T-Bone

Leading People Where they Need, not Where they Want

2012-02-01T05:25:00.001-08:00

Scripture: And when Moses saw that the people had broken loose...Exodus 32:25

Observation: A study in contrasting leadership. Moses is up on the mountain with God, pleading for him to not destroy the people. While he is doing this, the people are down below, building a golden calf to worship. Who is leading the people to build the calf? Aaron, left in charge by Moses. On the one hand, you see Moses, a leader willing to do what the people need, not necessarily what they want. On the other hand, you see Aaron, willing to do what the people want, not what they need. The result is that 3,000 men were killed that day and a terrible plague fell on the people. All because Aaron failed to lead people to where they needed to go.

Application: Daily, I get to choose to lead like Moses or Aaron. I can go for the easy wins by playing to people's wants, or I can fight for the hard victories, helping people with what they need. The key to knowing the difference lies in time with God and prayer for the people. Moses genuinely longed to shepherd the people and fought for them with God. Seem things are worth fighting for. The people of God are one of them. I need to listen to the voice of God, spend time with him hearing his word, and pleading on behalf of the people. Then I need the courage to lovingly do what is right, not what is easy.

Prayer: God, give me the courage of Moses. Give me the shepherd heart of Moses. Let my passion always center on what the people need, not just what they want. And give me the leadership to do this well.

Bearing Names to God

2012-01-31T05:47:00.000-08:00

Scripture: As a jeweler engraves signets, so shall youengrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel. You shall enclosethem in settings of gold filigree. And you shall set the two stones onthe shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons ofIsrael. And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his twoshoulders for remembrance. Exodus 28:11-12

Observation: God islaying out the uniform that the high priest was to wear when he entered thepresence of God. Stones of remembrance onceagain play a part. Aaron is to engrave12 stones with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. That way, when he comes before the Lord, hebears their names. It helps him rememberhe is a representative of the people, speaking to God about them.

Application: Twofold. First, this confirms a growing sense in myheart that we are to be speaking to God about people before speaking to people aboutGod. That our decision to create prayercards that we could write names of our friends we are asking God to bring toChrist was on target. We need to bearthe names of those around us to God. This month, our staff will be taking those names that over 130 of our peoplesubmitted for prayer and praying weekly for them.

Second, Isense that God is asking me to write the names of my wife and children on stonesand each morning, take one with me as I go off to work. This way, whenever I brush against thatstone, I can pause and bear their name to God.

Prayer: God, thanks for continuing to loveand guide me. Especially in the area ofbearing people’s names to You. Help mefollow through with this and grow in seeing you answer prayer.

He Says What He Does and Does What He Says

2012-01-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

Scripture: And the Lord set a time, saying,“Tomorrow the Lord will do this thing in the land.” And thenext day the Lord did this thing. Exodus 9:5

Observation: In themiddle of the fifth plague God sent to pressure Pharaoh, Moses makes thissimple statement. God set a time andsaid something would happen. Then hemade that thing happen at that time. Short and sweet. God doeswhatever he wants and no purpose of his can be thwarted.

Application: If I believethis, why don’t I pray like it? Why don’tI ask bigger things of the God who says what he is going to do, then does it everytime? Why do I limit my prayers to “Helpme have a good day?”

Prayer: I am askingyou, God, to bring the people on my prayer card to faith in Christ. I am asking because only you can do thisthing, and if you say you will, you will. I also ask that you give me the answer in my heart to a question I havebeen asking you. Would you make it crazyclear.

When Mercy Leads to Hardness

2012-01-23T06:43:00.000-08:00

Scripture: But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite,he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the Lord hadsaid. Exodus 8:15

Observation: Pharaohis reacting to the plagues God sent to convince him to free the Israelites fromslavery. This plague happened to be the unleashingof millions of frogs. Pharaoh pleadswith Moses to remove the frogs, and he will let the people go. Moses prays, God relents, and the frogs aregone. Once the immediacy of the threathas passed, Pharaoh’s heart goes hard again.

