Title: The Word For Us / Topic: Biblical Interpretation

Note: Between Tuesday, November 7 and Sunday, November 12, I will be heavily involved in the Fort Natomas Playground rebuild project. Posts during this time may be signifcantly delayed. I appreciate your understanding. I will try to get an early post up so my readers can post some of their own devotional thoughts. I invite you to share any of your own insights or ahas in the comments even before I have made my final devotional post for the day. Thanks for participating in reading and sharing.

Today’s Reading: Psalm 122; 1 Corinthians 9; 1 Corinthians 10; 1 Corinthians 11

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:9-10
9 For it is written in the Law of Moses: "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." Is it about oxen that God is concerned? 10 Surely he says this for us, doesn't he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest.

Observation: Paul is pointing out something very important to the Corinthians. He is teaching them about supporting the work of the Lord by supporting those who do it. But he makes a broader point in the middle of his argument. He teaches us all about the word of God and the fact that God's primary point in all of the word is for us -- that is, for our benefit.

Application: There are tons of great stories, parables, illustrations, and recorded history in the Bible. But as we read each one, we should look for the personal application or blessing. Paul tells us when God writes about oxen, that they not be muzzled when treading grain, that God is really writing about us! He likes oxen and all, but He's totally crazy about us! He wants us to be blessed. So look for the blessing every time you read the word. It's in there!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Lord, thank You that you care so much for me. You wrote a whole library filled with great words for me to read and be blessed by. Help me to always get the message that You want me to receive.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Resisters / Topic: Hard Hearts

Today’s Reading: Job 35; Job 36; 1 Corinthians 7; 1 Corinthians 8

Scripture: Job 36:13 "The godless in heart harbor resentment;
even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help."

Observation: This statement about the "godless in heart" is true. People who automatically reject the validity of God are not typically happy people. They are often filled with anger and resentment, as the verse says. They resent all kinds of things and people. They mock and they spit out curses. When God "fetters them," that is, brings some restriction on them to chastise them or restrict them (usually for the purpose of waking them up to the reality of God and their need for Him), they refuse to acknowledge Him and would rather die with their prideful arrogance than receive deliverance by calling to God for help.

Application: For me the application is to be aware that there are people out there that have made themselves quite unreachable. Even God can't break through the wall of pride and resistance that they have built. So if God's efforts can't get the job done, I shouldn't be surprised that my efforts sometimes fall short. Some people simply hold steadfast to their godlessness and I guess they are happy with their misery.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the joy of Your salvation. I pray that my life will be an advertisement of Your goodness and blessing. Help me to be used by You to draw even the resisters to the place of surrendering to You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Two Witnesses / Topic: Humility

Today’s Reading: Job 34; 1 Corinthians 4; 1 Corinthians 5; 1 Corinthians 6

Scripture: Job 34:5-6; 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
Job 34:5 "Job says, 'I am innocent,
but God denies me justice.
6 Although I am right,
I am considered a liar;
although I am guiltless,
his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.'
1 Corinthians 4:3 ...I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

Observation: Elihu and Paul make the same point in different ways. Elihu rebukes Job for considering his own evaluation of himself as the final word. Paul states that though he maintains a clear conscience, that is not the final word. Both Elihu and Paul understand that even the most noble of humans is still human, and that because of our fallen nature, we cannot fully evaluate our own condition.

Application: God is the One whose evaluation matters. He is the Judge and He is a truly righteous Judge. It is a mistake to ever think that I am without fault or sin. Even though I may be convinced of the absence of these things in my life, they can still be there. I must stay humble before God and maintain a repentant and receptive heart.

Bottom line: Don't think of yourself more highly than you ought. You are not perfect. The more a person thinks they are, the more they prove they are not. Stay humble and repent.

Prayer: Lord, keep my feet on the ground and my eyes on You. Help me to remember my failings when I am tempted to pride.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Lost In Translation / Topic: The Gospel

Today’s Reading: Job 33; 1 Corinthians 1; 1 Corinthians 2; 1 Corinthians 3

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Observation: We who love the Lord have a perspective totally foreign to those who do not. To us the message of the cross is a beautiful thing because we have experienced its power: we have become saved -- transformed from the inside out -- by it. For the unsaved person, the cross doesn't make sense. How could a lonely man, executed by foreign occupiers on a crude stand, abandoned by his supporters be important? It seems ridiculous.

Application: As a Christian, I need to be aware that the unsaved person doesn't -- in fact, cannot -- think about Jesus in any way as I do. This should affect every word and action that I share with an unsaved person. My approach to my non-Christian neighbor must be shaped to recognize that he must be carefully assisted to see things concerning God in a new light. I must also pray that the Holy Spirit illuminates and quickens the person's understanding or all my efforts will be futile.

Prayer: Lord, help me to declare You with skill and wisdom and persuasiveness to my unsaved friends. Lord, I want to lead people to know You in a deep and real way. Give me an effective voice to reach many for the Kingdom.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Freedom's Price / Topic: Vigilance

Today’s Reading: Job 31; Job 32; Galatians 5; Galatians 6

Scripture: Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Observation: Paul warns the Christians of the tendency toward bondage and even slavery.

