The week we are entering is the most demanding week of my year due to our Fireworks Booth sales. My blog will be irregular for the next 7 to ten days. Thanks for understanding. Please keep me in your prayers.
Pastor Mike
Monday, June 26, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Title: Pass The Faith (Please) / Topic: Spritual Heritage
My posting was delayed today. I invited anyone to post their own devotional thoughts and Carl made an excellent post. I would love to see more posts like that. Thanks Carl. I hope you feel better.
-- Pastor Mike
Today’s Reading: Joel 1; Joel 2; Joel 3; 2 Timothy 1
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:2, 4-5
2 To Timothy, my dear son... 4 ...I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
Observation: I love the relationship between Paul and Timothy. It has a wonderful winsome quality to it. There is clear affection, appreciation and respect that is mutually shared. And I want to draw attention to verse 5. Timothy was the recipient of a heritage of faith and faithfulness. He had Lois, his grandmother, and his mom, Eunice, of whom Paul traces the roots of Timothy's "sincere faith." What a great blessing it was for Timothy to have a grandmother and mother who were women of faith. And it was also a boon to Paul who was able to take the good deposit of faith that was put into Timothy by these women and develop it with training and further mentoring. What Eunice and Lois started, Paul was able to take to the next level.
Application: The lesson for me is to live faithful and encourage faithfulness in all our lives. Our children and others who watch are witnesses to the reality (or unreality) of God as reflected in how we live. Eunice and Lois lived in such a way that Timothy observed their faith and grew to believe himself.
Bottom line: Keep the faith. But don't stop there. Pass the faith along. The future generations depend on us who are older to burn brightly for the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the example of Eunice and Lois in the life of Timothy. Help us to likewise live to a standard of excellence in our faith that clearly demonstrates Your wonderful character, and also irresistibly draws others to find and follow You for themselves.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
-- Pastor Mike
Today’s Reading: Joel 1; Joel 2; Joel 3; 2 Timothy 1
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:2, 4-5
2 To Timothy, my dear son... 4 ...I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
Observation: I love the relationship between Paul and Timothy. It has a wonderful winsome quality to it. There is clear affection, appreciation and respect that is mutually shared. And I want to draw attention to verse 5. Timothy was the recipient of a heritage of faith and faithfulness. He had Lois, his grandmother, and his mom, Eunice, of whom Paul traces the roots of Timothy's "sincere faith." What a great blessing it was for Timothy to have a grandmother and mother who were women of faith. And it was also a boon to Paul who was able to take the good deposit of faith that was put into Timothy by these women and develop it with training and further mentoring. What Eunice and Lois started, Paul was able to take to the next level.
Application: The lesson for me is to live faithful and encourage faithfulness in all our lives. Our children and others who watch are witnesses to the reality (or unreality) of God as reflected in how we live. Eunice and Lois lived in such a way that Timothy observed their faith and grew to believe himself.
Bottom line: Keep the faith. But don't stop there. Pass the faith along. The future generations depend on us who are older to burn brightly for the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the example of Eunice and Lois in the life of Timothy. Help us to likewise live to a standard of excellence in our faith that clearly demonstrates Your wonderful character, and also irresistibly draws others to find and follow You for themselves.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Title: Three Principles Of Fruitfulness / Topic: Fulfillment
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 11; 2 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6
Scripture: 2 Kings 12:4-12
4 Joash said to the priests, "Collect all the money that is brought as sacred offerings to the temple of the LORD -the money collected in the census, the money received from personal vows and the money brought voluntarily to the temple. 5 Let every priest receive the money from one of the treasurers, and let it be used to repair whatever damage is found in the temple."
6 But by the twenty-third year of King Joash the priests still had not repaired the temple. 7 Therefore King Joash summoned Jehoiada the priest and the other priests and asked them, "Why aren't you repairing the damage done to the temple? Take no more money from your treasurers, but hand it over for repairing the temple." 8 The priests agreed that they would not collect any more money from the people and that they would not repair the temple themselves.
9 Jehoiada the priest took a chest and bored a hole in its lid. He placed it beside the altar, on the right side as one enters the temple of the LORD. The priests who guarded the entrance put into the chest all the money that was brought to the temple of the LORD. 10 Whenever they saw that there was a large amount of money in the chest, the royal secretary and the high priest came, counted the money that had been brought into the temple of the LORD and put it into bags. 11 When the amount had been determined, they gave the money to the men appointed to supervise the work on the temple. With it they paid those who worked on the temple of the LORD -the carpenters and builders, 12 the masons and stonecutters. They purchased timber and dressed stone for the repair of the temple of the LORD, and met all the other expenses of restoring the temple.
Observation: What an interesting peek into the inner workings of the temple repair project. I am amused that human nature has not changed -- these people deal with the same issues that we do. First, I notice that when the money is given directly to the priests nothing got done. Why? Because there were three things missing. First, there did not seem to be any real specific plan -- just a general instruction: "repair whatever damage is found." Second, there was no accountability. Neither the money nor the work had any reporting and evaluation attached to it. So the money went to the priests and though they may have had good intentions, nothing was accomplished. The third thing lacking is a match between tasks and giftings. These were priests -- good at sacrifices and other temple duties, but probably not so good at carpentry, masonry, etc. When they fixed these three things, the job went forward and it got done.
[I love the way the money was collected: a big box with a hole on the top! And when it got full, there were at least two people counting and bagging the funds. That's how we do it today. It keeps everybody honest and removes the temptation to steal.]
Application: These three things are things we all need. A plan, accountability, and a good match between tasks and giftings.
A plan is essential if we are going to get anything done. "Shoot for nothing and you will hit it every time!" "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." "Plan your work and work your plan."
Accountability is a system with someone to report to who evaluates our status and/or progress and helps us improve. Without accountability we gravitate toward the temptations that every person faces daily: pride, lust, greed, laziness. It is too easy to lie to ourselves about what is going on in our lives. We need someone else to help us get on and stay on track.
A good match between the tasks and giftings is essential for long-term happiness and a sense of fulfillment. If I am doing a job that I am ill suited for, I may be able to get the job done, but it will be a toil and a frustration. If you work at what you are good at and what you love to do, your work will be a joy and give a sense of fulfillment.
Prayer: Lord, help us to learn these lessons and take steps to build our lives on a solid footing. May we take the practical measures to make our live and the lives of others better. Help us to find the purpose and destiny You created us for and to live it out to the fullest.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 2 Kings 12:4-12
4 Joash said to the priests, "Collect all the money that is brought as sacred offerings to the temple of the LORD -the money collected in the census, the money received from personal vows and the money brought voluntarily to the temple. 5 Let every priest receive the money from one of the treasurers, and let it be used to repair whatever damage is found in the temple."
6 But by the twenty-third year of King Joash the priests still had not repaired the temple. 7 Therefore King Joash summoned Jehoiada the priest and the other priests and asked them, "Why aren't you repairing the damage done to the temple? Take no more money from your treasurers, but hand it over for repairing the temple." 8 The priests agreed that they would not collect any more money from the people and that they would not repair the temple themselves.
9 Jehoiada the priest took a chest and bored a hole in its lid. He placed it beside the altar, on the right side as one enters the temple of the LORD. The priests who guarded the entrance put into the chest all the money that was brought to the temple of the LORD. 10 Whenever they saw that there was a large amount of money in the chest, the royal secretary and the high priest came, counted the money that had been brought into the temple of the LORD and put it into bags. 11 When the amount had been determined, they gave the money to the men appointed to supervise the work on the temple. With it they paid those who worked on the temple of the LORD -the carpenters and builders, 12 the masons and stonecutters. They purchased timber and dressed stone for the repair of the temple of the LORD, and met all the other expenses of restoring the temple.
Observation: What an interesting peek into the inner workings of the temple repair project. I am amused that human nature has not changed -- these people deal with the same issues that we do. First, I notice that when the money is given directly to the priests nothing got done. Why? Because there were three things missing. First, there did not seem to be any real specific plan -- just a general instruction: "repair whatever damage is found." Second, there was no accountability. Neither the money nor the work had any reporting and evaluation attached to it. So the money went to the priests and though they may have had good intentions, nothing was accomplished. The third thing lacking is a match between tasks and giftings. These were priests -- good at sacrifices and other temple duties, but probably not so good at carpentry, masonry, etc. When they fixed these three things, the job went forward and it got done.
[I love the way the money was collected: a big box with a hole on the top! And when it got full, there were at least two people counting and bagging the funds. That's how we do it today. It keeps everybody honest and removes the temptation to steal.]
Application: These three things are things we all need. A plan, accountability, and a good match between tasks and giftings.
A plan is essential if we are going to get anything done. "Shoot for nothing and you will hit it every time!" "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." "Plan your work and work your plan."
Accountability is a system with someone to report to who evaluates our status and/or progress and helps us improve. Without accountability we gravitate toward the temptations that every person faces daily: pride, lust, greed, laziness. It is too easy to lie to ourselves about what is going on in our lives. We need someone else to help us get on and stay on track.
A good match between the tasks and giftings is essential for long-term happiness and a sense of fulfillment. If I am doing a job that I am ill suited for, I may be able to get the job done, but it will be a toil and a frustration. If you work at what you are good at and what you love to do, your work will be a joy and give a sense of fulfillment.
Prayer: Lord, help us to learn these lessons and take steps to build our lives on a solid footing. May we take the practical measures to make our live and the lives of others better. Help us to find the purpose and destiny You created us for and to live it out to the fullest.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Title: Practical Faith / Topic: Holy Living
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22; 2 Chronicles 23; 1 Timothy 5
Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16
4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God...
8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever...
16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.
Observation: Paul keeps it real, bringing practical instruction to Timothy concerning people with financial needs in the church. The long and short of it is this: every believer should help his family members as an expression of his love for the Lord.
Application: I love the practicality of the Christian faith! If we don't keep it real by applying the love and sacrifice that is a part of our Christian creeds to taking care of our family members in need, then our faith itself isn't real. Paul says neglect of family provision means a denial of the faith! That's strong stuff.
Bottom line: Faith starts at home. We must strive to make what we believe have an impact on those who we have the most immediate and significant responsibility. If it doesn't work at home, it doesn't work at all.
Prayer: Lord, help all of us to make it real at home. Show us how to bear the burdens for ourselves and those whom You have placed in our care. May our faith cause us to be excellent in our relationships within our homes and even to our extended families.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16
4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God...
8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever...
16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.
Observation: Paul keeps it real, bringing practical instruction to Timothy concerning people with financial needs in the church. The long and short of it is this: every believer should help his family members as an expression of his love for the Lord.
Application: I love the practicality of the Christian faith! If we don't keep it real by applying the love and sacrifice that is a part of our Christian creeds to taking care of our family members in need, then our faith itself isn't real. Paul says neglect of family provision means a denial of the faith! That's strong stuff.
Bottom line: Faith starts at home. We must strive to make what we believe have an impact on those who we have the most immediate and significant responsibility. If it doesn't work at home, it doesn't work at all.
