sense can bring truly disastrous results. Now, I'm all for using our God-given intelligence, but our brains are no substitute for God's guidance. As David writes:

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (King James Version)

Bottom line: Pray and seek wisdom, always stop and seek the Lord's guidance, particularly in critical junctures, and especially if you are in a position of leadership of any kind.

Prayer: Lord, I want to walk always in your will and by your wisdom. Help me to remember to seek your will before I make key decisions. Do this and protect those whom I lead from any direction that is not from you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: No Margin For Disobedience / Topic: Leadership

2008-02-26T09:05:00.000-08:00

Today’s Reading: Numbers 19; Numbers 20; Psalm 28; Mark 5

Scripture: Numbers 20:7-12
7 The LORD said to Moses, 8 "Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water..."
9 So Moses took the staff from the LORD's presence, just as he commanded him. 10 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" 11 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.
12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them."

Observation: The Lord told Moses and Aaron explicitly what to do to address the ministry crisis that they were facing. There were three basic steps followed by the response from God which was the solution that they needed. Step one: "take the staff". Step two: "gather the assembly together." Step three: "speak to that rock before their eyes." And the promised result: "it will pour out its water." This is so simple and so straightforward. But for whatever reason, Moses deviated from the instruction. He completed steps one and two just fine, but when it came to step three, instead of speaking to the rock, he spoke to the people in a harsh way and then hit the rock two times with the staff. This is inexplicable to me.
Moses had seen the deaths of Nadab and Abihu who had been killed by the fire from God as a result of offering unauthorized fire before the Lord, i.e. freelancing in their ministry. And Moses had explained to Aaron the reason why. (Numbers 10:3)
Here Moses does his own freelancing by: 1) speaking to the people instead of speaking to the rock, 2) rebuking the people and implying that he and Aaron were the ones who had the ability to and were being coerced to bring forth water from the rock (robbing the credit and the glory that belonged to God), and 3) striking the rock twice with the staff (a kind of dramatic performance that turned this solemn miracle into something more like a magic show).
God's response is twofold. First, in spite of the lack of adherence to his explicit instructions, he does release the flow of water from the rock (enough water to supply a nations of millions!). Second, he gives a sentence of punishment on Moses and Aaron: they will not be allowed to enter into the land of promise. How sad.

Application: The lesson here is simple: if you are in spiritual leadership, stick to the play book that the Lord has given you. He is the Lord, he calls the plays, we carry them out. If we begin to think that we can freelance, doing whatever variations we choose rather than sticking exactly to the instruction of the Lord, we are endangering ourselves, our ministries, and those whom we lead. The Lord gives no margin for disobedience to those who take up the call to serve in Kingdom leadership. Stick to the play book. The alternative is nothing but bad.

Prayer: Lord, help me to have clear hearing and close obedience to you and your word. I want to hear what you say, to know your will and ways, and to follow you closely in my leadership. Help me to always stay submitted to you and to never forget that I work for you and belong to you. All that I am and all that I have are yours. May I ever live to please you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.