How oftenis this pattern repeated in our lives? In the middle of crisis, we pray, we repent, we promise. When the crisis passes, we forget our words,or worse, we harden our hearts. Untilthe next crisis, that is.

Like Pharaoh,we especially do this with sin. When wesin, and we are staring down the barrel of consequences, we will say anythingto find a little mercy. But does thisbrush with discipline change us? Do wecome out of it closer to God, more ready to listen? Or does the mercy of God lead us to hardness?

Application: I cansee this in my life during my times of prayer. In the middle of it, God will point out some sin, or call me to someaction. I wholeheartedly agree, andgenuinely repent. But then I getup. Then the day fills. And the words are forgotten.

Prayer: God, I pray today that you help mesee that a respite does not mean a release from obeying and listening toyou. Help me remember in the dark thethings you tell me in the light with you. Open my heart today to recall things we havetalked about, that I might keep a soft heart towards your words.

Carrying the Burden

2012-01-17T06:57:00.000-08:00

Scripture: In truth we are guilty concerning ourbrother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we didnot listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” Genesis 42:21

Observation: Josephwas sold into slavery by his brothers when he was 17. He was probably 39 when his brothers came to Josephin power in Egypt. This is a differenceof 12 years. When Joseph, unrecognizedby his brothers, throws them in jail for three days under the charge of beingspies, they quickly connect their present consequence from the earlier sin ofselling their brother into slavery. This means that the guiltfrom that act had lingered for 12 years. I am not sure if this was something they thought about often, or if itjust now entered their minds at this moment. Unless they were completely cold hearted, I have to think that the guiltof what they had done to their brother weighed upon them and dogged them allthose years. Reuben points out hisdisagreement with the plan, so perhaps they had even argued among themselves.

Application: Ultimately,God used for good what they had meant for evil. Even their confession here, overheard by Joseph, was used by God. But what stuns me is the reality that theguilt of unrepentant sin is not assuaged by time. That 12 days, 12 months, 12 years later, theguilt of their actions haunts them. Iwonder what it was like to carry that weight with them for over a decade.

Prayer: God, I pray that you help me toconfess sin quickly to you. Help me notkeep secrets that burden me, so that anytime something bad happens I am quickto think the two are connected. Let me experiencethe freedom of unburdening myself with you and others.

The Practical Atheist Family

2012-01-11T06:18:00.001-08:00

Scripture: NowEsau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessedhim, Genesis 27:41

Observation: Esau’smother and brother conspire to swindle him out of the diving blessing fromIsaac, to insure the divine blessing goes to the right brother, Jacob. I feel sorry for this family. Yes, in the end, it seems like the right manwas chosen. Yes, it seems people likeRebekah had noble goals. Yes it seemsthe end was achieved, no matter the means. But this is one dysfunctional family. They all suffer from the same affliction—they trust themselves more thantheir faith.

Rebekahtrusted her schemes over her faith.

Jacobtrusted his mother and his ability to pull off a con more than his faith.

Esautrusted his gut more than his faith.

Isaactrusted his senses more than his faith.

Things “worked out” but I cannot help but wonder what Godwould have done with a family willing to stop and listen, to act with integrityand honesty.

Application: This family is a great example of what our churchtalked about Sunday. Borrowing a phrasefrom Craig Groeschel, these people are “Practical Atheists.” They believe in God, but none of them actlike he exists.

I think mytake away is simple: I don’t want myfamily to be like this. We give lipservice to God, but then trust in our own selves instead of faith.

Prayer: God, protect myfamily from faithlessness. Help us tosee you. I pray especially for ourdinner devotional times. They have beendifficult lately, as we cannot seem to get far with them. Would you help me lead these well?

What Does Earning the Father's Love Do to You?

