How easily the flesh falls in line with the wicked, left unchecked disobedience becomes the norm while we wait for the right time to spend with the Savior of our souls. Truth is that time never comes but is only available through righteous decisions. Almost as if we expect God to move our hands to open His Word we wait but like a traveler who becomes weary and in need of a drink of refreshing water our souls long for time with God. (Psalms 1:1-2 NLT) “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night.”
While in His presence the striving stops and the weight of making decisions, things that we carry while away from His presence, become easy. What was little become abundant and that which was much fades away. Those who find the council of the righteous and delight in the law of the Lord (Psalms 1:3 NLT) “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”
Being His doesn’t mean we’re perfect but things that have eternal value become highlighted and things which are not become distasteful and displeasing to the righteous. When this happens we know that the Creator of Life is guiding us in His loving ways. (Psalms 1:6 NLT) “For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.”
Lord, be blessed by your people today! Help us to be led by your righteousness and not by our selfish desires. Place your fire within our hearts so that we may be compelled to a life of worship. Forgive us when we turn our faces from you and help us to see who we are through your eyes. May your love and mercy guard our steps as we follow after you, for we are as children seeking to please their father. Finally, Lord encourage us by your Holy Spirit to do your work for this life is as a race and we don’t only want to start well but finish in even greater measure, help us to multiply those talents you have given us for we want to be faithful and pleasing to you! Give us dreams and place with in our hearts your vision so that we might be passionate about increasing the borders of the righteous! Help us to wait upon you through serving, in Jesus name amen.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Be still and know that I am God
It occurred to me this morning as I lay in bed thinking about a project at work that I haven’t been asking God to bless and be apart of my work. Now that I think about it praying over work is like praying over my meals in that I am thankful for the things and provisions He has made for my family and me. Too often I think this place called work is “my job” and therefore it is a task I’ve been given to do, it’s part of my duties and contribution to my family, which is true but it’s so much more than that. If I allow my mind to get in a rut it becomes something I have to do, not something I get to do! You see, with every challenge comes the opportunity to trust God and as I trust God more my relationship with Him grows, which is the point. Without God in the equation I become weighted down and I can hear fear waiting just outside the door but with God my character is built in such a way that I become more like Him – as I trust Him He disciples me so that I may become a better father, a better husband, a better follower of Christ, and even a better employee! Not only is He doing something inside of me with each new challenge but the opportunity exists to change those I come in contact with for the purpose of Christ Jesus!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
What does laying down your life look like?
To give without fear, to serve without expectation, to see another’s need without regard for self; it is in doing these things we find true purpose. Our lives are opportunities to be part of a story that is much larger than we are but most miss it instead spending the time given to them not with purpose but with selfishness and fear. What if we could see beyond what our physical eyes allow, what if we could see with spiritual eyes – knowing things of value like relationships, serving one another, and encouraging others along this journey would we not grow deeper in understanding with each step? There is only one way to start this journey. Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Him. (John 14:6) but too many are satisfied just accepting what Jesus has done for them, then thinking they have their salvation become busy living a life, once again, of selfishness and fear while all along they are being deceived by the very enemy of God. How do you live a life that pleases God? Do we please Him by our talents and abilities? Do we please Him because of our good deeds? No we please Him by knowing Him and obeying His Word. He has given us His Word (the Bible) as a road map or compass to the unseen path He lays before us. (1 John 3:6 MKJV) “Everyone who abides in Him does not sin. Everyone who sins has not seen Him nor known Him.” Does that mean we are perfect? No, but we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we see Him as our source and with each new step we depend upon Him more than before. He has forgiven us at the cross and all we must do is accept Him then abide in Him. However, if we knowingly sin and continue to do so God says we never knew Him!
As we abide in Him we begin to understand just how much He has forgiven us, He reveals this to us. This gift of understanding causes us to do the same as He has done for us, it compels us to lay down our life for others and in doing so our hearts swell up with purpose like never before and God increases our territory. Look at this lesson as Jesus explains it to his disciples.
