Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wasted Years
Luke 23:39-43 (NLT)
One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Other than Jesus, one of the most enduring people in the Gospels to those of us in recovery is the penitent criminal hanging next to Christ on the cross. What we find here in this brief, but powerful passage is a man, much like us, who squandered years in sin and criminal activity. While the exact nature of his wrongs aren't recorded, we can assume it was bad if he was being crucified for it. User. Addict. Alcoholic. Murderer. His lifestyle had taken everything from him- family, friends, and now, his life. He had wasted all his years and was now poised to waste his final moment.
Then he had finally seen and heard and hurt enough. He watched in wonder as Jesus willingly laid down his life for an unexplainable love. He heard Jesus ask the Father to forgive those who were violently lashing out at him. And something within him snapped. He had had enough of his sin and the damage done. The nameless criminal couldn't say much, so he simply uttered the words, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
As he did so, we not only witness Jesus' gracious reply, but a prevailing principle in the Scripture. We see Jesus do what the dying, desperate man could not do for himself. He had taken all the wasted years and restored his life in a matter of seconds. In the time span of a statement, Jesus brought more love, forgiveness, and peace than the man struggled for in years.
Nolan’s first Bible study at the shelter was a memorable one. Despite his feverish shaking from the withdrawals, he, like the hurting man next to Jesus, poured his broken heart out. And during his share time, he continually mentioned the gnawing pain of wasting 28 years in addiction. It weighed on him so heavily that it very well could have derailed his recovery. He found the strength, however, to cry out to God in desperation and his life, like that of the nameless man, was forever changed.
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you had an experience similar to that of the man on the cross?
2. What was the man’s breaking point? What was your breaking point?
3. How does the following statement make you feel: Jesus can do more for you in seconds than you could do for yourself in years.
One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Other than Jesus, one of the most enduring people in the Gospels to those of us in recovery is the penitent criminal hanging next to Christ on the cross. What we find here in this brief, but powerful passage is a man, much like us, who squandered years in sin and criminal activity. While the exact nature of his wrongs aren't recorded, we can assume it was bad if he was being crucified for it. User. Addict. Alcoholic. Murderer. His lifestyle had taken everything from him- family, friends, and now, his life. He had wasted all his years and was now poised to waste his final moment.
Then he had finally seen and heard and hurt enough. He watched in wonder as Jesus willingly laid down his life for an unexplainable love. He heard Jesus ask the Father to forgive those who were violently lashing out at him. And something within him snapped. He had had enough of his sin and the damage done. The nameless criminal couldn't say much, so he simply uttered the words, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
As he did so, we not only witness Jesus' gracious reply, but a prevailing principle in the Scripture. We see Jesus do what the dying, desperate man could not do for himself. He had taken all the wasted years and restored his life in a matter of seconds. In the time span of a statement, Jesus brought more love, forgiveness, and peace than the man struggled for in years.
Nolan’s first Bible study at the shelter was a memorable one. Despite his feverish shaking from the withdrawals, he, like the hurting man next to Jesus, poured his broken heart out. And during his share time, he continually mentioned the gnawing pain of wasting 28 years in addiction. It weighed on him so heavily that it very well could have derailed his recovery. He found the strength, however, to cry out to God in desperation and his life, like that of the nameless man, was forever changed.
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you had an experience similar to that of the man on the cross?
2. What was the man’s breaking point? What was your breaking point?
3. How does the following statement make you feel: Jesus can do more for you in seconds than you could do for yourself in years.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Seeking a Better Way
Matthew 7:7-12 (NLT)
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
I went through a devotional, much like you are now, and it dealt overall with the mystery of God. The author, Dr. Steve Stephens, was discussing the transforming power we experience when God answers our questions. But he went on to say, the questions themselves, and the search involved in them, is perhaps as powerful as the answer itself. I am inclined to side with him. Questions, more so than knowledge itself, are the greatest power in the world short of love. Like hitting bottom, questions help us realize that we are powerless and in need of Jesus (The Way, The Truth, The Life).
Yet, questions usually get a negative reception. As a teacher, I’m amazed by the lack of questions in the classroom at school or in the meeting room at the shelter. I’m not so naive as to believe that I’m so great a teacher that there are no questions. Rather kids (and addicts) falsely believe asking questions will blemish their reputation. It’s not cool. It makes you look foolish, slow, or stupid. This is what they believe- even when they know others don’t understand either. Sadly, what I witness in the classroom and meeting room is not the exception to the rule. Rather, people in all walks of life- especially people in recovery- tend to shun the attention shone upon anyone asking questions.
But, oh, how I long to ask question after question. And I am not alone. Warren, one of the most memorable characters to come through our program was a questioner, a seeker. He was wise enough to know that he didn’t know everything and humble enough not to care what others thought of him. During the “Faith Like Children” section in our Life Recovery Devotional one early morning, Warren stopped us mid-thought with his raspy voice, a mix of gravel and phlegm, like he’d smoked too long.
“I don’t want to interrupt or waste your time, but what in the world is this talking about? How can we be like little kids again?”
I stopped and smiled. He at first thought I was laughing at him until I said, “Another wise man once asked Jesus how a man could be born again. (See John 3). So you’re in good company.”
And so is anyone who seeks the answers, whether they find them or not.
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you perceive questions as opportunities for growth or difficulties you don’t want to deal with?
2. What does the phrase “faith like children” mean to you?
3. Would you consider yourself a “seeker”?
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
I went through a devotional, much like you are now, and it dealt overall with the mystery of God. The author, Dr. Steve Stephens, was discussing the transforming power we experience when God answers our questions. But he went on to say, the questions themselves, and the search involved in them, is perhaps as powerful as the answer itself. I am inclined to side with him. Questions, more so than knowledge itself, are the greatest power in the world short of love. Like hitting bottom, questions help us realize that we are powerless and in need of Jesus (The Way, The Truth, The Life).
Yet, questions usually get a negative reception. As a teacher, I’m amazed by the lack of questions in the classroom at school or in the meeting room at the shelter. I’m not so naive as to believe that I’m so great a teacher that there are no questions. Rather kids (and addicts) falsely believe asking questions will blemish their reputation. It’s not cool. It makes you look foolish, slow, or stupid. This is what they believe- even when they know others don’t understand either. Sadly, what I witness in the classroom and meeting room is not the exception to the rule. Rather, people in all walks of life- especially people in recovery- tend to shun the attention shone upon anyone asking questions.
But, oh, how I long to ask question after question. And I am not alone. Warren, one of the most memorable characters to come through our program was a questioner, a seeker. He was wise enough to know that he didn’t know everything and humble enough not to care what others thought of him. During the “Faith Like Children” section in our Life Recovery Devotional one early morning, Warren stopped us mid-thought with his raspy voice, a mix of gravel and phlegm, like he’d smoked too long.
“I don’t want to interrupt or waste your time, but what in the world is this talking about? How can we be like little kids again?”
I stopped and smiled. He at first thought I was laughing at him until I said, “Another wise man once asked Jesus how a man could be born again. (See John 3). So you’re in good company.”
And so is anyone who seeks the answers, whether they find them or not.
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you perceive questions as opportunities for growth or difficulties you don’t want to deal with?
2. What does the phrase “faith like children” mean to you?
3. Would you consider yourself a “seeker”?
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Hitting Bottom
Matthew 5:3 (NLT)
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
In order to find the hope and healing of Jesus Christ, we must first hit bottom. Some of us even feel like we've broken through the bottom. We hurt and flail so much in the struggle of the human condition that many of us want to die. Some even take their lives into their own hands. But as hard as this pill is to swallow, listen to this. Our bottom, and the excruciating pain accompanying it, is one of the greatest gifts from a loving God. For when we are there, we can witness our powerlessness and weakness. We are able to recognize our need for something, someone greater than ourselves. We see we need a Savior.
