I Do Not Sit as a King

Scripture: As she glorified herself and lived in luxury, so give her a like measure of torment and mourning, since in her heart she says, ‘I sit as a queen, I am no widow, and mourning I shall never see.’ Revelation 18:7

Observation: John is relating the destiny of Babylon. Not sure if Babylon is a religion, a restored political power, or new entity. But one thing that will be a part of Babylon will be her sexual immorality and how she has led others to drink the “wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.” In verse 7 we get a clue to her attitude: In her heart she says she sits as a queen who has never been married. In this case, I think it refers to how she is accountable to no one. She is a solo ruler, with no acknowledgement of God as supreme authority. There is no one she reports to; she is a law unto herself. This is the root of her immorality—the arrogance of independence. At its core, all sexual immorality is a declaration that we sit as kings and queens, independent of God and his archaic, binding rules. Sadly, Babylon thinks that freedom comes from getting to do what you want, when true freedom comes from purity and living under authority.

Application: Our world continues to chase immorality under the guise of freedom. Anytime God and his word enters the picture, the cry of “oppression” goes out. As we were in the garden, we are today: We don’t want anyone telling us what we can and cannot do. As I enter 2010, I want to reaffirm my position as dependent on God, subject to his best will for me. And this includes purity. I am not free to do as I please. I do not sit as a king who will never mourn. I am subject to the king.

Prayer: God, redouble my passion for purity in my life, on screen, online, in life. Let me do so knowing it is your best for me, and not an oppression. Purity is liberty.

You are Not Blessed by Hearing the Word...

Scripture: Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. Revelation 1:3

Observation: John says that those who read this book (in the early church, these letters would have been read aloud to an audience of listeners like our modern day preaching) are blessed. And those who hear and keep, or obey are blessed. In other words, you are not blessed by hearing the words, but by hearing and obeying them.

Application: This is a common theme in scripture—that we are expected to do what we hear from Jesus. Often I get well-meaning people who will share with me observations on my sermons like, “Great sermon today,” or “we need more good preaching like this.” I take those words in the spirit that they are intended. But I wonder if they reveal a misalignment between us and John’s words. The blessing does not come from hearing a sermon, but from taking to heart the truth of God within. In other words, preaching is only “good” if the hearers hear and obey what God has said to them through it. The criteria for good preaching is not how many hear, but how many hear and keep. This is a good reminder that the goal of preaching is to glorify God, and that happens when people apply the word to their lives, not simply listen.

Prayer: God, keep me laser focused on being a doer of the word and not a hearer only. And help me keep that as a focus for Pulpit Rock as well. We have been known for decades as a church that preaches the word. May we become known now as a church that does the word.

Show Your Wife How Strong You Are

Scripture: Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7

Observation: Peter is writing to believers under the great stress of persecution. Under this stress, husbands may tend to lash out at their wives, using their louder voices and stronger hands. By doing so, they fail to honor their wives as weaker, not less important, vessels. They also fail to see that their wives are co-heirs of the grace of life. That they are under the same pressures and stresses that come with being a believer in a fallen world. Husbands are to understand this, and live with their wives in a way that protects them and honors them. Men are to act like the stronger vessels, and be ready to bear the brunt of pressure without letting it affect how they treat their wives. This is part of what it means to be the stronger vessel. It is not about power, but about servanthood. It is not about exerting will but shielding from harm.

Application: Jessica and I are both under the general stresses of life. Yet sometimes I let the pressure affect the way I speak to her. Instead of shielding her, I bring more pressure. I feel like God is calling me out in this area. I recently decided that we would have a time, even briefly, each night where we talk before we watch TV, read books, etc. Into this time, I need to incorporate a moment of prayer. In this way, we can share the pressures and redirect the stress towards prayer and God, instead of me bottling it up and lashing out.

Prayer: God, help me demonstrate true strength to my wife, not with volume or words, but with prayer and burden-bearing.

We Who Teach Will Be Judged

Scripture: Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. James 3:1

Observation: James tells us that those who teach God’s word regularly have a greater responsibility at the judgment. This probably refers to the content of the teaching, making sure it is accurate. But it may also refer to the lifestyle of the teacher. If you are in a position of spiritual authority, then you must be extra aware of your words and actions. This does not seem fair. Shouldn’t everyone, teacher or not, strive to be pure in their life? It almost seems unfair to expect something different from teachers. It seems like it creates an artificial wall between teachers and “everybody else.” However, it does make sense—those who more publically proclaim the word have greater opportunity for harm, and need to be extra careful.

Application: Recently I was out with friends and said some things I regret. While I asked those who were with me for forgiveness, one thought nagged at me. What if one of the other people there that day happened to visit our church and hear me teaching? What would their impression be of the difference between my words that night and my words from the pulpit? I actually thought, “I hope they never come to our church.” God corrected this thought pronto! I guess sometimes I want to be able to take off the pastor hat and just be me. This is fine if it is an attempt to be genuine and not hypocritical. However, this verse tells me that I do need to be extra careful about how I live, because as a teacher, I will be judged with greater strictness.

Prayer: God, let me strive to follow you. May I trust in you, Holy Spirit, to produce the fruit of self-control in my life. And while I do not want to create an artificial fishbowl, I do need to be sensitive to the position you have placed me in, and how I need to be extra aware of my words and deeds.

Flee the Youthful Passion to Debate it All

Scripture: …charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers…flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 2 Timothy 2:14,22-23

Observation: God is warning Timothy not to get embroiled in pointless arguments about words. The reason is: the more people hear debates about words, the more they think that words, not deeds are what is important. That having the right theology is sufficient. They become content to be hearers of the word instead of doers. And then God says to flee youthful passion. I always assumed this was the sexual cravings of a young man. But in context, it seems likely that these are the youthful tendencies to debate and argue theology. I have noticed that younger people want to debate every point of theology vigorously. I think this is an important part of the maturity process—I went through it as well. It is important to own your faith. But as you grow and mature, you begin to see that not everything is worth arguing about. That you can be fast friends with someone you disagree with. That doing the word begins to take on preeminence. The worst kind of shepherd is one who wants to always debate and discuss theological controversies. Is there a place for that? Sure, but not when trying to lead those who call upon the Lord with a pure heart. You run the risk of ruining their purity and poisoning them, turning them into debaters of the word instead of doers.

Application: Not everything is worth a fight. I need to pull back from debating and rest in where God has me. I must remain open to learning and to changing, but I should not feel guilty when I take steps to avoid pointless debates.

Prayer: God, keep me humble and focused on you. Help me lead those who come to me with quarrels about words to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Show me the line between genuine discussion and ignorant controversies.

Some Sins Appear Later

Scripture: The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 1 Timothy 5:24

Observation: Paul warns Timothy to go slow in the elder selection process. For while some men have easily seen issues, others have things going on in their lives that take time to come out. Sometimes these sins appear later because the seeds have been planted years before, and were never dealt with.

