Matthew 28:18-20 (The Message)
Go out and train every one you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the three-fold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I commanded you. I‘ll be with you as you do this, day after day, right up to the end of the age.
How very fitting that the first LifeTogether of the new year deals with “going out” and “making disciples.” Reaching out to others is usually high on the New Year’s Resolutions of Christians (just below losing weight and right above daily quiet time). However, we fumble the spiritual football quicker than any offense meeting SEC competition. Our failure doesn’t stem from the game plan. We plan ways to reach out, encourage, train, and teach others. And those plans are good! But as many a team can attest, all the planning in the world amounts to nothing if you don’t execute the plan. So how do put the plan into action on a consistent basis? To explain, allow me share another story…
A friend and I were discussing discipleship, reaching out, and other related topics on the “Spiritual Gift Survey” we were given at church. (Let this be a gentle, timely reminder to complete it and turn it in!) On one question, it asked something along the lines of, “Are you willing to do anything to spread the Gospel to others who have never heard it?” My aforementioned friend shared that, as horrible as it sounded and he felt bad about it, if he answered honestly, he would have to say, “no.” Ashamed, I agreed. The good news is we don’t have to go to the ends of the world to share the Gospel (at least not this second, unless you’ve been called to that, in which case you need to get busy). Quite simply, all we must do is “go out” around here. Easy to talk about certainly; more difficult to put into action.
You want action, hold on! Here we go. If we’re to make disciples, we must first “go out” and get them. Jesus says, “Go out to the highways and biways and compel them to come in!” Most people, especially these days, aren’t going to just pop up in church. Its up to us to invite them in, show them the love of Christ, and live a worthy example in front of them. Once they see us “in action,” they’ll want the Life-Change for themselves. Only then can we begin guiding them in the Way. If our desire is to capture the purpose and vision of Refuge, we must urgently start putting one foot in front of the other and put our faith into action. James, the brother of Jesus, said, “Faith without works is dead.” Permit me to put that in Refuge-speak:
“Shut up the talk, begin the walk!”
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Author's Note
We concluded last month hammering home the first part of our vision statement…To passionately Seek a Relationship with Jesus Christ. Before wrapping up the second message in the Back to Basics series, John mentioned the remainder of the vision statement briefly before turning his attention to the purpose of Refuge Church. To begin the month, we’ll focus on that simple, yet eternally profound purpose- to make disciples.
In my passionate pursuit of this purpose, I’ve heard many takes on the issue. But John’s definition of a disciple sums it all up succinctly. “A disciple,” he shared, “is someone who gives up everything to get one thing.” And this was merely the first shot in a punch combination, as he asked the question, “Are you one?” And then finally, the knockout punch. “The vision wreaks of the purpose,” he concluded.
Besides catching my ear because of the statement’s literary hook, it packs unrelenting truth. The vision and the purpose go hand in hand. We can’t, for example, passionately seek Jesus… and refuse to make disciples by failing to share that relationship. We can’t grow and mature as a spiritual body …without making disciples. And on and on down the list. You get the message.
So, here we are. In a moment, I’ll put the pen down and you will be finished reading my note. And we’ll be left with yet another decision. Will you listen to John’s message, Jason’s music, pray, throw money in the basket, study your Bible, read your LifeTogether devotional, and do nothing with it other than saying it was a good service, sermon, song, or reading material? Continue to sit, soak, and sour?
Or will you cry out to Yahweh, who loves you more than you can ever think or imagine? Will you tell him you can’t do it in and of yourself but that you’re willing. Willing to give everything to seek him, to buy into his vision and accomplish his purpose. To go, grow, and glow?
Sparked by the fire of the Holy Spirit and fueled by prayer, lets us put the rubber (of making disciples) on the road (of the Great Commission). Press on…
In my passionate pursuit of this purpose, I’ve heard many takes on the issue. But John’s definition of a disciple sums it all up succinctly. “A disciple,” he shared, “is someone who gives up everything to get one thing.” And this was merely the first shot in a punch combination, as he asked the question, “Are you one?” And then finally, the knockout punch. “The vision wreaks of the purpose,” he concluded.
Besides catching my ear because of the statement’s literary hook, it packs unrelenting truth. The vision and the purpose go hand in hand. We can’t, for example, passionately seek Jesus… and refuse to make disciples by failing to share that relationship. We can’t grow and mature as a spiritual body …without making disciples. And on and on down the list. You get the message.
So, here we are. In a moment, I’ll put the pen down and you will be finished reading my note. And we’ll be left with yet another decision. Will you listen to John’s message, Jason’s music, pray, throw money in the basket, study your Bible, read your LifeTogether devotional, and do nothing with it other than saying it was a good service, sermon, song, or reading material? Continue to sit, soak, and sour?
Or will you cry out to Yahweh, who loves you more than you can ever think or imagine? Will you tell him you can’t do it in and of yourself but that you’re willing. Willing to give everything to seek him, to buy into his vision and accomplish his purpose. To go, grow, and glow?
Sparked by the fire of the Holy Spirit and fueled by prayer, lets us put the rubber (of making disciples) on the road (of the Great Commission). Press on…
Friday, August 29, 2014
Reflection and Meditation
1. How do you feel about “Questions”? Are you a person who searches to the answers for your questions? What benefits may come from asking / searching questions?
2. Why is hitting bottom or being spiritually-bankrupt a good place to be?
3. Does the thought of the “wilderness” scare you? What are some ways you can deal with both your fear and your time in the wilderness?
4. Is ANYTHING standing in the way of your Jesus Resolution? If yes, pray over it. Then listen to God as to how he wants you to deal with that.
5. Is your relationship with Jesus to the point where others can see all 4 attributes of a passionate seeker in you (from Friday’s devotion)?
2. Why is hitting bottom or being spiritually-bankrupt a good place to be?
3. Does the thought of the “wilderness” scare you? What are some ways you can deal with both your fear and your time in the wilderness?
4. Is ANYTHING standing in the way of your Jesus Resolution? If yes, pray over it. Then listen to God as to how he wants you to deal with that.
5. Is your relationship with Jesus to the point where others can see all 4 attributes of a passionate seeker in you (from Friday’s devotion)?
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Vision #5 (The Resolution Begins)
Psalm 119:10-24 (NLT)
I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I am only a foreigner in the land. Don’t hide your commands from me! I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations. You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.
Here is a basic summary of my notes from John’s message. Sometimes things laid straight to the point are more profound without the added literary rambling.
Vision Statement: 1(of 4). Passionately seek a relationship with Jesus
How do we do that?
1. Have the closest possible walk with Jesus. Attend church service every time you can, including the most vital services like prayer. Read your Bible and some devotion daily. (Author’s Note: No, I won’t get my feelings hurt if you don’t read this one. My feelings will be hurt if you make no effort in your quiet time whatsoever.) Be consistent and constant in your prayers and alone time with God. Think of it like a dating relationship. When you first start dating your love, you want to spend all your time with them and want to know everything about them. Same with Jesus. Fellowship with other believers, who will encourage you further in your relationship with Jesus.
2. We are one body with many parts. Every body part compliments the others. If we’re not active then we’re hurting and hindering the rest of the body. Each part is accountable to the others. If, say, our foot is wounded, then the whole body is affected, having to run with a limp. We must maintain spiritual health, not only for ourselves, but for the good of the entire body.
3. We seek God with whatever means necessary. At work, at play, at family.
4. We act the same way both in and out of church. We must, in essence, be the church. We all must move together. Think of it like an octopus on roller skates. If the legs are all on the same page, everything is headed together in one direction. If not, chaos and wreckage.
In the words of the O.C. Supertones, “Today, I make my resolution!” Will you join with me?
I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I am only a foreigner in the land. Don’t hide your commands from me! I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations. You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.
Here is a basic summary of my notes from John’s message. Sometimes things laid straight to the point are more profound without the added literary rambling.
Vision Statement: 1(of 4). Passionately seek a relationship with Jesus
How do we do that?
1. Have the closest possible walk with Jesus. Attend church service every time you can, including the most vital services like prayer. Read your Bible and some devotion daily. (Author’s Note: No, I won’t get my feelings hurt if you don’t read this one. My feelings will be hurt if you make no effort in your quiet time whatsoever.) Be consistent and constant in your prayers and alone time with God. Think of it like a dating relationship. When you first start dating your love, you want to spend all your time with them and want to know everything about them. Same with Jesus. Fellowship with other believers, who will encourage you further in your relationship with Jesus.
2. We are one body with many parts. Every body part compliments the others. If we’re not active then we’re hurting and hindering the rest of the body. Each part is accountable to the others. If, say, our foot is wounded, then the whole body is affected, having to run with a limp. We must maintain spiritual health, not only for ourselves, but for the good of the entire body.
