beyond the dogma

REAP: Matthew 28

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 22:09:00 +0000

Read:
Mathew 28

· Jesus is risen from the dead

· Jesus reveals himself to the women first (those that seek him)

· The chief priests attempt to cover up his resurrection

· Jesus commissions his disciples

Examine:

· I think it’s pertinent that Jesus revealed himself and left a message with the women. Matthew, himself a tax collector and scorned man, takes notice of the least of whom God reveals himself to (women in Jesus’ day). They are given the living message of redemption and power FIRST!

· Was it simply because the women were seeking him while everyone else mourned, hid, or went about their normal activities?

· It’s encouraging to me that in the midst of some people’s doubts, worship still happens

· “All authority in heaven and on earth are mine”…so I send you? That doesn’t seem like the right play in this moment. Yet Jesus’ deep trust, belief and commitment to his followers (and the work he had done in discipling them) led him to commission them for something far greater.

· Jesus still commissions people today!

Apply:
What am I doing intentionally about living on mission? How much time am I spending on worthless things that pacify me rather than living with purpose according to the Spirit? I must choose discipline above complacency!

Pray:
“Father I ask that you would help me to live on your mission. That I would not become so amused, distracted or content to live for such a lowly goal as myself or the treasures of this world. Instead, give me courage to be intentional, to love as you love and live as you live.”

Happy Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Friends, He is risen.

May you see that God loves you so much he created you, he lived for you, he died for you and he conquered sin and death for you. He is risen and the grave is empty. He is who he said he is....and he wants a relationship with you!

Matthew 9:9-13 Notes

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:34:00 +0000

As I was going through some notes I had on Matthew, I found this outline from a talk I did close to 10 years ago.Kinda cool as I'm reading through Matthew again!

Matthew 9:9-13

“a friend of ________ _____________________ and sinners”

-tax collectors

Matthew’s not an accidental sinner – He’s an on purpose sinner. He’s a tax collector!

Can you imagine what the “good” Jewish disciples were thinking, if at least not talking about?

Matthew, would you follow me?

-I’m not asking you to stop doing anything.

-I’m not asking you to give up anything.

-I’m not asking you to leave anything.

-Matthew, will you do the one thing you can do?

Jesus didn’t come to this earth to trump, prove anything or be right. Jesus came to be followed.

So Matthew follows Jesus.

Luke 5:29-32

They go to his house, because he throws a party in Jesus’ honor.

And who does Matthew invite? The same people you invite when you have a party – people that will come. People that you know. People like you! For Matthew, these are fellow tax collectors and sinners!

REAP method of Bible Study

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:23:00 +0000

I love the Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas! They are a church committed to making disciples who make disciples. All of their programs, services and ministries are aimed at this one goal.

Their emphasis on spiritual disciplines is not easy, but it is quite simple from what I'm observed. One of the ways they help followers of Christ engage in intentional reading of scripture through a method called REAP. The format is as follows:

READ

Open your Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to teach, correct, and train you (2 Timothy 3:16). As you’re reading, ask these questions:

What is happening in this passage? What things are emphasized, repeated, related?
What do you see about God? What is God doing in this passage?
What do you see about man?

EXAMINE

Spend some time reflecting. Ask yourself these questions, and write down your thoughts:

How do you think the author wants his audience to respond?
What do you learn about God’s character?
What wrong beliefs about God and myself did I have?

APPLY

After examining the passage, apply the text to your own life. Ask yourself these questions:

What is God saying to me?
How do I need to repent? What truths do I need to believe? What false beliefs must I turn from?
What can I do – empowered by the Holy Spirit – today to apply this passage?

PRAY

Pray through the passage and your application, asking God to change your heart and to change your life, based on the time you’ve spent in God’s Word.

This is the format I will be following as I post on my reflections through journaling the New Testament.

Quick question: How do you study the Bible?