Application: First, we need to be careful in how we appoint leaders to crucial positions like elder or pastor. We need to take time to watch and live with others so we can see the character of their life. But on a personal note, I feel like God is asking me, “What are those sins that will appear later in your life?” Are there areas that are hidden? Are there seeds being planted that could grow up into life-chocking weeds? So what I do today, even if it is not that big of a deal, has potential impact on future-me.

Prayer: God, help me unearth the wild seeds in my life. The seeds that lay dormant for now, but if untended, will grow. I want to be in this for the long haul. Please keep me from damaging myself by not taking care of seeds now. Thanks for your loving hand in my life.

My Job is to Not Discourage My Kids.

Scripture: Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Colossians 3:21

Observation: Paul makes this command to dads. This is a man command. The order is: Don’t let your man anger come out against your kids, or they will feel like they can never please you and will quit trying. Men in particular need to heed this call, because of our propensity towards power and anger.

Application: God wants me to restrain my anger, lest I ruin my kids. I think I get angry when I feel not in control. When no one is listening to me. But instead of wading in and helping the situation, it is easier for me to send everyone to their room with a harsh word. In the short term I solve the problem. But at what long term cost? God is calling me to see that not discouraging my kids is my job as dad. Tonight, I want to share this verse with my kids at dinner, as well as the verse before it.

Prayer: God, give me patience. Help me discover how I can refrain from discouraging my kids.

Moving from Desire to Prayer

Scripture: Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. Romans 10:1

Observation: Paul is writing about his family, his kinsmen, the Jews. For several chapters he has been writing about how their attempt to be right with God through effort has failed. The only way for them to be rescued is to call upon the name of the Lord and believe in Christ. Here, he expresses his heart’s desire: They might be saved. However, this is more than a desire, it is an action. He prays.

Application: Of course my desire is for others to be saved. But do I go beyond that to prayer? It is one thing to hope; another to put your money where your mouth is and pray.

Prayer: God, you’ve been nailing me with the call to pray for the lost. Today I pray for J. and F. and my neighbor. May they see you and call upon you. May you send laborers into their lives, including me, to seek and save them. Help me develop a list of those to take to you in prayer.

Living in an Unlocked Prison Cell

Scripture: Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? Romans 6:16

Observation: Paul is writing to believers to ask, “Should we keep sinning since we are now covered by grace?” The answer is, no. Even Christians, set free by Christ, can fall back into slavery by choosing to present themselves to sin. Imagine someone choosing to live in an unlocked prison cell, or to serve an evil master after then had been released. Whoever I obey, that is my master. Sin or obedience.

Application: Convicted this week about my purity. Yes I have the filters on my computer, etc., but the struggle for pure eyes has many different battlefields. Satan has many weapons in his arsenal, and he keeps on coming. If I give in, I am presenting myself as an obedient slave to sin, to immorality. Funny—we extol the freedom we have in our country to view whatever we want. But this freedom is a lie—it is really a step into slavery. It is choosing to live in the unlocked prison cell. God, let me redouble my commitment and dependence on you for freedom in this area.

Prayer: God, today I choose obedience. I want to be a slave to you, not to anything on this earth. Help me keep my mind and eyes clean, for you, for my wife, for my kids.

How Can I Stand on That Day?

Scripture: He will render to each one according to his works…For God shows no partiality. Romans 2:6,11

Observation: Paul is making the point that God judges us by our works. That it does not matter what your religious, racial, societal, or economic status is—in the end, we all stand on equal ground before the judgment. God is completely impartial, not having favorites, or letting some people off the hook because he likes them better. He judges solely by his own standards. Sadly, according to his standards, we are all guilty. If we try to stand before God on our own merit, we will be found guilty. And we cannot influence his decision by claiming special privilege.

Application: If this is true, then the only shot we have is mercy. That is the point of Christmas. That all of earth stands equally condemned, with no hope. But the good news is that through Christ, we have a way to stand before God. We can stand on Christ’s merit, and not our own. Our only hope at surviving judgment is Christ.

Prayer: God, I simply want to thank you for Jesus in my life. I can see how if I stood before you in judgment, I would fail miserably on my own. Yet, because of Christ, I will stand on that day, and survive. Thanks for my rescue and help me to extend that hope to others.

I Think I Just Stumped God...oh, wait.

Scripture: But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. Matthew 22:29

Observation: The Sadducees hope to show how silly the idea of the resurrection is by asking Jesus an absurd question about a woman whose 7 husbands died. Jesus tells them they have two problems. 1) They don’t know what the bible says about a resurrection, and 2) they don’t know how powerful God is. God is so powerful and heaven so unimaginable, that our questions and arguments seem silly. We think we are so smart that we can trap God into admitting a mistake. These guys thought they could stump Jesus, and all they did was reveal how finite their minds are.

Application: God is powerful enough to work out any situation. When I cannot see how, when his ways seem illogical, when it seems I have trapped Him with a great question, all it does is reveal how little I know of God’s word and His power. There are a few knotty questions I have about the future—How will God do it? The answer is found in God’s word and his power.

Prayer: May I know your word and believe it. May I know your power and pray for it. God I am trusting you in huge ways to show me your power. Help me believe and lead others to believe in your power to create and solve and move mountains.

When Believing Isn’t Enough.

Scripture: And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” ….
He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:17,20

Observation: A woman comes to Jesus looking for healing for her son, after the disciples failed to heal him. Jesus strongly rebukes…his disciples. They are the faithless and twisted generation. Later, he explains why they could not heal the boy—their faith was little. The problem is not that they did not believe who Jesus was. The problem was that they were not depending on who Jesus was. They did not lack faith; they lacked dependence on Jesus. They believed they could do it, but Jesus needed them to depend on Him to do it. The disciples were not given a magical gift of healing that they could do as they wished. They were not empowered simply for following Jesus. Their ability to heal was conditional on their reliance upon Christ. With this little bit of reliance, mountains could be moved.
There is a difference in believing who Jesus is and depending on him to move mountains. We don’t get to move mountains because we are Christians. We get to move mountains as we depend on Him in faith. It is arrogant to order around mountains simply because we bear the name Christian. But in humble dependence, we *can* move mountains.

Application: I have strong belief in who Jesus is. But I do not always have strong dependence on him to move the mountains in my life. I can see some pretty big mountains. And maybe I have been trying to move them out of my authority as a believer, out of belief. But not out of dependent faith. Christ, am I depending on You or on me to move this mountain?

Prayer: Jesus, forgive my self-reliance. Help me today to depend on you. Show me the mountains you want to move. Let me see what you can do with dependant faith—even as little as a seed—to move mountains.