3. We seek God with whatever means necessary. At work, at play, at family.
4. We act the same way both in and out of church. We must, in essence, be the church. We all must move together. Think of it like an octopus on roller skates. If the legs are all on the same page, everything is headed together in one direction. If not, chaos and wreckage.
In the words of the O.C. Supertones, “Today, I make my resolution!” Will you join with me?
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Vision #4 (Making Our Resolution)
Matthew 8:1-4 (NLT)
Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
Imagine this: It's Easter service or Christmas service or New Years service at church. A packed house. This is one of those times of the year when everyone goes to church. Even if it’s the only time all year. They have to bring in extra fold-out chairs there are so many people. Hopefully, you’ve been welcomed with open arms. But you may have also noticed others who ignored you or acted as if you didn’t exist. The pastor stands behind the pulpit, maybe shows a portion of "The Passion of the Christ" film or a Nativity clip and shares Jesus. Who He is and how he can radically change not only your life now, but the one to come. He relates how Jesus loves us just as we are, but that He also loves us too much to let us stay that way.
What you see and hear stirs something deep within your soul. The Holy Spirit- God’s Spirit- is wrapping you in love, calling out to you, drawing you to him. To an even deeper walk. Now you have an eternal choice to make. Are you:
1. Going to take a look over your shoulder. Witness a mass of people, many of which you may know. You don’t want to cause a scene or prolong the service. People are waiting to get on with their regular lives after all. What will your friends- especially your Christian ones- think? They know you’re messed up and will knit-pick your hypocrisy. What will John think? You’re a leader! You teach! You’re seen as an example!
So you sit quietly and do nothing…
-or are you:
2. Going to step out in faith. Out of your comfort zone. Allow the Lord to work in your life. Take a chance on Jesus. Run to the alter and hit your knees in prayer. Walk up to the pastor during the invitation not caring what anyone thinks or says. Listen as he guides you to Jesus. Buy into the vision. Go deeper. Seek with passion. To cry out to this Jesus, like the leper in our story today: “Lord, if you are willing, make me clean.” Or in our case, “Lord, take me deeper! Forget the world and the status quo! Who cares what people think!”
The leper sought Jesus badly enough where he didn’t care what the crowd thought. He wanted, no…needed, Jesus. He wanted to grow. Are we willing to do what it takes to grow?
Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
Imagine this: It's Easter service or Christmas service or New Years service at church. A packed house. This is one of those times of the year when everyone goes to church. Even if it’s the only time all year. They have to bring in extra fold-out chairs there are so many people. Hopefully, you’ve been welcomed with open arms. But you may have also noticed others who ignored you or acted as if you didn’t exist. The pastor stands behind the pulpit, maybe shows a portion of "The Passion of the Christ" film or a Nativity clip and shares Jesus. Who He is and how he can radically change not only your life now, but the one to come. He relates how Jesus loves us just as we are, but that He also loves us too much to let us stay that way.
What you see and hear stirs something deep within your soul. The Holy Spirit- God’s Spirit- is wrapping you in love, calling out to you, drawing you to him. To an even deeper walk. Now you have an eternal choice to make. Are you:
1. Going to take a look over your shoulder. Witness a mass of people, many of which you may know. You don’t want to cause a scene or prolong the service. People are waiting to get on with their regular lives after all. What will your friends- especially your Christian ones- think? They know you’re messed up and will knit-pick your hypocrisy. What will John think? You’re a leader! You teach! You’re seen as an example!
So you sit quietly and do nothing…
-or are you:
2. Going to step out in faith. Out of your comfort zone. Allow the Lord to work in your life. Take a chance on Jesus. Run to the alter and hit your knees in prayer. Walk up to the pastor during the invitation not caring what anyone thinks or says. Listen as he guides you to Jesus. Buy into the vision. Go deeper. Seek with passion. To cry out to this Jesus, like the leper in our story today: “Lord, if you are willing, make me clean.” Or in our case, “Lord, take me deeper! Forget the world and the status quo! Who cares what people think!”
The leper sought Jesus badly enough where he didn’t care what the crowd thought. He wanted, no…needed, Jesus. He wanted to grow. Are we willing to do what it takes to grow?
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Vision #3 (Growth Through The Wilderness)
Matthew 4:1-11 (NLT)
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’" Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
Lonely. Desolate. Harsh. Unforgiving.
The wilderness brings a variety of emotions to mind. Anybody who has spent any time there- whether in a literal, physical area or in a metaphorical, spiritual place can attest to the gut-wrenching difficulties. It breaks most people, paralyzing them with doubt and fear until they fold, pack up camp, and return to the comfort of their former life. For us, times of growth reflect periods in the wilderness. Our issues are the lack of water and overwhelming heat. But we don’t have to see the desert that way. When we change our perception of the wilderness, our lives will change also.
The Scripture uses the images of a literal and symbolic wilderness numerous times. Perhaps none so powerful as the Gospel account of Jesus and his time there. Allow me to put the story into perspective briefly.
Jesus had just come off a spiritual high. He had been announced as the Savior by John (the Baptist not the Pastor), humbled himself in baptism, and been affirmed by God the Father. Refusing to be content with the one experience, he focused further through 40 days of prayer and fasting. Then came the wilderness.
Little water. Heat. Sweat. Uncomfortable conditions. Tricks of the mind. Wild animals. Flies. Rashes. Satan shows up, offers easy ways out. Does all this sound familiar?
Sounds like us. We decide to buy into the Refuge vision. We’re high on the Holy Spirit. Then comes our wilderness, our opportunity to trust God and grow.
We tend to be our weakest in this environment. Vulnerable to relapse. Jesus was no different from us- except that he refused to stay the same. He refused to be satisfied with an initial encounter with God. In his weakness, he reverted back to what he had put in his heart. The Word of God. When he was unable to face the wilderness on his own, he allowed God to move on his behalf. And he emerged from the wilderness stronger than ever before.
This is the vision John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) speaks of, a passionate pursuit of Christ. We can go through the wilderness and come out unchanged. And go right back to the comfort of the world. Or you can be like the Savior, Jesus Christ, who held the faith and used the wilderness experience as a time of incomparable growth.
The choice is yours- be pruned and grow…or stay the same and die.
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’" Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
Lonely. Desolate. Harsh. Unforgiving.
The wilderness brings a variety of emotions to mind. Anybody who has spent any time there- whether in a literal, physical area or in a metaphorical, spiritual place can attest to the gut-wrenching difficulties. It breaks most people, paralyzing them with doubt and fear until they fold, pack up camp, and return to the comfort of their former life. For us, times of growth reflect periods in the wilderness. Our issues are the lack of water and overwhelming heat. But we don’t have to see the desert that way. When we change our perception of the wilderness, our lives will change also.
The Scripture uses the images of a literal and symbolic wilderness numerous times. Perhaps none so powerful as the Gospel account of Jesus and his time there. Allow me to put the story into perspective briefly.
Jesus had just come off a spiritual high. He had been announced as the Savior by John (the Baptist not the Pastor), humbled himself in baptism, and been affirmed by God the Father. Refusing to be content with the one experience, he focused further through 40 days of prayer and fasting. Then came the wilderness.
Little water. Heat. Sweat. Uncomfortable conditions. Tricks of the mind. Wild animals. Flies. Rashes. Satan shows up, offers easy ways out. Does all this sound familiar?
Sounds like us. We decide to buy into the Refuge vision. We’re high on the Holy Spirit. Then comes our wilderness, our opportunity to trust God and grow.
We tend to be our weakest in this environment. Vulnerable to relapse. Jesus was no different from us- except that he refused to stay the same. He refused to be satisfied with an initial encounter with God. In his weakness, he reverted back to what he had put in his heart. The Word of God. When he was unable to face the wilderness on his own, he allowed God to move on his behalf. And he emerged from the wilderness stronger than ever before.
This is the vision John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) speaks of, a passionate pursuit of Christ. We can go through the wilderness and come out unchanged. And go right back to the comfort of the world. Or you can be like the Savior, Jesus Christ, who held the faith and used the wilderness experience as a time of incomparable growth.
The choice is yours- be pruned and grow…or stay the same and die.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Vision #2 (Hitting Bottom / Spiritually Bankrupt)
Matthew 5:1-10 (NLT)
One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them. “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
In order to seek and find Jesus Christ, we must first hit bottom. It’s a prerequisite to the seeking process. 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- for the first time or as a reminder-a Savior.
We passionately seek...
Enter Jesus Christ. He is not the Higher Power, but the Most High. Where we see a broken person (or our self), 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. And that leads us to the back to the vision.