(Mark 9:33-35 MKJV) And He came to Capernaum. And being in the house, He asked them, What was it that you disputed among yourselves in the way? But they were silent. For in the way they had disputed among themselves who was the greatest. And He sat down and called the Twelve and said to them, If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.
Jesus explains that purpose does not come by might or power, it is not taken by the greedy but given to those whom God see fit and a humble heart is His requirement. It feels backwards from everything we know but only because we are not looking through our spiritual eyes. The moment we have our eyes on anything other than Jesus we derail the progress we have made. If I serve only to obtain position I’ve missed the mark. (1 Corinthians 13:1 MKJV) “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I have become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.”
God knows us inside and out and only He can judge the condition of our hearts. (Matthew 6:33 MKJV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.”
Do you want to do something big for God? Then serve with a humble heart knowing that God is your only source and trust that whatever He has in store for you the journey there will prepare you for His purpose and when you reach the Promise Land your life will be God’s trophy of love. For He first loved the world, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
As we abide in Him we begin to understand just how much He has forgiven us, He reveals this to us. This gift of understanding causes us to do the same as He has done for us, it compels us to lay down our life for others and in doing so our hearts swell up with purpose like never before and God increases our territory. Look at this lesson as Jesus explains it to his disciples.
(Mark 9:33-35 MKJV) And He came to Capernaum. And being in the house, He asked them, What was it that you disputed among yourselves in the way? But they were silent. For in the way they had disputed among themselves who was the greatest. And He sat down and called the Twelve and said to them, If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.
Jesus explains that purpose does not come by might or power, it is not taken by the greedy but given to those whom God see fit and a humble heart is His requirement. It feels backwards from everything we know but only because we are not looking through our spiritual eyes. The moment we have our eyes on anything other than Jesus we derail the progress we have made. If I serve only to obtain position I’ve missed the mark. (1 Corinthians 13:1 MKJV) “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I have become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.”
God knows us inside and out and only He can judge the condition of our hearts. (Matthew 6:33 MKJV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.”
Do you want to do something big for God? Then serve with a humble heart knowing that God is your only source and trust that whatever He has in store for you the journey there will prepare you for His purpose and when you reach the Promise Land your life will be God’s trophy of love. For He first loved the world, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
Monday, August 16, 2010
God, help us to know you better
(Psalms 99:1 MKJV) “Jehovah reigns; let the peoples tremble. He sits between the cherubs; let the earth quake.”
Have we lost sight of God’s holy righteousness and exchanged it for that which is convenient? We say God is love and His grace is sufficient. He is this and more, more than we have the right to ask but do we stop there? Do we concern ourselves with the full character of God or do we just take the parts we want? If we want God to show up in our lives we have to take all of Him or none of Him otherwise we have a pretend god, a golden calf, there to ease our conscious but this is not the One who created you and me, the One who desires the best for us, the One who offered His Son so that we may know Him.
(Psalms 99:2-9 MKJV) “Jehovah is great in Zion; and He is high above all the peoples. Let them praise Your great and fearful name; it is holy. The king's strength also loved judgment; You established uprightness; You worked judgment and righteousness in Jacob. Praise Jehovah our God, and worship at His footstool; He is holy. Moses and Aaron were among His priests, and Samuel among those who called on His name; they called on Jehovah, and He answered them. He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar; they kept His testimonies and the ordinance that He gave them. You answered them, O Jehovah our God; You were a God who forgave them, though You take vengeance for their deeds. Praise Jehovah our God, and worship at His holy hill; for Jehovah our God is holy.”
Lord, I stand in awe of You! Who is like you in all the earth or heavens above? For you know me from the inside out and yet You have rescued me from myself and you protect me from those who set themselves against You, for You are my source and shield. You have paid a high price so that I can be with you, help me to understand Your love and help me not to forget your righteousness for You are holy and just! Lord, there are so many things that keep me from seeing you clearly. Help me to love your Word so that I may know You better. Cause the world to fade away so that I may come before you in purity and simplicity. Lord, I want all of you and you deserve all of me, help me to hold nothing back. May I find you in the secret place and Lord when I call on your name answer me so that I may know You are there, for I am desperate for You. Therefore I will seek You and find You - because of your goodness You make yourself known! You raise me up in times of trouble and You humble me when my eyes wonder so that I may learn of You. I know not why but You chose me and called me by name so I give myself to You, all that I am and all that I am not. You know my faults and that which is lacking still You move me forward so I join your song! May all of creation worship You, for only You are worthy!
