Mark's Musings

How to Partner with God

2011-07-20T07:33:00.000-06:00

S:
2 Chronicles 31:21 (NIV) In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.

O:
Hezekiah led the people to turn back to God. They had a lot of work to do in restoring the Temple and in drawing many people back to God. He pursued all of it faithfully and diligently - seeking God and working wholeheartedly.

A:
The statement, "he sought God and worked wholeheartedly" is a great phrase. We often wonder about how God might accomplish this or that in our lives and circumstances. We recognize we can't do it without God, but what's our role versus His role? Here is a great model. Seek God in everything. Ask; search the Scriptures; gain understanding from the Holy Spirit. But also, work hard; be diligent; do your best; don't give up or sit around waiting for something to happen or someone else to do something. This is what it looks like to partner with God - in leadership and in life.

P:
Lord, help me to seek you first - in all things, and also to act - to work hard on the things you would have me do. Give me energy and stregth for those things, and vision and plans for how to accomplish them. Help me resist laziness and discouragement. I want to work joyfully, for Your glory. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

The Best Laid Plans

2011-05-30T23:00:00.001-06:00

S:
Proverbs 16: 1, 3, 9 (NLT)
¹ We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.
³ Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
⁹ We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

Romans 12:2 (NLT) ² Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

O:
Solomon shares some wisdom about making plans in life. I plan, but God has the ultimate authority to work things out according to His will. The apostle Paul asserts that not living like the rest of the world, but rather submiting to and being transformed by Christ will result in knowing God's will for my life.

A:
I'm making plans for my life. I wonder how much of my planning is like the world's way of planning instead of God's way. Have I really submitted my plans to God? Am I really being transformed by Christ or following the same customs and practices of the world as I make my plans? I think God is asking me to be sure to hold on loosly to my plans and to seek him intently; that way, my plans will line up with is will.

P:
Lord, help me to plan in such a way as to be subject to Your will and plan for my life. Don't let me get out ahead or to the left or right of where You want me to be. renew my mind and heart and show me the steps you've ordained for my life. For Your glory, Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Why I Need a Savior

2011-04-06T13:44:00.002-06:00

This month I will be reflecting on the events surrounding the crucifixtion and resurrection of Jesus as I prepare for Easter.

S:
Mark 14:31 (NLT) “No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the others vowed the same.

Mark 14:37-38 (NLT) Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Mark 14:50 (NLT) Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away.

Mark 14:72 (NLT) Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.

O:
Peter and the disciples had good intentions and sincere hearts. They vowed to follow Jesus through thick & thin. They promised to support him and follow him, even if it meant death; yet, in his moment of need, the disciples slept; they ran scared; they hid; they denied him.

A:
I'm not so different from the disciples. I'm full of vows and good intentions but often fail in the moment of truth. I'm not as strong or principled or virtuous as I often pretend to be. Jesus knows that, just like he knew that about his disciples. He went to the cross and suffered a painful, shameful death, knowing what kind of people he was sacrificing for. These verses remind me of why I need a Savior, and they remind me of what a gracious Savior I have in Jesus, the Christ.

P:
Lord, Jesus, thank you for saving me. I'm weak and often fail, yet you love me and died for me anyway. Give me your courage, stregth, conviction, and grace to "drink from the cup" God has for me, for your glory. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

A Father's Dilemma

2011-03-31T08:13:00.000-06:00

S:
Judges 10:10-15 (NLT) Finally, they cried out to the Lord for help, saying, “We have sinned against you because we have abandoned you as our God and have served the images of Baal.”
The Lord replied, “Did I not rescue you from the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, the Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites? When they oppressed you, you cried out to me for help, and I rescued you. Yet you have abandoned me and served other gods. So I will not rescue you anymore. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen! Let them rescue you in your hour of distress!”
But the Israelites pleaded with the Lord and said, “We have sinned. Punish us as you see fit, only rescue us today from our enemies.” Then the Israelites put aside their foreign gods and served the Lord. And he was grieved by their misery.

O:
The Israelites have once again gone their own way, disobeying God, worshipping false Gods. Naturally, they experience the consequences of their choices. This time, the Ammorites are severely oppressing them. They FINALLY cry out to God - as a last resort, a desperate measure. God hears them but reminds them of His faithfulness and their continued disobedience. They agree with him but still plead for His mercy and help. They finally not only agree in word, but also in action by putting aside their false Gods and serving the Lord. God grieved over their suffering.

A:
As a parent, it is hard to watch any of my children suffer or struggle, yet sometimes it is necessary to allow them to experience the consequences of their choices and disobedience. Nonetheless, my heart aches for the child to choose wisely, to obey my advice or directive. My kids are at an age where their disobedience and consequences are quite limited in scope, yet I yearn for them to learn now because as they get older the consequences become more serious and the choices become more complex. As a father who loves his children, I want to have the wisdom to know when to stand by (and grieve in my heart) and when to intervene and rescue my wayward child. God constantly faced this challenge with Israel. Every father eventually faces it with his own children. When the situation arises, I need wisdom from God to know how, if, and when to act. I am trusting God to give it.

P:
Lord, please give me the wisdom and discernment to act as a loving father. Please show me when to allow my children to experience the pain of poor choices and when to show mercy; when to stand by and grieve in my heart and when to rescue. I know You are a loving Father. You always seemed to act with mercy and rescue Israel in their deepest need and sincere repentence. Please give me Your wisdom in those times, so that I can act as You would, not just so I can be a good father, but so that I can point them to You, our Father. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Lessons in Humility

2011-03-30T09:02:00.008-06:00

S:
Judges 8:2-3 (NLT) But Gideon replied, “What have I accomplished compared to you? Aren’t even the leftover grapes of Ephraim’s harvest better than the entire crop of my little clan of Abiezer? God gave you victory over Oreb and Zeeb, the commanders of the Midianite army. What have I accomplished compared to that?” When the men of Ephraim heard Gideon’s answer, their anger subsided.

1 Corinthians 15:9 (NLT) For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.

O:
In the first example, Gideon responds to the leaders of Ehpraim who are angry and threatening him. They may suspect he is trying to take the kingdom by force, which he is not. Soon they beg him to be their king, which he refuses. His humility defused their anger.

In the next example, Paul's humility with the Corinthians helps him keep perspective and teaches the Corinthians a lesson. Paul was one of the greatest apostles. That is, God used him to spread the Gospel in a significant way, but he remained humble and gave God the glory for anything God might have accomplished through him. The Corinthians liked to praise their teachers; Paul wanted them to learn there is only One worthy of praise: Jesus Christ.

A:
I have battled all my life with pride. God regularly reminds me of the value of humility. It is Jesus' most outstanding trait modeled for all of us. Since I want to be like Jesus, I must grow in humility. It helps me to note examples of humility in the Scriptures and remember its value. There are times I need to defuse another person's anger with me; I need to remember that humility, not pride, can turn away wrath. How hard is it sometimes to say, "I'm sorry. I was wrong. Will you forgive me?" Humility also helps me keep my 'accomplishments' in perspective. Anything I might achieve or anytime I might succeed is only due to God's grace and the gifts with which He has blessed me. Remembering that keeps me from seeking to glorify myself and allows me to praise the One who deserves it and to point others to Him as well.

P:
Lord, thank You for Your Word that gives me regular reminders of Your character and Your expectations for Your children. Please continue to form humility in me, so that I can be more like Jesus, for Your glory. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Consulting 101

2011-03-21T08:53:00.003-06:00

S:
Joshua 9:14 (NLT)So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord.

O:
One of the nations that Joshua had been commanded to destroy, the Gibeonites, deceived the leaders of Israel into believing that they were from a distant land, not local. Thus, the leaders of Israel agreed to a peace treaty with them. The leaders investigated the physical evidence - old bread & wineskins, ragged clothes, etc. but failed to consult with God, who would have likely revealed the deception to Joshua. Since they didn't, they ended up disobeying God by making the peace treaty with a people God had ordered them to destroy.

A:
This passage reminds me that too often I rely on what I can see or feel or think, rather than on asking God for wisdom and insight on things unseen. It simply is not a first reaction, as it should be. For example, I just bought a minivan on Saturday. I checked all the "visible" stuff - reputable dealer, vehicle with a solid reputation, blue book value, miles, tires, trade value of my vehicle, etc. I made the purchase, got home and one of the first things Penny asked me, "Did you pray about it?" Doh! Honestly, I didn't and I should have. Just because I didn't, doesn't mean I got a lemon or the purchase will end in disaster; God is often gracious to me in spite of my actions or inactions. Still, it would have been a chance for God to show me something, provide for me, provide a faith example for our kids, or even save me from making a mistake. I missed all that.

P:
Lord, help me to develop the habit of consulting you in every decision in which I might be tempted to rely on my own wisdom instead of Yours. I want that to be a pattern or habit in my life. Please help me with that, and protect me from myself and forgive me when I ignore you and act on my own. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Choose Life!

2011-03-16T07:49:00.005-06:00

S:
Deuteronomy 30:19b-20a (NLT) Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life.

1 Corinthians 1:30 (NLT) God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.

O:
God wants people to choose life, the life He has always intended for us. He has shown us how to live - in ancient days, through his laws; in this age, through His Son, Jesus Christ. People failed to obey God through His Law, but we have the chance to do so through His Son - because of Who Jesus is, not because we are any better than that small nation of Israel thousands of years ago.

A:
God has called me (and everybody else) to live rightly with him. On my own, I am inclined not to do so, but with Jesus, everything changes. He makes me right with God; He frees me from the power of sin in my life; He is the key to life! In the deepest part of me I long for that full, free, promised life that God has for each of us; Jesus is the key to unlocking that full, free life forever. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1, that sounds like foolishness to the wise ones of this world, to the 'wisdom' of this age; yet, it is the key to true life. Jesus calls me today to step fully into that life and not be fished in by the false life the world has to offer.

P:
Lord, I want true life. I want the life you intended for me. I know Jesus in me is the key to that life. Thank You for Jesus Christ who offers me life today and every day. Help me to step fully into eternal life right now; help me to live the Kingdom of God Life right now. Just as Jesus' prayed, "Your will be done on earth [in my life today] as it is in heaven." Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

How Good Am I? Not as Good as I Think I am.

2011-03-08T09:21:00.003-07:00

S:
Deuteronomy 9:6 (NLT) You must recognize that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land because you are good, for you are not—you are a stubborn people.

O:
God is explaining to the nation of Israel how he is about to lead them into the Promised Land. He will drive out the nations currently occupying the land and give it to Israel, just as he had promised Abraham generations earlier. He is warning the Israelites against any arrogance regarding the blessing they are receiving. It's not their goodness that is motivating God (because they are not good); Rather, God is motivated by justice against the wicked nations, love for the people of Israel, and His promise to Abraham.

A:
It is so easy for me to think in the way God warned against. It's so easy for me to think: "I deserve this." "I have earned that." "God loves me because of how good, smart, clever, etc. I think I am." What nonsense!! Any skills I have - come from God; Any knowledge I have - comes from God; Any opportunity I have - comes from God. The Apostle James reminds me that every good gift comes from God. I have no claim on any glory or goodness whatsoever. I only have the privilege of stewarding the gifts with which God has blessed me. And he has not blessed me with those gifts because of anything good in me, only the good in Him - His mercy, His forgiveness, His gracious love for me. To claim otherwise is to try to steal God's glory, which is sin. My job is to reflect God's glory in such a way that points people to God, not myself. Easier said than done.

P:
Lord, I want You alone to be glorified. Help me to reflect Your glory and resist the temptation to claim it - or any goodness - for myself. You are the Good One, not me. I thank You for Christ, who has graciously given his goodness to me through Your Holy Spirit. May I use all of the many blessings I have received from You for Your glory alone. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Got Perspective?

2011-03-07T06:48:00.003-07:00

S:
Mark 14:35-36 (NLT) He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

O:
Jesus was in a tough spot. That's quite an understatement. He knew with certainty that he was about to be falsely accused, beaten severely, humilited publicly, and murdered unjustly by being crucified. He understandably prayed and asked His Father if there was any other option, any other way to accomplish His purposes without having to go through the next few hours and days. He could hope and ask, but was settled in his heart and mind to do what must be done, according to the Father's will - but he dreaded what awaited him those next few hours and days.

A:
Today this passage offers me something I regularly need: perspective. Last night as I looked forward to the weeke ahead of me, I saw chaos and challenge; I saw deadlines, bad weather, a crazy weekend later in the week in which much would be demanded of me, with little room for margin and even less time to myself. I might have even allowed myself to ask God if there were any other options to get from here to next Monday. What a chump! Really? Is my life so difficult? Of course not! I've got a friend going through a tough spot right now - vocationally, emotionally, relationally. He's staring at a tougher week than me too. Even so, Jesus' suffering in this life gives both of us some much needed perspective.

With that, I will declare with the Psalmist: "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." Not only today, but each day this week, I commit to rejoice in God and thank him that my light and momentary difficulties are so much easier to endure than what Jesus endured for me.

P:
Lord, you know how easily I can lose perspective. Thank you for reminding me just how much You suffered for me. Thank You for the gift of perspective. Help me to embrace my life and my days and weeks with joy and hope. I know discouragement does not come from You, so help me to set it aside. For Your glory, amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

"Where's the love, y'all?"

2011-02-28T07:46:00.006-07:00

S:
1 Corinthians 13:5b It [love] does not demand its own way.

O:
This line is part of Paul's famous description of the character, importance, and enduring nature of love.

A:
There are many portions of Paul's description that give me pause when it comes to how I treat those I love, but this one stood out to me today. I like getting my own way, and I usually have the means to make that happen. That puts me at risk of acting unloving towards others. Getting my own way doesn't necessarily mean I'm being unloving, but demanding my own way certainly does. Having a new, demanding 4-year old in the house is a great reminder of just how non-loving demanding one's own way comes across. It also reminds me of every person's (myself included) inclination to demand his or her own way. Penny and I recognize that one of our roles as parents includes helping a little boy understand that demanding his own way is not loving or appropriate. It doesn't honor God or people. God uses His Word - and that same little boy - to remind me of the very same thing.

P:
Lord, I see that Jesus' command to "deny thyself" was, in part, to help me be a more loving person to those around me. Help me to do that. I want to model Your love, Jesus, to my family, my brothers and sisters in Christ, and to everyone around me - even those I don't know - so that the world will know that the Father sent the Son. For Your glory and in Christ's name, amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Complaining and Confronting 101

2011-02-23T08:16:00.005-07:00

S: Numbers 12:1-8 (NLT)

While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he had married a Cushite woman. They said, “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t he spoken through us, too?” But the Lord heard them. (Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth.)
So immediately the Lord called to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam and said, “Go out to the Tabernacle,all three of you!” So the three of them went to the Tabernacle. Then the Lord descended in the pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the Tabernacle. “Aaron and Miriam!” he called, and they stepped forward. 6 And the Lord said to them, “Now listen to what I say: If there were prophets among you, I, the Lord, would reveal myself in visions. I would speak to them in dreams. But not with my servant Moses. Of all my house, he is the one I trust. I speak to him face to face, clearly, and not in riddles! He sees the Lord as he is. So why were you not afraid to criticize my servant Moses?”

