"For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered to but to minister, and to give his life as a ransom for many. " Mark 10:45
We live in a "me first" society. As long as we can drive our cars at $3 and $4 per gallon. Eat our fast food and shop for things we don't really need, we are satisfied with our lives. We have little time to serve others. Children are placed in front of the television, rather than played with. The elderly are put in homes and forgotten rather than lbeing oved with dignity by their "too busy" family members. Our poorest citizens suffer in the neighborhood next door while we gain another ten pounds eating out every night. Most of us don't know our neighbors nor would we consider bringing them dinner when they are sick, or helping to watch their child for a couple hours.
I am not speaking about the unbelievers, I am talking about so-called followers of Christ. We are so self absorbed that we have forgotten one of the most fundamental teachings that Jesus gave us. Jesus expects his followers to do what he did when he walked the earth. He calls us to serve others before we think of ourselves. He calls us into a life of ministering to the needs of the people we come in contact with. We do not need to be bible experts to minister, we just need a willing spirit and an open heart.
St. Francis of Assisi is credited as saying, “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” It is with this spirit that Jesus ministered with his actions more than his words and that is how he wants us to spread the good news. Show others what a follower of Christ does, don't preach to them. The old saying "actions speak louder than words," should be foremost in our minds as we walk out our faith.
Father thank you that you gave us your Son to be our ministry example. Strengthen us as we get off the couch and step boldly into the lives of our neighbors and preach the gospel with our hands and feet. In Jesus name! Amen!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
No More Excuses
"For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered to but to minister, and to give his life as a ransom for many. " Mark 10:45
As I studied this scripture from the Gospel of Mark, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, "No more excuses." That's right, Jesus did so many things for us in his brief time of ministry on earth. The obvious are shouted from the rooftops and summarized so vividly in John 3:16. But often overlooked is this notion that Jesus "came to minister not to be ministered to."
Jesus, through his example, demonstrated to us how we should live our lives in service to God and to mankind. The Gospel of Mark describes so elegantly that Jesus was a man of action and that he genuinely loved people, all people. We have a tendency to overlook the leadership that Jesus provided in this area. We are so busy to notice the homeless man on the corner. We think the alcoholic lacks will power and self-discipline. We look down on the single mother saying she is having those babies out of wedlock just to get money from the government. The list of excuses is endless. No time, bad neighborhood, too dangerous,....
Jesus had no excuses he just took action. He has set the bar and its our responsibility as Christians to Go! Preach the good news to ALL people! Not the ones that fit into our box, those who will not reject us the first time or even those who may threaten our lives. We have no more excuses for holding back if we are truly to be followers of Christ.
Lord, I pray in the precious name of Jesus to protect us today with your full armor. Send us out into the world like you did your son to spread the gospel to everyone. Show us where to go and prepare hearts for us to minister to. In Jesus name, Amen!
As I studied this scripture from the Gospel of Mark, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, "No more excuses." That's right, Jesus did so many things for us in his brief time of ministry on earth. The obvious are shouted from the rooftops and summarized so vividly in John 3:16. But often overlooked is this notion that Jesus "came to minister not to be ministered to."
Jesus, through his example, demonstrated to us how we should live our lives in service to God and to mankind. The Gospel of Mark describes so elegantly that Jesus was a man of action and that he genuinely loved people, all people. We have a tendency to overlook the leadership that Jesus provided in this area. We are so busy to notice the homeless man on the corner. We think the alcoholic lacks will power and self-discipline. We look down on the single mother saying she is having those babies out of wedlock just to get money from the government. The list of excuses is endless. No time, bad neighborhood, too dangerous,....
Jesus had no excuses he just took action. He has set the bar and its our responsibility as Christians to Go! Preach the good news to ALL people! Not the ones that fit into our box, those who will not reject us the first time or even those who may threaten our lives. We have no more excuses for holding back if we are truly to be followers of Christ.
Lord, I pray in the precious name of Jesus to protect us today with your full armor. Send us out into the world like you did your son to spread the gospel to everyone. Show us where to go and prepare hearts for us to minister to. In Jesus name, Amen!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
A Sure Foundation
"He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure." Isa 33:6
Do you remember when you were in school and were preparing for an important examination? You studied the material and you were confident that you knew what the questions would be and you had already pictured the responses in your mind. You smiled as you laid down your pencil when it was over because you prepared correctly and were properly grounded in the subject matter. You established a solid foundation for taking the exam and passed with a complete understanding of all the course material. God gives us this same assurance when we believe in Him.
Isaiah says of God, "He will be the sure foundation for your times." No matter what occurs and when, God is our sure foundation. This timeless statement of truth has provided comfort to mankind for thousands of years. Martin Luther, John the Baptist, General Washington, and Billy Graham all have read this scripture and found comfort knowing that their God was the sure foundation for their times. Likewise, you and I can read this same verse today and know it is true in our times.
God is timeless. He never grows weary and he never rests. He is always there for us and will never take his eye off us no matter what we are going through. And, he gives us himself freely and without exception. All we have to do to receive this gift is "fear (respect) the Lord," and have faith in him.
When life throws you a curve ball and times become difficult, take your rest in the knowledge that God is there in your season of despair. Continue to have faith in him and he will bring you through your storm. The solid foundation on which the body of Christ stands is Jesus Christ. This was true when He walked the earth 2000 years ago, and it is true today. God is our rich store of salvation, our source of wisdom and knowledge and the bedrock that will withstand the test of time.
Father, may we never grow weary of praising your name. May we always respect what you have given to your creation out of pure love for us. Thank you Lord for being the solid rock under our feet no matter what tries to shake us. In Jesus name. Amen!
Do you remember when you were in school and were preparing for an important examination? You studied the material and you were confident that you knew what the questions would be and you had already pictured the responses in your mind. You smiled as you laid down your pencil when it was over because you prepared correctly and were properly grounded in the subject matter. You established a solid foundation for taking the exam and passed with a complete understanding of all the course material. God gives us this same assurance when we believe in Him.
Isaiah says of God, "He will be the sure foundation for your times." No matter what occurs and when, God is our sure foundation. This timeless statement of truth has provided comfort to mankind for thousands of years. Martin Luther, John the Baptist, General Washington, and Billy Graham all have read this scripture and found comfort knowing that their God was the sure foundation for their times. Likewise, you and I can read this same verse today and know it is true in our times.
God is timeless. He never grows weary and he never rests. He is always there for us and will never take his eye off us no matter what we are going through. And, he gives us himself freely and without exception. All we have to do to receive this gift is "fear (respect) the Lord," and have faith in him.
When life throws you a curve ball and times become difficult, take your rest in the knowledge that God is there in your season of despair. Continue to have faith in him and he will bring you through your storm. The solid foundation on which the body of Christ stands is Jesus Christ. This was true when He walked the earth 2000 years ago, and it is true today. God is our rich store of salvation, our source of wisdom and knowledge and the bedrock that will withstand the test of time.
Father, may we never grow weary of praising your name. May we always respect what you have given to your creation out of pure love for us. Thank you Lord for being the solid rock under our feet no matter what tries to shake us. In Jesus name. Amen!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
An Undivided Heart
"...Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." Psalm 86:11
When we are born again God gives us a new heart (Eze 36:26). David in his deepest hour of trouble called out for God to give him an undivided heart. The King James says "unite my heart."
Our hearts not our minds nor our eyes are the means by which our Spirits experience God. The expression I have "had a change of heart " about something comes from this concept of God giving us a new heart. When we are born again God does not change our minds, he must change our hearts before we will follow him.
God knows our hearts are damaged and unable to accept fully God's love. Our hearts are divided between our love for the world and our love for God. David is calling out to God to change his heart from one that is splitting its time between the desires of the flesh and a desire for God.