Have we lost sight of God’s holy righteousness and exchanged it for that which is convenient? We say God is love and His grace is sufficient. He is this and more, more than we have the right to ask but do we stop there? Do we concern ourselves with the full character of God or do we just take the parts we want? If we want God to show up in our lives we have to take all of Him or none of Him otherwise we have a pretend god, a golden calf, there to ease our conscious but this is not the One who created you and me, the One who desires the best for us, the One who offered His Son so that we may know Him.
(Psalms 99:2-9 MKJV) “Jehovah is great in Zion; and He is high above all the peoples. Let them praise Your great and fearful name; it is holy. The king's strength also loved judgment; You established uprightness; You worked judgment and righteousness in Jacob. Praise Jehovah our God, and worship at His footstool; He is holy. Moses and Aaron were among His priests, and Samuel among those who called on His name; they called on Jehovah, and He answered them. He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar; they kept His testimonies and the ordinance that He gave them. You answered them, O Jehovah our God; You were a God who forgave them, though You take vengeance for their deeds. Praise Jehovah our God, and worship at His holy hill; for Jehovah our God is holy.”
Lord, I stand in awe of You! Who is like you in all the earth or heavens above? For you know me from the inside out and yet You have rescued me from myself and you protect me from those who set themselves against You, for You are my source and shield. You have paid a high price so that I can be with you, help me to understand Your love and help me not to forget your righteousness for You are holy and just! Lord, there are so many things that keep me from seeing you clearly. Help me to love your Word so that I may know You better. Cause the world to fade away so that I may come before you in purity and simplicity. Lord, I want all of you and you deserve all of me, help me to hold nothing back. May I find you in the secret place and Lord when I call on your name answer me so that I may know You are there, for I am desperate for You. Therefore I will seek You and find You - because of your goodness You make yourself known! You raise me up in times of trouble and You humble me when my eyes wonder so that I may learn of You. I know not why but You chose me and called me by name so I give myself to You, all that I am and all that I am not. You know my faults and that which is lacking still You move me forward so I join your song! May all of creation worship You, for only You are worthy!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Who do you look to in times of trouble?
(1 Chronicles 21:1-4 MSG) “Now Satan entered the scene and seduced David into taking a census of Israel. David gave orders to Joab and the army officers under him, "Canvass all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and get a count of the population. I want to know the number." Joab resisted: "May GOD multiply his people by hundreds! Don't they all belong to my master the king? But why on earth would you do a thing like this--why risk getting Israel into trouble with God?" But David wouldn't take no for an answer, so Joab went off and did it--canvassed the country and then came back to Jerusalem”
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely! But God has a purpose and plan for those whom He loves and God loved David even though he took the census in spite of being warned by God through the captain of his army not to do this thing. Pride was at the center of David’s actions, having won previous battles he began to no longer see God as the source but himself. The same is true today when church leaders create guidelines and rules and regulations about how and when people in the church get involved instead of pointing the way and teaching people how to recognize God’s calling then encouraging them to experience God for themselves. Some leaders are so sure their way is the only way that they end up suffocating God’s true calling on one’s life and God says that is wrong! The Pharisees did the same thing, I imagine when things got started their intentions were good - they always are but like king David Satan seduced them into believing God was not the source of their success but the way they conducted themselves somehow brought about the riches they now enjoy and therefore everyone should do as they do and not only that but pay homage to them for leading the way. Eventually they got so far away from God they no longer knew Him. That is the reason Jesus opposed everything they did and vice versa. Jesus came to show the people the Father’s love and righteousness, His holiness and compassion because man and man’s laws had gotten so far out of line. (John 3:16 MSG) "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.”
