Lamentations 1:9 The day the mask comes off

Impurity clung to her inside the cover of her clothes. She refused to consider anything but the present, never expecting her impurity would be revealed. Nobody came forward with comfort - no one.

Observation
God continually warns the Judean's of what is to come if she doesn't confess her sins and turn from them. Lady Jerusalem believes that she has hidden her iniquity well enough that there is nothing to fear. In fact the iniquity has been apart of her so long, that she has grown used to it and has even forgotten all about it. By God's command Jeremiah continually is pointing her sin out, teaching her that no matter how many layers she puts over their iniquity, God still sees it all.
Now, just like they were warned, the garment that they were covering their sin with has been ripped off and their shame and guilt is there for everyone to see. No one comes to their rescue, no one covers her up; she is left alone, wallowing in despair.

Application
Although this is a sad passage, there is a part of me that rejoices at the uncovering of sin. See I know what it is like to cover up sin. I didn't even know that I was doing it. Just like Judah, people came and told me, I just didn't listen.
What was my sin? Pride. Just thinking about how sick I was breaks my heart. The day I was laid bare before God was one of the greatest days of my life. I continually cried, lamented, just like this book is entitled. I mourned over my sin, and each tear shed God used to cleanse me and restore me, just like He does with Israel. Now I'm diligent about praying that God keep me pure before Him, never trying to cover up my junk.
The truth is we all have junk, it is just that some are better at covering it up than others. But those who have their masks ripped off, those who are laid bare, are truly blessed.

Prayer
Thank You Lord for ripping off my mask. I know that in me, I would easily fall into wearing that mask again. Please guide my steps and my heart, so that I am always pure before You.

Jeremiah 44:17b-18 Walking By Faith

Back then we had plenty to eat, and no harm came to us. But ever since we stopped burning incense to the Queen of heaven and pouring out our drink offerings to her, we've not had enough of anything. Besides that, we are being finished off by war and famine.

Observation
The queen of heaven was a Babylonian title Ishtar; whose worship involved acts of immorality (Halley's Bible Handbook). Even after all the prophecies that Jeremiah had spoken had come true, the Judean's still refuse to repent and be obedient to God. They are blinded by pride and selfishness. Jeremiah is still persecuted because the Judean's only want to hear the words that will allow their sinful lifestyle to continue.

Application
I was initially dumbfounded when reading these verses, because I was thinking " how could the Judean's be so stupid". It didn't take long for the Holy Spirit to show me His truth in passages. We are all that stupid when we measure success or failure based on external circumstances. The Judean's measured success on lack of war and famine. That is not how God measures it. He very often uses difficult external circumstances to create success within in us. These verses are a great reminder to me, that whether things are going great or they are going poorly, I need to ask God for His truth and follow His direction. I am not to rely one the way things appear to me. Isaiah 11 says And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear; But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; this is who Jesus is and who God is making me to be.

Prayer
Father, I am so grateful that my success is not defined by external circumstances or my performance, but by Your righteousness that covers me. I ask that You be more in me, and I be less.

Jeremiah 42:21-22 Conditional Surrender

So today I have given you His answer, but I can see that you have no intention of obeying the Eternal your God, regardless of what He sends me to tell you. So you will surely die from war, famine, and disease in that place where you are determined to go.

Observation
The remnant left after Babylonian capture had hoped for peace, but sin and destruction continue when the official put in charge, Gedaliah, along with all in his house, as well as innocent worshippers in the city are slaughtered at the hands of Ishmael.
Those who were spared and saved are terrified of Chaldean wrath, and they are now seeking God's direction through Jeremiah. They promise Jeremiah that they will do whatever God tells them to do, good or bad. However, it is clear that they already have a plan set in their hearts and they are just looking for God's blessing over it.

Application
Conditional surrender, that is what the Judean's are offering God. Oh how I have done the same so many times. My conditional surrender sounds something like this, "Oh God, help me please, I will do anything you ask of me as long as you do this, this, and this." The problem is that we convince ourselves that we are seeking to please God, but the truth is we are just trying to get what we want through God.
I see this in ministry all the time as well, and it just breaks my heart. People are in a pit, they want out, but they want out the quick and easy way. Or they just want God to bless their sinful lifestyle or decisions, when that blessing doesn't come they leave the church. I empathize with Jeremiah's pain. I seek God in prayer in how to advise others, and after that counsel is given I watch their far fall, because it is not what they wanted. Not long after that they begin to drift away.

Prayer
Father, I know that I have used You and have broken your heart numerous times. For that, my heart saddens terribly. Please reveal if there is any remnant of that behavior left in me, and cleanse me from this lack of faith and love. Father, I lift up those who are seeking You conditionally right now. Please show them Your truth as well as Your goodness and grace to both hold and carry them through whatever trial they are facing.

Jeremiah 35:18-19 Obedience Pays

The Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies and God of Israel, has this message for you and your families: "Because you obeyed your ancestors Jonadab and faithfully followed his instructions for all these years, I promise that Jonodab (son of Rechab) will always have descendants who serve me"

Observation
Babylon is attacking Judean towns outside of Jerusalem. The nomadic clan known as the Rechabites have run to the the city of Jerusalem for refuge. The Rechabites are simple people, whose customs are not suited for city lifestyle. However, their faithfulness to their customs are held up as an example to Jerusalem and cause the clan to be blessed by God.

Application
God desires obedience more than sacrifice and the story of the Rechabites are an example of this desire. I was lead to reflect on why the Rechabites remained obedient to the custom of their ancestors while the rest of the Israelites didn't; what made them different? If these verses the name Jonadab in particular stands out. It seems to me that the Rechabite ancestors did an outstanding job of stressing the importance of obedience to their children and grandchildren; so much so that when the temptation to do differently came against them they were able to stand. Jonadab specifically is honored by God. That same blessing can be mine to, if I diligently train my children up in the Lord's ways.

Prayer
Father, thank You for the Rechabite example in Your word today. I long to plant those same seeds in my children. Although I am willing, I need Your Spirit to make these seeds grow, for I am nothing without You. May my children grow up in Your word and remain faithful to follow them all the days of their lives.

Psalm 4:3-4 Anger

You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him. Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.

Observation
What things in life can you be sure of? Death and the sun coming up each day. But God tells the believer to add to his/her list to be sure that God sets thems apart. Being set apart comes with certain rewards, one of which is listed right here "The Lord will answer when I call to him". God hears all prayer, but only promises to answer the believer. It doesn't mean he won't answer the unbeliever, but the promise is for His children.
David meditates on these promises so that anger will not control him. He is being persecuted and ridiculed, but instead of focusing on the injustice, he focuses on God.

Application
Anger is a powerful force, once planted it takes root quickly and can easily lead to sin. I struggle with anger when injustice is prevailed upon me. One time God reminded me that I too was unjust, that I too had done evil in His sight. I was broken when I realized the bitterness that I had sown in my own heart, when I was just as much of a sinner as those who I had hurt me,
Now I know to get that anger out immediately. God shows me how in these verses...turn my thoughts over to Him.

Prayer
Father, I praise You that I can run to You; You are a mighty shelter and refuge for the weak. Oh Lord and I am weak. Father, I praise You that my coming to You is not dependent upon my own righteousness, but solely and completely upon You, and who You are.

Psalm 3:1-2 Our God Is Greater

O Lord , how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. Many are saying of my soul, "There is no deliverance for him in God." Selah.

Observation
We often feel like the world is against us, but for David, the world really was against him. The soon to be King, was hiding in caves and running for his life; everyday could be his last. He sees the adversaries before him and becomes scared, but then he looks up and sees the God that goes before him and realizes that he has nothing to fear. It is God that causes him to awaken everyday, God who protects him in battle, and God who blesses him.

Application
I have been through times in my spiritual walk, where on the outside it looked like God was mad at me because I was falling apart. Even if it weren't true, it certainly felt like everyone was mocking me. But God sustained me through those times, then once through them, He blessed me beyond all that I could hope for or imagine. The biggest blessing I have ever received is a closer and deeper walk with Him through it. David knows who His God is because God is drawing David closer while sustaining him in trial. Trials have also caused me to know and love God in a deeper way, so I'm grateful for the heartache and humiliation.

Prayer
Father, thank You for moving heaven and earth to draw me deeper into You. I praise You for the trials and heartache. Continue to saturate me in You, I want to fall more in love with You each day.

Jeremiah 34:4-5 Honor Your Leaders

Yet hear the word of the Lord , O Zedekiah king of Judah! Thus says the L ord concerning you, 'You will not die by the sword. You will die in peace; and as spices were burned for your fathers, the former kings who were before you, so they will burn spices for you; and they will lament for you, "Alas, lord!"' For I have spoken the word," declares the Lord .


Observation
Zedekiah was a terrible king for Jerusalem. He did not follow the ways of The Lord. He even oppressed Jeremiah, punishing him for speaking the truth. He never listened to God's warnings. Yet God still shows himself merciful to Zedekiah. He promises that Zedekiah will be mourned, and die in peace. I imagine when Zedekiah was taken captive, those words must have brought incredible comfort to him. And these were the words that came from a prophet he despised and a God he rejected. God's grace and mercy is so very humbling.