What is in your life that divides your heart? Is it money; a job perhaps? Do you love things more than God? You want to serve God with unbridled passion but you yearn for the flesh above your desire for God. Your heart is divided. God cannot come in unless you invite him to a new heart that is ready to receive him. Only God can give you an undivided heart. Ask him right now to unite your hear so that you may fear (respect) his name.
In the name of Jesus, I ask you Father to give me an undivided heart, a new heart, a heart for you. Take your place on the throne in my united heart Father and protect it with the breastplate of righteousness. Turn to me Father and have mercy on me. Heal me from my brokenness. Teach me your way, O Lord and I will walk in your truth. Amen!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Take Courage!
"...but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid. Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down" Mark 6:49-51
When Jesus dismissed the five thousand to whom he fed miraculously with the five loaves and two fish, he dispatched the disciples ahead of him to Bethsaida. On the journey a fierce storm came up and they began to struggle and floundered in the waves. Seeing their trouble Jesus came to them walking across the water.
Jesus asked his followers to step out in faith and go ahead of him to the next town where they would minister. The disciples obediently did so. When the difficult conditions arose and hampered their journey, Jesus came out to where they were and got in the boat with them. He provided comfort in his words, "Take courage! It is I." He calmed the wind, "and they were completely amazed."
This event so beautifully captures how God works in our daily lives through our most difficult circumstances. All God asks us to do is step out in faith and serve him. He knows the journey will be difficult and he wants us to trust that he will be there every step of the way. When the going really gets difficult, Jesus steps into our very situation (our boat) and he calms the storm.
No matter where we find ourselves in life, Jesus is right their with us. The Holy Spirit our Comforter was promised to us when Jesus arose into heaven. "Take courage! It is I."
Father, forgive us for not fully trusting you throughout our times of difficulty. We know your word says you will never leave us nor forsake us. Strengthen our resolve, in the name of your son Jesus. Please comfort us when we are discouraged and face the difficult storms of our earthly lives. Send the Comforter Lord to remind us of your ever vigilant watch over us. Send us out into the world with boldness and confidence that you will be there as we serve you. Cover us in your blood, and prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. Grant us your perfect peace through your quiet strength. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!
When Jesus dismissed the five thousand to whom he fed miraculously with the five loaves and two fish, he dispatched the disciples ahead of him to Bethsaida. On the journey a fierce storm came up and they began to struggle and floundered in the waves. Seeing their trouble Jesus came to them walking across the water.
Jesus asked his followers to step out in faith and go ahead of him to the next town where they would minister. The disciples obediently did so. When the difficult conditions arose and hampered their journey, Jesus came out to where they were and got in the boat with them. He provided comfort in his words, "Take courage! It is I." He calmed the wind, "and they were completely amazed."
This event so beautifully captures how God works in our daily lives through our most difficult circumstances. All God asks us to do is step out in faith and serve him. He knows the journey will be difficult and he wants us to trust that he will be there every step of the way. When the going really gets difficult, Jesus steps into our very situation (our boat) and he calms the storm.
No matter where we find ourselves in life, Jesus is right their with us. The Holy Spirit our Comforter was promised to us when Jesus arose into heaven. "Take courage! It is I."
Father, forgive us for not fully trusting you throughout our times of difficulty. We know your word says you will never leave us nor forsake us. Strengthen our resolve, in the name of your son Jesus. Please comfort us when we are discouraged and face the difficult storms of our earthly lives. Send the Comforter Lord to remind us of your ever vigilant watch over us. Send us out into the world with boldness and confidence that you will be there as we serve you. Cover us in your blood, and prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. Grant us your perfect peace through your quiet strength. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
His Divine Power
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3
How much do we need? It seems the more we have the more we want. I used to think that my financial situation would improve as soon as I would get the next promotion but when I got it I always found a way to spend the extra money. I thought when I bought my first house it was big enough and nice enough, but I always see one I like better. In our consumer-oriented world we want more and never seem to be satisfied with what we have.
Spiritual obsessions can work the same way. I am amazed at the number of different types of "ways to fulfillment" or "paths to enlightenment" there are. All of them are deceptive and often dangerous. But our God, promises spiritual fulfillment simply by believing that he is God and that he sent his Son to die for our sins. In Genesis 15:6, "Abram believed the Lord, and he credited to him as righteousness." Simple, the believer has nothing else to do, in fact there is nothing left to do because God has done it all for us.
I pray that each one of us who knows someone struggling to find happiness or enlightenment through material things and spiritual trickery can simply tell them to believe the Lord, and watch how God will begin to change thier life. Reach out today with all the righteousness that God has graciously given you, and tell someone who is hurting that "His devine power has given us everything we need for life." The search is over! Praise God!
How much do we need? It seems the more we have the more we want. I used to think that my financial situation would improve as soon as I would get the next promotion but when I got it I always found a way to spend the extra money. I thought when I bought my first house it was big enough and nice enough, but I always see one I like better. In our consumer-oriented world we want more and never seem to be satisfied with what we have.
Spiritual obsessions can work the same way. I am amazed at the number of different types of "ways to fulfillment" or "paths to enlightenment" there are. All of them are deceptive and often dangerous. But our God, promises spiritual fulfillment simply by believing that he is God and that he sent his Son to die for our sins. In Genesis 15:6, "Abram believed the Lord, and he credited to him as righteousness." Simple, the believer has nothing else to do, in fact there is nothing left to do because God has done it all for us.
I pray that each one of us who knows someone struggling to find happiness or enlightenment through material things and spiritual trickery can simply tell them to believe the Lord, and watch how God will begin to change thier life. Reach out today with all the righteousness that God has graciously given you, and tell someone who is hurting that "His devine power has given us everything we need for life." The search is over! Praise God!
Friday, January 18, 2008
A Kingdom of Priests
"To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father-to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen." Rev 1:5-6
I spent years in an organized religious environment and I don't remember a sermon being delivered on this scripture. These are dangerous words to be spoken inside a religious institution. Is God really telling us that he has made us to be priests through the blood of his son Jesus? These are words of revolution. How can this be?
When the Holy Spirit began to speak to me four years ago, I heard him call me to ministry. Loud and clear I remember hearing that I needed to be a minister of God's word. To my untrained mind, that meant I had to pursue a three year course of study at a seminary before being ordained a pastor. I began talking with the ministers at my church about my calling. They gave me books to read and a folder full of paperwork to fill out, They told me to pray and seek counsel. I even began checking out seminaries within my denomination. However, no one referred me to this passage of scripture. Had the ministers asked me to consult God's word on the subject, I would have been spared many hours of time and effort.
God chose however, to orchestrate these events and, in doing so, I have come to realize why he chose this path. By thinking my only path to ministry was seminary, I can now see the power that man-made religious practices have in preventing us from enjoying the freedom that comes from the pure word of God. The fact that a layman had to jump through certain hoops to become "officially authorized." to minister the word of God to people served to erect a wall between God and us through which only the ordained priest could permit passage. I have since discovered that God's word gives us complete freedom. This passage in fact, empowers every believer to be a minister of gospel of Jesus Christ. No special school is required only a heart for God and our testimony of how he rescued us from our sinful nature and we are priests!
Father, thank you that you have given us permission and authority to be your priests while we are here in this world. Grant us the power and the incite to recognize the need for your grace in the lives of the unsaved around us. Inspire our hearts through the Holy Spirit to read and understand the simple but life-changing power of your word. Show us Lord how to minister that word to our family, friends and neighbors who do not know you. Protect us Lord with the full armor of God and send us out into the world to do your will. In Jesus name I pray! Amen.