Prayer: Lord, help all of us to make it real at home. Show us how to bear the burdens for ourselves and those whom You have placed in our care. May our faith cause us to be excellent in our relationships within our homes and even to our extended families.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Title: The Seared Conscience / Topic: Holiness & Repentance
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 8; 2 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 21; 1 Timothy 4
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-2
1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
Observation: What is a person like who's conscience has be "seared as with a hot iron?" What is a seared conscience? As I thought about these questions, I thought of all the really bad people that are out there, like terrorists, molesters, drug traffickers, and the like. Surely, these are the kind of folks that have a seared conscience. I did a Google search on "seared conscience" and came up with about 163,000 results. The first two were of interest to me as they are a two-part sermon by the late Rev. Charles Finney. As I read the words of Finney, I realized that a seared conscience is not limited to the obviously sinful people. The fact is that in our time, a seared conscience is common to just about everyone, even for those who consider themselves Christians, including me.
Application: Read Finney's words with openness -- the links are at the end of this application section. To me much of what he says borders on the extreme (but that may be partially due to the loss of Godly standards that is our common experience). What does ring out loud and clear from Finney's words is a challenge to laxness. There are moral aspects to so many areas of our lives that we give no moral thought or concern to whatsoever. This must change! These include important personal and social issues, personal productivity and performance, personal duty or health, matters of time (wasting time, punctuality, etc.), money and material things, prayer, attitudes regarding church and our personal spirituality, and many more.
It's is time to rethink our casual approach to virtually every area of our lives and seek to have God's truth and power come to bear in a real and tangible way.
These sermons are not easy reading but are worth your time and effort to look them over. I encourage you to click on the links and spend a minimum of 10-15 minutes on each.
Read Finney sermon part 1. Read Finney sermon part 2.
Prayer: Lord, help us to apply truth to every area of our lives and to allow ourselves to be lifted to a high moral standard in everything we think, say, and do. Forgive us for being inattentive to the details of our lives and for being careless about holiness. Lord, help us to be holy without legalism and earnest without fanaticism. May we live with our consciences sensitized to Your Spirit.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-2
1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
Observation: What is a person like who's conscience has be "seared as with a hot iron?" What is a seared conscience? As I thought about these questions, I thought of all the really bad people that are out there, like terrorists, molesters, drug traffickers, and the like. Surely, these are the kind of folks that have a seared conscience. I did a Google search on "seared conscience" and came up with about 163,000 results. The first two were of interest to me as they are a two-part sermon by the late Rev. Charles Finney. As I read the words of Finney, I realized that a seared conscience is not limited to the obviously sinful people. The fact is that in our time, a seared conscience is common to just about everyone, even for those who consider themselves Christians, including me.
Application: Read Finney's words with openness -- the links are at the end of this application section. To me much of what he says borders on the extreme (but that may be partially due to the loss of Godly standards that is our common experience). What does ring out loud and clear from Finney's words is a challenge to laxness. There are moral aspects to so many areas of our lives that we give no moral thought or concern to whatsoever. This must change! These include important personal and social issues, personal productivity and performance, personal duty or health, matters of time (wasting time, punctuality, etc.), money and material things, prayer, attitudes regarding church and our personal spirituality, and many more.
It's is time to rethink our casual approach to virtually every area of our lives and seek to have God's truth and power come to bear in a real and tangible way.
These sermons are not easy reading but are worth your time and effort to look them over. I encourage you to click on the links and spend a minimum of 10-15 minutes on each.
Read Finney sermon part 1. Read Finney sermon part 2.
Prayer: Lord, help us to apply truth to every area of our lives and to allow ourselves to be lifted to a high moral standard in everything we think, say, and do. Forgive us for being inattentive to the details of our lives and for being careless about holiness. Lord, help us to be holy without legalism and earnest without fanaticism. May we live with our consciences sensitized to Your Spirit.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Title: Passing The Torch / Topic: Revelation
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 6; 2 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Timothy 3
Scripture: 2 Kings 6:15-17
15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked.
16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Observation: Elisha's servant awakens to a shock. Overnight, the enemy king's intelligence has pinpointed Elisha's location and he has moved his army into position surrounding the city to capture him. Imagine waking up and glancing out the window only to see a military assault force. I'd be shocked too. So he goes to Elisha, "What are we going to do?"
But Elisha knows something that the servant does not. Elisha has had a previous experience that showed him Invisible Forces that fought for Israel. Whether Elisha can actually see them, or whether he can't, Elisha knows they are there. And he longs to have his servant experience the same revelation that will give him the same kind of faith and boldness that Elisha possesses. So Elisha prays and his servant sees "the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
We are not told what the servant said, but he could very well have said the same words that Elisha spoke when he had his own revelation: "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" Now Elisha's servant is ready to step up in the same way as Elijah's servant (Elisha) stepped up after being made ready with his own revelation.
Application: Our Lord is powerful and has amazing resources that most of us never see and few truly experience. Previous generations have seen many great miracles of God.
For example, I have spoken to some believers, old men and women now, who as children watched as a long row of ambulances was backed up to the entrance of Angeles Temple in Los Angeles, where Aimee Semple McPherson was conducting healing services. These old saints shared with me how the ambulances would depart empty, their sick, diseased, or maimed passengers having received a miracle of healing no longer needing their transportation! These folks saw the miracles with their own eyes and that revelation filled them with faith.
Now it is time for a new generation to receive this revelation.
Prayer: Lord, how we long to see Your mighty chariots of fire! I ask that You would open our eyes to see the mighty array of Your heavenly hosts that stand at the ready to do battle on our behalf. Our faith is real but needs a heavenly boost! Please allow us to have the kind of revelation that brings unwavering boldness in doing the work of the Kingdom of God.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 2 Kings 6:15-17
15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked.
16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Observation: Elisha's servant awakens to a shock. Overnight, the enemy king's intelligence has pinpointed Elisha's location and he has moved his army into position surrounding the city to capture him. Imagine waking up and glancing out the window only to see a military assault force. I'd be shocked too. So he goes to Elisha, "What are we going to do?"
But Elisha knows something that the servant does not. Elisha has had a previous experience that showed him Invisible Forces that fought for Israel. Whether Elisha can actually see them, or whether he can't, Elisha knows they are there. And he longs to have his servant experience the same revelation that will give him the same kind of faith and boldness that Elisha possesses. So Elisha prays and his servant sees "the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
We are not told what the servant said, but he could very well have said the same words that Elisha spoke when he had his own revelation: "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" Now Elisha's servant is ready to step up in the same way as Elijah's servant (Elisha) stepped up after being made ready with his own revelation.
Application: Our Lord is powerful and has amazing resources that most of us never see and few truly experience. Previous generations have seen many great miracles of God.
For example, I have spoken to some believers, old men and women now, who as children watched as a long row of ambulances was backed up to the entrance of Angeles Temple in Los Angeles, where Aimee Semple McPherson was conducting healing services. These old saints shared with me how the ambulances would depart empty, their sick, diseased, or maimed passengers having received a miracle of healing no longer needing their transportation! These folks saw the miracles with their own eyes and that revelation filled them with faith.
Now it is time for a new generation to receive this revelation.
Prayer: Lord, how we long to see Your mighty chariots of fire! I ask that You would open our eyes to see the mighty array of Your heavenly hosts that stand at the ready to do battle on our behalf. Our faith is real but needs a heavenly boost! Please allow us to have the kind of revelation that brings unwavering boldness in doing the work of the Kingdom of God.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Title: Forgiveness In Advance / Topic: God's Grace
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 4; 2 Kings 5; Psalm 83; 1 Timothy 2
Scripture: 2 Kings 5:17-19
17 "If you will not," said Naaman, "please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the LORD. 18 But may the LORD forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I bow there also — when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant for this."
19 "Go in peace," Elisha said.
Observation: This is one of those great stories where God reaches out to include the unincluded. Naaman is an Aramean, not from the tribes of Israel. In fact, his nation had attacked Israel and his master had obtained a young Israeli girl as a slave! (This is how Naaman learned about Elisha.) Nevertheless, God uses Elisha to heal and teach Naaman. He is not only healed but is converted to follow the true God.
What is most interesting to me is this exchange between Naaman and Elisha after Naaman is healed. He asks Elisha if he may take back with him a load of dirt from Israel so he can to create an altar back at his own home on which to offer sacrifices to the God of Israel. And then Naaman asks for forgiveness for future acts of idolatry! He knows he will accompany his master to worship the idol Rimmon and that when his master bows, Naaman too will be expected to bow. He doesn't want to do it, now that he knows of the true God, but he feels he must and asks to be excused from the penalty for idolatry. Elisha grants his request!
Application: Man looks on the outside, God looks on the heart. Naaman would be bowing to Rimmon on the outside, but bowing to Jehovah God in his heart. I'm not saying that we should accept, allow, or approve any and every unrighteous behavior. I am saying that God's answers often do not fit into our neat little boxes.
Did God want Naaman to bow to Rimmon? Of course not. But Naaman was taking his first steps as a believer and God wanted to let him grow into his faith without placing upon him demands that he was not prepared to handle. And the Lord knew that Naaman could be an influence for good in the court of his pagan master, the king of Aram.
Bottom line: Be careful not to spout off with trite and prepackaged answers to the tough problems in people's lives. Sometimes there is an unusual solution that may seem to violate some closely held belief. I think it might be wise to ask the question: "Does this idea advance the kingdom of God?"
Prayer: Lord, make us sensitive to the nuances of the Spirit. Your ways are not our ways and Your thoughts are not our thoughts. May our thinking be raised heavenward so we can think and see as You do. Give us wisdom and discernment as we seek to lead others in Your perfect way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 2 Kings 5:17-19
17 "If you will not," said Naaman, "please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the LORD. 18 But may the LORD forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I bow there also — when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant for this."
19 "Go in peace," Elisha said.
Observation: This is one of those great stories where God reaches out to include the unincluded. Naaman is an Aramean, not from the tribes of Israel. In fact, his nation had attacked Israel and his master had obtained a young Israeli girl as a slave! (This is how Naaman learned about Elisha.) Nevertheless, God uses Elisha to heal and teach Naaman. He is not only healed but is converted to follow the true God.
What is most interesting to me is this exchange between Naaman and Elisha after Naaman is healed. He asks Elisha if he may take back with him a load of dirt from Israel so he can to create an altar back at his own home on which to offer sacrifices to the God of Israel. And then Naaman asks for forgiveness for future acts of idolatry! He knows he will accompany his master to worship the idol Rimmon and that when his master bows, Naaman too will be expected to bow. He doesn't want to do it, now that he knows of the true God, but he feels he must and asks to be excused from the penalty for idolatry. Elisha grants his request!
Application: Man looks on the outside, God looks on the heart. Naaman would be bowing to Rimmon on the outside, but bowing to Jehovah God in his heart. I'm not saying that we should accept, allow, or approve any and every unrighteous behavior. I am saying that God's answers often do not fit into our neat little boxes.
Did God want Naaman to bow to Rimmon? Of course not. But Naaman was taking his first steps as a believer and God wanted to let him grow into his faith without placing upon him demands that he was not prepared to handle. And the Lord knew that Naaman could be an influence for good in the court of his pagan master, the king of Aram.
Bottom line: Be careful not to spout off with trite and prepackaged answers to the tough problems in people's lives. Sometimes there is an unusual solution that may seem to violate some closely held belief. I think it might be wise to ask the question: "Does this idea advance the kingdom of God?"