If you’re sacrificing time for this devotion consistently, I’m going to assume you’re a Jesus Freak already. But even Jesus Freaks reach a point where they want to go even deeper. They’re not actually spiritually bankrupt, but that hunger we have as baby believers returns. We not only want to seek Jesus again, but with passion, with vigor, with desperation. We don’t want a good time, a good feeling, or a good life. We want Jesus, pure and unadulterated. That’s the premise behind these Beatitudes. It’s no mistake that this is Jesus’ first sermon (or at least the first recorded one). And perhaps the most beautiful part of all this are the promises to those who hit bottom and passionately seek God. They will be filled!
As if your being filled is not enough, when you passionately seek God it encourages others as well. I have this friend, who, for the sake of argument we’ll call Jason as well, who is an encouragement to me every time I visit with him. My encouragement stems from his passionate seeking of God, through questions, prayer, doubt, and honesty. There is no holding back. He is “poor in spirit” and “recognizes his need for God” (verse 1). He seeks answers to questions most of us dare not ask for fear of being cut off or being shoved from our comfort zone. He is discovering, like all of us who’ve strived to go deeper, a clearer picture of Jesus and his love for us.
You can experience this also. We must only first seek…with passion, with our whole heart.
One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them. “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
In order to seek and find Jesus Christ, we must first hit bottom. It’s a prerequisite to the seeking process. 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- for the first time or as a reminder-a Savior.
We passionately seek...
Enter Jesus Christ. He is not the Higher Power, but the Most High. Where we see a broken person (or our self), 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. And that leads us to the back to the vision.
If you’re sacrificing time for this devotion consistently, I’m going to assume you’re a Jesus Freak already. But even Jesus Freaks reach a point where they want to go even deeper. They’re not actually spiritually bankrupt, but that hunger we have as baby believers returns. We not only want to seek Jesus again, but with passion, with vigor, with desperation. We don’t want a good time, a good feeling, or a good life. We want Jesus, pure and unadulterated. That’s the premise behind these Beatitudes. It’s no mistake that this is Jesus’ first sermon (or at least the first recorded one). And perhaps the most beautiful part of all this are the promises to those who hit bottom and passionately seek God. They will be filled!
As if your being filled is not enough, when you passionately seek God it encourages others as well. I have this friend, who, for the sake of argument we’ll call Jason as well, who is an encouragement to me every time I visit with him. My encouragement stems from his passionate seeking of God, through questions, prayer, doubt, and honesty. There is no holding back. He is “poor in spirit” and “recognizes his need for God” (verse 1). He seeks answers to questions most of us dare not ask for fear of being cut off or being shoved from our comfort zone. He is discovering, like all of us who’ve strived to go deeper, a clearer picture of Jesus and his love for us.
You can experience this also. We must only first seek…with passion, with our whole heart.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Vision #1 (Passionately Seeking God)
Matthew 7:7-11 (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.
Not long ago, I waded through a devotional much like you are now, only dealing with the mystery of God. In one chapter, the author discusses the transforming power we experience when God answers our questions. Dr. Stevens 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. Above all, questions help us realize that we are powerless and our 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, in the meeting room at the shelter, even at church. I’m not so naive as to believe that we are such great teachers that there are no questions. Rather kids (like most of us) falsely believe asking questions will blemish our 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 isn't the exception to the rule. Rather, people in all walks of life tend to shun the attention shone upon anyone asking questions. Think even of those in the church who have dared to ask questions, or seek something deeper.
But, oh, how I long to ask question after question! And I’m not alone. I’m reminded of one story in particular. Warren (name changed to protect anonymity), one of the most memorable characters to come through our shelter 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 the hell is this talking about? How can I be like a little kid 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 in this life…or the next.
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.
Not long ago, I waded through a devotional much like you are now, only dealing with the mystery of God. In one chapter, the author discusses the transforming power we experience when God answers our questions. Dr. Stevens 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. Above all, questions help us realize that we are powerless and our 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, in the meeting room at the shelter, even at church. I’m not so naive as to believe that we are such great teachers that there are no questions. Rather kids (like most of us) falsely believe asking questions will blemish our 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 isn't the exception to the rule. Rather, people in all walks of life tend to shun the attention shone upon anyone asking questions. Think even of those in the church who have dared to ask questions, or seek something deeper.
But, oh, how I long to ask question after question! And I’m not alone. I’m reminded of one story in particular. Warren (name changed to protect anonymity), one of the most memorable characters to come through our shelter 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 the hell is this talking about? How can I be like a little kid 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 in this life…or the next.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Reflection and Meditation
Just as our daily devotions this week were a little different, our reflection and meditation time will be a little different as well. Instead of answering new questions, I want you to spend a few minutes thinking about the questions that we have already asked ourselves this week.
For each question, I want you to write down the biggest thing that God revealed to You through the devotion that accompanied it:
1. Do I really believe that my sins have been forgiven?
2. Does my family know, by the way I treat them, that I love Christ?
3. Does my giving reflect my love for Christ?
4. Does my life prove that my faith in Christ is real?
For each question, I want you to write down the biggest thing that God revealed to You through the devotion that accompanied it:
1. Do I really believe that my sins have been forgiven?
2. Does my family know, by the way I treat them, that I love Christ?
3. Does my giving reflect my love for Christ?
4. Does my life prove that my faith in Christ is real?
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Faith-Into-Action Week #5
James 2:26 (NLT)
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
Today’s question is this:
Does my life prove that my faith in Christ is real?
As we’ve done all week, I want you to get past all of the Sunday-school clichés and I want you to really examine this issue in your life by spending some time answering the following questions. I want you to be specific and write your answers down on a piece of paper:
Thinking back on our illustration from Monday… If a detective was hired to follow you around to prove, in the court of law, that you are, in fact, a follower of Jesus Christ, would this detective find enough evidence to convict you? Be honest with yourself and write down what evidence this detective might find:
Would you be convicted of being a full-fledged follower of Christ?
Would you only be charged with a misdemeanor? Are you hot and cold or on and off with your life as a follower of Christ?
Would you be declared not-guilty?
If someone were to ask your co-workers if you were a Christian or not, would they know? Would you have to tell them you’re a Christian or would they be able to put 2 and 2 together by not only the way you have treated them, but also how they see you handle situations as they arise?
We could ask questions like this all day long but it all comes down to the question at the top of the page:
Does my life prove that my faith in Christ is real?
Now, I want you to spend a few moments in prayer. Pray something like this:
God, I want to be real. I want to be authentic in my relationship with You. I want people to see me living out this relationship. Just as the moon reflects the sun, I want to my life to reflect You. I want people to look at my life and see something different. I want to love as You love and serve and You serve. I don’t want to have to tell people that I have given my life to You. I want people to be able to see it. In my life, make me less and less as You glorify Yourself more and more. Lord, use me. I give You every square inch of my life.
Now, spend a few minutes in silence. Give God some time to speak.
Don’t forget to breathe.
Now live for Christ like you never have before.
John 3:30 (NLT)
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
Today’s question is this:
Does my life prove that my faith in Christ is real?
As we’ve done all week, I want you to get past all of the Sunday-school clichés and I want you to really examine this issue in your life by spending some time answering the following questions. I want you to be specific and write your answers down on a piece of paper:
Thinking back on our illustration from Monday… If a detective was hired to follow you around to prove, in the court of law, that you are, in fact, a follower of Jesus Christ, would this detective find enough evidence to convict you? Be honest with yourself and write down what evidence this detective might find:
Would you be convicted of being a full-fledged follower of Christ?
Would you only be charged with a misdemeanor? Are you hot and cold or on and off with your life as a follower of Christ?
Would you be declared not-guilty?
If someone were to ask your co-workers if you were a Christian or not, would they know? Would you have to tell them you’re a Christian or would they be able to put 2 and 2 together by not only the way you have treated them, but also how they see you handle situations as they arise?
We could ask questions like this all day long but it all comes down to the question at the top of the page:
Does my life prove that my faith in Christ is real?
Now, I want you to spend a few moments in prayer. Pray something like this:
God, I want to be real. I want to be authentic in my relationship with You. I want people to see me living out this relationship. Just as the moon reflects the sun, I want to my life to reflect You. I want people to look at my life and see something different. I want to love as You love and serve and You serve. I don’t want to have to tell people that I have given my life to You. I want people to be able to see it. In my life, make me less and less as You glorify Yourself more and more. Lord, use me. I give You every square inch of my life.
Now, spend a few minutes in silence. Give God some time to speak.
Don’t forget to breathe.
Now live for Christ like you never have before.
John 3:30 (NLT)
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Faith-Into-Action Week #4
James 2:26 (NLT)
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
Today’s question is this:
Does my giving reflect my love for Christ?
Author Robert Louis Stevenson tells us, “You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.” This is especially true of how we live out our relationship with Christ in such a way that it benefits others.
This one is uncomfortable for everyone involved (including myself). Just like yesterday and the day before, I want you to get past all of the Sunday-school clichés and I want you to really examine this issue in your life by spending some time answering the following questions. I want you to be specific and write your answers down on a piece of paper:
One obvious aspect of giving is tithing. Do you tithe (give 10% of your income to God through your local church)?