I spent years in an organized religious environment and I don't remember a sermon being delivered on this scripture. These are dangerous words to be spoken inside a religious institution. Is God really telling us that he has made us to be priests through the blood of his son Jesus? These are words of revolution. How can this be?
When the Holy Spirit began to speak to me four years ago, I heard him call me to ministry. Loud and clear I remember hearing that I needed to be a minister of God's word. To my untrained mind, that meant I had to pursue a three year course of study at a seminary before being ordained a pastor. I began talking with the ministers at my church about my calling. They gave me books to read and a folder full of paperwork to fill out, They told me to pray and seek counsel. I even began checking out seminaries within my denomination. However, no one referred me to this passage of scripture. Had the ministers asked me to consult God's word on the subject, I would have been spared many hours of time and effort.
God chose however, to orchestrate these events and, in doing so, I have come to realize why he chose this path. By thinking my only path to ministry was seminary, I can now see the power that man-made religious practices have in preventing us from enjoying the freedom that comes from the pure word of God. The fact that a layman had to jump through certain hoops to become "officially authorized." to minister the word of God to people served to erect a wall between God and us through which only the ordained priest could permit passage. I have since discovered that God's word gives us complete freedom. This passage in fact, empowers every believer to be a minister of gospel of Jesus Christ. No special school is required only a heart for God and our testimony of how he rescued us from our sinful nature and we are priests!
Father, thank you that you have given us permission and authority to be your priests while we are here in this world. Grant us the power and the incite to recognize the need for your grace in the lives of the unsaved around us. Inspire our hearts through the Holy Spirit to read and understand the simple but life-changing power of your word. Show us Lord how to minister that word to our family, friends and neighbors who do not know you. Protect us Lord with the full armor of God and send us out into the world to do your will. In Jesus name I pray! Amen.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Submit yourself to God
"Submit yourselves, then, to God." James 4:7
Proverbs 3:34 says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Stop and think about what that scripture says. God, the Creator of the Universe, the one who caused it to rain for forty days and nights and flooded the world, opposes the proud. The very thought of God's opposition is daunting. Look at what happened to Job when God chose to oppose him. Consider what Pharaoh and Egypt went through when God wanted the Jews released from captivity. Why would anyone want God to be in opposition to them?
The more I read and study God's word the more simple I find the message. All he asks of us is plain, submit yourself completely to Him and he will give you his grace. How elegant is this truth; a love letter from the Maker of all things to his beloved creation. God only wants us, just the way we are. The scripture continues, "Come near to God and he will come near to you....Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:7-10
Father, I submit myself unto you humble and repentant. I ask Father, as I draw near to you, that you draw near to me. Lift me up, pour out your grace on me, and use me fully submitted to your will to be your hands and feet on this planet. Let me serve you with the talents that you so graciously have given me, in any way that you require. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!
Proverbs 3:34 says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Stop and think about what that scripture says. God, the Creator of the Universe, the one who caused it to rain for forty days and nights and flooded the world, opposes the proud. The very thought of God's opposition is daunting. Look at what happened to Job when God chose to oppose him. Consider what Pharaoh and Egypt went through when God wanted the Jews released from captivity. Why would anyone want God to be in opposition to them?
The more I read and study God's word the more simple I find the message. All he asks of us is plain, submit yourself completely to Him and he will give you his grace. How elegant is this truth; a love letter from the Maker of all things to his beloved creation. God only wants us, just the way we are. The scripture continues, "Come near to God and he will come near to you....Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:7-10
Father, I submit myself unto you humble and repentant. I ask Father, as I draw near to you, that you draw near to me. Lift me up, pour out your grace on me, and use me fully submitted to your will to be your hands and feet on this planet. Let me serve you with the talents that you so graciously have given me, in any way that you require. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Consider it Pure Joy
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work in you so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
We often think because we are saved and walking with the Lord that we will live prosperous, carefree lives because we diligently pray and seek the Lord and ask him to protect us. Because of this protection we won't have illness, accidents, and hard times. That is not the case. While God does hear every prayer, the full armor of God, does not guarantee prevention of calamity, it assures us that he will be this us while we are in difficult circumstances.
Why does God do this to us? When we gave our lives to Christ, we did it for his service. Our lives are no longer our own. Just as a runner needs to run thousands of miles to prepare for a marathon, so followers of Christ must experience difficulties in order to build their trust in the Lord. God does not want to get us out of difficult situations he wants to get us through them. He is using trials in our lives so that we are better prepared to serve him and be a testimony to the non-believer whose life will cross our path in the future. Perseverance makes us "mature and complete, not lacking anything."
"Consider it pure joy" the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation. Through your prayer in hard times you will be drawing closer to God; relying on Him for your answers and your strength. You will be waiting patiently on him as you move through a dry season knowing that he is preparing you for another good work that will be more awesome than the one before.
Our prayer. Lord, in the name of Jesus, give us the patience to wait on you through our trials. Draw us near to you in humility as we pass through the valley. Just as an athlete endures the pain of training as he prepares himself for competition, strengthen our faith and trust in you as you bring us through the inevitable trials of our daily lives. Thank you Lord for your unfailing love as you allow perseverance to finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. I pray this in Jesus name, Amen!
We often think because we are saved and walking with the Lord that we will live prosperous, carefree lives because we diligently pray and seek the Lord and ask him to protect us. Because of this protection we won't have illness, accidents, and hard times. That is not the case. While God does hear every prayer, the full armor of God, does not guarantee prevention of calamity, it assures us that he will be this us while we are in difficult circumstances.
Why does God do this to us? When we gave our lives to Christ, we did it for his service. Our lives are no longer our own. Just as a runner needs to run thousands of miles to prepare for a marathon, so followers of Christ must experience difficulties in order to build their trust in the Lord. God does not want to get us out of difficult situations he wants to get us through them. He is using trials in our lives so that we are better prepared to serve him and be a testimony to the non-believer whose life will cross our path in the future. Perseverance makes us "mature and complete, not lacking anything."
"Consider it pure joy" the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation. Through your prayer in hard times you will be drawing closer to God; relying on Him for your answers and your strength. You will be waiting patiently on him as you move through a dry season knowing that he is preparing you for another good work that will be more awesome than the one before.
Our prayer. Lord, in the name of Jesus, give us the patience to wait on you through our trials. Draw us near to you in humility as we pass through the valley. Just as an athlete endures the pain of training as he prepares himself for competition, strengthen our faith and trust in you as you bring us through the inevitable trials of our daily lives. Thank you Lord for your unfailing love as you allow perseverance to finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. I pray this in Jesus name, Amen!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Vision of Daniel
"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like the son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations, and men of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." Daniel 7:13-14
I woke up this morning from a dream about the times I had as a young man working my first job at a golf course. The setting was that same course thirty years later and I was sitting around a table telling my story to some older gentlemen who played golf there regularly. I spoke of the staff that was in place when I work there as these men told me what they were doing now. They had long since left that place and their lives moved in many different directions. Some had died, some had raised families, and others went into completely new career fields. I remembered the dreams of that time, dreams of being a golf professional and considered how much different things had turned out. I awoke from the dream and now I'm sitting in front of this keyboard before I go off to work.
Like Daniel, this dream "troubled my spirit" and "disturbed me." I was troubled because the dream caused me to reflect on what is going on in the world today. The world that we know seems to be spiraling out of control. Global terrorism, rising oil prices, and a falling economy threaten our very existence as a nation. Factions of politicians and lawyers enamored by the teachings of Lenin seek to govern it in a communist fashion. Environmentalists, believing they can change the course of our earth's global climate by taxing and regulating our daily lives in the name of global warming further fuel the communist movement. Violence in our streets, caused by children whose fathers were too busy satisfying themselves to raise them, runs rampant while the power of our police departments is diminished. Even religious institutions, in the name of God, spawn leaders who promote racism, violence and greed.