Enter Jesus Christ. He is not the Higher Power, but the Most High. Where we see a broken person (or ourself), Jesus sees cracked and frail human pottery waiting to be restored with his healing hands. He has compassion on us, empathizing to the point of remembering his own humanness and longing to reach out in love. And many times, he uses us as his hand and feet, helping the others to see his love.
Jack had come to us a broken man. An out-of-control addict with dozens of rehabs on his resume, he entered the shelter at the lowest point of life. No other guys were in the program at the time so it meant a great deal of one-on-one time. Jesus met Jack that first day. After hearing devastating news, he broke through his bottom and broke down. All the depression. All the addictions. All the feelings of inadequacy and insignificance. All of the scars of a broken home and relationships. All the weight of past sins and failures. All of the strain of the human condition. All the fighting and struggling and clawing to escape the flesh and its cravings. All came crashing down. He cried like a baby in the comforting arms of Major. It was there in that humble, insignificant hallway that Jack not only recognized a need for Christ but fell headlong into his grace. Oh, that we could all feel so much freedom, so much release.
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you hit your bottom yet? What will it take for you to hit it?
2. How can hitting bottom be one of the greatest events in your life?
3. Once you've hit bottom, what are the next steps you can take?
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
In order to find the hope and healing of Jesus Christ, we must first hit bottom. Some of us even feel like we've broken through the bottom. We hurt and flail so much in the struggle of the human condition that many of us want to die. Some even take their lives into their own hands. But as hard as this pill is to swallow, listen to this. Our bottom, and the excruciating pain accompanying it, is one of the greatest gifts from a loving God. For when we are there, we can witness our powerlessness and weakness. We are able to recognize our need for something, someone greater than ourselves. We see we need a Savior.
Enter Jesus Christ. He is not the Higher Power, but the Most High. Where we see a broken person (or ourself), Jesus sees cracked and frail human pottery waiting to be restored with his healing hands. He has compassion on us, empathizing to the point of remembering his own humanness and longing to reach out in love. And many times, he uses us as his hand and feet, helping the others to see his love.
Jack had come to us a broken man. An out-of-control addict with dozens of rehabs on his resume, he entered the shelter at the lowest point of life. No other guys were in the program at the time so it meant a great deal of one-on-one time. Jesus met Jack that first day. After hearing devastating news, he broke through his bottom and broke down. All the depression. All the addictions. All the feelings of inadequacy and insignificance. All of the scars of a broken home and relationships. All the weight of past sins and failures. All of the strain of the human condition. All the fighting and struggling and clawing to escape the flesh and its cravings. All came crashing down. He cried like a baby in the comforting arms of Major. It was there in that humble, insignificant hallway that Jack not only recognized a need for Christ but fell headlong into his grace. Oh, that we could all feel so much freedom, so much release.
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you hit your bottom yet? What will it take for you to hit it?
2. How can hitting bottom be one of the greatest events in your life?
3. Once you've hit bottom, what are the next steps you can take?
Monday, May 27, 2013
Relationship not Religion
Author’s Note: I've been working on a devotional book for the Arms of Mercy guys off and on for about a year. Although it's geared toward an audience struggling with alcohol and drug addiction, it also deals with the underlying sickness that leads to those symptoms- sin. And sin is something we all struggle with. So without remorse, I will use my LifeTogether platform as a Petri dish to see if they connect with a broader audience. Each contains a Scripture, topic, devotional, personal story from my time at the shelter, and discussion questions. Feel free to share your thoughts when I see you. As always, it's all about Jesus…
Matthew 12:6-7 (NLT)
I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the Temple! But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: "I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices."
If you get easily offended, please pardon the following words, but… Religion can go to hell. Before you burn this book as sacrilegious heresy, allow me to explain. Religion is man’s attempt to get to God. To get Him (and others) to notice us. It’s a system of rules, regulations, and rituals which tend to take the focus off of Jesus and onto a symbol or shadow of Him. Religion begets generations of people who are angry and dissatisfied because religions can meet no one’s needs, nor can it heal anyone in recovery. Religion rapes the Scripture, using and abusing the principles to control people, justify “holiness” standards, and judge those Christ actually came to serve. Religion also blinds people to God’s grace. Or even the need for it.
Numerous guys that have come through the shelter have been modern-day Pharisees. Two in particular- Allen and Tarrione- were so programmed from years of religious indoctrination that it derailed their recovery. They were all too willing to put on an outward display, participating in all the required rituals associated with their denomination. They could quote the Scriptures more eloquently than Major and I. They were experienced enough, by their own admissions, to place themselves in seats of judgment.
Sadly however, there was no willingness to develop a real, personal relationship with Jesus. There was no room for grace and mercy, no room to grow in love. It was not about a free gift from God, but what they did to earn it or catch God’s attention. Part of knowing Christ is learning humility. Learning we (and religion) can do nothing in and of ourselves. I, like most of the guys, tried some form of religion in an effort to find hope and healing. But religion only left me more damaged, frustrated, and suicidal than when I was in the world. Then I encountered Jesus in a real, personal way. I didn't have to pray a certain way or read the entire Bible or get baptized with the right words. I simply cried out. Won’t you do the same?
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you tried religion as a way of hope and healing? What happened?
2. What are differences between “religion” and a “relationship” with Jesus?
3. Have you begun a relationship with Jesus? If not, would you like to? If so, share what that relationship means to you.
4. What characteristics should we include in our life that would prevent us from falling into “religion”?
Matthew 12:6-7 (NLT)
I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the Temple! But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: "I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices."
If you get easily offended, please pardon the following words, but… Religion can go to hell. Before you burn this book as sacrilegious heresy, allow me to explain. Religion is man’s attempt to get to God. To get Him (and others) to notice us. It’s a system of rules, regulations, and rituals which tend to take the focus off of Jesus and onto a symbol or shadow of Him. Religion begets generations of people who are angry and dissatisfied because religions can meet no one’s needs, nor can it heal anyone in recovery. Religion rapes the Scripture, using and abusing the principles to control people, justify “holiness” standards, and judge those Christ actually came to serve. Religion also blinds people to God’s grace. Or even the need for it.
Numerous guys that have come through the shelter have been modern-day Pharisees. Two in particular- Allen and Tarrione- were so programmed from years of religious indoctrination that it derailed their recovery. They were all too willing to put on an outward display, participating in all the required rituals associated with their denomination. They could quote the Scriptures more eloquently than Major and I. They were experienced enough, by their own admissions, to place themselves in seats of judgment.
Sadly however, there was no willingness to develop a real, personal relationship with Jesus. There was no room for grace and mercy, no room to grow in love. It was not about a free gift from God, but what they did to earn it or catch God’s attention. Part of knowing Christ is learning humility. Learning we (and religion) can do nothing in and of ourselves. I, like most of the guys, tried some form of religion in an effort to find hope and healing. But religion only left me more damaged, frustrated, and suicidal than when I was in the world. Then I encountered Jesus in a real, personal way. I didn't have to pray a certain way or read the entire Bible or get baptized with the right words. I simply cried out. Won’t you do the same?
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you tried religion as a way of hope and healing? What happened?
2. What are differences between “religion” and a “relationship” with Jesus?
3. Have you begun a relationship with Jesus? If not, would you like to? If so, share what that relationship means to you.
4. What characteristics should we include in our life that would prevent us from falling into “religion”?
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Interruption or Invitation
Mark 10:46-52 (NLT)
Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him.
But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”
So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.
“My rabbi, ” the blind man said, “I want to see!”
And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.
I’m what some people refer to as a church-hopper. Not content to be confined to the clutches of congregational conformity, I’ve been known to show up at any group where Jesus is praised. (I was a refugee long before landing at Refuge.) Now that I’ve found a home at Refuge, it's allowed me to reflect on many of my experiences. And in all my experiences, Refuge is a unique part of the body. This isn’t to say Refuge is “the church” or “the greatest” or “it.” But it’s a breath of fresh air when it comes to people and their desire for everything Jesus. One that sticks out the most (and that I’ve never experienced in all my wanderings) is the dire hunger of the people for the Word.
