Everyday Devos

Yield To Temptation Or Yield To God

2012-01-04T10:45:00.001-08:00

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

Luke 4:1-3

Every human being has being tempted in common. Jesus included! (I wrote about how Prayer is our defense against temptation in this post.) It’s significant that Jesus was ‘full of the Holy Spirit.’ We often underestimate our need to be filled with God’s Spirit. We know we want to answer the enemy the way Jesus did, but to do so we must be as He was… filled with the Holy Spirit. Being able to stand up under the pressure and to quote Scripture during times of temptation are signs of being in the Spirit.

Satan attacked Jesus in these ways:

To fulfill a legitimate physical need in an illegitimate way
To be in awe of the power and splendor of this world instead of the Creator of this world
To test God’s faithfulness instead of trust in God’s faithfulness

Think of all the variations that these kind of temptations come to us. The devil is always scheming for our downfall, but we can live in a way that we are aware of his tactics. Paul wrote, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11) That sounds like being filled with the Holy Spirit to me!

In our own strength and wisdom we will yield to the needs and wants of our flesh. We’ll be impressed with the stuff of this world. We’ll easily set up idols and give our devotion to them and not God. Let’s not live in our own strength and wisdom!

Thank you Lord for Your very Presence! Thank you for such grace that I can live in your strength and wisdom.

Using YouVersion.com

2012-01-01T08:29:00.001-08:00

Great tool! Join us.

Congratulations on starting the Life Journal Reading Plan Reading Plan through YouVersion! This simple commitment in your life will really help you connect with God daily through His Word.

Most people are more likely to follow through on their good intentions when they share the experience with others. If you haven't done so already, please take a minute to connect your free YouVersion account to your social networks (http://blog.youversion.com/how-to-link-your-youversion-account-to-twitter-fac.... As you're reading each day, you might reflect on one or two verses that really speak to you, and share them with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.

Also, we improve our chances of finishing what we start when we invite others to hold us accountable. Consider signing up to send reminder emails to yourself and a friend to track your progress through your Reading Plan. Simply sign in at YouVersion.com, go to your Reading Plans, select a plan, select Plan Overview, and then go to the Accountability tab. Just fill in a few simple blanks, and we'll take it from there! (Of course, you can turn off reminder emails at any time, just as easily.) - http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/life-journal-reading-plan/accountability

Once again, congratulations on starting this journey!

Your Friends at YouVersion

Saving You And Your Hearers

2011-06-28T10:41:00.001-07:00

1 Timothy 4: 13-16

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Paul writes to Timothy to encourage him in his faith and ministry. Others had ‘shipwrecked their faith’ (1 Timothy 1:19-20) and Paul wanted Timothy to not do the same. Timothy’s faith and salvation was intertwined with his ministry. He was to follow Jesus as a good minister of the Gospel. So the instruction comes for Timothy to keep at it and be single-focused. Paul used phrases like ‘devote yourself’, ‘be diligent’, do not neglect your gift’, and then the exclamation point in verse 16: “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. “

Salvation will come to both Timothy and his hearers if he perseveres in watching his life and doctrine closely. Usually ministry and salvation are separated by people. The thought is that we are saved at some point and then nothing can touch that spiritual reality. Once saved, then you serve in order to save others. If you end up not serving so great, well - that’s how it goes sometimes.

The perspective that Paul had was different. Much different. He talked about, after preaching to others, not wanting to be disqualified himself (1 Corinthians 9:27). His ministry was intertwined with his own salvation. Paul’s words to Timothy close this loop. Timothy is to persevere - not give up - on watching his life and doctrine closely. If he did he would save both himself and his hearers.

I hear the call to perseverance, devotion and diligence! I’m a preacher with a few hearers. If my life and doctrine and preaching go bad, it will effect me and my salvation! And not just me. If I am disqualified for the prize, those listening will be negatively effective too. It’s not just about me... but it is about me.

The fact that my life is not my own nor does it impact just me is true of everybody. Every Christian has an audience that is impacted by their life and doctrine. As followers of Jesus, our lives, and the way we live them, matter.

Father, give me a singleness of heart and purpose today to be diligent in ministry and to persevere in my new life in Christ.

How To Avoid Evil

2011-05-31T09:39:00.000-07:00

The LORD works out everything for his own ends—even the wicked for a day of disaster. The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. (Proverbs 16:4-6)

Pride and sin go together. Wherever there is sin, pride can be found... and certainly where there is pride there is sin! A proud heart is sinful. A proud heart sets itself against God. It does not recognize God or His rightful place. If it did, that heart would not be proud.