Miriam and Aaron complained about Moses behind his back. They were being divisive and disloyal. Their pride got the better of them. If unchecked, they could have brought the whole nation down by spreading the poison of their bitterness. Swift and decisive confrontation was required. Whether Moses was aware of their complaining is not clear from the text, but God was aware, so He did the confronting. The text contrasts their pride with Moses' humilty. In God's charge agains Miriam and Aaron, God adds the fact that Moses has a unique call and relationship with God that they do not have; and that relationship is worthy of their respect. Such disrespect and disloyalty are serious issues to God and He punished them.

It's funny how God allows for a convergence of events to teach me. Just last night our elders had a discussion about the hard work of doing confrontation as a leader. We're discussing Who's Holding the Umbrella by William E. Yeager (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1984). Here are a few relevant quotes from his book on this subject:

"So many times former church members blaspheme the church and its Lord because of the roots of bitterness that might have been healed if confrontation had been administered in the right way" (p. 105).

"Without true humility, a would-be confronter is no more than a busybody" (p. 110).

"The fear of judging, ignorance of the Word, and an unwillingness to get involved seem to be the stumbling blocks that keep the church from utilizing confrontation. There are also those who find it easier to judge than to assist" (p. 111).

"Perhaps confrontation needs not so much courage, but a heart that is right with God" (p.111).

Miriam and Aaron were restored because of quick, effective and loving confrontation from God. Moses demonstrated his humility and a heart right with God in pleading for mercy and forgiveness for his brother and sister (see v. 13).

One of the greatest challenges for leaders, myself included, is to do confrontation well. One of the greatest challenges of followers is to respect their leaders and to bring their grievences to them in a way that is respectful and honoring to both God and the leader. Organizations that fail in this arena cannot last. Churches that fail in this arena damage their witness for Christ to a watching world. These truths are very sobering to me.

Lord, I not only want to learn to confront others well, with humility and a heart right before you, but I also want to ensure I am following well, with loyalty and respect. Those can be tall orders when I let my pride get in the way. Please protect me from myself. Make me more like Christ so that I can answer the call to leadership You have set before me in a way that brings You glory and honor. Amen.

If My Body is a Temple, it Needs Some Renovation!

2011-02-16T08:15:00.006-07:00

S:
Leviticus 26:2b ...show reverence for my sanctuary.

O:
This is part of God's long list of instruction to the people of Israel. In it's immediate context, it refers to the Tabernacle, the temporary / portable place where Moses meets with God and where the priests offer sacrifices. It's the place where God dwells among his people. To reverence can mean to respect, to treat rightly, and even to live rightly in relationship with that which is being reverenced. For the people of Israel, it was a life or death matter; to touch the wrong thing at the wrong time or to offer a sacrifice incorrectly could mean death.

A:
Some people use this verse to argue why a person should dress up to go to church or why youth shouldn't run or be loud in a church building. I'm not convinced that is the best application of this idea for Christians today. Here's what came to my mind as soon as I read the verse above: my body is God's sanctuary and I am not reverencing it well or consistently. I thought of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. In context, Paul is talking about sexual immorality and how it defiles the body, which, becuase the Holy Spirit indwells us, is now God's sanctuary on Earth; it's where He dwells among us now.

I've really been struggling with some of my poor eating and exercise habits. The truth is, I like to eat stuff that's bad for me, and I don't make time to exercise like I should. That's taking a toll on my body. I confess that it is a spiritual problem, not just a physical one. In fact, it is sin. I confess it as such. It's time I applied God's command to reverence his sanctuary more seriously and start treating my body with more respect and live in right relationship with it. Easier said than done!

P:
Lord, you know how much I struggle with this one. Forgive my failure to reverence my body, Your sanctuary. Help me to deny myself and choose God-honoring habits, especially as they relate to food and exercise. For Your glory, amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Looking for a Sign of True Humility? Found!

2011-02-11T06:37:00.004-07:00

S:
Acts 18:24-26 (NLT) Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.

O:
Apollos was apparently an excellent preacher. He knew the Scriptures well and he taught about Jesus very accurately. It seems he was a dynamic and charismatic communicator. Yet, he lacked a full understanding of that which he preached. He was not aware of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentacost and that God was making himself known to believers and unbelievers through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at conversion and baptism. Priscilla and Aquilla took him aside and taught him.

A:
One of the defining character traits of Jesus was his humility. We often speak of it and ask God for it but sometimes it is difficult to know how to operate in humility from a practical perspective. Apollos demonstrates a very practical manifestation of humility: his willingness to be taught - his teachability. How many "successful" speakers who are able to draw and captivate crowds with their words would allow themselves to be pulled aside by a husband and wife tent-making team and submit to them teaching the speaker more accurate information about which he speaks? Think about the absurdity of such a situation in our day and age! Yet, Appolos demonstrated his true submission to Christ through his submission to being taught by this couple. It was a practical and powerful demonstration of humility. One which benefitted both Appolos and the cause of Christ in that region - allowing Appolos to continue as an even more effective evangelist and apologist for the cause of Christ.

As a teacher and leader, I may sometimes fall into the trap of thinking I am the one who does the instructing. Yet this story shows me that among those I lead and teach there may be those who have things to teach me. I want to have the humility, the teachability to learn from them. That's not my normal human nature, but it is the nature of Christ.

P:
Lord, will You make what was true of Appolos and Jesus true of me too? Change me so that I demonstrate humilty through a willingness to let others teach me, even those I presume to lead and teach. For Your glory, amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Team Leadership

2011-02-08T10:00:00.003-07:00

S:
Acts 15:28a (NLT) It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us...

O:
There was a sharp disagreement among the Jewish believers as to what extent the Gentile believers needed to obey the Jewish Old Testament laws (circumcision, dietary, etc.). Some Pharisees argued that they had to follow all of it. Paul, Silas, and Peter argued against it. James also weighed in with his thoughts. They met as a group of leaders; they discussed the issue as equals; they arrived at a consensus together on a very difficult and controversial issue. The words of the letter above only name one Person - the Holy Spirit; the rest are represented by the group stated at the beginning of the letter, "The apostles, the elders, your brothers" (v.23).

A:
I am beginning to explore the question of team leadership. It seems that so much organizational structure is designed with one leader at the top and then everyone else. Even a point leader or senior leader who has a leadership or executive team is still "the boss" when push comes to shove - and everybody knows it. I look at this example, and it seems to me that the only recognized "boss" was the Holy Spirit. Is it possible in this day and age to lead an organization without one, human boss? Could a group (two or more) lead as a team, all contributing their expertise, experience and insight without one of them holding the proverbial "trump card" or veto power? If it's possible, shouldn't it be possible in the church where we recognize Jesus Christ alone as the Head and Leader? Something to think about.

P:
Lord, give me clarity of thought and wisdom as I ponder this question of leadership. Give those who lead the church and organizations that claim to follow Jesus the unity and courage to truly submit together to Your leadership. Help us explore new ways of leading in such a way that we point people to Christ and distinguish our leadership from the leadership "wisdom" of the world. Amen.

Does God Play Favorites?

2011-02-03T08:22:00.005-07:00

S:
Acts 10:34-35 (NLT) Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right."

O:
God showed both Peter and Cornelius that His gift of life through Jesus Christ was not intended for the Jewish people alone. The only requirement for being accepted into God's kingdom is to fear God and do what is right, that is, to accept Jesus as the Christ and receive the forgiveness he offers to EVERYONE.

A:
I've been working on a message that I'm preaching on Sunday about God choosing his people. One of the challenges of that truth is that God's chosen people might become arrogant, thinking that it is something about them that caused God to choose them. This story in Acts illustrates the absurdity of that. If Peter or any of the Jews had arrogance about being God's chosen people, it must have left them immediately when they saw that God also chose a Roman Centurian and his whole family. The Jews typically despised the Romans, who occupied Israel as conquorers. This story is another proof that God's choosing His people has nothing to do with the qualities of the people. Rather it has everything to do with God's own qualities - his grace, his mercy, his love, his patience.

It's like a child who has a rock or shell collection. The only thing that makes those rocks or shells special when compared with all the other rocks or shells in the world is the fact that they are special to the child - because the child picked them. All of the meaning, value, worth, dignity and purpose of those rocks or shells comes from the one who chooses, not the chosen items themselves.

P:
Lord, thanks for choosing me, not because I deserved it or earned it, but because you are gracious. Lord, thank you for extending your offer of forgiveness to everyone, without showing favoritism. I pray that more and more every day would accept you offer and receive forgiveness and peace with You. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Leadership Failure

2011-02-01T06:00:00.004-07:00

S:
Exodus 32:1-4 (NLT) When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. “Come on,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.” So Aaron said, “Take the gold rings from the ears of your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” All the people took the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron. Then Aaron took the gold, melted it down, and molded it into the shape of a calf. When the people saw it, they exclaimed, “O Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt!”

Exodus 32:21-24 (NLT) Finally, he [Moses] turned to Aaron and demanded, “What did these people do to you to make you bring such terrible sin upon them?” “Don’t get so upset, my lord,” Aaron replied. “You yourself know how evil these people are. They said to me, ‘Make us gods who will lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.’ So I told them, ‘Whoever has gold jewelry, take it off.’ When they brought it to me, I simply threw it into the fire—and out came this calf!”

O:
Aaron was Moses' brother, a priest and leader among the people of Israel. He was third in command, behind Moses and Joshua. He was in charge of the people while Moses and Joshua were on Mt. Sinai meeting with God. Aaron failed to lead the people. He failed to model and exhort patience. He failed to remind the people of God's rescue of the people from Egypt. He failed to remind and warn the people of God's requirement not to make idols, and to worship God alone in the ways they had already been instructed. (Although they didn't have all the specifics that Moses was in the process of receiving, they did have some understanding and practice of how to worship God, which they had practised to that point.) Aaron failed to show courage in the face of mounting popular pressure. Finally, even after all of those significant leadership failures, he failed to take responsibility for his own actions in the sinful behavior of the people. Aaron's leadership failure is all the more stark when compared to Moses' leadership. Moses interceeded on behalf of the people and even offered his own life to God, if he would only spare the people who had sinned against God.

A:
Aaron's example provides a whole list of leadership lessons (through his negative example). It reminds me that great leadership is not about giving people what they want; rather, it is about giving people what they need! Sometimes that means telling people "No, that is wrong!" or "Be patient." It often means reminding those you lead about what is important and calling them to greater things than they may think they are capable of achieving. It always means taking responsibility for your own actions and many times taking responsibility for those you lead, as well. In these ways, I want my own leadership to look much more like Moses' and much less like Aaron's.

P:
Lord, leadership is a serious responsibility. It is often hard and challenging. I want to lead well. For that to happen, I need You to lead me. Give me the humility to submit to Your leadership; give me your courage and wisdom to lead well. Help me to lead in such a way that those I lead and I walk closely with you. For Your glory alone, Amen.

My Requirements as a Priest

2011-01-31T08:42:00.003-07:00

S:
Exodus 29:38-46 (NLT) “These are the sacrifices you are to offer regularly on the altar. Each day, offer two lambs that are a year old, one in the morning and the other in the evening. With one of them, offer two quarts of choice flour mixed with one quart of pure oil of pressed olives; also, offer one quart of wine[e] as a liquid offering. Offer the other lamb in the evening, along with the same offerings of flour and wine as in the morning. It will be a pleasing aroma, a special gift presented to the Lord.

“These burnt offerings are to be made each day from generation to generation. Offer them in the Lord’s presence at the Tabernacle entrance; there I will meet with you and speak with you. I will meet the people of Israel there, in the place made holy by my glorious presence. Yes, I will consecrate the Tabernacle and the altar, and I will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. Then I will live among the people of Israel and be their God, and they will know that I am the Lord their God. I am the one who brought them out of the land of Egypt so that I could live among them. I am the Lord their God.

O:
The job of the priest in the Old Testament was rigorous, precise, and repetitive. Aaron and his sons had to make specific sacrifices each day, to exacting specifications, both in thier attire and their procedures with the animal and grain sacrifices. Their lives depended on them getting it right and the blessing of God for the nation depended on their getting it right - each and every day. That was the requirement for Israel in order for God to condescend to live among them and be their God.

A:
I compare these requirements to my own. 1 Peter 2:9 indicates I am a member of the priesthood. Paul reminds me that my body is the temple of God, in which lives the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). So, what is my "job" as a priest and temple. Thomas reminded me yesterday that my role is to represent people to God (through prayer) and represent God to people (through declaring His excellencies). Paul adds to that in Romans 12:1, And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

So, while I don't have the tedious, repetitive responsibilities of the Old Testament priest, I do, in fact, have a serious and significant resposibility as a priest of God through Jesus Christ. I need to pray, to tell others about God's goodness, and commit my very life - all of it - daily for God's service and purposes. Examining these requrements, I see how short of these standards I fall most days. Thanks be to God that He is gracious and patient with me. Still, I want to be the priest God has called me to be.

P:
Lord, help me to represent You well as Your priest. Give me the courage and vision to sacrifice my life daily for You, for building Your kingdom, for Your glory and pleasure. Forgive my many failures and teach me to be a better priest - starting today, in Jesus' name, Amen.

There is Only One "Awesome"

2011-01-24T08:03:00.005-07:00

S:
Exodus 9:15-16 (NLT) By now I could have lifted my hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the face of the earth. But I have spared you for a purpose—to show you my power and to spread my fame throughout the earth.

O:
God, through Moses, explains how He could just be rid of Pharoah, how He holds all of life and death in His hands and that it can be deadly to oppose Him. Yet, God has a greater purpose - to display His glory and power, not only to the people of Israel, but to all the people of Egypt as well.

A:
Sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking God can (or should) only display His glory and power through His people when they live obediently. While He does do that, it is foolish to limit God in this way. The Psalmist says God declares His glory in the heavens and in all creation. God is free to display His glory and power in whatever way He chooses at whatever time and place He chooses. This story reminds me not to "box" God up and make Him predictable, controlable, or anything other than the omnipotent Creator and Sustainer of the universe - which is Who He Is. This story reminds me that only God is awesome - far more so than any of the things in this world I describe with that word. It reminds me that He will accomplish His purposes, in spite of my disobedience if necessary, but that there can be great joy in acting obediently in concert with His purposes.