Application: Christ won a hard fought battle to free us. But we can create new yokes of slavery with our own hands. It is the tendency of our sin nature to corrupt or spoil the simplicity and purity that God creates. Jesus boiled it down to two basic rules: 1) Love God totally; and 2) Love people as you love yourself. Every Christian, church, and ministry adds complexity and detail with doctrinal lists. We can't help ourselves. Paul says that we must stand firm against anything that creates burdens that bring us into bondage.

Prayer: Lord, help us to operate in the freedom that You gave to us in Christ. We want to avoid self-imposed bondage and stand in the purity and delight of your perfect freedom. Keep us vigilant against anyone or anything that would divert us from the freedom You have for us.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: A Tale Of Two Sons / Topic: Internal Struggle

Today’s Reading: Job 30; Psalm 120; Galatians 3; Galatians 4

Scripture: Galatians 4:29 At that time the son born in the ordinary way persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now.

Observation: Paul is explaining something important to the Galatians. There is an internal struggle that most Christians deal with. Paul uses a tale of two sons to make it clear. There are two sons: one from a slave woman and one from a free woman. As a seeker of God, before Christ, a person was automatically a son of the slave woman. But since Christ, the true way to follow God is as the son of the free woman. But Paul explains that we have a choice: it is possible to go back and embrace the slave heritage. The only problem is, in doing this, I cannot have true salvation since the slave heritage is based on my own ability which rejects God's provision that brings salvation. Only in remaining free do I confirm my standing in God's grace through Jesus that truly brings salvation.

Application: There is a tendency, a constant pull of my sin nature, to want to get at least a little credit for spiritual progress in my life. It is one of the most insidious lies of my sin nature. It is dangerous because it can appear good -- after all, it is about seeking God. But it is not at all good because it promotes the idea that my personal efforts (apart from God) have the potential of making me a better God person. It is saying this: "My flesh (my sin nature) can help make me a less fleshly person." Of course, this is a lie. But our sin nature is very crafty and would like to sneak in and become a part of the process of sanctification because it hates being left out. No glory in that! But if I allow my flesh to get a toe in the door, I corrupt the process and now lies and self deception have polluted the environment of spiritual growth.

Bottom line: I must resist the tendencies of my sin nature to participate in spiritual growth. It is by grace I am saved (and being saved) and that is not of any personal works, lest any part of me should become proud and boastful. My flesh is not redeemable. I must do what Jesus said: "Take up your cross daily and follow me." (Any kind of pride in spiritual progress is a tip-off of trouble.)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You, Lord that You provided the way for me to come to You (through grace by faith in Jesus), and the way for me to grow in You (through grace by faith in Jesus). Help me to continue in Your grace and give me insight to see any deviation from it. Assist me to keep my flesh out of the arena of spiritual growth so that my walk with You can be pure and without pollution. I want to grow in Your grace.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Please Him Only / Topic: Serving God

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

Scripture: Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Observation: Paul is speaking some harsh words to the Galatian church. But he makes it clear that his motivation is that he is trying to please God, and not be a man pleaser.

Application: I want to be a person who speaks the truth in love, not because it will make somebody happy or mad, but because truth is truth and because speaking the truth in love is what God wants me to do. If I am to be a servant of Christ, I must not concern myself with trying to impress people.

Prayer: Lord, free me from worrying about what people think of me. I want to please You and get a good strong "Well Done!" when I stand before You in That Day. Help me to be strong in You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Power Validation / Topic: Miracles

• NOTE: This post is a recreation of one that was lost due to a blogger.com technical problem. I have done my best to convey the gist of what I posted originally.

Today’s Reading: Job 26; Job 27; Mark 15; Mark 16

Scripture: Mark 16:20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

Observation: I love this verse and the idea that God gave a supernatural stamp of approval to validate the message of the disciples: He sent miracles.

Application: Boy, we need these today. Some say we don't need the accompanying miracles because we have the completed Bible. But I think that is stupid. If somebody doesn't believe the Bible (and there are more all the time who don't), then giving them Bible verses to prove God is pointless. But if they or someone they know is healed, really healed, then it would be hard for them to deny the God of the Bible. I want to see the real dramatic miracles: we have plenty of blind, deaf, mute, and lame people around who could use God's touch. And the world could use the testimony of God's power -- and so could the church.

Prayer: Lord, send the miracles to testify of the validity of the Gospel message. Send Your power Lord -- give us miracles so many can repent and find You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: A Lord Worth Living For / Topic: Jesus

Today’s Reading: Job 25; Mark 13; Mark 14

Scripture: Mark 14:64-65
64 ...They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, "Prophesy!" And the guards took him and beat him.

Observation: As I read this I think of my Lord, the loving Jesus, being brutalized by people He came to save. Even the sins they were committing by beating Him would be among those that His impending sacrificial death would provide forgiveness for.