James quotes Proverbs 3:34 when he wrote, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). A proud heart is in opposition to God and God is in opposition to a proud heart! Notice Proverbs 16:4-5 again. God works out everything for his own ends. He detests a proud heart. “Detests” is a strong word! Why does God detest ‘all the proud of heart?’ A proud heart has no need for God. It does not recognize Him nor give Him glory. It does not seek to know Him or be in relationship with Him. A proud heart is plagued with all kinds of sin. For these reasons, and a whole bunch more, I’m sure, the Lord God detests a proud heart.

If I’m running between the rails and see a freight train coming, do I lace up my shoes tighter and keep running? If that locomotive is barreling toward me, and I am running toward it, who should move? Who should yield? Duh.

A proud heart races toward God’s locomotive, thinking nothing is wrong and expecting God to adjust somehow to help him out in life. A proud heart thinks for God... believing certain things that God should or could do. God opposes the proud and He’s not changing course. We’d better yield! If we don’t, we can expect punishment (Proverbs 16:5).

What’s amazing about God is that He gives the proud heart the opportunity to yield. We can change course! ‘Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil’ (vs 6). Even in this message of disaster, opposition and punishment, atonement for sin is offered. God does not want our destruction, He wants our redemption! He wants that proud heart turned to one that is soft toward Him. Redemption comes as we change and yield to God. He is right - always. His ways are right. His thinking and plans are right. We must be in awe of Him.

This awe, or ‘fear of the Lord,’ is what will help us avoid evil. Thinking about this Awesome One will keep our hearts pure and our lives righteous. Sin will be avoided! How can you sin when God is in view? You can’t! You won’t want to because He is so awesome. When we choose to sin we, in those moments, take our eyes off of God. He is not in view. We are not in awe. We either purposely or accidentally forget about God and Who He is. In those moments pride takes over and we do what our selfish flesh wants. We sin.

Humility is the answer for a proud heart. We look at our awesome God and we yield to Him. We fear Him. We get off the tracks and join Him in the direction He is heading. We worship - and sin is avoided. God gives grace to the humble.

Lord, there is none like You. I humble myself before You, thanking You for Your grace. Where would You lead me this day?

Lip Service

2011-04-28T09:45:00.001-07:00

You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:

   ⁸ “‘These people honor me with their lips,
   but their hearts are far from me.
⁹ They worship me in vain;
   their teachings are but rules taught by men.’” (Matthew 15:7-9)

The disciples pointed out to Jesus what He already knew - the Pharisees didn't like being called hypocrites (vs 12). Jesus' response was what to do about them. Nothing. Blind guides will end up in a ditch along with those they are leading. Since they do not have the heart to listen and change, let them continue in their hypocrisy. The pain they are headed for will be lesson enough, both for them and their followers.

It's always about the heart for Jesus. Image in nothing, heart is everything! You can do the right thing with the wrong heart and, in the Kingdom of Heaven, it's the wrong thing. Lip service is reprehensible to God Almighty because He does not need our external actions to determine what's motivating us. He certainly does not need our words! And when our words do not line up with our hearts - that's a great definition of 'Lip Service!'

To the Glorious One our motivation to elevate ourselves is repulsive. It stinks. It can be smelled miles away and for miles around. Since God knows our hearts, lip service is based out of hypocrisy and pride. In Christ Jesus we are free to serve without talking about it. God sees our hearts.

For hearts that are far from God due to pride, worship is done in vain. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, James wrote. So how can the proud worship the One who is opposing them? The heart that is right before God is a humble heart. A contrite heart God will not toss out. He graces the humble heart and allows that person to approach Him in worship. He will receive the worship from a humble heart!

For those giving lip service, their teachings are 'rules taught by men.' Hypocrites love rules because they are able to be measured and give them control over others. A humble and free heart can extend grace and freedom to others, and in doing so reflect God. Perfection is found in Jesus, not in our accomplishments (or rule keeping). We are honest about our own failings and patient with the failings of others. This kind of heart can walk closely with God.

Thank You for the heart-check this morning. Grace me with the ability to speak less and give more... with the right heart... all for Your glory.

A Faint Spirit

2011-04-27T09:21:00.001-07:00

I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before Him; before Him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. (Psalm 142:1-3)

How common is having a 'faint spirit?' If King David was our only example, it would seem very common. Most would never admit to anything but being okay. A strong, resilient heart is the report I hear most often. So what's the matter with David? What a whiner. Emotionally fragile would describe him well. It's surprising that his words are included in the pages of Scripture. He's just so... weak. It's surprising that he ever became King. It's surprising that he was described as a man after God's own heart.

The King that David replaced was a strong heart. Saul was a leader and warrior with no visible signs of weakness. God removed his Kingdom from Saul and his family forever, giving it to David.

David was not so strong. He was often plagued with doubts and fears. His spirit was faint within him. What made David the greatest of all Israel's Kings was that he took those concerns and weaknesses to God, trusting God to guide and protect him. David trusted God to work out the details, and David gave Him praise.

