Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Observation
Paul is urging those who read his letter to offer every part of themselves to God as a living sacrifice. He is beckoning us to not wrap ourselves in the bankrupt values of the world, but instead saturate ourselves in God's truth, living only for Him.
Application
It is not natural for my mind to think on the things of God. But what I think on will eventually be what pours out of me. What pours out of me is what I bring as an offering to Christ. If I want goodness to pour out of me, I have to renew my mind in Him.
Prayer
Father, help me to be a sacred offering that brings You pleasure.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Luke 21:34 Keep Watch
So be careful. Guard your hearts. They can be made heavy with moral laxity, with drunkenness, with hassles of daily life. Then the day I've been telling you about might catch you unaware and trap you.
Observation
Christ is talking about the end of the world; the day of His second coming. He is pointing out that there are traps set to ensnare us and cause us not to be ready for His second coming. The first trap referenced is moving the line morally; doing things we know to be wrong, but justifying our behavior because "everyone else does it". The second is drunkenness. I equate this to anything we are running to and drowning ourself in that isn't Christ. The last one mentioned is getting caught up with the hassles of daily life. We get so use to our surroundings and can easily become numb to all that is happening. We get worked up over being stuck in traffic or having to wait too long for our food, our eyes are on the world and what is going on around us and not on Christ. We have lost our heavenly perspective when we look at the our day and life.
Application
I continue to gain a greater understanding of what it means to guard my heart. I have to be mindful of what I watch on television, the conversations I have, the music I listen too, and the books I read. Not that any are bad, but if they are not great and I'm allowing a whole lot of "not great" stuff in my heart, that will be the what pours out of me. I need as much help as I can get everyday to help me look at Christ and not the world. I noticed lately that I've had the wrong focus because I was listening to the complainers instead of focusing on and trusting in Christ. Anger and frustration welled up inside me and I knew I was out of step with God's grace. The closer my walk gets with Christ, the more I have to guard my heart.
On the flip side, it is easier for me to tell now what is great and of God and what is not. Romans 12:2 says "do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you can test what God's will is; His good, pleasing, and perfect will". It is getting more natural for me to discern what pleases God. That is a sweet blessing.
Prayer
Father, I praise You for Your word that renews and transforms me. Your word helps me to know Your heart in all matters. Please help me to guard my heart against moral laxity, drunkenness, and the hassles of daily life. Turn my eyes to You, my King.
Observation
Christ is talking about the end of the world; the day of His second coming. He is pointing out that there are traps set to ensnare us and cause us not to be ready for His second coming. The first trap referenced is moving the line morally; doing things we know to be wrong, but justifying our behavior because "everyone else does it". The second is drunkenness. I equate this to anything we are running to and drowning ourself in that isn't Christ. The last one mentioned is getting caught up with the hassles of daily life. We get so use to our surroundings and can easily become numb to all that is happening. We get worked up over being stuck in traffic or having to wait too long for our food, our eyes are on the world and what is going on around us and not on Christ. We have lost our heavenly perspective when we look at the our day and life.
Application
I continue to gain a greater understanding of what it means to guard my heart. I have to be mindful of what I watch on television, the conversations I have, the music I listen too, and the books I read. Not that any are bad, but if they are not great and I'm allowing a whole lot of "not great" stuff in my heart, that will be the what pours out of me. I need as much help as I can get everyday to help me look at Christ and not the world. I noticed lately that I've had the wrong focus because I was listening to the complainers instead of focusing on and trusting in Christ. Anger and frustration welled up inside me and I knew I was out of step with God's grace. The closer my walk gets with Christ, the more I have to guard my heart.
On the flip side, it is easier for me to tell now what is great and of God and what is not. Romans 12:2 says "do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you can test what God's will is; His good, pleasing, and perfect will". It is getting more natural for me to discern what pleases God. That is a sweet blessing.
Prayer
Father, I praise You for Your word that renews and transforms me. Your word helps me to know Your heart in all matters. Please help me to guard my heart against moral laxity, drunkenness, and the hassles of daily life. Turn my eyes to You, my King.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Genesis 50:19-20 God Perspective
But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Observation
Joseph's brothers were afraid that since their father had died, that Joseph would now exact revenge for the crimes they committed against him. Joseph tells them not to be afraid and points to God. Joseph challenges his brothers too look at things from a God perspective. A God perspective is the opposite of fear, in fact a God perspective casts out fear.
The God perspective for the circumstances surrounding Joseph and his brothers, is that God had a plan and that plan was fulfilled. Joseph could see that plan in hindsight, but when going through the persecution and imprisonment, Joseph must have struggled to see God's good plan in it all. Now that the refinement process was nearing its end, Joseph could see all that had happened in a new way; a God way.
Application
With head knowledge alone I get that the trials right now are making me look more and more like Christ. It is the heart that must be convinced. Feelings rage inside telling me the opposite of what I know. How do I get my heart to connect with my head? I can't, only God can. So I wait and trust Him to use all things to make me look more like Him.
Prayer
Father, it is hard to see Your goodness sometimes, but I trust You. If it pleases You, please give me Your perspective on all that is raging inside me right now.
Observation
Joseph's brothers were afraid that since their father had died, that Joseph would now exact revenge for the crimes they committed against him. Joseph tells them not to be afraid and points to God. Joseph challenges his brothers too look at things from a God perspective. A God perspective is the opposite of fear, in fact a God perspective casts out fear.
The God perspective for the circumstances surrounding Joseph and his brothers, is that God had a plan and that plan was fulfilled. Joseph could see that plan in hindsight, but when going through the persecution and imprisonment, Joseph must have struggled to see God's good plan in it all. Now that the refinement process was nearing its end, Joseph could see all that had happened in a new way; a God way.
Application
With head knowledge alone I get that the trials right now are making me look more and more like Christ. It is the heart that must be convinced. Feelings rage inside telling me the opposite of what I know. How do I get my heart to connect with my head? I can't, only God can. So I wait and trust Him to use all things to make me look more like Him.
Prayer
Father, it is hard to see Your goodness sometimes, but I trust You. If it pleases You, please give me Your perspective on all that is raging inside me right now.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Luke 19:41-42 Jesus Weeps
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.
Observation
In this passage Luke 19:39-44, we get a rare insight into what breaks the heart of God. Jesus's heart breaks because there is so much more that God has for us then what we a willing to embrace. In this example, He has peace, but the Judean's had grown accustomed too and have chosen conflict, torment, and self-reliance. Because of this choice, Christ's kingdom is now hidden from their sight. To see the one's Christ loves missing out on peace breaks His heart and causes Him to weep. It causes Christ to weep. We shouldn't pass by such scriptures to quickly.
Application
My heart is becoming more like Christ's. How can I tell? Well some of the things that break His heart, break mine as well. This particular example breaks my heart about me and about others. I know God's goodness. I have witnessed it time and time again. Yet very often peace eludes me because I am focused on self-reliance and self-torture. I can choose peace, but don't. It is frustrating and disheartening to see others run into self-reliance and self-torture as well. I (we) have to choose peace daily, moment by moment, step by step. I have to believe that God has more for me and walk in it.
Prayer
Father, I believe You and I'm so grateful that You haven't given up on me. You are ever faithful. Please be my Prince of Peace today and help me to be the bearer of Your peace to others. Father, I choose You!