Application: He bore my sin, my shame and as they were hurting Him, He endured this maltreatment out of His heart of love for me. Sometimes I think of the cross in almost abstract terms, but the suffering of Jesus was not abstract. It was personal, painful, and real. He took the beatings that I deserve. He is worthy of all worship and adoration and yet He allowed Himself to be spit upon. This is a Lord worth living for.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Jesus. Thank You for sending Your only Son to live and die as my Savior. Lord, it pains me to think that my sin brought pain to Your Son. But I am thankful that through Your love, Jesus came to make it possible for me to know You as my Lord and God. Help me to live as Jesus did -- following Your word, sharing love, and giving my life for others.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Hidden Truth / Topic: God's Vision

Today’s Reading: Job 23; Job 24; Mark 11; Mark 12

Scripture: Mark 12:41-44
41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

Observation: Once again, we see Jesus showing us deep truth of the Kingdom. According to God, the widow put the most into the offering.

Application: We are so controlled by the physical realm that it is difficult to think outside the material box. But Jesus helps us. He points out that God looks on the heart. Of course, we cannot look on the heart of others. So how does this help us? Two ways. First, we can look at our own hearts and do everything possible to make sure our motivation is pure. And second, this helps us to remember that what we can see can be very misleading. This helps us not to be judgmental. It does not mean we shouldn't make judgments based on people's behavior, but it means that we should be hold those judgments lightly and be open to alternative interpretations of their actions. And we should be especially open to the voice of the Spirit as it gives us discernment regarding another's heart or motivation.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You are not swayed by PR. You see what is really going on in the heart. I want to be like this widow and give You my all. Help me to lay it all down at Your feet.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Bookend Brothers / Topic: Destiny

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

Scripture: Mark 10:35-40
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask."
36 "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
37 They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory."
38 "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?"
39 "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared."

Observation: James and John make private request of Jesus. They want to be His special assistants. Sitting on the right and left of any ruler are the second and third most powerful of the kingdom. James and John want to reserve their spots in advance so no one else can get these places of privilege and power. They picture Jesus, sitting as King and Messiah, on a great throne, and the two of them, sitting on His immediate right and left, like two important bookends. Of course, Jesus tells them that those positions are not to be dispensed in this way. But interesting to me, James and John did end up being bookends, and, as a result, very privileged and unique in Jesus' Kingdom. They were bookends in that James and John were the first and the last martyrs of the disciples! James was the very first disciple to be killed for his faith. And John was the very last disciple to die for the Lord.

Application: We may think that God should give us this or that special place or recognition, but we really do not know the ultimate destiny that God has for us. James and John wanted honor, but they got a far greater honor than that which they sought. We do not know just how this journey will end, but we know the ultimate destiny is to be with the Lord, and we have His continued strength and encouragement to finish the course.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for choosing me. Help me to accept Your path for my life and to not chafe against it. May I embrace both the blessings and the limitations that are my lot. I ask You to help me to make the most of every opportunity that You bring to me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Internal And Invisible / Topic: Spirituality

Today’s Reading: Job 22; Mark 7; Mark 8

Scripture: Mark 7:18-23
18 "Are you so dull?" he asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? 19 For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods "clean.")
20 He went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' 21 For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' "

Observation: Jesus addresses the common misunderstanding which associates spirituality with certain outward behaviors related to eating or drinking. If you do or don't eat or drink certain things, or if you do it in certain ways, you are thought to be more or less spiritual. But Jesus makes it clear that while many often focus on these outward behaviors, the real issue lies elsewhere. It is internal and invisible. The heart of the problem is the problem of the heart. It's not what goes in that makes a man "clean" or "unclean," that is, spiritually pure or impure. It's what comes out that shows the true condition.

Application: We just need to remember that most of what really matters to God is invisible to us. It is a real temptation to look on the outside and make a determination about the spiritual condition of a person. But as easy as it is to fall into that, it is important to avoid it. True, you can know a tree by its fruit, but that is referring to character attributes and not mere behaviors.

Prayer: Lord, give us discernment to better understand and help more people. And help us to reach out in love rather than judgment as a matter of regular practice. We want to represent You well and reach many people for You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: "We'd Rather Have Pigs" / Topic: Priorities

Today’s Reading: Job 21; Mark 5; Mark 6

Scripture: Mark 5:14-17
14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

Observation: The people want Jesus to leave. Why? Because of Him, they lost their pigs. "Yeah, I know that he fixed that dangerous whacko. But, we gotta have our pigs! We can't take a chance on jeopardizing our pigs!"

Application: Not everybody wants what Jesus has to offer. Lots of people prefer to be left alone with their stuff (even if it is just a bunch of pigs), rather than to be confronted with power they can't control or explain. But, notice, Jesus does not try to talk they out of their preference. He respects their wishes and leaves.

Bottom line: Share the Gospel and let people decide. If they don't want it, move on.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I want You more than anything. Thank You for Your mercy that draws me to You. Help me to share Your goodness with everyone in such a way that they want You too.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Sow Seed! / Topic: Evangelism

Today’s Reading: Job 20; Mark 3; Mark 4

Scripture: Mark 4:3-8
3 "Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times."

Observation: I notice that the sower just keeps sowing the seed. He does not look at the soil and say, "This isn't good soil. I won't waste my seed here." He scatters the seed.