David drew those 'mighty men' (1 Chronicles 11) around him because of his dependence on God. David was a leader who was led. He was a worshipper who took his faint heart to God and relied on God to provide. David prayed, "Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me" (Psalm 142:7)

Father, You know my way. You know where I've been better than anyone. You know where I am now. And, amazingly, You know where I am headed! Only You know these things! I bring my faint heart and failing spirit to You, trusting that You will be my strength. Lead me so that I can lead others, I pray.

Surely Not I, Rabbi

2011-03-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here’s the Lectio Divina post. Tuesday’s Reading: Matthew 26:17-30

They were very sad and began to say to Him one after the other, “Surely not I, Lord?” Then Judas the one who would betray Him said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “Yes it is you.” (Matthew 26:22, 25)

Judas had already agreed to ‘hand Jesus over’ (Matthew 26:14-16). The betrayal was done, except for carrying it out. Sin is often that way. We decide to do a certain thing and all that remains is carrying it out. This is why our thinking is so vitally important. Actions flow from our thoughts. Guard you thoughts! Bring them under the Lordship of Jesus. Your actions will follow...

Judas is in line with all of the other disciples and asks the same question, ‘Surely not I?’ Maybe it’s obligatory for him. Everybody else was doing it. Or maybe (and it seems likely) that Judas was oblivious that his actions were a betrayal. Jesus affirms, ‘Yes, it is you.’ Remove all doubt, Judas, it’s you. Even with these stark words that bring such clarity, Judas still carries out the betrayal.

The other disciples referred to Jesus as ‘Lord.’ It’s interesting that Judas substitutes ‘Lord’ for ‘Rabbi.’ Lord meant one with authority over you. Rabbi was your teacher. Your teacher would have great influence in your life, but not the authority that a Lord would have. YOU would give your Rabbi authority in your life. Your Lord needs no permission from you. This is how Judas was operating. He was making decisions. He was calling the shots. Jesus was not his Lord.

How often do I reduce Jesus to ‘Rabbi-status.’ I’m moving, shaking, leading, making decisions... and without the Lordship of Jesus directing those movements, sin is inevitable. The Spirit convicts and I say, ‘Surely not I, Rabbi?’

Yes, it is you.

Thank you, Lord, that failure is not fatal... unless I quit. Thank you for your grace that provides new mercies every morning. Lead me so I might lead others, all for Your glory.

Thinking About Lent

2011-03-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

People are thinking today about what to sacrifice for Lent beginning tomorrow. The point is to give something up in order to draw nearer to Christ. It's a powerful discipline.

I haven't read My Utmost For His Highest much at all, but I *stumbled* upon Oswald Chambers' entry for today. If you're thinking about the next 40 days, maybe this will be useful to you. I loved it! He starts with one of my favorite verses...

March 8th

The relinquished life

I am crucified with Christ. Gal. 2:20.

No one is ever united with Jesus Christ until he is willing to relinquish not sin only, but his whole way of looking at things. To be born from above of the Spirit of God means that we must let go before we lay hold, and in the first stages it is the relinquishing of all pretence. What Our Lord wants us to present to Him is not goodness, nor honesty, nor endeavour, but real solid sin; that is all He can take from us. And what does He give in exchange for our sin? Real solid righteousness. But we must relinquish all pretence of being anything, all claim of being worthy of God’s consideration.

Then the Spirit of God will show us what further there is to relinquish. There will have to be the relinquishing of my claim to my right to myself in every phase. Am I willing to relinquish my hold on all I possess, my hold on my affections, and on everything, and to be identified with the death of Jesus Christ?

There is always a sharp painful disillusionment to go through before we do relinquish. When a man really sees himself as the Lord sees him, it is not the abominable sins of the flesh that shock him, but the awful nature of the pride of his own heart against Jesus Christ. When he sees himself in the light of the Lord, the shame and the horror and the desperate conviction come home.

If you are up against the question of relinquishing, go through the crisis, relinquish all, and God will make you fit for all that He requires of you.

Lectio Divina: The First 30 Verses...

2011-03-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

Between yesterday and today we've read the first 30 verses of Matthew 26. We've read these words twice and maybe a third time, prayerfully. We've talked with God about what these verses mean... and what they mean for our lives.

I could share, I guess, but I'd rather you go first. What simple (or momentous) thing are you hearing from the Lord? Comment below...

Lectio Divina

2011-03-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

Below are the daily readings for the next 49 days, starting tomorrow. There are 7 weeks until Resurrection Sunday! On that day we'll celebrate the resurrection. Between now and then is an opportunity for the Gospel to be formed in us.

If you're joining with me in the 'Lectio Divina' model for these 7 weeks, remember that the point is not quantity of Scripture, but being saturated by a small amount of text. The four 'movements' of this ancient devotional practice are 1) Lectio 2) Mediatio 3) Oratio and 4) Contemplatio. We can interpret these in the following way...