Verse 48 in The Message reads, “Many tried to hush him up, but he yelled all the louder, “Son of David [Jesus], have mercy on me!””
The desperate plea of Bartimaeus here reminds me of the hunger and enthusiasm for the Word that Marla and Mary display during the sermons many times. While their inquisitive outbursts may be seen as interruptions in many churches, to me they’re evidence of hearts crying out and reaching out for every word from GOD. They aren’t content to wait until after the sermon to jot down the note. They’re not satisfied with hearing a verse or quote on the website later. Their desire is to capture every word from GOD coming through John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) or any other speaker. They’re modern day versions of Bartimaeus, who want a touch from the LORD so bad, they’re willing to forgo what social protocol or entrenched religious tradition dictates. To them (and hopefully all of us), its an invitation to experience GOD on a deeper level, not an interruption messing with the “flow” of a service.
May we all have a heart as hungry.
Application: Take inventory. When is the last time you threw caution and reputation to the wind and simply cried out to GOD. If it wasn’t this morning, there’s no day like today.
Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him.
But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”
So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.
“My rabbi, ” the blind man said, “I want to see!”
And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.
I’m what some people refer to as a church-hopper. Not content to be confined to the clutches of congregational conformity, I’ve been known to show up at any group where Jesus is praised. (I was a refugee long before landing at Refuge.) Now that I’ve found a home at Refuge, it's allowed me to reflect on many of my experiences. And in all my experiences, Refuge is a unique part of the body. This isn’t to say Refuge is “the church” or “the greatest” or “it.” But it’s a breath of fresh air when it comes to people and their desire for everything Jesus. One that sticks out the most (and that I’ve never experienced in all my wanderings) is the dire hunger of the people for the Word.
Verse 48 in The Message reads, “Many tried to hush him up, but he yelled all the louder, “Son of David [Jesus], have mercy on me!””
The desperate plea of Bartimaeus here reminds me of the hunger and enthusiasm for the Word that Marla and Mary display during the sermons many times. While their inquisitive outbursts may be seen as interruptions in many churches, to me they’re evidence of hearts crying out and reaching out for every word from GOD. They aren’t content to wait until after the sermon to jot down the note. They’re not satisfied with hearing a verse or quote on the website later. Their desire is to capture every word from GOD coming through John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) or any other speaker. They’re modern day versions of Bartimaeus, who want a touch from the LORD so bad, they’re willing to forgo what social protocol or entrenched religious tradition dictates. To them (and hopefully all of us), its an invitation to experience GOD on a deeper level, not an interruption messing with the “flow” of a service.
May we all have a heart as hungry.
Application: Take inventory. When is the last time you threw caution and reputation to the wind and simply cried out to GOD. If it wasn’t this morning, there’s no day like today.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Reflection
1. Take an honest appraisal of your life. How attached are you to things or ideas of this world? If one thing is holding you back from a complete and clear relationship with Jesus, what is that one thing? Share that thing with both GOD and someone you trust. Then begin the weed pulling…
2. Interpret the Great Reversal in your own words: “This is once again the Great Reversal: many who are first will end up last, and the last first.” Then ask yourself if you’re living it out.
3. Do you find comfort in knowing that GOD has laid out the answers to our choices for us? Think about a big decision you are facing right now. What is GOD’s solution? [If you need guidance, consult John, the snake-handling Pastor, not the Baptist]
4. Have you ever asked for something having no idea why you were really asking for? What lesson(s) did you learn as a result?
5. Which of the servant-leadership highlights hit you the hardest? Which one are you weakest at? Strongest at?
2. Interpret the Great Reversal in your own words: “This is once again the Great Reversal: many who are first will end up last, and the last first.” Then ask yourself if you’re living it out.
3. Do you find comfort in knowing that GOD has laid out the answers to our choices for us? Think about a big decision you are facing right now. What is GOD’s solution? [If you need guidance, consult John, the snake-handling Pastor, not the Baptist]
4. Have you ever asked for something having no idea why you were really asking for? What lesson(s) did you learn as a result?
5. Which of the servant-leadership highlights hit you the hardest? Which one are you weakest at? Strongest at?
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Places of Honor #2
Mark 10: 41-45 (NLT)
When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Yesterday, I bared my honest, egotistical soul when it came to serving in places of honor. My final note dealt with learning humility. Genuine-heart-after-Christ-humility. During the course of learning this (because it’s a life-long process after all), I took my students through a study on servant leadership. The Scripture inspiring the series was Mark 10:43, “Whoever wants to be great among you must become a servant to all.” To layout the entire six-week course would take too long for the devotional. So here is a compilation of the highlights:
-To aspire to servant-leadership is an honorable ambition (1 Timothy 3:1)
-Seek leadership to glorify GOD and encourage others, not to promote yourself
-A servant-leader demonstrates the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:1-4)
-A servant-leader doesn’t want the position
-Qualities of servant-leadership include: vision, discipline, decision-making, wisdom, humility, integrity, courage, and sincerity
-Prayer is the dominant feature of the servant-leader’s life
-The servant-leader must be willing to accept the costs (self-sacrifice, bouts of loneliness, fatigue, criticism, rejection, pressure)
-The servant-leader only desires to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 35:23)
Application: Take the aspect of servant-leadership that you lack and practice it today. Example: Make prayer the “dominate feature” of your day.
When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Yesterday, I bared my honest, egotistical soul when it came to serving in places of honor. My final note dealt with learning humility. Genuine-heart-after-Christ-humility. During the course of learning this (because it’s a life-long process after all), I took my students through a study on servant leadership. The Scripture inspiring the series was Mark 10:43, “Whoever wants to be great among you must become a servant to all.” To layout the entire six-week course would take too long for the devotional. So here is a compilation of the highlights:
-To aspire to servant-leadership is an honorable ambition (1 Timothy 3:1)
-Seek leadership to glorify GOD and encourage others, not to promote yourself
-A servant-leader demonstrates the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:1-4)
-A servant-leader doesn’t want the position
-Qualities of servant-leadership include: vision, discipline, decision-making, wisdom, humility, integrity, courage, and sincerity
-Prayer is the dominant feature of the servant-leader’s life
-The servant-leader must be willing to accept the costs (self-sacrifice, bouts of loneliness, fatigue, criticism, rejection, pressure)
-The servant-leader only desires to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 35:23)
Application: Take the aspect of servant-leadership that you lack and practice it today. Example: Make prayer the “dominate feature” of your day.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Places of Honor #1
Mark 10:35-40 (NLT)
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a favor.”
“What is your request?” he asked.
They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”
But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?”
“Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”
Then Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.”
Have you ever had to stick your foot in your mouth when the filter between your brain and tongue malfunctioned? If there was ever an example of this in the Gospels, it's here. Driven by a misplaced perception of honorary positions, they ask Jesus to place them in the highest places of honor. Rather than lambasting them into embarrassment, Jesus simply says, “You don’t know what you’re asking for…”
If we were all honest, we’d all have to agree that we’ve been through something similar. Since I’m the author this month, allow me to share an episode from my own walk. I must preface this story by saying I struggle with a voracious ego almost daily. (Which is better than my pre-Jesus days where there was no struggle, only submission and slavery). Years ago, I was asked to fill the position of youth pastor at another church. Immediately upon the request, the monster within foamed at the mouth. Although I hadn’t asked for the spot verbally, my actions pined for the post. Despite trying to act surprised and humble, my head swelled three hat sizes. My chest puffed out. I strutted down the church aisle in a glimmering halo of glory, the captivated masses swaying in worshipful adoration. How haughty I was.