Observation
In this passage Luke 19:39-44, we get a rare insight into what breaks the heart of God. Jesus's heart breaks because there is so much more that God has for us then what we a willing to embrace. In this example, He has peace, but the Judean's had grown accustomed too and have chosen conflict, torment, and self-reliance. Because of this choice, Christ's kingdom is now hidden from their sight. To see the one's Christ loves missing out on peace breaks His heart and causes Him to weep. It causes Christ to weep. We shouldn't pass by such scriptures to quickly.
Application
My heart is becoming more like Christ's. How can I tell? Well some of the things that break His heart, break mine as well. This particular example breaks my heart about me and about others. I know God's goodness. I have witnessed it time and time again. Yet very often peace eludes me because I am focused on self-reliance and self-torture. I can choose peace, but don't. It is frustrating and disheartening to see others run into self-reliance and self-torture as well. I (we) have to choose peace daily, moment by moment, step by step. I have to believe that God has more for me and walk in it.
Prayer
Father, I believe You and I'm so grateful that You haven't given up on me. You are ever faithful. Please be my Prince of Peace today and help me to be the bearer of Your peace to others. Father, I choose You!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Luke 18:39 In The Way
The people in front of the crowd reprimand him and tell him to be quiet, but he just shouts louder.
Observation
There is excitement following Jesus everywhere he goes. He heals the sick, sets captives free with the truth of God, and gives divine purpose to those who choose him. Who wouldn't want to be close to Christ. A blind man can't see Christ, but He knows Him even without his sight, and he is determined to get to Christ regardless of the unrelenting crowd. However, the crowd doesn't want to share Jesus. They are selfish and self-consumed. And what I call "in the way". Once we receive Christ we are given a mission of reconciliation; which means we are to help others get to Christ as well.
Application
Do I stand in the way or do I help others get to Christ? I take pretty seriously the call of Christ on my life. Nevertheless, when I'm empty and broken it can be hard to share what Christ has given me, so that others can be reconciled with Him. I do get very frustrated when I see other capable Christians not helping others draw closer to Christ; especially when I'm empty and broken. I need help with the mission of reconciliation and I know Christ gave us one another so that we wouldn't have to do it alone, yet so many times it feels very lonely. Is that true? I don't really know. My feelings certainly lie to me. But here is what I do know, more people being reconciled to Jesus is our mission and each day we have a choice to be the hand that connects others to Christ or to stand in the way.
Prayer
Father, I'm empty and tired. The mission You have called us all to is wearing on me. I know that You are The Lord of the Harvest, so I pray that You would send workers to help. Please Father, help us all not to be in the way, but instead to be the hand that connects others to You.
Observation
There is excitement following Jesus everywhere he goes. He heals the sick, sets captives free with the truth of God, and gives divine purpose to those who choose him. Who wouldn't want to be close to Christ. A blind man can't see Christ, but He knows Him even without his sight, and he is determined to get to Christ regardless of the unrelenting crowd. However, the crowd doesn't want to share Jesus. They are selfish and self-consumed. And what I call "in the way". Once we receive Christ we are given a mission of reconciliation; which means we are to help others get to Christ as well.
Application
Do I stand in the way or do I help others get to Christ? I take pretty seriously the call of Christ on my life. Nevertheless, when I'm empty and broken it can be hard to share what Christ has given me, so that others can be reconciled with Him. I do get very frustrated when I see other capable Christians not helping others draw closer to Christ; especially when I'm empty and broken. I need help with the mission of reconciliation and I know Christ gave us one another so that we wouldn't have to do it alone, yet so many times it feels very lonely. Is that true? I don't really know. My feelings certainly lie to me. But here is what I do know, more people being reconciled to Jesus is our mission and each day we have a choice to be the hand that connects others to Christ or to stand in the way.
Prayer
Father, I'm empty and tired. The mission You have called us all to is wearing on me. I know that You are The Lord of the Harvest, so I pray that You would send workers to help. Please Father, help us all not to be in the way, but instead to be the hand that connects others to You.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Luke 17:5 Forgiveness take faith
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
Observation
Jesus is telling the apostles that they will have to continuously forgive others. Even if sin has been confronted and the person still messes up, they have to forgive. The apostles have an interesting response to Jesus though. They respond by saying increase our faith. Why does forgiveness take faith? Maybe it is believing that change will eventually come? Maybe it is trusting that God will use the junk for good? Maybe it is because forgiveness is not a natural thing to do? Forgiveness goes against our very sin nature. To forgive takes great faith. The apostles knew who to ask for great faith; the One who is always Faithful.
Application
I used to hold grudges like you wouldn't believe. But now, that behavior seems so completely foreign to me; it is evidence of Christ in me. Nevertheless, there was a trial a few years ago where I had to forgive someone over and over again. Not for the same sin, but that someone would continually hurt me. Everyday I would enter the good fight of faith, and repeat over and over again, "I trust You God, I trust You God, ......". I didn't know it then, but my faith was increasing. I can now look back on that time and see that God was indeed increasing my faith through forgiveness.
Prayer
What a blessing You are to me Lord. Your presence is everything I need. Thank You for the great reminder today of how You really are using all things for good. I don't deserve Your love, but I need it, and I need You. Please continue to increase my faith.
Observation
Jesus is telling the apostles that they will have to continuously forgive others. Even if sin has been confronted and the person still messes up, they have to forgive. The apostles have an interesting response to Jesus though. They respond by saying increase our faith. Why does forgiveness take faith? Maybe it is believing that change will eventually come? Maybe it is trusting that God will use the junk for good? Maybe it is because forgiveness is not a natural thing to do? Forgiveness goes against our very sin nature. To forgive takes great faith. The apostles knew who to ask for great faith; the One who is always Faithful.
Application
I used to hold grudges like you wouldn't believe. But now, that behavior seems so completely foreign to me; it is evidence of Christ in me. Nevertheless, there was a trial a few years ago where I had to forgive someone over and over again. Not for the same sin, but that someone would continually hurt me. Everyday I would enter the good fight of faith, and repeat over and over again, "I trust You God, I trust You God, ......". I didn't know it then, but my faith was increasing. I can now look back on that time and see that God was indeed increasing my faith through forgiveness.
Prayer
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Luke 13:16 Sabbath
And this woman, a daughter of Abraham as she is, whom Satan has bound for eighteen long years, should she not have been released from this bond on the Sabbath day?"
Observation
"If you don't get the rest of God, you will not see the rest of God" unknown author. We all can put God on a box. The Pharisee's did. The Pharisee's defined the Sabbath according to physical rest from doing anything. God defines His sabbath differently, He says that we are to enter into His rest. What does His rest look like? Well, I'm not completely sure, this is one of those things I'm still learning. Nevertheless, this passage gives a clear description of what it does not look like. The sabbath rest does not ignore the needs of others. But it does not respond to all needs either. Instead it is totally reliant on God, placing a high value on obedience.
In Exodus 35:2-3 it says "For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a holy day, a sabbath of complete rest to the Lord ; whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. You shall not kindle a fire in any of your dwellings on the sabbath day." (Emphasis mine). The Pharisees heard that no work should be done but didn't quite hear that the day was TO The Lord. It is almost like hearing that the Sabbath rest is a day to be selfish, when God is saying the quite opposite, He is saying it is a day to make completely about Him.