If you do, explain in a few words the emotions that flow when you write that check or prepare your cash offering? Are they emotions such as thankfulness and worship or are they emotions of guilt and irritation? Be specific as you write down these emotions.
If you don’t tithe, examine why. Write it down and take it to God. See if your reasoning lines up with His Word.
When you are blessed with more money than you need, is your first impulse to give it away or is your first impulse to spend it on yourself? Be honest here. Now write down how your answer to this question makes you feel.
Now, I want you to spend a few moments in prayer. Pray something like this:
God, please help me to find all the joy and contentment that I need in my relationship with You. Give me the strength to fight any attachment to the things of this world. Open my eyes to both the temporary and the eternal. Lord, when you give me more, give me opportunities to give more to others. Lord, help me trust You as I tithe. Help me to see this as an act of worship instead of as just another bill. I want my life to make a difference for You, Lord. I trust You and I place everything I have in Your mighty hands so that You can be glorified through it.
Now, spend a few minutes in silence. Give God some time to speak.
Don’t forget to breathe.
Now give like you never have before.
2nd Corinthians 9:6-8 (NLT)
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
Today’s question is this:
Does my giving reflect my love for Christ?
Author Robert Louis Stevenson tells us, “You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.” This is especially true of how we live out our relationship with Christ in such a way that it benefits others.
This one is uncomfortable for everyone involved (including myself). Just like yesterday and the day before, I want you to get past all of the Sunday-school clichés and I want you to really examine this issue in your life by spending some time answering the following questions. I want you to be specific and write your answers down on a piece of paper:
One obvious aspect of giving is tithing. Do you tithe (give 10% of your income to God through your local church)?
If you do, explain in a few words the emotions that flow when you write that check or prepare your cash offering? Are they emotions such as thankfulness and worship or are they emotions of guilt and irritation? Be specific as you write down these emotions.
If you don’t tithe, examine why. Write it down and take it to God. See if your reasoning lines up with His Word.
When you are blessed with more money than you need, is your first impulse to give it away or is your first impulse to spend it on yourself? Be honest here. Now write down how your answer to this question makes you feel.
Now, I want you to spend a few moments in prayer. Pray something like this:
God, please help me to find all the joy and contentment that I need in my relationship with You. Give me the strength to fight any attachment to the things of this world. Open my eyes to both the temporary and the eternal. Lord, when you give me more, give me opportunities to give more to others. Lord, help me trust You as I tithe. Help me to see this as an act of worship instead of as just another bill. I want my life to make a difference for You, Lord. I trust You and I place everything I have in Your mighty hands so that You can be glorified through it.
Now, spend a few minutes in silence. Give God some time to speak.
Don’t forget to breathe.
Now give like you never have before.
2nd Corinthians 9:6-8 (NLT)
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Faith-Into-Action Week #3
James 2:26 (NLT)
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
Today’s question is this:
Does my family know, by the way I treat them, that I love Christ?
Just like yesterday, I want you to get past all of the Sunday-school clichés and I want you to really examine this issue in your life by spending some time answering the following questions. I want you to be specific and write your answers down on a piece of paper:
Husbands, does your wife see Jesus in how you treat her? In your presence, does she feel loved or does she feel fear? When you open your mouth, does she expect blessings or does she expect criticism? If she were honest, how would your wife describe you? Would your love for Christ be a part of her description?
Wives, does your husband see Jesus in how you treat him? In your presence, does he feel loved or does he feel inadequate? When you open your mouth, does he expect blessings or does he expect criticism? If he were honest, how would your husband describe you? Would your love for Christ be a part of his description?
Parents, do your children see Jesus in how you treat them? Do you encourage them or do you tear them down? Do they know that you’re proud of them or are they wondering if they even matter to you? Most of all, are you leading them to love Christ or are you leading them to tolerate Christ until they can move out of your house?
Now, I want you to spend a few moments in prayer.
Husbands / Fathers, pray something like this:
God, I want to give You my family. I am not able, on my own, to love them as they ought to be loved. I’m not able to guide and direct them to You as I should. I’m not just asking for Your help. I’m not just asking for suggestions along the way. I’m asking You to take full control. I want to give my family to You. I trust You completely. God, please give me the strength I need to be the servant leader my family needs. Help me be a man that rejects passivity, accepts responsibility, leads courageously, and expects the greater reward, Your reward. I give you my wife and I give you my kids. Please help me to love them as I ought to while leading them to You.
Wives / Mothers, pray something like this:
God, I want to give You my family. Apart from You, I know I’m not able to be the wife my husband needs or the mother my children need. I need Your grace every single morning. Lord, help me to love my husband as I ought to. Continue to show me opportunities to encourage him. Open my eyes to new ways to show Him that I admire Him and most of all, that I trust Him. I give my children to You. Help us raise them up to honor You in how they live. Help me be a wife and a mother that constantly reflects Your love onto my family. I trust You completely, Lord, and I give my life and my family to You.
Now, spend a few minutes in silence. Give God some time to speak.
Don’t forget to breathe.
Now love your family like you never have before.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
Today’s question is this:
Does my family know, by the way I treat them, that I love Christ?
Just like yesterday, I want you to get past all of the Sunday-school clichés and I want you to really examine this issue in your life by spending some time answering the following questions. I want you to be specific and write your answers down on a piece of paper:
Husbands, does your wife see Jesus in how you treat her? In your presence, does she feel loved or does she feel fear? When you open your mouth, does she expect blessings or does she expect criticism? If she were honest, how would your wife describe you? Would your love for Christ be a part of her description?
Wives, does your husband see Jesus in how you treat him? In your presence, does he feel loved or does he feel inadequate? When you open your mouth, does he expect blessings or does he expect criticism? If he were honest, how would your husband describe you? Would your love for Christ be a part of his description?
Parents, do your children see Jesus in how you treat them? Do you encourage them or do you tear them down? Do they know that you’re proud of them or are they wondering if they even matter to you? Most of all, are you leading them to love Christ or are you leading them to tolerate Christ until they can move out of your house?
Now, I want you to spend a few moments in prayer.
Husbands / Fathers, pray something like this:
God, I want to give You my family. I am not able, on my own, to love them as they ought to be loved. I’m not able to guide and direct them to You as I should. I’m not just asking for Your help. I’m not just asking for suggestions along the way. I’m asking You to take full control. I want to give my family to You. I trust You completely. God, please give me the strength I need to be the servant leader my family needs. Help me be a man that rejects passivity, accepts responsibility, leads courageously, and expects the greater reward, Your reward. I give you my wife and I give you my kids. Please help me to love them as I ought to while leading them to You.
Wives / Mothers, pray something like this:
God, I want to give You my family. Apart from You, I know I’m not able to be the wife my husband needs or the mother my children need. I need Your grace every single morning. Lord, help me to love my husband as I ought to. Continue to show me opportunities to encourage him. Open my eyes to new ways to show Him that I admire Him and most of all, that I trust Him. I give my children to You. Help us raise them up to honor You in how they live. Help me be a wife and a mother that constantly reflects Your love onto my family. I trust You completely, Lord, and I give my life and my family to You.
Now, spend a few minutes in silence. Give God some time to speak.
Don’t forget to breathe.
Now love your family like you never have before.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Faith-Into-Action Week #2
James 2:26 (NLT)
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
This week will be a little bit more introspective than other weeks. Sometimes we must stop reading and start acting. That is my prayer for you this week. That you can find some freedom and deliverance.
Today’s question is this:
Do I really believe that my sins have been forgiven?
C.S. Lewis tells us that, “Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.”
It is absolutely vital that we, as followers of Christ, are able to not only forgive others, but also to accept Christ’s forgiveness for our own sins. I want you to get past all of the Sunday-school clichés and I want you to really examine this issue in your life by spending some time answering the following questions:
Are there sins from your past that you are still holding onto? (Write them down. Be specific.)
Are there sins in your life right now that are allowing guilt to overtake your desire to serve God? (Write them down. Be specific.)
What would change in your life if I were to finally let go of these things?
Now, I want you to spend a few moments in prayer. Pray something like this:
God, I want to give you my past, my present, and my future. I want to give you all of my failures and shortcomings... All the things that heap guilt on my head every morning when I wake up. Lord, I want to walk in newness with You. I want to be free of this burden. I’m crying out to You! I trust You and You alone to deliver me.
Now, spend a few minutes in silence. Give God some time to speak.
Don’t forget to breathe.
Now embrace forgiveness like you never have before.
Psalm 103:12 (NLT)
He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
This week will be a little bit more introspective than other weeks. Sometimes we must stop reading and start acting. That is my prayer for you this week. That you can find some freedom and deliverance.