I was deeply troubled. But, as I read this verse, I find peace. I realize that no matter what I do from this day forward in my life, I know that God is in control. I can save hundreds of thousands of dollars for retirement and it could evaporate under a crippled economy, but God will still comfort me. I could be put to death in thirty years by a government that cannot afford to keep someone around who is not contributing to society, yet God still comforts me. My children may not be allowed to own a house or a car because they have too large a carbon footprint, and God still causes the the flowers to bloom in the Spring and and snow to fall in the Winter.
We are an arrogant people to think that we can affect the outcome of God's plan for his Creation. "His (Jesus) dominion is and everlasting dominion." It was ordained and orchestrated by the Creator of the Universe, the "Ancient of Days." We can only sit back and watch in awe of how much he is control. And no matter what godlike qualities we think we have, we are powerless to alter the path of what God has in store for us.
Father, forgive us for doubting your sovereign power. Those, who cannot see, may it be demonstrated unto them. Use me Father to be your hands and feet in this crazy world. Send me with the full armor of God into all the world to carry out the words of your son, "Make disciples of all nations." I pray this in the precious name of Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords who has been given an everlasting dominion that will never pass away. Amen!
I woke up this morning from a dream about the times I had as a young man working my first job at a golf course. The setting was that same course thirty years later and I was sitting around a table telling my story to some older gentlemen who played golf there regularly. I spoke of the staff that was in place when I work there as these men told me what they were doing now. They had long since left that place and their lives moved in many different directions. Some had died, some had raised families, and others went into completely new career fields. I remembered the dreams of that time, dreams of being a golf professional and considered how much different things had turned out. I awoke from the dream and now I'm sitting in front of this keyboard before I go off to work.
Like Daniel, this dream "troubled my spirit" and "disturbed me." I was troubled because the dream caused me to reflect on what is going on in the world today. The world that we know seems to be spiraling out of control. Global terrorism, rising oil prices, and a falling economy threaten our very existence as a nation. Factions of politicians and lawyers enamored by the teachings of Lenin seek to govern it in a communist fashion. Environmentalists, believing they can change the course of our earth's global climate by taxing and regulating our daily lives in the name of global warming further fuel the communist movement. Violence in our streets, caused by children whose fathers were too busy satisfying themselves to raise them, runs rampant while the power of our police departments is diminished. Even religious institutions, in the name of God, spawn leaders who promote racism, violence and greed.
I was deeply troubled. But, as I read this verse, I find peace. I realize that no matter what I do from this day forward in my life, I know that God is in control. I can save hundreds of thousands of dollars for retirement and it could evaporate under a crippled economy, but God will still comfort me. I could be put to death in thirty years by a government that cannot afford to keep someone around who is not contributing to society, yet God still comforts me. My children may not be allowed to own a house or a car because they have too large a carbon footprint, and God still causes the the flowers to bloom in the Spring and and snow to fall in the Winter.
We are an arrogant people to think that we can affect the outcome of God's plan for his Creation. "His (Jesus) dominion is and everlasting dominion." It was ordained and orchestrated by the Creator of the Universe, the "Ancient of Days." We can only sit back and watch in awe of how much he is control. And no matter what godlike qualities we think we have, we are powerless to alter the path of what God has in store for us.
Father, forgive us for doubting your sovereign power. Those, who cannot see, may it be demonstrated unto them. Use me Father to be your hands and feet in this crazy world. Send me with the full armor of God into all the world to carry out the words of your son, "Make disciples of all nations." I pray this in the precious name of Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords who has been given an everlasting dominion that will never pass away. Amen!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Perfect Peace
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts you." Isa 26:3
Where do you put your trust? Is it your job, your money, your family, the latest new toy? Are you content? Are you at peace with these earthly things?
I wrestle with this issue. I often ask myself whether I trust my earthly idols more than God? I think the answer is yes. It is not surprising really. After all the things I trust are tangible; they are close at hand. I can buy things with my money, I can drive my car. After all I can't really see God. I know He's there but.... So many excuses.
I have this scripture written on a pink post-it note and have it mounted on the dashboard of my car. I see it every time I drive somewhere. I need it to remind me in whom I should put my trust. Seems funny...a post it note.
I guess I am not that different from most everyone. All of us worship our idols. Probably explains why we are restless, not contented with our situation, and cannot be still. We become easily distracted and worrisome about our lives, our minds are not steadfastly focused on God. We spend millions of dollars each year on psychiatrists, self-help books and prescription drugs. We consume alcohol and illegal drugs to relieve the stress and dull the pain. We trust Jack Daniels and neglect the Creator of the Universe. We find ourselves restless, fatigued and frustrated because we place our trust in the idols of this world.
I pray the body of Christ will heed what Isaiah tells us and begin to trust in our Father in heaven rather than ourselves. I ask that the Lord forgive us for our disobedience and begin to heal us from this sin of idol worship. Cleanse us Father in the blood of your son Jesus Christ and wash away our iniquities as we repent and begin to steadfastly trust that all we need is you. "Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us." Thank you Father that you give us perfect peace when we truly put our complete trust in you. In Jesus name, Amen!
Where do you put your trust? Is it your job, your money, your family, the latest new toy? Are you content? Are you at peace with these earthly things?
I wrestle with this issue. I often ask myself whether I trust my earthly idols more than God? I think the answer is yes. It is not surprising really. After all the things I trust are tangible; they are close at hand. I can buy things with my money, I can drive my car. After all I can't really see God. I know He's there but.... So many excuses.
I have this scripture written on a pink post-it note and have it mounted on the dashboard of my car. I see it every time I drive somewhere. I need it to remind me in whom I should put my trust. Seems funny...a post it note.
I guess I am not that different from most everyone. All of us worship our idols. Probably explains why we are restless, not contented with our situation, and cannot be still. We become easily distracted and worrisome about our lives, our minds are not steadfastly focused on God. We spend millions of dollars each year on psychiatrists, self-help books and prescription drugs. We consume alcohol and illegal drugs to relieve the stress and dull the pain. We trust Jack Daniels and neglect the Creator of the Universe. We find ourselves restless, fatigued and frustrated because we place our trust in the idols of this world.
I pray the body of Christ will heed what Isaiah tells us and begin to trust in our Father in heaven rather than ourselves. I ask that the Lord forgive us for our disobedience and begin to heal us from this sin of idol worship. Cleanse us Father in the blood of your son Jesus Christ and wash away our iniquities as we repent and begin to steadfastly trust that all we need is you. "Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us." Thank you Father that you give us perfect peace when we truly put our complete trust in you. In Jesus name, Amen!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Day of Rest
"Six days ye shall gather it (manna); but on the seventh day which is the sabbath in it there will be none." Exo 16:26
As the Jews wandered in the desert upon their exodus from Egypt, the Lord provided food (manna) for them which they were able to gather as it fell from heaven. God told them to gather twice as much on the sixth day because on the sabbath there would be none to gather. God ordained the sabbath as a day for rest. He wanted them to rest and prepare themselves for the difficulty of the following week.
Today we should all take to heart that God set this special day aside for us to rest from our labor. Like the Jews we tend to over extend ourselves and stay busy without regard to the damage overwork does to our health.
Rest and reflect today on the goodness of the Lord. There will be more than enough to do in the week ahead. God bless you and enjoy the day.
As the Jews wandered in the desert upon their exodus from Egypt, the Lord provided food (manna) for them which they were able to gather as it fell from heaven. God told them to gather twice as much on the sixth day because on the sabbath there would be none to gather. God ordained the sabbath as a day for rest. He wanted them to rest and prepare themselves for the difficulty of the following week.