Application
I'm struck by the fact that God shows extreme grace and mercy to our leaders, but we don't. God who has every reason to hold a grudge and every reason to reject, does neither. Yet, when we don't agree with a leaders decision, we dishonor our leader, and many times we wrap God's name around those actions.
I don't agree with many of the decisions the president has made, in fact, my heart breaks over some of those decisions frequently. However, he is still president, and still deserves to be honored as such.

Prayer
Father, I'm sorry for the times I have dishonored those who are leaders. From the president to my own husband, I have been critical. Please forgive me. Help me to be honoring with word and deed to those You have put over me. I know ultimately I will honor You if I honor them.

Jeremiah 33:25-26 God Keeps His Promises

But again, this is what the Eternal promises: "Just as I am not about to stop ruling the universe with fixed laws so that they day and night become confused, I will likewise keep My promises to the descendants of Jacob and David, My servant; I will not reject them. I will not forget the covenant I made with David that one of his descendants will rule over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will restore their fortunes and have mercy on them.

Observation
Imagine the scene as this message to Jeremiah unfolds. Jeremiah is held prisoner by the king of Judah. He is shackled and surrounded by guards in the kings court. Meanwhile Jerusalem lay under siege of the Chaldeans. Each day that passes by Jerusalem is losing hope of escaping the ever tightening grip of Babylon. The king, is taking out the his frustration on Jeremiah. See, Jeremiah prophesied that such things would come to pass because of the immense wickedness and rebellion that God's chosen had embraced.
In humiliation Jeremiah sits, and a message of hope comes to him. God reminds Jeremiah that this is just a moment. One day He will bring His people back, they will have peace and stability. They will be ruled by one of David's descendants; they will have a new king who will be a Faithful Shepherd. Then God sends two more messages to Jeremiah sharing the certainty of His promise to the children of Israel. This promise is the rope that Jeremiah and those for generations to come will hold on to.

Application
When life gets tough, we need reassurance of God's promise. Yesterday 18 children were shot at an elementary school in CT. Such tragedy! We need reassurance of God's promise. This week a man carved a pentagram in his sons back, because demons told him to. We need reassurance of God's promise. A little boy in Elena's class was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. We need reassurance of God's promise.

In a little over a week, we will be celebrating one of God's most incredible and world changing promise come to fruition, the birth of Christ. God reassured Jeremiah in the midst of incredible uncertainty, God reassures us today the same way. I am choosing to allow tragedy to create a deeper longing for Christ in my heart. Because there is another promises I am looking forward too, the coming of Christ. God gives us reassurance that His promises are sure, hold fast to them my friends.

Prayer
Father, thank You for Your promises and how they give us hope. Thank You for reminding me that I can hold on to Your promises, because they are solid and sure. I pray for the families who lost their sweet babies, I pray for the parents whose children are suffering in the hospital and those dealing with extreme loss and tragedy; please surround them with Your hope and comfort, that through terrible tragedy they would experience a deeper relationship with the One who always holds, loves, and cares for them. May Your goodness be seen in the midst of such atrocities.

Jeremiah 32:39 Why do we worship God?

I will unite them behind a single desire and purpose: to revere and worship Me forever for their own good and the good of all who will come after them.


Observation
The Israelites were not short on worship, they were short on wisdom. They poured out offerings to the wrong gods. They never revered and truly worshipped the One and Only God. God promises that after the exile He will bring His people back and they be united under one single purpose; to revere and worship Him. But He adds an interesting tag at the end, He says it is for our good and the good of those who follow that we do.
Why is worshipping Him for our good, but not worshipping others? Is it because He can take away our life? He certainly can, but I don't think that is necessarily why it is for our good. I believe it is for our good, because if our mind is on Him, then all of our being will follow Him and His ways, and His ways are good! We are naturally selfish and sinful creatures, it is imperative that we get our minds off of ourselves and on to Him, so that His life can infuse us.

Application
I must confess, when I think of worshipping another, I think that I am doing something good for them and not necessarily for myself. But God points out this distortion through His word this morning. Worshipping God is good for me and it is good for you. Moreover, it is good for my children to see me worship God. They may struggle with selfishness and the flesh now, but seeds of worshipping the One True God are being planted in their lives.

Prayer
Father, You are Everlasting and Gracious. You are the Great Commander of Heavens Armies. You give strength to the weak, sight to the blind, and loose the chains of the prisoners. There is no one like You. I choose You and set my heart and mind to worship You all of my days. May my children choose and do the same. Bless You Papa.

Luke 1:66 Everyone Has A Plan For You

People were certain that God's hand was on this child, and they wondered what sort of person John would turn out to be when he became a man.

Observation
Already John's birthday didn't fit any normal circumstances. First an Angel of the Lord tells Zacharias that they will have a son. Then John is born to Zacharias and Elizabeth when they are too old to expect a child. The abnormalities continue when Elizabeth and Zacharias shake up the community by choosing the name John for the child instead of a name in their family. All of these shake ups cause people to question and set expectations of who John would become.
The bible doesn't really tell us what is what like for John to grow up in a community where his birth lead to speculation and expectation, but I can imagine it would have been a challenge. John obviously rises to the occasion with the power of the Holy Spirit, but I think we would be remiss if we don't stop and think about the challenges he faced trying to please God, when those around him had agendas for his life.

Application
I have no doubt that when Jesus was growing up that He faced the same challenges as John. Why do I believe that? Because the bible tells me that Jesus faced the same temptations that you and I face. We all hit a point where we have to make a choice to either be who others say we are or who Christ says we are. You can't say that you define who you are, because it is the influences around you that really define you, but you can certainly choose what will influence you.
For most of my life, I have tried to meet the expectations of others...EXHAUSTING! What I have found is that I work best when I'm just being obedient to Christ. But I'm comforted with knowing that both John and Jesus had to fight the temptation to please others instead of God and they overcame. The same Spirit that lives in them lives in me!
I think it is normal to have expectations for our children. As they grow up we get excited about all the possibilities of who they could become. As a parent, however, I need to make sure that my children know that pleasing God and following His plan is WAY MORE IMPORTANT than following my plan.

Prayer
Father, thank You for Your great plan for me and for my children. Thank You for giving me Your Spirit and helping me resist the temptation to please others above You. You are amazing! Father, please help me to hold on loosely to my own expectations and plans for Devin and Elena. Your plans are greater and I want them to always seek to please You above all.

Jeremiah 31:2-3, 9 Coming Back Home

My people who survived the sword found grace as they wandered in the wilderness. when Israel went in search for rest, I appeared to them far away and said: "I have loved you with an everlasting love-out of faithfulness I have drawn you close......Listen, as they come home weeping and repenting, praying for direction, pleading mercy as I bring them back. In that day I will lead them beside quiet streams of water and take them upon a straight path where they will not stumble. Why? Because I am Israel's Father, and Ephraim is My first born.

Observation
Judah is now under siege by Babylon. All that God has warned of through Jeremiah is coming to pass. The people of Israel are soon to see their sin and repent. Their wandering will give them new insight and they will find grace there. They find His grace when they have lost everything. In the light of His grace they realize that they don't deserve to come back home, they don't deserve for Him to love them. They humble themselves and say "I was wrong, I sinned against You God".
Yet it was God who was drawing them all along, it is His everlasting love for them that has held them even in the wilderness. When they finally see His love and submit to it,
God gives them the sweetest gift of all....peace; He quiets their soul. He refreshes and heals them, from then on each step they take is with Him.
What incredible encouragement this must have been to Jeremiah, who had only been given bad news up to this point. This truth will be an anchor for generations to come.

Application
This is my own story. When did I find Christ? When all that I wanted was ripped from me, when everything I touched turn to ash, when I was rejected and ridiculed, when I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I was lost; lost in the wilderness.
As it turns out, I was always lost, I just didn't know it. Just like Israel, my life of sin hadn't gotten bad enough for me to change. But God's grace found me in the wilderness and showed me what I had been doing to myself and to Him. In horror of what I saw, I cried out to Him. His promise of quiet streams and a straight path are sure, I am living proof. There are times when my heart is disquieted and my foot unsteady, but He is always there, ready to quiet my soul and help me take the next step.

Prayer
Father, I praise You for Your everlasting love. I praise You for drawing me, beckoning me to come to You. I praise You that I didn't have to clean up or figure out the next step. You have always been there, even when I couldn't see You. I am always home with You!

Psalm 2:7-9, 12b Ransom for many, Lord of all!

I am telling all of you the truth. I have heard the Eternal's decree. He said clearly to me, "You are my Son. Today I have become your Father. The nations shall be yours for the asking and the entire earth will belong to you. They are yours to crush with an iron scepter, yours to shatter like fragile clay pots.".....but blessings await all who trust in Him. They will find God a gentle refuge.