Application
I'm not quite sure what a sabbath day looks like. I personally have to work at resting in Christ. This rest is not something I try to do once a week though, it is something that I try to do everyday. The sabbath is one of those topics I would love to hear other opinions on.
Prayer
Father, You created the world in 6 days and on the seventh day You rested. I ask for Your wisdom in understanding Your will for the sabbath in my life. I want to be obedient to You in all things, including rest.
Observation
"If you don't get the rest of God, you will not see the rest of God" unknown author. We all can put God on a box. The Pharisee's did. The Pharisee's defined the Sabbath according to physical rest from doing anything. God defines His sabbath differently, He says that we are to enter into His rest. What does His rest look like? Well, I'm not completely sure, this is one of those things I'm still learning. Nevertheless, this passage gives a clear description of what it does not look like. The sabbath rest does not ignore the needs of others. But it does not respond to all needs either. Instead it is totally reliant on God, placing a high value on obedience.
In Exodus 35:2-3 it says "For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a holy day, a sabbath of complete rest to the Lord ; whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. You shall not kindle a fire in any of your dwellings on the sabbath day." (Emphasis mine). The Pharisees heard that no work should be done but didn't quite hear that the day was TO The Lord. It is almost like hearing that the Sabbath rest is a day to be selfish, when God is saying the quite opposite, He is saying it is a day to make completely about Him.
Application
I'm not quite sure what a sabbath day looks like. I personally have to work at resting in Christ. This rest is not something I try to do once a week though, it is something that I try to do everyday. The sabbath is one of those topics I would love to hear other opinions on.
Prayer
Father, You created the world in 6 days and on the seventh day You rested. I ask for Your wisdom in understanding Your will for the sabbath in my life. I want to be obedient to You in all things, including rest.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Luke 12:6-7 Fear
Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
Observation
What causes you to fear? Jesus say's it is a lack of understanding of how much we are loved. 1 John 4:18 says There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.
The proof of God's love for us can be found in many places, like Jesus coming to earth and being the atoning sacrifice for our sins. But His love can also be found in the most unsuspecting places like the common sparrow, referenced in these verses. The sparrows have always been known as common, gregarious, unremarkable and often pesky birds. Gathering in large colonies and living off anything and everything.
Jesus' reference to the sparrows tells us that our Heavenly Father does not miss a thing! Even creatures as insignificant as this little creature catch the attention of our Lord. Moreover, even the number of hairs on our head is noticed and counted by the Father.
When we see the thing we are afraid of in light of the love of God, a peace that surpasses all understanding washes over us. We have no reason to fear, even those who can kill us because God's loving and faithful hands hold us.
Application
I fear several things throughout my day. Seemingly silly things like rejection and failure can tighten my chest and weigh down my thoughts. In these moments I need to dwell on how much I am loved. This is a great verse to do that very thing. Psalm 103:2 says to bless The Lord and forget not His benefits. When fear threatens to overwhelm me I have an incredible opportunity to bless The Lord and dwell on all that He has done for me, who He is, and His great promises for me. One day I will be perfected in a His amazing love and fear will no longer have a grip on my life.
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your incredible love for me. You will never forget me or reject me; Your love never fails. Please perfect me in Your love and turn my thoughts to blessing You when fear and anxiety begin to take hold.
Observation
What causes you to fear? Jesus say's it is a lack of understanding of how much we are loved. 1 John 4:18 says There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.
The proof of God's love for us can be found in many places, like Jesus coming to earth and being the atoning sacrifice for our sins. But His love can also be found in the most unsuspecting places like the common sparrow, referenced in these verses. The sparrows have always been known as common, gregarious, unremarkable and often pesky birds. Gathering in large colonies and living off anything and everything.
Jesus' reference to the sparrows tells us that our Heavenly Father does not miss a thing! Even creatures as insignificant as this little creature catch the attention of our Lord. Moreover, even the number of hairs on our head is noticed and counted by the Father.
When we see the thing we are afraid of in light of the love of God, a peace that surpasses all understanding washes over us. We have no reason to fear, even those who can kill us because God's loving and faithful hands hold us.
Application
I fear several things throughout my day. Seemingly silly things like rejection and failure can tighten my chest and weigh down my thoughts. In these moments I need to dwell on how much I am loved. This is a great verse to do that very thing. Psalm 103:2 says to bless The Lord and forget not His benefits. When fear threatens to overwhelm me I have an incredible opportunity to bless The Lord and dwell on all that He has done for me, who He is, and His great promises for me. One day I will be perfected in a His amazing love and fear will no longer have a grip on my life.
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your incredible love for me. You will never forget me or reject me; Your love never fails. Please perfect me in Your love and turn my thoughts to blessing You when fear and anxiety begin to take hold.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Luke 11:9 Keep On
So listen! Keep on asking, and you will receive. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened for you.
Observation
The disciples see the way that Jesus talks to the Father, and they want that same relationship, so they ask Christ how to pray. Jesus teaches them, but he also teaches them to persist in prayer. Jesus gives them information about persistence in prayer even though the didn't ask. Why?
I think it is because persistence solidifies our request and builds in us faith and humility. This is very different from a genie that grants all our wishes, and I think that is what God would become to us if we just went to Him to receive everything we wanted.
Persistence solidifies our request by pushing us past what is comfortable. It isn't comfortable to go a friends house in the middle of the night and knock on the door. Your fists will begin to ache, legs hurt, you get cold, and your tired. But your need pushes you on.
Persistence creates humility because it causes you to rely on God to answer the door. Persistence also builds faith, because you don't know when or how God will answer, but you will not be moved.
Application
There are a few areas in my life that I've been praying about for a long time. I have yet to see an answer and it is very easy to get discouraged. But God's word encourages me this morning to keep on, to press through.
Prayer
Father, I come before You again with my requests. Please answer me.
Observation
The disciples see the way that Jesus talks to the Father, and they want that same relationship, so they ask Christ how to pray. Jesus teaches them, but he also teaches them to persist in prayer. Jesus gives them information about persistence in prayer even though the didn't ask. Why?
I think it is because persistence solidifies our request and builds in us faith and humility. This is very different from a genie that grants all our wishes, and I think that is what God would become to us if we just went to Him to receive everything we wanted.
Persistence solidifies our request by pushing us past what is comfortable. It isn't comfortable to go a friends house in the middle of the night and knock on the door. Your fists will begin to ache, legs hurt, you get cold, and your tired. But your need pushes you on.
Persistence creates humility because it causes you to rely on God to answer the door. Persistence also builds faith, because you don't know when or how God will answer, but you will not be moved.
Application
There are a few areas in my life that I've been praying about for a long time. I have yet to see an answer and it is very easy to get discouraged. But God's word encourages me this morning to keep on, to press through.