Matthew 5 notes

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:30:00 +0000

To Think and Know:

The greatest sermon ever delivered is not started with a clever story or engaging point but clear truths: “You are blessed when…”
No one would imagine that these characters would truly be blessed. It seems like an oxymoron.
The context of when this message is given is important. Jesus is speaking to this crowd of people, most likely in the middle of the day, when the vast majority of good, responsible Jewish men are at work. His first words are, “Blessed are…” and “You are the salt., You are the light.” From the very beginning, Jesus’ message was very different. He saw what was within each person and saw people for who they were rather than what they looked like or what they could do for him. (Being vs. Doing)
Toward the beginning of his message he wants to set the record straight! “I have not come to abolish the Law…but to fulfill them.” Jesus redeems and makes new, he doesn’t spend the majority of his time tearing down.
Whose righteousness could surpass the Pharisees? No one. We all need a Savior.

To Feel:

1. Encouraged: God sees who I am becoming, not just what I’m doing.

2. Hope: He makes all things new.

3. Invigorated: Look at all things with fresh eyes. What is God doing?

To Do:

1. I want to look at things through redeemed eyes and see what God sees in others!

Does a court decision determine where your hope lies??

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 05:16:00 +0000

I do my best not to make strong political statements on facebook or social media because (total transparency here) I tend to judge people that do so. So I confess my hypocrisy right from the get go and choose to put this on my blog to maintain some small element of integrity.

That said, I'm about to make a statement that will be perceived as a political, pro-something, anti-something else diatribe. But this is not my intention. I simply desire for followers of Jesus to evaluate where their trust lies and choose to love all people better!

I'm disappointed in how many of my brothers and sisters in Christ seem to be acting quite foolishly as if their trust is in a government decision. Followers of Jesus, the scriptures tell us, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." Our faith is in Jesus and his Kingdom, not a decision made by a court. I truly wonder what our Father thinks of his kids caring more about being right than loving others and trusting in his name.

Christians, perhaps we should insist on words dripping with grace and actions motivated by compassion rather than polarizing ourselves by shouting from the rooftops a position that won't change (regardless of how a court decides)! I feel quite certain love is a better way!

If you are not a follower of Jesus and for some strange reason you're reading this, please don't judge our Savior by his followers. Even worse, certainly don't judge him based on my actions, behaviors or words. We are all broken, but loved, junkies but set free. Too often Christians are terrible representations of God's goodness and grace, but occasionally they embody the heart of our King. Instead, look at the Savior of the world and how he received those who were hurting, searching and in need. He is rich in mercy and abounding in love.

Resting in my Good King,

Cory

Matthew 1

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000

After reading through Matthew 1-3 today, here are a couple of things I observed...

To Think/Know:
-How amazing is it that the son of God was from a line of people that included liars, thieves, adulterers, murderers, self-absorbed people whose overwhelming qualities were more evil than good. What a redemption story!
-Where we come from matters.
-Is there something to the number 14? I know that 7 is a special number in the scriptures. Is there something to the fact that it’s doubled? I need to do a little research…
-After Joseph considered divorcing Mary quietly. The angel appeared. Joseph was never going to have her stoned or punished. He loved Mary and wanted to treat her honorably, despite the perceived dishonor he’d received. This speaks of the character Joseph had, and if I were God, he’s the kind of guy I’d choose to help raise my only child.
-Joseph protected her from public disgrace, although she undoubtedly was the subject of great shame and scorn. Perhaps we can bare the load more easily if we know those closest to us support us, protect us, and walk the journey as well.

To Feel:
-I feel better about my family's dirty laundry and quirky nuances after reading through Jesus’ family! There is such a sense of hope, in that, while family shapes us and has incredible influence, our path is determined by our own choices!
-Captivated by this story and the time it takes to shape up. Hundreds of years from generation to generation as all of creation pointed to the Messiah! I feel encouraged to be patient while I wait for God’s story to unfold through my life and my family’s/community’s life.
-I get chills just thinking about the name “Immanuel-God with us.” How stirring to know I am not alone-that we are not alone!!!!!!!!