Act like you have a Heavenly Father

Scripture:   "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?'
  "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
  "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6

Observation:. God know everything we need. As people who have a Heavenly Father, we ought to act like it. We ought to approach needs--even desperate needs--with faith and peace.

Application: Just this week God reminded me that he knows my needs and can bring unexpected answers in an instance. I need to not worry but trust him to care and act in his timing. The key is to prioritize him, and let him take care of the rest.

Prayer:. God, thank you for your timely provision. Help me seek you and trust you will add what I need when I need it.

Before The Leading

Scripture: From you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel…Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him…Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 2:6, 3:13, 4:1

Observation: King Herod’s wise men quote to him from the Old Testament, to explain the rumors of a king who was just born. They say that this baby will be a ruler who will shepherd Israel. But the first two things we see this Ruling Shepherd doing are being baptized and being tested. Before a disciple is called, before a lesson is taught, before a sickness is healed, there is obedience and testing. The obedience was necessary for Christ to identify with sinful people in need of cleansing. The testing was needed to demonstrate that Jesus identified with God as a sinless man.

Application: God has called me to leadership. But before the leading, there is being led. Jesus was led to the Jordan to obey through baptism. Jesus was led into the wilderness to endure testing. What must I also be led in before I lead others? It seems the twin lessons here are obedience and Spirit-powered endurance. Are there areas where I am not obeying? Are there areas where I am not enduring through Spirit’s power? One area for me is the area of prayer. A friend joked with me this week about how I always say I don’t pray enough. He thought that was funny, but I thought, “When does that stop being something I say?” Prayer—specifically praying for God to bring people to Christ through me and through our church—is something I need to do in obedience, and will require Spirit-powered endurance. Today I will build into my weekly schedule specific time devoted towards prayer for the mission of God to succeed in me and our church. I think right now, the Spirit is telling me 40 minutes a week to correspond to the 40 days of prayer Jesus prayed.

Prayer: God, help me pray. Let me be led by the Spirit in prayer before I lead others. Let me do this in obedience and Spirit-powered endurance.

Sifting Through the Voices

Scripture: But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ…And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:3,14

Observation: Paul is warning the Corinthians to be on the alert to people who claim to speak truth, who claim to be apostles, who are really being used by Satan to lead them astray from simple devotion to Christ.

Application: Satan is alive and well, and he does not always appear in horror-movie guise. Sometimes he comes as an angel of light. Sometimes he comes in good garb and through well-intentioned people. The challenge of leadership is not to distinguish good from bad, but good from best, since Satan will get us to do good, so that we never get to what is God’s best.

So, God is saying two things to me. First, I need to keep a sincere and pure devotion to Christ foremost in my life. Do the things I practice and teach focus me and others on Christ? Or can I ever so subtly, shift the focus to church, or religion, or other things? Second, I need to be aware that people are going to come to me with visions for our church that may not be from God. These people may be well-meaning, sincere believers, but Satan would use them to deter us as a church from where God is calling us to be. I need to be careful. I need to make sure I have a sincere and pure devotion to Christ myself, so that when these people approach, I can sift through their words to see if it is from the Lord or not.

Prayer: God, give me your wisdom. Be my filter through which I can pass all sorts of ideas and strategies. I can lead with confidence and conviction if I am leading out of your word and direction. Help me devotion to Christ to be sincere and pure so I can discern your voice from the noise of the evil one.

Into the Wild

Scripture: For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

Observation: Who would ever choose to go from rich to poor? Wouldn’t everyone who is poor rather choose to be rich? Yet Jesus chose to go from rich to poor. He gave up his resources so that others would become rich towards God.
I recently saw a movie, Into the Wild, about a young man who gave up all earthly possessions, abandoned his car, burned his money, so he could go on an adventure and find himself. He became poor for his *own* sake. Yet Jesus became poor for the sake of others. Jesus went into the wild of our planet, forsaking all his wealth.
Am I willing to become poor for the sake of others? Am I willing to give up my resources so that others might become rich towards God? What am I willing to do with the resources I have? Especially when those resources are tight. How can I become poor when I really need riches for me and my family? For the dentist, for new tires, for Christmas presents. The answer is, I can if I value others becoming rich towards God.

Application: Tonight, when I give my kids their allowance, and we set aside part to go to God, I want to show them this verse and help them see that the money they give to God helps make other people rich towards God. I want them (and me) to see the direct connect between giving up our resources and helping others come to Christ.

Prayer: God, please let me reexamine my wealth in light of what it could do to further the gospel. Show me how I can become poor(er) so that others can become richer towards You. Give me practical ways to show your love to someone this week. Help me go into the wild.

Finding Fault with God

Scripture: Shall a fault finder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it. Job 40:2

Observation: Job has spoken to God. Job’s friends have spoken about God. But now, God finally speaks. He does not answer Job’s questions, but challenges his perspective. He reminds Job that God is God and Job is Job. Here, he asks Job what right he has to find fault with the way God has chosen to do things. He even calls Job a name: “fault finder.”

Application: Am I a fault finder? Do I find fault with the way God has chosen to do things in my life? Maybe some things have not worked out the way I wanted, but is it my place to contend and correct God? If I do this, I might also have a lot to answer for.

Prayer: God, let me trust you. Shall I accept good from your hand and not bad? You know what you are doing. Give me faith to wait, to see, to be patient, and to not find fault.

While I'm Waiting for the Rain

Scripture: Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen. Job 37:13

Observation: Job’s friend is talking about the absolute power God has over creation—ordering snow to fall, breathing out ice, scattering lightening. He explains that God exercises his control sometimes to correct people, or show them his love, but sometimes just because the land needs it.

Application: Sometimes I tend to think it is all about me. That I am the only actor in the drama of life. That I am the only field needing rain. That when God is making his decisions or exercising his power, I am the top consideration. But God has a lot he is trying to accomplish through his exercise of sovereignty. Sometimes he acts in my life to correct something or refine me. Sometimes he acts to show me his love. But sometimes, he acts in my life to accomplish other things unrelated to me. That God can balance all of these things throughout our entire world of billions is a reminder of his absolute power and Godhood. So when I sometimes get impatient with His timing, when I want the rain to fall right now, I need to remember that he has other fields and purposes He is working out. He might be delaying the rain not to teach me, but because he is working on another situation or person.

Prayer: God, I trust you. It is not all about me and my timing and needs. I trust that you know my needs, I am on your radar. You are working out my life while balancing out all the other work you are doing. Please let me see your bigger picture and develop patience in your timing.

God Was Not Pleased with Most of Them

Scripture:
For I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 1 Cor. 10:1-5

Observation: What a stunning, out-of-left-field comment! Paul says that our fathers all experienced the same things, did the same things, looked the same. Yet God was not pleased with MOST OF THEM. Why? Because of their lack of faith, as evidenced by disobedience and grumbling.