Prayer
Father, I come before You again with my requests. Please answer me.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Luke 10:29 Priorities
But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
Observation
This specific parable is answering the question "who is my neighbor?". But there is another underlying question that is also being asked, that perhaps the lawyer doesn't even know he is asking, but Jesus does. What is the question? Where does my neighbor rank on my priority list? Jesus is intentional to use the priest and the levite as examples of ones who see a beat up Jew, but do nothing. He is specific because even though both the priest and levite know to love their neighbor, their priority list is skewed. Loving their neighbor falls below, following religious rules. Loving their neighbor falls below comfort and cleanliness.
Yet the Samaritan, the Jews enemy, not only helps the poor Jewish victim out, but goes above and beyond to make sure that he is nursed back to complete health. Therefore the Samaritan was truly loving his neighbor like he loves himself.
Application
The application of this scripture is easy to see but not as easy to apply. Where does loving my neighbor rank on my priority list? Do I love them enough to get uncomfortable? To get messy? Well some days, yes, but others, no. Do I love them enough to do more than get my hands dirty, but wade into the junk and help see them through the trial? Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. It's not the answer I would hope to hear resounding from my heart. But there it is.
Only God can get me there, but I have to go to Him willing to change. That change will come through fire, testing and pressing me into one who has their priorities aligned with Christ.
Prayer
Father, please forgive me for not loving my neighbor like I should and like You've commanded. I know it is for my own heart that You command it of me, and Christ I do want to look more like You. Please help me to love others the way that You do.
Observation
This specific parable is answering the question "who is my neighbor?". But there is another underlying question that is also being asked, that perhaps the lawyer doesn't even know he is asking, but Jesus does. What is the question? Where does my neighbor rank on my priority list? Jesus is intentional to use the priest and the levite as examples of ones who see a beat up Jew, but do nothing. He is specific because even though both the priest and levite know to love their neighbor, their priority list is skewed. Loving their neighbor falls below, following religious rules. Loving their neighbor falls below comfort and cleanliness.
Yet the Samaritan, the Jews enemy, not only helps the poor Jewish victim out, but goes above and beyond to make sure that he is nursed back to complete health. Therefore the Samaritan was truly loving his neighbor like he loves himself.
Application
The application of this scripture is easy to see but not as easy to apply. Where does loving my neighbor rank on my priority list? Do I love them enough to get uncomfortable? To get messy? Well some days, yes, but others, no. Do I love them enough to do more than get my hands dirty, but wade into the junk and help see them through the trial? Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. It's not the answer I would hope to hear resounding from my heart. But there it is.
Only God can get me there, but I have to go to Him willing to change. That change will come through fire, testing and pressing me into one who has their priorities aligned with Christ.
Prayer
Father, please forgive me for not loving my neighbor like I should and like You've commanded. I know it is for my own heart that You command it of me, and Christ I do want to look more like You. Please help me to love others the way that You do.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Luke 9:62 (MSG) Rationalization
Jesus said, "No procrastination. No backward looks. You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day."
Observation
There is an urgency in these scriptures as Jesus tells those who would follow, to follow NOW! There is no time to waist. I look at what these two specific followers are asking to do, one to bury a family member and the second to say goodbye at home, and the request seems reasonable to me. So why would Jesus say no? I think its because He knows our heart. There will always be something, some excuse we can make to put in front of following God. To us they sound like good things, but they become the worst of all things when we put them ahead of submitting to God's plan. We can't spend our whole lives putting everything else ahead of God and expect to know God and be known by Him. The only way is to follow Him.
Application
My thoughts rationalize my actions all the time. Here is one I use a lot "I work so hard, I pour out so much, I don't feel like ministering to people today". It makes me sad to think that I rationalize obedience to Christ by my performance. But Christ wants all in Christians, He spits out the lukewarm (revelation 3:16). And honestly, I want to be that all in Christian. One of the things I've been trying to do for the last three months is think about what I'm thinking about. Sounds confusing I know, but I don't want to be like the scribes in Mark 2:6 who were reasoning in their hearts. I want to be honest with myself and my motives. Jesus is pointing out the truth to these followers and to me, saying, "don't make excuses or put this off, there is none you can make that can justify not wholly surrendering to me."
Prayer
Jesus, I will follow You. No turning back, no excuses. If I try Lord, convict me quickly, please do not let me fall into the trap of rationalization.
Observation
There is an urgency in these scriptures as Jesus tells those who would follow, to follow NOW! There is no time to waist. I look at what these two specific followers are asking to do, one to bury a family member and the second to say goodbye at home, and the request seems reasonable to me. So why would Jesus say no? I think its because He knows our heart. There will always be something, some excuse we can make to put in front of following God. To us they sound like good things, but they become the worst of all things when we put them ahead of submitting to God's plan. We can't spend our whole lives putting everything else ahead of God and expect to know God and be known by Him. The only way is to follow Him.
Application
My thoughts rationalize my actions all the time. Here is one I use a lot "I work so hard, I pour out so much, I don't feel like ministering to people today". It makes me sad to think that I rationalize obedience to Christ by my performance. But Christ wants all in Christians, He spits out the lukewarm (revelation 3:16). And honestly, I want to be that all in Christian. One of the things I've been trying to do for the last three months is think about what I'm thinking about. Sounds confusing I know, but I don't want to be like the scribes in Mark 2:6 who were reasoning in their hearts. I want to be honest with myself and my motives. Jesus is pointing out the truth to these followers and to me, saying, "don't make excuses or put this off, there is none you can make that can justify not wholly surrendering to me."
Prayer
Jesus, I will follow You. No turning back, no excuses. If I try Lord, convict me quickly, please do not let me fall into the trap of rationalization.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Genesis 22:16 Wholly Surrendered
and said, "By Myself I have sworn, declares the Lord , because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son,
Observation
Last week in reading we found that Abraham was asked to travel to Canaan with his wife and nephew, Lot. He stepped out in faith, following a God he barely knew. Once to Canaan, God promised Abraham that one day Abraham's descendants would inhabit and flourish in the land of Canaan. Well, Abraham didn't have any children and was pretty old. God later promises Abraham and Sarah that they would have a son. After a long, long, time that promise is fulfilled. They do have a son and name Isaac. But then God asks Abraham to do the unthinkable, He asks Abraham to sacrifice his son as an offering to God. I could spend days thinking about the mind struggle Abraham must have gone through. The what if's, the why's; I imagine those thoughts tormented him as he set out for Mount Moriah, but Abraham sets his heart to do it anyway. And right before it is to happen, God provides a lamb and tells Abraham to sacrifice the lamb instead. But because of Abraham's willingness to give it all, God gives him a blessing that is still blessing others even now. In fact that blessing includes me (a study for another time).
Application
There are things we hold on to, things we don't trust God with. Maybe we think if we truly give them over to God, God will destroy it? Maybe we think we that God only wants some parts of our lives surrendered but not others? Both thoughts are what I've believed in my past. I've held on to my children and husband, unable to surrender them to God because I didn't trust that He would let them stay with me. Silly I know. But in pride I thought I knew what was best for them and for me. I also went through a time where I wouldn't surrender leading worship to God. I don't have any musical training or background, and knew I had no grounds to be up there (other than God called me to it). I thought if I gave it over to God, He would never give it back to me. With my family and with worship leading I had to lay them on the Mount Moriah of my heart and say God even if you don't give this back to me, even if I lose everything, I will follow You. It was terrifying and freeing. Now I ask God to search my heart for those things that I'm holding onto and help me surrender them to Him.