Like the disciples however, I had absolutely no idea what I’d “asked” for. I thought youth ministry would be having a hundred kids who loved me and hung on my every word. I thought it was a place at the front of the church, a title demanding respect both in the church body and the community, speaking engagements, and a small-scale taste of fame. I had no idea. All of that may have been a part of that. But I couldn’t even see it from all the gossip and drama of hormonal adolescents, parents wondering what was wrong with their young people, pastors questioning my methods, youth workers looking for an example all the while bickering and back-biting, kids sleeping on my couch, balancing ministry and family, picking students up from the police, working my “real” job, running kids out of the gym for doing drugs in the bathroom, spending one-on-one time with everyone, planning, organizing, implementing special services and events…
And this was only the first week!
Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade that life and lessons for anything. The most profound lesson being- humility.
May any honor we seek be for the glory of GOD…and not about ourselves.
Application: Heart check. Why are you serving in the ministry you’re serving in? Question your motives to ensure you’re serving for his glory…and not our own.
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a favor.”
“What is your request?” he asked.
They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”
But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?”
“Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”
Then Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.”
Have you ever had to stick your foot in your mouth when the filter between your brain and tongue malfunctioned? If there was ever an example of this in the Gospels, it's here. Driven by a misplaced perception of honorary positions, they ask Jesus to place them in the highest places of honor. Rather than lambasting them into embarrassment, Jesus simply says, “You don’t know what you’re asking for…”
If we were all honest, we’d all have to agree that we’ve been through something similar. Since I’m the author this month, allow me to share an episode from my own walk. I must preface this story by saying I struggle with a voracious ego almost daily. (Which is better than my pre-Jesus days where there was no struggle, only submission and slavery). Years ago, I was asked to fill the position of youth pastor at another church. Immediately upon the request, the monster within foamed at the mouth. Although I hadn’t asked for the spot verbally, my actions pined for the post. Despite trying to act surprised and humble, my head swelled three hat sizes. My chest puffed out. I strutted down the church aisle in a glimmering halo of glory, the captivated masses swaying in worshipful adoration. How haughty I was.
Like the disciples however, I had absolutely no idea what I’d “asked” for. I thought youth ministry would be having a hundred kids who loved me and hung on my every word. I thought it was a place at the front of the church, a title demanding respect both in the church body and the community, speaking engagements, and a small-scale taste of fame. I had no idea. All of that may have been a part of that. But I couldn’t even see it from all the gossip and drama of hormonal adolescents, parents wondering what was wrong with their young people, pastors questioning my methods, youth workers looking for an example all the while bickering and back-biting, kids sleeping on my couch, balancing ministry and family, picking students up from the police, working my “real” job, running kids out of the gym for doing drugs in the bathroom, spending one-on-one time with everyone, planning, organizing, implementing special services and events…
And this was only the first week!
Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade that life and lessons for anything. The most profound lesson being- humility.
May any honor we seek be for the glory of GOD…and not about ourselves.
Application: Heart check. Why are you serving in the ministry you’re serving in? Question your motives to ensure you’re serving for his glory…and not our own.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The Cheat Sheet
Mark 10:32-34 (NLT)
They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to him. “Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again.”
Yesterday, we discussed the Biblical principle The Message refers to as the Great Reversal- when you give up your life, you actually find it. While today’s Biblical principle has no catchy moniker (other than the one I used in the title), it nonetheless permeates all of Scripture and once again displays GOD’s divine love for us. The principle is as follows: GOD always tells us what to expect. Always dishes the consequences our choices make. Always gives us a cheat sheet- or the answers- to this test we call life.
In the reading today, Jesus sees that the disciples are “puzzled and not just a little afraid (verse 32, The Message) about all they were experiencing and involved in. They were following a radical teacher who was speaking things like, “To live, you got to die” and “to be first, you got to be last” and “eat my body and drink my blood.” They were hearing whispers about people out to get them. They were being probed for information and asked why they were following him. They weren’t aware of the end-game. They needed answers. Seeing this, Jesus offered them clarity- maybe just not the way they wanted to hear it though. Jesus says (my paraphrase), “Here’s the end-game. I will be beaten and killed. But will rise again and make all things right.”
While this may not have sounded very comforting, Jesus provided answers to ease their mind. Much like he’d been doing throughout Scripture. Starting with Adam and Eve: Don’t eat from the tree of good and evil. When you do, you’re dead. (Genesis 2:16-17). Continuing with the Israelites: You have two choices in life. Choose me and find life or choose rebellion and find death (Deuteronomy 11:26-32). Culminating with Jesus: In this world, you will have troubles. But be encouraged knowing I’ve already overcome them (John 14:29-30).
*all the Scriptures I’ve paraphrased. I’d encourage you to look them up- along with other examples- and read them on your own.*
You get the picture. GOD never leaves us hanging. Never forsakes us. Always gives us an answer- whether we see it as such or not.
Application: Using your Bible, find for yourself (or with the help of your pastors) the answer to the question troubling you the most right now.
They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to him. “Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again.”
Yesterday, we discussed the Biblical principle The Message refers to as the Great Reversal- when you give up your life, you actually find it. While today’s Biblical principle has no catchy moniker (other than the one I used in the title), it nonetheless permeates all of Scripture and once again displays GOD’s divine love for us. The principle is as follows: GOD always tells us what to expect. Always dishes the consequences our choices make. Always gives us a cheat sheet- or the answers- to this test we call life.
In the reading today, Jesus sees that the disciples are “puzzled and not just a little afraid (verse 32, The Message) about all they were experiencing and involved in. They were following a radical teacher who was speaking things like, “To live, you got to die” and “to be first, you got to be last” and “eat my body and drink my blood.” They were hearing whispers about people out to get them. They were being probed for information and asked why they were following him. They weren’t aware of the end-game. They needed answers. Seeing this, Jesus offered them clarity- maybe just not the way they wanted to hear it though. Jesus says (my paraphrase), “Here’s the end-game. I will be beaten and killed. But will rise again and make all things right.”
While this may not have sounded very comforting, Jesus provided answers to ease their mind. Much like he’d been doing throughout Scripture. Starting with Adam and Eve: Don’t eat from the tree of good and evil. When you do, you’re dead. (Genesis 2:16-17). Continuing with the Israelites: You have two choices in life. Choose me and find life or choose rebellion and find death (Deuteronomy 11:26-32). Culminating with Jesus: In this world, you will have troubles. But be encouraged knowing I’ve already overcome them (John 14:29-30).
*all the Scriptures I’ve paraphrased. I’d encourage you to look them up- along with other examples- and read them on your own.*
You get the picture. GOD never leaves us hanging. Never forsakes us. Always gives us an answer- whether we see it as such or not.
Application: Using your Bible, find for yourself (or with the help of your pastors) the answer to the question troubling you the most right now.
Monday, May 20, 2013
GOD's Kingdom #2 (Having It All)
Mark 10:23-31 (NLT)
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”
Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said.
“Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”
My knee-jerk reaction to conversations about money always goes something like this: “I’m a public school teacher in the state of Mississippi. I don’t know what money looks like nor do I think I’ll see any in the foreseeable future.”
While this is a joke (sort of), when I read Scriptures like this and actually pull my selfish head from the ground, I see how great we really have it. I’m so willing to write myself off as poor because of my bank statement and the fact we live in the Mississippi Delta that in reality, we live better than most of the rest of the world. To prove this, consider these staggering stats compiled by Majorie “Mae” Jones in her booklet If. She writes, “If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, or spare change in a dish some place, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy… If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on you back, a roof overhead, and a permanent place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world.” …And on it goes.
Now that we’ve established we’re all “rich,” let’s return back to the passage. We- as newfound rich people- have no chance of entering GOD’s kingdom without allowing GOD to work in us. Allow me to repeat: we have no chance without GOD! We can’t buy it, throw enough money in a basket, serve in enough ministries, stir up enough emotions, or toss it in a spiritual microwave to retrieve it a radiated minute later. Again, these are good things. But it's not what we do that gets us into GOD’s kingdom; it's who we know and, more importantly, Who knows us. We must choose knowing him fully over doing things for him or following a list of rules as the man did here.