To Do:
-Take a few moments this week to look back at my genealogy and look at how I’ve been shaped, from genetically to culturally.

New online journal

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 21:06:00 +0000

Greetings friends,

It's been awhile since I consistently posted here, and that is about to change. A team of high school students are preparing to head to Toronto this Summer, and I'm encouraging students to share their journaling experiences through blogging. Therefore I am going to do the same.

Beginning this week I will be posting 2-3 times weekly what I have been reading in scripture and what God has been laying on my heart. Below is the reading plan I'll be using as I proceed through the next week. I pray you'll join me on the journey.

Blessings!

Day 1: Matthew 1 – Matthew 3

Day 2: Matthew 4 – Matthew 6

Day 3: Matthew 7 – Matthew 9

Day 4: Matthew 10 – Matthew 12

Day 5: Matthew 13 – Matthew 15

Day 6: Matthew 16 – Matthew 18

Day 7: Matthew 19 – Matthew 21

Day 8: Matthew 22 – Matthew 24

Day 9: Matthew 25 – Matthew 27

Day 10: Matthew 28

Day 11: Mark 1 – Mark 3

Day 12: Mark 4 – Mark 6

Day 13: Mark 7 – Mark 9

Day 14: Mark 10 – Mark 12

Day 15: Mark 13 – Mark 15

Day 16: Mark 16

Day 17: Luke 1 – Luke 3

Day 18: Luke 4 – Luke 6

Day 19: Luke 7 – Luke 9

Day 20: Luke 10 – Luke 12

Day 21: Luke 13 – Luke 15

Day 22: Luke 16 – Luke 18

Day 23: Luke 19 – Luke 21

Day 24: Luke 22 – Luke 24

Day 25: John 1 – John 3

Day 26: John 4 – John 6

Day 27: John 7 – John 9

Day 28: John 10 – John 12

Day 29: John 13 – John 15

Day 30: John 16 – John 18

Day 31: John 19 – John 21

Day 32: Acts 1 – Acts 3

Day 33: Acts 4 – Acts 6

Day 34: Acts 7 – Acts 9

Day 35: Acts 10 – Acts 12

Day 36: Acts 13 – Acts 15

Day 37: Acts 16 – Acts 18

Day 38: Acts 19 – Acts 21

Day 39: Acts 22 – Acts 24

Day 40: Acts 25 – Acts 27

Day 41: Acts 28

Day 42: Romans 1 – Romans 3

Day 43: Romans 4 – Romans 6

Day 44: Romans 7 – Romans 9

Day 45: Romans 10 – Romans 12

Day 46: Romans 13 – Romans 15

Day 47: Romans 16

Day 48: 1 Corinthians 1 – 1 Corinthians 3

Day 49: 1 Corinthians 4 – 1 Corinthians 6

Day 50: 1 Corinthians 7 – 1 Corinthians 9

Day 51: 1 Corinthians 10 – 1 Corinthians 12

Day 52: 1 Corinthians 13 – 1 Corinthians 15 Day 53: 1 Corinthians 16

Day 54: 2 Corinthians 1 – 2 Corinthians 3

Day 55: 2 Corinthians 4 – 2 Corinthians 6

Day 56: 2 Corinthians 7 – 2 Corinthians 9

Day 57: 2 Corinthians 10 – 2 Corinthians 12

Day 58: 2 Corinthians 13

Day 59: Galatians 1 – Galatians 3

Day 60: Galatians 4 – Galatians 6

Day 61: Ephesians 1 – Ephesians 3

Day 62: Ephesians 4 – Ephesians 6

Day 63: Philippians 1 – Philippians 3

Day 64: Philippians 4 – Colossians 2

Day 65: Colossians 3 – 1 Thessalonians 1

Day 66: 1 Thessalonians 2 – 1 Thessalonians 5

Day 67: 2 Thessalonians 1 – 2 Thessalonians 3

Day 68: 1 Timothy 1 – 1 Timothy 3

Day 69: 1 Timothy 4 – 1 Timothy 6

Day 70: 2 Timothy 1 – 2 Timothy 4

Day 71: Titus 1 – Titus 3

Day 72: Philemon 1 – Hebrews 1

Day 73: Hebrews 2 – Hebrews 4

Day 74: Hebrews 5 – Hebrews 7

Day 75: Hebrews 8 – Hebrews 10

Day 76: Hebrews 11 – Hebrews 13

Day 77: James 1 – James 3

Day 78: James 4 – 1 Peter 1

Day 79: 1 Peter 2 - 1 Peter 5

Day 80: 2 Peter 1 - 2 Peter 3

Day 81: 1 John 1 – 1 John 3

Day 82: 1 John 4 – 1 John 6

Day 83: 2 John – 3 John – Jude

Day 84: Revelation 1 – Revelation 3

Day 85: Revelation 4 – Revelation 6

Day 86: Revelation 7 – Revelation 9

Day 87: Revelation 10 – Revelation 12

Day 88: Revelation 13 – Revelation 15

