Jeff's Journal

ANTKB

2009-09-08T18:14:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and everything in it is mine." (Psalm 50:12)

OBSERVATION
The audacity of God. Why won't he tell us? He should. However, we are on a need to know basis (ANTKB) with God. If and when we need to know, he will tells us. The problem is we think we always need to know. Humorously, he tells us in Psalm 50, that even if he were hungry he would not tell us. Why? Because he owns everything. He has no needs.

Now, just because he does not have any needs does not mean he has no desire for us. He wants us to bring offerings, pay vows, and call on him in the day of trouble (vv. 14-15). As humans in response to our Creator, we are to live lives of trust and faith. Waiting until we know (all the i's dotted and t's crossed) leads to inaction. Faith is trust in motion.

APPLICATION
What does God mean, he won't tell me? I think he should let me in on whatever he is doing. However, that does not build my faith it just builds my ego. I'm in on something from God, that someone else is not. I need to submit and surrender. The Psalmist writes, to "order my conduct" (v. 23) to see salvation. That is the heart of worship (vows, offerings, calling on him) which defines my ongoing walk with God. Taking the next step even if I don't know where, how, or when. God calls me to walk my faith and not by sight. I know enough of God that I don't need to know everything.

PRAYER
Lord, I can trust you, even I'm not in the know. That's the beauty of who you are. You perfectly keep the tension between full disclosure and the mystery of the unknown.

Smelly Christians

2009-09-01T15:56:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"But thanks be to God, who always puts us on display in Christ, and spreads through us in every place the scent of knowing Him." (2 Corinthians 2:14)

OBSERVATION
There is a scent in knowing Christ...a spiritual pheromone. Paul says this fragrance smells different to different people. To those being saved it is the fragrance of Christ. To some the scent of death, leading to death. And still to to others a scent of life, leading to life.It's the same scent but perceived in different ways. (This also happens when we walk by the perfume counter at Macy's. Some fragrances make us glad and some make us gag.) It all depends on the olfactory senses of the smeller.

Knowing God, walking in a relationship with him, should make such a difference in our lives that it is perceivable by others, much like cologne. Christians are to be smelly. Paul says we are on display and God spreads the scent through us. The reason we wear cologne/perfume is for the benefit of others. Most people don't pick up on their own odor but it is readily apparent to others.

There is a difference between a spiritual scent and a spiritual stink. The scent is the aroma of knowing Christ. This is the scent we are to emit. The stink comes from an un-Christlike life. The rottenness of saying we know Christ but not really knowing him...walking daily in relationship with him. The hypocrisy and ingenuousness of our walk betray what we say.

APPLICATION
After spending time at the YMCA, I'm not afraid to admit I stink. However, to other people at the Y, those who are also sweating, the smell isn't so bad, or even noticeable. But when I go home, a few noses are crinkled in my honor. As a follower of Jesus, my life gives off an aroma. The challenge from Paul is to ask, "How do I smell?" Is my life emitting the scent of knowing him? Does my life give off something that is noticeable and different because of my relationship with Christ? If it is, I can't help how others perceive it. Some are glad. Some gag. If following Christ was easy or popular, everyone would be doing it. For people with different worldviews, the smell will be picked up differently. That is beyond the scope of my control and concern. However, my job is to be sure I'm emitting the proper scent not the stink. The stink of sin, hypocrisy, or an inauthentic faith are not appealing to anyone. It is ultimately God who spreads the scent.

PRAYER
Lord, I want the smell of knowing you, in order to make a difference in the world.

Sober Up

2009-08-26T08:44:00.003-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave and strong. Your every action must be done with love." (1 Corinthians 16:14)

OBSERVATION
In Paul's usual style, he was closing his letter to the Corinthians with an assortment of exhortations. In this verse he gives practical principles to strengthen the Corinthian's walk with the Lord.

"Be alert"--in 15:34 he encouraged them to be "right-minded." Literally it means sober up righteously. We are to live our faith alert and ready for action. This means being aware of our surroundings, our enemy, and the pitfalls and traps that can easily trip us up.
"Stand firm"--the posture of a follower of Jesus is to stand. Not to flee or cower but to trust God and hold to our convictions.
"Be brave and strong"--fear has a way of working against us and causing us to give up ground. Over and over God reminds us we don't have to fear.
"Do every action with love"--love is making the well-being of another person as important as our own. It is the "others first" mentality where our actions do not hinder, hurt, or harm another person. Only as we are secure in our faith can we reach out in love to others.

APPLICATION
This is certainly a challenge to live up to. My faith is to be what sustains me. God gives me strength and power to be brave in the face of fear. Jesus is my ultimate example of what means to do everything in love. I don not have to live in a defensive posture but I can make a difference in the world by living strong in the Lord. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the world around me. Perhaps that is why Paul has to exhort me to do these things. They are from my natural self. But God has given me supernatural strength so that I am able to reach out to others with love. This only happens when I'm grounded in a good place...alert, firm, brave, and strong. I am to sober up righteously.

PRAYER
Lord, you've given me everything I need for a life of godliness. With you I have nothing to fear. Help my every action to be done with love.

Get 'Em God

2009-08-18T15:22:00.004-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Oppose my opponents, Lord; fight those who fight me." (Psalm 35:1)

OBSERVATION
Life is filled with people who feel like we are at odds with. So we view them as opponents, as people who are out to get us. David, in this Psalm, was literally talking about people who were out to kill him. His prayer in 35:1, could be paraphrased, "Get 'em God. You take care of them." And pretty much that is what he was doing. However, he gives a great insight in verses 13-15, about how we are to treat such people. "

Yet when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting and my prayer was genuine. I went about grieving as if for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning a mother."

David was able to pray for his enemies as if they were a friend or brother. Sounds a lot like Jesus' instructions to bless those who curse us and pray for our enemies. That is upside-down kingdom living at its best (and hardest). David prayed because it honored God and it was the right thing to do. It did not change their hearts, but it changed his. In fact, in the very next verse (v.15) when he stumbled they gathered in glee. A great way to show him appreciation for his concern. They did not show him the compassion that he offered to them through his prayers.

APPLICATION
I have to admit I could get used to the "Get 'em God" prayers. Using God as a spiritual hit man. However, those prayers do nothing for my character or help me grow to be more like Jesus, who went a step beyond praying for his enemies, he forgave them. My duty as a follower of Jesus is to offer genuine, heartfelt, prayers for the difficult people in my life. The truth is, at some point, everyone in my life is difficult to me, and I am difficult to them. Following Jesus, means living life in an upside-down kingdom. Instead of praying, "Get 'em God," I pray, "Bless them God." In those moments, the compassion of Jesus is made real in my life even if they don't respond in kind. God does not give a whit about my comfort but he certainly wants to develop my character.

PRAYER
Lord, I'm one of your difficult children at times. Help me to give to others the genuine heart of compassion that Jesus showed to me.

Guiding Light

2009-08-11T15:03:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
The lamp that guides the wicked--haughty eyes and an arrogant heart--is sin. (Proverbs 21:4)

OBSERVATION
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said the eye is the lamp of the body (Mt. 6:22). If the eye is good, the body is full of light. If the eye is bad, the body is full of darkness. Then he said, "If the light is darkness how deep is the darkness?" He was not talking about the 186,000 miles per second kind of light. That light cannot be darkness because darkness is the absence of light and in Jesus teaching he was talking about the presence of a kind of light that was in reality darkness...whew. Light then is a metaphor for the knowledge we receive that guides our lives. The information we allow into our brains (we see or read with our eyes). Here, the writer of Proverbs uses lamp as a form of light. He further illustrates this lamp that guides the wicked in the wrong direction as haughty eyes and an arrogant heart. The lamp of prideful living.

APPLICATION
I have to carefully choose my guiding light, those influences that lead my life and establish my path. Pride says I will go my way, but submission says I will go God's way. How do I know which way that is? Psalm 119:105 reminds me that God's word is a light unto my path and a lamp unto my feet. I'm always using a lamp of one form or another to find my way through life (advice from friends, books, media, popular culture, etc.). I need to choose God's word to make sure I end up where God wants me. It is more than enlightenment, it is about obedience. I can know God's word but I must submit to God's word and allow it to shape my life. What prevents me from doing that? The very things the writer of Proverbs mentions...haughty eyes and an arrogant heart, pride - which is sin, because it stifles my life of listening to God and doing what he wants.

PRAYER
Lord, may your word be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

No Plan B

2009-08-04T10:45:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires (Romans 13:14). [See additional context: Romans 13:11-14]

OBSERVATION
Paul had just reminded the Romans to wake up from their spiritual sleep. Jesus' return is closer today than the day they first believed so they should be ready by living in the light and not in the darkness. We are to be living holy and God fearing lives. We are faced with a decision: to put on Jesus, live and walk like him, or live and walk in the flesh, our natural selves that do what is contrary to God's holiness. Paul lists a few in verse 13, carousing, drunkenness, sexual impurity, promiscuity, quarreling and jealousy.

Consider it this way:
Plan A: Clothed with Decency or Plan C: Clothed with Deeds of Darkness.
However, in between is Plan B: the plans to satisfy the fleshly desires. We often don't throw off Christ and give into the flesh on the spur of the moment. It is more often than not a premeditated action. Plan B is where we start to scheme and calculate the best ways, times, and places to satisfy the flesh. Without a Plan B it is much hard to go to Plan C.

APPLICATION
I've got to stick with Plan A, remaining clothed with Christ. Pan B is where I start to debate and decide what to wear, decency or darkness? Paul reminded me to make no plans. For most things in life it is good to have a plan. Directions are a good idea when traveling. A recipe is good for baking. Assembly instructions are good for the bazillion pieces in the box. However, when it comes to walking in the light, plans for the flesh are no good. If I don't think about where I could go, I probably will not end up there. It requires me to be active, remaining awake, alert,and conscious about where I am. Ironically, passivity, or spiritual sleepiness, is a sure way to start making plans. In doing nothing I can end up doing the wrong thing.

PRAYER
Lord, I want to live with the clothing of Christ. To walk in the daylight with him as my armor against the deeds of the dark.

God is Just

2009-07-29T08:08:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, "The Lord is just." (2 Chronicles 12:6)

OBSERVATION
The Bible gives the background to this scene in chapter 12 of 2 Chronicles. Rehoboam, the king, and all Israel abandoned the law of the Lord. Because of their unfaithfulness, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem. Shemaiah, the prophet, went to the people and told them the Lord had abandoned them because they had abandoned him. They responded by humbling themselves and in their humility declared, "the Lord is just". The Lord relented and delivered the people.

The people recognized God's justice in disciplining them through Shishak, king of Egypt. In other words, they knew they deserved it. The turning point came when they humbled themselves. God's justice is more clearly seen through humility. Specifically, when we've warranted his discipline through our disobedience. When we are prideful we tend to think we know more than God. When we think we know more than God, his discipline does not appear just.

Humility means to "arrange under." When we humble ourselves before God we arrange ourselves under him. We are the creature, he is the creator. Looking through the eyes of pride we see his discipline as unfair.Pride arranges God under us. We question his motives and goodness. We don't deserve it. Why is this happening? I'm a good person. Pride or humility will shape how we see God's activity in our lives.

APPLICATION
In those moments when I'm tempted to label God as unfair or unjust, I need to take a step back and ask what the condition of my heart is at that moment. I can arrange God under me, by pride, and critique his activity as unjust. It is in those times when I evaluating the events from a superior postion. But when I humble myself, arrange myself under God, I can trust him and see his justice. Even in the difficult things of life. Humility doesn't mean the event makes sense, but it does mean I place my life in the hands of a good, gracious, and just God.

PRAYER
Lord, I have often not seen your justice because of my pride. I've placed myself in a position where I am evaluation and judging your activity. When I live in humbleness, I also live in trust.

Great Pains

2009-07-21T15:50:00.003-04:00

SCRIPTURE
David said, "My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations." Therefore, David made extensive preparations before his death. (1 Chronicles 22:5)

OBSERVATION
It was in David's heart to build the temple. However, because of all the blood he shed during his reign, he was not the one to build it. That honor would go to his son Solomon. Once he understood that, he didn't sit back and relax, waiting for the day Solomon would begin construction. He did just the opposite. He made extensive preparations.

He organized the laborers and the supplies. The Bible says he took "great pains" to provide for the temple. As a father, he made sure his son would succeed. It's important to note the nature of this success was spiritual. He was working on the temple, the place under the Old Covenant where God would dwell. David was not wanting Solomon to build a great empire for himself but to build something of eternal significance.

APPLICATION
I'm inspired by David's pains. As a father, I am to make sure my son succeeds. I am to equip Josiah with the means and tools necessary so he can continue a godly legacy. My job is to prepare him the best way that I can not to just live without me but to live beyond me. I am to make sure he succeeds spiritually, continuing to to a great work in the kingdom. In the end it doesn't matter if he's the brightest in his class, excels in sports, or amasses a fortune in his lifetime. What matters is that he does something for God. I can play a part in his future by preparing him in the present.

PRAYER
Lord, you've challenged me to leave a godly legacy for Josiah. To take the "great pains" necessary so he can succeed in his work for you.

Those Who Seek

2009-07-14T14:41:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." (Psalm 9:10)

OBSERVATION
We have to know God to trust him. Knowing his name is knowing his character. Who he is and how he acts. What he will do and what he won't do. Once we know him, we can trust him. Until we know him we are just speculators. We make our best guess as to who he is. If the guess is right, we love him because he confirmed our theory. If the guess is wrong, we are not disappointed with ourselves we are disappointed with him because he did not meet our expectations. The problem is never God. In order to know him we must seek him. Embark on a journey of discovering who he is and what his word say about him. We have the promise that when we seek him he will not forsake us, or turn us away but he will reveal more and more of himself to us.

APPLICATION
I am to seek God in order to know God in order to trust him. If I don't really know him, I'm not trusting him, I'm trusting my perception of him. Like a mirage in the desert, the perception appears to be real but it is only illusory. I need to seek God the moment I get out of bed in the morning. To look for his activity and working in my life. To read what his revealed in his word. The more I know him the more I trust him because I am building my faith on who he really is.

PRAYER
Lord, I love the promise that you will not forsake me when I seek you. You don't play hide seek with me but you want me to know who you are in order to trust who you are.

Face to the Wall

2009-07-07T10:26:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord. 'Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.' And Hezekiah wept bitterly." (2 Kings 20:2)

OBSERVATION
Hezekiah had just received news, through Isaiah, that he was going to die. He turned his face to the wall to dismiss Isaiah and enter into a solitary time with God. We can picture him lying on his bed, perhaps in the fetal position, looking at the wall to block out everyone else in the room. Isaiah came back and told him God heard his prayer and saw his tears. Prayer goes from our lips to God's ears and the tears that flow from our eyes are seen by God's eyes.

APPLICATION
Huh, a man crying in the Bible. Who would've thought? (Ok. Jesus did too and that's good enough fro me). Hezekiah wasn't afraid to pour his heart out to God and neither should I. In fact, Isaiah did not come back to rebuke him but encourage him...God truly did hear and see. When I need to, God allows me the pleasure of turning to the wall (blocking out everything else in life) and praying to him. If I ever feel that I can't face another problem, I can face the wall, and meet God there. I don't have to travel to Jerusalem to find the wailing wall, it can be found anyplace I turn to pour out my heart to God.

PRAYER
Father, thanks for meeting me at the wall. Hezekiah reminds me again, that you are the God who hears, sees, and cares.

I'm in Deep Water

2009-06-30T08:32:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook." (Proverbs 18;4)

OBSERVATION
Are deep waters good or bad? Since the rest of the verse makes a contrast, we can assume they are not good. Why? Jesus said the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. It is in the deep recesses of a person where deceit and the choice morsels of gossip dwell. Evil thoughts, false testimony, slander...words that wound are found here. The heart is the source of these deep waters.

In contrast, wisdom bubbles. It is a fountain of life. From the heart that is pure, the fountain of wisdom refreshes others. Not in an overpowering, forceful gush, but in a refreshing bubbling brook. A bubbling brook is calm and peaceful. Not the torrent of a raging river.

APPLICATION
More often than I want, I can find myself in deep water. Speaking things that are not helpful to others (unfortunately it is my family who gets splashed with the worst of words). However, the words I speak are to be pure and right so they reflect what is truly in my heart. Instead of babbling I need to bubble. When I've attained wisdom (the practical knowledge of who God is and what he desires for my life) it is to naturally bubble to the surface, refreshing others. Words are powerful things. I don't want to wallow in the well but flow like a fountain.

PRAYER
Lord, may the words of my mouth reflect a heart that reflects you.

Kill the Cow

2009-06-23T13:59:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people. Then he set out to follow Elijah and become his servant." (1 Kings 19:20)

OBSERVATION
Elijah was to anoint Elisha to succeed him as a prophet. He found Elisha in the field with twelve yoke of oxen, driving the twelfth pair. Before Elisha followed Elijah he want back and said good-bye to his family. Then he slaughtered the oxen, chopped up the plow, and set out to follow Elijah.

Elisha's commitment to follow Elijah as prophet (follow God's call on his life) meant he jumped in wholeheartedly. He was not going back. He sold out his old life to be sold out to Elijah and his new calling. What if the new gig didn't work? It didn't' matter. By faith he got rid of it all and set out, trusting God for his future. God calls us to total abandonment and surrender to his purpose and mission.

APPLICATION
I've got to kill the cow. That old thing I hang on to just in case. Just in case this following Jesus thing doesn't work, I may need a fall back position. But there is no fall back position. It's either all Jesus or nothing else. What oxen do I have that I need to slaughter? What is the plowing equipment that I need to burn? Elisha illustrated Jesus teaching that "no one who puts his hand on the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom." I need to look ahead. Trust God for my future. He calls me to a life of total surrender. That means letting go of all else until I'm just holding him. He is enough.

PRAYER
Lord, I need to release my grip on the things that hold me so I can hold on to you.

Mr. Smarty Pants

2009-06-16T15:27:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as his father David had been." (1 Kings 11:4)

OBSERVATION
God told Solomon he could ask for anything when he became king. Solomon asked for wisdom so God gave him a "wise and discerning heart" unlike anyone who has ever lived. His wisdom came with a warning, "don't intermarry with foreign women because they will turn your heart away from God." Well Solomon did not intermarry with a foreign woman...he married several hundred wives and had three hundred concubines. The longer he lived with them (as he grew old) his heart turned after other gods. His defenses were worn down.

Perhaps Solomon's strength was also his downfall. The guy who knows everything and can be told nothing. "Many wives...yeah, yeah, yeah. I know." Maybe he thought his wisdom was wiser than God's warning. After all, people traveled great distances to listen to him. His ego may not have been kept in check and he may have become too big for his breeches...a regular smarty pants, a know it all that led to a downfall.