Prayer
Father, search my heart and show me the areas that I'm not trusting You in. I want to walk wholly surrendered to You always.
Observation
Last week in reading we found that Abraham was asked to travel to Canaan with his wife and nephew, Lot. He stepped out in faith, following a God he barely knew. Once to Canaan, God promised Abraham that one day Abraham's descendants would inhabit and flourish in the land of Canaan. Well, Abraham didn't have any children and was pretty old. God later promises Abraham and Sarah that they would have a son. After a long, long, time that promise is fulfilled. They do have a son and name Isaac. But then God asks Abraham to do the unthinkable, He asks Abraham to sacrifice his son as an offering to God. I could spend days thinking about the mind struggle Abraham must have gone through. The what if's, the why's; I imagine those thoughts tormented him as he set out for Mount Moriah, but Abraham sets his heart to do it anyway. And right before it is to happen, God provides a lamb and tells Abraham to sacrifice the lamb instead. But because of Abraham's willingness to give it all, God gives him a blessing that is still blessing others even now. In fact that blessing includes me (a study for another time).
Application
There are things we hold on to, things we don't trust God with. Maybe we think if we truly give them over to God, God will destroy it? Maybe we think we that God only wants some parts of our lives surrendered but not others? Both thoughts are what I've believed in my past. I've held on to my children and husband, unable to surrender them to God because I didn't trust that He would let them stay with me. Silly I know. But in pride I thought I knew what was best for them and for me. I also went through a time where I wouldn't surrender leading worship to God. I don't have any musical training or background, and knew I had no grounds to be up there (other than God called me to it). I thought if I gave it over to God, He would never give it back to me. With my family and with worship leading I had to lay them on the Mount Moriah of my heart and say God even if you don't give this back to me, even if I lose everything, I will follow You. It was terrifying and freeing. Now I ask God to search my heart for those things that I'm holding onto and help me surrender them to Him.
Prayer
Father, search my heart and show me the areas that I'm not trusting You in. I want to walk wholly surrendered to You always.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Luke 6:35 No Expectations
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.
Observation
Jesus is speaking at the sermon on the mount. Thousands of people have gathered to hear Him. In the sermon on the mount, best seen in Matthew 5-7, Jesus describes "Kingdom" culture. Kingdom culture is different than the world, I would dare say the exact opposite of the world. This specific scripture instructs us how to handle those who hate us, who don't love us, those who are mean and cruel to us. This "kingdom" reaction fights against our natural instincts. Our natural instinct is reject those who reject us, seek retribution from those who have hurt us, etc. But when we fight against our natural instincts and cling to the Holy Spirit within us (Galations 5:16 walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh) we receive power from the Holy Spirit to respond to persecution with mercy, grace, and love. Moreover, when we respond like God Himself responds to those who hate Him, we are promised a great reward and told that this behavior is part of our identity in Christ.
Application
It is very easy to be good to those who love you and to whom you receive much from, but what about those who don't? This is certainly something I struggle with daily, especially in ministry. People are messy, since I'm people that includes me. When you pour your heart out for people it is difficult not to expect something in return. For me, the expectation usually includes appreciation for what has been given. But what if I get rejection and criticism instead? I wish I could say that I love them through it, but the truth is there is a war that rages inside me. My thoughts battle back and forth from condemnation over myself that I should have done better, to condemnation of them because of their unrealistic expectations of me.....PAINFUL!
Yesterday evening I was praying through a situation just like this. After fighting my initial response to be offended, I finally fell asleep in peace. But this morning when I woke up I could feel the cloud of anger rolling in and I began to pray. This word is SO ON TIME!
Prayer
Thank You Lord for hearing my prayers and bringing Your truth in this battle of the mind. Please continue to mold me so that my instinct eventually becomes one of love and mercy and not offense and anger.
Observation
Jesus is speaking at the sermon on the mount. Thousands of people have gathered to hear Him. In the sermon on the mount, best seen in Matthew 5-7, Jesus describes "Kingdom" culture. Kingdom culture is different than the world, I would dare say the exact opposite of the world. This specific scripture instructs us how to handle those who hate us, who don't love us, those who are mean and cruel to us. This "kingdom" reaction fights against our natural instincts. Our natural instinct is reject those who reject us, seek retribution from those who have hurt us, etc. But when we fight against our natural instincts and cling to the Holy Spirit within us (Galations 5:16 walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh) we receive power from the Holy Spirit to respond to persecution with mercy, grace, and love. Moreover, when we respond like God Himself responds to those who hate Him, we are promised a great reward and told that this behavior is part of our identity in Christ.
Application
It is very easy to be good to those who love you and to whom you receive much from, but what about those who don't? This is certainly something I struggle with daily, especially in ministry. People are messy, since I'm people that includes me. When you pour your heart out for people it is difficult not to expect something in return. For me, the expectation usually includes appreciation for what has been given. But what if I get rejection and criticism instead? I wish I could say that I love them through it, but the truth is there is a war that rages inside me. My thoughts battle back and forth from condemnation over myself that I should have done better, to condemnation of them because of their unrealistic expectations of me.....PAINFUL!
Yesterday evening I was praying through a situation just like this. After fighting my initial response to be offended, I finally fell asleep in peace. But this morning when I woke up I could feel the cloud of anger rolling in and I began to pray. This word is SO ON TIME!
Prayer
Thank You Lord for hearing my prayers and bringing Your truth in this battle of the mind. Please continue to mold me so that my instinct eventually becomes one of love and mercy and not offense and anger.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Genesis 11:31-32 & 12:6-7 Good vs. Great
Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife; and they went out together from Ur of the Chaldeans in order to enter the land of Canaan; and they went as far as Haran, and settled there. The days of Terah were two hundred and five years; and Terah died in Haran.
Abram passed through the land as far as the site of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. Now the Canaanite was then in the land. The Lord appeared to Abram and said, "To your descendants I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the L ord who had appeared to him.
Observation
Abraham's father, Terah started on a journey to the land of Canaan, and took Abraham, Sarah, and Lot, with him. However, Terah, got distracted in Haran and settled down there instead. We don't know why Terah chose to settle in Haran. Perhaps Terah was tired? Or perhaps there were "good things" to be found in Terah, evening though great things were waiting in Canaan? We don't know, we just know that Terah began something that he never finished.
Abraham, however, was told to push on to Canaan. What makes this specific command interesting to me, is that Abraham comes from a lineage that didn't serve God. But something inside of Abraham knows that the one who speaks to him now is the God of the universe.
When Abraham gets to Canaan, God promises Abraham that his descendants will inherit this land. Abraham didn't question God on His promise, even though Abraham was childless and over 75, nor did he question Him because the Canaanites still lived in the land. He just decided in faith to praise God for His good promise.
Application
I ponder the faith that Abraham walked by and it is no wonder that He was chosen to be the father of many nations. He decided to break the mold of what he was used to and press into something completely unknown and trust a God he barely knew. Wow!
In me I have both Terah and Abraham. The Terah in me starts out with good intentions ready to push on to the greatness God has in store for me, but many good things come up and I find myself stopping and spending time on the good things. I never push on to the great things. Yet there are times, when God gives me a faith that moves mountains and I experience the truly great things God has in store for me. To have more of God's greatness in my life, I've got to make space to hear Him, so that I don't get caught up in the good things.