Day 89: Revelation 16 – Revelation 18

Day 90: Revelation 19 – Revelation 22

SOLO: Psalm 139:1-12

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 20:05:00 +0000

You can read today's passage by clicking here

How does it make you feel, knowing that God sees all, hears all, knows all? Nothing is hidden from him! What a big thought!

I'm not gonna lie. That's a pretty daunting realization. God knows all my dirty laundry. He knows my thoughts that no one would believe I have. He's heard the words I mutter to only myself. He sees into the darkest parts of my soul that are hidden from the public under my pious persona.

My deepest secret? He's seen it! My biggest doubt? He knows it? My most paralyzing fear? He's experienced it!

But he still loves me with reckless abandon!

God sees all, hears all, knows all-and loves us! His love is beyond unconditional. It's inconceivable!

SOLO: Psalm 103:1-14

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +0000

I was really good at math when I was younger. Computation always made good sense to me. To this day, I'm pretty quick when it comes to basic addition, subtraction, multiplication or division. So for all the math people out there, I have a few simple equations and theorems for you:

1 John 3 encourages us to do what pleases God by believing his son and doing what he commands. What are his commands?

Love God + love people

Jesus taught the entire law hung on those two things. So how do I love God and love others?

listen to him +
do what he says +
be generous +
treat others better than I treat myself

So, it could be concluded that...

Blessing God = Serving

What does God's "heart" good is living as his son lived. And Jesus came not to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45)

The life of the servant is lived in servitude, and we're called to serve the world. This must be what gives God the most pleasure. When we seek to love as he loves, give as he gives, serve as he serves we are living out the dreams he has for us.

How's your serve? God blesses us to bless him and others. It was never for us to horde his blessings to ourselves. Because of what he's done for us and because of what he's given to us, we're called to bless him and bless others.

Well that's it for the math lesson. The test is now yours to take!

SOLO: Psalm 62:1-2

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:38:00 +0000

You can read the passage by clicking here

Psalm 62 makes me think of God as the one constant in my world of ups, downs, and in-betweens. As my mind swirls with emotions, he is steady. Rock solid, in fact.

Man that's good news. Life is nothing if not changing. It is a whirlwind of emotions, circumstances, personalities, expectations-all constantly in motion. And as it spins seemingly out of control, voices become nebulous and empty.

But...

Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is consistent. He doesn't change. He's the anchor. He's the rock. He's the safe haven. He's the shelter. He's ever present, he loves unconditionally, and he remains steady when the rest of life is ravaged by storms.

Oh, and He's good!

Be encouraged. God is a rock! Solid. Strong. Consistent. In other words, he's all the things we're not but so desperately need.

SOLO: Job 42:7-13 (Be careful throwing God's name around)

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:26:00 +0000

You can read today's passage by clicking here

I referenced this in yesterday's blog, but I wanted to dive into it a little bit more...