Today’s question is this:
Do I really believe that my sins have been forgiven?
C.S. Lewis tells us that, “Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.”
It is absolutely vital that we, as followers of Christ, are able to not only forgive others, but also to accept Christ’s forgiveness for our own sins. I want you to get past all of the Sunday-school clichés and I want you to really examine this issue in your life by spending some time answering the following questions:
Are there sins from your past that you are still holding onto? (Write them down. Be specific.)
Are there sins in your life right now that are allowing guilt to overtake your desire to serve God? (Write them down. Be specific.)
What would change in your life if I were to finally let go of these things?
Now, I want you to spend a few moments in prayer. Pray something like this:
God, I want to give you my past, my present, and my future. I want to give you all of my failures and shortcomings... All the things that heap guilt on my head every morning when I wake up. Lord, I want to walk in newness with You. I want to be free of this burden. I’m crying out to You! I trust You and You alone to deliver me.
Now, spend a few minutes in silence. Give God some time to speak.
Don’t forget to breathe.
Now embrace forgiveness like you never have before.
Psalm 103:12 (NLT)
He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Faith-Into-Action Week #1
James 2:26 (NLT)
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
Is your faith visible? Can people see your faith when they look at you? Obviously, you can’t wear it like a jacket but is your life producing the fruit that shows the world around you that you belong to Christ? If it isn’t, would it be fair to say that maybe you don’t?
Believe me, I’m all for encouragement and positive energy but at some point, we have to put down the baby bottle, look at ourselves in the mirror, and ask ourselves the tough questions that are going to help us grow.
Questions like:
Do I really believe that my sins have been forgiven?
Does my family know, by the way I treat them, that I love Christ?
Does my giving reflect my love for Christ?
Does my life prove that my faith in Christ is real?
I heard someone explain it this way: If a detective was hired to follow you around to prove, in a court of law, that you are, in fact, a follower of Jesus Christ, would this detective find enough evidence to convict you?
My prayer is that you would be found guilty.
Would you?
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
Is your faith visible? Can people see your faith when they look at you? Obviously, you can’t wear it like a jacket but is your life producing the fruit that shows the world around you that you belong to Christ? If it isn’t, would it be fair to say that maybe you don’t?
Believe me, I’m all for encouragement and positive energy but at some point, we have to put down the baby bottle, look at ourselves in the mirror, and ask ourselves the tough questions that are going to help us grow.
Questions like:
Do I really believe that my sins have been forgiven?
Does my family know, by the way I treat them, that I love Christ?
Does my giving reflect my love for Christ?
Does my life prove that my faith in Christ is real?
I heard someone explain it this way: If a detective was hired to follow you around to prove, in a court of law, that you are, in fact, a follower of Jesus Christ, would this detective find enough evidence to convict you?
My prayer is that you would be found guilty.
Would you?
Friday, August 15, 2014
Reflection and Meditation
1. Who have you used as a measuring stick in your walk with the Lord? Release this person from that role and ask God to show you how to measure yourself by Christ and His Word alone!
2. What are your spiritual gifts? If you don't know, ask John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) or Jason (the wiser and wittier) to get you a Spiritual Gift Survey. If you do know what they are, are you serving the body of Christ as you were made to? If you aren't, what's holding you back?
3. What do you think it means to actively love others? Ask God to open your eyes to opportunities to do this!
4. Get on YouTube and watch an episode of the Flintstones. You deserve a break!
5. Who is the one person that you've had tremendous trouble praying for? If you're still unable to pray for this person, ask God to help you. He can release you from those feelings!
6. Have you ever gotten revenge on someone for something? How do you think the situation would have played out had you, instead of getting them back, prayed for and loved the person who did you wrong?
2. What are your spiritual gifts? If you don't know, ask John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) or Jason (the wiser and wittier) to get you a Spiritual Gift Survey. If you do know what they are, are you serving the body of Christ as you were made to? If you aren't, what's holding you back?
3. What do you think it means to actively love others? Ask God to open your eyes to opportunities to do this!
4. Get on YouTube and watch an episode of the Flintstones. You deserve a break!
5. Who is the one person that you've had tremendous trouble praying for? If you're still unable to pray for this person, ask God to help you. He can release you from those feelings!
6. Have you ever gotten revenge on someone for something? How do you think the situation would have played out had you, instead of getting them back, prayed for and loved the person who did you wrong?
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Revenge
Romans 12:19 (NLT)
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God.
Taylor Swift has a song that says, “there’s nothing I do better than revenge!” The ABC television network is currently airing a very popular show called Revenge about, you guessed it, a woman getting revenge on a whole lot of people. Our culture loves a good story of revenge. Have you ever found yourself thinking the following:
Can you believe what that idiot did? I was about to leave for work and this dude pulled right out in front of me! I almost hit him! I’ll tell you what, I’m going to give him hell until I get to work. Ha, this’ll show ‘em!
Silly? Not quite… What about this:
I can’t believe she didn’t bring my movie back… I lent her that movie 2 months ago and she still hasn’t brought me my movie back! I’ll tell you what, I’ll never let her borrow another movie of mine! As a matter of fact, I’m going to borrow one of her movies and keep it forever!
We definitely do silly things sometimes… People wrong us and we just have to get them back. We have to go that extra mile. But God calls us to do the complete opposite of what our culture teaches us. God calls us to NEVER take revenge.
NEVER.
He says to leave all of the revenge to Him. Taking our personal feelings out of the equation is really the only way that we can really love others!
Try to remember this today as you contemplate how you’re going to get back at the drive-thru lady who gave you regular Coke when you asked for a Diet Coke.
Let God take care of that kind of stuff.
You just love her anyway…
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God.
Taylor Swift has a song that says, “there’s nothing I do better than revenge!” The ABC television network is currently airing a very popular show called Revenge about, you guessed it, a woman getting revenge on a whole lot of people. Our culture loves a good story of revenge. Have you ever found yourself thinking the following:
Can you believe what that idiot did? I was about to leave for work and this dude pulled right out in front of me! I almost hit him! I’ll tell you what, I’m going to give him hell until I get to work. Ha, this’ll show ‘em!
Silly? Not quite… What about this:
I can’t believe she didn’t bring my movie back… I lent her that movie 2 months ago and she still hasn’t brought me my movie back! I’ll tell you what, I’ll never let her borrow another movie of mine! As a matter of fact, I’m going to borrow one of her movies and keep it forever!
We definitely do silly things sometimes… People wrong us and we just have to get them back. We have to go that extra mile. But God calls us to do the complete opposite of what our culture teaches us. God calls us to NEVER take revenge.
NEVER.
He says to leave all of the revenge to Him. Taking our personal feelings out of the equation is really the only way that we can really love others!
Try to remember this today as you contemplate how you’re going to get back at the drive-thru lady who gave you regular Coke when you asked for a Diet Coke.
Let God take care of that kind of stuff.
You just love her anyway…
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Bless Who?
Romans 12:14 (NLT)
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.
Yeah… That’s really in the Bible…
This is a hard pill to swallow but we have to somehow choke it down. God shows us love so that we can show love to others.
Especially the unlovable.
People that have said disparaging things about “yo’ momma.”
People who made fun of that little buck you killed last year.
People that have hurt you.
People that have stolen from you.
People that have cursed you.
People that have ruined you…
God calls us to bless these people and to pray that He will bless them.
I want you to spend a few minutes thinking about someone who has hurt you. Think about the last person in the world you would ever want to heap blessings on. Now pray for them. Pray for blessings on their life. Pray that God blesses them.
I’m not asking you to do anything crazy… It’s right there in Romans 12…
If you can do this, God will no doubt release you from your feelings about that person. You might finally be able to forgive. You might finally be able to move on.
Give it a shot…
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.
Yeah… That’s really in the Bible…
This is a hard pill to swallow but we have to somehow choke it down. God shows us love so that we can show love to others.
Especially the unlovable.
People that have said disparaging things about “yo’ momma.”
People who made fun of that little buck you killed last year.
People that have hurt you.
People that have stolen from you.
People that have cursed you.
People that have ruined you…
God calls us to bless these people and to pray that He will bless them.
I want you to spend a few minutes thinking about someone who has hurt you. Think about the last person in the world you would ever want to heap blessings on. Now pray for them. Pray for blessings on their life. Pray that God blesses them.
I’m not asking you to do anything crazy… It’s right there in Romans 12…
If you can do this, God will no doubt release you from your feelings about that person. You might finally be able to forgive. You might finally be able to move on.
Give it a shot…
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Really Love Them
Romans 12:9 (NLT)
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them…
Have you taken a passive approach to loving people? As a culture, we are very quick to say all the right things without lifting a finger to actually address the issues people around us are facing. We hear about poor Aunt Lulu and how sick she is and how she needs our prayers and actually have the audacity to say we’ll "keep her in our prayers," which actually means we’ll pray for her later, if we think about it.