1. Read passage
2. Prayerfully read the passage again, at a slower pace
3. Talk with God about what you've read
4. Act on or Apply the Text to your life today

Beginning tomorrow read the text listed below in this way. Repeat the reading schedule each week between now and April 24th.

MONDAYS: Matthew 26:1-16
TUESDAYS: Matthew 26:17-30
WEDNESDAYS: Matthew 26:31-46
THURSDAYS: Matthew 26:47-68
FRIDAYS: Matthew 26:69 - 27:26
SATURDAYS: Matthew 27:27-54
SUNDAYS: Matthew 27:55 - 28:20

These passages will be the Scripture text for the next 7 Sundays at Norkenzie! I hope you'll embrace this new season to grow spiritually in Christ with your church family.

7 weeks. 49 days. One amazing Savior who is deserving of all we are.

Neil

p.s. You can check www.everydaydevos.com along the way for reflections on the day's reading. There will also be space there to share your own thoughts... and I hope you will!

6 Years & 500 Posts

2011-03-03T11:58:00.000-08:00

It has occurred to me that I started this blog 6 years ago. This is the 501st post.

I don't know what I thought it would become when I started it. Would it go 6 years? 10 years? The rest of my life? Even now I don't know about that.

When I started this, blogs were pretty new on the scene. The 'early adapter' in me was intrigued by the idea. The creative in me longed for the outlet. The writer in me enjoyed the idea of being read, although that's questionable... probably a myth in my own mind. The pastor in me wanted to connect with people and share thoughts on Scripture throughout the week and not just on Sundays. The computer geek in me wanted to play with the HTML.

The disciple in me wanted to grow closer to Jesus.

It is interesting that this is my first post of 2011, which is not what I expected back on January 1st. It's funny how life happens along the way. Life has happened, which includes things like stress, sleep deprivation and spending energy loving orphans in Jesus' Name. Energy spent there and not in blogging. In fact, I don't know the last time I saw 6:05am for devotions. I'm as worn out today as I ever have been.

So the procrastinator in me is enjoying rambling on about nothing in particular. I'm so tired right now that I've mistyped 'me' a dozen times thus far. How do you misspell 'me?' Here it is: 'my.' I'll go back and change those. Usually my fingers follow my brain. Not today.

Devotion to Jesus has looked different so far in 2011. It's not being angry, although I have been. It's being patient when I have none. It's loving when I'd rather be taking a nap. It's remembering who I am and whose I am... Being able to read past Life Journal entries is sometimes helpful. Sometimes not! I miss my routine.

I've enjoyed being in 'neutral' for the last view minutes. Thanks for not casting stones. I'll get back to work now.

I just read my first post. Melanie Marie turns 6 today. A much more important recognition on this day than the beginning this blog... for sure! Happy Birthday Melanie. Hug your parents for my!

God Justifies Wicked People

2010-11-30T08:11:00.000-08:00

However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.

Romans 4:5

Consider this! God justifies, not just people, but wicked people. In light of Him, of course, the noblest of people are horribly wicked, but even so! What an amazing truth! God justifies wicked people. What is justification? Read on in Romans 4...

7 “Blessed are they
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord will never count against him.”

Hey all you wicked people! There’s hope for you! God loves you and wants to redeem your life! Your sin has and is destroying you. The ‘wages of sin is death’ Paul wrote in Romans 3, but the free gift of God in Christ Jesus is LIFE! Life for you. Freely given. Abundant... joyful... eternal life.

You might think the way to this life is to stop all of your wickedness. No, not exactly. The wickedness will be loved right out of you by the Spirit of God as you grow in relationship with Him. What you must do is enter this relationship. That’s your decision. That’s your choice. As much as God has demonstrated just how much He loves you and me, He will not choose this relationship for us. He wants us to want Him.

So just like verse 5 above says, we need to be those who don’t work for this righteousness but rather trust God for it. We need to trust that God does justify the wicked! We need to embrace His provision of love and grace in Jesus Christ.

“Do I have to believe in Jesus? Can’t God just justify me without that piece?” I suppose God could... He can do whatever He wants, but the Scripture is clear that this relationship with God only comes through Jesus Christ. This love, grace, justification, forgiveness - it’s all found in Jesus. What will you do with Him?

The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone (Abraham), but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Romans 4:23-25

Why would you not want Jesus anyway? After all He has done. After all His life and death provides and means and communicates!

So receive Christ and enter this relationship with God. Your wickedness will be forgiven and your life will begin to grow into the beauty of Jesus. That part is a process, so be patient with yourself. God is. Don’t explain away sin, but continually return to Christ and be cleansed of it all (1 John 1:9). You may never be sinless in this lifetime, but you will sin less! And less... and less... and you’ll become vibrant and loving and full of LIFE - just like Jesus.