P:
Lord, please don't allow my heart to harden. Rather, keep it soft towards You and Your purposes. Use me as part of Your plan to show others Your glory, Your power and Your goodness. Have mercy on those who resist You and draw them to Yourself through Jesus Christ, in Whose name I pray, Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Hope for Leaders who Screw Up (and We All Do)

2011-01-22T08:01:00.005-07:00

S:
Luke 22:32 (NLT) "But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers."

O:
Jesus is about to tell Peter about his upcoming sin and failure, that he will deny Christ 3 times. Although Peter will reject Jesus, Jesus does not reject him. In fact, he gives Peter some hope to recall in the midst of his upcoming despair - the hope that he can be saved, that he can return to following Christ, the hope that God will not cast him aside for his rejection of Christ.

A:
Jesus is so gracious to Peter. At the end of John's Gospel, we see the account of Jesus forgiving and restoring Peter (John 21:15-19). This passage reminds me that Jesus' grace and forgiveness applies even to leaders within the church. It reminds me that even leaders fail and sin. It reminds me that anyone who is truly repentant can be restored to fruitful ministry.

In this age of sensational, public leadership failure, there is hope for leaders who might and do slip and fall. This verse gives a leader two truths to cling to. First, Jesus Christ intercedes for leaders before the throne of God. I know that He pleads with God that your faith would not fail. Second, even after failure, there is a chance for redemption. There is a chance for meaningful, productive ministry in God's kingdom. Repentance paves the way for it. Jesus' forgiveness does the rest.

P:
Lord I pray for myself, and for other leaders, that we would not slip and fall; yet, I know all of us do so at times, and sometimes we make a big mess of things. Thank you, Jesus, that you plead on our behalf. Thank you, too, that you forgive and restore us, allowing us to stregthen our brothers again, just as Peter did, once we repent and return to you. None of us deserves your grace, mercy and forgiveness, but I thank you for them. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Render Unto Caesar (It's Tax Time)

2011-01-20T09:39:00.004-07:00

S:
Luke 20:25 (NLT) He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

O:
The Jewish religious leaders sought to trap Jesus, so they could have him arrested by the Roman authorities. This particular time, they tried to trick him into speaking directly against the empire. He not only told them they should pay their taexes, but he also told them they should fulfill their obligations to God in the same way.

A:
I just finished doing my taxes, so this passage struck me as I read it. I have a strong conviction that all people, but especially Christ-followers, should submit to their govenrment authorities, and that includes being honest when doing our taxes. But this line from Jesus has fuller meaning about Christian responsibility. It reminds me that it is not possible to claim/show true faithfulness to God without showing the same kind of commitment to fulfilling our 'worldly' obligations. That includes putting in a hard day's work at your job, being a good citizen, helping your neighbors, taking care of your family. In truth, these actions aren't worldly at all; they reflect my commitment to God. They are as much a demonstration of my trust and faith in God as serving in my church, giving to my church, giving to the poor, or talking to people about my faith. What Jesus is saying to me with these words is, "Be faithful in all things; that brings God glory."

P:
Lord, I confess I don't always want to be faithful. Sometimes I want to shirk my responsibilites. Give me the stregth and desire to always work hard and be faithful with all that You have entrusted to me. I want you to be glorified in all of my life. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Reflection on the Arizona Shooting

2011-01-13T07:03:00.004-07:00

S:
Luke 13:1-5 (NLT) About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”

O:
Jesus spoke out to make two important points here. First, he argues that these people who died (some by murderous injustice; some by a freak acident) did not die because God was punishing them for their sins. God did not single them out. It's not like they were the worst sinners around, Jesus points out. Yet he does use those events as a reminder that all people need to repent because death is a realitly we all must face, and when we do so (none of us knowing when it will happen), we need to be right with God.

A:
There's been much rhetoric related to the recent shooting in Arizona. Predictably, the Phelps family from Westboro Baptist Church is planning to boycott at the funerals of the victims. My heart grieves for the people from this church (because they are deceived)and for all those upon whom they inflict their mis-application of the Bible (because God is mis-represented).

I heard one of them on the radio attempting to argue that the shooting and deaths were an act of God's vengeance. This passage from Luke argues very strongly against such an interpretation. Jesus acknowledges that murderous injustice befalls some people. He acknowledges that freak accidents result in some people dying. In both cases he specifically rejects the idea (which was common in his day) that these things happened to these specific people as an act of God's judgment or vengeance (either on them or their community). The same is true today. The lesson from the shootings is not one of God's judgment or vengeance. If anything, it is just as Jesus mentions in Luke 13: Be sure you are right with God because we all face the same predicament - death - and none of us knows how or when it will arrive.

The proper Christian response to senseless violence and freakish accidents alike should be similar: love, care, and compassion for the victims; working for justice for all; and reflection upon how we, ourselves, are living our lives so we are confident we will be ready to meet God when death finally visits us.

P:
Lord, I pray for Your comfort, peace, and truth for the victims of the Arizona shooting. I pray for Your truth to prevail upon the misguided people of Westboro Baptist Church. I pray that I and everyone who reads these words would reflect upon our relationship with You, that we would be certain that because of Christ, we are in right relationship with You, ready for death, whenever and however it may come in this world. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

What's Next is Greater than What's Now

2011-01-10T08:07:00.004-07:00

S:
Luke 10:20 (NLT): "But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”

O:
The disciples returned from their journey, excited about the power and miracles they had performed in Jesus' name. Jesus appropriately redirected their attetion and joy - from their temporal ability to their eternal destiny.

A:
I have a confession to make. I don't want to die. I love my life, almost everything about it. I rejoice in it. I thank God for such a wonderful gift. While it is a wonderful gift from God, this verse reminds me that there is a more wonderful gift than even my life on Earth. The more wonderful gift is life in heaven. It is having my name written in the Book of Life. It is eternity in the very presence of God. This verse reminds me to keep some perspective. Yes, God has blessed me with many gifts, abilities, relationships, and resources, but none is to be more treasured by me than the gift Jesus gave me through his death and resurrection: the gift of being reconciled to God and the promise of eternal life with Him forever.

P:
Lord, help me to keep things in perspective and to not cling too tightly to the things of this world, even my own life and all the blessings that accompany it. Help me to have the Apostle Paul's perspective: "to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Phil 1:21). Help me to live my life with my destiny in mind - not my temporal destiny, my eternal one. For Your glory alone, Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Live Your Life!

2011-01-07T09:31:00.003-07:00

S:
Luke 7:33-35 (NLT) For John the Baptist didn’t spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.

O:
John the Baptized lived in the wilderness, fasting, eating bugs. He lived simply and humbly. He was set apart. Yet, the Pharisees dismissed him because of the way he lived, saying he was demon-possessed. Jesus lived among the common people, eating and drinking with them at their dinner tables. Yet the Pharisees dismissed him because he hung out with "low life" and drank wine.

The Pharisees came up with an artificial standard to judge both men, so as to make themselves feel better about themselves and in order to find an excuse to ignore the words and warnings of both men. Yet, both men lived righteous lives; they lived the lives exactly that God had called them to live on this earth. That was the wisdom shown to be right by the lives they lived.

A:
The lesson for me in this is to be careful not to judge anyone else's life who is living for God, but only to be sure that I am living the life in Christ that God has called me to live. God calls His people; He has a plan and purpose for His people. Those plans and purposes don't all look the same. Some are called to the city, some to the countryside. Some are called into the world of the rich; some are called to live among the poor. And so on. Answering the call, living faithfully the life to which God has called you - that is right living! I want to live that way.

P:
Lord, help me to continue to discern the call you have on my life. Help me to step into it with confidence, unafraid and unashamed. Help me and help others to enjoy the freedom of living the life to which you've called us, and help us not to judge or envy the life to which you've called others. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Let the Blessing Commence!

2011-01-05T07:38:00.004-07:00

S:
Genesis 12:2b, 3b (NLT) I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others...All the families on earth will be blessed through you.

A:
I felt compelled to find and list examples just from today's reading of God's blessed/chosen people (in this case, Abram & Jesus) being a blessing to others, just as God had promised.

Genesis 13:9 (NLT) The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.

Genesis 14:23-24 (NLT) I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you...I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten, and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies.

Luke 5:7c (NLT) soon both boats were filled with fish

Luke 5:13 (NLT) Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.

Luke 5:20 (NLT) Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”

Luke 5:24b (NLT) Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”

Luke 5:29-32 (NLT) Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them. But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?”
Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. 32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”

-Abram unselfishly gave Lot his choice of land.
-Abram did not horde spoils of war for himself but ensured others got their fair share.
-Jesus gave the fishermen a great catch.
-Jesus touched and healed the leper.
-Jesus forgave the sins of the paralytic.
-Jesus healed the paralytic.
-Jesus dined with "sinners"; He made one of them (Levi) his disciple and brought the Good News to Levi's friends.

O:
As one of God's people. I have the same call to be a blessing to others. How can I share what I have selflessly, bring healing, bring hope, bring Good News? These are the examples set for me and my responsibility to emulate. Whom will I have the privilege of blessing today? I can't wait to find out!

P:
Lord, give me eyes to see those in my path today that I can bless. Just as Abram and Jesus blessed others; I, too, want to be a blessing - for Your glory, not mine. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

It's a New Year!

2011-01-03T06:23:00.005-07:00

S: Genesis 8:13 (NLT) Noah was now 601 years old. On the first day of the new year, ten and a half months after the flood began, the floodwaters had almost dried up from the earth. Noah lifted back the covering of the boat and saw that the surface of the ground was drying.

O: Noah and his family waited over a year to disembark the ark. He opened the door to the ark on the first day of the new year.

A: I don't imagine that the year on the ark was the best year of Noah's life. Stuck in that closed space, with all those smelly animals, for such a long time; He was probably excited to open that ark door on the first day of the new year. He was probably eager to start a new year - on dry ground... with a fresh start.

Today is the first "business day" of the new year. God's Word to me today is similar to His Word to Noah. I feel as if God is saying, "Open the door. It's a new day, a new year. You can make a fresh start. Leave the challenges of the past year behind and step forward into this new year boldly, confidently... and continue to walk with Me as you go."

The first thing Noah did on dry ground in the new year was to build an altar and worship God. Let me start my day & my year by worshipping God as well!

Lord, Your Word tells me that Your mercies are new every morning. I worship you this morning, this day, this year. Help me to step into this new year with confidence in You and walking closely with You - today and each day. Amen.

"Can a man be of benefit to God?"

2010-10-31T05:58:00.008-06:00

S:
Job 22:2-3 (NIV) Can a man be of benefit to God? Can even a wise man benefit him? What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous? What would he gain if your ways were blameless?

O:
Another one of Job's "friends" is giving him worthless advice, pointing out his wickedness as the reason for his calamity, which, of course, is not true in this case.

A:
These questions challenge me and cause me to think about my relationship with God. In one sense, the speaker is right: no person can add any benefit to God. He is totally self-sufficient. He doesn't need anything from anyone. Still, there are things that God can receive from His people in which He takes pleasure. I can give God worship - declaring to myself, to Him, and to others Who He is and what He's done. I can submit to the work of His Spirit in my life. Doing so gives Him glory and pleasure. As Psalm 147:11 reads, "the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." I know I can't "benefit" God, but I want to trust Him and walk with Him in a way that brings Him glory and pleasure.

P:
Lord, help me to walk with You in a way that is pleasing to You. May You delight in me as a father delights in his son. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

My Advocate

2010-10-25T08:28:00.003-06:00

S:
Job 16:20-21 (NIV) My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend.

O:
Job calls out to God, still claiming his innocence and appealing to an intercessor who will plead his case to God. None of his "friends" surrounding him is such a person. The story of Job was obviously written thousands of years before Jesus came to Earth as a man. Yet, he makes an appeal to one who will advocate for him as his friend berfore God. I can't help but be drawn from here to Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV) Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

A:
I need such an Advocate too. When the world accuses me wrongly or when I accuse myself - whether it's because I have sinned, or I am discouraged, or whatever - I need to remember I have a Friend pleading my case before God. Jesus is the perfect Advocate for me because He died for me; He paid the price for my sins; I canot be accused, because I am declared innocent before God.

P:
Thank You, Jesus, for being my Advocate and ensuring I am declared innocent - not because I've earned it but because You have secured it for me and You've gifted it to me. It humbles me. Help me to live fully for You today in that freedom. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

It's not that Simple, is it?

2010-10-20T08:12:00.005-06:00

S: Job 8:3-6 (NIV)
Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right? When your children sinned against him, he gave them over to the penalty of their sin. But if you will look to God and plead with the Almighty, if you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf and restore you to your rightful place.

O:
Job's "friend" is challenging Job to confess his sin. He is insisting that the death that met Job's family was deserved - because of their sin. He insists it's always as simple as, "do good & be blessed; do evil & be punished." But it's not always that simple. Job's story is an example of one who is good suffering incredible evil and suffering.

A:
The problem of evil is a real challenge to many people, both Christians & non-Christians alike. How can God allow evil things - disease, death, calamity - to befall good, innocent people? For me, this is the real test of faith. Do I have enough faith in the character of God, in the goodness of God to believe He knows what He's doing and that He's in control? It's easy for me to answer "YES!" while my life is relatively easy and blessed such as it is. My heart aches for those who must wrestle with the question in the midst of true suffering such as what Job endured. I don't have all the answers. I still ask "Why, Lord?" sometimes, but I also agree with the Apostle Peter who said they would not abandon Jesus because He alone has the words of life (John 6:68).

P:
Lord, I pray for my friends and all those who suffer in this world today. Make Yourself known to them, just as You eventually did to Job. Strengthen their faith (and mine). Work out the suffering we experience for our good and for Your glory. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

A Powerful Example of Leadership

2010-10-11T08:28:00.004-06:00

S:
Nehemiah 5:17-18 (TNIV) Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations. 18 Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people.

O:
Nehemiah was a wealthy man. He had accumulated status, wealth & power while in exile. Yet his example to all of the Israelites in Jerusalem was radically different than others who had status, power and wealth. Those who had accumulated those things during the exile were using them to gain even more - at the expense of the Israelites who had just returned from exile with nothing but the clothes on thier backs. They didn't own their land anymore and were being forced to pay interest on what they were borrowing from the powerful Jews just to survive; they were selling themselves into slavery to their fellow Jews just to survive.

Nehemiah put an end to all that. He had the powerful ones agree to stop those practices and to give away their lands to those working the fields. Furthermore, he set the example of generosity and care by inviting many to eat his food regularly. Finally, as Governor, he could have had the people give him food and/or money as pay, but he refused to take it from the people, recognizing that he had more than enough and also sharing out of the wealth he already possessed.