Prayer
Father, I know You have great plans for me. Plans to prosper me, not to harm me, plans to give me a future and a hope. Please help me to take the next step into those plans and into Your purpose. I don't want to get caught up in the good things, when you have great things in store for me.
Abram passed through the land as far as the site of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. Now the Canaanite was then in the land. The Lord appeared to Abram and said, "To your descendants I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the L ord who had appeared to him.
Observation
Abraham's father, Terah started on a journey to the land of Canaan, and took Abraham, Sarah, and Lot, with him. However, Terah, got distracted in Haran and settled down there instead. We don't know why Terah chose to settle in Haran. Perhaps Terah was tired? Or perhaps there were "good things" to be found in Terah, evening though great things were waiting in Canaan? We don't know, we just know that Terah began something that he never finished.
Abraham, however, was told to push on to Canaan. What makes this specific command interesting to me, is that Abraham comes from a lineage that didn't serve God. But something inside of Abraham knows that the one who speaks to him now is the God of the universe.
When Abraham gets to Canaan, God promises Abraham that his descendants will inherit this land. Abraham didn't question God on His promise, even though Abraham was childless and over 75, nor did he question Him because the Canaanites still lived in the land. He just decided in faith to praise God for His good promise.
Application
I ponder the faith that Abraham walked by and it is no wonder that He was chosen to be the father of many nations. He decided to break the mold of what he was used to and press into something completely unknown and trust a God he barely knew. Wow!
In me I have both Terah and Abraham. The Terah in me starts out with good intentions ready to push on to the greatness God has in store for me, but many good things come up and I find myself stopping and spending time on the good things. I never push on to the great things. Yet there are times, when God gives me a faith that moves mountains and I experience the truly great things God has in store for me. To have more of God's greatness in my life, I've got to make space to hear Him, so that I don't get caught up in the good things.
Prayer
Father, I know You have great plans for me. Plans to prosper me, not to harm me, plans to give me a future and a hope. Please help me to take the next step into those plans and into Your purpose. I don't want to get caught up in the good things, when you have great things in store for me.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Genesis 9:17 Look For The Rainbow
Look for the rainbow and remember My promise. With it I sign the covenant I have made between Me and all living creatures residing on the earth.
Observation
Noah has built the ark, the floods came as God had said, and for 150 days it rains. Then the rain stops, but nothing is happening, at least not that Noah can see. The ark sets itself upon the mountain of Ararat, there it sits for 2 and half months. Then after that Noah has to wait another 40 days before he can even open a window (Genesis 8). Can you imagine the smell inside that place? I mean both physical and emotional. That is a long time in one place with no fresh, well, anything, relationships, air, food, or word from God.
What does God teach Noah to do from this experience? He teaches him and all of us to look for the rainbow. Look for God's promise. I imagine that Noah had to continuously remind himself that God said He would flood the Earth and He did. Noah had to remind himself of the special time he had spent with the Creator and God's promise to see Noah through. These were the rainbows that held Noah through what had to be the toughest time of his extremely long life.
Application
Looking for the rainbow can be one of the most difficult things to do when a trial has been long and strenuous. I have my good days and bad days. I imagine Noah did too. I think that is why it is important for me to both get into God's word consistently, but also know and memorize His promises. One specifically that I recall quite frequently is Hebrews 12:11, where all discipline for the moment does not seem joyful, but sorrowful, but for those who persevere, they will reap the PEACEFUL FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Of course this is in my own words and my own emphasis. But that is the rainbow that I look for and hold on too when things seem darkest.
Prayer
Father, I thank You for Your good plans and good promises. I thank You for Your word and Your Spirit that reminds me of what You have said. Please keep my eyes looking up to You, the author and perfecter of my faith.
Observation
Noah has built the ark, the floods came as God had said, and for 150 days it rains. Then the rain stops, but nothing is happening, at least not that Noah can see. The ark sets itself upon the mountain of Ararat, there it sits for 2 and half months. Then after that Noah has to wait another 40 days before he can even open a window (Genesis 8). Can you imagine the smell inside that place? I mean both physical and emotional. That is a long time in one place with no fresh, well, anything, relationships, air, food, or word from God.
What does God teach Noah to do from this experience? He teaches him and all of us to look for the rainbow. Look for God's promise. I imagine that Noah had to continuously remind himself that God said He would flood the Earth and He did. Noah had to remind himself of the special time he had spent with the Creator and God's promise to see Noah through. These were the rainbows that held Noah through what had to be the toughest time of his extremely long life.
Application
Looking for the rainbow can be one of the most difficult things to do when a trial has been long and strenuous. I have my good days and bad days. I imagine Noah did too. I think that is why it is important for me to both get into God's word consistently, but also know and memorize His promises. One specifically that I recall quite frequently is Hebrews 12:11, where all discipline for the moment does not seem joyful, but sorrowful, but for those who persevere, they will reap the PEACEFUL FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Of course this is in my own words and my own emphasis. But that is the rainbow that I look for and hold on too when things seem darkest.
Prayer
Father, I thank You for Your good plans and good promises. I thank You for Your word and Your Spirit that reminds me of what You have said. Please keep my eyes looking up to You, the author and perfecter of my faith.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Genesis 7:22 Everything
He did everything God asked him to do
Observation
The task Noah was given was huge, it included lots of detail and lots of persecution. The specifications of the ark were enough to overwhelm to most detailed of us. Add to the equation the violence that surrounded Noah (7:11), then the gathering of every animal pair, and finally enough food to feed both his family and the animals (for an indefinite number of days mind you) and you get an equation that even the best of us couldn't manage.
Yet Noah knew that extreme steps of faith takes following the tiniest of instructions from God and in turn God allowed the time for Noah to complete all the tasks assigned.
Application
God has asked me to make big faith jumps in the past. In fact I've had to take one just recently. In those requests, there is a knowing that I need to stick extremely close to God; that I need to quiet myself to hear His every word, so that I don't misstep. It is very easy to rationalize not doing all of what God has asked. However, doing most of what God wants you to is still disobedience, because you didn't do all that God has asked. I stick close when the situation calls for extreme faith. Yet, since faith is a daily walk, I have to ask myself if I am obeying all that God calls me to do everyday, even when the situation doesn't call for extreme faith. The answer is a sad "No". Yet I know He will complete the good work He has begun. So each day I lay myself down at His feet and say "here I am Lord, please continue :)".
Prayer
Here I am Lord, please continue the good work that You have begun in me.
Observation
The task Noah was given was huge, it included lots of detail and lots of persecution. The specifications of the ark were enough to overwhelm to most detailed of us. Add to the equation the violence that surrounded Noah (7:11), then the gathering of every animal pair, and finally enough food to feed both his family and the animals (for an indefinite number of days mind you) and you get an equation that even the best of us couldn't manage.
Yet Noah knew that extreme steps of faith takes following the tiniest of instructions from God and in turn God allowed the time for Noah to complete all the tasks assigned.