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Scripture:

When the boys grew up,Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quietman, dwelling in tents. Isaac loved Esau because he ate of hisgame, but Rebekah loved Jacob. Genesis 25:27,28

Observation: I wonderhow much of the trajectory of Jacob’s life was affected by the fact that is dadpreferred his brother over him? That hisfather’s love seemed to be conditional on what Jacob did and not on who hewas. The text does not say, “And Isaacloved Jacob because he was his son.” Therest of Jacob’s life seems to be a series of attempts to earn or steal, startingwith the theft of his father’s blessing. It is like Jacob is chasing the approval he never received, and hasdecided it is up to him and his own efforts to get it.

David Benner, in his book, Surrender to Love, asks, “ImagineGod thinking about you. What do youassume God feels when you come to mind?” For most people, it is an expression of disappointment, disgust, or anger. Benner says that people with this image ofGod will respond with “an effort to earn his approval.”

Application: Do mykids each feel in their gut that I love them, no matter what they do orlove? I have 4 kids with 4 differenttastes. Some very different frommine. I do not want them to feel theirworth in my eyes is related to them being a man of the field, or eating oftheir game. I need to take time tonightto share with each child my love for them. I’m going to tell each of them I love them tonight.

Prayer: God, may Ialways be quick to love my kids, no matter their tastes or personality. May they be secure in my love, and secure inYours.

A Healthy Sense of Shame

2012-01-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

Scripture: When Noah awoke from his wine and knewwhat his youngest son had done to him, he said, “Cursed be Canaan; aservant of servants shall he be to his brothers.” Genesis 9:24-25

Observation: Noahhas too much to drink and passes out naked in his tent. His son, Ham (father of Canaan), sees him andridicules him. From one act, Ham and hisentire lineage is cursed. What was thebig deal?

There are many parallelsbetween this act and the fall. Bothincidents involved food—the fruit of the tree and the fruit of the vine. Both of these involved nakedness. Both of these resulted in a curse. Back in Noah’s day, nakedness was a reminderof the fall, a reminder of the shame of separation. So to be naked or revel in nakedness was ashameful act.

Noah blewit, not by drinking, but by getting drunk and allowing his sons to see him inshame. Ham ridicules while Shem and Japhethrefuse to engage. They go out of theirway to honor their father, and to reject delight in nakedness. Shem and Japheth show a sense of shame beforeGod; Ham does not.

It is not asimple joke that curses Ham. It is thelack of shame before God that his actions evidence. His descendants, the Canaanites, would becursed, ruled over, and defeated by his brothers. It is no coincidences that nakedness and sexualsin were hallmarks of Canaanite society. The entire tribe showed a lack of healthy shame before God.

God blessesthose who have a healthy sense of shame. Jewish Rabbis wrote in the Talmud that one who possessed no proper senseof shame “did not have his feet present at Mount Sinai.” While shame is often abused and misusedtoday, I tend to agree with these Rabbis. There is such thing as a healthy sense of shame. A quick look at our culture shows a societythat has been severed from Mount Sinai.

Application: How do I live out and passon a healthy sense of shame to my kids? Inour house, we use the words “inappropriate” to describe certain TV shows, music,or movies. Have I become lax towardsshame? Has soaking in our culture inuredme towards shame?

Prayer: God, I do not want to be like Ham,reveling in what is shameful. Helpretune my sensitivity today towards sin. Give me a healthy sense of shame.

When God Was Sorry.

2012-01-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

Scripture: And the Lord regretted thathe had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. Sothe Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the faceof the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, forI am sorry that I have made them.” Genesis 6:7-8

Observation: This isa painful thing to hear. The Lordregretted making us. We grievedhim. He is sorry. I have a difficult time reconciling thesewords with the sovereignty of God. Imean, God knew when he made us that we would turn out this way. Heck, he knew before he even created timethat one day we would betray him and rebel. How then could he say words like this, words that sound like a God who issurprised by the actions of his creation. I don’t think the meaning here is that God changed his mind or made amistake. Rather, it seems to be tryingto capture his immense sorrow.