A:
So many with wealth and power use and abuse those they lead to gain more wealth and power. Nehemiah was one who used his wealth and power to serve and help those he led. What an incredible example of leadership! And no wonder other powerful men in the region were opposing him!

Oh, how we need more Nehemiahs in our day and age! I want to keep his example before me and remember, so that with whatever influence I wield, I will use it to serve and help those I lead, not burden or take advantage of them.

P:
Lord, I pray not only for myself, that I would be this type of leader, but also for my nation, that we would have leaders with Nehemiah's character and perspective. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Royal Liberality - I like the sound of that!

2010-10-04T08:15:00.004-06:00

S:
Esther 2:18b (NIV) He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality.

O:
The king was celebrating getting a new queen. He threw a massive banquet in her honor. He gave people the day off and gave them gifts. People didn't bring him wedding gifts, he gave them away. He had an abundance - the kind only a king has - and he shared it extensively with the people.

A:
I love the idea of sharing gifts "with royal liberality." It means you've got more than you can even give away and you are not just happy to share it; as royalty, you know you have a responsibility to allow your people to benefit from your largess.

God is that way in His blessings with me. He has blessed me from His riches far beyond what I deserve, not just in taking care of me materially, but in my relationships, vocation, and spiritually. Peter says that now I'm a part of God's royal family. Thus, I want to be a person who blesses others "with royal liberality." I want to be more aware of opportunities to not only meet others' needs, but to bless them beyond their expectation. That's how I want to represent Christ to others.

P:
Lord help me to see the opportunities to bless others "with royal liberality." Give me the creativity and insight to know how to extend Your blessings to others in ways that cause them to give You glory and seek You alone. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Rejoice in Small Beginnings

2010-09-29T07:24:00.004-06:00

S:
Zechariah 4:10a (NIV) "Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel."

O:
The Lord is encouraging and mildly rebuking the people of Israel who have returned from exile. He assures them that the building of the temple will be completed, that they should not be discouraged by how far they still have to go and the fear of not finishing.

A:
This is a timely word for me. I am a little weary and discouraged about the work ahead of me (both pressing me right now and the stuff down the road) for my PhD program. Yet this verse reminds me to rejoice in the positive small beginning I have forged - the completion of my first semester, the good start to the 2nd semester. I need to let that encourage me and be assured God continues to walk with me through this time, strengthening me to complete the work I have begun, just as He has promised to complete the good work He has begun in me (Philippians 1:6).

P:
Lord, thanks for small beginnings. Help me to rejoice in them. Help me to trust you to build upon the foundation laid in those small beginnings - in my school work and in all my life. Give me the strength to persevere and to experience Your joy and peace on the journey. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Taking a Stand Leads to People Taking Sides

2010-09-21T08:50:00.003-06:00

S:
Luke 4: 22, 28-29 (NIV): All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked....All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.

O:
Everyone loved Jesus. They were amazed at his teaching and healing power. They were impressed with his insight and the authority with which he spoke and acted - until he told them something they didn't want to hear. He told them that they lacked faith, that they represented a people (Israel) that lacked faith. Oh how quickly they turned.

A:
One of the things leadership guru John Maxwell says is that it's a leader's job to define reality for his followers. That's what Jesus did. Leaders tell it like it is. They make tough calls. They sometimes need to say or do or decide unpopular things because it is what is right and good, even when the followers don't see it that way. I find myself in such a position more often than I'd like. I feel the criticism (although noone has yet tried to throw me off a cliff). It comes with the territory. Jesus knew that & I must remember that. Leaders take stands and people draw up sides, but the leader must not be swayed by the crowd, only by his convictions and the voice of the Spirit of God in his life.

P:
Lord, help me to hear Your voice alone and to act courageously, regardless of the many other voices that may be clamoring for my attention. In Christ's name, amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post. S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Two Sides of the Leadership Coin

2010-09-20T09:11:00.003-06:00

S:
Daniel 6:4 (NIV) At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.

O:
The other administrators were jeolous of Daniel's success as a leader and administrator, so they plotted to take him down. They assumed that someone in such a position of power (one of the top 3 officials beneath the king) would have some skeletons in his closet. They found none.

A:
What a high standard this man of God set! He was not only reverent towards God and humble towards both God and men, but he was also an excellent leader and administrator. He was not corrupt AND he was not incompetent. If only that could be said of all our nation's leaders...
As a leader myself, it is important that these two things be true of me as well - not corrupt nor negligent. I not only want to be a man of God in my faith, I want to represent him well as an excellent leader. Daniel lays out the standard.

P:
Lord, you know my heart. You know the wekness and sin in me. You also know my skills and abilities; you made me. Give me the faith, courage, skill, and faith to be an excellent leader - neither corrupt nor negligent - for Your glory. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post. S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Repentance Can Mean Life or Death

2010-08-30T09:39:00.004-06:00

S: Ezekiel 9:4, 10 (NIV)

4 and said to him, "Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it."

10 "So I will not look on them with pity or spare them, but I will bring down on their own heads what they have done."

O:
God is showing Ezekiel how he will punish those who have been lying, killing, cheating and worshipping false Gods in Israel, especially the city leaders. God is very angry, but even in his anger, he has mercy on those who are repentant, those who are grieving over the terrible things happening in Jerusalem.

A:
I noticed God didn't say to spare only those who had not sinned, rather those who grieved. He might not have spared any, except that some were truly sorry for the sin of the people - their own sin and their brothers & sisters' sin.

God's call on my life to live rightly does not mean to live perfectly, but it does mean I should grieve over my sin and the sin of my people. It does mean that I must genuinely turn from it - in my heart & mind & actions and seek God.

P:
Lord, help me and teach me to grieve over my own sin, to turn from it and seek Your righteousness. Break my heart over the sin of the people I live among (family, friends, city, state, nation). Help me to interceed for others. Make us a repentant people and have mercy on us. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post. S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Maybe they should be called "sacred snakes" instead of "sacred cows"

2010-07-21T08:14:00.003-06:00

S:
2 Kings 18:4 (NIV) He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan.)

O:
Hezekiah was bent on destroying all idols and places of idol worship. One of the idols he destroyed was a bronze snake that Moses had made at God's instruction generations earlier (See Numbers 21:4-9 for the story).

A:
I am struck by how inclined we are to set up idols in our lives. Here the people of Israel had turned this bronze snake into an object of their worship. When it was made, its intent was to bring glory to God, to point people to Him, to cause them to praise God alone; yet, over time, it became an idol.

This makes me want to examine my own life and practice. Is there anything in it that may have started out legitimately as a tool or practice for aiding me in my worship of God that has itself become an idol? As I think about the practices of my church, I ask the same question. Is the music I want to sing something that facilitates my worship of God or has it become something that distracts me from worshipping God? Has my job as a pastor become something that hinders my true worship, buffering me from truly coming to God in desperation and surrender? I'm not sure but these are good questions to ask. I don't want any idols to sneak into my life. Looking at the story from 2 Kings helps me to see it can happen very subtly.

P:
Lord, show me any areas of my life where I have unwittingly set up idols that have siphoned off my worship of you alone. Show us as a church if any such idols exist in our worship. Give us the discernment to see when something that once served us in our worship has become an object of worship that needs to be removed and destroyed. You alone deserve worship, God. In Jesus' name, Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Playing Disc Golf with God

2010-07-17T07:36:00.002-06:00

So, the other day I decided to spend part of my Sabbath time playing disc golf with God. I got the idea from my friend, Michael Sabo, who always used to talk to me about how he practiced playing racquetball with Jesus.

The idea goes like this: 1) Jesus promised to always be with us; we have His Spirit, so we know that's true. 2) Jesus cares about the intimate details of our lives; all of our life is sacred/holy in that regard. 3) We are to do all things to the glory of God; that includes recreation. Therefore, 4) Shouldn't we actively (in the words of Brother Lawrence) practice the presence of God even when we are playing? Michael always talked to me about how different it is to play while actively acknowledging God's presence.

So, I was on the disc golf course early and by myself. I prayed & talked to God as I threw my discs. I had some time of confession and petition. It was peaceful. I even got the sense that Jesus was enjoying walking through Cottonwood Creek Park with me. Even so, I still got a little frustrated at one point with my putting game. So, I sat down on the 12th tee box, pulled out my phone and started reading part of that day's Bible reading; it was Hebrew's 12. I read the first part of verse 2, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith," and had a moment where I felt like God spoke to me about the relationship between my inconsistent putting game and my inconsistent spiritual life. Here it is:

When I am putting well consistently, I take the time on each putt to aim for a very specific point on the post, right in the middle of the chains, above the basket. I ensure my front foot is pointed directly at the post. I stare right at that spot all the way through my windup, release and follow-through of my putt. I "fix" my eyes on it. When I'm putting poorly or inconsistently, I kind of just putt "from the hip." I'm looking at the basket, but not at that specific spot, just kind of generally in that direction. Sometimes I get it in, but just as often or more often, I hit the chains or the basket & it bounces off - I just miss!

God showed me that my life in Christ is often just like my putting game - "from the hip." I'm not consistently "fixing" my eyes on Jesus. I'm looking in his general direction, so I'm around the right spot, but often miss the mark (to sin means to miss the mark). I need to more consistently and intentionally fix my eyes on Jesus, moment by moment if I want to be more like him.

That was a very cool lesson for me. And by practicing God's presence, even on the disc golf course, I am learning how to more carefully and consistently fix my eyes on the One who gave me faith and the One who is perfecting it in me.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

I'm Reaping What I've Sown

2010-07-07T07:17:00.004-06:00

S:
Hosea 10:12-14a (NIV)

12 Sow for yourselves righteousness,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the LORD,
until he comes
and showers righteousness on you.

13 But you have planted wickedness,
you have reaped evil,
you have eaten the fruit of deception.
Because you have depended on your own strength
and on your many warriors,

14 the roar of battle will rise against your people,
so that all your fortresses will be devastated—

O:
God, through the prophet Hosea, is passing judgment on His people (Israel & Judah). He declares that they would receive blessing if they had sown in righteousness but because they continue to sow evil, they will reap evil.

A:
"You reap what you sow." It's one of those universal truisms. I've always kind of wondered if that came from the Bible. I think there are multiple places in Scripture with that theme, but maybe none so explicit as in Hosea. This morning, reading the selected passages and these verses in particular got me thinking about repentence differently. Repentence is not saying, "I'm sorry," or "I'll try not to do that again." Rather, it is sowing a new, different kind of seed altogether.

Sometimes I am disappointed and unsatisfied with the "harvest" in my own life. I want to see more joy, more advances for the Kingdom of God around me and in my own soul. I realize that I am reaping the harvest of what I have sown. I need to repent and start sowing a different, better seed of righteousness, one fertilized in more prayer, faith, and obedience. Then, in God's timing, I will reap the harvest I desire to experience.

P:
Lord, forgive me for some of the weeds I have sown. Help me to sow new seeds of faith and righteousness that will produce the kind of harvest You desire in my life and around me. I need Your Spirit to guide me and stregthen me, becuase it's easier to sow seeds of the flesh than of Your Spirit. Thanks be to God for Christ Jesus, who gives me power to overcome my Self and live by the Spirit. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post. S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Don't Leave a Foothold

2010-07-04T06:56:00.005-06:00

S:
2 Kings 15:3-4 (NIV) He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.

O:
King Amaziah tried to follow after God - worship Him faithfully, administer justice, etc. Yet, he was not thorough in purging idol worship from the land. There were still places of worship to other gods on hilltops throughout the land, and presumably, some people still worshipped there, rather than at the Temple.

A:
God is reminding me of the danger of not cleansing myself of all unrighteousness. It is good to do right in the eyes of the Lord, but still necessary to be vigilent to destroy every potential stronghold of the Devil in my life - thoughts, attitudes, habits; anything that might become a stumbling block for me or others. The pursuit of holiness requires vigilence. Otherwise, when I least expect it, I may become ensared in sin, or I may cause others to become ensnared in sin.

P:
Lord, only You have the power to show me every wicked way within me. I too easily deceive myself into thinking I'm doing well. Cleanse me and purify me; make me whole and make my life pleasing to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post. S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

The Verdict is In; Our Boy is Out

2010-06-22T15:36:00.002-06:00

"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." These are the prayerful words of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:12b (NIV). I read those yesterday prior to attending a court hearing in which the fate of our foster son was to be decided, specifically, whether we would be able to pursue adopting him or instead, he would be removed from our home and sent to his great-grandmother. You can imagine that Penny and I were full of all kinds of emotions on Monday. As it turned out, Anthony will be leaving our home in about a week. The court decided that it was in his best interest to be placed with a relative.

How are we supposed to respond to such a decision? For over a year, we have raised him as our own child. Now, we have to let him go as though he were just a long-term house guest. Jehoshaphat’s words not only applied before the hearing, but also now, after it: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you [God].”

Penny, the kids and I greatly appreciate all of your prayers and support this past year during our foster family adventure. God taught us many things (good and bad) about ourselves during that year. I think he did some good molding and shaping of us during that year. I know we had a positive impact on Anthony’s life. We gave him love, safety and introduced him to Jesus Christ. We will have the opportunity to maintain some contact with him going forward. For that, we are grateful.

We will grieve, but not as those who have no hope. We trust God. He brought us Anthony and now He’s taking him away. We do not understand “why,” but we do trust Him. We are convinced God will work these circumstances for our good, and for Anthony’s. Our eyes will be upon Him in the days and weeks and years to come. It is all we can do.

'Who You Gonna Call?'

2010-06-21T07:51:00.003-06:00

S:
2 Chronicles 20:12b (NIV) "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."

O:
The nation of Judah is under attack by a vast army. The king has called all the people together to fast and pray and seek God's help in the midst of this challenging situation. These words are part of his confession/prayer to God.

A:
These words describe how I feel today. There is no vast army arayed against me; nonetheless, I find myself faced with a battle that I cannot fight. Today we go to court to learn the fate of our foster son, whom we have loved as our own for just over a year. Today, we could hear the judge say he is being removed, or we could hear him say that he will be ours permanently. We have no control in this matter. We are at the judge's mercy. Yet, I say with Jehosephat, "our eyes are upon you [God]." We trust God, who can control armies and kings, to guide the judge's decision. We are confident that no matter what the decision, God was active, not absent.

P:
Lord, You know the desires of our hearts. You also know the plans You have for us and for Anthony. Help us to conform our hearts to Yours and our plans to Yours and to praise You and trust You, no matter what happens today. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post. S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

A Little Folly Goes a Long Way...toward Ruin

2010-06-09T12:06:00.005-06:00

S:
Ecclesiastes 10:1 (NIV) As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV) Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

O:
The Apostle Paul exhorts Christ-followers to live carefully and wisely, not wasting time or resources, but maximizing every opportunity to advance the kingdom of God. King Solomon vividly points out that even a little folly can ruin a person who is normally wise and honorable.