Thank you Father for justifying a wicked person like me! Thank you for giving me the righteousness of Jesus and for the life-long adventure of growing into that righteousness. Your patience means my salvation and I praise You for that. You are awesome and I live for you this day.

Tearing Down To Build Them Up

2010-11-18T11:05:00.000-08:00

We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down. Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:9-11

Paul has continued to be very concerned for the church in Corinth. He had been there twice already. This letter is the second one he had written (although scholars see a reference to a third one... I’ll have to look that up!). Paul is planning to return to them again. What will he find?

For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.

2 Corinthians 12:20-21

Paul is writing for their ‘perfection’ - their holiness as believers in Jesus. He wants the arrogance and sinful living to stop. The authority God has given him as an Apostle is for the building up of that church, not for tearing it down - but there is a very real possibility that he will need to be harsh with them. He doesn’t want to be, which is why he is writing. Hopefully they will come to their senses and obey the truth of his teaching. If their ears are closed, Paul will have to pry them open. If their hearts are hard, Paul is ready to chisel the stone.

Is being harsh with hard-hearted, unrepentant Christians always tearing them down and not building them up? Are we to always be positive Jesus gives us the authority to build others up and not for tearing them down. This cannot mean avoiding negative things, however. The bulk of 2 Corinthians is addressing some very negative things in the church. Paul promotes the truth of the Gospel and how it is daily lived out. Will the church hear and follow? Or will the church continue to indulge in impurity and sin?

We don’t know the end of the story. How long until Paul arrived. What did he find? What did he do? It seems to me that if the church in Corinth allowed the conviction of the Holy Spirit to melt their hearts and tear them down, then Paul would not have to when he arrived. He would come with words of grace, love and hope that would build them up. The tearing down must happen, however, when there is arrogance and sin. That foundation cannot be built upon. It is dismantled and a new one based on the Lordship of Jesus is established. On that a person of authority can build people up.

Paul would write to Timothy: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The person who has been given authority will use the Scripture for all of these purposes, according to the needs of those he is leading. And all of them, even rebuke, is for their building up. Correction is for their good! We want to build the right kinds of things in the hearts of our people, never condoning sin or godlessness in any of its multiple forms. We encourage and train people in the ways of Jesus.

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your work in tearing down idols and everything that is not of You in my life. I trust You to do that same work throughout the church! Allow my words and presence to build people and not tear them down - all for Your glory.

I Am Responsible For My Brother

2010-11-10T07:05:00.000-08:00

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

1 Corinthians 8:9-13

Paul had just answered the Corinthian Church’s question about eating meat that they knew had been sacrificed to any of the false gods that were worshipped in their city. Paul dismissed it completely saying, ‘we know that an idol is nothing at all...’ It is through God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, that all things come. We are free to eat the meat but are no closer or farther from God if we do. It’s irrelevant.

But not everyone knows this. People without this understanding who live in that culture can put all kinds of weight into that meat that was offered to a false god. What is clearly more important to Paul are the hearts of these people! The exercise of our freedoms should never be a barrier for someone else to come to know Jesus. We exercise our freedom and this weaker brother is destroyed spiritually. We have wounded their weak conscious and have sinned against Christ.

“What? We’ve sinned again Jesus?” Yes. The heart of God beats so passionately for those who have yet to know Him... those who still have their sins counting against them. They are not forgiven and are separated from God... these ones God loves! Jesus died so they could be set free and redeemed - and if our actions work against God’s Mission, we are sinning against Him.

So my devotion to Christ and His Kingdom means that I am responsible for my brother. My words and actions matter in his spiritual walk. This is not just a ‘me and Jesus’ experience. My devotion to Christ is seen in both my commitment to Him and to those around me. I am responsible for my brothers.

Lord Jesus, point out any areas in my life where my actions are not bolstering the faith of others. Help me to encourage people in their walk with You! Use me for Your purposes and in Your mission this day.

Proving Faithful Required

2010-11-09T07:05:00.000-08:00

Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:2

In these early chapters of 1 Corinthians Paul is talking about himself as an Apostle and about divisions that were happening in the church. People were dividing up over who they followed other than Christ (1 Corinthians 3:4). Paul wants the church to be unified through following Jesus.

Paul had been ‘entrusted with the secret things of God’ (verse 1). Those who have been given a trust must prove themselves faithful in that trust. He was making the case for his being Apostle. He was faithful in what He was given.

My trust is not Apostleship, but I am filled with the fear of God this morning with the realization of all that He has entrusted me with. In these things I must continually prove myself faithful!