Application
God has asked me to make big faith jumps in the past. In fact I've had to take one just recently. In those requests, there is a knowing that I need to stick extremely close to God; that I need to quiet myself to hear His every word, so that I don't misstep. It is very easy to rationalize not doing all of what God has asked. However, doing most of what God wants you to is still disobedience, because you didn't do all that God has asked. I stick close when the situation calls for extreme faith. Yet, since faith is a daily walk, I have to ask myself if I am obeying all that God calls me to do everyday, even when the situation doesn't call for extreme faith. The answer is a sad "No". Yet I know He will complete the good work He has begun. So each day I lay myself down at His feet and say "here I am Lord, please continue :)".
Prayer
Here I am Lord, please continue the good work that You have begun in me.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Luke 2:11-12 He Came To Get Messy
Today, in the city of David a Liberator has been born to you! He is the promised Anointed One, the Supreme Authority! You will know you have found him when you see a baby, wrapped in a blanket, lying in a feeding trough.
Observation
The Jews had been promised a King that would come a liberate them. An Angel appears to the shepherds proclaiming that such a redeemer had come. Can you imagine the scene? It is dark, a messenger appears, shouts the incredible news that The Lord is here, the angels sing...you are listening and watching in amazement as the messenger of The Lord describes who has come, and then he says you will know you have found him when....you see a palace and a child wrapped in silk and other fine linen? No. How about when you see a huge crowd gather around a small child, surely everyone has been invited to the birth of Christ. We shepherds are the outcasts, so there must be a great crowd. No.
The Angel says you will know you have found Him, when you see a baby wrapped in a blanket lying in a feeding trough. What? A baby lying in a feeding trough is the Liberator?
As much as the King of Kings finding his bed in a feeding trough is strange, it is just as strange that this heavenly event would happen upon shepherds in a field. But God wanted the Shepherds to know that Christ was their King too.
Application
From the beginning Christ has been willing to dive into the biggest of messes. No place and no one so dirty, He takes them all. In that society the shepherds would have been classified some of the biggest messes around, but not to the King of Kings. He not only embraces them, but gives them an invitation to come, that has never happened before or since.
Still today, Christ beckons us to bring him the mess. In fact, He beckons us daily. For me this is a great reminder that Christ is not intimidated by my mess; He wants me to bring it to Him.
Prayer
Father, thank You for diving into my mess. When I'm tempted to conceal my junk, please remind my heart who You are, so that I can bring it all to You. I love You!
Observation
The Jews had been promised a King that would come a liberate them. An Angel appears to the shepherds proclaiming that such a redeemer had come. Can you imagine the scene? It is dark, a messenger appears, shouts the incredible news that The Lord is here, the angels sing...you are listening and watching in amazement as the messenger of The Lord describes who has come, and then he says you will know you have found him when....you see a palace and a child wrapped in silk and other fine linen? No. How about when you see a huge crowd gather around a small child, surely everyone has been invited to the birth of Christ. We shepherds are the outcasts, so there must be a great crowd. No.
The Angel says you will know you have found Him, when you see a baby wrapped in a blanket lying in a feeding trough. What? A baby lying in a feeding trough is the Liberator?
As much as the King of Kings finding his bed in a feeding trough is strange, it is just as strange that this heavenly event would happen upon shepherds in a field. But God wanted the Shepherds to know that Christ was their King too.
Application
From the beginning Christ has been willing to dive into the biggest of messes. No place and no one so dirty, He takes them all. In that society the shepherds would have been classified some of the biggest messes around, but not to the King of Kings. He not only embraces them, but gives them an invitation to come, that has never happened before or since.
Still today, Christ beckons us to bring him the mess. In fact, He beckons us daily. For me this is a great reminder that Christ is not intimidated by my mess; He wants me to bring it to Him.
Prayer
Father, thank You for diving into my mess. When I'm tempted to conceal my junk, please remind my heart who You are, so that I can bring it all to You. I love You!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
2 Timothy 2:15-17 Leading Others In Truth
Timothy, do everything you can to present yourself to God as a man who is fully genuine, a worker unashamed of your mission, a guide capable of leading others along the correct path defined by the word of truth. Stay away from ungodly babbling because it will only lead deeper into a godless lifestyle. Once these empty voices start to speak, Timothy, they infect and spread; and soon the body is consumed with its cancer.
Observation
Timothy is a new leader. In its most simplistic for Timothy is a young man in a discipleship with Paul and has chosen to past this discipleship on to others. Timothy is running into challenges in his discipleship of others, as we all do. One of his biggest challenges is keeping his mind pure so he can lead others in the path of truth. Paul is telling Timothy not only does he need to remember and press forward toward the prize, but he also must be mindful of what information he takes in, specifically when it comes to people talking around him.
Application
I needed this scripture today. Each day there are so many negative voices surrounding me, including my own. Yet my hearts cry is to show myself approved by God, not man. When the words around me are coming fast, God is teaching me how to be quiet and send everything through a Christ filter. It is not the easiest habit to learn and I must admit I am extremely slow at it. At the end of the day, I'm exhausted, because I've spent an incredible amount of effort reigning in my flesh. It is difficult to lead others in truth, when you are bombarded with lies.
Prayer
Father, Your truth sets us free. There are many things that I want to be free of, and the enemy doesn't want to get rid of any ground that he has in me and my flesh agrees with him. Yet I know You a greater in me. There is a good work You have called me to. I lay myself down before You and submit my heart for surgery. Fill me with a your truth so that I can lead others in it.
Observation
Timothy is a new leader. In its most simplistic for Timothy is a young man in a discipleship with Paul and has chosen to past this discipleship on to others. Timothy is running into challenges in his discipleship of others, as we all do. One of his biggest challenges is keeping his mind pure so he can lead others in the path of truth. Paul is telling Timothy not only does he need to remember and press forward toward the prize, but he also must be mindful of what information he takes in, specifically when it comes to people talking around him.
Application
I needed this scripture today. Each day there are so many negative voices surrounding me, including my own. Yet my hearts cry is to show myself approved by God, not man. When the words around me are coming fast, God is teaching me how to be quiet and send everything through a Christ filter. It is not the easiest habit to learn and I must admit I am extremely slow at it. At the end of the day, I'm exhausted, because I've spent an incredible amount of effort reigning in my flesh. It is difficult to lead others in truth, when you are bombarded with lies.
Prayer
Father, Your truth sets us free. There are many things that I want to be free of, and the enemy doesn't want to get rid of any ground that he has in me and my flesh agrees with him. Yet I know You a greater in me. There is a good work You have called me to. I lay myself down before You and submit my heart for surgery. Fill me with a your truth so that I can lead others in it.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Lamentations 3:20-24 When you are grieving
Grieving, my soul thinks back; these thoughts cripple, and I sink down. Gaining hope, I remember and wait for this thought: how enduring is God's loyal love; the Eternal has inexhaustible compassion. Here they are every morning new! Your faithfulness God is as broad as the day. Have courage for the Eternal is all that I need. My soul boasts, "hope in God; just wait".
Observation
Where do your eyes turn when all around you is falling apart? Imagine Jeremiah's situation. He is rejected, abused, and even imprisoned for warning the people he loves of God's impending discipline. The fateful day finally arrives and there is nothing to celebrate, every where he looks he sees devastation and his heart cries out to God for mercy. But mercy does not come the next day or the day after. He looks back at the past and only sees struggles, he looks at his present and only sees devastation. Where to look now? Jeremiah looks to who he knows God to be and finds rest in that knowledge as he waits for God. Jeremiah has received terrible affliction in his life, but he has also heard from God personally and knows God is who He say's He is and will do what He say's He will do and He resolves himself to trust and wait for his Helper and Redeemer.