Application: Could it be true that two people could do the same things, go to the same church, eat the same food, live the same life, and yet because of an attitude or lack of faith, risk God’s displeasure? Does God value faith and attitude more? Could I do the same things others do, and yet incur God’s displeasure because of disobedience or grumbling or lack of faith? God, you are telling me that action is not enough. I need to not merely imitate others who are successful. I need to have faith. For example: A witnessing program is not what our church needs to get on board with the mission of God. What we need is faith in God and obedience to his calling.

Prayer: God, as you are stirring me to see how we have neglected your call to share the gospel, please keep me centered in prayer, in asking the Lord of the harvest to raise up people who will go into the fields and seek and save the lost. Help me to think prayer and faith first, action second.

The Theology of Halloween Candy

Scripture: This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 1 Corinthians 8:1

Application: Paul is writing the Corinthians about the problem of people eating food that had been offered to idols. Many of the Corinthians felt this was no problem, since they “knew” these idols were pretend and so offering food to them meant nothing (8:4). While this is theologically correct, Paul’s point is that knowing the truth can lead to arrogance, while loving others builds up the body. Instead of bragging on their theology which permitted food offered to idols, they should consider the higher call of love for their newer brothers and sisters who might struggle with seeing people eat this food.

Observation: Knowing the truth can arrogantly lead me to be insensitive to others. I so passionately defend my freedom that I can hurt my brothers. My theology might be right, but my heart might not. I could win the battle and lose the war. Recently I was handing out leftover Halloween candy on Sunday morning for fun. One guy refused the candy, saying he did not eat Halloween candy on a sacred day. Now, I *knew* that theologically, there was no problem with the candy. It was just sugar. I found myself getting a little arrogant in my heart, wanting to get into the theology of evil candy. But in light of these verses, which better served God that morning: the knowledge that the candy was okay to eat, or the love of being gracious to another person’s beliefs?

Prayer: God, let me take care that my rights do not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. Let me look with love on those who take offense at my freedoms, instead of wanting to so quickly correct them.

Where Shall Wisdom Be Found?

Scripture:
But where shall wisdom be found?
And where is the place of understanding?
God understands the way to it,
and he knows its place. Job 28:12, 23

Observation: Job writes a poem centering on a profoundly simple question: Where can we find wisdom? The answer is equally simple: God. If I want to know how to make decisions, set priorities, choose opportunities, discern danger, or live wisely, I need wisdom. And only God knows the way to wisdom.

Application: This Sunday, I am preaching on why the apostles devoted themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. They knew that for the word of God to increase, for the number of disciples to multiply greatly, and for people to come to obedience to the faith, they needed to know the mind of God. The way to do that was prioritize the ministry of prayer and the word. This is behind this past year’s attempt for me to daily spend time in my devotions. I am desperate to find the wisdom I need.

Prayer: God, Forgive me for failing to honor you as the Source of all wisdom. You know what is wise for me, and as I soak my mind in your word, you show me the way. Please give me victory today as I move our church towards being people who hear from you in your word.

The Central Question Of Life.

Scripture:
How then can man be in the right before God?
How can he who is born of woman be pure? Job 25:4

Observation: Job’s friend asks a question—more out of despair than confidence. Yet his question is at the core of our humanity. If there is a God, how can people born on earth be right with him? Religion seems to be an attempt to answer this question different ways. But if there is a God, then this becomes much more than an interesting theological debate—it becomes the core question we must answer.

Application: Recently I was asked by someone why it was important to share our faith with others—especially people who already have a religion or faith system. I answered that it all came back to Jesus. If this question of being right with God has many paths and answers, then it really is not important to tell others about Christ. But if Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to God but through him (John 14:6), then there is only one answer, and as narrow as it might seem, we ought to lovingly and respectfully share this with others.
I must answer this myself. How can someone be in the right before God? Is it through doing good? Is it through faith in something, anything? Are there many roads? Or is the answer one word, Jesus? If so, how will I share this truth with others that they also might be right with God?

Prayer: God, you said Christ was the only way. I believe this in my mind, but don’t always act like it. Please help me and our church believe this. Help us share the heart of Christ in love and respect. Give me opportunities to do this even today.

Why Am I Really Mad At God?

Scripture: They wrong the barren, childless woman, and do no good to the widow. Yet God prolongs the life of the mighty by his power; they rise up when they despair of life. Job 24:21-22

Observation: Job is frustrated with the struggle between God’s sovereignty and the obvious injustice in the world. If God does whatever he desires and no one can turn him back (23:13), then why do those who take advantage of the poor prosper? Why do those who perpetuate injustice seem to flourish under God’s control? This is why Job is so bitter: God says he cares about injustice, yet seems to do nothing when it occurs.
But is Job really that concerned about injustice in his world, or is he using this to protest his own feelings about how God has dealt with him? Job feels he has done everything right before God, and he has been treated unjustly. This bitterness turns into a general complaint about how God deals with injustice.
So often, we get riled up over how God deals with this world when the real issue is between God and us. We hide behind theological and philosophical arguments and talk about situations half-way around the world when the real issue is: We are mad at God about *our* situation.

Application: I often find myself angry about things I see in this world, or actions of others. And I can easily characterize these things as indictments of God. But could it be that the reason for my anger is that I feel I have gotten a raw deal? Am I failing to go to God and directly deal with the issue, instead hiding behind theological and philosophical arguments about good and evil?

Prayer: God, help me look below the waterline, to see what really motivates my feelings and actions. To see if my anger is motivated by holy discontent, or a sense of personal loss. Show me what is going on in the waters of my heart.

I Amaze Jesus!

Scripture: And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. Mark 6:5-6

Observation: Jesus could do no miracles because of the rejection and unbelief he found there. Obviously Jesus can do anything, but it seems he will not do miracles where there are hard-hearts and rejection.

Application: Yesterday I got great news about a friend of mine I have been praying for to come out of a horrible medical situation. I was so excited that the first words out of my mouth were, “I don’t believe it.” I felt God say, “And that’s your problem.” I wonder—are there miracles Jesus hasn’t done in my life because I do not believe? Could it be that Jesus marvels at my unbelief even more, because I am already a believer and should know better. Maybe I amaze Jesus too with my unbelief.

Prayer: God, I do believe. Help my unbelief. I don’t want to amaze you in the wrong way. I want to believe in your power to heal and change hearts. Let me have faith to expect today.

For I Know

Scripture: “Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! Oh that with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. Job 19:23-25

Observation: Job longs to know that if he is to die, his words would not die with him. That he would be able to leave a legacy, either on paper or on rock. That somewhere, his words would remain, to guide and instruct others. Specifically, what he wants his words to do is to stand as a witness to future peoples. A witness that even amidst pain and suffering, and the face of death, Job stands on the conviction that his redeemer lives and will stand upon the earth.