God has entrusted me with this day of life and redemption through Christ Jesus. I must seize the day and prove myself faithful.
God has entrusted me with a beautiful and intelligent wife to love as my own flesh. There is to be no one else who nurtures this woman... I must prove myself faithful.
God has entrusted me with children. Six of my own and others that come around for a season or two. I am their father - the one to disciple them into the image of Jesus through my own love and patient instruction to them. Wow! What a trust. I must prove myself faithful.
God has entrusted me with friends and brothers in Christ to encourage and challenge along the way. For a few of them, nobody will be able to share and speak into their lives like I can. I’m the one God has placed in their lives. I must prove myself faithful.
God has entrusted me with resources. A home to live in and material possessions to steward. None of these things belong to me. They belong to God. I must prove myself faithful.
God has entrusted to me His Church, the Bride of Christ, with leaders to lead and people to care for. He has entrusted me with the preaching of His Word on a weekly basis - to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable... to reach the lost and equip the people of God for works of service. Who am I to have this trust? There are distractions on every side, but I must prove myself faithful.

Father God, this morning I feel the weight and responsibility of all that you’ve entrusted to me and I understand that I am required to prove myself faithful. I set my heart in Your direction this day - to live, lead and serve as You would have me. Thank You for the blessing of these trusts! My life is enriched because of them! Thank You, too, for Your grace and mercy and patience with me. I live for You today.

It's Good To Be Rescued!

2010-11-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

Here’s the Good News:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Galatians 1:3-5

To every person on the planet the message of Christianity is ‘grace and peace to you from God...’ It’s not ‘we want to control you.’ It’s not ‘we want your money.’ It’s not a political agenda or the drive to make people like us, as if our God is a ‘cookie-cutter god.’ No, the message from God through the church is ‘grace and peace to you.’ Grace because we all need it. Peace because we’re all in bondage and held captive. Jesus, the Son of God, came to proclaim freedom and to release the captive. (Luke 4:17-21) How He did that comes next...

“... who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present age.”

A large part of the Good News is some bad news. The world we live in is evil, far from God and it snares us often in sin. Because we are evil with sinful hearts, our culture is evil and plagued with sin. We are in bondage to sin... sin that separates us from our holy God. We need someone to rescue us! The Savior saves by giving Himself for our sins. The cross is the central image of the Gospel. In this single image, representing a single event, the wrath, holiness and love of an amazing God is demonstrated.

Jesus Christ took our place and died for us. Our sins against God deserve death as payment. Jesus, who never sinned, died a death He didn’t deserve so that our sins would not be held against us. This is Good News!

This Gospel was God’s plan. It’s what He wanted because of His amazing love for us. God’s love for us in unexplainable. It isn’t logical. There’s no reason for it, except it flows from the character and heart of God who IS unconditional love (1 John 4:7-8). And so we worship God!

“... to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen!”

As a disciple of Jesus I must never forget that the Good News is good! Everyday I need to embrace the grace and peace God has given me and worship Him for it. And then, as I share it with others, I need to keep the positive and gracious aspects of the Good News at the forefront. This love of God is what melts people’s hearts! Who wouldn’t want such grace and peace?

To You, Father, be glory for ever and ever! Help me this day to bring You glory. Thank You for my Savior, Your Son, who has rescued me. It’s good to be rescued! May my life be an act of worship to You. You are worthy!

Hypothetical Scenarios

2010-11-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question... Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”

Mark 12:18, 24-25

The Sadducees came up with this hypothetical situation to prove their point that there is no such thing as resurrection from the dead. They pose their scenario to Jesus, but He has no problem seeing through their duplicity. Just like with the Herodians who brought their question, Jesus ‘knew their hypocrisy’ (Mark 12:15). Jesus’ response to both groups was astonishing.

“You don’t know the Scriptures.

You don’t know the power of God.”

What an indictment! What a combination. If you knew the Scriptures, you wouldn’t be asking this question. If you knew the power of God, you’d embrace the resurrection of the dead! Jesus continues his ‘matter-of-fact’ reply with “When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!”

The power of God and the reality of the resurrection is amazing to consider, but I’m thinking more about these hypothetical situations we create. I have been asked questions with these kinds of scenarios that are intended to prove a preconceived theological point. What’s a good example? Hmmm...

One is about baptism. Sometimes when people hear about my high view of baptism, that it is important and a part of our response to the Gospel, I am asked about the people who cannot be baptized, etc. “What if a person slips and falls on the steps into the baptistery, breaks their neck and dies before being baptized? Are they saved?” The intent is to point out that baptism isn’t as important as I understand it to be. It’s in the same vein as the ‘7 brothers and the 1 (black widow) wife’ question of the Sadducees. If I was as bold as Jesus I could say, “Are you not in error because you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God!”

Why wouldn’t I say that? I realize that I, too, have made up hypothetical scenarios to prove my own preconceived theological stances.