Prayer: Lord, make us sensitive to the nuances of the Spirit. Your ways are not our ways and Your thoughts are not our thoughts. May our thinking be raised heavenward so we can think and see as You do. Give us wisdom and discernment as we seek to lead others in Your perfect way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Title: Invisible Forces / Topic: Faith
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 1; 2 Kings 2; 2 Kings 3; Psalm 82; 1 Timothy 1
Scripture: 2 Kings 1:9-12
9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?"
"Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," Elisha replied.
10 "You have asked a difficult thing," Elijah said, "yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours — otherwise not."
11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them apart.
Observation: What a scene! Elijah is taken up to heaven by God in a chariot of fire. Before he goes, he and Elisha have the exchange detailed in verses 9 and 10 above. Elisha asks Elijah if he may "inherit a double portion of your spirit." "'You have asked a difficult thing,' Elijah said, 'yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours — otherwise not.'"
Elisha does see Elijah as he is taken and the request is apparently granted. Elisha picks up Elijah's cloak (or mantle, as they were called) and uses it to part the waters of the Jordan as Elijah had done just a little while earlier.
What I noticed was Elisha's impassioned words as he saw the surreal scene of Elijah being taken to heaven. "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" I have always wondered why he yells about the Israeli military forces. What do the chariots and horsemen of Israel have to do with what is happening? As I read it this morning and once again pondered the question, it occurred to me that Elisha is having something of a revelation. He is seeing "a chariot of fire and horses of fire" appear from thin air, pick up Elijah, and all of this drawn up to heaven in a whirlwind. Suddenly, he realizes that in all the battles that Israel has fought, these chariots and horses of fire have been fighting for the people of God. Seeing it with his own eyes, he now has a newly reinforced faith and understands that what he has seen is just a sample of the resource available to him and to all those who put their trust in God. Now Elisha can pick up the mantle of Elijah and walk in confidence knowing that the forces of heaven he has supporting him are the true "chariots and horsemen of Israel."
Application: I would love to see the invisible spiritual forces that assist us in advancing the Kingdom of God. But whether seen or unseen, they are real -- and we, whether seeing them or not, will move forward in faith, believing that as we move in God's truth and grace, God will surely provide whatever help we need.
Prayer: Lord, help us to act in the confidence of the knowledge that as we listen to You and move on Your impulse, all the power and resources of Heaven are available to our cause and will be directed as needed by Your mighty hand. Give us a greater boldness knowing that it is not our own ability that determines our success, but it is our availability to and dependence upon You that makes the difference. Help us to use this confidence to make the maximum difference for good in our world.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 2 Kings 1:9-12
9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?"
"Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," Elisha replied.
10 "You have asked a difficult thing," Elijah said, "yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours — otherwise not."
11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them apart.
Observation: What a scene! Elijah is taken up to heaven by God in a chariot of fire. Before he goes, he and Elisha have the exchange detailed in verses 9 and 10 above. Elisha asks Elijah if he may "inherit a double portion of your spirit." "'You have asked a difficult thing,' Elijah said, 'yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours — otherwise not.'"
Elisha does see Elijah as he is taken and the request is apparently granted. Elisha picks up Elijah's cloak (or mantle, as they were called) and uses it to part the waters of the Jordan as Elijah had done just a little while earlier.
What I noticed was Elisha's impassioned words as he saw the surreal scene of Elijah being taken to heaven. "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" I have always wondered why he yells about the Israeli military forces. What do the chariots and horsemen of Israel have to do with what is happening? As I read it this morning and once again pondered the question, it occurred to me that Elisha is having something of a revelation. He is seeing "a chariot of fire and horses of fire" appear from thin air, pick up Elijah, and all of this drawn up to heaven in a whirlwind. Suddenly, he realizes that in all the battles that Israel has fought, these chariots and horses of fire have been fighting for the people of God. Seeing it with his own eyes, he now has a newly reinforced faith and understands that what he has seen is just a sample of the resource available to him and to all those who put their trust in God. Now Elisha can pick up the mantle of Elijah and walk in confidence knowing that the forces of heaven he has supporting him are the true "chariots and horsemen of Israel."
Application: I would love to see the invisible spiritual forces that assist us in advancing the Kingdom of God. But whether seen or unseen, they are real -- and we, whether seeing them or not, will move forward in faith, believing that as we move in God's truth and grace, God will surely provide whatever help we need.
Prayer: Lord, help us to act in the confidence of the knowledge that as we listen to You and move on Your impulse, all the power and resources of Heaven are available to our cause and will be directed as needed by Your mighty hand. Give us a greater boldness knowing that it is not our own ability that determines our success, but it is our availability to and dependence upon You that makes the difference. Help us to use this confidence to make the maximum difference for good in our world.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Title: The Character of a Godly Father / Topic: Fatherhood
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18; 2 Chronicles 19; Colossians 4
Today is Father's Day and I have decided to blog on a Father's Day theme.
Scripture: Colossians 4:7
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
Observation: Paul tells the Colossians about the man who will be delivering Paul's letter to them. His name is Tychicus (tick'-uh-cuss) and Paul describes him as "a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord."
Application: These are all qualities of a godly father.
"dear brother" relates to kindness and openness to close relationships with others
"faithful minister" speaks of a reliability, consistency, and fidelity to represent God
"fellow servant" demonstrates that he has the correct understanding of leadership as being called to serve for God's best in the lives of those in your care.
The Lord is looking for men who will stand up and make their lives available to be used of God to lead as servants, live as models, stand for the truth, and intercede for the weak. And our world is looking for these men as well. Men, let's give our lives for the good of others, be it our own biological children, or those not related to us.
Prayer: Lord, raise up men to be fathers in the truest sense of that role. May Your people, and specifically the men of Your Way, answer the call to demonstrate Your amazing and beautiful character to everyone who will look. Raise up and use fathers to bring revival in our land.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today is Father's Day and I have decided to blog on a Father's Day theme.
Scripture: Colossians 4:7
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
Observation: Paul tells the Colossians about the man who will be delivering Paul's letter to them. His name is Tychicus (tick'-uh-cuss) and Paul describes him as "a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord."
Application: These are all qualities of a godly father.
"dear brother" relates to kindness and openness to close relationships with others
"faithful minister" speaks of a reliability, consistency, and fidelity to represent God
"fellow servant" demonstrates that he has the correct understanding of leadership as being called to serve for God's best in the lives of those in your care.
The Lord is looking for men who will stand up and make their lives available to be used of God to lead as servants, live as models, stand for the truth, and intercede for the weak. And our world is looking for these men as well. Men, let's give our lives for the good of others, be it our own biological children, or those not related to us.
Prayer: Lord, raise up men to be fathers in the truest sense of that role. May Your people, and specifically the men of Your Way, answer the call to demonstrate Your amazing and beautiful character to everyone who will look. Raise up and use fathers to bring revival in our land.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Title: The Challenge Of Conflict / Topic: Church Commitment
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 20; 1 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3
Scripture: Colossians 3:12-14
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Observation: These are beautiful verses which describe the interaction between believers in the local church. Notice that Paul, speaking to the people, instructs "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." In other words, we have to put on (like clothing) all these graces in our dealings with others in the church. We are to "bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another."
Application: The point of all this is that Paul obviously envisions a church family with interpersonal conflict and problems. Conflict is the only reason that you need to "bear with each other" and "forgive... grievances."
Unfortunately, my experience is that many church people do not follow this instruction. They either simply hold grudges or leave that church and go to another. The problem with this is that the working out of problems helps the church family to grow in Christlike character, forgiveness and love. Many people do not grow because they continually hop from church to church whenever a conflict or offense arises.
Bottom line: Commit yourself to a local church and work out the interpersonal issues that arise. It will produce a harvest of graciousness and character like nothing else.
Prayer: Thank You that You put us in church families so that we would have others to help us grow. Strengthen us to hang in there and let Your grace be formed in us no matter what struggles may arise. May our church family be an example of love, understanding, and forgiveness.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Colossians 3:12-14
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Observation: These are beautiful verses which describe the interaction between believers in the local church. Notice that Paul, speaking to the people, instructs "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." In other words, we have to put on (like clothing) all these graces in our dealings with others in the church. We are to "bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another."
Application: The point of all this is that Paul obviously envisions a church family with interpersonal conflict and problems. Conflict is the only reason that you need to "bear with each other" and "forgive... grievances."
Unfortunately, my experience is that many church people do not follow this instruction. They either simply hold grudges or leave that church and go to another. The problem with this is that the working out of problems helps the church family to grow in Christlike character, forgiveness and love. Many people do not grow because they continually hop from church to church whenever a conflict or offense arises.
Bottom line: Commit yourself to a local church and work out the interpersonal issues that arise. It will produce a harvest of graciousness and character like nothing else.
Prayer: Thank You that You put us in church families so that we would have others to help us grow. Strengthen us to hang in there and let Your grace be formed in us no matter what struggles may arise. May our church family be an example of love, understanding, and forgiveness.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Title: The Choice / Topic: Comittment
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 17; 1 Kings 18; 1 Kings 19; Colossians 2
Scripture: 1 Kings 17:20-21
20 So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him."
But the people said nothing.
Observation: Elijah asks a penetrating question: "How long will you waver between two opinions?" The people of Israel had been lead by a wicked king with an even more wicked wife. The worship of God had been quashed and the pagan idol Baal was the god du Juor. (850 pagan prophets were honored and fed at the royal tables.) Most of the nation had followed the wicked king in worshiping Baal.
But these were the people of Jehovah and He has not let them go in spite of their disloyalty. Elijah is sent to challenge them to return to the Lord. But in so doing, the people are put in an uncomfortable position. He asks them to choose before the contest starts. He has created a showdown. It's like the Battle of the Network Prophets: Elijah vs. the Prophets of Baal. (That's one Elijah vs. 450 prophets of Baal.) So the people do not answer Elijah's question. "But the people said nothing." Not a big surprise. They want to see the outcome before they make up their minds.
Application: We are all called to answer this question: Chose whom you will serve. Either God is God or He is not. If He is, then serve Him. If not, then don't. But get off the stinkin' fence!
I challenge you. What do you really believe. If you believe that God is God, then let us serve Him without holding back -- 100% -- no holds barred -- no reserve -- no Plan B.
Prayer: Lord, You have called us to follow You completely and unreservedly. Help us to do that. May we step up and lay our lives on the line for You 100%. Show us ways where we are hedging our bets or not giving You our all and help us to repent and seek You fully.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Kings 17:20-21
20 So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him."
But the people said nothing.
Observation: Elijah asks a penetrating question: "How long will you waver between two opinions?" The people of Israel had been lead by a wicked king with an even more wicked wife. The worship of God had been quashed and the pagan idol Baal was the god du Juor. (850 pagan prophets were honored and fed at the royal tables.) Most of the nation had followed the wicked king in worshiping Baal.
But these were the people of Jehovah and He has not let them go in spite of their disloyalty. Elijah is sent to challenge them to return to the Lord. But in so doing, the people are put in an uncomfortable position. He asks them to choose before the contest starts. He has created a showdown. It's like the Battle of the Network Prophets: Elijah vs. the Prophets of Baal. (That's one Elijah vs. 450 prophets of Baal.) So the people do not answer Elijah's question. "But the people said nothing." Not a big surprise. They want to see the outcome before they make up their minds.