Application: I try to sow where I think I am guaranteed results (or at least I think I have a good chance of results). But it seems from this parable that I need to be much more liberal with scattering seed. I need to get the seed out everywhere and give the soils a chance to react and respond. Perhaps there will be growth where I don't expect it. (Especially since I've seen little or no growth where I did expect it.)

Prayer: Lord, help me to be bold and unhindered with sharing the Gospel. I've got good news -- help me to share it more freely and frequently. Give me opportunities and I will take them. I want to win many souls.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: "We Have Never Seen..." Topic: Miracles

Today’s Reading: Job 19; Mark 1; Mark 2

Scripture: Mark 2:10-12
10 ...He said to the paralytic, 11 "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

Observation: "We have never seen anything like this!" And neither have I. Isn't it a shame that those people of God in that day knew nothing of the healing power of God until Jesus healed this paralyzed man? Isn't it a shame that we, the people of God today, really know practically the same nothing of the healing power of God right now? I mean, really -- isn't it a shame?

Application: I believe in the power of God to heal. And I have prayed for many people to be healed in Jesus' name. But I have never seen even one truly amazing miraculous healing. I have heard of amazing healings. I have read about amazing healings. I have seen testimonies of amazing healings. But I haven't seen one.

Prayer: Lord, I don't understand why Your power to heal is so unknown in the place where I live. I believe that You are the all-powerful creator God who caused all things to exist. You said, "Let there be..." and there was, just as You said. Lord, I know You have the power so I ask You, Father, to release healings -- dramatic, amazing healings to us here and now. I am grateful for the headaches relieved and the colds shortened, but, Lord, I want to see with my own eyes, paralyzed people get up out of wheelchairs and walk. I want to see blind people seeing, and deaf people hearing. Lord, release miracles of healings to us hear and now. I humbly ask it, Father.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Get Paul To Rome! / Topic: God's Will

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

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

Observation: These two verses, the last of today's reading give a simple account of what happened when Paul got to Rome. How he got there was another story, with a brutal storm, a ship wreck, treacherous sailors, over-zealous soldiers, a merciful centurion, a snake bite, multiple healings, and finally arrival at Rome. The Lord had spoken to Paul and told him that Rome was his destination and that he would testify there. I find it amazing how God got Paul to Rome.

Application: Nothing can stand in the way of God's will. When the order went out to get Paul to Rome, the angelic travel agency sprang into action to plan his itinerary. Just imagine the planning for this trip!

Bottom line: God has plans for me. He can use everything from a storm to a snake as He chooses. I get the privilege of being along for a most interesting ride.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You, Lord, that my life and times and places are in Your hands. I make my plans, but You direct my steps. My feet have fallen in pleasant places. Thank You that You use everything to bring about Your perfect will for my life. Help me to make the most of it.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Relentless Witness / Topic: Evangelism

Today’s Reading: Job 17; Acts 24; Acts 25; Acts 26

Scripture: Acts 26:22-23
22 But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles."

Observation: Paul is standing before a king, a queen, a governor, and other influential people. He is on trial for his life. Yet, his defense is not designed to get him off -- it is designed to share the Gospel. Notice that Paul states, "so I stand here and testify to small and great alike... that the Christ would suffer and... would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles." Paul is the witness, not for the defense, but for the offense. He is not testifying for Paul. He is testifying for Christ. Paul is the consummate evangelist. King Agrippa recognized it, asking Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" (vs. 28) And Paul's response in verse 29 clearly shows his evangelistic intent: Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."

Application: No matter what we are doing, there should be an awareness that we are sharing the Gospel. Our words, actions, and attitudes must convey the truth of the message of Jesus. And we can't just leave it to vague impressions. Like Paul, we need to explicitly share the Gospel, giving a real opportunity for people to respond and come into the light.

Prayer: Lord, give us the courage and conviction of Paul. May we view every encounter as an opportunity to preach the Gospel. Give us success in drawing many into relationship with You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: True Lies / Topic: Life In Two Realms

Today’s Reading: Job 16; Acts 21; Acts 22; Acts 23

Scripture: Job 16:17-18
17 yet my hands have been free of violence
and my prayer is pure.
18 "O earth, do not cover my blood;
may my cry never be laid to rest!

Observation: Job is in misery, not only due to his circumstances, but also because of his friends who have shifted their words of comfort to words of challenge and even condemnation. He is lamenting his pain and asserting his innocence against his accusers who have told him that he must have done some great evils for this calamity to come upon him. In verse 17 (above), he states his innocence -- "my hands have been free of violence" and "my prayer is pure" -- thus showing his maintaining righteousness in his relationship with man and with God. (This corresponds to the greatest commandments as indicated by Jesus.) However, even though Job was a very righteous man, no one is truly pure and without fault. Every person, by virtue of the sin nature, has blind spots where he acts in self interest to the hurt of others. "There is none righteous, no not one," the Bible tells us. So while Job is one of the best among a race of sinners, and is even commended by God, he is still a sinner.