What if we stopped what we were doing and prayed for Aunt Lulu right then and there?! That is the kind of boldness that God calls us to!
We hear about Lego Louie’s house burning down and shake our heads, obviously distraught by the news… So distraught that hey, we’ll "keep them in our prayers…"
What if we went through our closets and gave Lego Louie some of our old (but new to him) clothes? What if we finally got rid of some of the furniture in our house and gave it to Louie? This is rejecting that passive approach to loving others and instead loving in an active way! Just like God has called us to!
We hear things like, “Keep the Flintstones, Fred and Wilma, in your prayers… They’re going through a really rough patch in their marriage.”
Instead of praying for this frustrated couple, we “gather information” (gossip) so we’ll know exactly what to pray for and then say we’ll "keep them in our prayers…"
Instead, we should stop what we’re doing and pray for Fred and Wilma right then and there! (Fred and Wilma Flintstone are fictional characters created by Hanna-Barbera Productions… You should look them up sometime… I would say that their marriage is almost always on the rocks… Ha… Haha... See what I did there? Anyways…)
I hope you get my point! Don’t take a passive approach to loving others! If there’s a need, do what you can to meet it! If someone needs prayer, stop what you’re doing and pray for them!
Then pray for them later like you said you would!
Let’s start really loving others!
There’s really no other way to do it...
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them…
Have you taken a passive approach to loving people? As a culture, we are very quick to say all the right things without lifting a finger to actually address the issues people around us are facing. We hear about poor Aunt Lulu and how sick she is and how she needs our prayers and actually have the audacity to say we’ll "keep her in our prayers," which actually means we’ll pray for her later, if we think about it.
What if we stopped what we were doing and prayed for Aunt Lulu right then and there?! That is the kind of boldness that God calls us to!
We hear about Lego Louie’s house burning down and shake our heads, obviously distraught by the news… So distraught that hey, we’ll "keep them in our prayers…"
What if we went through our closets and gave Lego Louie some of our old (but new to him) clothes? What if we finally got rid of some of the furniture in our house and gave it to Louie? This is rejecting that passive approach to loving others and instead loving in an active way! Just like God has called us to!
We hear things like, “Keep the Flintstones, Fred and Wilma, in your prayers… They’re going through a really rough patch in their marriage.”
Instead of praying for this frustrated couple, we “gather information” (gossip) so we’ll know exactly what to pray for and then say we’ll "keep them in our prayers…"
Instead, we should stop what we’re doing and pray for Fred and Wilma right then and there! (Fred and Wilma Flintstone are fictional characters created by Hanna-Barbera Productions… You should look them up sometime… I would say that their marriage is almost always on the rocks… Ha… Haha... See what I did there? Anyways…)
I hope you get my point! Don’t take a passive approach to loving others! If there’s a need, do what you can to meet it! If someone needs prayer, stop what you’re doing and pray for them!
Then pray for them later like you said you would!
Let’s start really loving others!
There’s really no other way to do it...
Monday, August 11, 2014
Parts
Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
I know you’ve heard that you’re unique. Most of us have grown up hearing about how special we are. Well, here’s the truth: You are. You are unique. You are special and you have been specially gifted by God to do certain things well!
As we’ve discussed before, we are all part of the body of Christ. We all have certain functions. Some people are the arms. Some people are the neck. Some people are the… well… Let’s move on. We are all a special and unique part of the body of Christ.
This is all well and good as long as all parts of the body are functioning well. But when the arm stops working, the body can’t lift. When the knee stops working, the body can’t walk. When you’re not serving the body as you were made to serve it, something is missing. I’m not just talking about Refuge Church. The body of Christ is made up of Christians from all over the world. We all have a part to play. God may have placed you in Refuge Church or He may have you serving in another church! The great news is that if glorifying and serving Jesus is your goal, we’re all on the same team!
It’s time for you to get involved! If you don’t know how, ask your pastor or someone you trust and respect. Whatever you do, don’t just do nothing!
Refugees (clever name for members of Refuge Church), have you taken the Spiritual Gift Survey to find out what your spiritual gifts are and met with John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) to discuss them and how you can get involved? What’s holding you back?
Get involved and start doing what you were made to do!
Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
I know you’ve heard that you’re unique. Most of us have grown up hearing about how special we are. Well, here’s the truth: You are. You are unique. You are special and you have been specially gifted by God to do certain things well!
As we’ve discussed before, we are all part of the body of Christ. We all have certain functions. Some people are the arms. Some people are the neck. Some people are the… well… Let’s move on. We are all a special and unique part of the body of Christ.
This is all well and good as long as all parts of the body are functioning well. But when the arm stops working, the body can’t lift. When the knee stops working, the body can’t walk. When you’re not serving the body as you were made to serve it, something is missing. I’m not just talking about Refuge Church. The body of Christ is made up of Christians from all over the world. We all have a part to play. God may have placed you in Refuge Church or He may have you serving in another church! The great news is that if glorifying and serving Jesus is your goal, we’re all on the same team!
It’s time for you to get involved! If you don’t know how, ask your pastor or someone you trust and respect. Whatever you do, don’t just do nothing!
Refugees (clever name for members of Refuge Church), have you taken the Spiritual Gift Survey to find out what your spiritual gifts are and met with John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) to discuss them and how you can get involved? What’s holding you back?
Get involved and start doing what you were made to do!
Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Measuring Stick
Romans 12:3 (NLT)
Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
Who is your measuring stick today?
Whose standard are you trying to live up to? How are you measuring your walk with the Lord? If we’re honest, we go with what I feel is our natural instinct:
Most of us measure ourselves using other people. Not necessarily people who we look up to or admire but people that make us look a little bit (or maybe a lot!) better than we really are. Very rarely do we use the ultimate measuring sticks that God has given us:
Jesus Christ and his Word!
Know this: You won’t get anywhere in your walk with the Lord until you make it your desire to live up to Christ’s standard. Sure, you’ll fail and you’ll fall down but you’ll grow! James tells us the following:
James 1:2-4 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
Look in the mirror today and decide to follow Christ… Not John (the Pastor OR the Baptist) but Jesus! Not either Jason but Jesus! Measure yourself by God’s Word! Dig into the Gospels and measure yourself by the life and teachings of Christ!
That’s the only way we’re going to grow.
Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
Who is your measuring stick today?
Whose standard are you trying to live up to? How are you measuring your walk with the Lord? If we’re honest, we go with what I feel is our natural instinct:
Most of us measure ourselves using other people. Not necessarily people who we look up to or admire but people that make us look a little bit (or maybe a lot!) better than we really are. Very rarely do we use the ultimate measuring sticks that God has given us:
Jesus Christ and his Word!
Know this: You won’t get anywhere in your walk with the Lord until you make it your desire to live up to Christ’s standard. Sure, you’ll fail and you’ll fall down but you’ll grow! James tells us the following:
James 1:2-4 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
Look in the mirror today and decide to follow Christ… Not John (the Pastor OR the Baptist) but Jesus! Not either Jason but Jesus! Measure yourself by God’s Word! Dig into the Gospels and measure yourself by the life and teachings of Christ!
That’s the only way we’re going to grow.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Reflection and Meditation
1. Have you ever run away from God? Recall this experience and write down how this season of your life felt. Ask God for the courage to fearlessly obey Him no matter what!
Think about both questions that were asked in Tuesday's devotional, "Jonah Gets Thrown Overboard."
2. Are you going through a storm in your life right because you have simply disobeyed God? What can you do to throw yourself overboard and give up running?
3. Is there a Jonah in your life that you need to throw overboard? Ask God to give you the courage to step away from the things and people in your life that constantly trip you up!
4. Can you remember a time in your life when all you could do was cry out to God? Take a few minutes and cry out to Him now. Write or type this prayer, fold it up, and place it in your sock drawer. Read it and pray it again every morning and watch as God delivers you!
5. Have you approached your Nineveh? What is holding you back? Ask God for courage to be bold and show this person a love that can only come from Him!
6. Have you ever found yourself upset because a person didn't get "what they deserve?" Ask God to help you show others the same mercy He shows you every morning!
7. Congratulations on reading the entire book of Jonah this week! What is the one thing that stood out to you? Why?
Think about both questions that were asked in Tuesday's devotional, "Jonah Gets Thrown Overboard."
2. Are you going through a storm in your life right because you have simply disobeyed God? What can you do to throw yourself overboard and give up running?
3. Is there a Jonah in your life that you need to throw overboard? Ask God to give you the courage to step away from the things and people in your life that constantly trip you up!
4. Can you remember a time in your life when all you could do was cry out to God? Take a few minutes and cry out to Him now. Write or type this prayer, fold it up, and place it in your sock drawer. Read it and pray it again every morning and watch as God delivers you!