Application
The last month has been filled with tragic news; marriages falling apart, friends deathly ill, children fighting for their lives, children massacred in a school, and a young family in a car accident losing their little boy. How do you deal with such tragedy? How do you keep going when the blows keep on coming? My job is to encourage and pray for those around me, but I confess, sometimes it is difficult for me to find the words to encourage in such terrible heartbreak. It is especially difficult when the one hurting doesn't know the character of God.
The bible is so good to be a lamp to our feet amidst such dark times. We can't look back at the way that things used to be, we can't look at the present and try to reconcile the pain, we can't look forward and rely on specific results, we can only look up to the author and perfecter of our faith; He alone is the light of the world.
Prayer
Father, my heart breaks for the family that lost their little boy, and their baby that fights for life in ICU. My heart breaks for the marriage that was once so beautiful, but now hangs on by a thread, it breaks for Stan and his family and Sam and his family, so much suffering. Please reveal Yourself in an incredible way to all of those who are drinking from this painful cup. May Your Spirit comfort them and lead them onto steady ground, out of the terrifying darkness and into Your marvelous light. Please encourage them Father as they wait for You
Observation
Where do your eyes turn when all around you is falling apart? Imagine Jeremiah's situation. He is rejected, abused, and even imprisoned for warning the people he loves of God's impending discipline. The fateful day finally arrives and there is nothing to celebrate, every where he looks he sees devastation and his heart cries out to God for mercy. But mercy does not come the next day or the day after. He looks back at the past and only sees struggles, he looks at his present and only sees devastation. Where to look now? Jeremiah looks to who he knows God to be and finds rest in that knowledge as he waits for God. Jeremiah has received terrible affliction in his life, but he has also heard from God personally and knows God is who He say's He is and will do what He say's He will do and He resolves himself to trust and wait for his Helper and Redeemer.
Application
The last month has been filled with tragic news; marriages falling apart, friends deathly ill, children fighting for their lives, children massacred in a school, and a young family in a car accident losing their little boy. How do you deal with such tragedy? How do you keep going when the blows keep on coming? My job is to encourage and pray for those around me, but I confess, sometimes it is difficult for me to find the words to encourage in such terrible heartbreak. It is especially difficult when the one hurting doesn't know the character of God.
The bible is so good to be a lamp to our feet amidst such dark times. We can't look back at the way that things used to be, we can't look at the present and try to reconcile the pain, we can't look forward and rely on specific results, we can only look up to the author and perfecter of our faith; He alone is the light of the world.
Prayer
Father, my heart breaks for the family that lost their little boy, and their baby that fights for life in ICU. My heart breaks for the marriage that was once so beautiful, but now hangs on by a thread, it breaks for Stan and his family and Sam and his family, so much suffering. Please reveal Yourself in an incredible way to all of those who are drinking from this painful cup. May Your Spirit comfort them and lead them onto steady ground, out of the terrifying darkness and into Your marvelous light. Please encourage them Father as they wait for You
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Lamentations 2:3 God's Right Hand
He withdrew His right hand and stood back and allowed Israel's enemies to wreak havoc on the land.
Observation
The warnings have passed and the time has come to discipline Judah for her sinful acts. One particular consequence stands out in Lamentations 2 to me, God removes His right hand from Israel. What does that mean? Throughout the Old Testament, beginning in Exodus when God calls the Israelites out of Egypt and slavery (exodus 15:6) God's right hand is a source of power, refuge, and strength. It is God's right hand that shatters the enemy and brings low the wicked. To remove His right hand from their presence would be to remove all protection from Judah.
In researching the right hand of God, I also found several references to the believers right hand as well. David mentions in the psalms that God holds our right hand and stands on our right side.
For He stands at the right hand of the needy, To save him from those who judge his soul. (Psalms 109:31 NASB)
I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalms 16:8 NASB)
Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. (Psalms 73:23 NASB)
However, I also found references to holding wickedness and sinful behavior with our right hand.
Whose mouths speak deceit, And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. (Psalms 144:8 NASB)
In whose hands is a wicked scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes. (Psalms 26:10 NASB)
We choose what we hold on to. The Judean's chose sin, who or what will you choose?
Application
I feel like someone or something is always vying to hold my proverbial right hand. I would bet most Christians have the same experience. I wake up in the morning holding God's hand, but somewhere throughout the day I wind up holding someone or something else. Most often, it is the hand of pleasing others, but sometimes it is the hand of pride, or selfishness. Yet I know His grace is sufficient when look back I can see that I'm holding His hand longer then ever before and I notice quicker when I've let go of Him; I may not be there yet, but I'm not where I amused to be. All glory to God who is molding me in His image.
I am also extremely grateful that it is His right hand that stands before me. Even when the day is long and hard, I can be thankful in the confidence that God is always with me.
Prayer
Father, I praise You for Your righteous right hand. The One that has held me even when I let go, the One that is my strength and portion, that One that lifts me up out of the miry clay and has set my feet upon the Christ Rock. May we walk together, both now and forevermore.
Observation
The warnings have passed and the time has come to discipline Judah for her sinful acts. One particular consequence stands out in Lamentations 2 to me, God removes His right hand from Israel. What does that mean? Throughout the Old Testament, beginning in Exodus when God calls the Israelites out of Egypt and slavery (exodus 15:6) God's right hand is a source of power, refuge, and strength. It is God's right hand that shatters the enemy and brings low the wicked. To remove His right hand from their presence would be to remove all protection from Judah.
In researching the right hand of God, I also found several references to the believers right hand as well. David mentions in the psalms that God holds our right hand and stands on our right side.
For He stands at the right hand of the needy, To save him from those who judge his soul. (Psalms 109:31 NASB)
I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalms 16:8 NASB)
Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. (Psalms 73:23 NASB)
However, I also found references to holding wickedness and sinful behavior with our right hand.
Whose mouths speak deceit, And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. (Psalms 144:8 NASB)
In whose hands is a wicked scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes. (Psalms 26:10 NASB)
We choose what we hold on to. The Judean's chose sin, who or what will you choose?
Application
I feel like someone or something is always vying to hold my proverbial right hand. I would bet most Christians have the same experience. I wake up in the morning holding God's hand, but somewhere throughout the day I wind up holding someone or something else. Most often, it is the hand of pleasing others, but sometimes it is the hand of pride, or selfishness. Yet I know His grace is sufficient when look back I can see that I'm holding His hand longer then ever before and I notice quicker when I've let go of Him; I may not be there yet, but I'm not where I amused to be. All glory to God who is molding me in His image.
I am also extremely grateful that it is His right hand that stands before me. Even when the day is long and hard, I can be thankful in the confidence that God is always with me.
Prayer
Father, I praise You for Your righteous right hand. The One that has held me even when I let go, the One that is my strength and portion, that One that lifts me up out of the miry clay and has set my feet upon the Christ Rock. May we walk together, both now and forevermore.
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