Let's focus on the third commandment, of “the Ten Commandments. The third one is easily misunderstood. If you don't know it, here it is: "No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter; God won't put up with the irreverent use of his name." Exodus 20:7, The Message In the King James version I learned as a child it says "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain..."

As a child I learned that the third commandment meant that if you hit your thumb with a hammer, be sure to not say Jesus' name, or God with any curse word attached to it. While I think this a good rule of thumb (rule of thumb...haha...I kill myself) it's not the heart of the third commandment.

Job's buddies are in deep with God! Why? Because they've failed to be honest about God-about who he is and what he's about. They've taken God's name in vain. They've associated him with something he's not or had nothing to do with.

This is a biggie, because you and I can be guilty of this without giving it much thought. "God wants me to...", "God said I should...", "If you want to please God...". I don't think it was Job's pals' intentions to point him in the wrong direction. I don't think they maliciously set out to torture him with their words. I just think they had an opinion, felt they were right, and tied God to it. By the way, that's a very bad idea!

Be very careful what you tie God to. Too many people are guilty of manipulating others in the name of God. This is very upsetting to the Most High, as shown in Job 42. Be careful when you speak for God. Be careful you're not affiliating with your opinion so you can be right or have leverage!

SOLO: Job 9:2-23

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

You can read the passage by clicking here

Couple of thoughts as I read this: Am I willing to be so honest as to assume my own innocence in the presence of God? I love that Job was willing to be so raw. Personally, I know I've never been able to stand before God and plead innocent. And while I know that Job wasn't sinless, I believe he understood that his circumstances weren't the outcome of his actions. In other words, I think Job had some real insight into his situation. I feel he was onto something.

That said, I also think Job was amiss. He was disillusioned by his circumstances. He wasn't completely innocent. He wasn't just and didn't even deserve to be in the room with the Almighty Judge.

I feel like everyone relates to job's story; we're all a little double-minded. Some good theology - some understanding, but still only seeing a piece of the picture. Most of us feel we're innocent when bad things start happening to us, but we're quick to forget our failures and shortcomings. It's only when our lives are exposed to the light of Christ that we're able to see the truth of who we are! May we be willing to be raw and vulnerable in the presence of God, but may we always remember our own frailty and may we choose to humble ourselves. If God is forced to humble us, it becomes humiliation!

SOLO: Job 1:1-21

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:31:00 +0000

You can read today's passage by clicking here.

Do you ever wonder if your life is the kind that would show up in the Bible, or is that just me? I've always thought it would be so cool to be in the scriptures-to live a life worthy of being written about.

That's probably a little arrogant and has a lot to do with my ego, but I can assure you my intentions are good. I really do want to be that consistent. That's why I think Job's such a stud! He's not only written about, but God even points out his faithfulness to Satan. How crazy is that?

I wonder if God were going to make a case for us in front of Satan, would he have a leg to stand on (if God even has legs – I digress)? Would it be an open and shut case? Would there be any reason that Satan would fear our success? I'm afraid I'm much too inconsistent, emotional, and even hypocritical to be able to stand up against the stuff Job did. Yet he remained consistent.

How 'bout you? Could God bring your name up as a model of righteousness and consistency? Why or why not? Is this even feasible? Just a couple of questions to get you thinking...

Solo: Esther 7:3-10

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:21:00 +0000

You can read the passage by clicking here

I have a confession to make: there are times when I struggle to give grace and mercy. As a pastor, I should be the one out front, setting the tone, being generous and reckless in forgiveness. Often I wrestle with thoughts of judgment. I battle thoughts of "you reap what you sow" or "I knew this would happen" as I sit on my high horse of piety. In a turn of twisted irony, I will judge and evaluate other people for being arrogant and judgmental. This is a glimpse into my sometimes dark soul.

I think a lot of folks wrestle with this too. I know several who wage this war. Strangely, those far from Christ often have a better grasp on not being judgmental than those who are His followers. Somehow our being saved by His amazing grace brings thoughts of superiority and entitlement. Hopefully I'm the only person that thinks this way, but I somehow doubt it.