APPLICATION
I cannot outsmart God. He always knows better and I am to obey. I need to walk humbly before him and not be puffed up with knowledge. Yes, I am to learn God's word and know what God's will is for my life. However, as much as I know, or think I know, there is much I still don't know. I need to maintain a teachable spirit. God, still knows best no matter what I know. My edumacation cannot become my god, you are my God.

PRAYER
Lord, you are infinitely wise, much more than me. Teach me your ways so I can walk in your truth.

I'm a Waiter

2009-06-09T15:44:00.003-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased." (Acts 7:17)

OBSERVATION
Stephen was defending his belief in Jesus before the religious ruling council. In that speech he gave a brief history lesson of God's people. God appeared to Abraham and told him to go to the land he would show him. However, Abraham himself did not actually receive the land as his inheritance, not even enough ground to set his foot on. God would fulfill his promise by raising up Moses as the one who would lead the people into the Promised Land. As the time drew near...nearly 400 years after God's promise to Abraham.

God waited for the right time. He could do today what he could do tomorrow because he is God. But he won't do today what he will tomorrow because he is God. He could have fulfilled his promise to Abraham in an instant. Abraham and Sarah could've packed up the kiddos and camels and moved into their new home. God's promise was not for him but for his descendents. So after nearly 400 years God finally fulfilled his promise (Israelites leave Egypt, wander in wilderness for 40 years no less, and enter the land). That's 10 generations. We tend to think God should get on with it, in our lifetime. But in his plan our lifetime means nothing because while we mark our lives by time he does not.

APPLICATION
As the time drew near...time was ticking away and God was waiting. After many people had lived and died his promise was finally fulfilled. I realized I may only get to see a sliver of God's activity in my lifetime. I think just because God can do it, he should do it, and do it right now. God is not in a hurry, he is not late, he is not early, he is always right on time. There is one thing I've noticed about God's people, they are waiters. Truly in both senses of the word. They are to serve others, but they are also to pass the time, hang around while God is working out his plan. As the time draws near, I've discovered my new calling is that of a waiter.

PRAYER
Lord, I don't understand your timing because you are beyond time. But I can trust your character as I watch the clock.

Jesus Should Have

2009-05-26T12:14:00.004-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick he stayed where he was two more days." (John 11:5-6)

OBSERVATION
So, when Jesus heard Lazarus was sick he should have...

Left right away.
Healed him from afar, like the Centurion's son.
Given his disciples authority to go heal him in his place.
Done something else, besides stay where he was two more days.

It seems like human nature to second guess God. Question his motives and wonder why he doesn't do what we think he should do. John specifically mentioned Jesus' love for Martha and Mary and Lazarus so this was not some unknown family. His delay of two days was not out of lack of concern or care but must have been born out of that love. On the surface it may look like he did not care, this simply was not true.

APPLICATION
When it comes to Jesus I can make a great Monday morning quarterback, a back seat driver, or a disgruntled employee. In other words, I know his job better than he does. But whatever reason Jesus had to delay it comes down to an issue of faith. Am I going to trust that he operates out of his love, even when he seems to delay? I can certainly fill him in on all that he should be doing. But he is God and I am not.

PRAYER
Jesus, I trust in your timing. I thank you for the "what you have done's" in my life and I trust you for the "what you will do's."

Open Acknowledgement

2009-05-26T11:56:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue for they loved human glory more than the glory of God." (John 12:42-43)

OBSERVATION
Jesus was teaching at the Passover festival. He performed many signs, yet some of the people who witnessed them still would not believe. There were others, however, including the leaders, who did believe. But they kept their faith a secret because they were afraid of the spiritual cops (the Pharisees) who would kick them out of the synagogue. John tells us why: they loved human glory more than the glory of God. They wanted human applause, approval and adulation more than God's. Their position in the country club was far more important than openly acknowledging their faith. They did acknowledge it, they knew they believed and if pressed they may cave in and admit it. They were not going to rock the boat by doing anything "radical"...like having people find out they followed Jesus.

APPLICATION
Ouch. I can be the same way. Given a particular setting, I can keep my faith a secret. Not that I'm afraid to be kicked out of a particular group but in those moments I desire their approval more than God's. There is always someone around who will look with disapproval on my relationship with Christ. I need to seek God's approval, because in the end that is what ultimately counts.

PRAYER
Father, I desire to live for your glory to seek your praise rather than the praise of people.

Every Day at the Golden Corral

2009-05-20T08:18:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast." (Proverbs 15:15)

OBSERVATION
The writer of Proverbs seems to paint a black and white scenario. There are people who are oppressed and people who are cheerful. Are there such extremes in life? Perhaps he is trying to show us that the perspective we take on life influences how we live that life. Jesus came to free us. He came to "proclaim freedom for the prisoners." If anyone is oppressed it is people in prison (not necessarily a physical prison but a prison of slavery, fear, self-doubt, and sin). Jesus throws open the cell doors and sets us free.

In Christ, we are no longer oppressed by the law of sin, the sinful nature, or the enemy. Greater is he that is in us than the one that is in the world. If we have been set free we have a different outlook on life. We experience the joy of the Lord, i.e. "a cheerful heart." When we view life from the perspective of freedom (instead of oppression) we do have a continual feast. We see the joy in creation, we see the value in relationships, and we understand that this world is not our final home. It's like everyday is a visit to the Golden Corral. God has blessed us because his intent toward his creation is good.

APPLICATION
When I watch the news it is always bad. It continually shows people who are stressed, depressed, and oppressed. But as I was watching this morning I had this thought: "These are the exceptions rather than the rule." The reason it is newsworthy is because it is not happening to everyone. It's easier to report the few that it actually happens to rather than the many it doesn't (all of the good news would make for a very long newscast). Not every teacher is having sex with her students, not every world leader is a dictator, not every bank is failing, and on and on it goes. Jesus has set me free. As a former "harassed and helpless sheep", he is my shepherd. Whom shall I fear? No one. Life is a continual feast because I'm standing in the place of freedom. Over generalization (everything is bad, all of the time, all day long) is oppression. Yes, every once-in-a-while I get a taste of something awful, but that doesn't negate the great stuff in the rest of the meal. Today I choose to take another trip to the buffet.

PRAYER
Lord, sometimes the things of this life can weigh me down. Not that there aren't those situations but when I focus solely on them I forget the bounty you have laid before me today. Help me to see you in the continual feast of this life.

Knowing by Obeying

2009-05-12T09:03:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." (John 7:17)

OBSERVATION
Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. He went secretly because people were watching for him. Halfway through the Feast he got up and began to teach in the temple. People were amazed at his teaching asking, "Where did he get such learning?"

There were two kinds of people watching for him. Those who wanted to trap him in his words and use his words against him to take his life. They thought he was demon-possessed and was speaking nonsense. And, those who believed his teaching. They were the ones who grew to know more of who he was and his heavenly Father.

Jesus makes an interesting point. The only way to know whether his teaching came from God or he was speaking on his own was to do God's will. Obeying God's will brings brings Jesus' teaching into focus because they are one and the same. It's tempting to stand on the outside and criticize Jesus' teaching (judging by appearances). But we will never truly know if his teaching is from God unless we do it.

APPLICATION
Easier said than done. When I grumble and complain about a particular teaching of Jesus, I can be like the people who were trying to trap him in his own words. Well, he didn't mean what he said. Or, he doesn't understand my situation. But the only way I'm going to truly know his teaching is to obey. To jump in, do what he asks, follow what he commands, and stop what he prohibits. Then I will be amazed and ask "Where did he get such learning?" His learning is for my living.

PRAYER
Lord, the only way I find out and discover if Jesus' teaching comes from you is to do your will. You have confirmed time and time again that it is true. He did speak your words both when I obeyed and received the blessing and when I've disobeyed and have received the consequences.

Diurnal Discipleship

2009-05-05T14:51:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"All those who do evil hate the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. Those who live by the truth come into the light so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." (John 3:20-21)

OBSERVATION
Jesus is the light that has come into the world (3:19). Light is the penetrating, exposing, life-giving nature of God. It sees the human heart and all that is contained therein. Here, Jesus describes two kinds of people, those who do evil and those who live by the truth. He then describes the two responses. One is fear. Those who do evil don't want to be exposed. The other is truthful living. They come into the light because they have nothing to hide.

Why would someone be afraid of the light? Verse 19 gives the answer. "People loved darkness instead of the light because their deeds were evil." It's about the deeds. There is something seductive and mysterious about darkness. We think no one, including God sees or knows what we do. But there is also no life in the dark. Jesus does not want nocturnal believers...people who say they follow, but because of their evil deeds cling to the darkness out of fear. In order to thrive, a plant needs exposure to the sun. So do we.

APPLICATION
I've got two choices in life...evil deeds or truthful living. I much prefer the second. There is no hiding or fear of exposure. When I struggle with evil, the worst thing I can do is hide out, clinging to the darkness. It will be a slow spiritual death. A wilting of my soul. I've got to overcome that fear with faith. Letting the light of Christ shine into the darkest parts of my heart. What I will find, and have found, is that there is freedom and life. I'm to be a diurnal disciple. A follower of Jesus who lives in the light, belonging to the day, overcoming the fear of exposure by authentic confession and repentance. Once in the light, my spiritual life will blossom.

PRAYER
Lord, I thank you that you are the Father of whom I do not need to be afraid to come into your presence. You are faithful to forgive as I confess. When I find myself tempted to hide out in the dark, I need your Spirit to help me walk into the light and find freedom from the fear through the exposure to your Son.

God for an Ephod

2009-04-29T08:09:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Gideon made the gold into an Ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his home town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshipping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family." (Judges 8:27)

OBSERVATION
Gideon fought and subdued the Midianites. Being the great warrior that he was, the Israelites wanted him to rule over them. He declined stating, "The Lord will rule over you." However, he did request that each person give him a gold earring from the plunder. In all, he collected about 43 pounds of gold which he made into an ephod (a garment worn by the priests).

The ephod could have been a great reminder of the Israelites' deliverance from the Midianites. Or, of God's faithfulness to keep his promises and fight the battle. Even a reminder that God can use people like Gideon. The Israelites chose otherwise...they worshipped it.

Gideon made a religious object which later turned around to bite him (it became a snare). The ephod in itself is a good thing. The people's response, not so good. They broke faith with God, and the first commandment, by worshipping a created thing rather than the Creator.

APPLICATION
Even a good thing can become a snare. If I obtain my security, worth, or meaning from anything, or anyone, other than God, that good thing has become an idol. I don't know that it intentionally happens, but after a while the tangible thing in front of me can become a source of comfort and security. If the Israelites can worship a shirt, I can certainly find a lot of other things to trust. Whether it's finances, family, ministry, or material goods, these things, good in themselves, cannot become a snare, replacing God as the foundation of my life. I have to be careful not to trade God for an ephod.

PRAYER
Father, I've found security, worth, and meaning in good things at times. I want my life to center on you and not on someone or something else, no matter how good. You are the one who is good. You are God.

My End of the Deal

2009-04-21T15:23:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Be very careful to keep the commandments and the law that Moses gave you." (Joshua 22:5)

OBSERVATION
Three tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the 1/2 tribe of Manasseh) wanted to acquire territory on the east side of the Jordan river instead of crossing with the rest of the tribes. They would be allowed on the condition that they would help their brothers conquer the land. The other tribes were settled and here in Joshua, the three tribes were returning to their side of the Jordan to take possession of their territories. Joshua instructs them to live in a way that will maintain God's blessing and keep them walking close to God. He tells them...

Love the Lord your God
Walk in his ways
Obey his commands
Hold fast to him
Serve with with all your heart and soul

God had given his people rest in their new land. The Bible says he fulfilled all his promises. He delivered on his word. Now, he wants a people who will be loyal, keeping their promises, to him. He does not ask us to be or do something that does not come from his own character. He is a promise maker and Joshua reminds the people not to be promise breakers.

APPLICATION
I've entered into this relationship with God. It is a two way street. Keeping my end of the deal means being faithful to God. He has fulfilled his promises to me in Christ. "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ." (2 Co. 1:20) I owe him my life and he wants me to reflect his character by keeping my promise of faithfulness to him. I am to, love, walk, obey, hold and serve. These are not just one time actions but are to be hallmarks of my walk with him.

PRAYER
Lord, you have fulfilled your promises in Christ. I want to fulfill my promises to you.

Blessing Through Listening

2009-04-14T14:39:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways." (Psalm 81:13)

OBSERVATION
Doesn't that seem like the plea of every parent? If my kids would just listen. However, coming from God it is not a cry of anger but of frustration or disappointment. He says, "if only." There is a longing from God to do far more in our lives than even we want for ourselves. In not listening, we are blocking God's blessing.

He listed several ways he would bless the Israelites (and quickly).

He would subdue their enemies.
Turn his hand against their foes.
Feed them with the finest wheat.
Satisfy them with honey from the rock.

The reason these things were not happening was because they would not listen and follow his ways. God desires far more for us than we desire for ourselves. We want the benefits of the blessing without having to listen or follow.

APPLICATION
How much of God's work in my life have I missed out on because I would not listen and follow? Too many times to count I'm afraid. How quickly the Lord would've worked. Instead, by going my own way the blessing came later, slower, or not at all. I need to see my life from God's perspective. He tries in many ways to get my attention. If only I would listen and follow.

PRAYER
Lord, I desire honey from the rock. The impossible blessing made possible by listening.

Hamster Wheel Living

2009-04-08T08:32:00.003-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of his wonders, they did not believe. So he ended their days in futility and their years in terror. Whenever God slew them, they would seek him; they eagerly turned to him again. They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer. But then they would flatter him with their mouths, lying to him with their tongues; their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant. Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return." (Psalm 78:32-36)

OBSERVATION
Whenever we read "in spite of this" we need to pay attention. The Psalmist was describing a cycle of life which keeps repeating itself (much like living in a hamster wheel).

God would bless the people.
In spite of this they did not believe and kept on sinning.
God disciplined them (he slew them).
They were sorry and would seek him again.
Now closer to God, they would flatter him and lie to him because their hearts were not faithful.
He did not destroy them but restrained his anger.
Even in the face of his grace they did not return, in spite of this...and the cycle repeated itself.

APPLICATION
The problem with living a hamster wheel life is that there is a lot of motion but no forward progress. God wants more than lip service,he wants our hearts. Going through the motions (flattering mouths, lying tongues) is a vicious cycle. In those times when we experience God's grace he wants all of us (heart included) to be faithful.

Life on the wheel is tiring. Running and running and running and running...without ever going anywhere. God wants my heart not just lip service. That is a life lived on the Rock. There is security, stability, and strength. God disciplines me to seek him but this cycle will not last forever. Not because of who God is but because of who I am (I am flesh, a passing breeze). I need to seek God with my heart, with all that I am. Living on this relentless wheel makes it seem like something is happening but in the end it's still just a rat race.

PRAYER
Lord, I seek you with my whole heart. In the face of your grace, I stand on the Rock.

Giving God My Leftovers

2009-03-31T13:52:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"No man should appear before the Lord empty-handed. Each man is to bring a gift in proportion to the way God blessed you." (Deut. 16:16)

OBSERVATION
There were appointed times for the people to appear before the Lord and when they did they were not to show up empty-handed. They were to bring an offering. I'm sure some of them felt like they couldn't give, and the economy of a nation who has wandered for forty years couldn't have been the most stable. The Israelites probably gave the same excuses we give.

God's command was fairly simple to figure out. The gift was to be proportional to the way God blessed them. They all did not have to bring the same amount which proved to be a very equitable method of giving. Those who received more gave more and those who received less gave less. Everyone sacrifice equally. But they were not to give out of their leftovers. The giving was in proportion to the blessing of God. It was based on total income not net income.

APPLICATION
It's not God's fault how I spend my money. He blesses me and wants me to give in proportion to that blessing. Period. He doesn't want me to give from my leftovers. This is the money left after I've paid the rent, cable bill, cell phone, Internet, food, clothes, and for overpriced coffees. He did not ask me to incur the expenses that I do. I chose to do those things. Those things are not bad. In fact I enjoy them. But they cannot interfere with my giving. My giving should not be influenced by my standard of living or cash flow. My giving needs to reflect God's goodness in my life. It is to be in proportion to his blessing which means I can be far more generous.

PRAYER
Lord, you have blessed me. I'm always able to give because you always bless.

Break Camp

2009-03-24T14:46:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"The Lord your God said to us at Horeb, 'You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites." (Deuteronomy 1:6)

OBSERVATION
It was at Horeb where the angel of the Lord first appeared to Moses in a burning bush and commissioned him to lead his people out of slavery. Sometime later, it was where Moses struck the rock and God provided water for the people to drink. It was a place where God had demonstrated his power.

Here, in Deuteronomy, the people are camped at Horeb. A journey which so far should have taken 11 days, took 40 years, because of the people's disobedience. God told them to break up camp and move. The Israelites destination, after being freed from Egypt, was the Promised Land. They were not to camp in the wilderness.

God does not want us to get comfortable. Don't think so? To advance into the hill country of the Amorites meant they had to go through "all the vast and dreadful desert." Maybe that's why he had to tell them to break camp. They knew what lie ahead. He had to nudge them into the dreadful place so they could reach their destination.

APPLICATION
I tend to forget I am a sojourner in this life and want to be a builder. Get comfortable, settle down and stay awhile. But he won't let me. It is too easy to get comfortable with my stage in my spiritual journey. To excuse my lack of growth. It would be nice to kick back and rest awhile but his message is "break camp and move on." Until I reach the ultimate promised land of heaven I am on a journey. Whenever I want to drive in a stake God says break camp. I've got far more planned for you than you can imagine. You'll only find it as you journey on.

PRAYER
Lord, what a great reminder to not get too comfortable. As Paul writes, to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

What a Pane

2009-03-17T14:57:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"The Lord replied, "I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth, not one of the men who saw my glory...not one of them will ever see the land I promised to their forefathers.'" (Numbers 14:20,23)

OBSERVATION
Once again the people were complaining and wanted to go back to Egypt. This time it was after the spies Moses sent out to scope out the promised land came back. They reported that it would be difficult to conquer the land because the people were giants. What do the Israelites do? Grumble and complain. God was about to wipe them out but Moses interceded for them. Here's the interesting thing: God said he would forgive them but they would still not see the land. Whoa, back up the manna truck. God forgave them for their actions but they would still suffer the consequences.