On the one hand, I have no power over God. I do not hold the power to please him or painhim. His well being is not dependent onmy actions. On the other hand, it isclear that we humans do affect his heart. He is not a cold, calculating God, who is indifferent to the lives ofhis people. He is a God whose heartaches for the loss of his loved ones, who hurts when we pursue wickedness, whoregrets the separation from his children.

Application: Sometimesas a father, I find myself angry with my kids when they disobey. But often, that anger is due to the lack ofcontrol I seem to have over them. I am mad they will notobey me. But the emotion God shows heresays to me that God is not mad because he lacks control over us. He is sorrowful for the pain and evil webring upon ourselves due to sin. As Ilook at my kids’ disobedience, is my heart moved with compassion for how their disobediencecan hurt them and separate them from God, or am I just frustrated they won’t dowhat I say?

Prayer: God, when mykids disobey, move my heart away from self-focus and anger, and towards agenuine desire to see them walking with you in the truth. Let my role be corrector, not enforcer of myrule. Give me a heart like yours.

Not All Who Wander Are Lost (but sometimes they are).

2012-01-02T06:56:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Youshall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth. Genesis 4:12

Observation: Cain’srash act of murder results in a lifetime curse. Not only will the ground he had tilled so well now turn against him, buthe is to be banished. His parents’ sinresulted in banishment from a place (the garden) and God’s presence. Cain has taken life and his punishment is permanentalienation from his family and his God. He has been kicked out of the family.

At first, his punishment seems light. Murder results in wandering? But the more I understand this, the moregruesome it becomes. Cain is not justgoing to be a wanderer; he will wander without God.

There is a bumper sticker in Colorado Springsthat says, “All who wander are not lost.” That may be, but for Cain, he was doomed to wander AND be lost, separatedfrom God. Was there room forrepentance? Reconciliation? Sadly, it does not seem so. Cain’s curse was not the mark. It was the prospect of life WITHOUT God.

Application: Thisyear, our church is studying the parables of Jesus, to learn what journeyingwith God versus without God looks like. Like Cain, there are thousands of people in our city who are wanderingwithout God. Unlike Cain, they stillhave a chance to come to Christ and go with God. This year, I want to get serious aboutpraying for those I know without God. This text has reminded me of the terrible curse of living without God. I want to begin praying for three houses Iknow on my street where there are people living without God.

Prayer: God, I ask youto give me a heart of prayer for those I know who are wandering withoutyou. Will you bring them to faith thisyear? Will you give me opportunities tolove them to you, and share with them the journey home?

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.

2011-12-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

Scripture: These all died in faith, not havingreceived the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them fromafar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles onthe earth. …And all these, thoughcommended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, sinceGod had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not bemade perfect. Hebrews 11:13, 39-40

Observation: Hebrewstells us of men and women who held on to hope in the midst of horrendoussituations. Many of these people diednever having received, but having seen. The reason they did not receive is that God had provided something better.

There isgreat power in hope. Emily Dickensononce wrote: “Hope is the thing with feathers/That perches in the soul/And singsthe tune--without the words/And never stops at all.” It is from that perch in our hearts that hopesings the tune of redemption, the song of salvation. The notes that remind us that this is not ourhome, that something better for us is out there with Christ.

Application: Thishas been a difficult fall season for me, filled with tough conversations and circumstances. I needed to be reminded today that things Ihave only seen with the eyes of hope, I will hold with the hands of faith. Justaround the corner of this year, I believe that I will begin to receive things Ihave only greeted from afar. I must continueto sing the tune of hope and never stop at all. God is good and he will do it.

And there will come atime, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair. ("After the Storm" Mumford and Sons)

Prayer: God, give me the song of hopetoday. Hope that one day it will all bemade right with you. But also the hopethat you are at work and that some of the seeds sown in the last few years willbe ready for the harvest in 2012. I trust you to get me over the hill with gracein my heart and flowers in my hair.