Application: Yesterday I talked with a friend who was in a great deal of pain. The pain is so great that his temptation is to focus only on himself and his pain. Yet in the midst of it, another friend encouraged him to lift his eyes and believe that God is good and has a plan for his life, even through this. In essence, he was calling him to faith that his redeemer lives and in the end, God will win out. These are hard words and I am not sure how they were received. Yet Job, who is going through the greatest loss, is somehow able to say, “I just want people to remember I did not give up on God—He is my Redeemer and I know he will stand on the Earth in the end.”

Prayer: Pray for my friend today that he would not give up and close his eyes, but open them and see the light that is breaking through into his life. The light of God. God is not done yet and will be his redeemer if he can only trust and not give up.

Obstacle or Opportunity?

Scripture: He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. Acts 28:30-31

Observation: Luke ends the book of Acts with Paul in prison for at least 2 years. Yet while in prison, the bible says he continued to proclaim Christ with boldness and without hindrance.

Application: I certainly would call being in prison a “hindrance” to proclaiming the kingdom of God. I would try to help God see that if released, I could do a much better job of proclaiming the kingdom. But not Paul. No matter his circumstances, he continued to proclaim with boldness. Paul did not see obstacles, only opportunities. How different this is from me. I tend to see the smallest of obstacles as excuses not to share.

Prayer: God, you are using Acts to challenge my notions of witnessing and boldness and obstacles. May you show me today obstacles that are really opportunities to share. I want to volunteer to be used by you this day.

Why God Conceals Truth

Scripture: For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us. Acts 16:28

Observation: A group of believers met to pray and talk about what to do with non-Jewish converts to Christianity. They come to a decision, one that the Holy Spirit communicated to them as a group.

Application: Over the last ten years God has been teaching me how He wants to speak to me through groups. From sermon collaboration to leadership communities and now lately to me through doing devotions with others. This is a contrast from the “get alone and hear from God” approach. While there is a place for that, there is also the truth that God might deliberately conceal truths for me so that I am forced to depend on others to find them out. (This last truth came from a conversation with my friend Randy yesterday—another example of what I am talking about.) Proverbs 25:2: “It is the glory of God to conceal things but the glory of kings is to search things out.” In other words, there might be things the Holy Spirit will say to me only as I listen to Him through others.

Prayer: God, continue moving me down the path of collaborative hearing. Of learning to listen to you through others. You long to speak to your people. Let it be my glory to search it out. Amen

For Those Who Have their Act All Together

Scripture: In the thought of one who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune;
it is ready for those whose feet slip. Job 12:5

Observation: Job’s 3 friends have been trying to help him by giving him pat answers to his suffering. They say that Job is suffering because of his own sin. Job’s response is to say that sometimes, pain is not anyone’s fault, but just the way life is under God’s sovereignty. Here in verse 5, Job says that the reason his friends can be so theologically flippant sis because their life is at ease.

People whose life is free from pain often look down on and blame people who suffer.

Application: Why is this? I think we like steps and sequences in our worldview. If we do “X” then we expect “Y.” But if we get “Z,” then the blame must be on us for not doing “X” well enough. So it is easy to see someone in suffering—poverty, divorce, misfortune—and say, “You are suffering because you did not do X.” This gives us a sense of security. We think we can avoid pain if we just do X. But the reality of Job is that even people who do X, and do it well, can find their world ripped apart. Living right is no guarantee of smooth sailing.

Prayer: God, help me give grace to people. I am passionate about giving biblical steps to help people. But let me also recognize that You do not always follow my steps. You are wild, untamed by my attempts to domesticate You. I need to find my security not in my consistency, but Your character. Let me not be like Job’s friends and rely on pat answers to the deep things of God. Amen.

Wishing You Had Never Been Born

Scripture: Why did you bring me out from the womb? Would that I had died before any eye had seen me Job 10:18

Observation: Job has resigned himself to the fact that God is in control. But if all God’s ways are just and good, and Job feels he has gotten a raw deal, what can he do about it? His answer is: nothing. Job feels royally messed over, and with nowhere to turn, he wishes he was dead. He wishes he had died in the womb rather than live a life of suffering.

Application: Many people feel this way. Few verbalize it as desperately and honestly as Job. God is using this verse to remind me that while I may have never wished I died in the womb—many people do. There is a lot of suffering and pain out there that is real and sore. In these moments of pain, God desires to speak.

Prayer: God, help me be sensitive to pain in others. I cannot always “fix” it or explain it (see the failure of Job’s friends). I may not even be able to assuage it one bit. But I can seek You for them and for Your purposes in their pain.

Truth hurts. Withholding Truth Hurts More.

Scripture: He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. Job 6:14

Observation: Job is alluding to the bad advice he got from his “friend” Eliphaz. Instead of speaking God’s truth to Job in his time of hurt, Eliphaz spoke his own words. By family to speak the truth in love, he withheld the kindness of God. By withholding the kindness of God, he revealed he lack of fear of God.

Application: Often we try to comfort friends in need by agreeing with them, or telling them things will be okay. What we fail to do is speak God’s truth in love to them. Why? I think we fear them more than God. We fear their disapproval. We just want them to “feel better,” not to get back on track with God. And sometimes the words of God don’t feel very kind, especially when they correct us. Truth hurts. Withholding truth hurts more. I have often told people what I think they want to hear, rather than the words of God I know the need. When I do this, I am withholding God’s kindness to them, and forsaking the fear of the Almighty.

Prayer: God, this is hard for me. I like conversations to be happy and stress free. Help me to listen to your spirit, and speak truth when you call me to. Don’t let me withhold your kindness just because sometimes Your kindness hurts. Let me fear you more than the conversation. Amen

Remind Yourself!

Scripture: They refused to listen and did not remember your wonderous deeds which you performed among them so they became stubborn. Nehemiah 9:17

Observation: Nehemiah 9 is a long song recounting the ongoing cycle of God's people who forget God's deliverances and blessings, only to suffer his discipline. But time after time God deals faithfully even with the unfaithful.

Application: How do I break this cycle in my life? I forget God and beleive my own press clippings until I need his rescue. I think the key word is forget. When we forget God's wonderous deeds we become stubbon and self-reliant and refuse to listen. The secret, then, is to remember God *before* the discipline is needed.
A friend of mine told me he called spankings "reminders.". When his kids said they did not want a "reminder," he said, "Then remind yourself!" I remind myself by reading God's Word and by rereading God's words to
me in my journal. I need to reread my old journals this week and the upcoming weeks to remind myself.

Prayer: God, help me remind myself so I do not forget you and become stubborn.