APPLICATION
I'm not so sure I like this. Ok, I definitely don't. I mean I'm all for the forgiveness part and in my mind that means all of the guilt and consequences vanish too. Choices always have costs. Yes, God can forgive but he doesn't magically erase the memory or the results of my poor choices. If the ball goes through the neighbor's window I want his forgiveness but I also want the glass to magically reassemble itself in the window so there is no reminder of my action. But it doesn't (what a pane). But maybe that's the point. If I forget, if there are no consequences, no repercussions on my life personally, what will prevent me from doing it again? What will cause me to stop and think about my next decision? What will remind me of how much my sin costs? God, in his infinite wisdom, knows what's best for me. That includes living with consequences. Instead of them holding me back I can learn from the experience and lean on God's grace and mercy. Consequences smash the idols of perfectionism and performance that makes me think God will love me more.

PRAYER
Lord, I don't always like the consequences. I would have you remove them at all costs. But in the midst of facing results of choices I've made I'm reminded of your forgiveness and mercy.

High Calling of Holiness

2009-03-03T15:16:00.001-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own." (Leviticus 20:26)

OBSERVATION
Our holiness is based on God's holiness. We are to exhibit his characteristics in our lives. We can observe a couple of things about holiness from this verse.

We are holy to him. It's with a view or direction towards him. He is the source of our motivation to be holy.
God is holy. He does not ask us to do or become something he is not.
He has set us apart from the nations. Holiness itself means to be set apart, distinct from the world around us. There needs to be a qualitative difference in our lives.
We are his possession. We belong to him. God has loved us enough to call us to be his people. We belong to him. We are not our own. Paul reminds us we were bought with a price.
We are his own. God wants us in a relationship with him. How do we related to a holy God? By growing in holiness ourselves.

APPLICATION
My motivation for holiness is God himself. I'm only done growing in holiness when I am like him (so far, no good). Life is challenging and the temptations are many. Therefore, my whole life should be on a growth curve, learning to be set apart from the world while living in the world. I'm God's. I was bought with a price. My desire for holiness is also grounded in Christ. His work on the cross and what he has done should motivate me to be holy as he is holy.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to grow in holiness.

I'm Disturbed

2009-03-03T15:13:00.001-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42:11)

OBSERVATION
In this Psalm, the writer details various hardships in his life: mourning, being oppressed by the enemy, bones suffering mortal agony, and his foes taunting him. Enough apples to upset the proverbial cart. He had plenty of reasons to be downcast. And it seems that he was.

In a personal moment he talks to himself. Why, soul, are you downcast? Why am I disturbed? Well, there are plenty of reasons. But in the Psalmists' style he surveys the situation and comes to a strong conclusion. He could have hope in God. He could praise God. He could hope because God is trustworthy and will keep his promises. God will do exactly what he said. We can praise because God is good and holy in spite of our circumstances.

APPLICATION
It's easy to be disturbed and downcast. Especially with all of the doom and gloom that comes with every economic report or newscast. But it's good to be reminded by God's word that I don't have to be. When I ask, "Why so downcast?" or "Why so disturbed?" the answer can be, "I don't have to be...at least for long." When I'm downcast my gaze is cast down. I'm looking at myself and my problems. Praising God lifts my gaze and I see the panoramic view of his power and might. I see him for who he truly is and I will yet praise him. I'm disturbed that I get disturbed. God's still in control

PRAYER
Lord, in you I hope. In you I trust. In you I praise.

Alone on Land

2009-02-24T09:16:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land." (Mark 6:47)

OBSERVATION
Jesus had a busy day of ministry. So many people were coming to him, and his disciples, they did not even have a chance to eat. They moved to another location. People saw them leaving and ran on foot from all the towns to get there ahead of them. Jesus arrived and began teaching. It was getting late and the people had not yet eaten, so he fed them (5,000 men).

Whew. What a day. Traveling, feeding, teaching. But then Jesus does something vital to his relationship with his Father. He sent the disciples, by boat, on ahead to Bethsaida while he remained on land. He dismissed the crowd and went up on the mountainside to pray. Throughout Mark 6, he took charge of his schedule. He ministered when he needed to but also withdrew when he need to. He was busy but not hurried. Earlier in the day, he invited his disciples to, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (6:31)

APPLICATION
If Jesus found it important to withdraw in prayer how much more should I?. I can be very hurried but hurriedness does not allow for great communication with God. I need to find time, "alone on land", dismiss the crowds, and pray. Jesus invites me to come with him by myself to a quiet place.

PRAYER
Lord, help me find the quiet places where I can spend time with you.

God Rubs Off

2009-02-17T14:53:00.001-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord." (Exodus 34:29)

OBSERVATION
God rubs off. This is the second time Moses spent time with God on Mount Sinai (40 days and nights). He had to climb the mountain again because he broke the first set of Ten Commandments after he saw the people worshipping the golden calf. The first set was written with the finger of God. This time Moses had to write them. The Bible says, "He wrote down the words God gave him." His face became radiant because he had spoken with God. He was not aware that his face was radiant it just happened because he spent time in God's presence. He didn't do it for a show. When we spend time communicating with God we can't help but be changed. His glory will rub off on us and we will start to reflect more of who he is. His word will change us.

APPLICATION
My time with God pays off. I become more like him and reflect more of him in my life. There are times when I don't feel like it. I'm too busy or don't want to take the time. I don't know if Moses wanted to climb the mountain again either but he did. When I spend time with God he changes me. This needs to happen frequently, daily. Like Moses the glory eventually fades. It's not meant to last forever because a relationship with God is not a one time event. I can't get a supercharged dose to last the rest of my life. I must continually renew that contact with God so that he can continue his work of transformation in my life.

PRAYER
Lord, I thank you that you allow me to come into your presence so that I can be changed and reflect a little more of who you are.

Drinks Included

2009-02-10T15:57:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"He [Jesus] went a second time and prayed, 'My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.'" (Matthew 26:42)

OBSERVATION
Jesus prayed three times in the garden of Gethsemane. This was the place where he was arrested and led away to be tried and crucified. The first time he prayed to his Father to take the cup (a metaphor for suffering and anguish) away from him. In this passage he prays a second time. Matthew writes he prayed the same thing a third time. Each time he prayed, he resigned himself to his Father's will. "May your will be done."

However, there is a difference between his first and second prayer. In this prayer he adds, "unless I drink it." This is huge. The cup would be taken away but only after he drank it. The way he found relief from the suffering was by going through the suffering and coming out on the other side. It's the way of Jesus. To go through the suffering, drinking the cup, is to have it taken away. God has much more to accomplish in the lives of those who are obedient to him than making sure life is pain free and comfortable.

APPLICATION
I'm all for the first prayer, "Take it away." Avoid pain at any cost. Don't let me touch the cup, smell or savor its contents. The second prayer is a whole different story. "Lord take this suffering from my life, but only after I go through it." It goes against the natural (you might say it's supernatural). To be like Jesus means to submit to God's will. All of it. Even the parts that I don't like or are very uncomfortable. God is more concerned about the growth of my character than that I have a cushy life. So, I reluctantly pray, "Your will be done." But I confidently pray, "Your will be done" because I can always trust in God's goodness and faithfulness to me.

PRAYER
Lord, if I truly believe your will is perfect that means drinks are included.

Living With the Frogs

2009-02-03T15:00:00.003-05:00

SCRIPTURE
Moses said to Pharaoh, "I leave to you the honor of setting the time for me to pray for you and your officials and your people that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs, except for those that remain in the Nile." "Tomorrow," Pharaoh said. (Exodus 8:9-10)

OBSERVATION
The land was teeming with frogs. This was second plague God brought on the Egyptians because Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go. The frogs covered the land. They were found in beds, in ovens, and in kneading troughs. Moses went to Pharaoh and said, "You can decide when you want me to pray to get rid of the frogs." Pharaoh's response, "Tomorrow."

Incredible. He could get rid of the frogs in that moment, yet he waits until tomorrow. He's just a hard guy to figure out. Why did he say "tomorrow?" There could be a lot of reasons, the same reasons we would use. Pride comes to mind. His magicians could do the same frog tricks, so he wasn't going to give Moses the satisfaction of yielding to his God. Maybe he got comfortable. Live with a problem long enough and you get used to it. The croaking can almost become a symphony. Maybe he wanted to avoid the hard work of facing the clean up. The frogs did not hop away, they died and were piled into stinking, reeking, heaps. Sometimes its easier to accommodate a problem than have it croak and smell up the place.

APPLICATION
In a way, I get "tomorrow." Sometimes I don't want to deal the the situation today. It's easier to live with the frogs in my life than take them to God and have him clean them up. It's too hard, too smelly, or for a variety of other excuses I could give. After awhile, the frogs can become pets, a fixture in my life. But they are not what God intends for my life. He wants me to be rid of the plagues, the consequences of disobeying him (that's in essence what the frogs were, a response to Pharaoh's hard heart). That is the problem, I become too attached to the frogs and don't want them dead. But that's what God offers today, exodus, deliverance. Dealing with the problem only smells for awhile. Eventually it turns to fertilizer that causes great spiritual growth. I should not wait for tomorrow but need to hop to it today.

PRAYER
Lord, it's easy to live with the frogs. Help me see the great deliverance that only you can offer.

What's in Your Hand?

2009-01-27T16:14:00.002-05:00

SCRIPTURE
Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The Lord did not appear to you'?" Then the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:1-2)

OBSERVATION
Why, it's a staff. God had called Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. Moses was not confident that he could do the job so he started to offer excuses. "I can't speak." "I'm not eloquent." In this passage, his initial objection to the Lord's call was, "What if they don't believe me?" God's response, "What's that in your hand?"

It's an ordinary staff. God told him to throw it on the ground. He did. It turned into a snake. See Moses run. He reached out his hand, picked it up by the tail and it turned back into a staff. God did some amazing things with that stick.

It's as if God heard Moses' objection, looked around and said, "Oh, you've got a stick in your hand. That'll work. I'll turn it into a snake so at least you will believe what I'm capable of." Perhaps, Moses wasn't so concerned about other's lack of belief as he was his own. It was an ordinary staff, yet it became extraordinary because God used it. Although God does some pretty cool stuff (i.e. the burning bush), he used an ordinary staff to show Moses who he really was.

APPLICATION
If I doubt God. If my faith is lacking. If I question what he can do. God asks me, "What is that in your hand?" (ok, sometimes it is the remote). I want to see the burning bush or the sea parted before me. But most often it is the common, ordinary stuff of my life that God uses to reveal himself. When he does, it strengthens my faith so I in turn can show him to the world.

God can show me who he is if I just look around. It's as if he says to me, "See that ordinary sunset. I made that just by speaking it into existence." "See your sometimes ornery son who you love anyway. I love you like that." "You're not the world's greatest, but if you'll let go and let me, I'll show you who I really am."

So the things in my hand, my ordinary gifts, resources, and abilities become more than I could ever imagine when I walk in obedience to God, let go, and give it to him ("throw it on the ground").

PRAYER
I Am. It's all about you and your power displayed in my life. You take my ordinary offerings and make them extraordinary.

Breaking the Rules

2009-01-20T13:11:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, "Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat!" Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?" (Matthew 15:1-3)

OBSERVATION
There are always watchdogs, people who watch for others to break the rules and then dog them about it. Here, the Pharisees and teachers of the law thought they caught the disciples breaking the rule about washing before eating. However, Jesus turned the tables on them by pointing out they were in fact breaking God's command. They were breaking Commandment 5, to honor their father and mother, by devoting money to God so they would not have to use it to support their parents.

The Pharisees probably thought they were defending God's laws when they were merely defending their traditions. Jesus' did not teach that we do not have to obey. He was drawing attention to what we choose to obey: tradition or God's commands. The two are not necessarily the same. We can uphold traditions and break God's command or we can uphold God's commands and break tradition. Jesus would have us do the latter. God's commands always trump tradition.

APPLICATION
I remember the rule, "Don't go swimming for 1/2 hour after you eat." Recently, I've learned that rule has been debunked as a myth. But it illustrates the point Jesus was trying to make. I can base my life on rules that are not necessarily true. More importantly, I can base my life on rules that God did not instigate. Therefore, I need to be careful not to equate my own set of rules (which is a form of legalism) with God's commands. I've got to keep God's commands first and foremost. I can learn a lot about what not to do from the Pharisees, but their tendencies can creep very easily into my life. God is concerned that I know his commands and sift out the laws and tradition of men. They are not bad, they're just not binding.

PRAYER
God, help me to keep the commands you've revealed in your word. There is great freedom when I let go of traditions and live by your truth.

No Place to Land

2009-01-13T15:28:00.001-05:00

SCRIPTURE
Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." (Matthew 8:20)

OBSERVATION
Jesus' answer was in response to a statement by a teacher of the law, "I will follow you wherever you go." (Matthew 8:19) The teacher was looking for a destination, a place to arrive. Jesus said he had no place to land, "no place to lay his head." He was not saying he did not have a place to sleep, a time to be refreshed, but that he had no permanent place to call home. He was on a mission. That mission did not include stopping to settle down.

When we follow Jesus there is no arriving, at least on this earth. He moves and takes us where we need to be. That's what following him means. We are followers not sitters. Much like the cloud that guided the Israelites in the wilderness, following Jesus means we go where he leads. Viewing spiritual growth as a process (moving on to maturity but never arriving) prevents us from getting comfortable wherever we are. Where we are is not where we are to permanently land.

APPLICATION
I want to end up somewhere. It's much more rewarding to check off the "to-do" lists than have items that are open and in process, to be able to finish a task and move on. It would be nice if spiritual growth was like that. I'm as loving as I need to be. Check. I'm as patient as I need to be. Check. I'm as self-controlled as I need to be. Check. Following Jesus means there's always room to grow and go. Where he leads I need to follow and that doesn't happen by thinking I've arrived somewhere. Since, he has no place to lay his head, I guess that means we're moving on.

PRAYER
Lord, I thank you that you're not finished with me. I want to get comfortable but you call me to follow. You lead the way.

Get Up and Go

2009-01-06T15:59:00.001-05:00

SCRIPTURE
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead." (Matthew 2:19-20)

OBSERVATION
Joseph found himself to be the adoptive father of God's son. Through the miraculous event of the incarnation, God ended up living at his house. It required a lot of moving. In order to protect Jesus from Herod he had to escape the region. He was told to go to Egypt. The instructions to go and to return began with the same command: Get up.

In order to obey God, he couldn't remain where he was. He needed to go. When children come into a family the whole dynamic changes. There are new demands on time and sacrifices to be made. The same is true with Jesus. Joseph's whole life was reoriented by God. His plans were no longer his own. His personal comfort and security took the back seat to the larger plan of God working in his life.

APPLICATION
Jesus can't be just a nice, quaint addition to my life. He reorients my whole life and yes, he will make demands on my life. Most often it is, "get up." It's easy to get comfortable, just rest a little while. If I'm not careful a little while can easily turn into a long while, and a long while can be the place I end up which is not the place I need to be. In order for God to change me I need to get up and go. Don't stay where I am but keep moving ahead. I wish it were more comfortable. But there's really no joy, growth, or maturity in being a La-Z-Boy Christian.

PRAYER
God you continually challenge me to get up and go. I love it that you go with me. You've called me to this great adventure of following Jesus. Stir me up when I get comfortable so that I continually grow to be more like Jesus.

After Christmas

2008-12-23T14:34:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.'" (John 18:37)

OBSERVATION
After Jesus was arrested the Jews took him to Pilate. Pilate invited him inside the palace and began to question him. Jesus' answer was in response to Pilate's statement, "You are a king then!"

Having just celebrated Christmas we are mindful of Jesus coming into the world. In this verse he gives us the reason, to testify to the truth. He did not just testify to the truth in his words but he testified by his lifestyle. He was truth incarnate, in the flesh.

Truth has been defined as that "which corresponds to reality." There couldn't be a better definition for Jesus as truth. God is the ultimate reality. Everything begins and ends with him. Jesus came to earth to show us that truth. He spoke what the Father spoke. He did what the Father did. So in reality, Christmas is all about truth breaking into the world as a person.

APPLICATION
I often hear people say God is on our side. But the question really is, "Am I on God's side?" How do I know? Jesus says if I listen to him, then I am on the side of truth. Christmas is about light and darkness and the truth of Jesus lights my way in this world. If I'm lost or in need of direction, not sure where to turn or what to do, I look to Jesus. Really, my entire life is lived after Christmas, on this side of the first Christmas (post-incarnation). Jesus has come, testified to the truth, and returned to the Father. Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" My question becomes, "Who is truth?" It is Jesus.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to live the truth of Jesus, listening to him, and living my life on the side of truth.

The Christmas Pageant

2008-12-23T14:33:00.001-05:00

In 1897, eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York's Sun newspaper. "Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.' Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?”

Like Virginia O’Hanlon, wondering about the existence of Santa Claus, people have wondered about the existence of God. Or, if he does exist, how we can know him. C.S. Lewis was so convinced of his agnosticism that he once wrote: “Man cannot know God any more than Hamlet could know Shakespeare.” He conceded the fact that there is perhaps an author to life. However, if we are part of a cosmic story we could not know God with any certainty, just as the characters in a play could not know the playwright.

Lewis, a little time later, became a follower of Jesus. He was approached by a colleague who reminded him of his previous agnostic stance and asked, “Didn’t you once write a paper defending your agnosticism?” Lewis replied, “I was right – Hamlet could not know Shakespeare” but he continued, “Unless Shakespeare wrote himself into the play of Hamlet and introduced himself.” What was it that C.S Lewis discovered? In a word, Christmas. Not the holiday as we celebrate it, but the movement of God in history that precipitated the holiday.

A common perception of God is that he is the “man upstairs.” Life is viewed as living in a high-rise. We live on the lower floors and discovering God is a matter of going to the upper floors. If we go high enough we will find him. The problem is, God is not higher he is other. He doesn’t live in the same building. He is not a part of this created world. Going higher will be of no avail. It may provide a nice view but we won’t run into God.

To know God he must reveal himself to us. He must break through into our world, pull back the curtains, and let us know he is there. That is the meaning of Christmas. God introduced himself to us. Previously, he had spoken through his appointed messengers, the prophets, as conveyers of self-disclosure. Even creation points to his eternal qualities. But nothing shows us who he is like the Christ of Christmas.

Christmas is God becoming flesh and moving into our building. Christmas is God writing himself into human history through his son Jesus. God became flesh so we who are in the flesh could meet him and know him in an extraordinary way. Jesus stepped out of heaven and planted his feet on the earth.

Beginning life as a baby, born in the village of Bethlehem, God showed up on the planet. When Mary changed his diaper, she was changing God’s diaper. When Joseph taught him how to use a hammer, it was God’s hands that gripped the mallet. When the baby cried and kept his parents awake at night, it was God who caused them to lose sleep.