Observation
Psalm 2 describes the rebellion of nations and the pride of people. Arrogantly nations mock God, they don't think God is going to do anything about it and they don't think there will be consequences for their actions. But God sends Jesus. He sends Jesus as both the ransom of many and The Lord of all!
Psalm 2 describes 2 natures of our King; one is just and the other is gentle. Those who don't trust God will never know the gentle side of God, not because God isn't gentle with them, but because their eyes are not open to what God is doing around them. They will instead only know His justice.

Application
It is hard for me to think about the wrath of God. I like to only dwell on His goodness and grace. But if I limit my understanding of Him to just the feel good stuff, then I am missing out on truly knowing Him.
God is just, and there are consequences for sin. However, God is also good and for His children, He mixes mercy with His justice; He disciplines us, but only for our good.

Prayer
Father, I confess it is hard for me to see Your wrath, yet countless times I have seen You show mercy when I or others didn't deserve it. Your ways are so much higher than my own, but I want to know You more.

Luke 1:46-50 Blessed Among Women

My soul lifts up the Lord! My spirit celebrates God, my Liberator! For though I'm God's humble servant , God has noticed me. Now and forever, I will be considered blessed by all generations. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; holy is God's name! From generation to generation, God's lovingkindness endures for those who revere Him.

Observation
Mary has had some amazing encounters. She has been visited by an angel and has been greeted by her cousin with blessings for the child that she will bear. This is a song of worship; Mary just can't contain her gratefulness and excitement. Mary understands that she doesn't deserve this gift and that people around her could list a dozen reasons why she shouldn't be the mother of Christ. But Instead of listening to those thoughts, she praises God for using the humblest of servants to complete His plan.
Mary knows that she is blessed. Where others might have been afraid of what the town people, her parents, or even Joseph would say, Mary can only see the great things that God has done for her. Mary has extreme faith and hope as she looks to the future. She knows that even if those around her can't see it now, she is blessed and will be called blessed by all generations.

Application
I had to ask myself when reading this scripture if I would have rejoiced the way that Mary did, or would I have complained about the opinions others had of me? It is sad to say, but I think I would have complained. My history certainly says I would. I can't say that I like it much when people are upset with me and have a low opinion of me. It has taken me a long time to not change who I am to suit people. Now I need to stop complaining when they don't like me. I want to be like Mary, and see how I am blessed among women, look to the future and proclaim His greatness towards me in faith.

Prayer
Father, You have done great things for me. I have nothing that I can boast of in myself. Please forgive me for complaining when things get hard, I limit my thinking with those complaints and can't see how incredibly blessed I am to have You as my Liberating King. Thank You for choosing me, including me, and loving me.

Psalm 1 Promises for the Righteous

God's blessings follow you and await you at every turn: when you don't follow the advice of those who delight in wicked schemes, when you avoid sin's highways, when judgement and sarcasm beckon you, but you refuse. For you, the Eternal's word is your happiness. It's our focus from dusk to dawn. You are like a tree, planted by flowing cool streams of water that never run dry. Your fruit ripens in its times; your leaves never fade or curl in the summer sun. No matter what you do, you prosper.
For those who sin, the story is different. They are like a fallen husk of wheat, tossed by an open wind, left deserted and alone. In the end the wicked fall in judgement; the guilty will be separated from the innocent. Their road suddenly will end in death, yet the journey of the righteous has been charted by the Eternal.

Observation
God gives several promises to both the righteous and wicked alike. His word is filled with these promises. But Psalm one seems to take all those promises and condense it down to this short black and white picture.
God say's it this way "make Me your center, make Me your happiness, and here is what you can count on..."
Here is what He promises to those who are for Him:
1. His blessings will follow you
2. His blessings wait for you to arrive
3. You will not be shaken
4. You will always be instant to what God wants to do in you and through you. God says your fruit will ripen at the right time. So there will be times when you or others will not see a specific fruit in your life, but God will ripen that fruit in its specific season.
5. You never fade, you just get brighter and brighter. I can think of several older Christians who are a bright light to me. They are proof of this promise!
6. No matter what you do, you will prosper. That's a pretty amazing promise. We an see the same promise in Romans 8:28, God is working all things together for good for those who love Him (have made Him the center) and have been called according to His purpose.
7. God will chart your journey. You don't have to worry about figuring out the next step because God has the map; He knows. When you think of writing your story, whose hand would you like on the pen? I can think of no one greater than the sovereign God of the universe!

Application
Psalm 1 is great encouragement to stay in God's word and continue seeking His face. Several years ago I chose to make Christ the center of my life. Is He? Well there are certainly areas where I wonder if He truly is, but this scripture reminds me that His promise is sure and that the areas where I doubt He is the center because I struggle so, are the ones where the fruit has not ripened yet.
I love the beginning where it says that God's blessings follow me and wait for me. This translation can only be found in the Voice, the other versions say "blessed is". Both scriptures mean the same thing, but the Voice paints a beautiful picture of what God is doing for me everyday. The truth is I rarely turn around to recall blessings, and I'm not expectant for the blessings are to come my way tomorrow. But I should be. A great way for me to apply this specific portion of scripture is to make a list of blessings at the end of every day, then praying each morning that God open my eyes to the blessings He has waiting for me in the day, and in all of that THANK HIM!

Prayer
Father, what sweet encouragement! Thank You for yesterday and today's blessings. Thank You for charting my course, for being the living water that nourishes my soul. Thank You for prospering me and making my light grow brighter and brighter. Thank You for giving me a passion for Your word. I am wicked without You, but Your robe of righteousness covers me. I Love You!

2 Timothy 4:5 Stay The Course

But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry

Observation
Paul is exhorting Timothy to keep on preaching, encouraging, and reproving. To not look for opportune times, but to just do it. He tells Timothy that people won't want to hear it, they will want to run to the teachers and leaders that approve their lifestyle. But Paul shouts "STAY THE COURSE TIMOTHY!"
What I find interesting is that Paul tells Timothy to endure the hardships, not celebrate in them, not have a great attitude in them, not act like they are not there at all, but endure; hold on. He reminds Timothy of the mission he has been called to and encourages him to stay the course.

Application
I cried when I read this word today. We are going through hardships at the Flask house. I keep telling myself that things could be worse and remind myself of the many, many, blessings I have. Yet I'm weary. When I get to this point I start to get disappointed with myself which only makes things worse. This morning, I didn't want to get up, so I prayed and told God how I was feeling and asked Him to encourage me. And here His word is, right on time. He is telling me "stay the course Hope, press on!". He is reassuring me that I'm on the right track, that He is in my corner, that Has a mission for me, and to not worry about the things falling apart around me. Because things will always fall apart around me. People will get tired of me telling them to seek God, to seek Him in His word, people will get frustrated with my failures, cars will brake down, money will run out, my body will fail, but press on to the prize!

Prayer
Father thank You so much for this sweet encouragement today. I'm so grateful that You allow me to do Your work with You. I know You don't need me, I'm sure I slow things down quite a bit, and I'm messy, but You let me be apart of it anyway. You enjoy spending time with me and Father, I enjoy spending time with You!

Jeremiah 23:22 False Prophets

If only they had stood in My presence and heard My voice, then they would have spoken My words to My people! They would have turned this nation back from its evil ways and evil deeds.

Observation
The false prophets did the following according to chapter 23:
Scattered God's flock
Failed at giving His sheep care
They were negligent
They pawned their words off as God's
They inspired and encouraged people to sin
They promised peace for acts of evil, even though God promises destruction for evil.
They never asked God what He wanted, they never paid attention to His word, they never sought the Lord's presence!
Because of that they have broken God's heart. He says in verse 9 that deep in His chest, God's heart is broken. There is nothing worse then breaking the heart of God, which by the way, I know I have done.

Application
No one ever thinks of themselves as a false prophet, yet the bible promises us that more and more false prophets will appear. These verses offer guidelines on how to see if you are really caring for God's people or just for yourself. I understand the difficulty. People don't want to hear that their choices are leading them on a path of destruction. They want to hear peace and prosperity. Jeremiah is the only brave one that stands up and even he considers the message a burden. This is why James tells us that not many of us should want to become teachers.
It all comes down to pleasing God or people. I know in me I will choose people every time if I don't seek the presence of God passionately! I don't want God to use an "if only" statement when He talks of me.

Prayer
Father, I'm so grateful that Your presence aligns me with Your will. I confess that I am weak minded and unfaithful, but You are greater in me each day. I choose to please You, to seek Your presence and will above all else. Please help me to lead others to You, speaking Your truth even when it feels like a burden. I love You!

Jeremiah 20:13 Expectant

Sing the the Eternal God! Praise the Eternal now for what He will soon do. For a troubled soul is snatched from the wicked.

Observation
From a human stand point, Jeremiah has no reason to praise The Lord. He has been publicly punished, betrayed by his friends, and ridiculed by so many all because God wants him to share a warning with the Israelites.
Jeremiah pours out his heartbreak and pain to God; he has no one else. Jeremiah wishes he was never born, never chosen by God to be a mouthpiece. Yet he comforts himself with a song of God's promise of vindication for him.