So what’s in it for those of us willing to give up everything to follow Christ? I’m glad you ask. Jesus reinforced GOD’s uncanny principle of giving it back…plus some. Your time, talents, family, and other things will be blessed in this life…plus- and this is the best part- , you’ll get “the bonus of eternal life (verse 31, The Message). The Great Reversal strikes again! We who give up our lives (and the things that dominate them) will find real life through Jesus Christ. Make no mistake, we all at Refuge are rich. And since its harder for the rich to enter the Kingdom of GOD, may we seek him all the more.
Application: Sell all you have and give it to the poor… just kidding (sort of). Practice the Great Reversal in at least three situations today.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”
Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said.
“Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”
My knee-jerk reaction to conversations about money always goes something like this: “I’m a public school teacher in the state of Mississippi. I don’t know what money looks like nor do I think I’ll see any in the foreseeable future.”
While this is a joke (sort of), when I read Scriptures like this and actually pull my selfish head from the ground, I see how great we really have it. I’m so willing to write myself off as poor because of my bank statement and the fact we live in the Mississippi Delta that in reality, we live better than most of the rest of the world. To prove this, consider these staggering stats compiled by Majorie “Mae” Jones in her booklet If. She writes, “If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, or spare change in a dish some place, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy… If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on you back, a roof overhead, and a permanent place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world.” …And on it goes.
Now that we’ve established we’re all “rich,” let’s return back to the passage. We- as newfound rich people- have no chance of entering GOD’s kingdom without allowing GOD to work in us. Allow me to repeat: we have no chance without GOD! We can’t buy it, throw enough money in a basket, serve in enough ministries, stir up enough emotions, or toss it in a spiritual microwave to retrieve it a radiated minute later. Again, these are good things. But it's not what we do that gets us into GOD’s kingdom; it's who we know and, more importantly, Who knows us. We must choose knowing him fully over doing things for him or following a list of rules as the man did here.
So what’s in it for those of us willing to give up everything to follow Christ? I’m glad you ask. Jesus reinforced GOD’s uncanny principle of giving it back…plus some. Your time, talents, family, and other things will be blessed in this life…plus- and this is the best part- , you’ll get “the bonus of eternal life (verse 31, The Message). The Great Reversal strikes again! We who give up our lives (and the things that dominate them) will find real life through Jesus Christ. Make no mistake, we all at Refuge are rich. And since its harder for the rich to enter the Kingdom of GOD, may we seek him all the more.
Application: Sell all you have and give it to the poor… just kidding (sort of). Practice the Great Reversal in at least three situations today.
GOD's Kingdom #1 (Letting Go)
Mark 10:17-22 (NLT)
As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”
“Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Many of us at Refuge are outdoor enthusiasts in one form or another. We hunt, camp, hike, canoe, or sunbathe around the pool. When I read the book (which later became the film) Into the Wild, I fell in greater love with nature. This is primarily because I put myself in the shoes of protagonist Chris McCandliss. Not only did he value nature, he spurned worldly comforts and the trappings of a materialistic society. In an endearing scene from his story, Chris abandons his car, rips his ID and social security card to shreds, and burns the money in his wallet before wandering off…into the wild.
While I’m not advocating we all do so (someone has to point people to Jesus), we can draw an invaluable lesson here. Especially at it relates to the reading of the passage today. We can be everything we’re supposed to be as Christians: we can attend, and actively participate in, Sunday and Wednesday services; we can show up for coffee with the guys or Zumba with the girls; we can make breakfast and never miss a bellyship; we can call people in encouragement, invite them into our homes, toss money in the offering plate, and pat our pastors on the back. All these things are good. All part of obeying what we are as believers. Like us, the man from the story had followed all the instructions to be good people. But also like many of us, he was holding back one thing. And with Jesus, its all…or nothing.
So I’ve beat around the bush for long enough. Here it is! Are you willing to give up everything to follow Christ? A “good” Christian would answer with an automatic and resounding: “Yes!”
Really?
Would you be willing to part with the god that is your flat screen TV? A season away from SEC football? A week without shopping or couponing? These are just little things. What if Jesus asked you to sell everything and give it away: house, car, clothes, toys, everything.
It's been said that Jesus wasn’t actually going to make the man give up all his stuff. That He was simply gauging his faith and willingness to do so. Either way, however, we can learn from the man and pull a Chris McCandliss. Let us be willing to part with what makes us comfortable and reach for those eternal things in the kingdom of GOD.
Application: Write one thing you’re holding back from Jesus. Then burn the piece of paper you wrote it on and walk away knowing that even though you may have to use the thing you burned (tv, money, your life), it no longer controls you. You have given it over to Jesus.
As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”
“Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Many of us at Refuge are outdoor enthusiasts in one form or another. We hunt, camp, hike, canoe, or sunbathe around the pool. When I read the book (which later became the film) Into the Wild, I fell in greater love with nature. This is primarily because I put myself in the shoes of protagonist Chris McCandliss. Not only did he value nature, he spurned worldly comforts and the trappings of a materialistic society. In an endearing scene from his story, Chris abandons his car, rips his ID and social security card to shreds, and burns the money in his wallet before wandering off…into the wild.
While I’m not advocating we all do so (someone has to point people to Jesus), we can draw an invaluable lesson here. Especially at it relates to the reading of the passage today. We can be everything we’re supposed to be as Christians: we can attend, and actively participate in, Sunday and Wednesday services; we can show up for coffee with the guys or Zumba with the girls; we can make breakfast and never miss a bellyship; we can call people in encouragement, invite them into our homes, toss money in the offering plate, and pat our pastors on the back. All these things are good. All part of obeying what we are as believers. Like us, the man from the story had followed all the instructions to be good people. But also like many of us, he was holding back one thing. And with Jesus, its all…or nothing.
So I’ve beat around the bush for long enough. Here it is! Are you willing to give up everything to follow Christ? A “good” Christian would answer with an automatic and resounding: “Yes!”
Really?
Would you be willing to part with the god that is your flat screen TV? A season away from SEC football? A week without shopping or couponing? These are just little things. What if Jesus asked you to sell everything and give it away: house, car, clothes, toys, everything.
It's been said that Jesus wasn’t actually going to make the man give up all his stuff. That He was simply gauging his faith and willingness to do so. Either way, however, we can learn from the man and pull a Chris McCandliss. Let us be willing to part with what makes us comfortable and reach for those eternal things in the kingdom of GOD.
Application: Write one thing you’re holding back from Jesus. Then burn the piece of paper you wrote it on and walk away knowing that even though you may have to use the thing you burned (tv, money, your life), it no longer controls you. You have given it over to Jesus.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Reflection
I want to keep this pretty simple.
1. What is the main thing that sticks out to you from Psalm 16?
2. What is the main thing that sticks out to you from Psalm 23?
3. What is the main thing that sticks out to you from Psalm 66?
4. What is the main thing that sticks out to you from Psalm 91?
5. What is the main thing that sticks out to you from Psalm 139?
Don't forget to use more of the beautiful portraits of our faith found in Psalms in your daily walk with Christ going forward!
1. What is the main thing that sticks out to you from Psalm 16?
2. What is the main thing that sticks out to you from Psalm 23?
3. What is the main thing that sticks out to you from Psalm 66?
4. What is the main thing that sticks out to you from Psalm 91?
5. What is the main thing that sticks out to you from Psalm 139?
Don't forget to use more of the beautiful portraits of our faith found in Psalms in your daily walk with Christ going forward!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Praying Through The Psalms: Psalm 139
We're continuing to pray through a few Psalms this week. For more info what I'm talking about, read Monday's post.
Psalm 139 (NLT)
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
O God, if only you would destroy the wicked!
Get out of my life, you murderers!
They blaspheme you;
your enemies misuse your name.
O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you?
Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?
Yes, I hate them with total hatred,
for your enemies are my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139 (NLT)
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
O God, if only you would destroy the wicked!
Get out of my life, you murderers!