Christmas is a big deal not because of the decorations, food, family gatherings, gifts or goodwill. It’s a big deal because the author of all that exists walked onto the stage of human experience. Jesus who has eternally existed with the Father became a player in the drama of life. It was the Christmas pageant performed 2,000 years ago.

Not such a big deal? Imagine if we had to become a slug, enduring life with other slugs, doing slug stuff. Not a very appealing or comprehensible existence. Consider this, the distance from Jesus to human being is exponentially greater than the distance between us and a slug. That is a big deal.

So why did he do it? The prophets of old could only do so much. They were killed, run out of town, or at the least misunderstood. Creation can be discounted as an act of random change over time. Christmas is God revealing himself to us in the way we could best understand, as another human being. God, as an all-personal, all-relational being, wants us to know him, so our lives can center on him. We were created to enjoy a relationship with him.

Yet, the brokenness, heartache, and misery of this world can be traced back to the self-serving interests of the human heart. God had a radical plan to draw people back to him. He entered our world to communicate with us, in word and deed, by showing us a Life of self-sacrifice and giving. Not ignoring our condition, he entered into our experience of brokenness, heartache and misery. Christmas changes everything.

The saying, “like father like son” applies to Jesus. To know Jesus is to know God. His life showed us what God is like. If a character had been written into Hamlet that talked and acted like William Shakespeare, Hamlet could begin to know his author.

Deep in every human heart is the desire to know that we are more than, as Kierkegaard wrote, a “cosmic bum.” There is a longing to know that our lives matter and that our lives are more than matter.

The meaning of Christmas is that our lives ultimately have meaning. God entered our world to demonstrate his great love for us by revealing himself to us beginning as a tiny, fragile, dependant, vulnerable baby. Aren’t those the places we often find ourselves? Those are the very places God decided to join us in our story.

Christmas doesn’t answer all of our questions with certainty. Does God exist? Or, those deep, heartfelt questions that often begin with “Why?” However, it does explain the relationship of God with the world as we’ve inherited it. It is his story that helps us make sense of our story. Maybe Virginia’s papa was on to something. “If you see it in THE SON it’s so.”

Hope of His Coming

2008-12-17T08:31:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow...Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.'" (1 Peter 1:10-11, 13)

OBSERVATION
The prophets tried to discern Jesus' first coming into the world. That time when he would be born, suffer, and be received into glory. Peter described the incarnation (the first Christmas) as the "grace that was to come to you." God's coming into the world, in the person of Jesus, was a display of grace. Grace is a gift (receiving what we do not deserve). And the greatest gift was Jesus. Grace = Gift. Gift = Jesus. Therefore, Grace = Jesus. Now, 2,000 years after the birth of Jesus, it is no longer the grace that is to come but the grace that has come.

The prophets anticipated this coming of the Messiah, searching intently with the greatest care. Peter also gives us something to look forward to with the same anticipation. The second coming of Jesus (when he is revealed). This is also describes as "the grace to be given to you." He reminds us that this is where we find our hope. Whenever Jesus physically comes to this world is described in terms of grace. God is gracing us with the presence of his son.

APPLICATION
I find that it's easy to be jealous of the people who were alive at the time of Jesus' birth. I mean, they were anticipating the Messiah, but more than that they were able to witness his arrival. Shepherds even got in on his first visit to the planet. Their hopes were fulfilled. Peter reminds me that I can have the same kind of hope as them. Jesus is coming again and that will be another demonstration of God's grace. It's very easy to get caught up in life down here and forget to live in anticipation of Jesus' coming.

In the meantime, I don't just wait around and stare at the sky. But I am to be living a life of anticipation: self-controlled with a mind prepared for action. It is active waiting. That may sound like an oxymoron but it is the walk of a child of God. Waiting with hope and living the life God's called me to live. God once again will send his indescribable gift...Jesus. And I just may be able to witness it.

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your gift of grace. Jesus. Who came and is coming again.

Me, Anxious?

2008-12-09T15:50:00.001-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"Do not be anxious about anything.'" (Philippians 4:6)

OBSERVATION
Webster's defines anxious as: "concern or solicitude respecting some thing or event, future or uncertain, which disturbs the mind, and keeps it in a state of painful uneasiness." We can certainly relate to anxiety as a state of painful uneasiness in the mind. How many tension headaches to we experience. Anxiety has a way of putting a vice on our brains.

But Paul reminds us not to be anxious about anything. Which sounds much easier said than done. However, in that same chapter he gives us some clues that may help ease the brain pain.

Pray with thanksgiving.
Think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy.
Practice following his example.
Learn the secret of contentment.
Rely on God's strength to be able to do everything through him.

The result? The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. In a way, peace is the antidote to anxiety. It replaces uncertainty and uneasy minds are calmed.

If anxiety is a state of mind, then the focus of our thoughts can either create or relieve anxiety. In fact, Paul said God's peace will guard our minds. It is the kind of peace that cannot be explained, but is real enough to be understood as it quells our concerns.

APPLICATION
I'm my own worse anxiety enemy. Me, anxious? At times. When I focus on the troubles, future or uncertain, I can be overwhelmed. However, when I focus on the things of God somehow I rise above the trouble to connect with Him. I find when I'm anxious it's because I'm focusing on my circumstances and not praying, or thinking about the things that lead to God's peace. It's so much easier to focus on the negative or unknown instead of being content with what is known, namely God and his power in my life. Because even when I feel that I can't, he will give me the strength to do what needs to be done. That is a worry free philosophy.

PRAYER
Lord, you are the God of peace. Thank you for your gift of non-understandable peace even in the midst of circumstances I do not or cannot understand.

Against All Hope

2008-12-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.'" (Romans 4:18)

OBSERVATION
God promised Abraham a son. However, at almost 100 years old, with Sarah just a little younger, it didn't look like it was going to happen. However, in Romans 4, Paul reminds us that Abraham did not look at his condition but at the God who made the promise. "He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." (vv. 20-21).

In spite of his circumstances he still believed God. That is the essence of hope. "Against all hope...in hope." Hope is what gave Abraham the ability to remain strong and not waver. Hope is what enabled him to give glory to God, even though at a ripe old age he still did not have an heir. Hope is the spotlight that sees through the fog of our circumstances to the God of the promise.

APPLICATION
Abraham's story is not just for him but for me too. In spite of whatever is happening I can have hope. Not that I need to like what is happening but I can still give glory to God who will fulfill every promise. Unlike Abraham, I can know Jesus, the ultimate promise of God. Whatever condition I find myself in, physical, financial, friends or family, I have something to hold on to...that is hope. Against all hope (even though it looks bleak) in hope (walking with the living Christ) I can face the world with confidence and joy, giving glory to God.

PRAYER
Lord, you are the only sure thing in this life. Because you fulfill your promises to me I can have hope, no matter what is going on around me.

Mountain Mover

2008-11-26T12:12:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20-21)

OBSERVATION
How much faith does it take? The disciples could not drive out a demon from a boy. They asked Jesus why they were not able to, and he used this opportunity to remind them about the smallness of their faith.

Jesus used a great visual to get his point across. You have little faith (couldn't exorcise the demon) + If you had faith as small as a mustard seed (could move a mountain) = Your faith isn't even as big as a mustard seed. Slam.

Jesus used hyperbole, describing this extremely small faith and an extremely large obstacle...mustard seeds and mountains. The ridiculousness of it all. But that is the nature of faith. It is ridiculous. It doesn't make sense to our human way of thinking. The power of belief and trust coupled with the power of what God can do as we connect with him through faith is far greater than our minds can comprehend. Jesus said, "What is impossible with human beings is possible with God." We can't move the mountain but he can.

APPLICATION
I have to remember God is the mountain mover. I'm just the mustard seed believer. It's not about straining, trying harder, getting a migraine, getting in the zone, just hoping to move the mountain. It is trusting in God. Jesus words are both a challenge and a comfort. The challenge is to have the faith to move the mountain. That means trusting God and not myself. But his words are also a comfort. He did not say I need a faith that is proportional to the obstacle, ie. the size of a mountain. That would require a lot of work and I'm not sure, in my own strength, I can muster up that kind of faith. My faith isn't in the mustard seed or mountain, my faith is in my Maker for whom nothing is impossible.

PRAYER
Lord, sometimes my back hurts from trying to move the mountain. Thank you that you are the God who can toss that thing from one place to another. You are the mountain mover.

Fill in the Blank

2008-11-18T14:54:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"Surely I spoke of things I do not understand; things too wonderful for me." (Job 42:3)

OBSERVATION
Up until this point in the book of Job, both he and his friends were trying to make sense of Job's suffering. Job defended his innocence. His friends wanted him to admit his guilt. It's difficult to determine how much of the recorded conversation between Job and his friends is theology and how much is speculation. They all ran into the same problem. They tried to fill in the blanks. God __________ (is like this, or does this because, the reason for this is...). There was a lot they did not know about what was happening (they were not in on the behind the scenes action in the first two chapters.) So they ended up speaking for God where he had not spoken.

And then God interrupted the conversation bombarding them with a list of questions that they could not answer. They were not around when the world was created nor do the keep the world in order. They are not the Creator, He is. Then Job confessed his shortcoming. He admitted he spoke of wonderful things he did not understand. He was trying to make sense of the situation, trying to fill in the blanks. In the end he did not receive the answer he was looking for. More important than the answer was the person...God himself showed up.

APPLICATION
Job's confession challenged me to speak only the things about God I know. The things he has revealed in his word. Instead of filling in the blank, and speaking for God, I need to trust in God. Let him be who he is without needing all of life's questions answered. To know that he is the one who created it all and sustains it all gives me the courage and strength to go on through it all. God himself is the answer that goes in the blank, the void of wanting to find reasons and explanations. If I knew why everything happened it would be easy to trust in the understanding than in God. So he leaves things unanswered and unexplained so I come back to him in trust and faith.

PRAYER
Lord, you are too wonderful for words. You are the almighty, creator God. the God who needs no defending. You are the source of all that is because you are the great I Am. You are the source of all that will be because you are the great I Am. You are and I am not. I'll fill in the blank with you.

The Foolish Message

2008-11-12T08:43:00.001-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"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." (1 Co. 1:18)

OBSERVATION
God's wisdom and the world's wisdom are vastly different. We can be too smart for our own spiritual good. But God has turned the world's wisdom on its head by making it foolish. Dying on a cross initially looked like failure, but when we recognize the full impact of what God did, it suddenly becomes the most intelligent plan ever initiated. The world's wisdom is merely words taught by humans, but God's wisdom comes from words taught by the Spirit.

Our celebrity culture has conditioned us to prefer performance over substance...not what is said, but how it is said. This would make the cross a show stopper. A dying Messiah, how ridiculous. On the other hand, God's wisdom is about substance, a demonstration of the Spirit's power. This makes the cross the most powerful event of God who was reconciling the world to himself.

God is looking for people who are wise according to his standards. Ultimately, that wisdom is found in the person of Jesus, who Paul writes "has become for us the wisdom of God" (1:30).

APPLICATION
It's a mistake to think wisdom is all about what I know. More importantly, it is who I know. My wisdom needs to be found in Christ. To truly be wise means to be more like Jesus. Someone once said wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge to life. Wisdom comes as I follow Jesus and allow him to work through me, shaping my worldview and my life. That means I still have a lot of learning to do and I am probably not even as smart as a fifth grader.

PRAYER
God, help me to grow in the wisdom that is Jesus.

Arguing with God

2008-11-04T14:59:00.001-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say to me." (Job 23-3-5)

OBSERVATION
Job wanted his day in court. He wanted the opportunity to state his case before God. It would go something like this: "I am blameless and upright and yet you have caused these tragedies in my life for no apparent reason. My friends say it is because I'm a sinner. I'm receiving my due. However, you and I both know otherwise. I want you to declare my innocence and deliver me from these horrible events."

Job was either a man of integrity or an idiot. God already gave his verdict. In 1:8 he said, "There is no one one earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." So Job could make this complaint, to stand before God, because there would be no specific charges God could level against him that would have precipitated the hard times in Job's life. Job wanted justice to be served.

APPLICATION
I, on the other hand, would be an idiot. I would not dare state my case before God. I know the dark spots of my heart and so does he. I would not want to find out what God would answer me. He would render a verdict of "guilty" on my life were it not for Jesus. So instead of pleading for justice, as in the case of Job, I plead for mercy. Job wanted what he deserved. I don't want what I deserve. It's not about my own merits but because, in Christ, I have received a pardon from the death sentence that I had incurred. I admire Job's boldness but I must humbly stand behind the cross.

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the mercy you have shown me in Jesus.

Standing on a Hole in the Ground

2008-10-28T16:37:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection." (Acts 23:6)

OBSERVATION
Paul was on trial before the Sanhedrin (these guys had a way of dragging the apostles in for a court session). His audience was theologically diverse. The Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection, angels, nor spirits. The Pharisees, on the other hand, believed in all of these things. It comes as no surprise then that a dispute broke out among them because Paul was talking about a controversial topic, to the Sadducees at least, which was the resurrection of Jesus. The dispute became so violent the commander put him in the barracks for his own protection. Ironically, the following night Jesus stood near Paul and told him to have courage. The very reason the fight broke out was because some did not believe in the resurrection and here is Jesus, alive, encouraging Paul in his cell.

Paul's hope was real because he had seen the risen Jesus. He knew what he was teaching and believed it with every fiber of his being. The resurrection proved to be the focal point of Paul's faith. It is what gave him courage to face opposition and hope for the future.

APPLICATION
Do I really live like Jesus is alive? Like Paul, my faith needs to rest on the resurrection of Jesus. Everything hinges on that one event in history. Hope, courage, and the story of Jesus are validated by the fact that he is alive. Everyday can be different when I'm aware that Jesus is part of my daily experience. He is the constant companion as I journey through life. Mountains and valleys are not the same because he goes with me. In the end, he is all that matters. My life is standing on a hole in the ground. It just happens to be empty.

PRAYER
Lord, I desire to walk in constant awareness of the presence of the resurrected Christ in my life.

Going Up...and Down

2008-10-21T15:31:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins." (Acts 5:21)

OBSERVATION
Peter was talking about Jesus before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish rulers). After bluntly pointing out that they had killed Jesus on a cross, Peter went on to say that God had raised him from the dead. It's almost as if God went over their heads, raising the Messiah from the dead and seating him at his own right hand, the place of power and prominence. All of this was in spite of the fact that they are the ones who put him to death. God did not hold the death of his son against them. What a great display of his mercy and grace.

In this verse, Jesus is going up (exalted as Prince and Savior) and people are to be going down (repenting). John the Baptist put it this way, "He [Jesus] must increase and I must decrease." As Jesus goes up in our lives, we set him apart as Lord and see him seated next to the throne of God, our response is one of humility, or lowering ourselves before him. He then gives us grace and forgiveness.

APPLICATION
When I see Jesus for who he really is, exalted at God's right hand, I also see myself for who I am. But the reason Jesus is exalted is not to leave me feeling helpless or worthless but to bring me to repentance. To change my mind about my own life and plans and follow God's plans and purposes for my life. God's wonderful gift is to provide the forgiveness of my sins. It begins when Jesus goes up and I live life in proper perspective of who he is and what he desires for me.

PRAYER
Lord, your desire to forgive sins is a great reminder of your grace and mercy.

Calm Yourself

2008-10-14T10:49:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed myself and quieted my ambitions. I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore." (Psalm 131)

OBSERVATION
What was happening in David's life when he penned this psalm? As the king, he certainly would have had a lot of concerns weighing heavily on his life. Matters of state and personal problems that could consume his time, energy, and thoughts. In this psalm of personal disclosure, he seems to reign back his ambitions and focus only on the things he needed to concern himself with, letting the rest go. It took humility. A proud heart and haughty eyes convince us we can concern ourselves with everything. The reality is that most everything does not concern us. Realizing that he could not do it all or have it all. The result? He found that he was satisfied, content, and secure in the presence of God (like a well-fed child with its mother).

APPLICATION
It's easy to become consumed with things I can do nothing about (the state of the economy, politics, the environment). Now, I need do my part, but I cannot do more than my part. Pride convinces me to take on more concerns than I need to be concerned about. However, when I humble my heart and focus my ambitions on the things right in front of me, without the need to do more, I find real peace and security Those "great matters" or "things too wonderful for me" can become sources of hope knowing that God will take care of everything I can't.

PRAYER
Lord, in you there is contentment and rest. I put my hope in you.

The Humpty Dumpty Life

2008-10-07T11:40:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but anyone on whom it falls will be crushed." (Luke 20:17-18)

OBSERVATION
Jesus had just told a parable about an owner who rented his vineyard to tenants. At harvest time he sent three of his servants, who the tenants in turn beat and sent away empty handed. Finally the owner sent his son, thinking the tenants would respect him. However, the tenants threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. The builders (the tenants) rejected the stone (the son).

Jesus told this parable about himself. The builders (God's people) were in charge of building the kingdom, the house of God. Yet, they rejected the Messiah (the main part of the building) who became the chief cornerstone of a new building, the church.

With regards to that stone there are two observations. First, a person can fall on it. Everyone who does will be broken. Or, the stone can fall on a person. Anyone on whom it falls will be crushed. Jesus seems to be contrasting these two options. He states one, then the other. And the second option is the less desirable. Does that mean the first option is more desirable?

APPLICATION
Maybe the first part of the equation (falling on the stone) is not such a bad thing. Isn't that what it means to live for Christ? Falling on him, living a crucified life, allowing him to break me of my pride and self-centerdness. It means walking in humility and allowing Jesus to break up the fallow ground in my life. Perhaps he wants me to live broken to pieces. It leaves me only with one choice. I can choose to fall on him and live the emptied out life. If I don't choose that option, he will fall on me, the crushing of judgment. I think I'll choose to be broken. It's the Humpty-Dumpty life with a major twist...the King can, and does, put me back together again.

PRAYER
Lord, I desire for my life to be broken, poured out, and lived on the chief cornerstone of Christ.

What to Do With Jesus?

2008-09-23T15:09:00.003-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus." (Luke 6:11)

OBSERVATION
Jesus was teaching in the synagogue and healed a man with a shriveled hand. The problem: it was on the Sabbath. It ticked off the religious leaders because he did not follow their preconceived ideas of right Sabbath behavior. Jesus did not conform to their expectations. The fact is Jesus purposely healed the man on the Sabbath to challenge the Pharisees theology.

The bible says they were furious and trying to decide what to do with him....more like do away with him. What happens when Jesus does not conform to our expectations or teaches something we don't like? We have a few options. Try to do away with him by ignoring him, live life without an awareness of his presence. Or minimize his teaching by disregarding it and rationalizing our behavior as a way to avoid obedience.