5. Have you approached your Nineveh? What is holding you back? Ask God for courage to be bold and show this person a love that can only come from Him!
6. Have you ever found yourself upset because a person didn't get "what they deserve?" Ask God to help you show others the same mercy He shows you every morning!
7. Congratulations on reading the entire book of Jonah this week! What is the one thing that stood out to you? Why?
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Jonah Throws a Man-Fit
Jonah 4:1-11 (NLT)
This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”
The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”
Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city. And the Lord God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant.
But God also arranged for a worm! The next morning at dawn the worm ate through the stem of the plant so that it withered away. And as the sun grew hot, God arranged for a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. “Death is certainly better than living like this!” he exclaimed.
Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?”
“Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!”
Then the Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”
As we’ve already discussed, Jonah preaches to the city of Nineveh and the entire city repents of its sin. That's amazing. They repented in such a way that God decided to spare the entire city after earlier deciding to wipe it out. Jonah got so angry at this that he left the city and sat by himself in the desert.
So while Jonah was throwing his man-fit in the desert, God came to him and asked him if he felt his anger was justified. Jonah replied saying, "Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”
So God left him alone stewing in the desert and did something strange. He caused a plant to grow up next to Jonah. Overnight. To give Jonah's whiny heinie some shade. Jonah was grateful as I would have been. I'm sure his anger subsided a bit when that cool shady breeze hit his face. However, after Jonah was able to finally get some relief from the heat, God sent a worm to eat the entire tree. A worm ate the entire plant. A worm. God also sent a very nasty blistering hot wind out of the east to beat on Jonah for a bit. So Jonah starts to throw another man-fit. He says, "Death is certainly better than living like this!" So God asks him if his anger towards the plant's demise was just. Jonah replied like any sweaty, hot, defeated man would have replied:
“Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!”
Heat can make a man do and say many things he's not proud of. I know this from personal experience.
So then God comes at him with this question: “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn't I feel sorry for such a great city?”
I'm sure every bird, lizard, and insect stopped whatever it was doing at that very second and let out a big, "Ohhhh SNAP!" Because that's where the book ends and if the animal's quip was written, it would have just been silly. But I bet it happened. We find out really quickly that Jonah has no answer to the question. The book just ends.
There are no more chapters in the book of Jonah. He will be forever remembered for being swallowed by a fish and throwing man-fits in the desert. Quite the legacy... However, I think he would be thankful that God was able to use him to teach us such a powerful lesson. I think this is the proverbial "can't see the forest for the trees" kind of thing. Jonah was in such a selfish state that he was more upset about that plant dying than he was a city of over 120,000 people dying. If you're God, this is what you call a "teachable moment."
Let us not be so selfish and short-sighted that we completely miss out on all of the blessings God has set before us.
The world doesn't need another Jonah.
This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”
The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”
Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city. And the Lord God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant.
But God also arranged for a worm! The next morning at dawn the worm ate through the stem of the plant so that it withered away. And as the sun grew hot, God arranged for a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. “Death is certainly better than living like this!” he exclaimed.
Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?”
“Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!”
Then the Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”
As we’ve already discussed, Jonah preaches to the city of Nineveh and the entire city repents of its sin. That's amazing. They repented in such a way that God decided to spare the entire city after earlier deciding to wipe it out. Jonah got so angry at this that he left the city and sat by himself in the desert.
So while Jonah was throwing his man-fit in the desert, God came to him and asked him if he felt his anger was justified. Jonah replied saying, "Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”
So God left him alone stewing in the desert and did something strange. He caused a plant to grow up next to Jonah. Overnight. To give Jonah's whiny heinie some shade. Jonah was grateful as I would have been. I'm sure his anger subsided a bit when that cool shady breeze hit his face. However, after Jonah was able to finally get some relief from the heat, God sent a worm to eat the entire tree. A worm ate the entire plant. A worm. God also sent a very nasty blistering hot wind out of the east to beat on Jonah for a bit. So Jonah starts to throw another man-fit. He says, "Death is certainly better than living like this!" So God asks him if his anger towards the plant's demise was just. Jonah replied like any sweaty, hot, defeated man would have replied:
“Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!”
Heat can make a man do and say many things he's not proud of. I know this from personal experience.
So then God comes at him with this question: “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn't I feel sorry for such a great city?”
I'm sure every bird, lizard, and insect stopped whatever it was doing at that very second and let out a big, "Ohhhh SNAP!" Because that's where the book ends and if the animal's quip was written, it would have just been silly. But I bet it happened. We find out really quickly that Jonah has no answer to the question. The book just ends.
There are no more chapters in the book of Jonah. He will be forever remembered for being swallowed by a fish and throwing man-fits in the desert. Quite the legacy... However, I think he would be thankful that God was able to use him to teach us such a powerful lesson. I think this is the proverbial "can't see the forest for the trees" kind of thing. Jonah was in such a selfish state that he was more upset about that plant dying than he was a city of over 120,000 people dying. If you're God, this is what you call a "teachable moment."
Let us not be so selfish and short-sighted that we completely miss out on all of the blessings God has set before us.
The world doesn't need another Jonah.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Jonah Obeys and Nineveh Is Glad
Jonah 3:1-10 (NLT)
Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you.”
This time Jonah obeyed the Lord’s command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all. On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!” The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.
When the king of Nineveh heard what Jonah was saying, he stepped down from his throne and took off his royal robes. He dressed himself in burlap and sat on a heap of ashes. Then the king and his nobles sent this decree throughout the city:
“No one, not even the animals from your herds and flocks, may eat or drink anything at all. People and animals alike must wear garments of mourning, and everyone must pray earnestly to God. They must turn from their evil ways and stop all their violence. Who can tell? Perhaps even yet God will change his mind and hold back his fierce anger from destroying us.”
When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.
Jonah finally obeyed God and entire city of Nineveh repented and turned towards God! Wow! It’s amazing what God can do through a willing servant!
I hope you can find encouragement here. We’ve discussed throwing your Jonah off of your boat but now we have to move on to sharing God’s message with your Nineveh! That person that we discussed last week… The one that you know God is leading you to share your faith with… This person is your Nineveh!
While you may be afraid of the temporary consequences that may follow you sharing your faith with this person (NEWSFLASH: they may not be comfortable around you anymore and your relationship with this person may change!), they are far outweighed by the eternal consequences (eternity in Heaven or Hell!). With a person’s eternity in Heaven or Hell in the balance, we don’t have time to wait around and hope for the best! God has given us His power! We don’t have to walk into any situation alone! Ask Him to give you the words to say and He will! Trust Him today!
Share with your Nineveh the message that God has laid on your heart!
Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you.”
This time Jonah obeyed the Lord’s command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all. On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!” The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.
When the king of Nineveh heard what Jonah was saying, he stepped down from his throne and took off his royal robes. He dressed himself in burlap and sat on a heap of ashes. Then the king and his nobles sent this decree throughout the city:
“No one, not even the animals from your herds and flocks, may eat or drink anything at all. People and animals alike must wear garments of mourning, and everyone must pray earnestly to God. They must turn from their evil ways and stop all their violence. Who can tell? Perhaps even yet God will change his mind and hold back his fierce anger from destroying us.”
When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.
Jonah finally obeyed God and entire city of Nineveh repented and turned towards God! Wow! It’s amazing what God can do through a willing servant!
I hope you can find encouragement here. We’ve discussed throwing your Jonah off of your boat but now we have to move on to sharing God’s message with your Nineveh! That person that we discussed last week… The one that you know God is leading you to share your faith with… This person is your Nineveh!
While you may be afraid of the temporary consequences that may follow you sharing your faith with this person (NEWSFLASH: they may not be comfortable around you anymore and your relationship with this person may change!), they are far outweighed by the eternal consequences (eternity in Heaven or Hell!). With a person’s eternity in Heaven or Hell in the balance, we don’t have time to wait around and hope for the best! God has given us His power! We don’t have to walk into any situation alone! Ask Him to give you the words to say and He will! Trust Him today!
Share with your Nineveh the message that God has laid on your heart!
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Jonah Cries Out To God
Jonah 2:1-10 (NLT)
Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. He said,
“I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me! You threw me into the ocean depths, and I sank down to the heart of the sea. The mighty waters engulfed me; I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves. Then I said, ‘O Lord, you have driven me from your presence. Yet I will look once more toward your holy Temple.’ I sank beneath the waves, and the waters closed over me. Seaweed wrapped itself around my head. I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever. But you, O Lord my God, snatched me from the jaws of death! As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple. Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies. But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.”
Then the Lord ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach.
This beautiful prayer should ring true in all of our lives. Even though Jonah ran away from God, He was delivered the moment He cried out to God for help. We must remember that God loves us through our mistakes. He doesn’t approve or accept sin in our lives but He will always restore us when we cry out to Him.