Application
I've always thought to praise God in every circumstance, you had to find the good in that circumstance. But for Jeremiah, there is no good in his circumstance, yet he is still able to praise The Lord, why? Because he knows God's promises are sure, so Jeremiah decides to praise God for what He will do. A great reminder for me, that when I can't see any good in my current situation, to remember that God is working all things for good (Romans 8:28), and I can praise Him.

Prayer
Father, I praise You for Your promises are sure. I praise You for Your unfailing love for me. No one and nothing can snatch me from Your hand. It doesn't matter what my circumstances are, because Your promises are not conditional to my circumstances, they are sure! I turn my heart to praise You, now and always!

Jeremiah 17:5-10, 24 QT with God

Cursed is the one who trusts in human strength and the abilities of mortals. His very heart strays from the Eternal. He is like a little shrub in the desert that never grows; he will see no good thing come his way. He will live in a desert wasteland, a barren land of salt where no one lives. But blessed is the one who trusts in Me alone; the Eternal will be his confidence. He is like a tree planted by water, sending out it's roots to the stream. It does not fear the heat or even the drought. It's leaves stay green and its fruit is dependable, no matter what it faces. The heart is the most devious and incurably sick. Who can understand it? It is I the Eternal One, who probes the innermost thoughts. I will compensate each person justly, according to his ways and by what his actions deserve....But if you will listen to My words, and obey Me by not carrying your loads through these city gates on the Sabbath, if You live differently on the Sabbath, differently from the rest of your week by not working on it, I promise Jerusalem I will be Your home forever.

Observation
Israel's heart had faded from God and how they have kept the Sabbath proves it. They are working on the Sabbath, the specific day that God said to keep holy. By not working on the Sabbath we are showing God that we trust Him as our provider. Moreover, when we trust Him we have a promise of being like a tree whose roots go out to the stream, who always has fruit. When we trust Him, we are never afraid, because we know He is the one who holds us. However, when we trust the work of our own hands, we never grow. We can call ourselves Christians, but never grown, because we never really take that step forward by trusting Him.
The Sabbath is a day to ask God to give you a heart check. You and I can't know our hearts. Our hearts are full of lies; lies that we have believe and live as truth. God is the only One who can reveal these lies and lead us into truth. There are many benefits to keeping the sabbath holy, but for me this is one of the greatest.

Application
I struggle with keeping the Sabbath holy because of a long "to-do" list that haunts me. God in His graciousness and mercy is showing me how destructive it is to go full-throttle all the time and never quiet myself before him. I have regular quiet time with Him each morning, but I need more than that. I can't begin to know what more I need, except to say that I need more of Him, and the Sabbath allows me have just that, more of Him!

Prayer
I want more of You Jesus. Help me to keep the Sabbath holy. In me I would mess it all up, but in You I can do all things. So I cling to You!

Jeremiah 15:19 how will you use your mouth?

If you will turn back to Me, I will restore you and you will stand before Me. If you will speak worthy words instead of worthless complaints, you will be my spokesperson.

Observation
Most people who complain don't even know they are doing it. I imagine Jeremiah is in this category. In verse 18 Jeremiah asks God if He is going to deceptive and unreliable. That is a pretty bold complaint to make to the God of the universe. This complaint comes from a lack of faith in the midst of extremely trying circumstances. The calling of God has left Jeremiah lonely. Jeremiah is asked to share words from God that are extremely hard to hear and he must continually confront sin...Jeremiah is tired, and because he is tired, begins to complain.
However, God will not use a mouth that complains all the time. God calls this complaining sin and tells Jeremiah to turn back to Him and to trust Him.

Application
I am totally convicted by this scripture. I complain a lot to God about doing His work. My complaints are very similar to Jeremiah's. I get tired of confronting sin; I get tired of being His spokesperson....my flesh cries out "what about me?". In the same respect, I want to be used by God, I want Him to call me one of His disciples. But my lack of faith and complaining stands in the way of God using me.

Prayer
Father, thank You for Your Word and it's power to convict and change me. Thank You for using me. Forgive me for my attitude of entitlement and lack of gratitude.

Jeremiah 13:27 Adultery

As for your faithlessness, your adulteries and your lustful ways, as for the degrading way you prostitute yourself to other gods out in the open, I see it all.

Observation
They very first commandment God gives His people is that they are to serve no other God besides Him, the second is they are not to make an idol (fashion anything out of wood or other materials). God wants to be the center of their lives and their hearts. He doesn't want anything coming before Him. Yet, Judah breaks this command over and over and God calls it adultery.
We too have other gods in our lives. Those gods may be entertainment, our job, another person, or even ourselves. We put various things at the core of who we are and keep God on the fringe. We never stop to consider that we are cheating on God. We think because we haven't performed any sexual act, and we include God in our list of activities, that somehow it is not cheating.
It is better for those who have never made a commitment to God, then for those who have but continue to cheat on Him.

Application
This verse is a double-edge sword. I have cheated on God. I am unfaithful. Because I have confessed my sin and turned, He has forgiven me and cleansed me from this sin. He has made me faithful. But the minute that I allow more of the world and less of Him in me, I know that I can become unfaithful again. This is a warning to watch my heart.

Prayer
Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. Please continue to keep me close to You. I desire to be faithful to You always.

Jeremiah 12:5-6 if you think this is tough, just wait!

If you are worn out after running with only a few men, how will you one day come against horses? If you stumble on easy terrain, how will you manage on thick brush near the Jordan? Jeremiah, even your brothers and the rest of your family are ready to betray you. Even they cry out for your death; don't trust any of them, no matter how nicely they speak to your face.

Observation
Jeremiah has just been complaining that the wicked prosper while he struggles. He wants to know where God's justice is. God doesn't shrink back from this question, nor does he punish Jeremiah for asking it, but He does give Jeremiah a reality check. If Jeremiah is already weary because he sees the wicked prosper, what is he going to do when everyone turns against him, including his family? God calls Jeremiah to take his eyes off of the rain drops and wind around him, and prepare for the storm of storms that is coming.

Application
How many times have I been focused on the few things not going right in my life, instead of preparing for what is to come. I can just hear God saying to me in these verses "Hope, if you are weary now getting messy with a few of my children, what are you going to do when I bring hundreds more?". I need to submit my heart to God for training and equipping for even greater ministry.

Prayer
Father, I complain about being tired to You all the time. I'm sorry, and I submit myself to You for training and equipping for the greater ministry that You have ahead. Please create in me a steadfast spirit, persevering as i run the race of endurance.

Jeremiah 10:18,21,23-24 Discipline

Now is the time for Me to bring hardship on them, so they may be found....The shepherds of My people have lost their senses; they never thought to ask what the Eternal would have them do.....O Eternal I know our lives are in Your hands. It is not us to direct our own steps-we need You. Discipline me, Eternal One, but do so fairly. Hold back Your wrath or I'll be destroyed completely.

Observation
God allows hardship to bring us back to Him. Even those who gave their hearts passionately to Him once can lose their first love. It breaks God's heart that we would give ourselves to empty and meaningless trappings in this world, when we have known His goodness and experienced intimacy with Him. It is a slow fade, we gradually start taking Him for granted and stop asking Him what He thinks and wants. Can you Imagine a culture where everyone, including Pastors, have stopped asking God what He wants?
Jeremiah knows that he has also struggled with the sin of trying to do life on his own apart from God. He acknowledges his need for God as well as a need for discipline. Jeremiah knows that the discipline of The Lord will keep him from drifting away again. Jeremiah first asks for a fair discipline, then it seems like he rethinks the idea of fair, and asks God to hold back a little of the discipline due him.

Application
These verses are a great reminder of how God uses all things, even the painful stuff, to draw me close to Him. I need discipline from The Lord or I would turn from Him. I praise God for His mindfulness of me.

Prayer
Father, thank You for Your grace. You have forgiven my sin against You and have drawn me with loving kindness. Thank You for Your discipline, like Jeremiah I ask that You continue to discipline, but use mercy, so that I will not be broken. I love You.

Jeremiah 7:10-11 Worship Gone Bad

Do you think all it takes is for you to run back to Me this house, which is called by My name and say "We're safe now?" Does this somehow make it all right to do vile things in front of Me? Do you think this house, which is called by My name, is a den of thieves? I see what you're doing.

Observation
(From the Voice) One of the most important and difficult messages Jeremiah ever delivers is given at the entrance to the temple. In the seventh century, the problem isn't that people are refusing to worship, for the crowds continue to form at the temple in Jerusalem, but they are embracing a superficial form of worship. They are acting as if their motives don't matter; their immoral behavior seems to be little or no concern. As long as they have the temple - with it's rituals and rich history - they believe they are immune to anything. As long as they have the building in their midst, they seem to think they have God - as if He could be contained in this beautiful and storied structure.
Imagine the scene as the bold prophet speaks to the crowds streaming into the temple area. Imagine how startling these words sound to people who think religious activity and merely showing up at the temple will protect them.