Application: We are all called to answer this question: Chose whom you will serve. Either God is God or He is not. If He is, then serve Him. If not, then don't. But get off the stinkin' fence!
I challenge you. What do you really believe. If you believe that God is God, then let us serve Him without holding back -- 100% -- no holds barred -- no reserve -- no Plan B.
Prayer: Lord, You have called us to follow You completely and unreservedly. Help us to do that. May we step up and lay our lives on the line for You 100%. Show us ways where we are hedging our bets or not giving You our all and help us to repent and seek You fully.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Title: Progressive Regression / Topic: Sin
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 15; 2 Chronicles 16; Colossians 1
Scripture: 1 Kings 16:30-33
30 Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the LORD than any of those before him. 31 He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him. 32 He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria. 33 Ahab also made an Asherah pole and did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than did all the kings of Israel before him.
Observation: There has been a fairly constant downhill slide since the Kingship of David. David got it started, Solomon accelerated the pace, and it has been picking up steam pretty much without stopping, especially in the Israel part of the divided kingdom. David had concubines and many wives including Bathsheba whom he obtained through a sordid episode of adultery, betrayal, and murder. Solomon dialed it up with more wives and concubines including pagan women for whom Solomon built pagan places of worship, even joining them in their cultic practices. Their offspring took it even further and here we have the result. The new King of Israel, King Ahab "considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam." These sins were enough for Jeroboam to be cursed by God and his entire family line wiped out! These sins were very serious. But as time progressed, people got used to them and they were thought to be not so bad. Finally, Ahab gets to the position where they are looked at as "trivial" -- what's the big deal?
Application: Sin is progressive. What one generation allows, the next generation will approve. And there is also a progression in sin in the life of an individual. Something looked at as really bad the first time one does it becomes progressively less serious in one's thinking over time.
Bottom line: Sin is not something that can be contained or controlled. It is like wild fire. It predictably spreads in unpredictable ways. And those who follow us will be caught up in the flames. Keep yourself far from it.
Prayer: Lord, cleanse us and purify us. Help us to stay on Your path of righteousness and holiness and far away from the path of sin, and destruction, and death. May we do this not only for ourselves, but also to pass on a holy heritage to those who will follow in our footsteps.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Kings 16:30-33
30 Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the LORD than any of those before him. 31 He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him. 32 He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria. 33 Ahab also made an Asherah pole and did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than did all the kings of Israel before him.
Observation: There has been a fairly constant downhill slide since the Kingship of David. David got it started, Solomon accelerated the pace, and it has been picking up steam pretty much without stopping, especially in the Israel part of the divided kingdom. David had concubines and many wives including Bathsheba whom he obtained through a sordid episode of adultery, betrayal, and murder. Solomon dialed it up with more wives and concubines including pagan women for whom Solomon built pagan places of worship, even joining them in their cultic practices. Their offspring took it even further and here we have the result. The new King of Israel, King Ahab "considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam." These sins were enough for Jeroboam to be cursed by God and his entire family line wiped out! These sins were very serious. But as time progressed, people got used to them and they were thought to be not so bad. Finally, Ahab gets to the position where they are looked at as "trivial" -- what's the big deal?
Application: Sin is progressive. What one generation allows, the next generation will approve. And there is also a progression in sin in the life of an individual. Something looked at as really bad the first time one does it becomes progressively less serious in one's thinking over time.
Bottom line: Sin is not something that can be contained or controlled. It is like wild fire. It predictably spreads in unpredictable ways. And those who follow us will be caught up in the flames. Keep yourself far from it.
Prayer: Lord, cleanse us and purify us. Help us to stay on Your path of righteousness and holiness and far away from the path of sin, and destruction, and death. May we do this not only for ourselves, but also to pass on a holy heritage to those who will follow in our footsteps.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Title: Fretting vs. Faith / Topic: God's Peace
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13; 2 Chronicles 14; Philippians 4
Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Observation: Anxiety is a common experience in our world today. Apparently it was common in Paul's day also. Paul presents a choice and a consequence. The choice is between being anxious or asking, between fretting and faith. We can either worry about whatever problem we are facing or we can bring it to God. The consequence? If we choose to worry, we get more worry. But the consequence of choosing to bring it to God is peace. But notice that it is not your garden-variety peace. No, God gives us His peace. It "transcends all understanding" or it is beyond figuring out.
Application: Isn't it great when you do this? When you get it and give whatever difficulty or problem to God. And there comes the sense of God's peace. The problem is still there -- but the stress is gone. Praise the Lord! Others may ask why you are not stressing about the problem but they cannot understand (unless they have previously given some problem to God). What a blessing -- what a relief it is!
Bring your problems to God. Let Him be your Burden Bearer. Rest in His everlasting arms. While there are many problems that are beyond my ability to deal with, there is no problem that He cannot bear and handle. Bring all your burdens to the Lord.
Prayer: Father, thank You for being our great Burden Bearer. How wonderful it is to have You available and accessible to help us at all times. Forgive us for all the situations where we forget to or simply choose not to bring our burdens to You. Thank You for the gift of peace that You bring to us as we surrender our stresses to You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Observation: Anxiety is a common experience in our world today. Apparently it was common in Paul's day also. Paul presents a choice and a consequence. The choice is between being anxious or asking, between fretting and faith. We can either worry about whatever problem we are facing or we can bring it to God. The consequence? If we choose to worry, we get more worry. But the consequence of choosing to bring it to God is peace. But notice that it is not your garden-variety peace. No, God gives us His peace. It "transcends all understanding" or it is beyond figuring out.
Application: Isn't it great when you do this? When you get it and give whatever difficulty or problem to God. And there comes the sense of God's peace. The problem is still there -- but the stress is gone. Praise the Lord! Others may ask why you are not stressing about the problem but they cannot understand (unless they have previously given some problem to God). What a blessing -- what a relief it is!
Bring your problems to God. Let Him be your Burden Bearer. Rest in His everlasting arms. While there are many problems that are beyond my ability to deal with, there is no problem that He cannot bear and handle. Bring all your burdens to the Lord.
Prayer: Father, thank You for being our great Burden Bearer. How wonderful it is to have You available and accessible to help us at all times. Forgive us for all the situations where we forget to or simply choose not to bring our burdens to You. Thank You for the gift of peace that You bring to us as we surrender our stresses to You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Title: Deadly Deceit / Topic: The Word Of The Lord
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 13; 1 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3
Scripture: 1 Kings 13:16-19
16 The man of God said, "I cannot turn back and go with you, nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place. 17 I have been told by the word of the LORD : 'You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.' "
18 The old prophet answered, "I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the LORD : 'Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.' " (But he was lying to him.) 19 So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house.
Observation: What a shame! This young prophet has daringly followed the word of the Lord in bringing a sharp rebuke to the king. And he has been careful to follow exactly the instructions the Lord gave him -- until now. Here, the young prophet repeats the Lord's instructions. "'You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.'" But he allows himself to be deceived by the old prophet who uses a carefully crafted canard to draw the young man away. Why the old prophet did this is unclear. Maybe he just wanted to spend time with a real man of God. Maybe he had grown so jaded that he thought that the instructions of God didn't matter, or that God wouldn't care. But whatever the reason, the old prophet lied. And the young prophet listened to the lie and was drawn aside even though it was a direct contradiction to what the Lord had spoken to him.
Application: Listen to God and don't waver on His clear word. There are many people who will challenge you, "Has the Lord really said that?" but you must stick with the word of the Lord.
The word of the Lord is precious and should be treated as such. It can be a tricky business to truly differentiate between what is God's word to us and what is our own thought. Of course, there is the written word of God that you can take to the bank. But when we receive a word from the Lord in the form of a still small voice, or the inner witness of the Spirit, it is not always easy to be sure. In today's scripture the young prophet was sure and he had the confirmation of the miraculous signs that accompanied the message he gave. This is why he could be 100% certain that he had received a message from God and why he should have followed it to the last jot and tittle.
Bottom line: When God speaks clearly, pay attention and follow closely. To fail in this can spell disaster.
Prayer: Lord, bring us Your clear word. And we will follow, with Your divine enablement. We desire to be faithful in our obedience to what You have spoken to us. May we put every word from You into practice in our lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Kings 13:16-19
16 The man of God said, "I cannot turn back and go with you, nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place. 17 I have been told by the word of the LORD : 'You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.' "
18 The old prophet answered, "I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the LORD : 'Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.' " (But he was lying to him.) 19 So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house.
Observation: What a shame! This young prophet has daringly followed the word of the Lord in bringing a sharp rebuke to the king. And he has been careful to follow exactly the instructions the Lord gave him -- until now. Here, the young prophet repeats the Lord's instructions. "'You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.'" But he allows himself to be deceived by the old prophet who uses a carefully crafted canard to draw the young man away. Why the old prophet did this is unclear. Maybe he just wanted to spend time with a real man of God. Maybe he had grown so jaded that he thought that the instructions of God didn't matter, or that God wouldn't care. But whatever the reason, the old prophet lied. And the young prophet listened to the lie and was drawn aside even though it was a direct contradiction to what the Lord had spoken to him.
Application: Listen to God and don't waver on His clear word. There are many people who will challenge you, "Has the Lord really said that?" but you must stick with the word of the Lord.
The word of the Lord is precious and should be treated as such. It can be a tricky business to truly differentiate between what is God's word to us and what is our own thought. Of course, there is the written word of God that you can take to the bank. But when we receive a word from the Lord in the form of a still small voice, or the inner witness of the Spirit, it is not always easy to be sure. In today's scripture the young prophet was sure and he had the confirmation of the miraculous signs that accompanied the message he gave. This is why he could be 100% certain that he had received a message from God and why he should have followed it to the last jot and tittle.
Bottom line: When God speaks clearly, pay attention and follow closely. To fail in this can spell disaster.
Prayer: Lord, bring us Your clear word. And we will follow, with Your divine enablement. We desire to be faithful in our obedience to what You have spoken to us. May we put every word from You into practice in our lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Title: No Whining / Topic: Behavior
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10; 2 Chronicles 11; Philippians 2
Scripture: Philippians 2:14-15
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe...
Observation: It's a simple instruction: "no complaining -- no arguing." But complaining and arguing are everywhere around us. (I especially see it in younger people. OK, there's plenty of it in older people too.) I think it is interesting that Paul says that if we can get rid of the complaining and arguing we will stand out like bright stars against the blackest of night skies. Ain't it the truth! If you could produce a group of people who did not complain, they would really stand out! Why, people would think they were from another planet! And the same is true for arguing. It is hard to imagine a setting with people where there is not complaining and arguing -- but it's nice if you can. And it's even better if you can find such a place.
Application: We have work to do in our thoughts and words. Complaining and arguing originate in critical and selfish minds. We need to deal with our sinful and selfish nature and ask God to help us to become more contented with the way things are instead of the constant complaining that is so common. We need to change our thinking and our speech.
[I encourage you to determine to avoid complaining and arguing (this is a dare if you are a teen) for a 24 hour period. Try it and let us know how it went.]
Prayer: Lord, help us to work on this negative communication. Help us to become positive in the way we think and the way we talk. May we deal a death blow to complaining and arguing and become positive people instead. We want to reflect the joy of the Lord in every aspect of our lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Philippians 2:14-15
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe...