They blaspheme you;
your enemies misuse your name.
O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you?
Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?
Yes, I hate them with total hatred,
for your enemies are my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Praying Through The Psalms: Psalm 91
We're continuing to pray through a few Psalms this week. For more info what I'm talking about, read Monday's post.
Psalm 91 (NLT)
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”
Psalm 91 (NLT)
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Praying Through The Psalms: Psalm 66
We're continuing to pray through a few Psalms this week. For more info what I'm talking about, read Monday's post.
Psalm 66 (NLT)
Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth!
Sing about the glory of his name!
Tell the world how glorious he is.
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
Your enemies cringe before your mighty power.
Everything on earth will worship you;
they will sing your praises,
shouting your name in glorious songs.”
Come and see what our God has done,
what awesome miracles he performs for people!
He made a dry path through the Red Sea,
and his people went across on foot.
There we rejoiced in him.
For by his great power he rules forever.
He watches every movement of the nations;
let no rebel rise in defiance.
Let the whole world bless our God
and loudly sing his praises.
Our lives are in his hands,
and he keeps our feet from stumbling.
You have tested us, O God;
you have purified us like silver.
You captured us in your net
and laid the burden of slavery on our backs.
Then you put a leader over us.
We went through fire and flood,
but you brought us to a place of great abundance.
Now I come to your Temple with burnt offerings
to fulfill the vows I made to you—
yes, the sacred vows that I made
when I was in deep trouble.
That is why I am sacrificing burnt offerings to you—
the best of my rams as a pleasing aroma,
and a sacrifice of bulls and male goats.
Come and listen, all you who fear God,
and I will tell you what he did for me.
For I cried out to him for help,
praising him as I spoke.
If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
But God did listen!
He paid attention to my prayer.
Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer
or withdraw his unfailing love from me.
Psalm 66 (NLT)
Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth!
Sing about the glory of his name!
Tell the world how glorious he is.
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
Your enemies cringe before your mighty power.
Everything on earth will worship you;
they will sing your praises,
shouting your name in glorious songs.”
Come and see what our God has done,
what awesome miracles he performs for people!
He made a dry path through the Red Sea,
and his people went across on foot.
There we rejoiced in him.
For by his great power he rules forever.
He watches every movement of the nations;
let no rebel rise in defiance.
Let the whole world bless our God
and loudly sing his praises.
Our lives are in his hands,
and he keeps our feet from stumbling.
You have tested us, O God;
you have purified us like silver.
You captured us in your net
and laid the burden of slavery on our backs.
Then you put a leader over us.
We went through fire and flood,
but you brought us to a place of great abundance.
Now I come to your Temple with burnt offerings
to fulfill the vows I made to you—
yes, the sacred vows that I made
when I was in deep trouble.
That is why I am sacrificing burnt offerings to you—
the best of my rams as a pleasing aroma,
and a sacrifice of bulls and male goats.
Come and listen, all you who fear God,
and I will tell you what he did for me.
For I cried out to him for help,
praising him as I spoke.
If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
But God did listen!
He paid attention to my prayer.
Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer
or withdraw his unfailing love from me.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Praying Through The Psalms: Psalm 23
We're continuing to pray through a few Psalms this week. For more info what I'm talking about, read Monday's post.
Psalm 23 (NLT)
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23 (NLT)
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Praying Through The Psalms: Psalm 16
I asked a friend one time what he does when life begins to overwhelm him. He told me some things that I was expecting to hear: Pray, read my bible, spend time just being quiet before God. Then he took it a step further by telling me that he focuses hard on his relationship with Christ by having personal times of worship using prayer and God's Word.
He said he prays through the Psalms.
I had never heard of this concept and it intrigued me. What I came to find out is that the book of Psalms is full of beautiful passages that showcase the full range of our human experience. Things like depression, doubt, fear, and pain all the way to joy, redemption, forgiveness, and awe. I came to find out that these beautiful passages are more than just songs. They're a commentary on life. They are all parts of a story that we are all living.
So this week I want to invite you to pray through some Psalms with me.
I invite you to use the words that David wrote many thousands of years ago to spark a revival in your personal walk with the Lord!
Psalm 16 (NLT)
Keep me safe, O God,
for I have come to you for refuge.
I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!
Every good thing I have comes from you.”
The godly people in the land
are my true heroes!
I take pleasure in them!
Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.
I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood
or even speak the names of their gods.
Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
You guard all that is mine.
The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
What a wonderful inheritance!
I will bless the Lord who guides me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
My body rests in safety.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
He said he prays through the Psalms.
I had never heard of this concept and it intrigued me. What I came to find out is that the book of Psalms is full of beautiful passages that showcase the full range of our human experience. Things like depression, doubt, fear, and pain all the way to joy, redemption, forgiveness, and awe. I came to find out that these beautiful passages are more than just songs. They're a commentary on life. They are all parts of a story that we are all living.
So this week I want to invite you to pray through some Psalms with me.
I invite you to use the words that David wrote many thousands of years ago to spark a revival in your personal walk with the Lord!
Psalm 16 (NLT)
Keep me safe, O God,
for I have come to you for refuge.
I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!
Every good thing I have comes from you.”
The godly people in the land
are my true heroes!
I take pleasure in them!
Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.
I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood
or even speak the names of their gods.
Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
You guard all that is mine.
The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
What a wonderful inheritance!
I will bless the Lord who guides me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
My body rests in safety.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Reflection
1. Spend some time today looking back over what you wrote down for Tuesday's devotion. Continue to ask to God to show you what steps you need to take to tackle the things in your life that don't bring honor to God.
2. Do you have a friend that needs to be "looked after?" Take a few minutes to call them and just let them know that you are praying for them and that you're there for them. Jesus is glorified through us loving others!
3. Were you convicted about anything specifically as we discussed how we can become "bitter roots?" Spend a few minutes confessing these things to God and asking him to begin to deliver you!
4. What are some ways in which you struggle personally with unbelief? Turn these things over to God and reaffirm to him and to yourself that you will trust him no matter what!
2. Do you have a friend that needs to be "looked after?" Take a few minutes to call them and just let them know that you are praying for them and that you're there for them. Jesus is glorified through us loving others!
3. Were you convicted about anything specifically as we discussed how we can become "bitter roots?" Spend a few minutes confessing these things to God and asking him to begin to deliver you!
4. What are some ways in which you struggle personally with unbelief? Turn these things over to God and reaffirm to him and to yourself that you will trust him no matter what!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Come Boldly
Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
One of the biggest struggles we will face in this life is our unbelief. I’m not talking about rejecting the Gospel or believing an atheist worldview. I’m talking about the unbelief that we, as Christians, deal with on a daily basis.
The fact that we don’t believe our God is mighty to save or able to literally heal sickness.
The fact that we don’t put much value at all in the age to come and instead dedicate our lives to enjoying this blink of an eye that is our life here on earth.
The fact that we believe that we won’t be able to pay our bills if we give any of our money to the church.
We could go on and on but the point is this: We have to stand firm in our faith. We have to really believe that God is able to provide. We have to really believe that he is worth forsaking the temporary pleasures of this life. We have to believe in life after death just as strongly as we believe in this life we are living on earth.
When we believe these things, we are able to “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.”
When we believe these things, we are able to “receive his mercy.”
When we believe these things, we are able to “find grace to help us when we need it most.”
God, heal our unbelief.
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
One of the biggest struggles we will face in this life is our unbelief. I’m not talking about rejecting the Gospel or believing an atheist worldview. I’m talking about the unbelief that we, as Christians, deal with on a daily basis.
The fact that we don’t believe our God is mighty to save or able to literally heal sickness.
The fact that we don’t put much value at all in the age to come and instead dedicate our lives to enjoying this blink of an eye that is our life here on earth.
The fact that we believe that we won’t be able to pay our bills if we give any of our money to the church.