Application
I am certainly guilty of being busy with religious activity, yet having a heart far from God. God is so good to make sure I never drift too far. A few years ago I asked him to make sure that I never became a hypocrite, I knew that if left alone to my own devices I would be a judgmental hypocrite in a heartbeat, so I needed God to take over. He is faithful and has delivered me time and time again from impure heart motives that make it all about me instead of Him.
My heart motive is so important as a worship leader. How can I direct others to the heart of God, when my own is far from Him? I have to continually ask God to examine my motives, reveal any hurtful way within me, turn from that way and follow Where He leads.

Prayer
Father, I know in me I am just like those worshipping at Your temple in Jeremiah's day. I am selfish, prideful, rebellious, and judgmental, but You are always good and Your goodness lives in me. Please examine my heart motives before I lead others in worship today, I want to have a heart completely turned to You!

Jeremiah 5:24 Reverence (11.23.12)

It never occurred to them to say, "let us stand in awe of the Eternal our God, for He sends rain, both the autumn and the spring rain and He brings the harvest at just the right time year after year." it is your sin that holds back the rain. It is your rebellion that keeps good things from happening to you.

Observation
Why doesn't it occur to us to stand in awe of God? When we sin it is like putting blinders on or turning off the lights. What is scary is that this can happen to God's people. The people that have seen God can miss Him so greatly.
You can drift away from God, which can make you susceptible to sin. Moreover, if the society that you live in, has leaders (both religious and political) that have selfish agendas and are also in sin, you will become easy prey for sin when you drift away from God.
The sin of rebellion holds back God's blessing.

Application
This morning I'm convicted that I don't show reverence to God like I should. This week being sick has made it very easy to drift from God. I'm sure that was the enemy's plan. I hate that my first reaction in the morning is not to give God praise. This has got to change!

Prayer
Father, I'm so sorry that I have allowed my heart to drift this week. Please forgive me. I need You and ask that you fan Your flame that is in my heart. I don't ever want to lose my first love, which You.

Jeremiah 6:13-14 Greed (11.24.12)

Greed has corrupted this culture, from the least to the greatest: all are tainted with this lust for what they don't deserve. The prophets and priests are no better. Their lives reek with deceit. To heal the brokenness of My people, they offer superficial words. They say "peace, peace," as if all is well. But there is no peace.

Observation
God has created us with a void that only He can fill. Yet the powers of darkness are always making promises of fulfillment and it only leaves us with a greater void in our hearts. It never occurs to us that we don't deserve riches, moreover that those riches may not use good for us.
In the book of Jeremiah, God is talking to HIS people. It is HIS people that are seeking after the trappings of the world instead of God's heart. Moreover, it is HIS prophets that are trying to heal mortal wounds with superficial words. God is calling His people to weep, regret what they have done, and seek once again their First Love.

Application
What do I seek after that I don't deserve? Hmm, every time something doesn't go my way do I throw a fit? I wish I could say never, but the truth is I'm a little spoiled and it concerns me. What if I lost everything? Would I be content or would I complain? I am just as susepctable as anyone else to the instant gratification society that we live in. I have to make sure that I'm holding on to the things of this world loosely and holding on to Christ firmly.
Moreover, as one who teaches and encourages with the Word of God, I need to make sure that I'm seeking God's heart and what He wants to say. It is all too easy to tell people what they want to hear. People don't want accountability for sin and they don't want to hear that God isn't happy, but telling them only words that will tickle their ears will leave them malnourished and unprepared for the coming of Christ.

Prayer
Father, I want for my heart to mirror Yours. Please help me to hold the things of this world loosely. Please open my ears each morning to listen as a disciple; help me to sustain those who are weary with Your word. May Your word guard my heart, so that I never seek the things of this world to fill the needs that only You can fill.

Jeremiah 3:12b-15 The Gift Of Repentance (11.19.12)

Return to Me, faithless Isreal. I will look on you with mercy, not anger.  I will not hold this grudge against you forever.  Just admit what you did -  your sin against Me. How you rebelled against the Eternal your God. How you have yourself away to these foreign gods in the open, under the trees! How you disobeyed My voice.  Come back home, My restless, faithless ones, for I am you master, your husband (not that other god), and I will take you in - one from this city, two from that clan; I will bring you home to Zion. Then I will give you shepherds who trust and know Me, wise teachers who will impart knowledge and understanding to you.

Observation

God calls out the sin of Israel, but in doing so He reminds them of who He is. He is merciful and faithful; He is love and His promises are sure. God is telling Israel and all of us, that He has seen our sin and want's to restore us to Himself. All we need to do is confess our sin and turn from it, and He will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). 

When He gives us this opportunity to confess and turn from sin, it is a gift.  It is not one that everyone receives and accepts, but it is a gift nonetheless.  God also adds an interesting promise for repentance.  He promises us shepherds, wise teachers. He is saying that the road back is one that we will not have to do alone. He will send us others to disciple us along the way.  That is a pretty phenomenal promise!

Application

My mom told me this week that repentance is a gift. I can see that clearly in these scriptures. I have received the gift of repentance several times in the past and God has been faithful to surround me wise counsel to travel with me back to Him. Repentance is a gift that I don't ever want to take for granted.  

Prayer

Father, thank You for the gift of repentance. Please continue to humble me so that I will be quick to confess and turn from sin.  Father, You are my master and my husband, thank You for always taking me in and welcoming me back to You.  I also praise You for the wise counsel that You have given me to draw me back to You.

Jeremiah 3:4, 10b "I'm Sorry" (11.19.12)

But you still look and act the part of a prostitute - unfazed and unashamed.  But wait, did you just now call out to Me, saying, "My Father, You have been my friend, my confidant since I was young?" You ask "Surely He won't be angry forever, will He?" Surely He won't hold this against us to the end right?" This is how you talk - as if all I want are words; meanwhile you continue your selfish and evil ways...; she never completely returned to Me. She only pretended to be Mine, as if empty words would satisfy Me.

Observation

There are two types of "I'm sorry"; one is a repentant "I'm sorry" and the other is a "I'm sorry I got caught" .  The first is a gift from God and comes with great reward, the latter does not and will never cut the mustard in our relationship with God.  God is telling Israel and us that word mean nothing, their hearts need to turn, they need to humble themselves and walk the repentant walk back to Him.

It's sad that we thing empty words will work with God.  We know that He see's our heart, yet we are so distorted by the lies we have believed that we proclaim them anyway.  God cares about and for our hearts and until He has them our relationship with Him will remain broken.

Application

These verses are a heart check.  Am I really sorry for my sin or am I just sorry I got caught?  Do I want to keep my Christian lifestyle but still hold on tight to the things of this world?  This is a good heart check for any Christian. 

Prayer

Father, You know my hidden faults.  Please show me any hypocrisy in my heart.  Please lead me down the path of repentance.  I do not want to have words that proclaim closeness with You, but a heart that is far from Yours.

Jeremiah 2 God's Heart Break (11.13.12)

(13) My people are guilty of two evils: They have abandoned Me, the spring of living waters; and instead, they have settled for dead and stagnant water from cracked and leaky cisterns of their own making. (19b) At the core of this sad truth is they have forgotten the wonder and terror of who I am. (22) You can scrub yourself with all the soap you want, but you'll never be able to wash away the stain of what you've done before me. (24b) It's not even fair to say you were seduced by these gods. You sought them out! (31b) Why do My own people say to Me, "we would rather wander where we want than come to You"? (36) How do you keep changing directions, making a covenant with Me, then a treaty with them?

Observation

"I want it my way" faith, that is what this is.  This is the way it is right now in many lives, in Christianity.  We want it our way and what are our requirements? 

1. I must be entertained at all times

2. I get to do what I want during the week and then when I go to church on Sunday.

3. I will serve when I want to and where I want to.

4. God is "okay" with my left-overs, If I feel like giving and serving, then I will, if I don't, then I won't.

We have a fallen nature that already desires to do things our way, but add to it a culture that entices that nature, and you are in deep trouble.  This deadly combination is not new.  This was the Israelites downfall and God sent Jeremiah to warn them.  

Application

Dan calls it "one-cheek" faith and I confess this is something that I struggle with.  More so, when I am away from the Word because I will naturally conform to the patterns of this world if I'm not being transformed by the renewing of my mind.  A good friend of mine said that God wants us to put down the Christian task list and just spend time with Him.  That is a good word and it honestly breaks my heart that there are so many who have settled for the dead and stagnant water of their own leaky cisterns.  I believe this heart break comes directly from God and it begs the question,  "What will it take for us to turn back to Him?"

Prayer

Father, before I shine Your word around and check off my Christian "to-do" list, I pray that You would help me first to just sit at Your feet.  What good is it for me to shine Your light around if I am not living it out myself?

James 4:7-11a Laying Yourself Bare Before The Lord (11.15.12)

So submit yourselves to the one true God and fight against the devil and his schemes. If you do, he will run away in failure.  Come close to the one true God, and He will draw close o you.  Wash your hands; you have dirtied them in sin. Cleanse your heart, because your mind is split down the middle, your love for God is on one side and selfish pursuits on the other.