Observation: It's a simple instruction: "no complaining -- no arguing." But complaining and arguing are everywhere around us. (I especially see it in younger people. OK, there's plenty of it in older people too.) I think it is interesting that Paul says that if we can get rid of the complaining and arguing we will stand out like bright stars against the blackest of night skies. Ain't it the truth! If you could produce a group of people who did not complain, they would really stand out! Why, people would think they were from another planet! And the same is true for arguing. It is hard to imagine a setting with people where there is not complaining and arguing -- but it's nice if you can. And it's even better if you can find such a place.
Application: We have work to do in our thoughts and words. Complaining and arguing originate in critical and selfish minds. We need to deal with our sinful and selfish nature and ask God to help us to become more contented with the way things are instead of the constant complaining that is so common. We need to change our thinking and our speech.
[I encourage you to determine to avoid complaining and arguing (this is a dare if you are a teen) for a 24 hour period. Try it and let us know how it went.]
Prayer: Lord, help us to work on this negative communication. Help us to become positive in the way we think and the way we talk. May we deal a death blow to complaining and arguing and become positive people instead. We want to reflect the joy of the Lord in every aspect of our lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Title: The Leader's Joy / Topic: Faithful Followers
Today’s Reading: Song of Solomon 5; Song of Solomon 6; Song of Solomon 7; Song of Solomon 8; Philippians 1
Scripture: Philippians 1:3-8
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Observation: Paul shares his affection for the Philippian believers. They bring him joy because of their "partnership in the gospel." Paul's heart has been knit together with theirs because of the time spent together working for Jesus. Think what they spent their time doing: meeting together and studying the word, praying, worshiping; going out and sharing the gospel by personal witnessing and outdoor preaching; breaking bread and fellowshipping. It doesn't sound that remarkable. It's basically the same things we do in our church family. But they stuck together and hung in there with Paul and that is what touched his heart.
Application: I can totally relate to Paul. I have been blessed with an amazing group of faithful co-laborers in the ministry. When I think of them, I thank God with great joy. Some of these have been with me for five, ten, even fifteen years and more! And they have not only loved Jesus and served Him faithfully, they have loved me and served me faithfully too! That's what amazes and blesses me. Thank You Jesus!
Prayer: Father, I am so grateful for the many faithful men and women You have placed into my life. When I consider my many failings and my many lacks, I am so humbled that these gifted and spiritual people have given of themselves with such steadfastness and excellence of spirit. Lord, pour out blessing on all these who have been such a blessing to me and my bride -- may they be truly drenched in Your blessing on every area of their lives. Help me to lead them well as we powerfully advance together into the great destiny You have for all of us.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Philippians 1:3-8
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Observation: Paul shares his affection for the Philippian believers. They bring him joy because of their "partnership in the gospel." Paul's heart has been knit together with theirs because of the time spent together working for Jesus. Think what they spent their time doing: meeting together and studying the word, praying, worshiping; going out and sharing the gospel by personal witnessing and outdoor preaching; breaking bread and fellowshipping. It doesn't sound that remarkable. It's basically the same things we do in our church family. But they stuck together and hung in there with Paul and that is what touched his heart.
Application: I can totally relate to Paul. I have been blessed with an amazing group of faithful co-laborers in the ministry. When I think of them, I thank God with great joy. Some of these have been with me for five, ten, even fifteen years and more! And they have not only loved Jesus and served Him faithfully, they have loved me and served me faithfully too! That's what amazes and blesses me. Thank You Jesus!
Prayer: Father, I am so grateful for the many faithful men and women You have placed into my life. When I consider my many failings and my many lacks, I am so humbled that these gifted and spiritual people have given of themselves with such steadfastness and excellence of spirit. Lord, pour out blessing on all these who have been such a blessing to me and my bride -- may they be truly drenched in Your blessing on every area of their lives. Help me to lead them well as we powerfully advance together into the great destiny You have for all of us.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Title: Making Plans / Topic: Strategy
Today’s Reading: Song of Solomon 1; Song of Solomon 2; Song of Solomon 3; Song of Solomon 4; Ephesians 6
Scripture: Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
Observation: Someone is making plans for your life. The first of the Four Spiritual Laws tells us that "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." But God is not the only one who has a plan for your life. Here, Paul tells us that the devil is also making plans, "schemes," as he refers to them. I picture Satan, rubbing his hands as he considers what devilish evil to bring my way.
Application: Because of this, we need to make plans to stand and to succeed. It is most unwise to just "go with the flow". Satan is making plans, and so must we. We must plan to serve God every day. We must plan to discipline our lives to include time spent in Bible reading and study, prayer and meditation, thanksgiving and worship, fellowship and sharing, and listening to God. We must set Godly goals for every area of our lives and work toward them relentlessly. If we are advancing -- moving forward positively and continuously -- our enemy will have a very difficult time working his schemes against us. Remember, it's hard to hit a moving target. Are you a moving target? Are you moving forward daily in Jesus?
Prayer: Lord, help us to outsmart the enemy by keeping pace with the Spirit and staying strong and growing. May we exercise our faith and be on the offense so as to be a threat and not a target for our enemy. Help us to hear Your will clearly and set our goals accordingly.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
Observation: Someone is making plans for your life. The first of the Four Spiritual Laws tells us that "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." But God is not the only one who has a plan for your life. Here, Paul tells us that the devil is also making plans, "schemes," as he refers to them. I picture Satan, rubbing his hands as he considers what devilish evil to bring my way.
Application: Because of this, we need to make plans to stand and to succeed. It is most unwise to just "go with the flow". Satan is making plans, and so must we. We must plan to serve God every day. We must plan to discipline our lives to include time spent in Bible reading and study, prayer and meditation, thanksgiving and worship, fellowship and sharing, and listening to God. We must set Godly goals for every area of our lives and work toward them relentlessly. If we are advancing -- moving forward positively and continuously -- our enemy will have a very difficult time working his schemes against us. Remember, it's hard to hit a moving target. Are you a moving target? Are you moving forward daily in Jesus?
Prayer: Lord, help us to outsmart the enemy by keeping pace with the Spirit and staying strong and growing. May we exercise our faith and be on the offense so as to be a threat and not a target for our enemy. Help us to hear Your will clearly and set our goals accordingly.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Title: Keep It Simple / Topic: Holy Living
Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 10; Ecclesiastes 11; Ecclesiastes 12; Psalm 94; Ephesians 5
Scripture: Ecclesiastes12:13-14
13 Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.
Observation: The Bottom Line. This is what everyone wants to know: "Tell me the bottom line." Solomon, at the end of all his musings, his rantings and ravings, his cynicism and scornfulness, breaks it down in these two verses. And here's what we need to know and to do:
#1 - Fear God
#2 - Keep His commandments
Then he gives us the "why": because God is watching and there will be a final reconciling of all accounts known as "judgment".
Application: KISS - Keep It Simple Saints! I need a serious attitude about God. He is, after all, Almighty God and I will stand before Him and give an account for my life. Therefore I need to walk in ultimate respect and reverence for Him as if He is watching at all times because He actually is!
Prayer: Lord, help me. I want to walk in the present presence with You. I want to experience the healthy fear of God continually in my life to keep me relating rightly to You and my fellow travelers on this planet. Help me to stay in tune and in touch with You continually -- and increasingly.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes12:13-14
13 Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.
Observation: The Bottom Line. This is what everyone wants to know: "Tell me the bottom line." Solomon, at the end of all his musings, his rantings and ravings, his cynicism and scornfulness, breaks it down in these two verses. And here's what we need to know and to do:
#1 - Fear God
#2 - Keep His commandments
Then he gives us the "why": because God is watching and there will be a final reconciling of all accounts known as "judgment".
Application: KISS - Keep It Simple Saints! I need a serious attitude about God. He is, after all, Almighty God and I will stand before Him and give an account for my life. Therefore I need to walk in ultimate respect and reverence for Him as if He is watching at all times because He actually is!
Prayer: Lord, help me. I want to walk in the present presence with You. I want to experience the healthy fear of God continually in my life to keep me relating rightly to You and my fellow travelers on this planet. Help me to stay in tune and in touch with You continually -- and increasingly.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Title: The Benefits Of Deafness / Topic: Wise Living
Today's Reading: Ecclesiastes 7; Ecclesiastes 8; Ecclesiastes 9; Ephesians 4
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:21-22
21 Do not pay attention to every word people say,
or you may hear your servant cursing you -
22 for you know in your heart
that many times you yourself have cursed others.
Observation: What good advice! And practical! Solomon tells us to not listen too closely to everything people say. You may hear something you wish you hadn't.
Application: It is better to be in the dark about some things. I am glad that I do not know everything that my enemies say about me. I am glad that I do not know everything that my friends say about me! Why? Because we all say things about people that we would never want them to hear.
[Now if you are shocked at that admission, you may be in denial or over-righteous so you might need to heed the words of Ecclesiates7:16.]
So be careful to intentionally "not pay attention to every word people say." It is wise to let some things pass without your knowledge. And if you happen to hear another person say some uncomplimentary word about you, it may be wise to let it pass as if you had not heard it.
One more point: this is a lesson for us to watch our own words about others. So much is said that would be better left unsaid. I want to become exemplary in the way I talk about other people -- to speak (and think) the best of them as much as it is possible.
Prayer: Lord, help us to honor You with our lips. May we speak in a way that builds others up and allow nothing to escape our mouths that would bring us shame or discomfort if others were to hear. May we be used to bless others and be an example of positive expressions, uplifting words, and encouragement in all we say.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:21-22
21 Do not pay attention to every word people say,
or you may hear your servant cursing you -
22 for you know in your heart
that many times you yourself have cursed others.
Observation: What good advice! And practical! Solomon tells us to not listen too closely to everything people say. You may hear something you wish you hadn't.
Application: It is better to be in the dark about some things. I am glad that I do not know everything that my enemies say about me. I am glad that I do not know everything that my friends say about me! Why? Because we all say things about people that we would never want them to hear.
[Now if you are shocked at that admission, you may be in denial or over-righteous so you might need to heed the words of Ecclesiates7:16.]
So be careful to intentionally "not pay attention to every word people say." It is wise to let some things pass without your knowledge. And if you happen to hear another person say some uncomplimentary word about you, it may be wise to let it pass as if you had not heard it.
One more point: this is a lesson for us to watch our own words about others. So much is said that would be better left unsaid. I want to become exemplary in the way I talk about other people -- to speak (and think) the best of them as much as it is possible.
Prayer: Lord, help us to honor You with our lips. May we speak in a way that builds others up and allow nothing to escape our mouths that would bring us shame or discomfort if others were to hear. May we be used to bless others and be an example of positive expressions, uplifting words, and encouragement in all we say.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Title: His Mouthpiece / Topic: The Church
Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 4; Ecclesiastes 5; Ecclesiastes 6; Psalm 18; Ephesians 3
Scripture: Ephesians 3:10-11
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Observation: God is mysterious. Sometimes I think that we western Christians forget this truth or minimize it but there remain many mysteries related to who God is, how He operates, and why He does what He does. The word tells us that His wisdom is far above ours and that we, on our own, could never fathom His ways.