Don’t wallow in your sin any longer! Cry out to God and be delivered!
Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. He said,
“I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me! You threw me into the ocean depths, and I sank down to the heart of the sea. The mighty waters engulfed me; I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves. Then I said, ‘O Lord, you have driven me from your presence. Yet I will look once more toward your holy Temple.’ I sank beneath the waves, and the waters closed over me. Seaweed wrapped itself around my head. I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever. But you, O Lord my God, snatched me from the jaws of death! As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple. Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies. But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.”
Then the Lord ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach.
This beautiful prayer should ring true in all of our lives. Even though Jonah ran away from God, He was delivered the moment He cried out to God for help. We must remember that God loves us through our mistakes. He doesn’t approve or accept sin in our lives but He will always restore us when we cry out to Him.
Don’t wallow in your sin any longer! Cry out to God and be delivered!
Monday, August 4, 2014
Jonah Gets Thrown Overboard
Jonah 1:4-17 (NLT)
But the Lord hurled a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to break the ship apart. Fearing for their lives, the desperate sailors shouted to their gods for help and threw the cargo overboard to lighten the ship.
But all this time Jonah was sound asleep down in the hold. So the captain went down after him. “How can you sleep at a time like this?” he shouted. “Get up and pray to your god! Maybe he will pay attention to us and spare our lives.”
Then the crew cast lots to see which of them had offended the gods and caused the terrible storm. When they did this, the lots identified Jonah as the culprit. “Why has this awful storm come down on us?” they demanded. “Who are you? What is your line of work? What country are you from? What is your nationality?”
Jonah answered, “I am a Hebrew, and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.”
The sailors were terrified when they heard this, for he had already told them he was running away from the Lord. “Oh, why did you do it?” they groaned. And since the storm was getting worse all the time, they asked him, “What should we do to you to stop this storm?”
“Throw me into the sea,” Jonah said, “and it will become calm again. I know that this terrible storm is all my fault.”
Instead, the sailors rowed even harder to get the ship to the land. But the stormy sea was too violent for them, and they couldn’t make it. Then they cried out to the Lord, Jonah’s God. “O Lord,” they pleaded, “don’t make us die for this man’s sin. And don’t hold us responsible for his death. O Lord, you have sent this storm upon him for your own good reasons.”
Then the sailors picked Jonah up and threw him into the raging sea, and the storm stopped at once! The sailors were awestruck by the Lord’s great power, and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him.
Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.
Two things:
First, are you going through a storm in your life right now because you blatantly disobeyed God? Are you and your family suffering for the decisions you’re making right now? Jonah realized that he was wrong and acknowledged “that this terrible storm is all my fault.” Are you going to continue to run away from God or are you going to listen to God. Decide right now.
Secondly, as John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) has stated before, is there a Jonah in your life? Is there a person in your life that you need to get away from? Are you suffering through storm after storm because you’re allowing this person and their influence to remain in your life? You know the person I’m talking about. They popped into your head as you read the past few sentences. It’s time to throw them off the boat (your life!) and move on!
These are tough things to swallow but they are vital if we’re going to grow closer to Christ in our lives. Give the Jonah's in your life to God and walk away from them. Your ship will crash and you will drown if you don’t.
But the Lord hurled a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to break the ship apart. Fearing for their lives, the desperate sailors shouted to their gods for help and threw the cargo overboard to lighten the ship.
But all this time Jonah was sound asleep down in the hold. So the captain went down after him. “How can you sleep at a time like this?” he shouted. “Get up and pray to your god! Maybe he will pay attention to us and spare our lives.”
Then the crew cast lots to see which of them had offended the gods and caused the terrible storm. When they did this, the lots identified Jonah as the culprit. “Why has this awful storm come down on us?” they demanded. “Who are you? What is your line of work? What country are you from? What is your nationality?”
Jonah answered, “I am a Hebrew, and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.”
The sailors were terrified when they heard this, for he had already told them he was running away from the Lord. “Oh, why did you do it?” they groaned. And since the storm was getting worse all the time, they asked him, “What should we do to you to stop this storm?”
“Throw me into the sea,” Jonah said, “and it will become calm again. I know that this terrible storm is all my fault.”
Instead, the sailors rowed even harder to get the ship to the land. But the stormy sea was too violent for them, and they couldn’t make it. Then they cried out to the Lord, Jonah’s God. “O Lord,” they pleaded, “don’t make us die for this man’s sin. And don’t hold us responsible for his death. O Lord, you have sent this storm upon him for your own good reasons.”
Then the sailors picked Jonah up and threw him into the raging sea, and the storm stopped at once! The sailors were awestruck by the Lord’s great power, and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him.
Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.
Two things:
First, are you going through a storm in your life right now because you blatantly disobeyed God? Are you and your family suffering for the decisions you’re making right now? Jonah realized that he was wrong and acknowledged “that this terrible storm is all my fault.” Are you going to continue to run away from God or are you going to listen to God. Decide right now.
Secondly, as John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) has stated before, is there a Jonah in your life? Is there a person in your life that you need to get away from? Are you suffering through storm after storm because you’re allowing this person and their influence to remain in your life? You know the person I’m talking about. They popped into your head as you read the past few sentences. It’s time to throw them off the boat (your life!) and move on!
These are tough things to swallow but they are vital if we’re going to grow closer to Christ in our lives. Give the Jonah's in your life to God and walk away from them. Your ship will crash and you will drown if you don’t.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Jonah Runs Away
Jonah 1:1-3 (NLT)
The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.
Sometimes, we feel like God may be telling us something. We feel like maybe He wants us to talk to a certain person or go to a certain place. We feel like it anyway… Oftentimes, we chalk it up to food poisoning or headache medicine and ignore it.
Then you have situations like the one Jonah found himself in. The Lord actually gave Jonah a direct message. A specific message. God probably wrote it down on a holy post-it note (pure conjecture on my part - you will not find this in scripture!). Jonah didn’t have to interpret it or take it to his pastor. God left nothing to Jonah’s imagination.
Jonah ran anyway.
Imagine getting a direct command from God and running away from it. We like to think we’d never do that but if we’re honest, we do it every day. We make excuses. We do things halfway. We ignore it when we hear God’s voice and keep walking through our life like it never happened.
As you start this week, make sure that you don’t ignore God when He leads you to do something. The only way to do this is to be in constant communication with Him. Talk to Him throughout your day and you won’t have to wonder whether You heard His voice or not. You’ll know.
The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.
Sometimes, we feel like God may be telling us something. We feel like maybe He wants us to talk to a certain person or go to a certain place. We feel like it anyway… Oftentimes, we chalk it up to food poisoning or headache medicine and ignore it.
Then you have situations like the one Jonah found himself in. The Lord actually gave Jonah a direct message. A specific message. God probably wrote it down on a holy post-it note (pure conjecture on my part - you will not find this in scripture!). Jonah didn’t have to interpret it or take it to his pastor. God left nothing to Jonah’s imagination.
Jonah ran anyway.
Imagine getting a direct command from God and running away from it. We like to think we’d never do that but if we’re honest, we do it every day. We make excuses. We do things halfway. We ignore it when we hear God’s voice and keep walking through our life like it never happened.
As you start this week, make sure that you don’t ignore God when He leads you to do something. The only way to do this is to be in constant communication with Him. Talk to Him throughout your day and you won’t have to wonder whether You heard His voice or not. You’ll know.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Reflection and Meditation
1. Think about something you know you need to do that you've been putting off waiting on the perfect time to handle it? Ask God to give you the courage to step up and handle this situation today!
2. Who is God leading you to share your faith with today? He probably laid this person on your heart a long time ago. Ask God to give you the words to say as well as the courage to share you faith with them!
3. Pray that God will lead you to a mentor in your life. A person that you can trust and learn from. Don't be ashamed to ask this person to be a mentor for you. God put us here to love and help each other!
4. What is the main thing that stuck out to you as you read Thursday's devotional, "Angry People?" Why did this stick out to you like it did?
5. Take every little sin that you've been carrying with you lately and write it down on a sheet of paper. Give them all to God and shred / burn / destroy the paper, signifying your letting go of the chains that have bound you!
6. Call your Mom and tell her you love her!
2. Who is God leading you to share your faith with today? He probably laid this person on your heart a long time ago. Ask God to give you the words to say as well as the courage to share you faith with them!
3. Pray that God will lead you to a mentor in your life. A person that you can trust and learn from. Don't be ashamed to ask this person to be a mentor for you. God put us here to love and help each other!
4. What is the main thing that stuck out to you as you read Thursday's devotional, "Angry People?" Why did this stick out to you like it did?
5. Take every little sin that you've been carrying with you lately and write it down on a sheet of paper. Give them all to God and shred / burn / destroy the paper, signifying your letting go of the chains that have bound you!
6. Call your Mom and tell her you love her!
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