Now is the time to lament, to grieve, and cry. Dissolve your laughter into sobbing and exchange your joy for depression.  Lay yourself bare, facedown to the ground, in humility before the Lord; and He will lift your head so that you can stand tall. My brothers and sisters, do not assault each other with criticism.

Observation

We can suppress our emotions and put off struggles that need to be dealt with today.  Paul is saying "Stop!, Do it NOW!". It is arrogance to think we have tomorrow to confess, to lay ourselves bare before God, when the sickness inside us is growing and festering. The truth is we don't want to lay ourselves bare before God, because we don't want Him to take away the sin just yet, we want to keep it and enjoy it a little longer. Moreover, when we are sick and we are not laying ourselves bare before the Lord, we tend to criticize and stand in judgement of others; this behavior spreads sin.

But if we lay ourselves bare before God, willingly submitting ourselves to heart surgery, God is good to pour out His immeasurable grace upon our lives, and replace what was once lost.

Application

I am dealing with this example in my own life right now.  People I love have hidden sin.  These people are accountable to me.  Because of all the work that needs to be done along with my flesh (anger & hurt), I want to respond to this sin by sinning. My hands are deep into the infection of others and I can easily get sick myself.  So I need to lay myself bare before God, lament and grieve, submitting to Him and drawing deep into His word so that I can resist the devil and his schemes.

Prayer

Lord I need You.  I humble myself before You.  I ask that You cleanse me of this anger and hurt, please forgive me for my desire to be critical of those who have hurt me.  Remind me of the grace you have shown me, so that I can show others.  I ask that You make me a conduit of Your love, mercy, and grace for others.

Romans 14:1, 13, 19,22 Judging another's walk (11.11.12)

It's high time that you welcome all people weak in the faith without debating and disputing their opinions....In light of this, we must resolve never to judge others and never to place an obstacle or impediment in their paths that could cause them to trip and fall....Join us and pursue a life that creates peace and builds up our brothers and sisters....Hold on to what you believe about these issues, but keep them between you and God. 

Observation

I believe Paul is saying two things here.  The first is pick your battles wisely. Fighting over church methods is a waste of time.  In the time that the letter to Rome is written food sacrificed to idols and food that was considered unlawful to eat by the Jews, was in heavy debate.  I imagine for us it would be like worship style (contemporary, rock, conservative) or varying preaching styles or even dress.  Silly things to argue over. 

 ~ Observation from The Voice  "Personal freedom must always give way to corporate responsibility.  To put it another way, the gospel of love demands that we surrender individual liberties for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Christ."

However, I believe Paul is also telling us not to be critical of others who are not as spiritually mature as we are.  He is encouraging us instead to be compassionate and humble, so that we will not be a stumbling block to their faith.  We are not to judge if they are not as far on their spiritual walk as they should be or if and how they should be doing more.

Application

This is a difficult one for me.  Because as a leader I want to encourage spiritual growth.  Yet I find it is hard to not be critical and get frustrated when I don't see spiritual fruit in someone's life.  But I need to remember that I don't see the heart and I don't see all that God is doing. When I judge I end up standing on my own self-righteousness and usually end up fighting the wrong battle.  I need to just be obedient in my own walk always going to God on what I'm to do next and trust God with His sheep.  He knows the status of their heart and growth better than I and in the end we will each be accountable for our own walk (Romans 14:12).

Prayer

Please forgive me Father for my judgmental attitude.  Please grant me Your wisdom to know when I am starting to lean towards judgement instead of mercy and humility.  

Exodus 14:11-14 Perfect Love Casts Out Fear (11.10.12)

(Pharaoh and the Egyptians have chased the Israelites and the Israelite are camping by the sea) "Were there not enough graces in Egypt?  is that why you brought us here to die in the desert?  Why have you done this to us?  Why have you made us leave Egypt?  Didn't we tell you in Egypt to stop pestering us so that we can get on with our lives and serve the Egyptians? It would have been better for us to live as slaves to the Egyptians than to die out here in the desert."

Moses said, "Don't be afraid! Stand your ground and witness how the Eternal will rescue you today.  Take a good look at the Egyptians, for after today you will never see them again.  The Eternal will fight on your behalf while you watch in silence."

Observation

So many times we want great reward without great risk.  We are wiling to step out of our safety net in the excitement of the moment, but when faced with opposition we falter easily.  This is human nature.  However, the God-nature given us say's to press through.  We need leaders to help us do that. Leaders call out the God-nature in us.  They remind us who God is and His promises for our lives. They encourage us and get us excited about what's next. When all we see is distorted, the leader looks in the God Telescope and tells you what he or she sees.

Application

How would I have responded if I was Moses?  Well, my natural reaction would be to get mad or frustrated.  I mean, here Moses is sacrificing everything and facing extreme obstacles and the Israelites complain, respond in fear, and basically tell him you dragged us out here to die.  The Israelites want to share in the reward but make none of the sacrifice. I see this in ministry quite often.  You tell people that the road of righteousness is not an easy one and you do your best to prepare them for it, but when the enemy approaches they blame you and want to run or tell you to take care of it. I am convicted when I look at how Moses responded to the Israelites in love.  The love that Moses shows casts out the fear that has taken over.  Moses knows who the enemy is and more importantly he knows who his God is, and instead of entertaining fear, he shares what he knows. Instead of getting defensive and he encourages.  I desire to lead like Moses, one who responds and leads in love.

Prayer

Father, open my eyes that I can know Your plans for those you have given for me to lead.  Help me to look through the God-Telescope when fear starts to cripple those around me.  Help me to press past my fleshly frustration and into Your well and draw out the perfect love that casts out fear.

Ephesians 2:10 (voice) Manufactured in Heaven (11.7.12)

For we are the product of His hand, heaven's poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago.

Observation

I am His product, the work of His hands.  Nothing can come against me without the foreknowledge of God and His approval of it. I am not to be used for purposes other than what I was created for.  I was created for good works, not for sin.  I was created to love, not hate, to exude peace, not fear, to include not exclude, etc. I am not my own. When I try to do work that I wasn't created for my body starts to shut down, I get tired, headaches and pain.  That is because I am going against the manufacturing instructions. I can't use a hammer to do a screw drivers job. I was manufactured in heaven and my owner is Christ.  He is the only one that knows the proper use for Hope Flask.

Application

Each day I need to ask God what good works He has for me.  This isn't just a morning petition, but one that I make throughout the day, in conversations, in meetings, before I go to bed.  Those good works may include serving others physical needs, praying, or simply resting in Him.  He knows better than I.  He wrote my instruction manual and because of His Spirit within me I can read it! Gradually, day by day, I am learning and understanding more and more of what I was created to do and who I was created for (Christ).   Applying this message for me means going to the Source and doing what I was created to do.

Prayer

Thank You Father for molding me, creating me in Christ.  Thank You for etching Your beauty throughout my being.  I am not my own.  I am Yours.  Do what You will in me and through me.  

Romans 12:9-10,13-14,16,18 (voice) House Rules (11.6.12)

...Love authentically. Despise evil; pursue what is good as if your life depends on it. Live in true devotion to one another, loving each others as sisters and brothers. Be first to honor others by putting them first....Share what you have with the saints, so they lack nothing; take every opportunity to open your life and home to others. If people mistreat you or malign you, bless them. Always speak blessings, not curses....Work toward unity, and live in harmony with one another...If it is within your power, make peace with all people. 

Observation

When we give our lives to Christ we are adopted and become children of God. We receive blessings and an inheritance, but we also receive brothers and sisters....lots of brothers and sisters. These verses in Romans God is giving us the house rules.  We all have them in our own house.  You know "pick up after yourself," "we never say stupid or shut-up," "always pray before meals," etc.  When someone who is not in your family comes over to your house it takes them awhile to become acclimated to the house rules. 

It is the same with God's house.  He is saying, "In My house we live in true devotion to another".  "We don't love or serve based on condition".  "In my house we honor one another and put others first".  "We also forgive others and bless them". "We speak blessings to each other".  " In My house we work towards unity".

Why do we and why does God have house rules?  Because when the house rules are kept everything runs smoothly; there is no chaos or disorder, things get done.  When the house rules are kept there is peace.  When the house rules are kept we are making progress. 

Why do we keep the house rules? We keep the house rules because we know that they are for our good.  We can see the difference when we don't.  When we understand that the rules are for our good and made out of love, then we begin to transform into the image of the Father.

Application

I've let these verses soak the last few days in my heart before doing S.O.A.P. because I know that I am not living up to the house rules like I should.  Especially the house rule that say's I need to open my life and my home to others.  Yet, in my house my kids don't get to pick and choose the house rules they follow, how much more the standard must be maintained in God's house. 

Prayer

Father, I come before You and ask for Your forgiveness for my selfishness and disobedience.  I have not followed Your house rules.  I also ask for help in keeping the rules that You have set.  Please remind me of Your house rules when selfishness is starting to take over.