Possess Your Own Vessel.

2011-11-29T07:07:00.001-08:00

Scripture: …each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor... 1 Thessalonians 4:4

Observation: Paul is encouraging the Thessalonians to not fall back into their pre-Jesus ways of living, especially in regards to sexual purity. He encourages them that now, in Christ, they ought to know how to “possess their own vessel.” To demonstrate self-control over their bodies, that their bodies might help them live holy and honorable lives.
Though the context is primarily the relationship between the body and sex, the larger principle here seems to be that believers ought to control their bodies, and not let their bodies control them. This has application not only in sexuality, but in diet, health, addiction, sleep. The larger principle is that believers ought to control their own bodies.

Application: Nibbling at the edge of my soul these last few months has been the question: What obligations do I have to God with my body, other than sexual purity? I know I am overweight and out of shape. Is that something God cares about? The reason I am in this situation is that I am not controlling my body, but letting my body’s cravings and desires control me. I think that God wants me to control my own body in the area of health, not just purity. I do not know what this means fully yet, only that it has implications for me and our church as well.

Prayer: God, I want to control my own body in holiness and honor. Will you show me what that means and then how I can trust you for the power to do so?

Go to God, and Get Back to Work!

2011-10-10T06:11:00.001-07:00

Scripture: Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. Nehemiah 4:1Observation: So much work had been done on the wall Nehemiah was rebuilding. Gates rehung, towers restored, breaches repaired. It was close to half-way finished. Nehemiah and his team were close to carrying out the task of the Lord. And then opposition arises. Sanballat begins to taunt them and accuse them. This does not deter Nehemiah, however, who takes this issue straight to God, and then gets back to work. Goes to God, and gets back to work. There is a wall to be built, after all. In the next few verses we see the people rallied and finished that stage of the wall--1/2 done, because they had a mind to work. Application: When you are getting close to accomplishing the task God has set before you, opposition will rise. It may be in the form of a person or a problem. It might be financial or medical. It may be something that affects the whole team, or a personal issue. But obstacles are not evidence that wrong has been done. Sometimes they are a blockbuster sign that something right is happening. The enemy will leverage whatever tools at his disposal to slow down God's work. I need to take seriously Nehemiah's example of praying, and getting back to work. I probably tend to focus on all the wall-building aspects in my life, and not remember that projects need prayer. Prayer: God, I thank you for the wall building you let me do. Please guard these walls and build them up for your people and your glory. May my heart turn again and again to you, and may I keep at the work, that I might see you finish the wall.

Walking Like Esther

2011-10-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. Esther 2:15

Observation: The Persian king has divorced his wife for not obeying his command to come to him. Now, he is looking for another woman to be his bride. He has brought to him a group of virgins, who are treated to a 12 month beauty regime. Out of this group, he will choose Esther. This selection quickly proves wise, as her cousin Mordaci is able to uncover and foil a plot against the king.
There is much that disagrees with me in this story—the casual dissolution of a marriage, the forced enslavement of young women. But in spite of the circumstances, one thing shines through: Esther. She is determined to willingly serve in tough circumstances. She is wise in her ability to listen and follow the advice of others. Slowly she is winning over all those around her, including the king himself. And as we will see, it is for such a time as this that Esther sits on the throne.

Application: Sometimes in the worst of circumstances, we have to continue to do what is right. We have to continue to serve, continue to get back up, continue to fight for the cause. Esther determined that she would not change who she was, but would continue to let the favor-winning grace of God shine through her life. Who knows, perhaps the situation that seems so bleak and helpless, is merely God setting the stage for a huge reveal of His deliverance? Ester could not have known her selection would assist in the saving of the king’s life.
It can be hard in trying times to give in, give up. But the smart money is on continuing to do what is right, and trust that God has a plan. Until that plan becomes clear, we walk in and by his favor-winning grace.