Today we should all take to heart that God set this special day aside for us to rest from our labor. Like the Jews we tend to over extend ourselves and stay busy without regard to the damage overwork does to our health.
Rest and reflect today on the goodness of the Lord. There will be more than enough to do in the week ahead. God bless you and enjoy the day.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Fools Despise Wisdom
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (Prov 1:7)
I have been blessed to have attained a Masters Degree. Many have reached much higher levels of education aspiring to doctorates of philosophy, jurisprudence, and various medical degrees. Advanced education is a key to better paying jobs and a prerequisite for entering most professional fields. Most educated people are well-respected in society and called upon for their wisdom to solve complex problems.
Wisdom and knowledge are most often used synonymously especially with respect to postgraduates. However, Solomon sharply divides wisdom from knowledge. Fear (respect) of the Lord, Solomon explains, is the foundation of knowledge. Knowledge he implies extends beyond book (fact) knowledge. To honor and respect God first is a prerequisite to gaining wisdom.
Many so called learned men and women, claim that God does not exist, because they cannot prove His existence through an academic process. I believe Solomon understood that man with his finite knowledge could never comprehend an infinite God. David agrees in Psalm 14, "a fool in his heart says there is no God." Knowledge of God, is not a brain function it is a heart function. The Bible says that God offers "peace which passeth all understanding," "unsearchable judgements," and "infinite understanding." How arrogant one must be to claim there is no God only because his or her feeble mind is unable to grasp the infinite!
You don't have to be a PhD to be wise. In fact, you don't have to know how to read. Respect the Lord in your heart first and you will have wisdom beyond comprehension!
I have been blessed to have attained a Masters Degree. Many have reached much higher levels of education aspiring to doctorates of philosophy, jurisprudence, and various medical degrees. Advanced education is a key to better paying jobs and a prerequisite for entering most professional fields. Most educated people are well-respected in society and called upon for their wisdom to solve complex problems.
Wisdom and knowledge are most often used synonymously especially with respect to postgraduates. However, Solomon sharply divides wisdom from knowledge. Fear (respect) of the Lord, Solomon explains, is the foundation of knowledge. Knowledge he implies extends beyond book (fact) knowledge. To honor and respect God first is a prerequisite to gaining wisdom.
Many so called learned men and women, claim that God does not exist, because they cannot prove His existence through an academic process. I believe Solomon understood that man with his finite knowledge could never comprehend an infinite God. David agrees in Psalm 14, "a fool in his heart says there is no God." Knowledge of God, is not a brain function it is a heart function. The Bible says that God offers "peace which passeth all understanding," "unsearchable judgements," and "infinite understanding." How arrogant one must be to claim there is no God only because his or her feeble mind is unable to grasp the infinite!
You don't have to be a PhD to be wise. In fact, you don't have to know how to read. Respect the Lord in your heart first and you will have wisdom beyond comprehension!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Thanks to my Sheperd
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Psalm 23:1
I heard my five year old nephew recite the twenty-third Psalm from memory yesterday and I could not help but think how comforting this scripture is. When our busy lives become a jumble and it seems all is crashing down around us, God reminds us through his word that he will never leave us and he will always provide for us. We are the "sheep of his hand," and he loves us.
Father, although we may not always be aware that you are with us, I know you are. Even when we think there is no hope, your light burns in the darkness to show us the way out of our difficulties. Lord, I thank you for being my shepherd, for caring for me, for leading me beside still waters, and for providing comfort for my soul. I praise you for the gift of your only son Jesus Christ and the redemption he brings through his blood. As I stand before you Father, humble and broken, I just want to say I love you Daddy, and thank you for being my shepherd. I pray to you in the precious name of Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords. Amen!
I heard my five year old nephew recite the twenty-third Psalm from memory yesterday and I could not help but think how comforting this scripture is. When our busy lives become a jumble and it seems all is crashing down around us, God reminds us through his word that he will never leave us and he will always provide for us. We are the "sheep of his hand," and he loves us.
Father, although we may not always be aware that you are with us, I know you are. Even when we think there is no hope, your light burns in the darkness to show us the way out of our difficulties. Lord, I thank you for being my shepherd, for caring for me, for leading me beside still waters, and for providing comfort for my soul. I praise you for the gift of your only son Jesus Christ and the redemption he brings through his blood. As I stand before you Father, humble and broken, I just want to say I love you Daddy, and thank you for being my shepherd. I pray to you in the precious name of Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords. Amen!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
His Power Our Weakness
"My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor 12:9
"I can do it 'ownself,'" my grandaughter said when she was a toddler. Katie was two and she thought she could do anything herself. Ususally she would have trouble or get hurt before grandpa could give her a hand.
Not much changes as we age and become "wiser." We continue to do it ourselves in life denying our Heavenly Father's help. Often we experience disappointment and sometimes meet with disasterous results. God has a different approach.
Being a follower of Christ does not carry a requirement to be perfect. God wants only our hearts (broken, hardened or otherwise) and through his grace he makes us whole. Then when he has our heart and we become obedient to his Word then he can begin to use our weaknesses to bring others to him. "His power is made perfect in our weakness!
This dynamic, "his power our weakness," is summarized so beautifully in Mathew 11:28-29. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." (Bring me your worries, addictions, stresses, broken relationships, past mistakes and I (Jesus) will give you peace and forgiveness before my Father.) "Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me;...and ye shall find rest unto your souls." ( Then, after you follow me and receive my grace, begin to learn about me through the Word of God and then I can begin to change you from the inside out and use your weaknesses to demonstrate my power to others.)
We are God's hand on earth. We are the only means by which an infinite being (God) can show himself to finite beings here on earth. It is my prayer that you begin today to follow Christ. There are no prerequisites. Accept the Lord into your heart and begin to follow Him, read and learn about Christ through the Word of God and prayer. God will change your life and will change the lives of others around you using all of your weaknesses as his strength.
"I can do it 'ownself,'" my grandaughter said when she was a toddler. Katie was two and she thought she could do anything herself. Ususally she would have trouble or get hurt before grandpa could give her a hand.
Not much changes as we age and become "wiser." We continue to do it ourselves in life denying our Heavenly Father's help. Often we experience disappointment and sometimes meet with disasterous results. God has a different approach.
Being a follower of Christ does not carry a requirement to be perfect. God wants only our hearts (broken, hardened or otherwise) and through his grace he makes us whole. Then when he has our heart and we become obedient to his Word then he can begin to use our weaknesses to bring others to him. "His power is made perfect in our weakness!
This dynamic, "his power our weakness," is summarized so beautifully in Mathew 11:28-29. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." (Bring me your worries, addictions, stresses, broken relationships, past mistakes and I (Jesus) will give you peace and forgiveness before my Father.) "Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me;...and ye shall find rest unto your souls." ( Then, after you follow me and receive my grace, begin to learn about me through the Word of God and then I can begin to change you from the inside out and use your weaknesses to demonstrate my power to others.)
We are God's hand on earth. We are the only means by which an infinite being (God) can show himself to finite beings here on earth. It is my prayer that you begin today to follow Christ. There are no prerequisites. Accept the Lord into your heart and begin to follow Him, read and learn about Christ through the Word of God and prayer. God will change your life and will change the lives of others around you using all of your weaknesses as his strength.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Everything Belongs to God
"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters." Psalm 24:1
I got news yesterday that my Aunt Emily died, she would have been 98 years old today. I didn't spend much time with her when I was growing up even though she lived about five hours away by car. Our family wasn't that close and we didn't take very many vacations to visit relatives. My wife and I are going to make the trip to honor her memory and try to connect with family members that only seem to gather at such occasions.
Why aren't we more close to one another? Why does it take a funeral to bring us to the same place? Wouldn't it be better to tell the disceased that you loved them while they were still breathing? I am thankful our Lord doesn't feel that way about us.