APPLICATION
What do I do with Jesus? I've been guilty of both responses. If I want to do what I want, I pretend he doesn't see or isn't around. If I don't' like what he teaches I can explain it away or think it applies to someone else. I need to allow those moments to teach me and help me grow closer to him. Jesus made it clear the reason he was healing the man on the Sabbath (not conforming to people's expectations) was to do good and save a life (vs. 9). If I keep those two thoughts in mind, he's doing good and saving my life, that would revolutionize the way I see him when he doesn't conform to my plans. What do I do with Jesus? In the end I can only trust and submit to who he is.

PRAYER
Father, I long to see Jesus for who he truly is. When I find him, help me to trust with a childlike faith.

Conscientious Objector

2008-09-23T14:52:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." (Daniel 6:10)

OBSERVATION
King Darius, made it illegal to worship anyone besides himself. Actually he was put up to it by his administrators so they could find a charge against Daniel (sounds like partisan politics). After the king put the decree in writing, Daniel didn't bat an eye. He went to an upstairs room (providing a better view) and prayed three times a day (increasing his odds of getting caught). Daniel was a conscientious objector. He disobeyed the law because he could not comply. In fact, it did not alter his routine of worship because he did it "just as he had done before." Only now it was illegal. Daniel had to make a decision. Follow God or the law?

APPLICATION
This passage made me wonder if I would continue to worship God, just as I had done before, if it became illegal. What if there was a law that made it illegal to pray in public? Would I continue to pray at a restaurant? I like to think I would. However, what I do find is there is a tension to be more of a subconscious acquiescer (as opposed to a conscientious objector). This is yielding to the things that are sanctioned by society but may not be what God desires. For example, I have the right to own stuff (actually encouraged by society) but not to hold it so tightly that I do not help someone in need. I'm learning more and more that God's ways are not the ways of man. It's dangerous to read the book of Daniel. It's so much more than fiery furnaces and lions' dens. It's about taking a stand for God and his ways in the face of opposition from culture.

PRAYER
God, give the wisdom to view the world as you do.

Yet

2008-09-16T16:20:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! I say: The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him." (Lamentations 3:21-24)

OBSERVATION
In Lamentations Jeremiah laments about his circumstances. He has seen affliction, dwelt in darkness, forgotten what happiness is, has become a laughingstock, and is depressed from remembering all of the above. He laments about God. He is a bear in ambush, a lion in hiding, he rejects Jeremiah's prayers, and has turned his hand against him.

In the midst of all that is going on, Jeremiah utters a great theological word, "yet." It's the word that turns the table on the circumstances, because whatever happens God is still God. It's as if to say: "Do you see all these terrible things. Nevertheless, think about who God is and you will find hope." The mere fact that we are able to get up in the morning and lament over our circumstances is evidence of God's faithfulness. It's a choice we make as to where we focus (call to mind). We can allow circumstances to fill our days or we can allow God to be our portion. Life can dish it out but only God can fill it up.

APPLICATION
I need to continually call to mind the "yet." The "yet" that says God has the final word. No matter what happens. No matter what I have to mourn, grieve, or bewail...yet, God is faithful. The fact that I'm alive to lament is a sign of God's mercy. No matter what the world serves up..."yet", God is my portion and tomorrow I'll have a second helping.

PRAYER
God, each day you reveal yourself anew. You are the God of faithful love, mercy, and hope.

Needed Rest

2008-09-10T10:01:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or anyone who receives the mark of his name. Here is the endurance of the saints, who keep the commands of God and the faith in Jesus. (Rev. 14:11-12)

OBSERVATION
When John wrote Revelation, the Roman Emperor was considered a god. In order to enter the marketplace, a person had to first offer incense to the emperor and would then receive a mark (a kind of admission ticket) granting him access. For Christians this was unthinkable. Jesus cannot be Lord if Caesar is lord (a clash of crowns). So they were faced with a dilemma. Refuse to worship Rome (the beast) and not be allowed to participate in the economy of the day, or bow down to the beast and gain access.

Why not receive the mark and not really mean it? Cross your fingers behind your back, offer the incense, and enjoy the favor of the culture. John reminds his readers there is no rest, day or night, for compromise. It is through endurance, keeping God's commands and faith in Jesus that we can have rest. This explains why Christians who are persecuted for their faith have a deep sense of joy, peace, and rest. They have not bowed down to the gods of this world.

APPLICATION
It is hard to live counter-culturally. It is much easier to go with the flow of society than to really discern if what I'm doing is bowing down to the gods of this world. It's not about making my own clothes and churning my own butter. It comes in more subtle ways from the smorgasbord of philosophies and worldviews promoted in the marketplace. Faith in Jesus means I persevere and listen to God's voice about the clamor of competing voices. The irony is, that when I try to quiet those voices by giving in, there is no rest, even if it is dead quiet, because only God gives true rest.

PRAYER
God, thank you for the rest that only comes from following you.

No Greater Joy

2008-09-03T08:15:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 4)

OBSERVATION
John's joy came from the spiritual maturity of people he taught and discipled (affectionately called children). Nothing brought him greater joy. There are a lot of things we can get excited about for other people: promotions, new house, job, the birth of a child. How often do we rejoice over spiritual growth and advancement?

John invested in the church personally...they were his children. It's a term of endearment, intimacy, and relationship. He was their spiritual father who saw to their well being. They were not talking the life but walking the life. Walking in the truth was following the way of Jesus, truth with a capital "T".

APPLICATION
Yesterday, I heard a mom talking about how excited she was that her son had just earned his Ph.D.. That is exciting stuff. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication and if Josiah pursues such a direction in his life I'll be the first one in the proud-parent, "that's my boy" line. Yet, when I read John, I can't help but think that there would be no greater joy (even a Ph.D.) than to have Josiah walking in the truth. Knowing Jesus and walking in relationship with him. Not just Josiah, but those who I disciple (my spiritual family). What could be better than to see people walking in the truth? No greater joy is a term of comparison...there is nothing higher than that. There are lesser joys (Ph.D.'s, promotions, etc.) but my heart should be the fullest when people seek God and walk after him. I need to cultivate those moments, spiritual father to spiritual children, encouraging others to walk in the truth.

PRAYER
God, give me eyes to see people walking in the truth and to recieve no greater joy.

It's Not Survivor

2008-08-27T08:14:00.003-04:00

SCRIPTURE
But you must say to this people, "This is what the Lord says: Look, I am presenting to you the way of life and the way of death." (Jer. 21:8)

OBSERVATION
Jeremiah was warning the people of the impending invasion by the Babylonians. There were two options. Stay in Jerusalem and die by the sword, famine and plague. Or, surrender to the Babylonians and live. I'm sure the options seemed counterintuitive. Why give yourself over to the enemy? Why not stay and try to survive? But that is the way God designed it. He wanted to see if his people would listen to his voice, even if it didn't make sense.

This is one example of many where God's judgment is preceded by a warning. Before God acts he gives his people a choice. He tells in advance what he is about to do and leaves it up to us to decide. Obey him and live--the way of life. Or, do it our way and die--the way of death.

APPLICATION
I'm not facing an invading army or the threat of exile but I'm well aware of the choices before me each day. If I listen to God and follow his voice it will lead to life. I have to admit, there are commands that don't make sense and I'm tempted to do my own thing. However, I need to walk by faith and trust that when I obey God will take care of the consequences. Life is not a game of "Survivor" where God has placed me on this island and I try to outwit, outplay, and outlast to the finish. The way of life means I surrender, cooperate, and persevere. That is the way of life. God warned me ahead of time so now the choice is mine.

PRAYER
God, give me wisdom to continually choose the way of life.

Fire in My Bones

2008-08-19T11:01:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
If I say: I won't mention Him or speak any longer in His name, His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones. I become tired of holding it in, and I cannot prevail. (Jer. 20:9)

OBSERVATION
God chose Jeremiah before he was born (1:5) to be a prophet to the nations calling people back to faith in Him. However, his message was not well received. The bible tells us he became a laughingstock, everyone ridiculed him, the message he proclaimed became a source of disgrace and derision, everyone he trusted watched for his fall. He was even forbidden to marry (16:2).

Talk about a tough job. Yet, the message was so powerful and important that it drove his life and compelled him so much that he couldn't help but preach it. If he held it in it was like a fire burning in his heart and his bones. It was the passion deep within that was God's very purpose for him.

APPLICATION
I have a greater message than even Jeremiah. He called the people to repentance to avoid God's judgement and exile. I have a message of grace that comes through Jesus. How much more should this be a fire burning in my bones so that even in the face of opposition and derision I am compelled to let it out. The message (God reconciling the world through Jesus) needs to be the driving factor in my life. It needs to be the thing that motivates me and keeps me going. I can be tempted to hold it in. If I try to please people, or fulfill a need to be liked, I may compromise the message. If I'm faithful to the message I may not necessarily please others or be liked. One is external, the affection of others. One is internal, the fire within. I need Jeremiah's passion to proclaim the message of God.

PRAYER
Father, thank you for the message of the cross. Fan the fire within as the motivation for your calling in my life..

Where is the Lord?

2008-08-13T08:31:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
For My people have committed a double evil: They have abandoned Me, the fountain of living water, and dug cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that cannot hold water. (Jer. 2:13)

OBSERVATION
It's tempting to turn from the true God (fountain of living water) and create our own forms of spirituality (dug cisterns). There is a longing in each of us to connect with God. If it's not God, with the big "G" then it is a god, with a little "g." If we don't' connect with the Creator, we may connect with something created.

In the beginning of this chapter, Jeremiah gives a clue to part of the problem that can cause us to pick up the shovel. The fathers and the priests quit asking: Where is the Lord? (2:6,8) When we quit seeking God, quit looking for him in the midst of our everyday lives, we tend to look for him elsewhere. It's tempting to dig our own cisterns and create our own gods because they ask nothing of us in return. Yet, in the time of disaster, trials, suffering, they also cannot deliver, they are empty.

APPLICATION
I need to keep asking: Where is the Lord? It helps me to focus my attention on him, the true living water. It is not a question of doubt but a question of faith. Doubt asks the question, does not expect to find God, and is surprised if it does. On the other hand, faith asks the question, expecting to find God, and is surprised if it doesn't. Seeking God needs to begin when my feet hit the floor every morning. Where is he today? I want to see him and expectantly wait for him to show up. While I'm seeking him I have no thought to pick up a shovel and start digging my own cistern.

PRAYER
Where are you God? Father, I seek you, the living water, today. Reveal yourself in my life.

A Through Way

2008-08-06T08:33:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'") And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:1-17)

OBSERVATION
God's plan of redemption is a "through way."

All things were made through the Word (Jesus), v. 3.
John came as a witness so all might believe through him, v. 7.
The law was given through Moses, v. 17.
Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ, v. 17.

Throughout history God works both directly and indirectly in our world. He works indirectly, through people, to bring about his redemptive end. Jesus, John, and Moses are the agents through which something is brought about...grace, truth, and light.

APPLICATION
What is God trying to do through me? I cannot be involved in the creative act, like the Word, but I can like John, point people to the light of Christ. I can, like Jesus, be an agent of grace and truth to the world. Jesus came into the world, he brought grace and truth, I receive that grace and truth, and I pass it on to others. The great thing is that God works through people to accomplish his purposes. Since I'm a "people" he can work through me. I can re-present Jesus to others. However, the question I need to answer is: Am I a throughway or a dead end?.

PRAYER
God, sometimes I think that you only work through the "biggies", the prophets, apostles, and of course your Son but you desire and will work through me. Show me how to be a way for your work to be accomplished through me in the world.

Don't Be Surprised

2008-07-30T08:57:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"So those who suffer according to God's will should, in doing good, entrust themselves to a faithful Creator." (1 Peter 4:19)

OBSERVATION
What is it about suffering and hardship that takes us by surprise when we know that this world is messed up and does not run according to God's perfect will? In chapter 4 of 1 Peter, he reminds us of a few things:

Fiery ordeals are not unusual and we shouldn't be surprised (12).
They are an opportunity for us to share in the sufferings of Jesus, so we should rejoice (much easier said than done) (13).
We are blessed if we are ridiculed for the name of Christ (14).
We are not to be ashamed for suffering as a Christian (16).

OK, the easy answer is that suffering is a part of living in this broken world. We're not talking about suffering from our own sinful choices, but the suffering that seems to find us, broadsides us as we are driving through life. But what do we do? We can't run away or hide our head in the sand (our best side is definitely not showing at that point). Even if we moved to a deserted island suffering would follow. Remember the movie Castaway? Suffering provides an opportunity to activate our faith.

APPLICATION
Peter reminds me to face suffering head-on, rejoice and be proud because it more fully identifies me with Christ. God is the faithful Creator (he made the universe so he knows what's going on) so I can entrust myself to him. He will ultimately bring about justice. That is what I really want when I suffer. To have the inequities and unfairness of life accounted for...to know that there is a greater purpose and meaning to it all and that I'm not just a cog in some senseless, mechanical universe. I love how Peter says I can trust a faithful Creator. I'm not here by accident or chance. There is a design and purpose and somehow suffering fits into all of that. I can't always explain it but I shouldn't be surprised.

PRAYER
God, I can trust you, the faithful Creator, even in times of difficulty and stress.

The Lure of Comfort

2008-07-23T08:27:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"And they spoke of the God of Jerusalem as they spoke of the gods of the peoples of the earth, which are the work of men's hands." (2 Chronicles 32:19)

OBSERVATION
Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, threatened to besiege Jerusalem and warned them of what would happen if he did (worse case scenario the inhabitants of Jerusalem would have to eat their own dung and drink their own urine, 2 Kg. 18:27).

In order to entice the people to surrender he sent his servants to taunt the Israelites. Saying things like, "Hezekiah (the king of Judah) is misleading you by relying on the Lord." "Make peace with me and you will have your own grapevine, fig tree, and water cistern." "I will take you and settle you in a land that is better than where you are now." "No go of all the nations I have conquered has been able to deliver them. What makes you think you can rely on your God?"

Sennacherib's tactic was to wear the people down so they would despair of their situation and turn from God to follow him. He was taking advantage of their hardship to get them to abandon their faith and loyalty to the one true God. He was offering them quick relief from their suffering.

APPLICATION
It is tempting when I'm in the midst of stress, difficult situations, etc. to give in and go the easy way. To find quick relief. It is easy in those times to doubt God's deliverance and to look at the proverbial "carrot on a stick", the lure of comfort, the enemy is dangling in front of me. But those times are just opportunities for me to prove my faithfulness to God. Instead of taking the shortcut and trying to find relief, I am to be faithful to the Lord and follow his ways, wherever they may lead. The truth is, even though I may find quick relief through compromise, it is never lasting, and in the end will bring more pain than the original situation ever could. Do I really trust God and what he says or am i going to give in to the enticements of the enemy? In the end he will prevail. "So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all his enemies, and he provided for them on every side." (2 Ch. 32:22) God not only will come through for me but he will provide much more "on every side" than the enemy could ever offer. I just need to stay on the right side.

PRAYER
Father, when times are tough you are still God. Thanks for the reminder that you will provide far more then the enemy ever could. In those times of challenge you are still God and you are still working to deliver your people.

You Are What You Worship

2008-07-09T09:30:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but to not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound with their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them." (Psalm 115:4-8)

OBSERVATION
Idols are the work of human hands. Their origin is with man, not God. They are powerless. Even though they may have features (mouths, eyes, ears, etc.), they cannot speak, see, or hear. The psalmist was not so much concerned with the appearance of the idol but the effect it would have on a person's character and on their spirit. The problem is that those who make them become like them, taking on their characteristics. We are what we worship. It's a similar thought to we are what we eat. We don't turn into a Krispy Kreme donut but it is the effect that the donut has on our bodies that is the concern. Similarly, those who worship idols do not physically look like them but it is the effect that the idol has on their heart.

The idols we deal with are more than statues they are philosophies and worldviews. If our idol is money, we tend to become greedy and covetous. If our idol is sensuality, we tend to become licentious. If our idol is self we become very self centered. If our idol is acceptance, we compromise and flatter to get people to like us. The heart is formed by what we worship.

APPLICATION
The answer is found in verse 9, "O, Israel, trust in the Lord!" He is the one I am to model and become like. He is the one who should shape my character. It is much easier in the short run to fashion my own idols but it will not lead to Christ likeness or godliness in my actions. The Lord is holy, or set apart, so I need to make sure he is the entire focus of my worship. It is true, I become what I worship. And becoming like God is a great thing.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to keep you as the only object of my worship.

The Greatness of Jesus

2008-07-09T08:58:00.003-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"? Or again, "I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son"? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him." Of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire." But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions." And, "You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end." And to which of the angels has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:1-14)

OBSERVATION
It's great to be reminded of who Jesus is.

Heir of all things.
God created the world through him.
Radiance of God's glory.
Exact imprint of God's nature.
Upholds the universe by his word.
Sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Superior to angels with a more excellent name.
God's angels worship him.
His throne is forever and ever.
Anointed with the oil of gladness beyond his companions.
Will never change and his years will have no end.

APPLICATION
That is the Jesus I serve and worship. Jesus, as described in the Bible, is awesome. My image of him needs to constantly be refined and reshaped so I worship him for who he truly is and not worship the image of him I've created in my mind...which is idolatry. Since my goal in life is to become more like Jesus, I need to make sure I'm headed toward the right goal.

PRAYER
Lord, smash the idols of my mind and help me to see Jesus for who he really is.

Making a Living or a Life

2008-07-02T09:09:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, 'I was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, 'Go prophesy to my people Israel.'" (Amos 7:14-15)

OBSERVATION
Amos prophesied that the king of Israel, Jeroboam, would die and Israel would go into exile. Amaziah, Jeroboam's priest, heard this prophesy, told Jeroboam and came back to Amos basically saying that the king didn't want to hear it and he should flee the country. Amos' response indicated that he was just relaying God's message. In fact, he was a shepherd, minding his own business when God took him from his flock and gave him a new career path. He was just obedient to God's call in his life, professing the message in his new profession.

God may take us from where we are, perhaps more so in the midst of where we are, and redirect our lives to serve him. It may not be popular or well received but the important thing is to be obedient to him in the midst of whatever profession we find ourselves. Our careers make us a living but our calling makes a life.

APPLICATION
Whatever profession I find myself in I am to be obedient to God's call on my life. It is more important to serve him by faithfully proclaiming his word than to please people. This is no excuse for harshness, it must be done with gentleness and respect. However, when God calls to go from flocks and figs to be obedient to his direction, like Amos I need to obey.