A:
These verses convict me as I endeavor to be more disciplined in my use of time. With school and work and family obligations, I must use every moment wisely. Yet, I still want these little moments of wasting time, not rest - I know that's necessary, but just being idle. I already find myself looking over the past week and thinking, I could have used that time to be in the Word or in prayer; I could have used that time to invest in my relationships with one of my kids or with my wife; I should have been reading a school text instead of goofing off. I am seeing how precious my time is and how important it is to redeem every moment. My selfishness wars against this need.

P:
Lord, please give me wisdom to do what needs to be done and the strength to resist my selfish, time-wasting desires. I want you to be glorified each moment of my life. I want to be a man of wisdom and honor, not folly. Please make that true of me, in Jesus' name. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post. S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Only One Option

2010-06-04T07:36:00.005-06:00

S:
Psalm 60:9-11 (NIV)
9 Who will bring me to the fortified city?
Who will lead me to Edom?

10 Is it not you, O God, you who have rejected us
and no longer go out with our armies?

11 Give us aid against the enemy,
for the help of man is worthless.

O:
The Psalmist is crying out to God, recognizing his dilemma: God has been punishing his people, yet his people must turn to Him for help if they have any hope of defeating their earthly enemies.

A:
I find myself here so often. I have rebelled against the Lord, being stubborn in some willful act of disobedience, only to find myself desperate to change and nowhere to turn - except to the very One I have been resisting! Our God is such a merciful and patient Lord. I continue to be amazed that there is only One Person to whom I must turn, no matter what the trouble. If I am having a hard time trusting God, or following God, or praying to God; whom can I ask for help and expect the perfect help? God, himself! That is why I can relate so well to the prayer from the Gospels, "I believe; forgive my unbelief." God knows my weakness, even my weakness when it comes to relating well to Him; yet, He invites me to turn to Him and lay that burden at His feet as well.

P:
Lord, Jesus, I believe; forgive my unbelief. I struggle to walk with you consistently. Give me the desire and strength to lean more closely into you through more prayer and more time in Your Word. I need You. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/ or just click the title of this post.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Great Leadership Requires Teachability

2010-05-20T08:03:00.005-06:00

S: Romans 1:11-12 (NIV
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.

O:
The Apostle Paul is writing to the church of Christ-followers in Rome. He is eager to visit them, to teach them what he has been learning from Christ through the Holy Spirit. Yet, he also expects to be edified by members of the church there.

A:
I've been studying a great deal about leadership theory lately. It's refreshing to do so in an environment that acknowledges and embraces the truth that the Bible has MUCH to say about the nature and practice of leadership. Here is yet another lesson: Leaders need to be open to learn from their followers. That requires humility and an ability and desire to listen to those one would presume to lead. I want that to be true of me as a leader. I just spent a week with a group of other leaders from around the country and around the world. They all modeled that kind of leadership to me, and I hope, I did as well. Christ-followers ought to be the best leaders in the world!

P:
Lord, I pray for myself that you would keep me humble and teachable. I can be a great leader to the extent that I remain dependent on and in step with Your Holy Spirit. Give me the desire and will to live and lead from that posture. I pray this also for my friends in my PhD cohort, as they also seek to lead others in a way that points others to Christ. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post. S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Recognizing a Job Well Done

2010-05-11T06:03:00.003-06:00

S:
2 Samuel 19:6 (NIV) You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead.

O:
King David is mourning the death of his son, Absalom, who betrayed David. The army destroyed him and his armies, defending David, their king, and his whole household. Yet David is grieving Absalom, rather than praising and rewarding his army for their faithful service to him.

A:
Sitting in this leadership course this week has me reflecting yet again on the nature of leadership and the actions and decisions of leaders. The men have every reason to be proud of themselves and their valient effort, yet, because their leader is not, they are not. People need their leader to praise them, to recognize their effort, to say "Well done!" for a job truly done well. When they do what they're supposed to and receive a message of disappointment from their leader, they are lost, discouraged, and won't stick around very long, let alone fight hard for the leader the next time around. I've got a great team of people that I lead; do I praise them enough? I have a wonderful family that works hard and lives life for God; do I praise them enough? I am proud of the people around me whom I lead. I need to let them know. Some day I hope to hear from my leader, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

P:
Lord, teach me and help me to lead well. Help me to recognize and reward and praise the efforts of those around me, those You have called me to lead. Bless them and their efforts. May they bring You glory. May I do so also, as I lead them. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post. S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Success

2010-05-05T05:43:00.004-06:00

S:
Psalm 20:4 (NIV) May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

O:
The Psalmist sings (prays?) that the prayers of the child of God would be answered graciously by God.

A:
As I arose early this morning, anxious about my upcoming PhD studies/program, these words gave me some comfort. The Lord has brought me to this place. I believe it's His plan that I take this journey right now; thus, I can rest in Him, confidently asking Him to make me successful.

P:
Lord, You are certainly able to bring me through this phase of my life successfully. I ask You to bless my efforts in this PhD program. Bring glory to Yourself; grant me success, in Christ's name, amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post. S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Do the Right Thing

2010-05-04T07:45:00.004-06:00

S:
1 Chronicles 19:13 (NIV) "Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The LORD will do what is good in his sight."

O:
These are Joab's parting words to his brother as they divide the army of Israel and fight on two fronts - a risky battle strategy. His words demonstrate a willingness to do what he believes the Lord would have him do AND great faith that the Lord will do what is right.

A:
I am always impressed and challenged by this kind of attitude displayed by Joab. I want to have a kind of faith that does both of the things Joab's does: 1) fierce resolve to do what he thinks is right, even if it is very difficult and 2) total trust in God to do what is right. That doesn't guarantee success in what I do (Joab didn't indicate confidence in a military victory), but it does demonstrate confidence in God and guarantee the Lord will be glorified. As I think about our situation with our foster son, I want to ensure I'm responding to the situation and to God in this way - with fierce resolve to act and do what I think is right and also with total trust in God to do what is right - according to Him, not me.

P:
Lord, give me the faith to trust you totally and the strength to act confidently, knowing that You will do what is right, for Your glory. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post. S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Who's Your Daddy?

2010-05-03T05:23:00.005-06:00

S:
Psalm 2:7 (NIV) I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my son; today I have become your father."

O:
King David is recalling in his psalm that God has shown him special favor. God has claimed David as his own and given him the privileges of being God's son - inheritance, protection, favor, etc.

A:
As a dad,you pour a lot of yourself into your son. You place a lot of hopes and dreams on him. You work hard to make him a success. You bless him and discipline him, all with the hopes that he will represent you, and himself, well. You want the best for him and you give him your best.

What does it mean for God to call me "son"? In many ways, God also disciplines me and blesses me. He calls me out to represent Him well. But to be His son also means to have an eternal inheritance that no one and nothing can take away. To be His son means to live with the freedom and power to act in this world as an agent of the kingdom of God. That is great responsibility! Yet, God gives me His power, throught the Holy Spirit, to do it.

P:
Lord, I am glad to be a son of God today. Help me to represent You well, to act as Your representative, and to make You proud today. Amen

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post. S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

God is With My Boy!

2010-04-29T07:21:00.005-06:00

S: Psalm 139: 5, 16b (NIV) You hem me in - behind and before me; you have laid your hand upon me...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

O:
David is observing just how powerful God is and how much God cares for him and knows him.

A:
God is giving me this promise today for my foster son. Even as I am writing this, he just crawled up beside me and asked me what I was doing. I explained to him that I was reading about how God goes with him everywhere and there's no way for him to hide from God and how God will take care of him. He asked me, "What if I hide in the garden, will Jesus see me?" "Yes!," I answered. He asked me about several more scenarios. I assured him that Jesus would find him and love him and protect him, no matter where he goes.

Ninety minutes from now I'll be in court where a judge is likely to rule that he will be removed from my family after nearly a year with us. He'll be sent far away, to a relative he does not know, to a place he does not know. My heart aches for him (and for us), but God gives both of us Psalm 139 as a reminder that He is in control and He will care for our beloved children and us - becuase we all are His beloved children.

P:
Lord, You know the ache in my heart right now. Thank You for this reminder from Your Word. I'm still praying to keep our little boy, but I trust You to keep and care for him no matter what. In Jesus' name, amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post. S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

More Than Enough Bread to Satisfy

2010-04-28T14:30:00.003-06:00

S:
Matthew 15:35-37 (NIV) He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

O:
Jesus took a little bit of bread, blessed it and broke it, and fed over 5,000 people with more leftover than he started with.

A:
I recently heard a man confess, as he held the bread of Communion, “I’m not sure there’s enough bread to cover the sin in my life.” Immediately these verses from Matthew 15 came to my mind. I had never connected the feeding of the 5,000 to Holy Communion before that moment. As I read these verses again now, I can’t escape the connection. The people are hungry, in need, desperate. One person, Jesus, breaks enough bread to feed them all. He multiplies it by the miraculous work of God. So too, the broken body of Jesus, represented by the bread of Communion, has a multiplying effect. Jesus’ broken body – though it was just the body of one man – is a sufficient sacrifice to cover all the sins of all the people of the world past, present and future. The Bread of Life never runs out; it always fully satisfies; it meets my deepest, most desperate needs for forgiveness; it satisfies my spiritual hunger for reconciliation to God.

P:
Lord, Jesus, thank You for feeding me with the Bread of Life. I praise You that You never run out of that Bread. Thank You for Your forgiveness and mercy and grace. You are all I need. I am satisfied in You. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/or just click the title of this post. S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

What to Do When You're Just Not Feeling It

2010-04-22T07:34:00.003-06:00

S:
Psalm 63:1 (NIV) O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

O:
David is pouring out his soul to God. He is tired and running on empty. He's running for his life in the dessert and turns to the Lord for help, comfort, assurrance, peace, and strength.

A:
The Lord is reminding me that when I feel empty and dry, whether it's physically or spiritually, that I can turn to Him. I sometimes feel this dilemma - when I feel this way, I don't have the desire to pursue God like David did; I tend to draw within myself and become more selfish and self-centered (which makes me even less inclined to turn towards God). God is using this verse to remind me that He is the One who can change and fill my heart and soul. When I don't feel like turning to God, where can I go to get help with that? God, of course. God hears and answers honest prayers that confess dryness and lack of desire for Him. He can change those feelings in me - if I ask Him to.

P:
Lord, You know the condition of my heart. You know that I sometimes struggle to seek You and thirst for You like David did. You know I feel that way right now. Will You please help me with this? Will You give me a greater desire and longing to seek You? Will You change my heart to want You and You alone? Help me to resist the urge to turn away from You when I just don't feel like pressing on into the life to which You have called me. Please forgive my lack of faith and my selfish ways. Make me the man You intend and draw me close to You. Please fill my heart and soul with a sustained desire to walk closely with You. I can't make it happen on my own and there's no Oneand no thing I can turn that can do this. Only You can. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/
or just click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

You say, "Let it Go!"

2010-04-14T09:29:00.004-06:00

S:
1 Samuel 15:9 (NIV) But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves band lambs—everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed.

O:
God had given Saul the command to destroy everything of the Amelekites completely. Saul & his army saved some choice stuff (claiming they wanted to sacrifice it to the Lord).

A:
Unwilling to destroy the nice stuff but willing to destroy the despised stuff - sounds like me sometimes. I'm willing to get rid of stuff that God says get rid of most of the time, especially when I don't like it or want it anyway! When it comes to something of this world I'd rather have however, it's sometimes a different story. God is reminding me once again that the call to follow Him is an all or nothing proposition. I can't keep the things of this world that I like & add Him in on the side. He calls me to choose Him completely and set aside the things of this world (even the really choice things) that may come between us.

P:
Lord, You know the things of this world that I still cling to. Give me the courage and ability to consistently reject those things in order to follow You unhindered. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/
or just click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

A Tough Balancing Act

2010-04-12T06:59:00.004-06:00

S:
1 Samuel 13:11-13a (NIV) "What have you done?" asked Samuel. Saul replied, "When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash, I thought, 'Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORD's favor.' So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering."
"You acted foolishly," Samuel said.

2 Corinthians 12:10b (NIV) For when I am weak, then I am strong.

O:
Saul felt the pressures of life. He was afraid - afraid the Philistines would attack, afraid his men would scatter, afraid Samuel wouldn't show up. He knew his position was weak and precarious. In his fear, he disobeyed God and offered sacrifices himself, instead of waiting for the priest/prophet Samuel to come and do it.

(In 2 Corinthians) Paul concludes his statement about his own weakness by boasting that in his weakness, Christ in him, is strong.

A:
These are great contrasts because I can relate to both of these men. There have been times that I've taken matters into my own hands - out of fear and/or weakness - and made a mess of things. There have also been times that I've been in over my head and I've turned to God, trusting Him to save me, knowing I could not save myself. This is the key to something Paul implies, but does not say explicitely. In moments of fear, wekness, helplessness, or despair, I must obey God AND wait on Him (something Saul did NOT do) in order for Christ to be shown strong. God responded to Paul, "My Grace is sufficient for you," (and for me) but it does require me to let God be God. For Paul, embracing weakness so that God could show himself strong meant waiting on God and obeying God. It's not sitting back wringing his hands, nor is it taking matters into his own hands. For me, sometimes it's hard to walk that line of active obedience without trying to take control myself. Here again, I need God to show Himself strong in my life - to help me learn to walk with Him in this way.

P:
Lord, help me to act in obedience without acting on my own.Help me to wait on You without becoming idle or worried or paralyzed by fear or doubt. Help me to trust You fully and to hear You clearly, so that You may show Yourself strong, especially in the midst of my weakness. For Your glory, amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/
or just click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

A Model for Listening to God

2010-04-08T08:00:00.003-06:00

S:
1 Samuel 3:21, 4:1 (NIV) The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word. And Samuel's word came to all Israel.

O:
God regularly spoke to Samuel through the Scriptures. Samuel regularly declared that same word to the people of Israel.

A:
These verses could very well be the Bible verses that justify and demonstrate how this very devotional practice in which I am engaged is supposed to work. While I am not a prophet, I do have God's Word, which allows me to hear from God directly. I also have the Holy Spirit, which allows me to understand and apply what I read in God's Word. When I share what I am hearing on my blog or with others around a table, I have the chance to proclaim God's Word to me to others, just like Samuel did.

What's even more exciting is that each one of us who seek God and submit to His Word and Spirit can do the same. Our world doesn't have to be like those days in Israel when, "the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions" (1 Samuel 3:1).

P:
Thank You, Lord, that You speak directly to me through Your Word and Spirit. Help me to hear Your Voice as Samuel did and to proclaim Your Word as he did. I pray this not just for myself, but for all Your children. I am so thankful that more and more of the folks in our church family are engaging with You in this way. Please use it to transform us and to point others toward You. Amen.