Today and That Day

Scripture: But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:34-36

Opportunity: Jesus has used several analogies to call people to prepare for the kingdom to come. At the end of this chapter, he reminds us to not let the world’s diversions lull us to sleep, but to mentally stay awake and alert, praying for escape from the things to come.

Application: I think the single hardest reality to grasp in Christianity is the return of Christ. I think we all understand it, but it does not motivate and drive us on a daily basis. Probably because this world’s primary goal is to divert us from the truth. However, the teachings of Christ, this was a major theme—prepare for My return. Martin Luther once wrote: "There are only two days on my calendar: Today and That Day."

Prayer: Jesus, I am easily diverted. Thanks for reminding me that your return will be swift and sudden. I volunteer today, Holy Spirit, to be used by you to help point people towards your return.

We Don’t Want the Man To Reign Over Us

Scripture: “We do not want this man to reign over us.” Luke 19:14

Observation: Jesus is telling a parable as he nears Jerusalem about a nobleman who goes away and leaves servants in charge. The citizens of the kingdom rebel against his choice of authority. They plead with the nobleman—“we don’t want that man to reign over us.” This parallels the attitude of the Jews who rejected the Messiah. It also parallels our attitudes today—we really don’t want this man Jesus to reign over us.

Application: Jesus is fine as long as he is a role model or spiritual guide. He is fine as long as his words line up with what we want. But the moment that he begins to make demands on our lives, we rebel. I see this in how this world interacts with Jesus, and I see it in my life. I still have areas of my life that I feel are mine, outside of Jesus. Not necessarily bad things, but my things. Will I submit to the authority of Christ? He is more than a good buddy or spiritual guide. He is the man appointed to reign over me.

Prayer: Jesus, I cling to you as savior but recoil from you as Lord. Forgive me for resisting the man who reigns over me. I am asking the Spirit all week to use me throughout the day. Please let me connect this to your authority. To see that these are not suggestions from a guide, but calls from a commander.

One Day, They Will Look and Believe

Scripture: And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. Zechariah 12:10

Observation: Zechariah is predicting a future day when the nation of Israel will be given a gift—the gift of the Holy Spirit who enables faith so that when they look to Christ in faith, they will be moved to mourning and repentance (pleas for mercy).

Application: We are going through Acts as a church and seeing the growing rejection of the second offer of Jesus Christ by Israel. The first offer, in the gospels, ended in the rejection of Christ to the point of death. The second offer, in Acts, is moving towards the end of national rejection of Christ as the Messiah, and the death of many followers. My heart breaks as I read Acts and see the grace and patience of God who re-offers the kingdom and still finds rejection. This passage in Zechariah reminds me that rejection will not last forever. That one day, Israel will see what they have been blind to for so long—Christ crucified, and when they see him, the Spirit will move them to faith, finally.
Sometimes I look at people and think they are beyond God. They have rejected Christ over and over, and I am quick to dust off my feet and get moving. But if God can change the heart of a nation, he can change the heart of a man.

Prayer: God, thank you for keeping your promises to your people, even when they do not keep their promises to you. Thank you for your love for Israel, and how you keep reaching out. Give me guidance today in knowing when to keep offering the kingdom, and when to move on. Thank you for reminding me that no matter how attractive the offer, the Spirit has to be involved for people to see Christ and be moved to repentance.

When God Breaks My Rules

Scripture: But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days in which work ought to be done. Come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” Luke 13:14

Observation: Let me get this straight: A woman who was severely disabled for 2 decades, so dehabilitating that she could not even stand upright, was healed instantaneously. On top of that she began to praise God. What is the response of her “pastor?” Indignation that a religious rule had been broken.

Application: How could this religious leader not be thrilled? A woman in his flock who suffered for 18 years has been freed from pain. She is praising God (which is his ultimate goal as a religious professional). Yet he is upset. Upset because he is jealous, maybe? Upset because he is controlling? Upset because God chose to work and did not consult him? All the signs of serious spiritual abuse are here—who legislates when people can and cannot receive healing anyway?

Prayer: God, may I not thwart or condemn your work—even if it falls outside my expectations. Even if you don’t ask my permission first. May I be open to how you want to move and minister in ways that might even contradict “the way we’ve always done it.”

When I Don't Trust God

Scripture: And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Luke 12:29-31

Observation: Jesus offers a simple teaching which is easy to understand and difficult to practice. Don’t worry. Don’t worry about how God will provide what you need; seek the kingdom and believe that God will.

Application: What makes this difficult is that at my core, I do not trust God. I need more than His word—I need his detailed plan. Once he shares that plan with me, then I will be able to trust him. Problem with this approach is that God needs not, and most of the time does not, share his plans with people. He shares his promise, and calls them to believe. Refusal to trust God is worry. Worry then, is a lack of faith. It is a choice not to trust.
I know I am in a place right now where I think I need to see God’s plan. I do not trust that he knows what he is doing or is able to accomplish what I think I need. This is not my responsibility. My job is to seek the kingdom and trust God knows what I truly need and will provide it at the right time.

Prayer: God, forgive my lack of faith, my worry. You know what I need. You will provide that as I seek your kingdom. Show me how to seek your kingdom today, Tuesday, so that you may add to me what I need.

Give From Within

Scripture: But give as alms those things that are within, and behold, n everything is clean for you. Luke 11:41

Observation: Jesus is responding to a religious professional who is aghast that Jesus did not ceremonially wash his hands before a meal. Jesus retorts that the real rules people should keep are not external, but internal. Instead of following traditions of men to please God, give your heart.

Application: Someone who prays before the meal is holding to a tradition, but if the ensuing conversation is dishonoring to God, then what is the point of the ceremony? Jesus would rather me give of my heart—thankful for the meal, seeking His opportunities during the conversation—than he would a tip of the hat to Him which I promptly ignore. What are rituals I follow that are external? Where is God calling me to give from what is within? I happily give 10% of my income back to God; where is the tithe of my heart?

Prayer: God, show me today traditions I follow that are not in sync with my heart. Show me where I need to give alms from within.

Who is Worthy?

Scripture: And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”… “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy…” Luke 7:4,6

Observation: Luke 7 seems to deal with the issue of worth. Jewish officials believe a centurion is worthy for Jesus to do him a favor. When Jesus comes near, the centurion waves him off by saying, “I am not worthy.” John sends word to Jesus asking if he is worthy to be the one they have waited for. An unworthy woman washes Jesus’ feet, while the religious people watch on and comment on her unworthiness. Jesus rebukes the generation for failing to recognize his worth.

Application: It seems Jesus brings a different idea of worth to the conversation. People value worth by conformity, accomplishment, adherence to expectations. Jesus values worth by humility, child-like faith, personal recognition of sin, and going in peace. Which value system mirrors mine?

Prayer: God, I confess I am more impressed by accomplishment than humility. I ascribe worth to getting it done over being at peace with God and others. I’m not sure I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness (Ps 84). Help me today to value what you value, and give worth to what you deem worthy.

