Title: Certainties / Topic: Problems & Provisions

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

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

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

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

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

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Living A Lie / Topic: False Faith

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

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

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

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

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

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

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Deadly Partnership / Topic: Spiritual Deception

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

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

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

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

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

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Missing The Point / Topic: Spiritual Blindness

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

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

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

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

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

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

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Parents In Pain / Topic: Finding Comfort

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title: Stick To The Pattern / Topic: Humble Worship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title: Hot Headed! / Topic: Unrepentant Fools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title: A Compelling Passion/Topic: Love and Obedience

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

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

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

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

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

Title: What Chains? / Topic: Life Purpose

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

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

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

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

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

Title: They Never Stopped / Topic: Persistent Faithfulness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title: Clueless King / Topic: No Discernment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title: Christians Alive And Well / Topic: Loving Fellowship

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

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

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

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

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

Title: Settle The Issue / Topic: The Heart

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

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

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

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

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

Title: Still Standing / Topic: Spiritual Warfare

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title: Peacefully Crushed / Topic: Deep Truth

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

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

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

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

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

Title: Got Encouragement? / Topic: The Bible

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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