You can read today's reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/
or just click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Choose Your Identity

2010-04-05T07:00:00.003-06:00

S:
Ruth 1:14-17(NIV) At this they wept again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-by, but Ruth clung to her. "Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her." But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me."

O:
All three women's husbands had died. Naomi was going to return to her people in Israel but urged her young daughters-in-law to return to their people (Moabites) and start a new life among them. Orpah went but Ruth remained. She chose to confirm a new identity for herself as an adopted Isrealite.

A:
What I saw today in reading this was the importance of personal choice. We often talk or think of issues like heritage and society when we consider how someone "turned out" or the choices they made. While those things are factors, God still insists we can take responsibility for our choices. Here, Ruth and Orpah have basically the very same heritage and life experience. They have the same choice before them. Orpah chooses to return to her people and their ways and their god. Ruth chooses to confirm her abandonment of those former things and cling to her new identity as an Israelite widow.

I think about my former identity before Christ and my new identity in Christ. Sometimes I am tempted or have opportunity to identify myself with my former life. I am tempted to revert to my former ways, follow former gods. This passage encourages me to draw a firm line in the sand, to take an irrevocable stand in identifying myself with Christ. There's no way to choose both ways; it's one or the other, just like with Orpah & Ruth. By God's grace, I choose Christ today - and all the remaining days of my life.

P:
Lord, it's one thing for me to say I choose You; it's another for me to live it. By Your Spirit, give me the ability to live for Christ alone. Help me say and act with Ruth's conviction that I am a new creation with a new identity in Jesus Christ. For Your glory, amen.

You can read every daily reading here: http://www.lifejournal.cc/bible/
or just click the title of this post for today's reading.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Exchanging Anger for Peace

2010-04-03T09:49:00.003-06:00

S:
Luke 24:36 (NIV) While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

O:
This is Jesus' first post-resurrection appearance to the disciples. He suddenly appears among them. His first words are, "Peace be with you."

A:
As I reflect on the upcoming Easter celebration tomorrow, I also reflect upon Jesus' birth. One of the prophecies refers to Jesus as the Prince of Peace. When Jesus extends peace, it is true peace. I think about the horror and violence of the crucifixion juxtaposed against the gentle figure of the Prince of Peace. It is a humbling thought. In every man, including myself, there is violence and anger. It was my violence and anger that nailed Jesus to the cross, but in return - He gives me His peace. Again I am humbled. My response is the same as the disciples at the Ascension: "Then they worshiped him."

P:
Lord, Jesus, I worship You today. You have taken my rage and replaced it with Your peace. It took the cross to make that possible. It took the resurrection to demonstrate the power of Your peace over my anger. Thank You for Your transformational work. You are risen indeed!

Today's reading is Luke 24:28-53. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Foolish Hope

2010-04-02T21:08:00.003-06:00

S:
Luke 24:11 (NIV) But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.

O:
The disciples did not believe the report of the women. It seemed impossible - even foolish - to think such a thing could be true.

A:
These same disciples, who had seen Jesus raise people from the dead, heal countless ailments, walk on water, cast out demons, defy the religious leaders with his wisdom, and much more, suddenly decided it was time to think the impossible sounded foolish. These women, who were devout followers of Jesus (just like the men), were suddenly (so it seemed) telling big, foolish lies. Seriously?

I think this Easter weekend, Jesus is reminding me that I can believe in the miraculous, the seemingly impossible. I want to hope for my life to be so much more, for God to be so much more real to me. I hope for things for my family and my church that seem almost foolish. Yet, Jesus is risen. That changes everything. There's nothing God can't do. It's time to hope and pray for "foolish" things, and watch God prove that the wisdom of this world is foolishness.

P:
Lord, Jesus, I pray for you to do the impossible in my life and in this world. You've already done it; you continue to do it. Don't let me lose hope in what You want to accomplish in and through and around me - for Your glory. Amen.

Today's reading is Luke 24:1-27. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Power and the Size of a Man

2010-03-30T10:03:00.003-06:00

S:
Luke 22:63-65 (NIV) The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?" And they said many other insulting things to him.

O:
These are the Temple Guard holding Jesus until his "trial" in the morning. They mock, hit and insult a helpless, defenseless, silent man.

A:
I have interest in power and the nature and use of it. With these verses, the Spirit is showing me a negative example. The size of a man - his character - can be seen in how he uses power. There's no denying the guards had power; they had weapons and authority to use them. In this case they abuse their power and take advantage of one who (in appearance) is defenseless. The guards are small men. Any bully with a big stick can pick a fight with a peaceful person without a stick. There's no real power in that. Jesus, on the other hand, shows himself to be a big man. At any time he could have called angels to his defense or likely any other number of pwerful actions that would have incapacitated the guards, but he did not. He held his power in check, because he knew that the guards were really the helpless, weak ones who needed his powerful saving action. Jesus yielded when he could have pressed forward. In his yielding he showed great strength and power. He showed great character and self-control and a committment to his long-term plan - suffering in order to save the very ones who were mocking him.

P:
Lord, help me to have awareness of my own power and how I use it. Help me to use it for good instead of personal gain. help me to be a protector and defender of the weak, not a bully or abuser. Give me a vision for using whatever power you allow me to have for the purpose of advancing your kingdom and pointing people to Christ. Amen.

Today's reading is Luke 22:54-71. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

A Warning and Hope

2010-03-29T06:39:00.006-06:00

S:
Luke 22:31,32,40 (NIV) "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." ... On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation."

O:
Jesus gives the disciples a warning and hope with his words. He warns them that Satan is after them. He warns them that they may (will?) fail and succumb. He encourages them that he is praying that won't happen and tells them to pray, themselves, that that won't happen.

A:
Jesus reminds me here that he is praying for me. Hebrews 2:18 (NIV) says, "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." and Hebrews 7:25 reads, "Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." Jesus knows my weakness and how I fail. He prays for strength and for recovery from failure - just like he did with Simon Peter. That gives me hope to keep fighting the good fight.

P:
Lord, Jesus, thank you for praying for me. Please keep interceding for me. Give me your strength to be the man you are calling me to be. Help me to resist the Evil One and the evil in my own heart. Amen.

Today's reading is Luke 22:24-53. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

I Don't Like Feeling Invisible

2010-03-18T07:31:00.006-06:00

S:
Luke 17:10 (NIV) So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' "

O:
Jesus is giving his disciples instruction in obedience and humility. They should not expect earthly rewards or praises for their efforts in obedience. They are like slaves doing their job.

A:
This verse immediately grabbed me. I thought I was further along in my own humility, but this bothered me. I realized right away how much I still desire praise from people for doing the good that I do (when I do it). I imagine that the best servants are the most invisible. I imagine what it was like to be a slave, longing to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I don't like the idea of being invisible. Where does my (legitimate?) need for encouragement end and my (sinful) desire for praise from others end? I've got to wrestle more with this one.

P:
Lord, along with the disciples, I say, "Increase my faith!" Help me to live and act for You alone. Help me to trust You to reward me as You see fit. Certainly help me not to claim for myself, the praise which You alone deserve. I know that if I do any worthy thing, it is only because of the One Who lives within me, in Whose name I pray, amen.

Today's reading is Luke 17:1-37. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

What Comes after the Comma?

2010-03-17T08:26:00.003-06:00

S:
Luke 16:14a (NIV) The Pharisees, who loved money...

O:
This is Luke's description of the Jewish religious leaders of the day. He didn't describe them as wise or holy or even respected, rather as lovers of money. They rejected Jesus' teaching about money as well as other things of God.

A:
As I read this verse, I felt prompted to ask the question, "If someone were to write about me one day, what would come after the comma?"
Mark Tuggle, who was full of himself?
Mark Tuggle, who was a generous man?
Mark Tuggle, who died early becuase of poor eating habits?
Mark Tuggle, who loved God and people?

I won't get to write the words that follow the comma; someone else will. The way I live my life now will determine what shows up there. I want those words to reflect a life lived for Christ. Is that what people see when they look at me? Talk to me? Listen to me? Is that what God sees when no one else is around? These are the questions God is impressing on me this morning as I reflect on His Word.

P:
Lord, I want the words after the comma to honor You. Help me to live a life that reflects Chrsit, so that You will be glorified in my life now and even when I am gone from this earth. Amen.

Today's reading is Luke 16:1-31. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Who is Your Favorite?

2010-03-16T10:26:00.003-06:00

S:
Luke 15:7 (NIV) I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Luke 15:31 (NIV) " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.'"

O:
Jesus is telling parables to the religious leaders (who are represented by the "ninety-nine" and the "older brother") to illustrate God's great joy at people choosing to stop living life for themselves and to start living for God. The religious leaders think themselves better than the "sinners." Jesus makes it clear that they are not.

A:
If Jesus is telling me these stories, I am the "ninety-nine" or the "older brother." I'm already "in" the family of God. My response is not anger towards the younger brother; it is joy. Still, it raises the question in my flesh, "Do you love that person more than you love me?" It's a natural question. Our kids always want to know who the favorite child is. Penny always tells each one privately, "Don't tell the others, but you're my favorite." At first this bothered me, but I think that's what God does too. That's what the father in this story did. When his son returned, he treated him like his favorite. When the older son enquired, the father said, in essence, "you're my favorite." As a parent, I recognize my capacity to love each of my children fully. I don't have to slight one to ensure another gets her full measure of love from me. When it comes to my children, my love for them is not a zero-sum equation. I have an infinite amount for each of them. This is how God views me too. He loves me fully (even more fully than I love my kids). His love for his newest children in no way diminishes His love for me. Knowing that gives me freedom to enjoy His full love without comparing it (or myself) to anyone else. I am His beloved son. I'm His favorite!

P:
Lord, thank You for the reminder of Your great love for me. It's personal and it's complete, and it's enough. Help me to love others that way too. Amen.

Today's reading is Luke 15:1-32. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

What's My Excuse? What's Yours?

2010-03-15T06:52:00.003-06:00

S:
Luke 14:18-20 (NIV) "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' "Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' "Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'

O:
Jesus is telling a parable about God's invitation to join/enter His kingdom. Those who made excuses as to why they couldn't come represented the Jewish religious leaders.

A:
I was drawn to the types of excuses the invitees gave. The first had to do with possessions; the second, with work; and the third, relationships. These are categories of things that I (and others) might use as an excuse to delay total committment to the kingdom of God. I feel like God is asking me, "Mark, what's your excuse?" These all represent reasons for putting myself as a priority over God. Stuff, work, and relationships can all be great things; God gave each to me, yet, God wants to be first. When He extends His invitation, nothing - not my wife or job or anything - comes ahead of Him. I'm trying to live as a kingdom citizen in the midst of those gifts from God; I have to be sure none of them squeezes God out. This is true for my general call of God as a citizen in His kingdom; it's true if God chooses to give me a specific call or role in that Kingdom. God wants me to be willing to say, "No more excuses. I'm in, 100%, 24/7/365." As Jesus said later in this chapter, He requires my everything if I will follow Him.

P:
Lord, no more excuses. I want to be a kingdom citizen first. Give me the courage and ability to keep anything and everything from getting ahead of that. By Your Spirit, redeem my stuff and work and relationships so that they enhance my kingdom life instead of keeping me from it. For Your glory alone, amen.

Today's reading is Luke 14:1-35. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Private Life Matters Too

2010-03-11T06:43:00.004-07:00

S:
Luke 12:3-4 (NIV) There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

O:
Jesus is warning the disciples against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He reminds them that though they may be able to trick people for a while, God is not fooled. He sees it all and will hold each one to account for the secret behavior as well as the public behavior.

A:
Jesus was the same among thousands as among the few or even by himself. That's the standard to which he has called me. I tend to let my guard down in my personal space and that can lead to danger. It's sometimes easier for my "public" person to acknowledge's Christ's presence than my "private" person. I need more consistency in this area, both for myself and for my family. For long-term effectiveness in life and ministry, there must be great integrity/continuity in my life.

P:
Lord, help me to acknowledge Your Presence with me in my private world, not just my public world. Help me to be consistent in my attitude, words, and actions. Amen.

Today's reading is Luke 12:1-32. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

"One Greater Than"

2010-03-10T07:56:00.003-07:00

Note: I first did this reading and devotional back in January, yet as I reread it today, I am struck by the same passage; thus, I'm re-posting my previous post. It's worth reading again.

S:
Luke 11:31-32 (NIV) The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here.

Note: I'm departing from my normal format here because I recently read an excellent article on a topic Jesus raises in these two verses. The article beautifully explains the superiority and supremacy of Christ over every other hero of the Judeo-Christian tradition and Scriptures. I read the "poem" below in Revive Magazine (Life Action Ministries, Winter 2010, Volume 40, Issue 4, p. 4). The article states that the words written were, "taken from Tim Keller's message, 'Preaching the Gospel'."

Jesus is the true and better Adam who passed the test in the garden and whose obedience is imputed to us.
Jesus is the true and better Abel who, though innocently slain, has blood that cries out, not for our condemnation but for acquittal.
Jesus is the true and better Abraham who answered the call of God to leave all the comfortable and familiar and go out into the void to create a new people of God.
Jesus is the true and better Isaac who was not just offered up by His Father on the mount, but was truly sacrificed for us.
Jesus is the true and better Joseph who, at the right hand of the King, forgives those who betrayed and sold Him, and uses His new power to save them.
Jesus is the true and better Moses who stands in the gap between the people and God, and who mediates a new covenant.
Jesus is the true and better Rock of Moses who, struck with the rod of God's justice, now gives us water in the desert.
Jesus is the true and better Job, the truly innocent sufferer, who then intercedes for and saves His foolish friends.
Jesus is the true and better David whose victory becomes His people's victory, though they never lifted a stone to accomplish it themselves.
Jesus is the true and better Esther who left His ultimate and heavenly palace, and who didn't just risk His life but gave it to save His people.
Jesus is the true and better Jonah who was cast out into the storm so that we could be brought in.
Jesus is the real Passover Lamb, innocent, perfect, helpless, slain so the angel of death will pass over us.
Jesus is the true temple, the true prophet, the true priest, the true king, the true sacrifice, the true lamb, the true light, the true bread.

I also agree with the magazine editor's recommendation to "watch the video by Dr. S.M. Lockridge entitled 'That's My King' as he speaks about the greatness of our Lord." (Ibid., p. 9)Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqTFNfeDnE

P:
Lord, Jesus help me to worship You in spirit and in truth, including the truth about Who You are and what You have done, are doing, and will do. Amen.