John 10:14-15 (Voice) Sacrificial Leadership (11.7.12)

I am the good shepherd, I know My sheep, and My sheep know Me. As the Father knows Me, I know the Father; I will give My life for the sheep.

Observation

Jesus exemplifies the way to lead others in John 10.  He speaks to them with soothing, encouraging, and instructional words.  He gives all of Himself to the sheep; willingly dying for the sheep . There are those that will also try to lead the sheep, but they are only hired hands.  When life gets tough and they have to sacrificially give of themselves, they cannot and they run away.  When Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, He is also identifying you and I.  When Christ lives in us we also have the power through His Spirit to become the Good Shepherd.  To lead others the way that Christ lead, you have to be willing to lay your life down for the sheep.

Application

I meet many people that want to be a leader.  I think we associate leader with the highest rung on the ladder of success.  However, when it comes to laying down their life for the sheep, some conveniently become just a hired hand, not willing to go the distance that leadership requires.  I throw lots of grace their way, because I know the sacrifice that you have to make as a leader will take your breath away, crush your heart, and steal time from you that seems never to be redeemed.  Even though on the outside leadership looks like the pinnacle of success, on the inside the leader is taking hits for the team that no one will ever see.  

Sounds like parenting doesn't it?  Your children will never know the nights you've spent crying out to God on their behalf.  They will never comprehend the love you have for them in your heart. You would gladly and willingly lay down your life to save theirs.  You do so, because God has given you an unexplained love and nothing could snatch that love away.  

If you ask God to pour out His love for His people into your heart, He will give you a love for them that cannot be snatched away.  People won't understand how you can put up with so much or invest so much, with seemingly little return.  But because of the love God has poured into your heart, you see the eyes of faith and you know there is eternal fruit growing inside of them.

I am not saying that a leader is a martyr.  I have given of myself so much to ministry that my physical and spiritual health as well as my family have suffered for it.  I can only give of myself if I am receiving from Christ and doing His will each day. 

As a leader I know that I am not alone in this self-sacrifice.  Many others have gone before me and walk with me.  I am so thankful for the leaders that have given up portions of themselves for me. I am thankful for the leaders that have taken battle wounds for and from me. I am grateful for the leaders that have laid down their lives for me. Most of all I'm thankful for You Jesus.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for laying Your life down for me. Thank You for pouring Your love into my heart and asking me to love sacrificially.  Please continue to pour Your love and wisdom into my heart so that I will not run away from the sacrificial leadership that You have called me to.

Psalm 37 (voice) Promises for seeking God (11.6.12)

...The Eternal saves His faithful; He lends His strength in hard times; the Eternal frees them from evildoers and saves them for eternity - simply because they seek shelter in Him.

Observation

Psalm 37 is filled with promises of God for those who seek shelter in Him.  They didn't clean up before they came to Him, they haven't done everything right or are doing everything right, they simply decided to seek shelter in Christ and God calls them righteous and bestows His blessings on them.

Here are some promises that God gives in Psalm 37:

If you stay on His path and wait for Him, He will come for you and exalt you; you will inherit the land and you will see the end of the wicked. (34)

If you love peace, you are promised a future (37)

For those living in God, wisdom will fill their mouths, justice and truth will roll from their tongues, God's law will be imprinted on their hearts, and they will not stumble (30-31)

God guards and cares for them and He does not abandon those loyal to Him (28)

Their children will never beg for crumbs because God see's His righteous one's giving and sharing (25-26)

Love this one...If you are right with God, He strengthens you for the journey; the Eternal will be pleased with your life. And even though you trip up, you will not fall on your face because He holds you by the hand.

A beautiful illustration...Commit your path to the Eternal let Him direct you.  Put your confidence in Him, and He will follow through with you.  He will spread out righteousness for you as a sunrise spreads radiance over the land; He will deliver justice for you into the light of the high sun.(5-6)

Application

These beautiful promises need to fill my mind.  Psalm 37 is telling me not to envy those who have worldly success through wickedness, but to instead know, remember, and dwell on the promises of God. Just as there are promises for those who seek His face, there are also promises for those who seek the world and its wickedness.  But all I have to do to escape the trap is simply seek shelter in the Most High! 

Prayer

Oh Father let this word plant itself deep within my soul.  That I would be able to encourage myself and others with Your promises. That I would hold thoughts captive with these promises and flee the temptation of the wicked. Father, Your goodness and mercy towards me is humbling.  Thank You for being my Eternal Shelter.

Colossians 3:23 Re-focus (11.5.12)

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

Observation

We are not required to measure the effectiveness of someone else's walk with the Lord.  We have to keep our eyes focused on God and the tasks that He has given us.  Moreover, we need to look at the tasks we have each day as from the Lord, seeking His guidance and will. We lose effectiveness and joy when we look at these tasks as from men.  It is from this thought pattern that we start to compare our work with others, which can lead to jealousy and bitterness, two big joy zappers.

Application

I woke up this morning zapped of joy.  E-mails through the weekend and night had taken their tole and I had a bad attitude. This verse reminds me that even though the e-mail was addressed by someone else it actually came from God. Taking these requests back to Him this morning I can ask Him to prioritize and equip me for these tasks.  Then at the end of the day I am not being measure my man or myself, I am measured by Him. 

Prayer

Father, You have set before me this day and all that is in.  Please prioritize and equip me for the tasks that lay ahead.  I can do all things through You, Christ, who strengthens me.

Romans 12:3 (Voice) Entitlement (11.4.12)

Because of the grace allotted to me, I can respectfully tell you not think of yourselves as being more important than you are; devoted your minds to sound judgement since God has assigned each of us a measure of faith.

Observation

Paul is teaching from a life lesson that he has learned himself. If we don't devote our minds to the truth, then we will sub-conciously think we are bringing goodness to God instead of God bringing goodness to us.  And what is that truth?  That we are sinners in need of grace.  Because of the acceptance of Christ's sacrifice we are now adopted in God's family. We are no longer in darkness or bound by sin.  We are forgiven and free. We are to use this GIFT to serve God and others. We are not in charge, we don't deserve grace, faith, or anything that God has done for us.

Application

I live in a culture where I am told I am entitled to feel good, to have what I want, to look the way I want, to make everything all about me. Everyone I love lives in that same culture. There is this tendency to look at others and notice their entitled attitudes and become disgusted and we never see the attitudes in ourselves.  I have an entitlement attitude sometimes and I praise God that He loves me enough to discipline me so that I can walk with Him in humility. Moreover, every time He disciplines and humbles me, He gives me grace for others and more faith in who He is.  This process feeds the humility cycle.  Love it!

Prayer

It is only because of You my King, that I can stand and go forward.  You have given me the greatest treasure when You gave me Yourself.  It is undeserved.  Thank You for disciplining and humbling me so that I can continue to walk closely with You. 

Romans 12:2 (Voice) Conform or Transform (11.3.12)

Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image.  Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind.  As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.

Observation

We are clay and as such are constantly being molded.  Yet we are clay with one additive that does not exist in other forms of clay.  That additive is "free-will". God has given us free-will to choose who we will look like. We can choose the world and in the end we will have the image of bitterness, greed, selfishness, and pride. Or we can choose Christ and we will look like love, gentleness, peace, and humility.

Once the choice is made we apply action to it and the Potter's wheel begins to turn and mold. 

The way the clay is formed also depends on the image being made.  If the clay is formed in the image of God, then the work is done from inside out.  This type of formation makes the image sturdy, this pot has multiple uses and will last a long time.  When the image is set for the world, the work is done from the outside in.  The image looks right on the outside but inside isn't quite right and the pot can never hold water or fulfill other purposes.  

The pot formed in the image of Christ, is used by Christ for whatever God wills.  Each day this pot is being cleaned and starting off in the Potter's had ready for whatever use pleases the Potter. The pot formed in the image of the world is set on a shelf, out of the way, and is no use to anyone.

Application

When I gave my life to Christ, I basically said, "I want to look like You Jesus".  From then on, each day I am to place myself on the Potter's wheel and allow Him to do His work on me, which is from the inside out. Some morning's I come to God and I feel like I have completely undone the work he did the day before.  But He patiently puts me back on the wheel and continues His work.  He uses the crack or stain that I encountered the day before and weave's together something beautiful; so that when looking at me you would never know that it was a crack that I made, it looks all apart of the master plan.  The more I look like Him the more aware I am of the things that please Him, the more I am able to know HIs heart.  I can see joy in affliction, and see past behavior into the heart of the matter, and I see hope in hopeless situations.  I can also discern His wisdom verses my own or even the worlds.  And the more I look like Him the more I want to look like Him. This all happens by each day placing myself on the Potter's wheel and saying, "I want to look like You Jesus!"

Prayer

Lord, I place myself in Your creative and transforming hands and ask that You make me look like Your Son.  So faithful and true, always gentle and patient.  Fill this pot with a greater love for You and Others.  