He created us to relate to one another to love each other and enjoy one another's company but only for a time. Life is short and our time in this present world is only a blink of God's eye. He takes us all home sooner or later yet we seem to think some how we are immuned to death. "We will have time to visit Uncle John next summer, I can't miss this opportunity to go with the guys." "Grandma is as healthy as a horse, besides we just went to see your father last year isn't time for us to make our own travel plans this time?" The excuses pile up and time slips away. Pretty soon its too late and your loved one is gone.
I wonder how God feels when we pass him by to watch television or surf the internet? Does he shed a tear? Does he miss us? I believe he does. Just like Aunt Emily, who longed to hug her children one more time and to hear her brother's voice and remember when they were young, God waits for us to want to be with Him.
The Lord will be seeing more of her now. I wonder if she would have wanted to see the nephew who didn't come around much one more time before she left us. Now I know how God feels.
I got news yesterday that my Aunt Emily died, she would have been 98 years old today. I didn't spend much time with her when I was growing up even though she lived about five hours away by car. Our family wasn't that close and we didn't take very many vacations to visit relatives. My wife and I are going to make the trip to honor her memory and try to connect with family members that only seem to gather at such occasions.
Why aren't we more close to one another? Why does it take a funeral to bring us to the same place? Wouldn't it be better to tell the disceased that you loved them while they were still breathing? I am thankful our Lord doesn't feel that way about us.
He created us to relate to one another to love each other and enjoy one another's company but only for a time. Life is short and our time in this present world is only a blink of God's eye. He takes us all home sooner or later yet we seem to think some how we are immuned to death. "We will have time to visit Uncle John next summer, I can't miss this opportunity to go with the guys." "Grandma is as healthy as a horse, besides we just went to see your father last year isn't time for us to make our own travel plans this time?" The excuses pile up and time slips away. Pretty soon its too late and your loved one is gone.
I wonder how God feels when we pass him by to watch television or surf the internet? Does he shed a tear? Does he miss us? I believe he does. Just like Aunt Emily, who longed to hug her children one more time and to hear her brother's voice and remember when they were young, God waits for us to want to be with Him.
The Lord will be seeing more of her now. I wonder if she would have wanted to see the nephew who didn't come around much one more time before she left us. Now I know how God feels.
Take up your cross and serve
Whosever will come after me let him deny himself , and take up his cross and follow me." Mark 8:34
Jesus chose imperfect people to follow him. He chose prostitutes tax collectors, and uneducated fishermen. He chose ordinary men and women to be his closest friends and to continue his work after he was crucified and rose to heaven. He chose people like you and me.
Imagine the King of the Universe, the Creator of all things choosing an ordinary person to do the work of bringing the unsaved to Christ. How can this be? God must know how many things I have done wrong in my life, the divorce, the awful thoughts, the drinking...."how could he want me?" But he does.
"Whosoever will come after me (that means anyone) let him deny himself (of our sinful nature), and take up his cross (your drug addiction, alcoholism, lustful thoughts) and follow me." God knows us like he knew Paul and the "thorn" in his flesh. He knows what we struggle with and he knows what we must deny to follow him. He is just asking that we not let those things stop us from walking with Him. He knows that if we are obedient to follow He will "make all things new" (Rev 21:5) in our lives.
Start today, wherever you are now in your life, by saying this simple prayer from you heart:
Father, I am a sinner and I need a Savior. I believe that your Son Jesus Christ was sent to this earth to be fully human and to suffer and die on a cross for my sins. He came to shed his blood so that I could stand before your throne as a righteous man (woman). Come into my heart now Lord, adopt me into your family and forgive me of my sins. I am not perfect Lord but today I will pick up my cross and follow you, denying myself of my sinful nature. Although I may stumble along the way, I know that you are with me. Thank you Lord for shedding your blood for me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Jesus chose imperfect people to follow him. He chose prostitutes tax collectors, and uneducated fishermen. He chose ordinary men and women to be his closest friends and to continue his work after he was crucified and rose to heaven. He chose people like you and me.
Imagine the King of the Universe, the Creator of all things choosing an ordinary person to do the work of bringing the unsaved to Christ. How can this be? God must know how many things I have done wrong in my life, the divorce, the awful thoughts, the drinking...."how could he want me?" But he does.
"Whosoever will come after me (that means anyone) let him deny himself (of our sinful nature), and take up his cross (your drug addiction, alcoholism, lustful thoughts) and follow me." God knows us like he knew Paul and the "thorn" in his flesh. He knows what we struggle with and he knows what we must deny to follow him. He is just asking that we not let those things stop us from walking with Him. He knows that if we are obedient to follow He will "make all things new" (Rev 21:5) in our lives.
Start today, wherever you are now in your life, by saying this simple prayer from you heart:
Father, I am a sinner and I need a Savior. I believe that your Son Jesus Christ was sent to this earth to be fully human and to suffer and die on a cross for my sins. He came to shed his blood so that I could stand before your throne as a righteous man (woman). Come into my heart now Lord, adopt me into your family and forgive me of my sins. I am not perfect Lord but today I will pick up my cross and follow you, denying myself of my sinful nature. Although I may stumble along the way, I know that you are with me. Thank you Lord for shedding your blood for me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
God rested
"By the seventh day God had finished his work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work." Gen 2:2
Today is Sunday and I have worked in and out of the house for six days so I will rest from my work. I am doing this not only to honor God but because it is good for me to rest my body. A rested body is more free from illness and more productive throughout the week. A mind that has taken one day to relax from the stress of decision-making is less apt to contribute to a heart attack or stroke.
God made us and he knew that we needed rest. It is likely when this scripture was written by Moses, that God was speaking to the Jews who were just, or soon to be, freed from captivity. These people had been toiling for years probably 16 or more hours a day and certainly seven days a week to make their quota of bricks for the Pharaoh's building projects. God new his people needed to be free of this mindset of "daily work without rest" so he spoke through Moses and explained that even God rested after six days of work. The Jews needed it then and we need it today.
So wherever you are, take the time, one day per week (it doesn't have to be Sunday), and rest. Enjoy your life. Do what you love, do nothing, play with your children; but, most importantly, don't think about the chores you have to do on Monday or the deadline you have to meet in the office. Sit relax and know that you are honoring God and becoming a healthier person. Have fun!
Today is Sunday and I have worked in and out of the house for six days so I will rest from my work. I am doing this not only to honor God but because it is good for me to rest my body. A rested body is more free from illness and more productive throughout the week. A mind that has taken one day to relax from the stress of decision-making is less apt to contribute to a heart attack or stroke.
God made us and he knew that we needed rest. It is likely when this scripture was written by Moses, that God was speaking to the Jews who were just, or soon to be, freed from captivity. These people had been toiling for years probably 16 or more hours a day and certainly seven days a week to make their quota of bricks for the Pharaoh's building projects. God new his people needed to be free of this mindset of "daily work without rest" so he spoke through Moses and explained that even God rested after six days of work. The Jews needed it then and we need it today.
So wherever you are, take the time, one day per week (it doesn't have to be Sunday), and rest. Enjoy your life. Do what you love, do nothing, play with your children; but, most importantly, don't think about the chores you have to do on Monday or the deadline you have to meet in the office. Sit relax and know that you are honoring God and becoming a healthier person. Have fun!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Unplowed Ground
"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. " Hosea 10:12 (KJV)
God's word has 188 verses that refer to the word ground. It was out of the dust of the earth (ground) that God created man, it was "holy ground" that Moses was standing on when God appeared to him on Mt. Sinai, and it was the place from which Abel's blood cried out to God after Cain killed him. Even today one does not have to scan the newspaper very long to see how much blood has been spilled over land (ground). It doesn't take much careful consideration to discover that God and mankind consider ground very important.