No matter what how great the success we experience we must always remember God is the source. When we start adding rules and regulations to how people serve God then we better wakeup and hope we hear God’s conviction. Things did not end well for David in 1 Chronicles 21. (1 Chronicles 21:7-8 MSG) “And God, offended by the whole thing, punished Israel. Then David prayed, "I have sinned badly in what I have just done, substituting statistics for trust; forgive my sin--I've been really stupid."”
David was punished because God loved him and David was quick to let go of the pride that brought him to that point, where as with the Pharisees they continued to hold on to their pride because admitting they were wrong before God and the people was more than they could comprehend but “looking good” by means of self-righteousness and holding onto their pride cost them eternal life and removed the blessings of God in this life.
No matter what it takes, if it is a pastor loosing “his” congregation or a businessman loosing his position God wants His children to know that He is the one in control, not them and though that sounds like a selfish God that thought couldn’t be any further from the truth. God knows pride will kill our spirits and separate us from Him. He loves us too much to let that happen. Think about spiritual leaders in your life who have made bad decisions that were made public. Our first reaction is to think God is punishing them for what they’ve done and their getting what they deserved for deceiving us but God is so beyond all of that! It is God’s purpose to cause that leader to let go of his pride and humble himself before his/her Creator. Some do but many don’t, holding onto “their” ministry instead of clinging to God – their only hope of salvation! When God corrects you be quick, like David, to let go of your pride and cling to the source of all that is good, to the One who died to set you free from the life of sin you were living so that your spirit may be raised from spiritual death just as Jesus arose from the grave thereby, taking victory from death and the grave. Be quick to let go of all the efforts and striving you’ve been doing to make things “work”. Are you worn out? Do you feel as if you are giving more than you can sustain? Your spirit has been telling you something is not right but you’ve been too busy to listen. Because of His great love for us He will not allow us to continue in pride, you may be headed for a crisis. The question is how long will it take you and how much must you lose in order to see God’s plan for your life so that He may once again bless you and bring you close to His side?
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely! But God has a purpose and plan for those whom He loves and God loved David even though he took the census in spite of being warned by God through the captain of his army not to do this thing. Pride was at the center of David’s actions, having won previous battles he began to no longer see God as the source but himself. The same is true today when church leaders create guidelines and rules and regulations about how and when people in the church get involved instead of pointing the way and teaching people how to recognize God’s calling then encouraging them to experience God for themselves. Some leaders are so sure their way is the only way that they end up suffocating God’s true calling on one’s life and God says that is wrong! The Pharisees did the same thing, I imagine when things got started their intentions were good - they always are but like king David Satan seduced them into believing God was not the source of their success but the way they conducted themselves somehow brought about the riches they now enjoy and therefore everyone should do as they do and not only that but pay homage to them for leading the way. Eventually they got so far away from God they no longer knew Him. That is the reason Jesus opposed everything they did and vice versa. Jesus came to show the people the Father’s love and righteousness, His holiness and compassion because man and man’s laws had gotten so far out of line. (John 3:16 MSG) "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.”
No matter what how great the success we experience we must always remember God is the source. When we start adding rules and regulations to how people serve God then we better wakeup and hope we hear God’s conviction. Things did not end well for David in 1 Chronicles 21. (1 Chronicles 21:7-8 MSG) “And God, offended by the whole thing, punished Israel. Then David prayed, "I have sinned badly in what I have just done, substituting statistics for trust; forgive my sin--I've been really stupid."”
David was punished because God loved him and David was quick to let go of the pride that brought him to that point, where as with the Pharisees they continued to hold on to their pride because admitting they were wrong before God and the people was more than they could comprehend but “looking good” by means of self-righteousness and holding onto their pride cost them eternal life and removed the blessings of God in this life.