Reading a passage like this is tough. I have to be mindful of my emotions. My challenge in reading a passage like this is clear: Do not become a cheerleader for what's happening to Haman!

Yes, Haman did terrible things. Yes, I think Haman is getting what he deserved. No, he probably wouldn't have shown mercy in reverse. But I have to remember that justice suits me just fine when I feel like I'm the one who's been wronged or I care about the one who's been wronged. When I stand before the judge, I cry out for mercy, deserved or not!

The truth is, if we got what we deserve, we would all be eternally separated from God in Hell. Praise be to God, that he is liberal in grace, mercy, and forgiveness and that we don't have to get what we deserve. Instead, he lavishes love on us and calls us children.

Be careful not to be a cheerleader when judgment happens. Know that it is by grace you are saved, and that every step you take and every breath you breathe is granted by the Gracious God.

SOLO Bible Study - Esther 5:9-13

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

You can read the passage by clicking here

It's amazing how selfish, bitter, and naive I can become when I focus only on what I don't have rather than what I do have. It seems I'm predisposed to begin looking for more and better than what I already have. How ungrateful and egotistical I can become when I look only at what I don't have. How narcissiistic!

Paul wrote to the church in Phillipi,
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (NIV) Paul learned the secret of being content.

He learned it.

This is not natural behavior. It's unreasonable for us to assume we will have feelings of contentment. We must learn why we're to be content and how we're to be content.

A couple of things that have helped me and would've helped Haman:

1) Count your blessings! Thank God for what you do have. Are you healthy? Do you have people that you love and love you back? DO you have any change in your pocket? DO you have any food in the fridge? Do you have clean water to drink? Do you use an indoor toilet? These are a few things that help keep me grounded, because the majority of people in the world are missing many of these things we take for granted.

2) Pray James tells us "You do not have, because you do not ask God." I regularly share my passions and wants with others, but don't commit them to prayer. How much am I trusting God in all this? When I make it a focus of prayer, I put it in GOd's hands. After all, he's good! He sets everything before me. He is the one in control. If he thinks it would be good for me to have it, then I can trust that.

3) Ask yourself, "Why do I want this?" James continues, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." If your motive is simply for you, maybe your heart isn't where it needs to be. Maybe you're putting your treasure in things rather than God. What's your motivation?

These are just a few of my thoughts. What are some ways you can learn to be content?

SOLO Day 55 - Esther 4:7-14

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

You can read today's passage by clicking here

The Holocaust is one of the darkest periods of modern history. Many historians believe more than 6 million Jews died at the hands of the Nazi regime. One charismatic leader with enormous power was able to hijack a nation's moral compass, and they chose to follow blindly down a devastating path. By the time men and women attempted to stand up to Hitler's regime and speak out, it was too late. Listen to Martin Niemoller, a German theologian and Lutheran Pastor:

"First they came for the Communists but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out; Then they came for the Socialists and Trade Unionists but I was not one of them, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Jews but I was not Jewish, so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me."

Martin Niemöller stood up against the Nazi regime. He was imprisoned in Sachsenhausen and Dachau concentration camps from 1937 to 1945. Martin Niemöller is a celebrated pacifist, and even after his death in 1984, is fondly remembered as a bright light in a dark time. But Martin Niemöller's own confession leads me to ask several questions.

Why didn't people speak out? Why didn't Christ-followers take a stand. Where were the courageous? Where were those with a spine? Why didn't we stand up sooner? I wonder if Martin Niemöller felt like he missed the opportunity to do what was right sooner?

2400+ years before the Holocaust the Jews were on the verge of being wiped out. A young Jewish woman sat on the throne as Queen of Persia when her surrogate father came to her, pleading for her to stand up! "Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this," he begged. Queen Esther did, and God saved his people, because one voice chose to speak up.

What opportunities and decisions are facing you right now? Is there anyone you need to stand up for? What is a God-sized risk that you need to take?