But note that while my contention is true, Job's prayer in verse 18 is nonetheless answered. He asks, "may my cry never be laid to rest!" And the book of Job in the Bible today is an answer to that prayer. Job's cry is still read and studied, thousands of years after his death. I don't think God would have answered this prayer had Job been a thoroughly wicked man. So Job's statement had a mixture of truth and lies.

Application: True lies. We believe things about ourselves that are not totally true, yet there is an element of truth in them. That's one of the factors that makes life hard to understand and explain. For example, Like Job, we who know the Lord are righteous, for the word tells us that we have been robed in His righteousness. But we are also sinners. Another example is spiritual blessings. We are told we have been seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realms and have been given all spiritual blessings in Him. But we experience a reality where we often struggle to just understand what's going on. As Paul said, "We see but a poor reflection as in a mirror." How can both of these things be true? It is because we are living in two realms simultaneously. We live in the earthly, immediate realm and in the heavenly, eternal realm. And there are truths from each realm, and sometimes they clash. The good news is that the eternal realm will prevail. The bad news is that will mostly happen when we die (or get raptured). We are "in the world but not of the world."

Prayer: Lord, help us. Help us to understand more and more of how we are to live here as people of eternity. May we lay hold more and more of the blessings, rights, and privileges that are ours through the provision of grace in the Holy Spirit. Show us more. Help us to live on a higher plain.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: They Missed It / Topic: Listening

Today’s Reading: Job 15; Acts 19; Acts 20

Scripture: Acts 20:23-31
23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me...
25 "Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again... 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears...
38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

Observation: Today, I listened to the scripture instead of reading it. When I heard verse 38, I thought, "how strange!" Look what Paul had just talked to them about. Paul had shared with them about his own coming imprisonment and hardship, and given them serious warnings concerning outside attacks from savage wolves, and inside attacks from disloyal teachers. He had charged them to be on their guard and reminded them of his tearful warnings over three years. Afterward, they are upset -- even grieved, we are told. But notice that what grieves them most is "that they would never see his face again!" Wow! Of all the things that they should be grieving about, this is the least of their worries. They were going to miss Paul, to be sure, but unfortunately, the had already missed the point of the message he brought to them.

Application: Good listening skills are so important -- especially for leaders. I think we often miss the main point of what God tells us. Look at the history of God's people. God says, keep a day in seven set aside for me. They get so focused on Sabbath rules that when Jesus came, they missed Him and accused Him of breaking the Sabbath that He set up! And you can find a dozen examples of instances where people focused on a small part of what God said and missed the main point altogether. Here's another one.
Bottom line: Listen carefully to what the Lord speaks to You, both from the word and from human sources. Take the whole word and let the Lord give you the big picture.

Prayer: Lord, help us to understand as You do. Our view is so limited, our understanding is so limited -- we need Your perspective and Your enlightenment. Open our hearts and minds to get it. Make Your people good listeners.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Faith In The Fire / Topic: Trusting God

Today’s Reading: Job 13; Job 14; Acts 17; Acts 18

Scripture: Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;
I will surely defend my ways to his face.

Observation: I love Job. He is being put through the wringer, both physically and emotionally. His friends have begun to turn on him, and his wife did so long ago. He must feel abandoned by everyone and smitten by God. Yet, in the middle of his struggle, he makes this statement of faith, "though he slay me, yet will I hope in him." What great faith! And his followup comment shows his confidence in his relationship with God, even though his current situation is confusing to him, "I will surely defend my ways to his face." He knows that God is reasonable and when (not if) he appears before God, he will certainly be given an opportunity to present his case to God.

Application: Let Job be an inspiration to all of us. Job suffered so much more than most of us would ever be subjected to, yet even in the depths of his suffering, he kept his bearings regarding God. God is in charge, I am subject to Him. Job never forgot this -- I must never lose this perspective either.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that Your ways are far beyond my ability to fathom. Help me not to worry about it when I can't figure You out. Help me to accept blessing and calamity from Your hand, with the understanding that You have in mind the bigger picture of what's best in the ultimate sense. May I always trust in You, my Savior and my God.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Transformation / Topic: Salvation & Joy

Today’s Reading: Job 11; Job 12; Acts 15; Acts 16

Scripture: Acts 16:29-34
29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.

Observation: I just love this story. Paul and Silas singing hymns in the dungeon. God sends an earthquake. The cells spring open. The jailer panics and is going to kill himself. Then we have the story above. What I love about this is the joy of this jailer because he and his whole family "had come to believe in God." This simple change, coming to believe in God, is the most profound transformation that can happen in a person's life. And when it comes, it brings such a joy and light to every life that embraces it.