Lord, I want to know You and the power of Your resurrection. I want to know the Scriptures that you have given! Would you continue to teach me today? I live for You.

Get Up And Go

2010-10-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.

Acts 10:19-20

The Holy Spirit spoke to Peter. This wasn’t the first time. In verses 13-15 Peter has a conversation with a ‘voice’ that he refers to as Lord. The instruction there was to ‘Get up, kill and eat.’ Peter refused and the lesson that was delivered was: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

The Spirit knew Peter and his struggles. He also knew what He wanted to accomplish through Peter. The Holy Spirit has no problem orchestrating events and visions to accomplish His work. He had already met with Cornelius and told him to send for Peter. Here was the moment. This was the day.

The Gentiles were soon to be recognized as recipients of God’s grace. The Spirit was accomplishing His mission.

It’s interesting that the Holy Spirit is saying multiple times “Get up and go.” This is the nature of God. He is moving! He is in motion and His mission is being accomplished. His Word for us is ‘get going.’

So when I have the choice to move or remain stagnant, the Spirit says ‘go!’ When the decision is to stay seated or get up, the Spirit says ‘get up!’ Surely it’s the enemy who would like me to remain seated. God moves! His Kingdom advances and the Holy Spirit urges me to ‘go!’

Lord, I will move. Forgive my inaction and hesitation. You told Peter not to hesitate... to get up and go. This is Your default. You have a bias for action. I will follow You today... and you are moving! And I trust that You will direct me while in motion. A parked car is impossible to steer... so I will get in gear for Your glory.

Spiritual Puff-Clouds

2010-10-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.”

Acts 1:4

Jesus was in His post resurrection glorified body... just about to ascend to Heaven to be forever at the right hand of God the Father... and He was eating with His disciples. Sharing life. Sharing a meal.

I think we have misunderstandings about Heaven and eternity. We’re not going to be spiritual puff-clouds floating through Heaven. We’re going to have spiritual bodies that will be active and doing things. Maybe even eating and certainly sharing life with others. Heaven is that banquet table of God’s provision!

If God created us with physical bodies here on earth, why wouldn’t He have the physical be the reality in Heaven? Streets of gold. A great City. I think our misunderstanding stems from our frustration in the flesh. The Spirit is what’s good so there must not be any physical in Heaven, since the flesh is bad. Here and now our flesh does battle against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17), but it wasn’t always that way. Nor will it be that way forever.

What we can do today to prepare for that day is to discipline our physical selves, making it our slave, as Paul wrote - so that our spirits can grow to be more like Jesus. Our lives in the physical will reflect Him too. And one day when we see Him face to face, Jesus will end the struggle. The battle will be finished and we’ll be like Him.

Lord, I look forward to Heaven but I live in this day. May my whole life - body, soul & spirit - bring attention to You today. Thank You for the grace You’ve given and the future I have in You!

What's The Definition of Dissipation, Anyway?

2010-10-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

Luke 21:34-36

Jesus told His disciples that there was going to be a lot going down! They were to be careful. They were to keep watch! The goal was spiritual health and discernment so that they would be able to ‘stand before the Son of Man.’ Jesus said, be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down to the point where you will not have discernment and then that day will ‘close on you unexpectedly.’ What are the things our hearts can be weighed down with? Jesus had a list of 3:

dissipation - wasteful, self-indulgent, intemperate living (needed help from Webster’s on this one!)
drunkenness - being filled with the other kind of spirits
anxieties of life - worrying about life’s details, being preoccupied and overly concerned

There is a gravity to life that causes us to not look heavenward. We are prone to medicate the pain of life with self-indulgent living and drunkenness. And when we awake from our sin-filled stupor, there are more anxieties waiting for us than before. These things weigh down our hearts. These things keep us from the reality of the Kingdom and Spirit-infused living. These things will steal all discernment from us and soon we’ll be living as if all there is to life is this life. Jesus said, ‘be careful.’

We’ve been learning lately how the flesh and the Spirit do not want the same things. They are in conflict with each other (Galatians 5:17). So I should not be surprised when the two clash. I should expect the conflict that rages!

Jesus said to be careful so that my heart would not be weighed down. His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30).

So instead of selfish, indulgent living, I’m called to serve.
Instead of being drunk, I’m called to be filled with the Spirit.
Instead of shouldering the anxieties and worries of this life, I am to ‘cast all my cares upon Him’ (1 Peter 5:7)

Honestly, my flesh likes the other way. It even likes to worry incessantly, but that is the way of bondage. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection has set me free! He has given me life. New life. Eternal life! I am His.

Lord, when my heart becomes weighed down with the sin and stuff of earth, remind me who I am. Thank You for Your grace and the redemption you have brought that has blessed my life. You are worthy of my life and of all the praise I can bring. Use me today to ease the burden of others.

Servants In The Meantime

2010-10-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.