PRAYER
Lord, give me the boldness of Amos to follow you wherever you lead.

Is There No God?

2008-06-25T08:45:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice in his upper chamber in Samaria, and lay sick; so he sent messengers, telling them, 'Go, inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this sickness.'But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, 'Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them, 'Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?'" (2 Kings 1:2-3)

OBSERVATION
Ahaziah had fallen and couldn't get up. He sent his messengers to a pagan god to find out whether or not he would recover. The bible makes it clear that pagan gods are no gods at all. They have no capacity to hear, move, or act. Yet, Ahaziah, knowing full well about the God who does hear, move, and act, sends his messengers to Baal.

God is tried and true. However, we tend to look for new and novel approaches to spirituality. Whether it's Oprah's spiritual smorgasbord or improving our self-talk, we tend to run after the gods of this world. Elijah's response to Ahaziah was basically, "Think about what you're doing? There is a God in Israel-the Lord. You don't need to go after Baal."

God did prove himself. Ahaziah sent messengers to Elijah three times. Two out of the three times fire fell from heaven and consumed the captains with there 50 men. You'd think Ahaziah would've caught on the first time. Amaziah did not recover from his injuries eventually dying. You have to wonder how things would've turned out different if he went right to the Lord the first time.

APPLICATION
I think one of the reasons it's tempting to run after other "gods" is because they seem to offer quick fixes and promise to deliver exactly what I want. However, God, the true God, is on his own timetable and he does things in his own way. I have to give up control of my life to seek him. The "gods" with a little "g" can be manipulated and give me the answer I'm looking for. God doesn't kowtow to my preferences. Frankly, I don't like that sometimes. But, that's what growing in faith and trust is all about. There is a God in the land and I need to seek him only.

PRAYER
Lord, you are in the land. I seek your wisdom and your word for direction in my life.

Spiritual Paralysis

2008-06-17T10:21:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Elijah came near to all the people and said, 'How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.'" (1 Kings 18:21)

OBSERVATION
Sometimes it's hard for Josiah to make a decision. "Do you want peanut butter or ham for lunch?" This question is oftentimes met with an indecisive look and a 3 year old's "Hmm?" After a while of indecisiveness we have to press him for an answer, "What will it be?"

In this passage Elijah challenged King Ahab to gather prophets who were serving the pagan god Baal. They were to meet him at Mount Carmel for a little challenge. If fire came down from heaven and consumed their offering, this would mean that Baal was a true god. However, if fire consumed Elijah's offering, that meant that God was the true God. (By the way, fire did fall on Elijah's offering.)

Elijah was pressing the people to make a choice. Decide who you are going to serve. Indecisiveness about who we worship is like limping through life. We drag our feet because we want the best of both worlds. Not fully committed to God but wanting to do the things we want to do. However, if we confess "Jesus is Lord," that means he claims allegiance and control over every area of our lives. There comes a point when we need to decide...who are we going to serve?

APPLICATION
I can limp through life spiritually by not fully committing to God. I want my way, to fulfill my desires, and can give all kinds of excuses why I can't commit, not at this time, perhaps when it's more convenient. I just need to jump in with both feet. If I believe that God is really who he says he is, he deserves my total allegiance. I'm not doing him any favors by pretending to love him, yet at the same time entertaining the gods of this world. Either he is my Lord or he isn't. He won't settle for anything less than 100%. Wavering causes spiritual paralysis that cripples my walk with God.

PRAYER
Lord, I don't want to limp through life but I commit to you as my God.

Suit Up & Stand

2008-06-11T08:48:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor or God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil...Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." (Ephesians 6:10-11,13)

OBSERVATION
We do not have to lose ground in the battle. With the armor God has provided we can stand firm. We can feel alone, or ill-equipped at times, but God has given us everything we need. Twice in this passage Paul reminds us to put on the whole armor of God. It's not about bits and pieces, but to be fully dressed and prepared. We don't fight with our own strength, which would give out rather quickly, but in the strength of God's might.

The cool part of the battle is this...once we are suited up we just need to stand, firm. We don't have to run, either away from or after the devil. James reminds us that if we resist, he will do the running (James 4:7). It's tiring to run but strength comes from God as we stand. He has given us what we need to stand. He wants us to succeed and wants us to be victorious. That happens when we do all, suiting up, so that with the full armor of God and his strength we can stand even in the evil day.

APPLICATION
I tend to put on bits and pieces of the armor. I wear the belt of truth, but because of my sinful inclinations do not wear the breastplate of righteousness. Or, I will have the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, in my life but not share my faith, forgetting the shoes, the readiness given by the gospel of peace. I'm not praying at all times, but I'm wearing the helmet of salvation. Because I'm partially dressed my strength is sapped and I'm not prepared. God wants me to do all by wearing the full armor.

I wouldn't go out of the house partially dressed (OK, maybe to grab the paper but not to grab lunch). How much more should I never enter the battle without the full armor of God, doing everything he asks so I can stand firm. God has supplied. I need to suit up and stand, taking advantage of the resources he has given me.

PRAYER
Lord, I need your strength for the battle. Thank you that you have given me everything I need to stand firm.

Do No Harm

2008-06-04T08:40:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law...Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.'" (Romans 13:8-10)

OBSERVATION
The only debt we should have outstanding is the debt to love one another. The bible talks about another kind of indebtedness--unforgiveness. When we have offended someone we are indebted to them. When someone has offended us they are indebted to us. In order to release the debt, we offer forgiveness. Here Paul is reminding us to keep our accounts current. The only allowable debt is the one that we owe each other to fulfill the law...love. Love always seeks the best for the other person. It does no wrong to a neighbor. Jesus' example shows us what love involves...sacrifice. It's not about the feeling we receive, that would make it focused on us. But it is about the other person, making it a debt we owe to them. It always seeks to do the best thing for the other person no matter how hard that may be.

APPLICATION
I really need to develop that kind of love. Instead of trying to think of every way that I can be more loving, this verse simply states it in the negative: do no harm. I need to run everything through this filter. Is this word or action going to do wrong or will it benefit the other person? I need to cancel the debt of unforgiveness by forgiving, but the debt to love others is one that I will never payoff. It is to be the habit of my heart.

PRAYER
Lord, you showed me what love looks like in Jesus. I want to more fully develop that sacrificial kind of love by doing no harm to the people around me.

Son or Slave?

2008-05-28T09:09:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" (Romans 8:12-15)

OBSERVATION
Paul continues to contrast a life lived in the Spirit and a life lived in the flesh. The two "laws" deliver two qualities of life. The Law of the Spirit: wee are set free in Christ Jesus, it brings life and peace, we have our minds set on the Spirit. The Law of Sin and Death: is weakened by the flesh, we have our minds set on the flesh, it brings death and is hostile to God, it cannot submit to God.

The struggle is choosing which law to live under. The flesh cries out with its temptations and desires but the way of the Spirit is life. On our own we cannot do it. It is the work of Christ that helps us to overcome. He came in the flesh and by the cross condemned sin in the flesh. The life we live as a follower of Jesus is not lived in our own strength but in the strength of the Spirit. The Spirit who raised Christ from the dead gives us new life and helps raise us from the dead life of the flesh.

APPLICATION
It is by the Spirit that I put to death the deeds of my flesh. Shear willpower is not enough..that is trying to live by the flesh. The reality of my relationship with Christ is that he lives in me. By his death and resurrection he helps me to put to death the deeds of my flesh so I too can live a resurrected life. I only have the strength to do so much for so long. However, God's Spirit in me gives me new life and an everlasting source of strength. I need to set my mind on the Spirit and on the things of God. He brought me into a relationship with him so that I can live under a new law, the law of the Spirit, as a son and not as a slave to fear.

PRAYER
Lord, today I will face the struggle between choosing the flesh or the Spirit. Help me to focus on the Spirit and walk according to the new way of life.

The Doubt Commission

2008-05-14T08:55:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:16-20)

OBSERVATION
This passage, commonly called "The Great Commission," was Jesus' charge to his followers just before he ascended back into heaven after his resurrection. The disciples were on the mountain and they were worshiping him. The text seems to indicate not all of them had a strong, ready to conquer the world faith at this point because "some doubted." What did they doubt? Doubted he was alive, doubted the events of the last few weeks, doubted who Jesus was. It could be all or none of these. One thing we do know is that mixed in this crowd of eleven some had doubts. Jesus reassures them by saying he has all authority in heaven and earth so what he is about to say, "Go and make disciples," has tremendous weight. What about the doubters? He says, "Don't worry, I am with you always." Those who doubted were still given the commision and were expected to be part of it.

APPLICATION
I love the way the bible portrays authentic, genuine faith. Here it doesn't gloss over the fact that even after Jesus resurrection there were some who doubted. He was standing in their midst, talking to them, and their minds were still conflicted. I can feel the same way. Doubts and questions arise. Not so much about who Jesus is but about who I am. Can I really do what he's called me to do? Namely, to go and make disciples. Yes I can. Even in the midst of doubts and uncertainties, because I know he is with me. When I doubt I can still be part of the commission to make disciples because Jesus says "I'm with you on your mission."

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your abiding presence. It is what helps give me the strength to do what you've called me to do even when I doubt my own strength.

Old Age and Gray Hairs

2008-05-14T08:37:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent. O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come." (Psalm 71: 5,9,17-18)

OBSERVATION
David saw the continuity of God's activity in his life...from the days of his youth he had taught him. The reason he could trust him now was because he had a history with God. He saw God's activity in his life and now he could turn to him for refuge. David's concern was not just for himself but for future generations. He wanted to proclaim God's might. Even into old age he wanted to walk close to God so he could communicate his power to those to come.

APPLICATION
There's no retirement in the kingdom of God. There will never come a day when I don't have to share who God is with others. Right now, that sounds daunting. But God will give me the strength, even when it's spent. How do I know? Because he has taught me those things about himself in my life up to this point. So even to old age and gray hairs (which seems to come faster every year) he will continue to prove himself in my life. He will be my refuge, hope, and trust.

PRAYER
Lord, my work for you will never be done. The things you have taught me you want me to share with the next generation.

Who Knows?

2008-05-07T08:49:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate." (2 Samuel 12:20)

OBSERVATION
David's affair with Bathsheba resulted in her pregnancy and her husband's murder (by the hand of David). As a consequence, the child died seven days after he was born. Up to the point David did not eat and was lying on the ground seeking God on behalf of the child. The servants were afraid to tell David the child had died for fear he may harm himself. However, David saw them whispering and knew what it meant. His reaction surprised them. He got up, cleaned up, and went to worship. His explanation, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, 'Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.'" (12:22-23) David sought God in prayer until there was nothing more he could do.

APPLICATION
I need to pray as long as there is hope. Until there is nothing more that can be done. David's question is often my question, "Who knows?" Who knows if God will be gracious and grant my request? I certainly don't. That's why I need to keep praying. God's silence keeps me close to him. That sounds strange but it is true. Seeking him in prayer, in the midst of hard situations, is a way to grow in my relationship with him. My job is to pray persistently trusting God for the outcome.

PRAYER
Lord, I thank you that you allow me to wrestle with the things of life through prayer. There is always hope for you to graciously answer.

Fess Up or Flee

2008-04-30T09:02:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way." (Psalm 139:23-24)

OBSERVATION
Psalm 139 lists things that God knows about us:

When we sit down and stand up (2)
Our thoughts from far away (2)
Our travels and our rest (3)
All of our ways (3)
Our words even before we speak them (4)
When we were formed in the womb (15)
When we were formless before a single day began (16)

Because God knows everything inside and out, He has the ability to search. To know our hearts, concerns and our ways.

APPLICATION
God is familiar with everything about me. Even things I'm not consciously aware of. I can invite Him in to look around my heart. The invitation to houseclean is really for that reason...to see if there are any offensive ways. Then, when He reveals those things I can fess up and seek to go His way, the everlasting way, or I can flee. However, this psalm reminds me that even if I run I can't get away from God. "Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?" (139:7) Up (heaven), down (Sheol), east, west or trying to hide in the dark, He is there. The best course of action is to let Him make the necessary changes because I can't run and hide. He knows all about me. Inside and out.

PRAYER
Lord, search me and know my heart. Lead me in the everlasting way.

Life's a Pain

2008-04-16T08:56:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you." (Psalm 9:9-10)

OBSERVATION
Oppression and trouble are facts of living in a fallen world. However, in the midst of all this, God can be a stronghold. He is the safety and stability in world that can feel out of control. But this isn't a given, something that's automatic. The Psalmist reminds us that we need to know Him (a person's name stood for the whole of the person). Only by understanding God's character and who He is will we want to put our trust in Him. He is good, trustworthy, loving, in control, etc. However, it goes one step further than just knowing Him, we have to seek Him. We look for how God is working in the middle of our trials. Here is the tremendous promise...when we seek Him, He will not forsake us, or turn his face from us, but will be there when we need Him the most.

APPLICATION
I'd prefer to have a life without trouble. Honestly it's a pain at times. There is something that is greater than my trials. That something is actually someone...God himself. He is a stronghold. I need to know Him, trust Him, and seek Him, especially in the difficult times of trouble. But I can't start knowing Him, trusting Him, and seeking Him only when times are tough. I need to do that daily, in the in between times. Then I will be prepared to seek Him when difficulties come.

PRAYER
Lord, you are the real God in the midst of the realities of life, even when it's a pain.

Humbling Thorn

2008-04-16T08:40:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)

OBSERVATION
Paul's thorn was a way to temper his mountain top experience of receiving revelation from God. It reminded him not to think of himself more highly than he ought. "I must be pretty great in God's sight. Look at this experience. I'm Paul and I'm entitled to a life of ease." He obviously prefered that it be taken away. It harassed him and caused him pain and frustration. He didn't say the thorn was a good thing. He did recognize the thorn was not caused by God but He was able to bring about good through it. God had a bigger purpose. He wanted Paul to rely on His grace and not obtaining a pain free life. This humbling thorn was used by God so Paul would not rely on his circumstances but on the grace of God in the midst of his circumstances. He realized he did have something to brag about and it wasn't himself or a life that was well ordered and free from pain. It was about his weaknesses because they were the very points where the power of Christ came through and if he was going to boast it was going to be about the Lord.

APPLICATION
My weaknesses, thorns, are opportunities for God's grace and power to shine. These tough situations are ways to keep me in check. When life is good I tend to take the credit or think somehow God owes me. He is supposed to remove the thorns. However, when I get stuck by a thorn I'm reminded it's not about me. It's all about Christ. Where I lack, Christ's power can be demonstrated. I can live life always looking for the elusive "someday." Someday when there's enough money, time, no stress, etc. But God wants me to look for his grace in today. Relying on his strength and power in my weakness, now that is something to brag about.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to see your grace and power in my weaknesses and in spite of the thorns that stick in my life. Amen.

Good Grief

2008-04-09T08:38:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.'" (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).

OBSERVATION
Paul's first letter to the Corinthians obviously caused them grief because he addresses it here in Second Corinthians. In an age where no one wants to hurt someone's feelings (not on purpose but by godly confrontation), Paul's tactics seem a bit harsh. However he was more concerned about the larger spiritual issues surrounding life. He recognized two kinds of grief (godly vs. worldly) and the kind that he inflicted (godly) led them to repentance which led to salvation. Godly grief means we see our sin in light of God's holiness and respond accordingly. It leads us to repentance...a change of mind about our situation. Worldly grief can occur on many different levels. We are more sorry that we got caught than over the actual deed. We misdirect our anger to the person who challenges us. What business is it of theirs? We fall into shame. "I'm such a bad person." Each of these are unhealthy responses when we come face to face with our sin because none of them leads to repentance. They do lead to anger, frustration, or self-loathing, none of which offers life, only death, because we still haven't dealt with the issue at hand. As long as we are caught up in worldly grief, grief without God, we have not repented.

APPLICATION
I need to develop Godly grief. Grief that is actually good for me. Recognizing my sin and repenting, which brings about reconciliation with God....and others. It's easy to get caught up in worldly grief. When I do, it's all about me, not about what God wants to do in me. Only a healthy evaluation of my condition produces the change that brings about life. In order to do that I need to honestly look at my sin (without blaming others or shaming myself), take it to God and allow him to work in my life. I can spin my wheels in the mire of grief (I'm such a bad person. God doesn't love me. I'll never be useful. Why did I do such a stupid thing?). Or, I can allow the grief I experience, when confronted with the hard teachings of God's word, to motivate me to holiness and repentance. That is where I find life and freedom.

PRAYER
Lord, I need to develop godly grief, the grief that leads to repentance instead of worldly grief that leads to death. Help me to get out of my own way. Amen.

Tambourines and Dancing

2008-04-02T08:43:00.003-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"And as soon as he saw here, he tore his clothes and said, 'Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low, and you have become the cause of great trouble for me. For I have opened my mouth to the Lord, and I cannot take back my vow.'" (Judges 11:35)

OBSERVATION
Jephthah made a vow to the Lord, to offer him the first thing that came out his door, should the Lord give him victory over the Ammonites. Israel did subdue the Ammonites, Jephthah returned home, and the first thing out of his house was his daughter, dancing with tambourines to celebrate his victory. Jephthah suddenly realized the situation he was in (probably never anticipating that his daughter may come running out). I like to think he was hoping it was the neighbor's dog or the pesky cat, but that is pure speculation. Jephthah now had a very hard decision, one that brought him "very low." He could spare the life of his daughter and renege on the vow he made to God. Or, he could keep the vow he made to God and offer his daughter. He chose the latter.

Talk can be very cheap. We can make commitments or promises, especially to God, with either no intent to fulfill them, or only keeping them if it is convenient. Jephthah kept his word, a decision that was neither easy nor convenient. He understood the seriousness of a vow that is made to God. It is not just idle words. It is a contract.

APPLICATION
God takes my commitments, promises, and vows to him very seriously. He would rather me not make a vow than to make one and not keep it. I find it is easy to make promises as a way to manipulate God. Give me this and I'll give you that. "Lord, if my car doesn't run out of gas before the next exit I promise to pray more." But there inevitably comes a time when the promise is not convenient. I don't have time to pray. Or, I don't want to pray. A time when I no longer want to fulfill the promise I made. And there will come a time when my promise is tested (thankfully, not to the degree of Jephthah's). In those moments Jephthah provides a great example of making, and keeping, a commitment to God. No matter the personal cost.

PRAYER
Lord, I want to keep my promises to you, no matter how small they may seem from my perspective. If I say I'll do it, I want to do it. Amen.

Escape Route

2008-03-26T08:53:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13).