Today's reading is Luke 11:29-54. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Keep Asking God

2010-03-09T07:14:00.001-07:00

S:
Luke 11:9-10 (NIV) "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

O:
Jesus is giving his disciples further instruction in prayer, exhorting them to persist in their prayer before the Lord. It will be rewarded.

A:
I believe Jesus is exhorting me to continue in persistent, specific prayer to be able to adopt our foster son. Penny has really been modeling this well to me. I have been more wavering. This passage tells me not to waver. It may be 'late at night' like in the bread story Jesus told in the previous verses, but I need to persevere in prayer on this matter. Penny's direct and persistent prayers are yielding answers from the Lord; what about me?

P:
Lord, we want to keep our foster son. He's become part of our family. Will You make that happen for us permanently? That's the desire of our hearts. You can do it. We ask You to do so, in Jesus name. Amen.

Today's reading is Luke 11:1-28. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Like it or Not, the Kingdom is Near

2010-03-08T20:26:00.000-07:00

S:
Luke 10:8-11 (NIV) "When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.' But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.'"

O:
Jesus is giving instructions to seventy-two disciples he is sending into the surrounding towns to spread the Good News. He tells them what to say and how to act, based on the response they receive.

A:
I was struck by the fact that while Jesus gave them different instructions for how to act depending on how they were received (stay, eat, heal those who receive you; leave those who don't), the message they were to deliver was exactly the same: "The kingdom of God is near." It reminded me of two things. One is that there are some great benefits to entering the kingdom of God - healing, salvation, joy, fellowship and so on. The second reminder is that the message does not change - "The kingdom of God is near." God has brought us right up against the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ; we have but to receive the offer and enter in.

P:
Lord, thank you for bringing Your kingdom into this world and into my life through Jesus Christ. Help me to continue to proclaim the message of the kingdom and to invite others into it through my words and actions. Amen.

Today's reading is Luke 10:1-42. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Did Jesus Really Leave?

2010-03-04T06:38:00.003-07:00

S:
Luke 8:37-39 (NIV) Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

O:
Jesus had cast out some stubborn demons and ruined someone's pig farming business. A certifiably psycho guy appeared to be suddenly sane and normal. All this scared the Gerasenes. They didn't know how to process it. They only knew Jesus was responsible, so they asked him to leave and he did. BUT, he made sure the newly rescued and redeemed "psycho" stayed behind and told those in his town about all what Jesus had done for him.

A:
The people asked Jesus to leave and he did. Yet he left behind a transformed life. He left behind an evangelist. He left behind a witness of God's power and mercy. He left behind the Good News - in the person of the Geresene demoniac. That was enough to ensure that many in that town would come to faith in Christ. So he didn't really leave, did he?

Jesus goes where I go too. He'll be at the gym with me in about half an hour. He'll be on the road with me during the morning commute. Yet, as I go will I tell "all over town how much Jesus has done" for me? If not, it's like the people told Jesus to go away and he did. Thus, they never hear about how much God loves them and wants to redeem them. I am his witness as I go. How am I doing with that?

P:
Lord, help me to see opportunities today, as I go throughout my town, to tell of all that Jesus has done for me. Amen.

Today's reading is Luke 8:26-56. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

A Spiritual Checkup

2010-03-03T10:30:00.001-07:00

S:
Luke 8:9b, 17,18 (NIV) " 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand'... For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him."

O:
In verse 9 Jesus explains that some of the truths of the kingdom of God remain hidden from some people. In verses 17 & 18 he explains that everyone's actions, motives, and response to Jesus will be revealed. Nothing will remain hidden, so people should be careful to listen and respond with appropriate faith.

A:
I was struck by the contrast of Jesus' message being hidden but our response being revealed. Jesus is not just reminding me to have my "hearing" checked, but he's even more concerned that I have my heart checked. Out of my heart flows my response to what I hear. If I let my light shine, if I am salt and light, it is proof that I have not only heard Jesus correctly, but also responded to him in my heart correctly. This passage reminds me that with hearing and understanding comes responsibility to respond with faith and obedience to that which I have heard.

P:
Lord, Jesus, help me to not only be a hearer of Your Word, but also a doer of it, for Your glory. Amen.

Today's reading is Luke 8:1-25. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

What are We Really Looking For?

2010-03-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

S:
Luke 7:26a (NIV) But what did you go out to see?
Luke 7:32 (NIV) They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.'

O:
Jesus is challenging the people to consider what they are really looking for. Are they looking for a spectacle or a prophet? Are they looking for a show or the Messiah? God has given the people two extreme signs - a prophet in the desert and the Son of Man among the people. Yet, they still don't see what God is up to; they seem to reject both signs from God. I almost feel like God is saying, "What do you people want from me!?"

A:
I think I often act like I want something very different from God than what He offers. I want Him to "endorse" my plan or allow me to get my own way. I want "success," happines, etc. That's not what Jesus came to give me.That's not the purpose of God's Word, which He has given, nor His Spirit, which He has given. God not only points out my ingratitude in this passage, but also my lack of vision. I need to see that what God has to offer me is EXACTLY WHAT I NEED. And deep down, it's exactly what my soul longs for.

P:
Lord, help me to want what You want for me. Help me to desire that which my soul needs, which is Jesus Christ and all that He offers to me now and for eternity. Help me to resist my temptation to settle for so many other things that the world offers, which promise to satisfy but ultimately fail me. Help me to see You clearly. In Jesus' name, amen.

Today's reading is Luke 7:24-50. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

With Authority!

2010-03-01T06:48:00.004-07:00

S:
LUke 7:8a (NIV) For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me.

O:
The messengers of the centurian explain to Jesus that he (Jesus) need not come in person, but just to say the word to heal the centurian's servant. The centurian acknowledges Jesus' authority to speak and "make it happen," just as the centurian exercises that type of authority himself.

A:
Just like the centurian, I have authority over people but also find myself to be "a man under authority." This passage reminds me not to get so caught up in my authority over others that I forget that I am under Christ's authority first. Even Jesus did only what the Father instructed (See, for instance, Luke 22:42). If I am not doing God's will, being obedient to Christ, my own authority is squandered. The old cliche is true, "You can't lead if you can't follow." There are some areas of my life in which I am reluctant to follow, yet, as the Apostle Paul says, "I am a slave to Christ." Servants can't just "opt out" when/if they don't feel like doing their master's bidding. Sometimes I do that with Jesus. God wants me to stop. He wants me to truly, willfully be under His authority at all times and in all areas of my life.

P:
Lord, You alone know my heart. You know my successes and failures, the battle for authority in my life. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, strengthen me in my desire and ability to submit to Your authority at all times and in all areas of my life. In Jesus' name, amen.

Today's reading is Luke 7:1-23. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

The Spirit of the Law

2010-02-26T09:16:00.000-07:00

S:
Luke 6:9 (NIV) Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?"

O:
Jesus is about to heal a man on the Sabbath. He knows the religious leaders beleive that to be "work" and thus, a violation of God's law. Jesus sees it differently.

A:
This passage reminds me that the spirit of the law matters. God gave us a Sabbath rest for our own good, not His. It (like all the rest of the Law) is intended for our own good. Sometimes, though, I find it convenient to hide behind the letter of the law (when it suits me). At other times, I exercise my "freedom in Christ." God convicts me that His Law is not intended for my manipulation. Whether I exercise my freedom or not, God's instructions are unchanging, His intent for His requirements remain the same. No amount of "interpretation" gets me out from under God's authority. God knows my heart. My heart indicates whether my actions are obedient; my heart indicates whether or not my intent is to obey the spirit of Christ's law that is at work within me. Whom am I trying to fool? God knows my motives better than I do. Jesus's words are a great "gut check" for my own motives: Is my intent "to do good or to do evil,to save life or to destroy it?"

P:
Lord, I want to do good and to save life. I know that comes with walking in obedience to the law of Christ that is at work within me through the Holy Spirit. Convict me when I hide behind legalism or freedom to do my own will and not Yours. Amen.

Today's reading is Luke 6:1-16. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

What it takes to Fish for People

2010-02-25T06:40:00.004-07:00

S:
Luke 5:3 (NIV) He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
Luke 5:5 (NIV) Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
Luke 5:9 (NIV) When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"
Luke 5:11 (NIV) So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

O:
This is the story of Jesus calling Peter, James & John as disciples. The verses above describe how Simon responded to Jesus' request, miracle, and command. He was faithful, available and humble. Simon made himself available to Jesus for using his boat. He showed faith in Jesus when he lowered his nets. He showed humility in confessing his sin, and he showed even greater faith when he left two full nets of fish -and his career/livlihood - to follow Jesus.

A:
As I began to reflect on this story, I thought the catch was a way Jesus was rewarding Simon for letting him use the boat, yet Simon left the catch to go with Jesus. I think I have always underestimated the quality of Simon's character, his humility and faith, in particular. But the Lord is showing me that to be one of his "fishermen" both are required, in increasing amounts. I have to be willing to leave a good life situation (a big catch) to get something greater that God has in store for me.

P:
Lord, I believe; forgive my unbelief. Please grow my faith so that I will say "Yes!" when you say, "Follw me," wherever that may be. Amen.

Today's reading is Luke 5:1-39. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Authority, Power...and Compassion

2010-02-24T06:23:00.006-07:00

S:
Luke 4:32b because his message had authority
Luke 4:36b With authority and power he gives orders
Luke 4:40 When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.

O:
Jesus spoke and acted with both authority and power. It amazed the people. He also showed great compassion to the people, healing each one who came or was brought to him that day.

A:
This is a gracious reminder from the Lord to me as I struggle with some behavior/discipline issues with one of my kids. God has given me power and authority to teach and correct him. That's part of my job as a parent. Jesus couples the exercise of his power and authority with great compassion. That's important for me to remember. My son (in some ways) is lost and harrassed; he needs authority AND compassion from me. I want my parenting to teach him to submit to me because I also want him to learn to submit to God when he's older. In the same way, I want him to see love and compassion from me because I want him to know that God is full of love and compassion towards him.

P:
Lord, You are the Master of this balancing act - authority, power, compassion, discipline, rebuke, love. By Your Holy Spirit, help me to discipline and parent my son in a way that helps him learn obedience AND know that I love him. More importantly, help me do it in a way that models both Your authority, Your exercise of power, and Your great Compassion so that some day my son will choose to submit to Your authority and receive Your love and compassion for eternity. Amen.

Today's reading is Luke 4:31-44. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

My Fickle Heart

2010-02-23T11:07:00.003-07:00

S:
Luke 4:22a,28,29 (NIV) All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips...All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.

O:
The people liked Jesus and spoke well of him initially. Very quickly they dismissed and attacked him.

A:
I see that I treat Jesus this way sometimes. I speak highly of him and listen to his words. I'm amazed at his wisdom. Yet, the moment I don't get my own way, I throw all my "Jesus stuff" right out the window and act selfishly. Such behavior is an attack on the Gospel.

P:
Lord, thanks for reminding me of just how fickle and selfish my own heart can be. Help me to be more than a hearer or admirer of Your Word. I want to be like Jesus in my actions. Amen.

Today's reading is Luke 4:1-30. Join our church family as we read through Luke, listening to God together. Join the conversation here: http://prctalk.blogspot.com/
For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

What's with the Geneology?

2010-02-22T08:44:00.003-07:00

S:
Luke 3:23-ff Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph...

O:
Luke announces the start of Jesus' public ministry and immediately lists Jesus' geneology on Joseph's side of the family all the way back to Adam. I'm not sure of all the reasons for the list here at this point in the story, but I suspect it has something to do with validating Jesus' call to the ministry upon which he was about to embark. He will soon be called both the Son of God and the Son of Man. He will be called King. Later, the Apostle Paul will refer to him as the Second Adam. All of these titles connect to the story of this geneology - his relationship to the first Adam, the line of Judah, King David - it's all right there. From the beginning, God had ordained this moment. He arranged all of human history to bring it to that moment, when His Son would redeem the world.

A:
God is reminding me through this that He has a call on my life too. He formed me (Psalm 139); He called me to be His son; He has a plan for my life. Now I have the name of Jesus Christ in my family line and the Spirit of God within me. That is enough validation for me to step boldly into the life and ministry to which God has called me. Unlike Jesus, I don't know how my story will unfold on this earth. I do know that God has worked it all out for my good and His glory.That's good enough for me.

P:
Lord, give me the faith and courage to follow you in the ministry and life to which You have called me. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear what You are doing in and through me. Help me to be obedient to the call you have placed on my life and sealed with Your Spirit. In Jesus' name, amen.

For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

An Inclusive Gospel

2010-02-20T12:39:00.003-07:00

S:
Luke 2:32a a light for revelation to the Gentiles

O:
Simeon was prophesying about Jesus, whom he knew to be the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior of Israel, who would rule forever. Still, he included this prophetic phrase about Jesus' mission to the rest of the world, the Gentiles.

A:
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have special favor with God. As a follower of Jesus, I believe I do, yet, God's Word continually calls me to look beyond myself and the church, to the rest of the world Jesus came to redeem. One of the problems we see in the early church is the Jewish followers of Jesus conceding that the message of the Gospel is for everyone, not just Jews. Simeon knew differently and declared it. Jesus is "a light for revelation to the Gentiles," in other words, the light of the world. I do Jesus a disservice when I keep Him to myself. Jesus is for everyone!

P:
Lord, help me to be more bold in sharing my faith, in declaring Jesus as the Light of the World. Thank You for Your special favor, not just for me, but for all who would receive Christ. Amen.

For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Welcome to the Family!

2010-02-19T08:29:00.005-07:00

S:
Luke 2:4b because he belonged to the house and line of David.

O:
Joseph was a descendant of King David, a member of the greatest royal family in the history of Israel.

A:
I guess my mind is still on this issue of relationships and how Jesus changes ours (see yesterday's post). Belonging to Jesus changes my birthright. God has adopted me into His family, an even greater royal family than King David's! I am His child, a co-heir with Christ. As much as I love my own family name and want to "do it proud," I want to wear God's more proudly and loudly. As much as I want my children to be proud of their earthly heritage, I want them to have, know, and be most grateful for, their spiritual heritage in Christ Jesus.

P:
Lord, thank you for adopting us into Your holy, powerful, wonderful, and eternal family. Give me the ability, by Your Spirit, to represent the family well, by loving my brothers and sisters and by inviting more and more people to be adopted into the family by You. Amen.

For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

When Christ is Honored First, His Children Can be Honored Too

2010-02-18T07:28:00.004-07:00

Today's Bible reading is Luke 1:39-80

S: Luke 1:43 (NIV)
But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

O:
Elizabeth, who is Mary's aunt, is honored that Mary would visit her. She is showing great respect to Mary. It is unusual that an elder woman and senior relative would show such deference to this girl. But Jesus changes the nature of everything, even relationships.