We could go on and on but the point is this: We have to stand firm in our faith. We have to really believe that God is able to provide. We have to really believe that he is worth forsaking the temporary pleasures of this life. We have to believe in life after death just as strongly as we believe in this life we are living on earth.
When we believe these things, we are able to “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.”
When we believe these things, we are able to “receive his mercy.”
When we believe these things, we are able to “find grace to help us when we need it most.”
God, heal our unbelief.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
I Pity The Bitter Root
Hebrews 12:15 (NLT)
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
The second very important aspect to this passage is this:
Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
There are many ways that a person can be a bitter root.
We can gossip.
We can slander.
We can complain.
We can argue.
We can choose not to forgive.
We can be judgemental.
We can be selfish.
Like I said, there are many ways that we can become a bitter root. It’s very easy if we aren’t careful.
Because of this, it’s always important that we examine ourselves in light of scripture to make sure that we aren’t hindering anyone from seeing Christ in us.
Take a few minutes to pray and ask God to point out these things in your life. Don’t be a bitter root.
Pity the bitter root!
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
The second very important aspect to this passage is this:
Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
There are many ways that a person can be a bitter root.
We can gossip.
We can slander.
We can complain.
We can argue.
We can choose not to forgive.
We can be judgemental.
We can be selfish.
Like I said, there are many ways that we can become a bitter root. It’s very easy if we aren’t careful.
Because of this, it’s always important that we examine ourselves in light of scripture to make sure that we aren’t hindering anyone from seeing Christ in us.
Take a few minutes to pray and ask God to point out these things in your life. Don’t be a bitter root.
Pity the bitter root!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Look After One Another
Hebrews 12:15 (NLT)
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
There are two very important aspects to this passage. The first is this:
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God.
If you looked, you’d find a ton of commentary on this verse and rightfully so. However, because this is a short devotion and you don’t have all day, I want to keep it simple. Simply put, we must love each other. We have to look past each other’s faults and love each other just like Jesus loves us. This is hard to do at times but God gives us clues in His Word as to how this can be done. One clue is in this verse.
Because we love each other, we watch out for each other. When we take ourselves out of the equation and we begin to open our eyes to the pain around us, we can’t help but reach out. It is absolutely imperative that, as Christ-followers, we are completely invested in not only our own walk with the Lord but also the walks of those around us. We have to be mindful of the spiritual lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. When a friend is struggling with their faith, we should be the first ones there to comfort and guide them. When a friend has a relapse from an addiction, we should be the first ones there to comfort them and pick them back up.
Remember that our purpose is never to judge or condemn a person. We don’t have that right. What we can do is love them and show them the love of Jesus. That’s not only what we should do; it’s what we’ve been commanded to do.
We’ll look at the second aspect of this verse tomorrow.
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
There are two very important aspects to this passage. The first is this:
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God.
If you looked, you’d find a ton of commentary on this verse and rightfully so. However, because this is a short devotion and you don’t have all day, I want to keep it simple. Simply put, we must love each other. We have to look past each other’s faults and love each other just like Jesus loves us. This is hard to do at times but God gives us clues in His Word as to how this can be done. One clue is in this verse.
Because we love each other, we watch out for each other. When we take ourselves out of the equation and we begin to open our eyes to the pain around us, we can’t help but reach out. It is absolutely imperative that, as Christ-followers, we are completely invested in not only our own walk with the Lord but also the walks of those around us. We have to be mindful of the spiritual lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. When a friend is struggling with their faith, we should be the first ones there to comfort and guide them. When a friend has a relapse from an addiction, we should be the first ones there to comfort them and pick them back up.
Remember that our purpose is never to judge or condemn a person. We don’t have that right. What we can do is love them and show them the love of Jesus. That’s not only what we should do; it’s what we’ve been commanded to do.
We’ll look at the second aspect of this verse tomorrow.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Holiness... Could You Use That In A Sentence?
Hebrews 12:14 (NLT)
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
1 Peter 1:13-16 (NLT)
So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
We’ve spent the past 2 weeks discussing holiness. We’ve discussed the guidelines that Peter laid out for us in the Bible.
Today, I want you to do something a little bit different. This might take 10 or 15 minutes so if you have something to do, come back to this later today so you’ll have time to do it.
I want you take a piece of notebook paper or open up your word processor and jot down responses to the following 3 things:
Spend a few minutes praising God for delivering you from these things!
Spend some time with God praying about these things and if you’re comfortable enough to do so, share these with a trusted Christian friend and begin to work towards putting an end to them.
God has called us to be holy. Not tomorrow or in a few years but now.
Let’s be holy today!
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
1 Peter 1:13-16 (NLT)
So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
We’ve spent the past 2 weeks discussing holiness. We’ve discussed the guidelines that Peter laid out for us in the Bible.
Today, I want you to do something a little bit different. This might take 10 or 15 minutes so if you have something to do, come back to this later today so you’ll have time to do it.
I want you take a piece of notebook paper or open up your word processor and jot down responses to the following 3 things:
- I want you to think of 5 things in your life that God has radically changed. It could be an attitude, an addiction, or anything else. Write down 5 different things.
Spend a few minutes praising God for delivering you from these things!
- Now write down 5 things in your life that you know need to radically change. These may be things that God has revealed to you over the past couple weeks or it could be something you’ve been carrying for a long time.
- What steps do you need to take to tackle these things and devote your life to walking with the Lord in holiness?
Spend some time with God praying about these things and if you’re comfortable enough to do so, share these with a trusted Christian friend and begin to work towards putting an end to them.
God has called us to be holy. Not tomorrow or in a few years but now.
Let’s be holy today!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
You Know Better
Hebrews 12:14 (NLT)
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
1 Peter 1:13-16 (NLT)
So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
Holy people “know better.”
“You know better!”
How many times growing up did you hear your parents say this? For me, it was often and it was never code words for, “You’re being a good boy.” As a matter of fact, when I hear the statement, I cringe. But praise God He is changing that in my life.
When HE tells me that I know better, it is a good thing.
When HE tells me I know better, I take great joy in it.
It not only guides me as I attempt to live out the Great Commission. It also gives me a blessed assurance that the Holy Spirit is in my heart guiding my steps.
If you’ve given your life to Christ, you know what I’m talking about. We call it that still, soft voice. A whisper. Sometimes it is. But sometimes it’s like God has a bullhorn and is revealing a truth to you so loudly and so clearly that not only do you hear it but you can’t deny or ignore it! That, my friends, is the Holy Spirit working in your life. This is a good thing!
I want to encourage you today. The fact that you hear that Voice and are guided by that Voice tells you that you are indeed a child of the Most High God! He is changing you and molding you every time you hear it! Take joy in this! Most of all, be careful to not ignore it.
The Bible tells us in the scripture above that “those who are not holy will not see the Lord.” God uses the Holy Spirit in our lives to make us holy. He changes us from the inside out. He creates us anew and gives us the blessed wisdom to “know better.” He makes us holy so that we can see Him in this wretched world!
Thank God for that today!
Holy people “know better.”
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
1 Peter 1:13-16 (NLT)
So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
Holy people “know better.”
“You know better!”
How many times growing up did you hear your parents say this? For me, it was often and it was never code words for, “You’re being a good boy.” As a matter of fact, when I hear the statement, I cringe. But praise God He is changing that in my life.
When HE tells me that I know better, it is a good thing.
When HE tells me I know better, I take great joy in it.
It not only guides me as I attempt to live out the Great Commission. It also gives me a blessed assurance that the Holy Spirit is in my heart guiding my steps.
If you’ve given your life to Christ, you know what I’m talking about. We call it that still, soft voice. A whisper. Sometimes it is. But sometimes it’s like God has a bullhorn and is revealing a truth to you so loudly and so clearly that not only do you hear it but you can’t deny or ignore it! That, my friends, is the Holy Spirit working in your life. This is a good thing!
I want to encourage you today. The fact that you hear that Voice and are guided by that Voice tells you that you are indeed a child of the Most High God! He is changing you and molding you every time you hear it! Take joy in this! Most of all, be careful to not ignore it.