Yet in the Ephesians 3 passage above, we are told that for long ages God has maintained a secret plan ("eternal purpose") that He is now unfolding. That plan is to reveal His "manifold wisdom" to "the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." He is wanting to lay out before the spirit world -- all the angels and principalities and powers of good and evil in the invisible realm -- all the details of the who, what, when, where, how, and why of His Kingdom. The stunning part of this is that He has chosen as His mouthpiece of this amazing revelation THE CHURCH.
Application: This is a high calling and solemn charge. Somehow, God thinks it best to use the Church as the sole revealer of God to the spirit world. What I get out of this amazing idea is that through us, God shows His true colors. His wisdom, mercy, grace, and justice are all revealed through His dealings with us.
[An example of how this works is how Solomon's wisdom was revealed to his court and his nation.]
We are blessed to be allowed in this role as it means we are now the recipients of the beauty, love, and nobleness of who God is. Let us live in appreciation with a quality of holy and respectful living and respond with praise and thanksgiving to God.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for this blessed privilege to be vehicles of declaring Your wisdom. You truly have chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. Empower me to live in a way that honors this sacred call. May Your people be cognizant of the true privilege You have granted us and may we walk accordingly.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Ephesians 3:10-11
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Observation: God is mysterious. Sometimes I think that we western Christians forget this truth or minimize it but there remain many mysteries related to who God is, how He operates, and why He does what He does. The word tells us that His wisdom is far above ours and that we, on our own, could never fathom His ways.
Yet in the Ephesians 3 passage above, we are told that for long ages God has maintained a secret plan ("eternal purpose") that He is now unfolding. That plan is to reveal His "manifold wisdom" to "the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." He is wanting to lay out before the spirit world -- all the angels and principalities and powers of good and evil in the invisible realm -- all the details of the who, what, when, where, how, and why of His Kingdom. The stunning part of this is that He has chosen as His mouthpiece of this amazing revelation THE CHURCH.
Application: This is a high calling and solemn charge. Somehow, God thinks it best to use the Church as the sole revealer of God to the spirit world. What I get out of this amazing idea is that through us, God shows His true colors. His wisdom, mercy, grace, and justice are all revealed through His dealings with us.
[An example of how this works is how Solomon's wisdom was revealed to his court and his nation.]
We are blessed to be allowed in this role as it means we are now the recipients of the beauty, love, and nobleness of who God is. Let us live in appreciation with a quality of holy and respectful living and respond with praise and thanksgiving to God.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for this blessed privilege to be vehicles of declaring Your wisdom. You truly have chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. Empower me to live in a way that honors this sacred call. May Your people be cognizant of the true privilege You have granted us and may we walk accordingly.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Title: The Unexpected Reward / Topic: Joy
Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 1; Ecclesiastes 2; Ecclesiastes 3; Psalm 45; Ephesians 2
Scripture: Psalm 45:7
You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.
Observation: This is an interesting verse. The psalmist declares that the reward from God for loving righteousness and hating wickedness is to be "set... above your companions" which is accomplished "by anointing you with the oil of joy." I like that. God doesn't promise to give a person greater wealth or fame or power as a reward for a right heart. He gives us joy. And that is a wonderful gift. (Contrast this with the despair of Solomon who had everything anyone could ever want.)
Application: Seek God and walk in joy. I have made it a conscious point to smile and laugh and enjoy my life more and more. And I consciously share my happiness with others. They appreciate it. What's the use of a grumpy attitude? Lose that lousy attitude! Put a smile on your face. It's the sign of that you are a winner! And recognize that God wants to give you joy. "The joy of the Lord is my strength." Live in joy, walk in it, look for it. Seek to have the right heart before the Lord and you won't have to look far.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You are a God who loves joy and laughter. May we experience Your power-releasing joy in our lives every day in an ever-increasing way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 45:7
You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.
Observation: This is an interesting verse. The psalmist declares that the reward from God for loving righteousness and hating wickedness is to be "set... above your companions" which is accomplished "by anointing you with the oil of joy." I like that. God doesn't promise to give a person greater wealth or fame or power as a reward for a right heart. He gives us joy. And that is a wonderful gift. (Contrast this with the despair of Solomon who had everything anyone could ever want.)
Application: Seek God and walk in joy. I have made it a conscious point to smile and laugh and enjoy my life more and more. And I consciously share my happiness with others. They appreciate it. What's the use of a grumpy attitude? Lose that lousy attitude! Put a smile on your face. It's the sign of that you are a winner! And recognize that God wants to give you joy. "The joy of the Lord is my strength." Live in joy, walk in it, look for it. Seek to have the right heart before the Lord and you won't have to look far.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You are a God who loves joy and laughter. May we experience Your power-releasing joy in our lives every day in an ever-increasing way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Title: Look Out! / Topic: God Is Watching
Today's Reading: Proverbs 30; Proverbs 31; Psalm 33; Ephesians 1
Scripture: Psalm 33:13-15
13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-
15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.
Observation: He sees you when you're sleeping, He knows when you're awake, He knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake. No, it's not Santa Claus, it's the Lord. He is paying attention to every person. Notice the progression of His observation:
#1 He "looks down"
#2 He "sees"
#3 He "watches"
#4 He "considers"
There is a clear development of activity here. You have had experiences that mirror this: You look or take a glance. Then you see something that catches your eye. Then you watch with interest. Then you consider what you have seen. That's what God does with us. But it is an intentional and constant act. It is part of His job as God.
Application: What I thought was most interesting about this is that while God is considering (i.e. thinking about) everyone's actions, many people don't seem to consider their own actions -- they don't give thought to their ways or the outcomes or repercussions of their actions. God is looking, seeing, watching, and considering what we do. We had better do the same with our lives. We must look at what we are doing, see it clearly, watch out, and carefully consider what we do. God is watching. And so are others.
Prayer: Lord, help us to pay attention to the details of our lives. Thank You that You are watching over us and looking out for us. May we live with the awareness of Your constant presence, knowing that You desire to help us to do right, and to walk in truth, justice, mercy, and kindness.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 33:13-15
13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-
15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.
Observation: He sees you when you're sleeping, He knows when you're awake, He knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake. No, it's not Santa Claus, it's the Lord. He is paying attention to every person. Notice the progression of His observation:
#1 He "looks down"
#2 He "sees"
#3 He "watches"
#4 He "considers"
There is a clear development of activity here. You have had experiences that mirror this: You look or take a glance. Then you see something that catches your eye. Then you watch with interest. Then you consider what you have seen. That's what God does with us. But it is an intentional and constant act. It is part of His job as God.
Application: What I thought was most interesting about this is that while God is considering (i.e. thinking about) everyone's actions, many people don't seem to consider their own actions -- they don't give thought to their ways or the outcomes or repercussions of their actions. God is looking, seeing, watching, and considering what we do. We had better do the same with our lives. We must look at what we are doing, see it clearly, watch out, and carefully consider what we do. God is watching. And so are others.
Prayer: Lord, help us to pay attention to the details of our lives. Thank You that You are watching over us and looking out for us. May we live with the awareness of Your constant presence, knowing that You desire to help us to do right, and to walk in truth, justice, mercy, and kindness.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Title: Dan Brown's Folly / Topic: Ancient Christian Women
Today’s Reading: Proverbs 28; Proverbs 29; Psalm 60; Romans 16
[I just finished reading The DiVinci Code late last night. Many people had told me that it was a page turner, and they were right. The story was exciting and the mystery gripping. Dan Brown's writing, his imagination and creativity, was both fascinating and irritating. While most of his details were intriguing, so many were just stupid. I was impressed with his ability to make even the impossible sound plausible, and the ridiculous sound reasonable. What I grew to resent was his constant insertion of conjured feminine/fertility significance (read: "sexual") into so many common aspects of everyday life. This is agenda-based pollution of ideas and actions that injects unseemly concepts where they did not and should not exist.
I will post more about this at another time. But the scripture below has a direct and obvious relevance to the message of Brown's work of fiction.]
Scripture: Romans 16:1-7, 12-16
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 5 Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. ...12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.
Observation: What we have in the passage above is the true story of the role of and regard for women in the Ancient Church. Listed are the names of ten women with some detail on several of them. They are:
1) Phoebe (servant (i.e. minister) of Cenchrean church, a great help to Paul and others)
2) Priscilla (along with her husband (her name is always listed first, perhaps indicating Priscilla as the stronger in the team) are Paul's fellow workers)
3) Mary (worked hard for the Corinthians)
4) Junias [Junia (feninine) in the Greek] (imprisoned with Paul, "outstanding among the apostles")
5) Tryphena (worked hard in the Lord)
6) Tryphosa (ditto)
7) Persis (worked very hard in the Lord)
8) Rufus' mother (a "mother" to Paul also)
9) Julia
10) Nereus' sister
Ancient Christianity respected women as partners in the Gospel ministry. A true understanding of Biblical Christianity has always elevated the role of women -- not as "reproductive goddesses" but as coworkers, sisters, and fellow heirs of the blessings of God in Christ Jesus. In this passage are ten women who Paul mentions by name and greets with respect. Many are said to have "worked hard in the Lord," a phrase which likely refers to ministry leadership in the church. One, Junias (or Junia as it appears in the Greek text) is an apostle like Paul, and said to be "outstanding among the apostles." The clear conveyance of all these words is respect, admiration, and appreciation for the significant contribution these women have made. There is an obvious sense of partnership between Paul and these women.
Application: Dan Brown has it all wrong. His twisted caricature of the teachings of the church is a product of a thorough misunderstanding (and perhaps even a deep resentment) of Christianity. While the history of the church has many despicable and shameful chapters, we are aware of them and the Christian Church has shunned the misguided thinking and practices of those times. (After all, The Dark Ages are so named because of the fact that in these times, people walked in darkness, departing from and acting contrary to the light of the Gospel.) But even through these times, there were those who held to the beauty of the true Gospel of God's love and grace. We in the Church can hold our heads high, not in pride but in confidence that it is because of the true testimony of the ministry of Jesus and the teachings of early church which has been preserved in the New Testament, that the noble ideas of equality, liberty, purity, honesty, and justice (and true respect for women) exist in our world today. Without the Church in the world, without the Gospel, without the New Testament, this would be a very dark world indeed.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for the light of the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, the only hope for salvation. Thank You for imprinting Your grace and Your truth within Your Word and within Your Church. I pray that the Church would be aware of Her mission to clearly portray Your truth as we live our lives before the world. Lord, I ask that You would not allow confusion to be infused into our culture as a result of the works of evil imaginations of creative minds, but that Your truth would prevail.
SO BRIGHT THE TRUTH OF GOD
May Your truth ever shine.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
[I just finished reading The DiVinci Code late last night. Many people had told me that it was a page turner, and they were right. The story was exciting and the mystery gripping. Dan Brown's writing, his imagination and creativity, was both fascinating and irritating. While most of his details were intriguing, so many were just stupid. I was impressed with his ability to make even the impossible sound plausible, and the ridiculous sound reasonable. What I grew to resent was his constant insertion of conjured feminine/fertility significance (read: "sexual") into so many common aspects of everyday life. This is agenda-based pollution of ideas and actions that injects unseemly concepts where they did not and should not exist.
I will post more about this at another time. But the scripture below has a direct and obvious relevance to the message of Brown's work of fiction.]