A:
There's a ton of stuff in this exchange between Mary and Elizabeth that absolutely fascinates me, but the one thing stuck in my mind this morning relates to the change in relationship brought about by Jesus. Mary goes from 'Elizabeth's little neice' to 'honored mother of my Lord'. This may be the first biblical example, but not the last, of how Jesus changes the nature of our relationships. In Paul's writing, we see how slaves become brothers to their masters and so forth. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about how I'm raising my 11-year old son. He follows Jesus as I do. That makes us brothers in Christ. As I focus on helping him to become a man of God, I've got to learn how to treat him as my brother too. By the time he leaves my home, I have a vision of us standing shoulder to shoulder, brothers in arms, advancing the kingdom of God together. My wife and daughters, too, are my sisters in Christ. What does that mean for how I relate to them?

Keeping Jesus as the only One who sits on the throne of my life gives me the humility to honor my 'lessers' as equals. Jesus gives me a different lens through which to view people. I like the way they look when I view them through His eyes, instead of my own.

P:
Lord, I pray I would be free to honor others, regardless of what the world says about our social status. You have made us all your children. You are the One to whom we give the highest praise and honor, but because of that, You free us to honor each other. Help me to honor those around me, and to model a way of relating that points people to Christ. Amen.

For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Belief or Doubt? Which Word Better Describes How I Pray?

2010-02-17T08:17:00.005-07:00

Today's reading is Luke 1:1-38

S:
Luke 1:18 (NIV) Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."

Luke 1:34 (NIV) "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

O:
Gabriel spoke to both Zechariah and Mary. He made bold promises of a child to each of them. They each responded to the angel with a question. Gabriel responded less favorably to Zechariah than to Mary. At first blush, their questions seem similar. Looking closer, I see that with his question, Zechariah doubted that it could or would happen. He wanted proof. In Mary's question, there is no hint of doubt, only wonder. She was curious about how God would do it, but did not doubt that He would or could.

A:
I think God is speaking to me about how I am questioning Him as to whether or not He will give Penny and me another son (through our foster-adopt process). I talk to Him much more like Zechariah than Mary. Of course, Gabriel has not spoken to me and promised us a son. I'm okay with that. But if it's our desire to adopt our foster son, I should ask and expect like Mary, not like Zechariah. God is not honored by semi-faithless hoping for the seemingly impossible. James 1 reminds me to ask and to have unwavering faith.

P:
Lord, I want to have the kind of trust and faith and hope and awe in You and towards You that Mary has. I believe; forgive my unbelief. Help me to pray with boldness. You know my heart's desire better than I know it myself. Please reveal it to me and increase my faith in You to do what You will - and to be satisfied and grateful with the result. In Jesus' name, amen.

For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

24/7 Hope

2010-02-15T20:33:00.006-07:00

S:
Psalm 25:5b (NIV) my hope is in you all day long.

O:
The psalmist is declaring that he puts his hope in God throughout the day.

A:
What strcuk me was the idea of hoping in God "all day long." I typically feel like I need to hope in God when things are tough or risky. Maybe I would hope for God's protection on a trip or for His wisdom in an important meeting. I don't typically think of needing to hope in Him while I'm brushing my teeth, sleeping, or eating dinner. Yet, this is what the Psalmist does...and what I should do. I need to hope in God for every breath, for holding the universe together, for protecting my family and me from diseases, accidents, and the schemes of the Evil One. Finally, I need to continuously hope in God for securing my eternity with Him. Hoping in God moment by moment is a discipline I need to develop.

P:
Lord, Help me to put my hope in You moment by moment. Help me to acknowledge Your work in providing every breath I take. Amen.

For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

What Sets Me Apart?

2010-02-13T09:10:00.002-07:00

S:
Leviticus 20:24b "I am the LORD your God, who has set you apart from the nations."

O:
God chose Israel as His special posession. He set them apart from all the other nations. I often wonder why God made all those special rules for the nation of Israel - clean & unclean animals, foods, practices, etc. It appears some are for health & hygiene purposes. Others appear to simply indicate what is wrong & right behavior, but some of it is baffling. This verse gives additional insight. It seems the primary reason for all the various laws is to help set the people of God apart from the other nations. In verse 23, God said, "You must not live according to the customs of the nations I am going to drive out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them." He wants His people to live differently than the rest of the world, not just because the world does some bad stuff, but also because He wants His people to live noticeably differently.

A:
I think God is challenging me to consider how I live as His special posession. How do I live differently from the culture around me? Not just, "How am I weird and different?" More like, "How does my different way of living point people to God?" How do I live differently in a way that causes people to ask and gives me an opportunity to share about Jesus? There certainly are some things I can point to - how I spend my money comes to mind first, yet I think the challenge from God to me from this passage is that there are more ways I am like my culture than set apart from it. I need to take some time to meditate upon this and consider if God is asking me to be set apart in some other areas of my life.

P:
Lord, help me to see if there are "unclean" ways of living you want me to change. Show me how to be more set apart (holy) by You and for You. Amen.

I Can't; God Can (and Does)

2010-02-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

S: Psalm 19:11-13a (NIV)
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.

O:
The Psalmist (King David) has just finished extolling all the virtues of God's law and instruction, saying how valuable they are. Here, he makes a personal application of their value. They warn and guide a person. Here, David also realizes that the perfection required by God is unattainable in his human state and strength. He asks God to forgive his faults that of which he is unaware as well as asking for help not to willfully sin against God or be a slave to his sinful desires.

A:
Last night I gave a lesson to some middle school students about the Seven Marks of Wisdom. They include trusting God, seeking wise counsel, exercising self-control, speaking carefully, managing one's resources, having healthy relationships, and keeping balance. All of those are accomplished by being warned by and keeping God's commands, instruction, etc. One problem: I can't do that by myself. Unless God helps me by giving me strength to do what does not come naturally to me, unless God gives me insight to see sin in my life hidden from me, and unless he gives me grace and forgiveness as I work to set aside besetting sin that would enslave me - I am hopelessly lost.Fortunately God is all-powerful and good (one of the themes of the first part of this Psalm). He has promised to do all those things by the power of the Holy Spirit that is at work within me because of Christ Jesus.

P:
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow." Thank You, God that you choose to do in me and for me what I cannot accomplish. Amen.

For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

No Room in the Kingdom for Racism!

2010-02-03T07:10:00.001-07:00

S:
Acts 10:34-35 (NIV) 34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.

O:
Peter had every historical and cultural reason to be hateful and bigoted against Cornelius. Peter was a Jew; Cornelius a Roman. The Jews were a people conquored by the Romans. Peter was a fisherman ("blue collar"); Cornelius was a Centurion ("white collar"). From cultural perspectives, they each would have looked down on and disdained one another. According to Jewish law, Gentiles were unclean ( unholy, not to be touched, talked to, etc.) YET, God said none of that matters. HE accepts people from every nation (read: race, nationality, socio-economic class, gender, culture, etc.) "who fear him and do what is right."

A:
We know without a doubt that God looks at the heart and motivation of a person, yet we still find favoritism and bigotry among those who profess Christ. My brothers and sisters, this should not be! It grieves the heart of God; it damages the witness of Christ; it is SIN.I love living in a country with such racial diversity. It gives the people of God such great opportunity to demonstrate the love of God to every tribe, tongue, and nation. God is prompting me to examine my own heart on this issue and to pray that all those within the body of Christ will do the same.

P:
Lord, Jesus, give Your children the courage to honestly examine our own hearts for the sin of racism or bigotry. Help us to confess it and to remove it. May our witness of Christ be pure and unbiased. Thank you for working for the good of ALL people who love You and for bringing glory to Yourself. Amen.

For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Gifted and Called

2010-02-01T07:44:00.002-07:00

S:
Exodus 31:2-6; 32:3,4 (NIV) 2 "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you" (emphasis mine)
3 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. (emphasis mine)

O:
God gave Moses detailed instructions on how to build various elements for worship - the tent, the basin, the altar, the lamp stands, etc. God also gifted craftsmen with the ability to skillfully follow the detailed directions and create the beautiful, holy items. Even as God was giving Moses these instructions, Moses' own brother, supposedly a leader of the people, was crudely fashioning a little golden calf for the people to worship.

A:
There's so much here about God's calling and gifting and plan.The main message for me as I read this is that God gifts us for different things. When we are doing what He created us to do, it is holy, good, and right. A carpenter, plumber, mechanic, nurse, school teacher who is doing what God gifted him or her to do is doing a sacred task. It is not only priests and pastors whose vocations are sacred. Second, when a pastor (or anyone else) presumes to take matters into his own hands and do the work of the craftsman (or something he or she is not called and gifted to do), bad things usually result. At best, the end result is crude or not well done. At worst, the person has led people away from God by ignoring God's commands.

I feel great freedom to do what God has gifted and called me to do. Right now, that is lead within the local church. The calling & gifting for leadership won't change (that's how God made me) although the context may change. Still, I'll never be a skilled carpenter. I hope I can lead others to embrace their gifting and calling as being equally holy and valuable to God, whatever it is. Firemen can glorify God through working for the Lord just as a well as a pastor. The trouble comes when we try to do things God has not called and gifted us to do or worse, allow "the crowd" to talk us into what they want us to do, rather than God.

P:
Lord, I want to glorify You by working according to the way You have gifted and called me. I want others in the body to do the same. Help us to see all that we do as being sacred, not just the "church stuff." I want my "jobs" as husband and father to be sacred too. Help me see when I may be tempted to do something that you haven't set aside for me. Don't let me lead others astray. Rather, as we listen to You together, help us to live and work in harmony, celebrating the diversity You have created among us, but all listening to You and following Your lead. In Jesus' name, amen.

For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

An Unstoppable Force

2010-01-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

S:
Exodus 1:12a (NIV) But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread
Luke 21:11 (NIV) There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven

O:
The numbers of people in the nation of Israel continued to grow while they were in slavery in Egypt. The more Pharaoh made life hard on them, the more they multiplied.... Jesus warned that there would be many natural and man-made disasters before he returns. He said they would be a sign that the kingdom of God is drawing near.

A:
Last week at church one of our pastors, Jonathan, reminded me that the kingdom of God is always advancing. It's not stagnant; it never retreats. Jesus says its like yeast in dough. The yeast's advance through the dough is inevitable. It's a foregone conclusion. Here's an early Old Testament story that makes the same point. No oppressive government can thwart God's plan or rid the world of His people.

It's a great reminder in light of the disaster in Haiti and some of the troubles we experience in our own country. While things really are bad in so many places around our world, we can take heart that the kingdom of God is advancing and the time of Jesus' return is drawing nearer. Meanwhile, we must do what God has always intended for His people to do, be a blessing to our world.

P:
Lord, help me to not get discouraged or lose heart as I observe all of the tragedy and suffering that exists in our world. Help me, as Your representative, to offer hope and blessing, both for this life and the next. Amen.

For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Flattery Will Get You...Busted!

2010-01-20T08:57:00.001-07:00

S:
Luke 20:21, 23 (NIV) So the spies questioned him: "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth....He saw through their duplicity and said to them...

O:
These men were trying to trap Jesus. They tried to set him up by pretending to be legitimate followers. They declared some powerful truth about Jesus before setting their trap for him. Of course, he saw right through it.

A:
This passage gives me some insight into the "playbook" of God's enemies. 1) They may sometimes speak true words. As an aside, I am fascinated by just how accurate the spies' statement about Jesus is: He DOES "teach and speak what is right"; He IS impartial; He DOES "teach the way of God in accordance with the truth." 2) They use flattery and other appeals to the dark side of human nature. 3) They attempt to hide their true motives. 4) God sees right through their plan.Reflecting on that, I feel like God is reminding me that I may sometimes be inclined to use some of those tactics too. I am tempted to use truth as a weapon sometimes, to "butter someone up" to get my way, to hide my true motives. This passage reminds me that God always sees and looks at the heart and true motivation for any of my actions or words. A good friend of mine once gave me a great word of caution for checking my own words and motivation. He told me to ask myself if what I'm about to say will cast me in a better light than it should. If so, I should double-check my motives and adjust accordingly. That advice, like this passage, help warn and remind me to avoid flattering talk or talk that tries to make me look better than I am. Those are ploys of God's enemies, not His children.

P:
Lord, help me to speak plainly and honestly, to not try to make myself look better than I should. Help me to not use truth as a weapon to trap others. Guard my heart and my speech so that they give glory to You alone. In Jesus' name, amen.

For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

No Whining Allowed!

2010-01-18T07:28:00.001-07:00

S:
Genesis 45:24 (NIV) Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, "Don't quarrel on the way!"

O:
Joseph had just revealed his true identity to his brothers, forgiven them, invited them to get Israel and come to live in Egypt, and given them many fine gifts of food and clothing. He sent them on their way; everything was great. Yet he told them not to argue with each other on the way. That seems like such a strange thing to do. He almost sounds like a mother telling her boys to stop fighting among themselves. What could the brothers have to fight about? All their problems had just been solved! Still, Joseph was wise and discerning. Maybe he suspected his brothers would quarrel about Joseph's sincerity or fight over some choice gifts or even who gets to tell dad!

A:
What this verse reminds and warns me about is my ingrained ability to find something to complain about. In the grand scheme of things, all my problems have been solved, just like Joseph's brothers. Christ has redeemed me and given me eternal life. I have a wonderful family and material blessings. An outsider (especially someone from a less fortunate circumstance) could look at my life and ask, "What could he possibly have to quarrel about?!" This verse reminds me to live each moment with gratitude and to not take my blessings for granted. As Nacho Libre says, "My life is good!"

P:
Lord, it's all too easy to start complaining when I don't get my way or what I want, yet I really have more than I need. Help me to live graciously without complaining, always giving thanks for Your many blessings. Amen.

For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.

Humility is Better than Humiliation

2010-01-14T08:29:00.002-07:00

S:
Luke 14:7-11 (NIV) 7When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8"When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

O:
This is one of Jesus' many illustrations of the value and benefit of humility as a character trait essential to citizenship in the kingdom of God. Humility is better than humiliation.

A:
I'm about to change seats again. I've been at the "head of the table" for three years now. I didn't invite myself to that spot, although I think I did aspire to it. Now I am happy and relieved to be yielding it. I'll still have a good view from the 2nd seat. :) I am amazed at God's graciousness in freeing me from the need/desire to be the boss. I know it's how I was, but He has changed me. It's still weird sitting back and trusting him to exalt me. I guess it's because I have no hope that He will, yet He promises to do it. I'm glad I can give up trying to figure this all out and just have great confidence in God and what He's up to. I can leave it at that.

P:
Lord, I trust You with my life and family and certainly with my vocation. Have Your way. Help me to walk with you in humility, faith and obedience. That's all I need. Amen.

For Today's Bible reading, click the title of this post.

S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.