The Bible tells us in the scripture above that “those who are not holy will not see the Lord.” God uses the Holy Spirit in our lives to make us holy. He changes us from the inside out. He creates us anew and gives us the blessed wisdom to “know better.” He makes us holy so that we can see Him in this wretched world!
Thank God for that today!
Holy people “know better.”
Friday, May 3, 2013
Reflection
1. We went over three aspects to keeping a clear mind: Taking care of yourself physically, taking care of yourself spiritually, and letting God take care of the rest. Which one of these did you most relate to? Why? What are some things you can do to shore up this area of your life?
2. Has your "tongue" every gotten you in trouble? Think about how the situation might have played out differently had you maintained control over the words that came out of your mouth.
3. Why do you think it's so hard to maintain focus on the eternal rather than the temporary? What are some simple things that you can do to make sure your perspective is right?
4. Does the word "obedience" carry a positive or a negative implication for you? Why is this?
5. Through incorporating the prayer at the end of Thursday's devotion into your daily quiet time, what has God revealed to you?
6. Do you hold everything that you're taught up to the light of scripture to make sure it is true? Ask God to reveal the truth of His Word to you on a daily basis so you aren't led astray!
2. Has your "tongue" every gotten you in trouble? Think about how the situation might have played out differently had you maintained control over the words that came out of your mouth.
3. Why do you think it's so hard to maintain focus on the eternal rather than the temporary? What are some simple things that you can do to make sure your perspective is right?
4. Does the word "obedience" carry a positive or a negative implication for you? Why is this?
5. Through incorporating the prayer at the end of Thursday's devotion into your daily quiet time, what has God revealed to you?
6. Do you hold everything that you're taught up to the light of scripture to make sure it is true? Ask God to reveal the truth of His Word to you on a daily basis so you aren't led astray!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
I Can't Get No...
Hebrews 12:14 (NLT)
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
1 Peter 1:13-16 (NLT)
So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
Holy people do not live to satisfy their own desires. This sort of coincides with what we talked about Wednesday.
Can I poke a hole in something today? There are many people preaching a message that tells us that we can not only find, but that we also deserve, prosperity in this life on earth.
I heard one very famous teacher (I’m not naming names but it rhymes with Oel Josteen) that tells us, “We have a right to total victory. Not partial victory where we have a good family, good health, but constantly struggling in our finances… God created you to be totally free, to have [health and wealth]… You have rights and privileges. One of those privileges is total victory.”
This sounds great, right? I mean, this really sounds compelling. This man and his teachings are revered and respected by millions. There’s only one small problem…
This line of thought is not found in scripture. It is not only not found in scripture; it is the complete opposite of what we find in scripture.
Matthew 16:25 (NLT)
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)
Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Did Jesus live in “total victory” on this earth? Did He seem to view health and wealth as His “right and privilege?” Of course not! Why should we cling and aspire to have things that the God of the universe deemed to be of no importance when He walked on earth? Jesus is our ultimate example. He lived a perfect life on earth. He laid His life down as the ultimate sacrifice that our sins would be forgiven. He gave His life for ours. He conquered Hell because He knew we weren’t able.
It’s all because of Jesus that can say to the pleasures of this life, “No, I’m going to live for a greater reward, God’s reward.”
Please don’t buy into the hype that tells you that you deserve blessings on this earth. The truth is that if God gave us all what we deserved, we would be in hell right now.
Overcome the temporary and begin to live your eternal life right now!
Holy people do not live to satisfy their own desires.
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
1 Peter 1:13-16 (NLT)
So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
Holy people do not live to satisfy their own desires. This sort of coincides with what we talked about Wednesday.
Can I poke a hole in something today? There are many people preaching a message that tells us that we can not only find, but that we also deserve, prosperity in this life on earth.
I heard one very famous teacher (I’m not naming names but it rhymes with Oel Josteen) that tells us, “We have a right to total victory. Not partial victory where we have a good family, good health, but constantly struggling in our finances… God created you to be totally free, to have [health and wealth]… You have rights and privileges. One of those privileges is total victory.”
This sounds great, right? I mean, this really sounds compelling. This man and his teachings are revered and respected by millions. There’s only one small problem…
This line of thought is not found in scripture. It is not only not found in scripture; it is the complete opposite of what we find in scripture.
Matthew 16:25 (NLT)
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)
Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Did Jesus live in “total victory” on this earth? Did He seem to view health and wealth as His “right and privilege?” Of course not! Why should we cling and aspire to have things that the God of the universe deemed to be of no importance when He walked on earth? Jesus is our ultimate example. He lived a perfect life on earth. He laid His life down as the ultimate sacrifice that our sins would be forgiven. He gave His life for ours. He conquered Hell because He knew we weren’t able.
It’s all because of Jesus that can say to the pleasures of this life, “No, I’m going to live for a greater reward, God’s reward.”
Please don’t buy into the hype that tells you that you deserve blessings on this earth. The truth is that if God gave us all what we deserved, we would be in hell right now.
Overcome the temporary and begin to live your eternal life right now!
Holy people do not live to satisfy their own desires.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Obedience
Hebrews 12:14 (NLT)
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
1 Peter 1:13-16 (NLT)
So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
Holy people are obedient to God. Peter tells us that we must “live as God’s obedient children.” What does it mean to be obedient?
The Webster dictionary tells us that to be obedient means to be “submissive to the restraint or command of authority : willing to obey.”
Key word: Submissive.
When we come to Christ, we must do so on His terms. He’s not going to “work with us.” There’s no deal to be worked out. We either obey Him or we don’t. We either choose to live for Him or we don’t. There’s not a gray area here. Check out what Paul tells us in Ephesians:
Ephesians 4:21-24 (NLT)
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit renews us! He creates in us a new nature. It’s through Him and ONLY through Him that we can obey. It’s because of Him that we are no longer hell-bent on squeezing all that we can out of this fleeting life on earth. Instead, we are given an incredible hope in this age and the promise of eternal life beyond it!
I don’t have the ability to explain this any further so I’ll make my final point and close this out. We can’t be obedient to God on our own. Our only hope is the Holy Spirit working in our lives.
Your only hope is the Holy Spirit working in your life.
Pray the following prayer every morning when you wake up and every evening when you go to sleep and see what God reveals to you:
God, I want to make sure I come to You on Your terms. I want to make sure that I’m not living for me. Please show me things in my life that are causing me to disobey You and give me a way to overcome them. I trust You and I love You. Amen.
Holy people are obedient to God.
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
1 Peter 1:13-16 (NLT)
So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
Holy people are obedient to God. Peter tells us that we must “live as God’s obedient children.” What does it mean to be obedient?
The Webster dictionary tells us that to be obedient means to be “submissive to the restraint or command of authority : willing to obey.”
Key word: Submissive.
When we come to Christ, we must do so on His terms. He’s not going to “work with us.” There’s no deal to be worked out. We either obey Him or we don’t. We either choose to live for Him or we don’t. There’s not a gray area here. Check out what Paul tells us in Ephesians:
Ephesians 4:21-24 (NLT)
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit renews us! He creates in us a new nature. It’s through Him and ONLY through Him that we can obey. It’s because of Him that we are no longer hell-bent on squeezing all that we can out of this fleeting life on earth. Instead, we are given an incredible hope in this age and the promise of eternal life beyond it!
I don’t have the ability to explain this any further so I’ll make my final point and close this out. We can’t be obedient to God on our own. Our only hope is the Holy Spirit working in our lives.
Your only hope is the Holy Spirit working in your life.
Pray the following prayer every morning when you wake up and every evening when you go to sleep and see what God reveals to you:
God, I want to make sure I come to You on Your terms. I want to make sure that I’m not living for me. Please show me things in my life that are causing me to disobey You and give me a way to overcome them. I trust You and I love You. Amen.
Holy people are obedient to God.
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