Application: People need the Lord. There are people all around us who live in dull gray existence -- the daily grind, the rat race, the routine -- who need to see the Light of life, Jesus Christ, and to believe in Him and receive the forgiveness of their sins and everlasting life. Like the little boy in The Sixth Sense, you and I see dead people who don't know that they are dead. And we have the antidote for the moral and spiritual disease that killed them. We have Jesus, Who triumphed over sin and death, and Who led captivity captive into heaven. And He still sets the captives free today. Let's do everything we can to let our light shine so people in darkness and see the light and come out of the darkness.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the amazing transformational joy You bring into the life and home of every person who receives You as Savior and Lord. Help us to be bearers of Your light and to win many souls. We want to see hell empty and heaven full.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Five Strong Men / Topic: Team Ministry

Today’s Reading: Job 9; Job 10; Acts 13; Acts 14

Scripture: Acts 13:1-3
1 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Observation: I just love this part of the story. What I especially like is this team of "prophets and teachers" at Antioch -- five strong men who were the ministering team that led the church there. I imagine the interaction and support that they experienced and how the church had the benefit of these five mature leaders. And they shared in the exercise of spiritual disciplines as it says, "while they were worshiping the Lord and fasting..." And it was in this setting that the Holy Spirit called Paul (Saul) and Barnabas to go and plant churches to the far flung regions of the world.

Application: I believe in team ministry. I know that our western church culture has adopted a pastor-leader model, but I think the best structure is a multiple-leader team with strong spiritual interaction and the ability for each member of the team to act as pastor as the need arises. While I have many excellent members of my team, we are not to this point of near interchangeability. I am thankful for the wonderful men and women that God has blessed me with and I look forward to growing as a team in the sharing of spiritual disciplines as well as ministry roles and responsibilities.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that church is not a one-man show, but a team event. Thank You for the excellent team that You have blessed me with. Help us to grow to the fullness of the sharing of ministry that will produce multiplication and the full spectrum of giftedness that is only possible with a group effort. Make me more of what You want me to be, and make our team all that You want us to be. And give us souls, Lord. Give us an abundant harvest of souls.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Even Lousy Praying Gets Results! / Topic: Prayer

Today’s Reading: Job 6; Job 7; Job 8; Acts 12

Scripture: Acts 12:11-16
11 Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating."
12 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14 When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!"
15 "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel."
16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.

Observation: This always cracks me up. Here is a group of people praying for Peter, who has been arrested and is being held for execution by Herod. They know they must pray because Herod already killed James, and Peter is scheduled to be put on trial the next day. Amazingly, while they are praying, God sends an angel to spring Peter from his chains and jail cell.

In the verses listed, Peter goes to a house where a prayer meeting is in session and he knocks at the door. A servant girl named Rhoda goes out to answer it and upon hearing Peter's voice, rushes back into the meeting to announce to everyone that Peter is at the door!

Now notice their faith-filled response: "You're out of your mind!" That's what the people praying for Peter's release said to her. When she kept insisting, they told her, "It must be his angel," which I take to mean they thought Peter was already dead. Some great faith they have. But Peter kept on knocking and eventually somebody came out and opened the door. When they saw him standing there alive, "they were astonished!"

Application: I love this because it shows that these people were praying in obedience and desperation, but certainly not in faith. They did not expect Peter to be released. They clearly thought it much more likely that he would be killed. But Peter was released in answer to their pitiful prayers. This shows that even lousy praying gets results!

Bottom line: Pray, pray, pray! It's great if you have faith, but even if you don't, keep on praying. God will answer even the obedient prayers of those without faith. Isn't that encouraging!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord. Even when we are faithless, You remain faithful for You cannot deny Yourself. Help me to keep praying and seeking Your intervention for my every need -- especially when the situation looks hopeless. I am so glad that Your intervention is not dependent upon my doing everything right. Help me to grow in the regular, obedient exercise of prayer in my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: A Presumption Of Knowledge / Topic: Humility

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

Scripture: Job 5:8-9, 12-13
8 "But if it were I, I would appeal to God;
I would lay my cause before him.
9 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed...
12 He thwarts the plans of the crafty,
so that their hands achieve no success.
13 He catches the wise in their craftiness,
and the schemes of the wily are swept away."

Observation: Job's friends came to comfort him and for seven days they simply stayed by his side and did not try to counsel him -- no one, not even Job, spoke. Then Job breaks the silence (chapter 3) and Eliphaz the Temanite can't resist the opportunity to give some advice. (Oh, that he had kept his mouth shut.) And most of what he says sounds pretty good. Take another look at the verses above. Sounds good, right? At first blush, yes. But notice verse 9: "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed..." I believe that Eliphaz should have ended here with something like, "Since God's wonders cannot be fathomed, I won't pretend that I understand them." PERIOD. But he didn't. He went on to explain the wonders of God that cannot be fathomed. Dumb idea.

Application: It is always dangerous when one thinks he has a true grasp on God. God is beyond my discovery. (And yours too.) Yes, I can know many things about Him, but the more I truly understand about God, the more I will see that He is unfathomable. What can I know? I can know what the Bible tells me. God is good. God is love. God is mighty. And much more. But I cannot know how God feels about or will repond to every specific action of every person. In fact, in Job we are told that what God did to Job was for no reason whatsoever! The Bible says that! (So much for being able to understand God's ways.) The Bible tells me that His ways are beyond me.

Bottom line: Keep humble about your knowledge of God. Don't act like a know-it-all because if you do, you just demonstrate your ignorance. Show the loving character of God -- His kindness, grace, humility, and forgiveness. That is what will touch people and please God.