OBSERVATION
Paul had just listed some of the temptations of the temptations the Israelites had experienced (and gave in to): sexual immorality, testing Christ and grumbling. These things, he reminds us, were written for our instruction. So, what can we learn? First, when we face temptation we are not experiencing anything new, it is "common to man." Second, God knows our limit. He won't let us be tempted beyond our ability. Every temptation we face is really below the threshold where we always have the option to flee. Third, along with the temptation comes an escape route. The way of escape is enduring the temptation, not giving in until it passes. Enduring requires effort, resistance, and relying on the strength God gives though his Spirit. It's interesting that the way of escape comes "with" the temptation. At any point along the way, one or the other (temptation or escape) can be chosen.

APPLICATION
I've read this verse many times but never picked up on the aspect of God's faithfulness that comes with temptation. He comes alongside of me to provide a way out. I just need to look for the escape route. It is easy to become focused on the temptation--that it is all-powerful, and all-consuming. Instead, in those moments, I need to look for God's faithfulness. He is there providing a way out. Will I look at the temptation, or will I look for God's faithfulness?

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness, even in the midst of temptation. Amen.

In the Shadow of the Cross

2008-03-19T08:30:00.001-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2).

OBSERVATION
There were a lot of things Paul could have told the Corinthians about Jesus. How he met him face to face on the road to Damascus. How he had been taught by Jesus and received revelation from him. Paul could have used long words with a lot of bragging. Instead, he focuses, deliberately decides, to keep his message on the cross...Jesus' crucified. Everything centers on him. Not just Jesus as a person, but on him crucified--as the savior of mankind. Paul's preaching and message were all about Jesus.

APPLICATION
I'm sure not more intelligent than Paul. Even though he downplayed it in 1 Corinthians, the guy was incredibly smart (he had wisdom from God). I can learn a great lesson from Paul's focus. Keep it about Jesus and the cross. If I don't get that across, I've got nothing across. Faith is about a person and how I walk with that Person...Jesus. My efforts need to focus on Jesus and him crucified. All of life hangs on the cross. It's the pivotal point in history and the center of God's redemptive plan. Keep it simple...live in the shadow of the cross.

PRAYER
Father, thanks for the reminder to keep my life (teaching, preaching, living, focus, everything) about the cross. Help me to keep Jesus at the center of all I do. Amen.

Reflecting God's Heart

2008-03-11T16:04:00.002-04:00

SCRIPTURE
"If there is a poor person among you, one of your brothers within any of your gates in the land the LORD your God is giving you, you must not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him enough for whatever need he has." (Deuteronomy 15:7-8)

OBSERVATION
God was providing for the poor as the Israelites were preparing to move into the promised land. There would always be poor in the land and that is why he had to give them this command. According to Jesus, the poor are "the least of these." God always has a heart for the defenseless and those in society who cannot provide or fend for themselves. The "haves" can become cynical and jaded toward the "have nots." We can make excuses for why we shouldn't be generous. The Isrealites did. Every seven years they were to forgive each other's debts. Of course people would tend to be less generous in years 5 and 6 because they knew the next year the poor man would have his debt forgiven. Had it all planned out. God called this a wicked thought and when the poor cried out the stingy would be found guilty.

APPLICATION
I need to take seriously the "least of these." It is easy to become cynical of people who have their hand out, but in doing so I risk overlooking people with legitimate needs. To have the heart of God means I look at people with compassion instead of suspicion. Opening not just my heart but my hand to provide for their needs. God's compassion is then expressed in my life.

PRAYER
Lord, how often have I passed up the opportunity you've presented before me to reflect your care and concern for the poor? I want my heart, and my hand, to express your heart and reflect your hand. Amen.

Permission Slip-ups

2008-03-05T08:43:00.001-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"So the LORD's anger burned that day, and He swore an oath: 'Because they did not follow Me completely, none of the men 20 years old or more who came up from Egypt will see the land I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob-- none except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun, because they did follow the LORD completely.'"
(Numbers 32:10-12)."

OBSERVATION
The whole generation, except for two, was not allowed to enter the promised land because they did not follow the Lord completely. God is serious about obedience. I wonder if we've made our relationship with him too casual? Have we made it more multiple choice than true/false? Yes, God is a God of grace. But His mercy is also balanced by his justice, holiness, and righteousness. To focus on one, to the neglect of the others, is to have a disproportionate God. In turn, we'll have a disproportionate faith and walk with Him.

APPLICATION
I've been guilty of abusing grace. Worshiping a multiple choice God...choosing what I prefer (love over justice, mercy over righteousness). God wants me to follow completely. Yes, there are the times when I stumble, but they should be the exception, not the rule. Grace is there to cover over the goof-ups but it is not there to provide a permission slip to slip-up whenever I want. Obedience is not convenient. It always costs. Am I willing to pay the price?

PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for the times I've used grace as a permission slip to slip-up in my walk with you. Help me to be more like Caleb and Joshua. Walking with their level of commitment and obedience. Amen.

Is God Enough?

2008-02-27T08:17:00.002-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"The Lord told Aaron,' You will not have an inheritance in their land; there will be no portion among them for you. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites'." (Numbers 18:20)

OBSERVATION
When the Israelites entered the Promised Land it was divided among the twelve tribes. Each tribe received a portion of the land...an inheritance. However, the Levites were the priestly tribe. They served at the Tabernacle administering the sacrifices and overseeing the worship. They did not receive a land inheritance they received the work of the priesthood as their gift. Instead of land, God was their portion.

APPLICATION
If I were a Levite, I'd like to think that I would be satisfied with God as my portion...no land, no inheritance, no real estate...just God. I'd probably feel like the next kid in line right after Santa ran out of presents. I was wondering though, would He be enough? I mean really enough. What if I had nothing? What if everything I had disappeared? Could I still be happy with God and only God, as my portion, my everything? Part of my spiritual growth is to move in that direction. The place where God is my all in all and nothing else will satisfy.

PRAYER
Lord, I'm not sure I'd be content without my stuff. Help me to have a lesser attachment to things and a greater attachment to You. Amen.

State of Mind

2008-02-20T08:53:00.007-05:00

SCRIPTURE
Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. Instead I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance. (Acts 26:19-20)

OBSERVATION
Paul is on trial before King Agrippa. He has just retold his conversion story and commission by Jesus to preach the good news to the Gentiles. This verse summarizes his message. "Repent and do works worthy of repentance."

Repent means to change your mind. Paul told the Gentiles they should change their mind about their life and the direction it was going. Once they changed their mind they would turn to God. He is the one who can save them.

If repent means a change of mind, repentance means a state of mind. There is the initial decision to change (repent) and the lifestyle that follows (repentance). How do we know if we've repented? Our lifestyle will back it up with works. John the Baptist called it fruit (Mt. 3:8). True repentance is more than lip service. Deciding to change and living the change are two different things. The decision moves from a change of mind to a change of lifestyle.

APPLICATION
There are a lot of things I want to change. I find it easy to repent, change my mind about something but a lot harder to live in the state of mind...repentance. I can know a lot in my head but getting it to impact my life is the true test of any decision. I can change my mind and decide salt is bad for me (repent). But it's not until I start eating without picking up the salt shaker (repentance) that my decision produces fruit (and lower blood pressure).

PRAYER
Lord, I don't just want to change my mind but I want to live with a new state of mind about my relationship with you. I want the fruit of repentance to be evident in my life. Amen.

Lay it on the Line

2008-02-13T07:50:00.002-05:00

SCRIPTURE
And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, except that in town after town the Holy Spirit testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God's grace. (Acts 20:22-24)

OBSERVATION
Paul was ready to go to prison for his ministry. His focus was always on the Lord and other people. He was willing to endure beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, sleepless nights and hunger, just so he could share the good news about Jesus with people. In the big scheme of his life, it was his life that he was willing to forfeit so others could know God's grace. I've always admired Paul's perseverance, courage, and ability to endure physical harm to finish the course the Lord laid out for him.

APPLICATION
I think that's the kind of followers Jesus is still looking for. People who are not afraid to lay it all on the line for the sake of the gospel. I'm afraid I get too comfortable. I certainly am not threatened with imprisonment or beatings for my faith. No, I'm worried about things far more important...like how I will look to others when they find out I'm a follower of Christ (or discover my profession). Or, when I've had non-church jobs, how I will come across to co-workers. I can value my life (actually my ego, pride) more than I value the spiritual well-being of others. I have a long way to go to even come close to Paul's level of endurance and commitment. But it is exactly that attitude that will change the world for Jesus Christ.

PRAYER
Lord, give me the courage and strength of Paul. There is nothing more valuable than people knowing about God's grace.

A Willing Heart

2008-02-06T08:33:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"Take up an offering for the Lord among you. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring this as the Lord's offering." (Exodus 35:5)

OBSERVATION
After the Israelites had escaped Egypt God wanted them to construct a place to worship (the Tabernacle). Moses relayed the Lord's command to the people that they were to gather from among themselves the necessary materials to build the tent. People weren't levied a tax, or forced to give. They gave freely, from the heart. In Exodus 35 it is evident the people's hearts were moved.

Everyone whose heart was moved and whose spirit prompted him can and brought an offering to the Lord to construct the tent of meeting for every use, and to make the holy garments. (35:21)
Both men and women came; all who had willing hearts brought brooches, earrings, rings, necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry. (35:22)
And all the women whose hearts were moved spun the goat hair by virtue of their skill. (35:26)
So the Israelites brought a freewill offering to the Lord, all the men and women whose hearts prompted them to bring something for all the work that the Lord, through Moses, had commanded to be done. (35:29)

The people understood they would be able to be part of a project that was bigger than them. They were constructing a place where the very presence of God would be made known.

APPLICATION
God wants me to give, but he wants me to give from the heart. Sometimes I feel like I give out of duty or obligation. Sometimes I don't feel like giving. I understand God wants me to give, but He wants me to give freely from my heart. The times I am not willing, or my heart is not in it, I'm thinking about what I'm giving up or what I'm going to be missing. It's focused on me. However, when I understand all that God has done for me, my heart is full and I can't help but want to give to Him. His goodness moves my heart to give. There is nothing greater than being able to contribute to Kingdom work.

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the ways you've blessed my life. May my giving reflect the generosity of Your heart. Help my focus to be on what you've poured into my life.

Exalting Worthless Things

2008-01-29T16:00:00.001-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times. You, Lord, will guard us; You will protect us from this generation forever. The wicked wander everywhere, and what is worthless is exalted by the human race." (Psalm 12:6-8)

OBSERVATION
The Psalmist understands he lives in a wicked generation. A generation that has no direction because they wander. Part of their problem is exalting worthless things. That is really the heart of idolatry...taking something worthless, lifeless, having no eternal survival, and lifting it up by placing value on it. It is the human race that has this problem, not God. He alone is worthy (worth-full) and by association the things connected with Him are also worthy. For example, God's words are not worthless, the writer just compared them to silver.

APPLICATION
I had to wonder, "what worthless things do I exalt?" Not that I lift them up and worship them but exaltation happens when I trust, or have faith, in something or someone other than God. It is God, whom the Psalmist looks to for protection. It's easy to do...exalt worthless things. I exalt my checkbook because I trust the future by my ending balance. In the black, the future is bright, in the red I start to worry. I exalt my calendar because I think I'm in control of scheduling tomorrow. I exalt my remote because I can watch three television shows at the same time and have instantaneous control of the situation. There are a lot of other things I can exalt but I think God wants me to keep them in perspective. They are worthless when compared to Him. I need to spend my time exalting Him and the worthless things will take care of themselves because God will guard me.

PRAYER
Lord, forgive me of the times I've exalted worthless things and not You. When I've trusted and lifted up the things that are not eternal.

Good Plans in Bad Places

2008-01-19T10:45:00.001-05:00

SCRIPTURE (Genesis 39)
Joseph was a dreamer. In one particular dream, he dreamt his father, mother and brothers would bow down to him. To make family matters worse he shared this dreams with them. His brothers had enough, by the way he was also his father's favorite, and decided to get rid of him. Instead of killing him, their original plan, they sold him to slave traders. He eventually ended up a slave in Potipher's household.

Potipher, an officer of Pharaoh, and the captain of the guard, placed Joseph in charge of all that he owned under his authority. One problem, Potipher's wife wanted Joseph to sleep with her. In spite of her advances, he kept refusing. On one occasion she grabbed his clothes and begged him to come to bed. He did escape by tearing out of his clothes, leaving her holding his garment, the evidence she used against him. When Potipher came home she falsely accused Joseph of coming on to her. Potipher saw the garment in her hand and threw Joseph in jail. It's the stuff of soap operas.

OBSERVATION
On the surface it would appear that Joseph suffered misfortune...sold as a slave, falsely accused and thrown in jail. But in reality God was working behind the scenes in His life.

God was the reason he attained a position of power in Potipher's house: "The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master." (Gen. 39:2)
Even in prison, God was the reason he was placed in charge of all the prisoners. "The Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him. He granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." (Gen. 39:21)

Meanwhile, Pharaoh began having some pretty vivid dreams and needed someone to interpret them. Joseph's dreaming ability, which got him in trouble in the first place, was the reason he was released from prison. Pharaoh heard about Joesph's ability to hear a dream and interpret it. However, Joseph did not take the credit for himself. "'I am not able to," Joseph answered Pharaoh, 'It is God who will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.'" (Gen. 41:16)

So, throughout Joesph's life the hand of God was with him. In the well, in the slave traders' caravan, in Potipher's house, and in prison, it was God's hand that made the difference. On the surface it looked like he was the victim of his circumstances. But God turned them around and used them for good. Joseph's brothers eventually came to Egypt to buy food because there was a severe famine in the land. In a sense, they did bow down to him. Joseph summarized his experience this way, "You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result--the survival of many people." (Gen. 50:20)

APPLICATION
God's plans never fail. He can take a bad situation and bring about good results. Joseph's life is a testimony to the power of the plans of God. Being a follower of Jesus does not mean that we have to view every event as good. We do find ourselves in some bad places. But in those places we can still find a good God who can bring about good things. What good plans is He bringing about in your life, even though circumstances may be bad?

PRAYER

Lord, life can be tough. Even when I find myself in those hard circumstances, you are the God who can bring about good. Only You can do that.

Persistant Praying

2008-01-19T10:21:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged." (Luke 18:1)

OBSERVATION
Jesus told a parable about a widow who kept approaching a judge (a man who neither feared God nor respected people) for justice against her adversary. The judge granted her request so she didn't wear him out by her persistent asking. Basically he gave her what she wanted so she would go away.

Jesus contrasted this unjust judge with a just God. God will carry out justice and He does hear the prayers of His people who cry out to Him day and night.

APPLICATION
Jesus told this parable because He knew discouragement could be a possibility when we pray. It could come from those times our prayers seemingly go unanswered. Or, when we pray God seems very distant and far away. Busyness keeps us from praying. It's hard with all of the competing thoughts in our heads to maintain focus. The result of any one of these could be "why bother?"

Jesus simply reminds me to keep praying. No matter what it looks like with my eyes I can have confidence because I'm praying to a just God. Unlike people who act on a whim, He always acts in a way that is consistent with His character.

This parable is not a guarantee that God will always give me what I want. Jesus follows it by saying, "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes will He find that faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8). Nevertheless (even if you are persistent and God does or does not give me what I ask) I am to be persistent in prayer. That is the kind of faith Jesus is looking for. In the end it's not so much that I receive my request by that I'm faithful in requesting. God is looking for a constant dialogue with Him. The judge granted the woman her request so she would go away. God wants to keep me near and walk in relationship with Him.

Sometimes I can pray treating God like a genie in a bottle. I'll rub the bottle (pray) and He will give my what I want. God is far more concerned about my faith that granting my wishes. He's looking to develop my character and persistent praying is a way that He does just that. He's more concerned that I'll stick with Him and pray instead of getting what I want and going my own way.

PRAYER
Lord, I want to develop that kind of persistent praying that develops my character. When Jesus returns I want to have the faith that will make him proud.

Lentil Soup

2008-01-15T15:33:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
When the boys grew up, Esau became an expert hunter, an outdoors man, but Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home. Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for wild game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. Once when Jacob was cooking a stew, Esau came in from the field, exhausted. He said to Jacob, "Let me eat some of that red stuff, because I'm exhausted." That is why he was also named Edom. Jacob replied, "First sell me your birthright." "Look," said Esau, "I'm about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?" Jacob said, "Swear to me first." So he swore to Jacob and sold his birthright to him. Then Jacob gave bread and lentil stew to Esau; he ate, drank, got up, and went away. So Esau despised his birthright. (Genesis 25:27-34)

OBSERVATION
Jacob and Esau were born to Isaac and Rebekah. During the pregnancy the children struggled inside of her. God told her it was because she had two nations in her womb. The older, Esau, would serve the younger, Jacob. When Jacob was delivered, he came out he was grasping Esau's heel (his name means, "He Grasps the Heel.") This passage mentions the first time they struggled.

Esau was a hunter and Jacob liked to stay home. Esau came in famished from a hunt and sold his birthright, that which rightly belonged to him as the oldest, to his younger brother. He didn't sell it for money, or power, but for lentil stew. It was a pretty ridiculous thing to do for soup. Esau was exhausted and all he wanted was to have his need (hunger) met. He gave into the moment without thinking about the long term consequences. Later, when he had time to reflect, he despised his birthright. I think he realized it was a ridiculous decision but now he had to live with the consequences.

APPLICATION
Before I come down too hard on Esau I have to remember the times I've traded my birthright for even less than a bowl of stew. I have a birthright as God's adopted son. The bible says I have an inheritance waiting in heaven. Not that I've given up my entire birthright, but with every sin, every shortcut, every failed temptation test, it has been compromised. In those times I do not experience the fullness of God's life in me. That's why the writer of Hebrews warns about falling short of the grace of God and in the next verse uses Esau as an illustration (Heb. 12:15-16).

How many times, after the fact, do I look back and realize that the decision was a pretty stupid thing to do? Most every time. I can learn a valuable lesson from Esau. Don't give up the future by giving into the moment. Every decision, every choice, changes the direction of my life...for good or bad. It's easy to become near-sighted and totally focused on whatever is happening right now (I'm hungry and want soup so I'll do something foolish to get it.). However, after the fact, upon retrospection, I will despise the decision. I need to learn to despise the decision before I decide.

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the lesson of Esau. Help me to see beyond the need of the moment to the path of the future. Give me the strength to maintain my birthright even in the face of temporary, in the moment, temptations.

Famine

2008-01-09T08:26:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"There was a famine in the land, so Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine in the land was severe". (Genesis 12:10)

OBSERVATION
Abraham did a lot of traveling in Genesis 12...Haran to Canaan to Shechem to the east of Bethel, and prior to Egypt he lived in southern Israel (the Negev) where there was a severe famine. This was the first of two severe famines in the land (the second famine occurs in Genesis 26 with Isaac, Abraham's son). It's interesting that God used two famines to get his people to move. Both Abraham and Isaac had to pull up the tent stakes and move to a new place, otherwise they would have remained where they were.