Who knows? Maybe you were made for just such a time as this.

Prayer for Japan

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:40:00 +0000

PRAYER FOR JAPAN

Written by Fr. Richard Rohr

Mysterious God,
Creator of atoms, earth, fire, water, and air,
We do not understand all that surrounds us,
We are only a part and a moment,
You are the All in All.

Surround, protect, and give ground
To our sisters and brothers in Japan.
They feel so afraid and so abandoned.
Yet we know You abandon nothing
That you have created,
Nor will you abandon them.

Love us all into the Larger Life
That Jesus revealed while being crucified.

With him and for them,
We pray in hope.
Amen.

SOLO Day 54 - Nehemiah 13:7-13

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

You can read the passage by clicking here

Isn't it amazing how easy it is to forget? I'm not sure if it's just human nature or what, but it's shocking how quickly we lose sight when things are good. We're so quick to forget what it was like for us when things were a wasteland.

Bill Hybels defines character as "who you are when no one's looking." Once Nehemiah returns to service for the king, those left in charge begin to slack on their responsibilities. The priests aren't taken care of, idol worship takes root, and leadership is scarce. Nehemiah's initial response is anger and frustration, but then he makes a great leadership decision. He places men that are trustworthy and hard-working in positions of leadership.

So here's my thought: what do you do when no one's around? What would you do if you knew you could "get away" with it? Just a couple of questions I need to ask myself. May you be diligent and not grow tired of doing good and may you succeed in doing well when no one is looking!

SOLO Day 53 - Nehemiah 5:6-11

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 03:06:00 +0000

Let me tell you a story that has meant a lot to me. Seven years ago I was a young youth pastor, anxious to make a difference. I took a group of students to a church camp in Glorieta, New Mexico called Centrifuge. The camp was life changing, led to Carrie and I becoming FUGE staffers ourselves, and has had a tremendous impact on our lives. It's truly a story in-and-of itself.

But while I was at that camp, I met a youth pastor that has had a profound impact on my life and ministry. I've forgotten his name, but I'll never forget the 10 minutes he spent sharing with me. He had close to 70 students, which for me was monstrous. I was so envious. I wanted to have that many kids! So I asked him how he did it? His story went something like this: he was a youth pastor, had been successful in ministry, but had nearly killed himself trying to change the culture of the church he was in. He had done everything to try and make the church's youth program grow. But every program and every gimmick seemed to fail. The student ministry continued to be apathetic and small.

One night before church, his little boy asked him if he could accompany his father to "noof gwoop." His dad tried to correct him, hoping to help his son's speech. "UUUUUUUTTTTHHHHHHH," he sounded out. His son responded, "Yeth daddy! Noof gwoop, Noof gwoop! I need noof gwoop!" This youth leader shared with me that God began to speak to his heart about needing a NOOF group: a group focused on the Needs Of Others First. He looked at me and said, "only when you look to the needs of others will you be able to accomplish what God desires! I stopped focusing on growing and started focusing on the needs of students first!" That one statement was his secret to success. Kids were attracted to a group that looked for opportunities to serve. People naturally want to be aligned with something bigger than themselves. A NOOF group provided that.

Nehemiah calls people out on the carpet because they're only focused on themselves. This is hardly the only place this happens in scripture. God is very concerned with how we love others. Are you a "me" person or a NOOF person? Your answer is a strong indicator of your intimacy with God. God is a NOOF God! May we choose to be NOOF people!

SOLO Day 52 - Ezra 9:10-15

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 03:01:00 +0000

You can read the passage by clicking here

Tell the truth: do you know anything about Ezra, except that he can pray an amazing confession for the people? Do you know his story at all? Is he one of the heroes of the Old Testament you've heard stories about?

Probably not.