Prayer: Lord, thanks for helping us to understand what we need to understand. Help us to submit ourselves humbly to You and to face that fact that if we were given the full knowledge of You, our brains would explode. Lord, I ask You to show me how best to represent You, and to not worry about what I cannot understand.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Evil? Used By God? / Topic: God's Creative Power

Today’s Reading: Job 3; Job 4; Acts 8; Acts 9

Scripture: Acts 8:1, 3-4
1 ...On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem... 3 ...Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went...

Observation: Saul begins his rampage against the church, literally destroying it. (Notice that he had learned the Christians' strategy of meeting house to house and he goes to these house meetings and arrests the Christians.) But God uses even this terrible act to further spread the Gospel as we see in verse 4. The preaching of the word gained a wider distribution because of the persecution that forced the Christians to flee for their lives.

Application: God uses everything, even bad things, to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Kingdom of God. (Some folks think that He actually makes the bad stuff happen so that good will come of it, but I don't agree. This is one of those discussions that could get real deep, but suffice it to say, bad actions are the responsibility of those who do them, not of God. But God does find ways to bring some good through them nonetheless.)

Bottom line: When bad things happen, look up to see what amazing ways our creative and positive God will bring some good through them.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that though all things are not good, "all things work together for the good of those who are called to your purpose in Jesus." You are so good to take even the most difficult situations and demonstrate Your love and power. Help me to see it, and to cooperate with it. Work Your great will and purpose in and through my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: A Man Of Principle / Topic: Character

Today’s Reading: Job 1; Job 2; Acts 6; Acts 7

Scripture: Job 1:20-22, 2:9-10
Job 1:20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised."
22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Job 2:9 His wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"
10 He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"
In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Observation: These are two amazing passages of scripture. The first records Job's response to some bad news. (This is the understatement of the year.) One messenger after another has delivered horrible tales of loss to Job's flocks, herds, servants, and the most devastating report, the death of all his children. He responds with the remarkable declaration, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." The second passage occurs after Job is stricken with head to toe painful sores, and his wife verbally attacks him. He shows his understanding of his place beneath the Lordship of God. "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"

Application: Job is a great example of living by principle without being affected by adverse circumstances. He truly sees himself as a servant of God, and submits himself, for better of worse, to the Lordship of God in his life. I want to be a man under God -- living a consistent testimony regardless of circumstances.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving us this wonderful testimony of your servant, Job. May I keep a deep understanding of my place of submission to Your Lordship as Job did. (But, Lord, please don't smite me with sores. Thanks.)
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Eavesdropper / Topic: Private Words

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

Scripture: Malachi 3:16-18
16 Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name.
17 "They will be mine," says the LORD Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. 18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

Observation: Someone is listening in on your conversations. Not it's not the NSA (National Security Agency), it's the FSHS (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). According to this scripture, God is particularly pleased with one kind of conversation -- when people who fear the Lord honor Him in what they say to each other. God is keeping a log book of these conversations (called a "scroll of remembrance") which will be used in the future for special rewards. When the Lord chooses His "treasured possession," that is, His select group of people He wants for a special relationship with Himself, this log book will be referenced and those who "feared the LORD and honored his name" will make up His "treasured possession." What a high honor this would be.

Application: What kind of conversations is God hearing when He listens in on your interaction with others? Is He hearing you honor God and seeing evidence of a God-fearing heart and life? This passage encourages me to continue and grow in Godly and edifying conversations and interactions with fellow leaders and other believers.

Bottom line: Honor God with every conversation. Someone is listening and taking notes.

Prayer: Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, my strength and my redeemer. May I grow in "the fear of the Lord" and honor You always with my words, actions, attitudes, and intentions.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Godliness Under Assault / Topic: Spiritual Battles

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

#1 The Battle For The Sabbath Day

#1 Scripture: Nehemiah 13:15-22
15 In those days I saw men in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, together with wine, grapes, figs and all other kinds of loads. And they were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath. Therefore I warned them against selling food on that day. 16 Men from Tyre who lived in Jerusalem were bringing in fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them in Jerusalem on the Sabbath to the people of Judah. 17 I rebuked the nobles of Judah and said to them, "What is this wicked thing you are doing—desecrating the Sabbath day? 18 Didn't your forefathers do the same things, so that our God brought all this calamity upon us and upon this city? Now you are stirring up more wrath against Israel by desecrating the Sabbath."

19 When evening shadows fell on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I ordered the doors to be shut and not opened until the Sabbath was over. I stationed some of my own men at the gates so that no load could be brought in on the Sabbath day. 20 Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem. 21 But I warned them and said, "Why do you spend the night by the wall? If you do this again, I will lay hands on you." From that time on they no longer came on the Sabbath. 22 Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy.

#1 Observation: Nehemiah is aghast as he returns after an absence from Israel. The Jews have reverted to many of their sinful ways. Here, Nehemiah is dealing with the breaking of the Sabbath day by those doing commerce on what is supposed to be a day of rest. He literally has to lock the gates of Jerusalem and post guards to keep the merchants out. Even then, they still come, even spending the night outside the walls waiting to get in. Nehemiah has to chase them away and threaten them to get them to stop coming.