I Can't Get No....

Scripture: Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Luke 6:21

Observation: Those who are hungry now—physically and spiritually—are blessed because God will satisfy them later. Maybe later in life or ultimately in the kingdom.

Application: Jessica and I spent a day hungry yesterday, and did not realize it until we talked late last night. Hungry for something we are longing for God to do. Hungry because our needs outweigh our haves. With our needs, we agreed God could provide and that our hunger is due in part to choices we have made to try to honor Him with our finances. But we still are hungry. In the other area, the jury is still out. I still don’t see His satisfaction on the horizon. But if I am hungering for the right thing, I have to hold out hope God will keep his word and satisfy me.

Prayer: God, help us hunger for the right things. Increase our hunger for you and your kingdom. Fill us with the hope of satisfaction.

When I Know I Won't Catch Anything

Scripture: And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets”…And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” Luke 5:5,10

Observation: Simon had no success fishing all night, as hard as he worked. Yet because Jesus asked, he lowered the net again and caught tons of fish. Later Jesus says that if Simon will continue to follow him, he will catch men in the same way. I am sure Simon thought Jesus was crazy, or knew nothing about fishing, yet he gave it a shot anyways.

Application: There are times when Jesus’ call for me to share my faith seems like it will also be unsuccessful. Especially when I have shared and shared and felt that no men were ever “caught.” Yet instead of giving up, I need to listen to Jesus and heed his call to put my net in the water again. As crazy as Jesus leadings might be, as unsuccessful as his plans may seem to me, I need to follow him. I might be just as surprised as Simon that God will use my worn and weary nets to catch men for him.

Prayer: God, don’t let me decide ahead of time that I won’t see anyone come to Christ today. Give me the faith of Simon, even if I am tired or worn out, to take whatever shots you give me to share my faith with others.

And Jesus, Full of the Holy Spirit...

Scripture: And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit…And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… Luke 4:5,14,18

Observation: In Luke 4, we see Jesus relying upon the Holy Spirit. He is filled with the spirit, led by the spirit, exercises the power of the spirit, and has the Spirit upon him. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit is not just reserved for Jesus, but is a pattern for all who would follow him.

Application: I can expect that if I am filled with the Spirit, I can be led by him and used by him as well. What I need to discover is how I can be filled with the spirit. Scripture says: But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 Walking by the Spirit is not some spiritual mumbo-jumbo. Walking by the spirit is the normal experience of every believer. This is what Paul meant back in Galatians 2:20: It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Walking by the Spirit means accepting by faith that Christ lives in me and has given me power over my passions. I can choose in every situation whether I will respond the way I want, or by the Spirit’s help, to respond the way God wants and empowers me to do. Will I daily decide to continue and trust his power in my life?

Prayer: God, As I continue to grow in my understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit, help me to follow Your example and walk by the Spirit. Thank you for your modeling of this life and your promise I can live it as well. Show me today areas where I am walking by myself and not in step with your Spirit.

Slow to Anger, Rich in Love

Scripture: The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. Psalm 145:8

Observation: God is slow to anger. In Acts 2, Peter stands before the very people who crucified the Messiah—the One God sent to rescue them, and extends an offer of forgiveness.

Application: If God can be slow to anger and rich in love specifically to people who rejected and murdered him, what right do I have to be quick to anger?

Prayer: God, I am quick to anger. I am not rich in love. The antidote to both of these is Your Holy Spirit working in my life. Please be my Helper (John 14:6) this week in slowing my anger and enriching my love towards my kids, wife, and dog.

Judged By Deeds or Names?

Scripture: And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done…And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12,15

Observation: One day people will be judged using these books. Either by their deeds or by their names. Either by what they have done in life, or by what Christ has done for them. This will be a pass-fail judgment. Sadly, everyone who tries to stand on his or her actions in life will perish at this judgment. Only those who stand on the act of Christ will survive.

Application: I must remember that the key to this judgment is faith in Christ. Do I believe this? Or do I think that somehow, God will grade on a curve? This passage reminds me that the only way is Jesus.

Prayer: God, thank you for delivering me from my sin and my deeds. Thank you that you wrote my name down in your book. Holy Spirit, help me to point others towards Jesus today.

No One Knows His Name

Scripture: His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. Revelation 19:12

Observation: This is part of a majestic and terrifying description of Jesus, riding on a white horse, to lead the armies of heaven in a final battle with the forces of evil. Amidst this description is the line “he has a name that no one knows but himself.” Amazingly, a bible that has gone to great lengths to describe and share with us the names of Jesus withholds this one. We know many names of Jesus, each describing a different part of his character or role. He is the Christ, the Word of God, Faithful and True, Immanuel , Lion of the Tribe of Judah, and so much more. Yet John tells us this name is one no one knows. Why? Maybe this shows us that as much as we strive to know Jesus, to build a relationships with him, we must be reminded that Jesus is an infinite God, not merely a man. There are depths and mysteries to his transcendence we can never plumb. It may be this name will one day be revealed to us, or maybe not. But we know this: there is more to Christ than we could ever conceive with our limited minds.

Application: I must walk a balance of friendliness and godly fear around Jesus. He is my friend and he is my God. I can know him, and yet, there are things I will never know, at least down here. Strangely, this encouraged more than discourages me. There will always be more for me to know about the person of Jesus. Even after I have read the bible 100 times, I will have miles to go.

Prayer: Jesus, I honor you today. You are faithful and true, and yet you are also the only one in the universe who has a name no one knows. No one has power over you. Help me to come to you with a balance of intimacy and respect. Show me how to live in love with and in awe of you.

Those Who Had Conquered

Scripture: And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. Revelation 15:2

Observation: Before the 7 final judgments fall, John sees a large group in heaven standing by a sea of glass. These are the ones who conquered the beast. Satan may have conquered them through death, but they have conquered him by life after death, through the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony (Rev. 12:11). They get the last laugh because they get to see Satan’s ultimate and permanent defeat.

Application: Why does it say they had conquered instead of the more religiously correct, “Christ conquered through them?” Is there some power or victory we get to have? I know that whatever the victory was, it was not achieved through their own willpower or discipline, but by the blood of the lamb and the words of their testimony. How can I rely on these two things so I can also be a conqueror in my life?

Prayer: God, you have been speaking to me this last month about overcoming. This is not a language I feel comfortable using. But open me up to your word, especially verses like Revelation 15:2. Help me to receive all you want me to know and learn about conquering and victory over darkness in my life and others.

Only As He Allows

Scripture: Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. Revelation 13:7

Observation: During the last days, the beast (probably a world leader) will rise to power and one act will be to successfully make war against believers. The key word here in the verse is allowed. God allows this ‘success’ for his purposes.