Scripture: Romans 16:1-7, 12-16
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 5 Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. ...12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.
Observation: What we have in the passage above is the true story of the role of and regard for women in the Ancient Church. Listed are the names of ten women with some detail on several of them. They are:
1) Phoebe (servant (i.e. minister) of Cenchrean church, a great help to Paul and others)
2) Priscilla (along with her husband (her name is always listed first, perhaps indicating Priscilla as the stronger in the team) are Paul's fellow workers)
3) Mary (worked hard for the Corinthians)
4) Junias [Junia (feninine) in the Greek] (imprisoned with Paul, "outstanding among the apostles")
5) Tryphena (worked hard in the Lord)
6) Tryphosa (ditto)
7) Persis (worked very hard in the Lord)
8) Rufus' mother (a "mother" to Paul also)
9) Julia
10) Nereus' sister
Ancient Christianity respected women as partners in the Gospel ministry. A true understanding of Biblical Christianity has always elevated the role of women -- not as "reproductive goddesses" but as coworkers, sisters, and fellow heirs of the blessings of God in Christ Jesus. In this passage are ten women who Paul mentions by name and greets with respect. Many are said to have "worked hard in the Lord," a phrase which likely refers to ministry leadership in the church. One, Junias (or Junia as it appears in the Greek text) is an apostle like Paul, and said to be "outstanding among the apostles." The clear conveyance of all these words is respect, admiration, and appreciation for the significant contribution these women have made. There is an obvious sense of partnership between Paul and these women.
Application: Dan Brown has it all wrong. His twisted caricature of the teachings of the church is a product of a thorough misunderstanding (and perhaps even a deep resentment) of Christianity. While the history of the church has many despicable and shameful chapters, we are aware of them and the Christian Church has shunned the misguided thinking and practices of those times. (After all, The Dark Ages are so named because of the fact that in these times, people walked in darkness, departing from and acting contrary to the light of the Gospel.) But even through these times, there were those who held to the beauty of the true Gospel of God's love and grace. We in the Church can hold our heads high, not in pride but in confidence that it is because of the true testimony of the ministry of Jesus and the teachings of early church which has been preserved in the New Testament, that the noble ideas of equality, liberty, purity, honesty, and justice (and true respect for women) exist in our world today. Without the Church in the world, without the Gospel, without the New Testament, this would be a very dark world indeed.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for the light of the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, the only hope for salvation. Thank You for imprinting Your grace and Your truth within Your Word and within Your Church. I pray that the Church would be aware of Her mission to clearly portray Your truth as we live our lives before the world. Lord, I ask that You would not allow confusion to be infused into our culture as a result of the works of evil imaginations of creative minds, but that Your truth would prevail.
May Your truth ever shine.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Title: One True Friend / Topic: Truth
This is my final post from our nation's capital, Washington DC. We have truly had a blessed time here including a wonderful Foursquare International Convention.
Today's Reading: Proverbs 25; Proverbs 26; Proverbs 27; Romans 15
Scripture: Proverbs 27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.
Observation: As I read this verse, I thought of the sweetness of friendship -- and the friends that I love and that love me. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends. The best friends are those who tell you the truth and give you "earnest counsel" as this verse puts it.
Application: And then I thought about one friend that always tells me the truth. This friend is always available to me. But this friend never intrudes -- actually there is an occasional intrusion but it is always so timely and so well targeted that it truly fulfills the definition of "earnest counsel." The sweetness of this friendship is real and so valuable that it is something I would not care to live without. And the more time I spend with this friend, the more I feel love for this friend. The friend I am speaking of is the Bible. What a blessed friend the word of God is. Think about it as you reread the verse: "Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel." I don't know about you but this so connects with me as a perfect fit. This verse describes how the Bible blesses my life as the best of all my earthly friends.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful friend You are and for the gift of Your word as that friend which always speaks earnest counsel to my soul. Thank You for the comfort, encouragement, love, and gentle correction that come my way so faithfully from Your word. May I take what Your word tells me and work it into my heart, my mind, and all of my life.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Reading: Proverbs 25; Proverbs 26; Proverbs 27; Romans 15
Scripture: Proverbs 27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.
Observation: As I read this verse, I thought of the sweetness of friendship -- and the friends that I love and that love me. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends. The best friends are those who tell you the truth and give you "earnest counsel" as this verse puts it.
Application: And then I thought about one friend that always tells me the truth. This friend is always available to me. But this friend never intrudes -- actually there is an occasional intrusion but it is always so timely and so well targeted that it truly fulfills the definition of "earnest counsel." The sweetness of this friendship is real and so valuable that it is something I would not care to live without. And the more time I spend with this friend, the more I feel love for this friend. The friend I am speaking of is the Bible. What a blessed friend the word of God is. Think about it as you reread the verse: "Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel." I don't know about you but this so connects with me as a perfect fit. This verse describes how the Bible blesses my life as the best of all my earthly friends.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful friend You are and for the gift of Your word as that friend which always speaks earnest counsel to my soul. Thank You for the comfort, encouragement, love, and gentle correction that come my way so faithfully from Your word. May I take what Your word tells me and work it into my heart, my mind, and all of my life.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Title: The Happy Teacher / Topic: Discipleship
Posting from our nation's capital, Washington DC, from May 22 through June 3.
Today's Reading: Proverbs 22; Proverbs 23; Proverbs 24; Romans 14
Scripture: Proverbs 23:15-16
My son, if your heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad;
my inmost being will rejoice
when your lips speak what is right.
Observation: The goal of the teacher is for the proper development of the student. Here, the teacher speaks to the student. Here's my paraphrase: "What makes me truly happy is to see you doing well."
Application: So often, people misunderstand the process and purpose of discipleship. They get upset because they view it as the teacher lording it over the student. But it's really not about the teacher at all. A teacher's success is not in the number of people following -- it's in the quality of the people following. Do they demonstrate positive change? Are they growing in excellence of character? A good teacher finds his greatest joy when he sees wisdom in the lives of those he leads -- it makes his "heart glad". And notice that the teacher has a simple way to evaluate the good progress of the followers: "when your lips speak what is right." Listening to the disciples is a key. Many teachers spend all their interactive time talking. It's important to give time to listening. And when the teacher hears the disciple speaking truth, that is when they "speak what is right," he has cause to rejoice.
As a teacher myself, it is one of my greatest joys when I listen to those that I have the privilege to lead, and I observe Godly character and wisdom. What a blessing it is to be used as a vessel to pour out the good things of the Lord to others in such a way that those things become a part of their lives!
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the privilege of being used by You. And thank You for those good teachers You have used to teach me. May I demonstrate Your character by the quality of my life and speech. And may I lead well in Your character, and be used to raise up many whose lives demonstrate who You are.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Reading: Proverbs 22; Proverbs 23; Proverbs 24; Romans 14
Scripture: Proverbs 23:15-16
My son, if your heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad;
my inmost being will rejoice
when your lips speak what is right.
Observation: The goal of the teacher is for the proper development of the student. Here, the teacher speaks to the student. Here's my paraphrase: "What makes me truly happy is to see you doing well."
Application: So often, people misunderstand the process and purpose of discipleship. They get upset because they view it as the teacher lording it over the student. But it's really not about the teacher at all. A teacher's success is not in the number of people following -- it's in the quality of the people following. Do they demonstrate positive change? Are they growing in excellence of character? A good teacher finds his greatest joy when he sees wisdom in the lives of those he leads -- it makes his "heart glad". And notice that the teacher has a simple way to evaluate the good progress of the followers: "when your lips speak what is right." Listening to the disciples is a key. Many teachers spend all their interactive time talking. It's important to give time to listening. And when the teacher hears the disciple speaking truth, that is when they "speak what is right," he has cause to rejoice.
As a teacher myself, it is one of my greatest joys when I listen to those that I have the privilege to lead, and I observe Godly character and wisdom. What a blessing it is to be used as a vessel to pour out the good things of the Lord to others in such a way that those things become a part of their lives!
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the privilege of being used by You. And thank You for those good teachers You have used to teach me. May I demonstrate Your character by the quality of my life and speech. And may I lead well in Your character, and be used to raise up many whose lives demonstrate who You are.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Title: Who Can I Blame? / Topic: Wise Living
Posting from our nation's capital, Washington DC, from May 22 through June 3.
Today's Reading: Proverbs 19; Proverbs 20; Proverbs 21; Romans 13
Scripture: Proverbs 19:3 A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD.
Observation: One of my current "funny statements" is: "happiness is having someone else to blame." The above proverb describes exactly that. Here is a person who has lived a life of folly (that is, "Perilously or criminally foolish action"), and yet blames God for the resultant troubles. How comforting it is to not have to accept responsibility for my life -- but how false! And notice the word "rages". This is a word filled with intensity, with pathos. This person is really angry with God. But the person he should be angry with is himself.
Application: Like me, when you read this verse, you probably have some people come to mind that have chosen to live away from God and the obvious fallout of their lives has been significantly ruinous. But, this verse does not apply only to such people. This verse can apply to the God-fearing person as well! We can operate in folly -- damagingly foolish action in one or more areas of our lives -- that is not obvious to others, or that is at least "more acceptable" in our Christian culture.
Let me draw a contrast. On one hand, let's talk about substance abuse. We would all easily identify an alcohol or cocaine addict as a person living a life of folly. A substance-abuse problem is obviously damaging behavior. But contrast that with a financial problem. it's easy to spend too much, save too little, and fail to plan. And we don't readily consider this to be folly. In fact, many Christians, many of us, are living (present tense) like this.
A significant lack of discipline without correction in any of dozens of areas can bring harm to our lives. Money, food, time, fitness, entertainment, speech, gossip, submission, study, work, relationships, sex, thoughts, and many others are all aspects of life that require discipline. And we can easily be tripped up in them. But the problem is not in the initial tripping, it's in continuing in the "folly".
The key to address this issue is accountability. This has been a buzz word for some time and lots of people talk about it. But few people truly have functional accountability. By that I mean you have people in your life who know and share the values you want in your life and who you have asked to pay attention and intentionally intervene when (not if) you fall short or show signs of wavering. This involves a meddling in the life of someone else and someone else meddling in my life. True accountability is inconvenient, intrusive and uncomfortable. But folly is deadly. So pick your poison. I advise you to seek accountability. It does not happen without work and maintenance. But it is worth it to keep folly out of your life.
Prayer: Lord, help us to gain the full benefit of those You have made available to us. Our brothers and sisters can help us to stay on the path of wisdom and health, but only if we allow them to. Give us courage to risk giving others entry into our personal lives. Give us the awareness of our own weakness and tendency toward folly. And bring to us the right kind of partners to mutually seek Your best in all of our lives.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Reading: Proverbs 19; Proverbs 20; Proverbs 21; Romans 13
Scripture: Proverbs 19:3 A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD.
Observation: One of my current "funny statements" is: "happiness is having someone else to blame." The above proverb describes exactly that. Here is a person who has lived a life of folly (that is, "Perilously or criminally foolish action"), and yet blames God for the resultant troubles. How comforting it is to not have to accept responsibility for my life -- but how false! And notice the word "rages". This is a word filled with intensity, with pathos. This person is really angry with God. But the person he should be angry with is himself.