#1 Application: You can decide to give God what is His but your decision alone is not enough. Any decision you make for God will be challenged. People and circumstances will come against that decision to get you to compromise. Even after you have told them "NO," they will still show up to challenge and tempt you away from your convictions. So you have to continually fight and reinforce to keep your commitments and your convictions against persistent challengers.

#2 Title: Try Treating Your Boss The Way You Treat God

#2 Scripture: Malachi 1:6-8
6 "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?" says the LORD Almighty. "It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name.
"But you ask, 'How have we shown contempt for your name?'
7 "You place defiled food on my altar.
"But you ask, 'How have we defiled you?'
"By saying that the LORD's table is contemptible. 8 When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?" says the LORD Almighty.

#2 Observation: God, speaking through Malachi, tells them that they are showing Him contempt and a lack of honor and respect by offering substandard animals on the altar of sacrifice. To demonstrate His point God challenges them to "try offering them [crippled or diseased animals] to your governor!" Of course, no one would think of putting a diseased lamb on the platter for a banquet for special guests. Or serving road kill to royalty! Yet we frequently offer gifts to God that we know would never pass the test in other areas of our lives.

#2 Application: Try treating your boss the way you treat God. For example, take your punctuality and attendance record at church and try it at work. Try showing up regularly a little past (or long after) the hour of your scheduled shift. Try missing the same percentage of work days that you miss of church. Or try reading your bosses memos with the same regularity that you read the word. Would your boss be happy with this level of performance on the job? If not, then why should God be happy with that level of sacrifice and service to Him? Think about it.

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep You in the first place in my life, to fully respect You, and to fully follow Your ways. Give me a heart that motivates and inspires me beyond my fear and discomfort to obey You always. May Your Spirit rule in my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Use What You Have / Topic: Availability

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

Scripture: Acts 3:6-8
6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Observation: I like what Peter said to the beggar. The beggar wanted cash. They didn't have any cash. But Peter didn't say, "Sorry, I gave at the office." He said, "I don't have cash, but what I do have I give to you."

Application: God does not need you and me to give something we do not possess. We just need to give what we have. Of course, that means we need to be in close contact with the Lord Jesus so that what we have isn't just our own paltry creations. But like He did with Peter and John, God can release a miracle if we will step out and offer. (I wonder how many miracles I have missed because I chickened out.)

Prayer: Lord, help us to be willing to use what we have for You. You don't ask us to come up with miracles on our own, or produce a satchel full of cash. I think You are simply looking for people who will let You work through them to bless others. I want to be one of those people. Help me, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Real Belief - Real Sacrifice / Topic: Transformation

Today’s Reading: Nehemiah 9; Nehemiah 10; Acts 2

Scripture: Nehemiah 10:29-39
28 "The rest of the people... 29 ...bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God...
30 "We promise not to give our daughters in marriage to the peoples around us or take their daughters for our sons.
31 "...we will not buy... on the Sabbath or on any holy day. Every seventh year we will forgo working the land and will cancel all debts.
32 "...to give a third of a shekel each year for the service of the house of our God: 33 for the bread set out on the table; for the regular grain offerings and burnt offerings; for the offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moon festivals and appointed feasts; for the holy offerings; for sin offerings... and for all the duties of the house of our God....
35 "...for bringing to the house of the LORD each year the firstfruits of our crops and of every fruit tree.
36 "...we will bring the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, of our herds and of our flocks...
37 "... the first of our ground meal, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees and of our new wine and oil. And we will bring a tithe of our crops... 39 ...contributions of grain, new wine and oil...
"We will not neglect the house of our God."

Observation: As the people rally to God in repentance, they make commitments to follow God in tangible ways. Note that there is a social component (not mingling with the non-Jewish peoples), and an economic component (giving to support the "house of the LORD"). Their belief was demonstrated to be real by real sacrifice. There was no room here for a "belief system" that did not translate into action. The final line of this passage "We will not neglect the house of our God," is the overall theme of their commitments. They recognized that to follow God would mean a practical giving to and paying attention to the house of God. That meant not only giving to it's support, but also a firm adherence to participating in the gatherings, festivals, celebrations, and other holy times.

Application: I am calling to everyone who reads this to evaluate his (or her) commitment level to "not neglect the house of our God" and compare it to what we read here. I believe that churches in America suffer from a thoroughgoing neglect of both their financial needs and their spiritual aspects. Far too many people find it easy to simply miss any (and many) gatherings and withhold tithes and offerings. As a result, not only does the church suffer, but the church's testimony to others is weak. What does it say to an unbelieving onlooker when the vast majority those who claim to believe in the church give such small support (in money and participation) that the church operates on a shoestring? Why should anyone give credence to a message that does not motivate even those who hold to it? We need a revival that shakes our lives so that our "belief system" isn't just a mental exercise but it is a life-altering force that determines our finances, social practices, and every other aspect of our lives.

Prayer: Lord, help us to live in Your ways fully and to break out of the casual "beliefism" that looks weak because it is weak. Help us to be truly saved in every area of our lives and to make our lives be an irrefutable demonstration of the factual truth of our salvation.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.