Application: I must remember as I read Revelation that at all times God is in control and his plan is intact. Satan, the antichrist, judgments, even the apparent defeat of the saints only happen as allowed by God. At no time is God’s kingdom in serious jeopardy.

Prayer: God, thank you for your sovereign command over the kingdoms of this world. You are in control. Today, I trust your control in the conversation I need to have with my neighbor.

His Time Is Short--Yet Still He Fights

Scripture: Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 12:17

Observation: Revelation 12 pulls back the curtain on a conflict that has raged from before creation between Christ and Satan. Satan rebelled against God but was defeated and cast out so that there was no longer any place for him in heaven. But he lost more than that. He lost his power to accuse believers because when he accuses, we overcome him with the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. So, having lost his battle to overthrow Christ, and having lost his power to successfully accuse Christ’s followers, he furiously makes war on believers—those who obey God and believe Christ. He does this because his time is short. This war, while real, is the desperate act of a losing man.

Application:

1. Satan’s war against me is real.
2. He will lose this war, for we will overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony.
3. My only defense against Satan is not tough words or ignoring him, but holding fast to Jesus.

Prayer: God, this war is real and rages even now, though I cannot see it. Give me perception to see Satan’s hand at work. Thank you for reminding me today to retreat behind the blood of the lamb, and of my need to hold to the testimony of Jesus. I proclaim you as the overcomer in my life. Thanks for fighting in my place.

What Shuts Heaven Up?

Scripture: When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Revelation 8:1

Observation: Revelation 8 is a breather, after the breaking of the seals of the seven scrolls. These scrolls reveal visions of God’s justice poured out on all who opposed him. Each scroll has been accompanied by terrifying sounds—thunder, cries of angels, voices of doom, earthquakes, and even people calling out for death to released them from the pain of judgment. But when the seventh scroll is opened, there is 30 minutes of silence.
Why silence? Was the angel so stunned by the words released that he was speechless? Looking ahead to what was revealed, we see horrors that even John cannot capture with limited human vocabulary. What will come—the trumpets and bowls of God’s judgment—is so unspeakable, that the angel is unable to speak.

Application: Reading through Revelation, the temptation is to dissect the book, to render it inert by the use of charts and diagrams. To not let the full force of its truth hit me. But what is coming one day is horrible—for those who have opposed God. Even though I know this means justice, I cannot help but hurt for those who have rejected God. Instead of gloating at their defeat, I shudder at a horror so great that they pray for death as a release.

Prayer: God, I have joined with others in attempting to share the love of Christ for 10 days. This truth from Revelation redoubles my effort. Help me to see people through your eyes—the love you have for them, the judgment that awaits if they reject. And let me be moved to pray for opportunities to tell them of your truth. Let the 30 minutes of silence motivate me to speak on the earth.

This is My Story, This is My Song.

Scripture: Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. Revelation 4:11

Observation: This declaration seems to be the constant refrain of the 24 elders in Heaven. Over and over they say this. Why this statement? Of all of the never ending volumes of truth that could be spoken to and about God, why these 28 words? Could it be because, in their simplicity, they capture the essential truth of God’s worthiness to be praised: There is none above Him. He created all things—no one created him. All things exist and continue to exist only by the sheer will of God. On his best day, Satan cannot create a drop of rain—he can only attempt to twist and distort what God has created. There is no power struggle for control of the universe. The power described in these words is unspeakable. Where else would we turn for appeal? Who else has the power to be our God?

Application: This is my story, this is my song: God is worthy to receive all my strength in worshipping him. My energy and life has found their fulfillment and purpose when I ascribe glory and honor and power to God. And I take solace in this: As he has overcome, so will I if I am with him. I will experience this moment, the recognition that all I have placed my hope in is true. I cannot wait for this moment to celebrate the authority and worth of God.

Prayer: God, let me celebrate a foretaste of this celebration as I honor you in my worship this morning. Let me have confidence this week to share your love with others, knowing that the One who empowers me is awesome in power forever.

If I Could Say Only One Thing...

Scripture: Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. Revelation 1:17-19

Observation: How simple, yet how profoundly important are these words: “I died. I am alive forevermore.” It seems the death and resurrection of Jesus drives everything—from not fearing, to sharing what we have seen. If I could only say one thing about the gospel, maybe it would be this: He died. He rose again.

Application: I tend to focus on many side issues when I share the gospel. The power of forgiveness. The purpose God has for our lives. The belonging that only a community can provide. The hope of change. All these are good, but what seems central is this: He died. He rose.

Prayer: God, today, help me to move the death and resurrection central in my speech. The same truth that transformed scared disciples into bold lions should be my focus as well. Give me freedom from fear in talking about how You live forevermore.

Three Strikes, But Not Out.

Scripture: Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel…” Jeremiah 38:17

Observation: Three times Jeremiah is asked to speak the words of God to Zedekiah. The first time, he counsels surrender to Babylon, which gets him beaten. The second tie, he predicts defeat and gets thrown in a cistern. The third time he is wary of the request and only speaks after assurances there will be no reprisal. He is spared, but once again the king ignores the very counsel he himself asked for, and is defeated. I am amazed Jeremiah continues to speak God’s words instead of changing the message to save his skin. I am astounded that Judah keeps asking for words from God that they have no intention of following.

Application: When some people say they want leaders who hear from God, they really mean they want leaders who hear from God words that affirm their choices and course of action. So many times I have had people come to me to get “godly advice,” only to leave angry when they got words contrary to their plan. God is telling me to:

1. Keep telling the truth, even if I am branded a deserter, and
2. Be prepared to be rejected, but not to worry, God can and will deliver me.

Prayer: God, I don’t know who this applies to in my life right now, or if it is a preparation for an upcoming challenge. Help me to hear from you and speak truth to those in my life—and not words that will make them (or me) feel better.

Love Like He Really Lived

Scripture: Love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. 2 John 5-6

Observation: 10 commandments in the OT, Jesus reduces these to 2—Love God and Love others. Here, John highlights one. I’d think he would pick loving God, but here (as Jesus does in John 13:34) he highlights loving one another. But the love he is commanding has to be done in the context of truth (v. 3,4). What truth? The truth in verse 7: Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. So loving others in the reality of Christ’s coming is the highest expression of love.

Application: I love others, but not always in the reality of Christ’s coming. I love them like a nice guy would, or a good neighbor. I love them in my natural friendliness, but not with the power and truth of Christ’s coming. Does the coming of Christ change the way I love others? Or would I be just as friendly if Christ had never lived?

Prayer: God, help me in my relationships to go beyond friendliness, and love others like you would—in truth. Sometimes this might mean tough words or extra effort. In fact, there are two people in my life that need tough words and extra effort today. Help me to love them with your love-the love that came in the flesh and sacrificed. If I love you, I will love them.