Application: Like me, when you read this verse, you probably have some people come to mind that have chosen to live away from God and the obvious fallout of their lives has been significantly ruinous. But, this verse does not apply only to such people. This verse can apply to the God-fearing person as well! We can operate in folly -- damagingly foolish action in one or more areas of our lives -- that is not obvious to others, or that is at least "more acceptable" in our Christian culture.
Let me draw a contrast. On one hand, let's talk about substance abuse. We would all easily identify an alcohol or cocaine addict as a person living a life of folly. A substance-abuse problem is obviously damaging behavior. But contrast that with a financial problem. it's easy to spend too much, save too little, and fail to plan. And we don't readily consider this to be folly. In fact, many Christians, many of us, are living (present tense) like this.
A significant lack of discipline without correction in any of dozens of areas can bring harm to our lives. Money, food, time, fitness, entertainment, speech, gossip, submission, study, work, relationships, sex, thoughts, and many others are all aspects of life that require discipline. And we can easily be tripped up in them. But the problem is not in the initial tripping, it's in continuing in the "folly".
The key to address this issue is accountability. This has been a buzz word for some time and lots of people talk about it. But few people truly have functional accountability. By that I mean you have people in your life who know and share the values you want in your life and who you have asked to pay attention and intentionally intervene when (not if) you fall short or show signs of wavering. This involves a meddling in the life of someone else and someone else meddling in my life. True accountability is inconvenient, intrusive and uncomfortable. But folly is deadly. So pick your poison. I advise you to seek accountability. It does not happen without work and maintenance. But it is worth it to keep folly out of your life.
Prayer: Lord, help us to gain the full benefit of those You have made available to us. Our brothers and sisters can help us to stay on the path of wisdom and health, but only if we allow them to. Give us courage to risk giving others entry into our personal lives. Give us the awareness of our own weakness and tendency toward folly. And bring to us the right kind of partners to mutually seek Your best in all of our lives.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Title: Pleasant Words / Topic: How We Speak
Posting from our nation's capital, Washington DC, from May 22 through June 3.
Today's Reading: Proverbs 16; Proverbs 17; Proverbs 18; Romans 12
Scripture: Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Observation: Obscenities are everywhere. In our workplaces, our schools, on our radios and iPods, on TV, in the movies, spray painted on walls and trains, and, most sadly of all, in our own homes. How I long for pleasant words. Just the words pleasant words have a nice something about them. Pleasant words. We could use more.
Application: When this morning's wakeup call came in at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time (that's 3:00 a.m. Pacific Time), my lovely bride reminded me that I should get up and do my blog. My response to her was terse. "Leave me alone," I snapped. This was the opposite of pleasant words. (As I write, it is about 90 minutes past this exchange and we have patched things up, my having apologized and she having graciously forgiven.) I share this because I did not want to limit the discussion to obscene words only. There is much harsh and ugly communication that contains no obscene language. And it can wound just the same. Our culture is full of it. It is impossible to go through a day without having some hit you.
I ask you to join with me to be kind in your words today. Let us employ pleasant words: words of kindness, love, and healing. Let us fulfill the second commandment by loving others with our words.
Prayer: Lord, You are the Father of all of us. And we are all Your dear children. How it must hurt You to hear how we speak to one another. Help us to honor our heritage as Your children and those made in Your image and likeness. May we only speak to one another as You would, with love, respect, and care. Help us to promote healing, love, and wholeness with the words that proceed out of our lips.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Reading: Proverbs 16; Proverbs 17; Proverbs 18; Romans 12
Scripture: Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Observation: Obscenities are everywhere. In our workplaces, our schools, on our radios and iPods, on TV, in the movies, spray painted on walls and trains, and, most sadly of all, in our own homes. How I long for pleasant words. Just the words pleasant words have a nice something about them. Pleasant words. We could use more.
Application: When this morning's wakeup call came in at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time (that's 3:00 a.m. Pacific Time), my lovely bride reminded me that I should get up and do my blog. My response to her was terse. "Leave me alone," I snapped. This was the opposite of pleasant words. (As I write, it is about 90 minutes past this exchange and we have patched things up, my having apologized and she having graciously forgiven.) I share this because I did not want to limit the discussion to obscene words only. There is much harsh and ugly communication that contains no obscene language. And it can wound just the same. Our culture is full of it. It is impossible to go through a day without having some hit you.
I ask you to join with me to be kind in your words today. Let us employ pleasant words: words of kindness, love, and healing. Let us fulfill the second commandment by loving others with our words.
Prayer: Lord, You are the Father of all of us. And we are all Your dear children. How it must hurt You to hear how we speak to one another. Help us to honor our heritage as Your children and those made in Your image and likeness. May we only speak to one another as You would, with love, respect, and care. Help us to promote healing, love, and wholeness with the words that proceed out of our lips.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Title: Think Before You Speak / Topic: Wisdom
Posting from our nation's capital, Washington DC, from May 22 through June 3.
Today's Reading: Proverbs 13; Proverbs 14; Proverbs 15; Romans 11
Scripture: Proverbs 15: 28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
Observation: I just love these chapters in Proverbs. They are full of simple, yet profound, sayings. Here is one of my favorites. It tells us that the way we talk can be a measure of our righteousness/wickedness. It is good to think before you speak. It is bad to just run off at the mouth.
Application: So think before you speak. My mom has the following written in here Bible: "better to be silent and thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." It's funny, but true. The truth that Solomon communicates here is that righteous lives bear certain characteristics. Pay attention to what the characteristics of your life say.
Prayer: Lord, I ask You to give us wisdom to be wise in the way we speak. Help us to give thought to our words -- to think before we speak and to speak the words that would honor You.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Reading: Proverbs 13; Proverbs 14; Proverbs 15; Romans 11
Scripture: Proverbs 15: 28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
Observation: I just love these chapters in Proverbs. They are full of simple, yet profound, sayings. Here is one of my favorites. It tells us that the way we talk can be a measure of our righteousness/wickedness. It is good to think before you speak. It is bad to just run off at the mouth.
Application: So think before you speak. My mom has the following written in here Bible: "better to be silent and thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." It's funny, but true. The truth that Solomon communicates here is that righteous lives bear certain characteristics. Pay attention to what the characteristics of your life say.
Prayer: Lord, I ask You to give us wisdom to be wise in the way we speak. Help us to give thought to our words -- to think before we speak and to speak the words that would honor You.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Title: Discipline & Knowledge / Topic: Wisdom
Posting from our nation's capital, Washington DC, from May 22 through June 3.
Today's Reading: Proverbs 10; Proverbs 11; Proverbs 12; Romans 10
Scripture: Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
Observation: What a great verse! Solomon tells it like it is. There is a link between discipline and learning. By discipline, Solomon means the consequences and/or corrections that result from errors. We learn that from the second half of the verse, "he who hates correction is stupid." Solomon says, "if you hate to be corrected, you are stupid." Why? Because you don't learn from your mistakes. And if you don't learn from your mistakes, you keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again without learning anything and that is certainly stupid!
Application: Correction isn't easy to take -- listening to others tell you where you went wrong isn't fun. But when you realize that benefit can be had by receiving correction, you want to listen. Embrace discipline, all kinds, and wisdom can result. If you want to stay the same (i.e. stupid), reject discipline in all its forms.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You are faithful to bring us all opportunities to grow by sending people into our lives with insight and input that can help us to learn and improve. May we be good listeners and receive discipline in our lives as a gift from You.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Reading: Proverbs 10; Proverbs 11; Proverbs 12; Romans 10
Scripture: Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
Observation: What a great verse! Solomon tells it like it is. There is a link between discipline and learning. By discipline, Solomon means the consequences and/or corrections that result from errors. We learn that from the second half of the verse, "he who hates correction is stupid." Solomon says, "if you hate to be corrected, you are stupid." Why? Because you don't learn from your mistakes. And if you don't learn from your mistakes, you keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again without learning anything and that is certainly stupid!
Application: Correction isn't easy to take -- listening to others tell you where you went wrong isn't fun. But when you realize that benefit can be had by receiving correction, you want to listen. Embrace discipline, all kinds, and wisdom can result. If you want to stay the same (i.e. stupid), reject discipline in all its forms.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You are faithful to bring us all opportunities to grow by sending people into our lives with insight and input that can help us to learn and improve. May we be good listeners and receive discipline in our lives as a gift from You.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Title: Good Fear -- Good Hate / Topic: Godly Living
Posting from our nation's capital, Washington DC, from May 22 through June 3.
Today's Reading: Proverbs 7; Proverbs 8; Proverbs 9; Romans 9
Scripture: Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
Observation: Fear and hate. Things to avoid, right? Apparently not. We are to "fear the Lord." And if we do that, we will "hate evil." The proverb goes on to further define evil: "pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech." Notice the link between wrong attitudes ("pride and arrogance"), bad language ("perverse speech"), and evil action ("evil behavior"). This linkage is unbreakable. One of the reasons that I am so concerned about today's young people is the fact that pride and arrogance and perverse speech are their stock in trade. Evil behavior cannot help but follow.
Application: And how about our own lives? Don't we often think that we can engage in wrong attitudes and bad language without the corresponding evil behavior? We must apply comprehensive cleansing of our lives -- attitudes, thoughts, words, and actions -- to really live pure and clean before the Lord. So many people struggle with living fully for God. I believe that's because they have allowed "little sins" of attitude and language to continue, thinking that these wouldn't corrupt them. But it is not true. "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." We need to learn what "the fear of the Lord" truly is and fully walk in it.
Prayer: Lord, help us to root the bad out of our lives: pride, arrogance, bad words, evil thoughts, hurtful action, and all sin. May we get it all out. Help us to see it, identify it, confess it, and bring it before Your throne of grace so that we may be free. Lord, we want to embrace You and to know what it is to fear You rightly that we may properly hate evil and thus be enabled to receive all the good that You have for us.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Reading: Proverbs 7; Proverbs 8; Proverbs 9; Romans 9
Scripture: Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
Observation: Fear and hate. Things to avoid, right? Apparently not. We are to "fear the Lord." And if we do that, we will "hate evil." The proverb goes on to further define evil: "pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech." Notice the link between wrong attitudes ("pride and arrogance"), bad language ("perverse speech"), and evil action ("evil behavior"). This linkage is unbreakable. One of the reasons that I am so concerned about today's young people is the fact that pride and arrogance and perverse speech are their stock in trade. Evil behavior cannot help but follow.
Application: And how about our own lives? Don't we often think that we can engage in wrong attitudes and bad language without the corresponding evil behavior? We must apply comprehensive cleansing of our lives -- attitudes, thoughts, words, and actions -- to really live pure and clean before the Lord. So many people struggle with living fully for God. I believe that's because they have allowed "little sins" of attitude and language to continue, thinking that these wouldn't corrupt them. But it is not true. "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." We need to learn what "the fear of the Lord" truly is and fully walk in it.
Prayer: Lord, help us to root the bad out of our lives: pride, arrogance, bad words, evil thoughts, hurtful action, and all sin. May we get it all out. Help us to see it, identify it, confess it, and bring it before Your throne of grace so that we may be free. Lord, we want to embrace You and to know what it is to fear You rightly that we may properly hate evil and thus be enabled to receive all the good that You have for us.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
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