Ephesians 1:3 (voice) Spiritual Blessings (11.2.12)

Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One, who grant us every spiritual blessing in these heavenly realms where we live in the Anointed, not because of anything we have done, but because of what He has done for us.

Observation

There are blessings that we receive by abiding in Christ. 

We bear fruit:  When we remain on the Vine we bear Spiritual Fruit (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self-Control).  

We are protected:  When we remain in Christ we are shielded by faith, salvation, truth, and peace.  We also can take up the Spirit as our offensive weapon.

We know the heart of God:  When we remain in Christ we see has Christ sees.  Our hearts both break and rejoices with His. 

We receive heavenly wisdom: When we are IN Christ, we receive heavenly wisdom to know the things that are not obvious to others.  We are given direction for each step we take and are enlightened to what is truly going on around us.

These blessings affect our relationships and gradually transform us and the world around us.  This is not because of our own goodness, but because of His.  It is through Christ and Christ alone that these blessings are accessible to us.

Application

Each day I wake up it is like Christmas morning.  Downstairs waiting for me is every Spiritual Blessing that I could ever want.  Yet many mornings I walk by the gifts God has placed for me and never receive or open them. Why?  Because on these mornings, I am not IN Christ I am IN me.  I desire to wake up every day excited to receive the blessings God has waiting for me.  I desire to live a blessed life...who wouldn't? Yet desire is not enough.  The only way for me to live a blessed life is to remain IN Christ!

Prayer

You are the TRUE VINE and I am the branch.  I choose to remain in You today and forevermore. Thank You for the undeserved blessings My King and I ask that Your grace always keep me close to You.  I know that in myself I am weak and wicked, but IN YOU I can do all things.

Romans 8:5-7,10-11, 13-15 Walking in the Spirit or the Flesh (10.30.12)

...If you live your life animated by the flesh - namely your fallen corrupt nature - then our mind is focused on the matters of the flesh.  But if you live your life animated by the Spirit - namely God's indwelling presence - then your focus is on the work of the Spirit. A mind focused on the flesh is doomed to death, but a mind focused on the Spirit will find full life and complete peace.  You see, a mind focused on the flesh is declaring war against God; it defies the authority of God's law and is incapable of following God's path.

.. The Spirit is infusing you with life now that you are right with God. If the Spirit of the One who resurrected Jesus from the dead lives inside you, then you can be sure that He who raised Him will cast the light of life into your mortal bodies through the life-giving power of the Spirit residing in you.

...For if your life is just about satisfying the impulses of your sinful nature, then prepare to die.  But if you have invited the Spirit to destroy these selfish desires, you will experience life. If the Spirit of God is leading you, the take comfort in knowing that you are His children.  You see, you have not received a spirit that returns you to slavery, so you have nothing to fear.  The Spirit you have received adopt's you and welcomes you to God's family.

Observation:

Flesh

Your thoughts are selfish, vain, greedy, bitter, negative, intolerant, mean, and harsh. 

Leads to death

Declares war against God

Spirit

Your thoughts are focused on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

Leads to full life and complete peace

You are in right-standing with God

You are infused with life-giving power

You are God's children and welcomed into God's family

** You must invite the Holy Spirit to destroy the selfish desires of the flesh **

Application

In order to have the promises of the Spirit, I have to invite the Spirit to destroy my selfish desires. The more I welcome transformation, no matter how painful, the more I am infused with the Spirit's life-giving power. I choose to daily ask the Holy Spirit to destroy the desires of the flesh and lean me into full life and complete peace.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, I invite You to destroy my selfish desires that war against God. Infuse me with Your life-giving power and lead me into full-life and  complete peace.

Genesis 2:2-3 (voice) The Sabbath (10.26.12)

On the seventh day-with the canvas of the cosmos completed - God paused from His labor and rested.  This God blessed day seven and made it special-an open time for pause and restoration, a sacred zone of Sabbath-keeping, because God rested from all the work He had done in creation that day.

Observation

Pastor John Lindell

When work becomes an idol our worship ceases to exist.  We lose our sense of joy.  We lose our perspective.  We lose our health. If we don't take our sabbath, eventually we will be forced to. Our tendency towards the sabbath is that we feel so busy that we neglect the  sabbath therefore are neglecting something that God has given us. 

Give your work to Him, just as you would your finances. Honor God through the sabbath  just as you would anything else and He will honor you. God wants you to give a day so He can recreate you to do His work the rest of the week.  The sabbath was designed to:   Protect the body from wearing out, protect the spirit from tuning out, and protect the soul from burning out.

God created the sabbath so that we could unplug from the urgent and plug into the important.

Application

I have been in ministry now for five years and have been a Christian for 12, but I have heard and been taught very little about the sabbath.  It has seemed like an unspoken rule that those in ministry don't or shouldn't get a sabbath, because they always need to be "on-call" for the sheep. Somehow the fact that ministers need rest too get's lost in translation.

As an introvert I especially feel the desire to quiet myself and just plug into God.  I long to hear the steady hum of His Spirit pouring into me and re-creating me for the week. But I can't do that if I am still plugged into the urgent.  I've got to resist the temptation to react and instead receive the important so that i can be re-created to do what He has purposed for me to do.

Prayer

My prayer is simple this morning Lord.  I want You!

Psalm 103:9-10 God's Discipline

He will not constantly criticize, nor will He hold a grudge forever.  Thankfully, god does not punish us for our sins and depravity as we deserve.  In His mercy, He tempers justice with peace.

Observation

Children are usually scared of discipline.  They will lie, manipulate, and do anything to get out of it.  They see nothing good from discipline, only pain.  You can tell them that :this is for their good" and that "this hurts you more than it hurts them" but they don't believe it for one minute.  As a children of God we tend to react the same way to God's discipline, we will do anything to avoid it.  We lie to ourselves and tell ourselves that our sins are benign, at least more benign then someone else's. Or we find escapes in the world and avoid our time with God in the illusion that He won't search our soul if we don't spend time with Him.

Yet, God, in His mercy and justice disciplines us anyway.  Hebrews 12:11 has been an anchor verse for me for the last year and a half.  It say's all discipline for the moment may not be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.  God includes an incredible promise with His discipline that no one else can provide, it is peace. Ah blessed peace.  There is a peace that you receive when the Father has refined you and made you right.  When He disciplines it is to make you more like Christ, and when you become more like Christ you reap the rewards of being like Him; one of which is peace. Can you imagine not being tossed about by worries and fear?  Can you imagine resisting temptation confidently?  There is only one way to peace and it is found in the discipline of the Father.

Application

 Because I am both a parent and a child I can see this verse from two perspectives, therefore I have two responses.  As a child of God I should not be afraid of discipline but embrace it, more than that, I need to seek it.  I can put myself in God's body shop.  He taught me that a year and half ago and it has blessed my walk with Him tremendously. I need to continually seek His discipline when it comes to the area's in my life where peace evades me. As a parent, I need to ensure that I'm following God's example of discipline.  That my children do not think that I constantly criticize or am holding their sins against them.  I need to mix mercy with justice.

Prayer

Father, thank You for not punishing me as my sins deserve.  You are both good and great and there is no one who can enact discipline in a life giving way like You can.  I place myself in Your body shop and ask that You continue to refine me.  Make me more life You.  You are the Vinedresser (John 15:1); You know what is dead in me, You know the things that are choking out Your word, do what You will my King.  Father, I also ask that You help me parent the way that You parent.  Help me to slow down and not react to my children's sins with fleshly punishment, but instead with godly discipline. So that they learn to embrace discipline the way that You have taught me.

Psalm 103:6-8 God's Justice (10.22.12)

Scripture

When people are crushed, wronged, enslaved, raped, murdered, the Eternal is just; He makes the wrongs right.  He showed Moses His ways; He allowed His people Israel to see His wonders and acts of power.  The Eternal is compassionate and merciful.  When we cross the lines, He is patient with us.  When we struggle against Him, He lovingly stays with us - changing, convicting, and prodding.

Observation

God's justice is not like our justice.  His justice is not distorted by corrupt human perception, He see's the whole picture and the hearts involved. God's nature is to exact justice that restores and repairs.  When we go into a human court of law, consequences are given and maybe even money is paid out, but true restoration is never received.  But God uses consequences to cleanse us from unrighteousness and make us more like Him.  Both sides of the case are restored; both the crushed and the crusher are healed, transformed, and made new when God's restorative justice is involved. 

Application

I cannot boast of knowing how to exact justice in a way that restores.  Nevertheless, as a leader I am called to make judgements and give consequences to behavior so that Christ followers can continue to grow.  These verses only prove how impossible the task is without God. He is the only One who can pull out the "win-win".

This passage also helps me be patient when I am the recipient of injustice.  As much as my flesh rejects the idea that the one who hurt me should be restored, I know I am grateful for God's mercy and patience when He has dealt with me. 

Prayer

Father, You alone are just. Help me to always cling to You in making decisions as a leader.  Help me to continually humble myself before You, relying on Your justice.  Help me to be patient as Your Spirit gently changes, convicts, and prods those who are distant from You. I seek Your justice in my life.