Luke 19:11

The parable of the Ten Minas is all about Jesus. He is the One of noble birth. He is the One who is going away to be anointed King. He is the One that will return... and all of His enemies will be brought before Him and killed. He is the One who has servants in the meantime. Jesus told this parable because the people thought the Kingdom of God was going to ‘appear at once’ in all its fullness. Through this parable Jesus explained what would actually be. The Kingdom was near because He was near, but it wasn’t arriving right away. Jesus was going away and would return as the victorious King.

This is the time we live in now. King Jesus is coming soon and all His enemies will be eliminated forever. There will be no rival to Him. It is right now that Jesus has servants whom He has entrusted with resources. We have been given gifts, abilities and money that is directly from Christ. We are to use these things to multiply His Kingdom - which is not about stuff but people. We use stuff to win over the true treasure in God’s eyes - people!

There is the expectation of growth and increase for Christ’s servants. If we’re scared like the one servant (Luke 19:20-22) and do nothing, there will be judgment and what we’ve been given will be handed to another. If we do serve and are faithful, there is great joy in His Presence!

Jesus will be honored as King.

King Jesus, I live for You this day. Use my life to multiply Your Kingdom. What you’ve blessed me with I use for Your purposes, so do Your work through me today.

A Courageous Man of Conscious

2010-10-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

Then the royal officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the king’s command?” Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply.

Esther 3:3-4

Mordecai honored the king as seen through his reporting the assassination plot against the king (Esther 2:21-23). When it came to obeying the king by honoring Haman however, Mordecai wouldn’t do it. We’re not told why Mordecai wouldn’t kneel before Haman but we get the feeling that he knew the man’s character - that he wasn’t a man worthy of honor. The king didn’t see it because of Haman’s political deceitfulness, but Mordecai knew.

The calamity that came upon all the Jews stemmed from this non-action of Mordecai. Haman ‘scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai’ and looked for a way to annihilate every Jew throughout King Xerxes kingdom. Mordecai would bow in sackcloth and ashes over this, but it seems clear that Mordecai would never have changed his position toward Haman.

Mordecai is his own man. Confident and God-fearing. Righteous... and God delivered him and the Jewish people.

Being a man like this, a man of your own conscious, will get you into trouble. Being confident in Christ will not resonate with everyone and will cause hardships, but it’s the life we’re called to live. Doing the right thing whether the king likes it or not, but because it’s the right thing, takes courage. And when this courage gets me into trouble, like it did for Mordecai, I need to trust God to work it out.

Jesus said to not fear him who can only kill the body, but to fear the One who can kill the body and the soul. Living for God and bowing to Him only is the life I’m called to live.

Lord, You are the King. You are the One who humbles and exalts people, so I live for You! Give me more courage to stand against the social pressures of this world so to be found honoring You alone. You are the only one worth living for!

We Gave Away 50 Life Journals Yesterday

2010-10-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

Well I think we did, anyway. I'm not exactly sure, but they were going like hotcakes which is why I couldn't keep track. FIVE years ago we gave away 500 and so yesterday I wanted to give away 50. I think we did. Maybe. Maybe more! If I had thought ahead, I would have just brought out 50 Life Journals and then I would know for sure. Oh well. Not a big deal.

What is a BIG deal is people launching into the last Quarter of 2010 with the heart to meet with the Lord each day! As we enter the 'University of the Holy Spirit' - He will teach us many things and give us power for living. His Presence is what we need! He is oxygen to our souls...

I can't think of a better time to begin (or begin again) having daily devotions. As we pray and listen and read and listen, God gives us what we need. "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." (2 Peter 1:3)

So, what did you "get" today?

It's Within You

2010-10-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.”

Luke 17:20-21

The Kingdom of God has no castle that you can visit. Only a throne room in the heart of a person. This is where the Spirit of God lives and where the work of the Kingdom takes place. There will be external evidences of the Kingdom, but those always begin in the heart.

The Pharisees wanted some physical place and something they could see. God does His work where no one can see, by His Spirit in the inner person. This is where the Kingdom of God is.

Holy Spirit, reign in me today. Be the victorious King of my heart! Change me into the image of Jesus and lead me in the everlasting way - all for Your glory.

It Is Good To Be Near God

2010-07-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Psalm 73:25-28

The Psalmist had been lamenting that evil people seem to thrive and do so well. He feels as though he has waisted his time even.

13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.
14 All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.

The conclusion, however, is that it is good to be near God. That is the blessing. Nothing in this world can replace being in relationship with God. He is my portion (vs. 26). He is my reward and prize! Knowing Jesus...

Lord, forgive me when I clamor over stuff. You are the most valuable relationship I have! My heart and flesh may fail, but You are the strength of my heart. I trust You with everything! Thank You for the joy of Your Presence. It is good to be near You.