No matter what it takes, if it is a pastor loosing “his” congregation or a businessman loosing his position God wants His children to know that He is the one in control, not them and though that sounds like a selfish God that thought couldn’t be any further from the truth. God knows pride will kill our spirits and separate us from Him. He loves us too much to let that happen. Think about spiritual leaders in your life who have made bad decisions that were made public. Our first reaction is to think God is punishing them for what they’ve done and their getting what they deserved for deceiving us but God is so beyond all of that! It is God’s purpose to cause that leader to let go of his pride and humble himself before his/her Creator. Some do but many don’t, holding onto “their” ministry instead of clinging to God – their only hope of salvation! When God corrects you be quick, like David, to let go of your pride and cling to the source of all that is good, to the One who died to set you free from the life of sin you were living so that your spirit may be raised from spiritual death just as Jesus arose from the grave thereby, taking victory from death and the grave. Be quick to let go of all the efforts and striving you’ve been doing to make things “work”. Are you worn out? Do you feel as if you are giving more than you can sustain? Your spirit has been telling you something is not right but you’ve been too busy to listen. Because of His great love for us He will not allow us to continue in pride, you may be headed for a crisis. The question is how long will it take you and how much must you lose in order to see God’s plan for your life so that He may once again bless you and bring you close to His side?
Monday, July 26, 2010
Understanding you're not alone
I’ve never been one who needed other people to agree with me or to be part of a large crowd. Because of that I’ve always been a deep thinker, often feeling that elusive spiritual connection with my Savior that others seem to miss but the older I get the more I realize the importance of relationship with others. In the 1998 movie “The Mask of Zorro” with Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins you learned there wasn’t just one person who was the hero but through generations this responsibility was handed down. In one scene you see Zorro teaching his protégé about the training rings. Starting and ending on the outer most ring tragically is where most people stay. It represents the many people he knew but had little influence with. As he advanced the rings got smaller but his influence increased and so it is with us, if you follow God’s calling. We know many people but the relationships where God seems to give us the most influence are few. For the parent God gives influence with the children, for the leader God gives influence with the constituents, with the married God gives influence with their spouse, with the skilled God gives influence with the those who have questions, and the list goes on. Always remember this, though you are given influence with certain relationships you are only a steward but God is the source! Therefore, you are not alone – God is with you! Your children don’t belong to you but to God. One of the most difficult things I’ve had to learn as a husband, father, and leader is that I am not in control and I’ve found when I am doing my best my will is aligned with His. However, when I try to take control that is when I feel the most secluded. If you listen carefully you’ll come to understand the more your will is aligned with His the more influence you’ll be given and thus the more He will supply your needs. He will never forsake you regardless of the amount of faith you walk in but know this He has a purpose for your life and He intends to grow you up spiritually so don’t be surprised when you feel like you are being stretched – that is your opportunity to trust Him more!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Your story
Your life is unique and as such the telling of it can be used to glorify Christ Jesus and what He means to you. Don’t take this the wrong way but if you know Christ no matter what you’ve been through your story has purpose. God places you in contact with others who need to hear how you made it through. You say but you don’t understand I was abused as a child or I was neglected and left alone or maybe drugs and alcohol controlled you. You may say that sickness or poverty controlled my life – how can that glorify God? Allow me to clarify something that doesn’t keep you from having a great testimony rather it shows how great Jesus Christ is! I grew up in an ordinary, every day dysfunctional family who went to church. I knew what it meant to be saved at an early age and at the age of nine gave my heart to Jesus, still there were many inward battles and as Father God led me through each one I built an altar of remembrance like Abraham did as God led Israel out of Egypt. God wants you to remember your journey so that at the right time you may share it with others who are currently going through the same things you have been through. You see contrary to popular belief this life is not all there is. If it was I would be upset that I wasn’t born rich or well educated or had the same opportunities others have. Instead this life is preparation for what God has prepared for us. It takes a lifetime for us to understand God’s love and mercy and when we understand that then we are ready to meet Him but somewhere between this understanding and seeing the Author of our Salvation there are people to help. We have a duty to point the way so that they may also taste salvation and know God’s goodness! This brings to light the meaning of this verse: (Romans 8:28 MKJV) “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
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