Before a farmer can plant and harvest a vibrant crop, he knows the soil must be ready for planting and growth. "Fallow ground" referred to in the scripture is unplanted soil which has been rested for one or more growing seasons to allow it to revitalize itself with nutrients. Before the knowledge of soil chemistry, farmers would not plant a piece of ground for a season to allow the ground to "rest" and replenish its nutrients through natural means. The farmer knew, that by not planting it for a season the "rested"soil would be more productive.
The fallow ground after it has been rested and replenished must now be prepared for planting. Untouched soil over time becomes hard and dry. Exposed to the weather the ground develops a hard crust which will not allow seeds to be sown into it. The farmer must first, plow the ground to break up this crusty surface and expose it to the atmosphere. Without plowing the scattered seeds would hit the hard dry surface and most would be carried away by the wind or eaten by the birds. Seeds that happened to land in a crack in the dry soil would germinate but the crusty surface would not allow life giving water to penetrate and water the plants roots. Without water penetrating the surface of the ground the crop would wither or not produce fruit.
Like these plants we need periods of rest and reflection to make us ready for the next seasons in our life. God is telling us here that he cannot use us if we are not rested and replenished. We can prepare ourselves weekly by resting and reflection one out of seven days. We can periodically take vacations that remove us from the stresses of our daily routines. And we can fast and pray for God's revelation in our lives. After these periods of reflection, this verse tells us to break up the fallow ground in our lives. I believe that is the sin that God has revealed to us in our times of reflection. We must break up the crust of sin that encases the rich soil of our lives that God wants to sow seeds into. He cannot use us if we are not ready to grow.
It is my prayer today that each one of us hears God's word and finds time to rest and replenish our spirits. Then, when we are filled with new life, we will break the crusty surface of sin in our lives so that the Lord can plant seed into us that will grow a bountiful harvest! I pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen!
God's word has 188 verses that refer to the word ground. It was out of the dust of the earth (ground) that God created man, it was "holy ground" that Moses was standing on when God appeared to him on Mt. Sinai, and it was the place from which Abel's blood cried out to God after Cain killed him. Even today one does not have to scan the newspaper very long to see how much blood has been spilled over land (ground). It doesn't take much careful consideration to discover that God and mankind consider ground very important.
Before a farmer can plant and harvest a vibrant crop, he knows the soil must be ready for planting and growth. "Fallow ground" referred to in the scripture is unplanted soil which has been rested for one or more growing seasons to allow it to revitalize itself with nutrients. Before the knowledge of soil chemistry, farmers would not plant a piece of ground for a season to allow the ground to "rest" and replenish its nutrients through natural means. The farmer knew, that by not planting it for a season the "rested"soil would be more productive.
The fallow ground after it has been rested and replenished must now be prepared for planting. Untouched soil over time becomes hard and dry. Exposed to the weather the ground develops a hard crust which will not allow seeds to be sown into it. The farmer must first, plow the ground to break up this crusty surface and expose it to the atmosphere. Without plowing the scattered seeds would hit the hard dry surface and most would be carried away by the wind or eaten by the birds. Seeds that happened to land in a crack in the dry soil would germinate but the crusty surface would not allow life giving water to penetrate and water the plants roots. Without water penetrating the surface of the ground the crop would wither or not produce fruit.
Like these plants we need periods of rest and reflection to make us ready for the next seasons in our life. God is telling us here that he cannot use us if we are not rested and replenished. We can prepare ourselves weekly by resting and reflection one out of seven days. We can periodically take vacations that remove us from the stresses of our daily routines. And we can fast and pray for God's revelation in our lives. After these periods of reflection, this verse tells us to break up the fallow ground in our lives. I believe that is the sin that God has revealed to us in our times of reflection. We must break up the crust of sin that encases the rich soil of our lives that God wants to sow seeds into. He cannot use us if we are not ready to grow.
It is my prayer today that each one of us hears God's word and finds time to rest and replenish our spirits. Then, when we are filled with new life, we will break the crusty surface of sin in our lives so that the Lord can plant seed into us that will grow a bountiful harvest! I pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Worship the Lord with gladness
"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." Psalm 100:2
When I was young, my parents took me to St. Mark's Episcopal church in Dayton, Ohio. I remember reciting Psalm 100 as part of our Sunday morning liturgy. I recall "going through the motions" at church until it was time to go to breakfast and get back home. I continued in this same monitone worship mode for 45 years until I left the Episcopal church four years ago.
It wasn't until I really took my faith seriously that I felt the power and sheer joy of a worship experieince in which I really did shout for joy and worship my Father with gladness! Oh how I had missed what David meant when he wrote the words of this wonderful Psalm.
It continues, "Know that the Lord is God. It is he who has made us and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
Psalm 100 is so powerful and speaks so emphatically of David's passion for worship. The pure joy in his words demonstate how much he loved his Father. Now it is our turn to show our Father how much we love him and how joyful we are because he adopted us into his family. Let's truly worship the Lord this weekend and offer our thanksgiving that He is God!
Worship is one of our greatest acts of obedience. It must come from the heart and overflow with joy. I pray that our worship is always a celebration that is pleasing to our King!
When I was young, my parents took me to St. Mark's Episcopal church in Dayton, Ohio. I remember reciting Psalm 100 as part of our Sunday morning liturgy. I recall "going through the motions" at church until it was time to go to breakfast and get back home. I continued in this same monitone worship mode for 45 years until I left the Episcopal church four years ago.
It wasn't until I really took my faith seriously that I felt the power and sheer joy of a worship experieince in which I really did shout for joy and worship my Father with gladness! Oh how I had missed what David meant when he wrote the words of this wonderful Psalm.
It continues, "Know that the Lord is God. It is he who has made us and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
Psalm 100 is so powerful and speaks so emphatically of David's passion for worship. The pure joy in his words demonstate how much he loved his Father. Now it is our turn to show our Father how much we love him and how joyful we are because he adopted us into his family. Let's truly worship the Lord this weekend and offer our thanksgiving that He is God!
Worship is one of our greatest acts of obedience. It must come from the heart and overflow with joy. I pray that our worship is always a celebration that is pleasing to our King!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Peace beyond understanding.
"And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil 4:7
I am resolved in 2008 to draw nearer to God in everything I do. I started the year by fasting in order to cleanse myself physically and seek the Lord for any spiritual direction he might impart at this point in my walk with Him. Immediately I began to realize just how much unrest exists in our busy lives. When one tries to be quiet and reflect, life seems to magnify its pull. Even with a simple act of giving up the pleasure of certain foods through fasting, I find distraction from the most unlikely places.
As I laid in bed this morning contemplating what I would write, I found a million thoughts lined up and racing single file through my head. I could not focus on any one thing for more than a few seconds when the next thought would enter and pass through. In frustration, the alarm sounded and still I was no closer to a word from the Holy Spirit.
I hadn't taken the trash out the night before so I decided to throw on some shoes and do that and then it came to me..."Peace"
There are 400 verses in the King James Bible conatining the word peace. It must be very important to God that we have peace but how often we ignore the quietness of a Sunday morning before everyone stirs in the house, or the solitude of the beach at sunset. I noticed in Paul's letters he offers a greeting or a closing that offers God's peace to his readers. Peace, even back in the days before the Blackberry's and cell phones, was a precious commodity.
In 2Peter 1:2, Peter writes "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge (full understanding and discernment) of God and of Jesus our Lord." This verse tells me that we all need to stop and consider God and his Son Jesus Christ to fully understand who they are. We must not neglect this consideration for anything that is on our calendar or on television. True peace can only come to us when we understand who God is and what he has done for us through his Son Jesus Christ. Nothing in our busy lives is more important or more peaceful.