Ezra was a different kind of leader. I envision him as more of a behind the scenes kind of guy. Studious and intelligent, maybe a little quiet and hard to get to know. But don't underestimate the importance of a leader like Ezra. They may not have the flash of a Moses or an Elijah, but they are incredibly important. Ezra was a student of God's word and Ezra knew God. When Ezra taught his words held power and significance-not simply because he was charismatic or intelligent, but because he taught out of what was in him.

There are plenty of razzle-dazzle type-A personalities out there who captivate us with their clever lyrics or impressive persona. But Ezra was true blue. He led out of who he was. He was consistent. His life was God's, and no one else's. He was the perfect leader for a time when the people of God needed a man with character. He led the people to repentance, reminded the people of their calling, interceded on their behalf, and spoke truth into their lives. It's no wonder that many believe Ezra is the author of Psalm 119, one of the most revered passages in all of scripture.

Perhaps you are called to be an Ezra. A leader who is all character and little pizazz! A person who walks with God rather than a speaker for Him. People who are willing to get in the trenches and be light in a dark world. Individuals who are willing to walk with God through the good and bad, stand in the gap for others, and lead by example. People whose actions are louder than their words. We need more Ezras. Will you be like him?

SOLO Day 51 - 2 Chronicles 30:1-9

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 02:57:00 +0000

You can read today's passage by clicking here

I'm so grateful that God welcomes me back with open arms. Being open-armed is a statement of major commitment. Allow me to elaborate.

If you think about it, being open-armed leaves you quite vulnerable. The area of the body that must be protected most is left completely vulnerable. The major organs are protected only by the thin skin, while the most important of organs, the heart, is protected only by a series of small bones. Stop and think about a God who is willing to leave himself wide open like that. A God that only does this for one thing: us!

It's more than ironic that Jesus would die on a cross with arms spread wide-open. Perhaps he died with arms spread so that we could remember his nature. An open-armed, open-hearted God who will do whatever it takes for us to be willing to accept his embrace!

SOLO Day 50 - 1 Chronicles 16:23-29

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

You can read the passage by clicking here.

This may be coming out of left field, but it's hard for me to serve a God more humble than I am.

I expect him to be more than me in all areas of life. I expect him to be more powerful, more knowledgeable, more spectacular. He should be bigger. Who wants to follow a god that's smaller than themselves? My God needs to be big, strong, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound type of stuff. He's got to be big, because I expect a bigger-than-life God.

Maybe "more" humility isn't an appropriate thought. Maybe less pride is a better description. Which seems a little oxymoronic: all powerful God = very little pride? Verses like this passage are interesting because I love words of praise. I'm sure God loves to hear it too. But while I long for them for reasons less than holy (boost my ego, encourage self-worth, feel important...) God wants it because he longs for us to love him. He's not needy-he knows we need him, and our confessions of praise are simply our acknowledging the need in our souls. He has less pride than we do because he's not self-serving, something I can't wrap my head around. Maybe that's just one more reason why he's good!

May we come to resemble the God who's more humble than we are, and may we sing his praise with our very lives!

SOLO Day 48 - 1 Chronicles 11:10-11

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

You can read today's passage by clicking here

Who do you link arms with? Who in your life is worth going to battle for? Who in your life are you willing to follow into battle? Who do you cling to when life gets really hard? Who really knows you, your deepest secrets, your flaws and fears, and has your back anyway?

Do you have that person or persons in mind?

Do they know you feel this way?

Will you tell them today?

SOLO Day 47 - 2 Kings 22:11-17

noreply@blogger.com (Cory Dean West) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

You can read today's passage by clicking here

I think a couple things are clear after reading today's scriptures

1. God takes sin very seriously
2. Life is cause and effect. There are consequences to our actions.
3. God is patient, but unchecked habitual sin leads down a road no one wants to take.
4. At some stage in the process, there will be a tipping point when God responds. Be prepared for it.

My hope and prayer for you and I is that we take a long, hard look at our lives and ask ourselves, "Is there anything I'm holding onto, anything unconfessed, anything that's standing in the way of my relationship with God? If so, deal with it, before God has to!