APPLICATION
As I read this I couldn't help but think there is a tendency to settle in, become comfortable, and seek a routine. Spiritually, the danger that comes with all of those things is a dryness, a famine of sorts. God becomes familiar and His word no longer seems to have its power. Amos talked about a famine in the land, not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the Lord (Amos 8:11). What do I do when I experience one of these dry times? Because they do come. I can learn a lesson from Abram...move! I can stay where I am and die or I can search for food. The spiritual food is Jesus. He is the bread of life and the living water. When I'm in those dry places I need to get back into the bible, pray, forsake sin, love God and others. The things Jesus teaches me to do. It's not fun moving but it's more dangerous to stay. My spiritual life is on the line...the end of the line is eternity. When a spiritual famine hits I go for the spiritual food...Jesus. God can use those times to unsettle me and get me to move to new places in my faith.

PRAYER
Lord, thanks for the way you feed my soul. Give me the insight of Abram to keep moving in my faith and feeding on the spiritual food and to avoid a spiritual famine.

What Will it Take?

2008-01-02T12:07:00.001-05:00

SCRIPTURE
"The rest of the people, who were not killed by the plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands to stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which are not able to see, hear or walk. And they did not repent of their murders, their sorceries, their sexual immorality, or their thefts". (Revelation 9:20-21)

OBSERVATION
In vivid imagery, John just described seven plagues: a third of the earth was burned up, a third of the ships destroyed, a third of the waters became bitter, terrors from the abyss, and a third of the human race killed by plagues. Talk about a little light reading for the end of the year (this was the 12/27 scripture from the Life Journal). I couldn't get this thought out of my mind, "the rest of the people...did not repent." These are the people who went through some pretty horrific events. Yet, they did not turn their lives around. If I was one of them I surely would have...or would I?

APPLICATION
As I read this I wondered, "what does it take to repent?" Not for the people in Revelation, but for myself. What is the thing that moves me to repent? I can experience heartache and hear of tragedies and natural disasters in the world but my life can find a way to go on without much change. It's as if God is shaking up the world and yet it's hard to get my attention. I've come to this conclusion: repentance has got to be my heart's response to the love of God displayed in the cross of Christ. When I understand what God did for me there, I can't help but be moved to want to respond to him. It's easy to become disillusioned, even angry with God when tragedy strikes. However, how can I become bitter when I look at the cross? I can't. I need to live a life of repentance no matter what my circumstances or what is going on in the world around me. Jesus said when he would be lifted up he would draw people to himself. It is the cross that connects me with God and motivates me to live a life pleasing to him. I guess I don't want to be one of the "rest of the people" but one of the people who finds rest in God.

PRAYER
God, thank you for the cross. The demonstration of your love. May it provide the motivation for me to live a life of repentance...going your way not mine.

The Bible is Not a Textbook

2008-01-02T12:05:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
The Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have not heard His voice at any time, and you haven't seen His form. You don't have His word living in you, because you don't believe the One He sent. You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, yet they testify about Me. And you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. (John 5:37-40)

OBSERVATION
Jesus leveled some of his harshest criticism at the religious leaders of the day. In this paragraph he is reprimanding them because they did not recognize who he was. They were experts in the Bible (Old Testament)...the very books that prophesied about his coming. Yet, they were unwilling to follow him so they would have life. They were looking for life in knowing the scripture rather than in knowing him. Ironically, it was in knowing him that the scripture would live in their lives.

APPLICATION
I remember the warnings throughout bible college, "Don't let the bible become a textbook." It's easy to do--study it, memorize it, know it from cover to cover. It is possible while gathering all the knowledge to miss the One to whom the bible points...Jesus. I even read recently that there are atheistic bible scholars who know the bible inside and out just to disprove its veracity and Jesus historicity. I have to remember the bible is the means not the end. It points me to Christ. Yes, it contains all I need to know for faith, but acquiring the knowledge is not the goal. Falling in love with Jesus is. I need to move the bible from my head to my heart, where it affects my life and my love of Christ. This year I need to guard against just knowing facts and use the bible to fuel my faith as I follow Jesus. I need to study, memorize, and know the bible so I can know more of him.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to see Jesus in the bible. May it fuel my faith and my relationship with Christ. Help the words to move from my head to my heart and out into my life.

The One and Only

2007-12-19T08:30:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

No one has ever seen God. The One and Only Son--the One who is at the Father's side--He has revealed Him. (John 1:18)

OBSERVATION
The Bible makes it clear that Jesus is unique. He's the Only Son of God. There is no one like Him. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died and came back to life three days later. His life revealed who God is And, right now He is in heaven seated at God's right hand--the place of authority and power.

APPLICATION
The more I understand who Jesus is the more I appreciate Christmas. The baby wrapped in cloth was God wrapped in flesh. God's One and Only appeared in time and space so I could live eternally--outside of time and space. Hallmark has nothing on God. He cared enough to send, not just his very best, but his One and Only. Christmas is about Christ. The tree will turn brown, the wrapping paper ripped off and thrown away, the cookies will become stale, but Jesus lasts forever. He is the 365 day Christmas presence.

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the hope of Jesus. Your incredible plan to save us from ourselves involved sending your One and Only. Help me to make Jesus, the one and only focus of my Christmas celebration.

Keeping God's Statutes

2007-12-12T09:16:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
How happy are those whose way is blameless, who live according to the law of the Lord! Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they follow His ways. You have commanded that Your precepts be diligently kept. If only my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed when I think about all Your commands. (Psalm 119:1-6)

OBSERVATION
The psalmist describes those who live according to God's word. Their way is blameless. They are happy. They do nothing wrong. He describes a life that is lived according to God's will. It's really not an option. God commands that his laws be diligently kept.

Upon introspection, however, the psalmist admits that his ways are not committed to keeping God's statutes. His heart wanders and he does not live according to God's law. When he thinks about God's commands and where he falls short he is ashamed.

APPLICATION
I love the honesty of the psalmist. I can relate to his struggle. I want to live according to the law of God and I am ashamed when I think about the ways I fall short. Fortunately, he provides a couple of practical ways to live. First, seek God with all my heart. Instead of seeking what I want, seek to know God's word and his desire for my life. Second, I need to make a commitment to keep God's laws. The disconnect with the psalmist, and myself I'm afraid, is the "if only." "If only my ways were committed to keeping Your statues." It's about aligning my ways with God's ways. I need to commit to keeping God's statutes. Then, even when I don't feel like obeying, the commitment will help see me through. God's word is a spiritual mirror. It is provides the reflection for my spiritual life. It helps me see clearly how I need to groom my walk with God.

PRAYER
Lord, I want to be one of those who are happy because I consistently keep your decrees. Thank you for your word that instructs and guides my life.

Stumbling Block

2007-12-05T08:16:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another. Do not tear down God's work because of food. Everything is clean, but it is wrong for a man to cause stumbling by what he eats. It is a noble thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother stumble. Do you have faith? Keep it to yourself before God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever doubts stands condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith, and everything that is not from faith is sin." (Romans 14:19-23)

OBSERVATION
Paul is concerned about how his life affects someone else. (This is obviously an important teaching because he also wrote about it in 1 Corinthians.) Living under grace brings freedom. There are no longer laws about clean and unclean food and special days of worship. However, Paul reminds the Romans, and Corinthians, and me, that this freedom is not to be misused. In what we approve (things that we know are not wrong in themselves, i.e. eating meat, drinking wine) we have to be careful not to condemn ourselves in the process by causing someone else to stumble.

APPLICATION
I've come across this theme a couple times in the last few weeks. Honestly, I don't want to be responsible for someone else's behavior. Ultimately they make the choice, but the bigger issue is that I do need to be concerned about the spiritual welfare of others. I know there are things that are not wrong in themselves (not commands or prohibitions of Jesus), but I need to be careful in the area of opinion and freedom so that someone who is convicted about something does not stumble. Some of the things my seem a little ridiculous...I knew people who thought playing cards was a sin. The thing that I approve of may not be a problem for my relationship with God. However, for someone else that very thing is a roadblock in their spiritual journey. So no matter what I think of the situation, what matters is what I think of the person. I need to have their best interest at heart, give up some of my freedom so they will not stumble. That is tough.

PRAYER
Lord, this is really a challenge at times. Give me the wisdom to do what is right, not for me, but for others. I don't want my life to be a stumbling block for others to get to know you.

Fear Factor

2007-11-28T09:09:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
But the angel told the woman, "Don't be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.' Listen, I have told you. So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news." (Matthew 28:5-8)

OBSERVATION
The resurrection of Jesus is not normally something I think about at Christmas. However, there are similarities: angels, good news, a miraculous event involving Jesus, joy and life. As I read through this passage, the phrase "do not be afraid" stuck out. It is the consistent message of the angels when they began to talk to people. This is especially true with the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.

The angel went to Zechariah to tell him Elizabeth was going to have a baby in her old age, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah." (Luke 1:13)
The angel told Mary she was going to have a child by the power of the Holy Spirit, "Do not be afraid, Mary." (Luke 1:26)
The angel brought the message of the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, "Don't be afraid." (Luke 2:10)

APPLICATION
In each of these situations, the people were faced with new, unknown, and often frightening circumstances. Into those events, God said, "do not be afraid." It seems that there are a lot of crazy things happening in this world and it would be easy to fear. God's message is still, "Don't be afraid." Jesus' final words in Matthew were, "I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) His presence is what conquers fear. Knowing that He walks with me through the ups and downs of life helps diminish the fear factor. It's going to be ok. God is personally involved in my life, He has not left me alone, and there are no circumstances I face that are beyond His help or control.

PRAYER
Lord, thanks for the reminder that I don't have to fear. You are with me and I can have joy not only because of the birth of Jesus, but because He is alive and with me to the very end of the age.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
God's Love Is Eternal
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.
His love is eternal.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love is eternal.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His love is eternal.
4 He alone does great wonders.
His love is eternal.
5 He made the heavens skillfully.
His love is eternal.
6 He spread the land on the waters.
His love is eternal.
7 He made the great lights:
His love is eternal.
8 the sun to rule by day,
His love is eternal.
9 the moon and stars to rule by night.
His love is eternal.
10 He struck the firstborn of the Egyptians
His love is eternal.
11 and brought Israel out from among them
His love is eternal.
12 with a strong hand and outstretched arm.
His love is eternal.
13 He divided the Red Sea
His love is eternal.
14 and led Israel through,
His love is eternal.
15 but hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea.
His love is eternal.
16 He led His people in the wilderness.
His love is eternal.
17 He struck down great kings
His love is eternal.
18 and slaughtered famous kings-
His love is eternal.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His love is eternal.
20 and Og king of Bashan-
His love is eternal.
21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love is eternal.
22 an inheritance to Israel His servant.
His love is eternal.
23 He remembered us in our humiliation
His love is eternal.
24 and rescued us from our foes.
His love is eternal.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His love is eternal.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven!
His love is eternal.
(Psalm 136)

OBSERVATION
The psalmist reflects on God. He is good. He created everything. He protects and rescues His people. He gives food to every creature. The refrain, "His love is eternal," explains God's motivation. It's as if, at the end of each phrase, the psalmist reminds himself of the reason God does what He does. He loves with a love that will never die. It endures forever.

APPLICATION
Even if it is difficult to find things to be thankful for, I can always thank God for His eternal love, goodness, protection, and provision. When I hear His heartbeat of love, circumstances look totally different. It is then I can give thanks and worship the only One who is worthy...God. Through tears, sorrow, sadness, joy, and celebration, God remains consistent. He is always good and loves forever.

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your eternal love. The love that lasts forever.

Evil Expert

2007-11-14T08:46:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
Brothers, don't be childish in your thinking, but be infants in evil and adult in your thinking. (1 Corinthians 14:20)

OBSERVATION
The Apostle Paul was addressing the Corinthian church about a few things they needed to change in order to grow. He was concerned that people would mature in their faith. In 1 Corinthians 14, he's challenging the church to teach in a way that people could understand. The whole point of ministry is to build up other people. In this section of his letter to the Corinthians he wants people to grow in their thinking. To mature in their knowledge of Christ.

The problem was the Corinthian's immaturity; they were divided, tolerated sexual immorality, got drunk at church, caused people to stumble in their faith...just to name a few. They were street smart but spiritually unaware. As Paul would say, they were adults in evil and childish in their thinking. Their "maturity" came from experiencing the evils of the Roman culture in which they lived. Paul wants them to grow up, be mature in their thinking, and not be experts in evil. "I want you to be wise about what is good, yet innocent about what is evil." (Romans 16:19)

APPLICATION
It's easy to be an evil expert. It doesn't take much effort to learn about things that are not godly. I can understand the Corinthian's situation and the culture they found themselves in. However, God wants me to grow in my thinking...not just knowing more stuff but developing a biblical worldview that shapes how I live. What I think about is important. Since I'm an adult, I've pretty much lost the innocence of youth but Paul, talking to adults, encourages me to once again become an infant in evil. It doesn't mean I'm naive about the world or the struggles people face. It does mean I think less about the world and more about God, developing the mind of Christ. Meditating on Christ and developing His life in me. It's good to be innocent about evil. God desires that for my life. True maturity comes when my mind is informed and transformed by Christ.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to become and infant in evil and adult in my thinking by developing the mind of Christ.

Crucified with Christ

2007-11-07T08:23:00.000-05:00

SCRIPTURE
We are Jews by birth and not "Gentile sinners"; yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified. But if, while seeking to be justified by Christ, we ourselves are also found to be sinners, is Christ then a promoter of sin? Absolutely not! If I rebuild those things that I tore down, I show myself to be a lawbreaker. For through the law I have died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing. (Galatians 2:15-21)

OBSERVATION
Paul is making a contrast between living a life by the law and living a life by faith. The life of law is about doing things, keeping the checklist, as a way to earn God's favor. Hoping the good outweighs the bad. Its focus is on the external but it never gets to the root of the issue...my heart. Living by faith means trust. It is through Jesus I am justified (declared "not guilty" before God) from my sin. It is an inside job because Christ lives in me. He changes my heart and produces a new life.

APPLICATION
Here is the struggle. How do I live a life pleasing to God? Paul alludes to that in this passage. Essentially, there are two ways to live:
First, My own strength (the flesh) => Trying to do good things => No justification (right relationship with God) because I'll fall short.
Second, The strength of Christ => Die to self (crucified with Christ) => Live by faith => Right relationship with God (justified).

It's really about freedom. I can try to do it on my own or, I can let Christ do it through me. It's a matter of getting self (the flesh) out of the way and allowing Christ, living in me, to direct my life. The reality is, as a follower of Jesus, he is living in me through the power of the Holy Spirit. When I get angry, yield to temptation, or live in a way that does not honor God, it is in those moments my flesh is calling the shots.

Crucifixion was a long, slow, painful process. If I have been crucified with Christ it sometimes means a long, slow, painful process of bringing my life under his control. Some areas die quickly. However, there are still areas of self that want to stay alive and remain in control...sins and bad habits that linger.

Paul repeatedly warns the Galatians about the temptation to revert to living by the flesh. I think that's why Jesus said I am to carry my cross daily. It is a daily thing to bring self to the cross and have the life of Jesus lived out in my life.

PRAYER
Lord, today help me to live by faith and not in the flesh. I want Jesus, who lives in me, to call the shots.

Who Is This?

2007-10-31T08:19:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
On that day, when evening had come, He told them, "Let's cross over to the other side of the lake." So they left the crowd and took Him along since He was already in the boat. And other boats were with Him. A fierce windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him up and said to Him, "Teacher! Don't you care that we're going to die?" He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Silence! Be still!" The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Then He said to them, "Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?" And they were terrified and asked one another, "Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!" (Mark 4:35-41)

OBSERVATION
This is one of the places to use algebra (Who said you would never use it in real life?) to get a better understanding of Jesus. In Psalm 89:8-9 we read, "Lord of Hosts, who is strong like You, Lord? Your faithfulness surrounds You. You rule the raging sea; when its waves surge, You still them."
In Psalms, God stills the seas. (If a=b)
In Mark, Jesus stills the seas. (and b=c)
Therefore, Jesus is God. (then a=c)
Who then is this man? Mark didn't want his readers to miss the point: Jesus is God.

APPLICATION
When I read this story, I realize Jesus isn't trying to impress the disciples with his power. He wanted them to think about who he was. I did the same. Jesus is...
Creator of wind and water.
Ruler of nature.
Almighty-with a word from his mouth he calmed the situation.
Silencer of the seas.
Rebuker of the wind.
Builder of faith.
Calmer of the fearful.
He's God in the boat. When he journeys with me, why should I fear?

PRAYER
Lord, you are in control of this world. When the seas start to churn and the wind gets rough, you are the one who brings the calm.

I Will Hope in Him

2007-10-24T08:34:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE
Even if he kills me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways before Him. Yes, this will result in my deliverance, for no godless person can appear before Him. (Job 13:15-16)

OBSERVATION
These verses struck me as a bold statement by Job. He had lost everything, his family (except for his wife), his home, possessions, and his health (developed a bad case of incurable boils). Here's the bold part: Even if God would take his life, he was still going to hope in Him. He could have been angry and blamed God for his situation but the Bible says, "Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything." (Job 1:22) Job maintained his innocence. He had done nothing for which God was be "punishing" him. His friends tried to convince him otherwise. "Come on Job, just admit that you sinned and God is out to get you."

Job held this tension in his life: He is innocent, God is good, and bad things have happened to him. The incredible thing is that he still hoped in God even if God were to take his life. In the end, Job understood that God is just and He could be trusted.

APPLICATION
How do I make sense of the things that happen in life? Not necessarily to myself but to people, who's difficult stories I've encountered. More and more I'm coming to appreciate the faith of Job. He didn't need to explain it all, but he did understand where the source of his hope...that it is in God.

God is not to be blamed or impugned when it comes to tragedy. If I blame God I no longer see Him as good. If He is no longer good there is no hope because He is the only one who can ultimately deliver us. If I blame God, where else can I turn? I have a choice. I can spend my life pursuing elusive answers or I can pursue a relationship with God who is the author of eternal life. I wish I always knew the "whys" but more importantly I can always know the "Who"--the God who is good no matter what happens.

PRAYER
Lord, help my first question not be "Why?" but "Who?" The Who? is You. Thank you God that you are always good and are the source of hope. Hope not just for now but for forever. Help my faith to grow to be like that of Job's where I can stand confidently when the world comes crashing down.