I pray that the peace of God which passeth all understanding will keep your hearts and minds free of the clutter which is of this world. I pray in the glorious name of Jesus. Amen!
I am resolved in 2008 to draw nearer to God in everything I do. I started the year by fasting in order to cleanse myself physically and seek the Lord for any spiritual direction he might impart at this point in my walk with Him. Immediately I began to realize just how much unrest exists in our busy lives. When one tries to be quiet and reflect, life seems to magnify its pull. Even with a simple act of giving up the pleasure of certain foods through fasting, I find distraction from the most unlikely places.
As I laid in bed this morning contemplating what I would write, I found a million thoughts lined up and racing single file through my head. I could not focus on any one thing for more than a few seconds when the next thought would enter and pass through. In frustration, the alarm sounded and still I was no closer to a word from the Holy Spirit.
I hadn't taken the trash out the night before so I decided to throw on some shoes and do that and then it came to me..."Peace"
There are 400 verses in the King James Bible conatining the word peace. It must be very important to God that we have peace but how often we ignore the quietness of a Sunday morning before everyone stirs in the house, or the solitude of the beach at sunset. I noticed in Paul's letters he offers a greeting or a closing that offers God's peace to his readers. Peace, even back in the days before the Blackberry's and cell phones, was a precious commodity.
In 2Peter 1:2, Peter writes "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge (full understanding and discernment) of God and of Jesus our Lord." This verse tells me that we all need to stop and consider God and his Son Jesus Christ to fully understand who they are. We must not neglect this consideration for anything that is on our calendar or on television. True peace can only come to us when we understand who God is and what he has done for us through his Son Jesus Christ. Nothing in our busy lives is more important or more peaceful.
I pray that the peace of God which passeth all understanding will keep your hearts and minds free of the clutter which is of this world. I pray in the glorious name of Jesus. Amen!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The Dilemma of Sin
"We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will" John 9:31
After receiving his sight from God through Jesus alongside the pool of Siloam, the man, who was blind from birth, is questoned by the Pharisees. The religious men insult him and claim that Jesus is unknown to them. The man replies, "Now that is remarkable! You (dont know who he is), yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will......If this man (Jesus) were not from God, he could do nothing."
In hindsight we know that Jesus is who he said he was and that he was from God. But if we put this verse in the context of our own lives it is pretty scary. We all agree that we are sinners and as Paul tells us "fall short of the glory of God," so what hope do we have when we pray to God? How could he possibly be listening to us?
The Bible tells us that Jesus came so that we may have abundant life. He came to free us from our sinful nature. He came to help us get over this wall that separates us from our Father in heaven that was erected when Adam and Eve first sinned in the garden of Eden. It is only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ that we can be washed clean of our sinfulness and begin to have a relationship with our Father.
When he breathed his last word, "It is finished," Jesus knew his death paid our debt in full. He knew God now could listen to his people when they prayed. God will listen to us when we ask him to be cleansed in the blood of his Son Jesus. God removed forever the veil of separation that existed before his Son died and rose again from the dead. The veil is torn and we have direct access to the Father in prayer!
Ask, my friend, for the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ, ask the Lord and Saviour to come into your heart and live there forever. God will listen, because now, through His gift of grace, you have become a godly man.
After receiving his sight from God through Jesus alongside the pool of Siloam, the man, who was blind from birth, is questoned by the Pharisees. The religious men insult him and claim that Jesus is unknown to them. The man replies, "Now that is remarkable! You (dont know who he is), yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will......If this man (Jesus) were not from God, he could do nothing."
In hindsight we know that Jesus is who he said he was and that he was from God. But if we put this verse in the context of our own lives it is pretty scary. We all agree that we are sinners and as Paul tells us "fall short of the glory of God," so what hope do we have when we pray to God? How could he possibly be listening to us?
The Bible tells us that Jesus came so that we may have abundant life. He came to free us from our sinful nature. He came to help us get over this wall that separates us from our Father in heaven that was erected when Adam and Eve first sinned in the garden of Eden. It is only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ that we can be washed clean of our sinfulness and begin to have a relationship with our Father.
When he breathed his last word, "It is finished," Jesus knew his death paid our debt in full. He knew God now could listen to his people when they prayed. God will listen to us when we ask him to be cleansed in the blood of his Son Jesus. God removed forever the veil of separation that existed before his Son died and rose again from the dead. The veil is torn and we have direct access to the Father in prayer!
Ask, my friend, for the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ, ask the Lord and Saviour to come into your heart and live there forever. God will listen, because now, through His gift of grace, you have become a godly man.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
I make all things new!
"And he (God) sat upon the throne and said behold, I make all things new." (Rev 21:5)
Happy New Year! Good-bye 2007 and welcome 2008. Isn't it amazing how we turn out to usher in the new year? More so than even Christmas it seems as if we celebrate that second in time when the clock turns from 1159 to 1200 midnight.
I was watching the broadcast from Times Square and was amazed to hear one million people would cram into the streets near the sight to watch a lighted ball usher in 2008. Some people waited as long as 12 hours to watch this one minute event! What is it about this moment in time that captivates and motivates so many people to stay up late and experience the hands on the clock?
The new year give all of us a new start, a second chance, another opportunity. We make resolutions, promises to ourselves to lose weight, take better care of ourselves, exercise, and read our Bible more. However, we usually fade after a few weeks and we go back to the same habits that we had at the end of 2007. "Well maybe next year."
Not so with our God. He makes all things new (Kainos). "Kainos," in the original Greek means new, but more precisely "recently made, fresh or unworn." This scripture explains that God remakes you when you you call on him for your salvation. He doesn't just improve on what is already there in your life, he completely remakes you into a new creature. When you recieve him into your heart you are a new person. The past is forgotten by God never to be remembered again. Psalm 103 says that he has removed our transgressions from us "as far as the east is from the west."
God is with us now and we don't have to wait until 2009 to start over. We can start right now by going to him humbly in prayer and with a repentant heart and ask for a brand new start and he will be faithful to give us a brand new (kainos) heart.
When you consider the resolution you made last night to improve upon your old self, know that if you fail, God will be there to pick you up and if you ask him he will give you a whole new you!
Happy New Year! Good-bye 2007 and welcome 2008. Isn't it amazing how we turn out to usher in the new year? More so than even Christmas it seems as if we celebrate that second in time when the clock turns from 1159 to 1200 midnight.
I was watching the broadcast from Times Square and was amazed to hear one million people would cram into the streets near the sight to watch a lighted ball usher in 2008. Some people waited as long as 12 hours to watch this one minute event! What is it about this moment in time that captivates and motivates so many people to stay up late and experience the hands on the clock?
The new year give all of us a new start, a second chance, another opportunity. We make resolutions, promises to ourselves to lose weight, take better care of ourselves, exercise, and read our Bible more. However, we usually fade after a few weeks and we go back to the same habits that we had at the end of 2007. "Well maybe next year."
Not so with our God. He makes all things new (Kainos). "Kainos," in the original Greek means new, but more precisely "recently made, fresh or unworn." This scripture explains that God remakes you when you you call on him for your salvation. He doesn't just improve on what is already there in your life, he completely remakes you into a new creature. When you recieve him into your heart you are a new person. The past is forgotten by God never to be remembered again. Psalm 103 says that he has removed our transgressions from us "as far as the east is from the west."
God is with us now and we don't have to wait until 2009 to start over. We can start right now by going to him humbly in prayer and with a repentant heart and ask for a brand new start and he will be faithful to give us a brand new (kainos) heart.
When you consider the resolution you made last night to improve upon your old self, know that if you fail, God will be there to pick you up and if you ask him he will give you a whole new you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
.jpg)