Prayer: Today, God, I trust that you are working behind the scenes. Just like you are present, but not named, in Esther’s life, I know that you are behind the scenes in my life. You are using all kinds of circumstances for your good and your glory. Help me keep my chin up and walk with grace in such a way that I am winning favor among all whom I serve.

You Become What You Pursue

2011-07-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

Scripture: They went after false idols and became false… 2 Kings 17:15

Observation: The author describes the reason for Israel’s enslavement and exile—they had abandoned the Lord and pursued evil. One phrase caught me… “They went after false idols and became false.” This word, false, is also translated “vanity,” or “emptiness.” There is a progression here. You become what you pursue. If you pursue the emptiness of hollow priorities, you become hollow. If you pursue shallow goals, you become shallow.

Application: What emptiness am I pursuing? I think one area is television. Jessica and I have some shows we watch together, as we do with the kids. While that is fine, I think we can also easily settle in to the empty routine of television each night before bed. Jessica has been asking me recently about my leadership at home in the area of Family Night. I think I let nights sneak up on me with no planning. I think we need at least one night a week that is TV free for the family—where we play games or ride bikes or cook out. I need to incorporate this into my family night planning.

Prayer: God, I don’t want to pursue emptiness and become empty. Help me see empty areas in my life that could be replaced with things of true value and weight.

Planning on and Standing on Noble Things

2011-07-18T06:24:00.000-07:00

Scripture: But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands. Isaiah 32:8

Observation: Isaiah speaks of a coming day when the failures of all human leaders will be forgotten in the triumph of the Messiah. He will reign in righteousness. This is in sharp contrast to the foolish rulers who set God aside and neglect the needs of their people. Then, Isaiah reminds leaders that those who are “noble,” who carry the nobility of leadership, ought to pursue true nobility by planning on and standing on noble things. Noble things such as declaring truth, fostering purity of heart, regarding the needs of those in one’s care, hearing the pleas of the needy. Noble leaders aim high, and plan on and stand on these things.

Application: What are the noble things I am planning for and standing upon in my leadership? Where am I “aiming high?” At work, I believe our call to love people to Christ and help them in their journey with God is a noble thing. Our vision to pursue God, build community, extend Christ, and leave a legacy are noble things. They are the big rocks. I need to keep them front and center. At home, I believe the noble things are to love my wife and kids, to help them listen to God. To provide and provision for them. To pursue glorious masculinity in my own life.

These are some of the noble things that I need to plan on and stand on as a leader. But even in my drive to work this morning, I sensed the call to get distracted, to elevate less important things and miss out on the noble ones.

Prayer: God, I want to be a man of noble things. Help me see your heart, what you declare to be noble. And help me keep these as the big rocks of my life. Protect me from the distraction of folly, of things that ultimately waste my life and squander my leadership.

Be An Example of Progress

2011-06-22T07:49:00.001-07:00

Scripture: …set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity…Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 1 Tim. 4:12-15

Observation: Paul is encouraging the young pastor, Timothy, to focus on teaching the truth to his people, setting an example for them in life, and to continue to make progress in his Christian life.

Application: This text embodies a major leadership principle of my life. I am going to lead people out of the example of my own progressing life, not out of my own perfected life. My hope is that they will be inspired to see that they can progress along with me, that we are in this journey together. This requires openness, willingness to risk not having it all together. It means allowing people into your home and life. This can be a challenge for me, but these verses encouraged me to continue to be diligent in my progress, and continue to be open is letting others see that progress as I lead them.

Prayer: God, help me continue to progress. Give me opportunity to share my advancing with others, in a way that encourages their speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Thanks for the opportunity, and protect my progress.

Sounding the Trumpet for Battle

2011-06-14T06:09:00.001-07:00

Scripture: Behold, God is with us at our head, and his priests with their battle trumpets to sound the call to battle against you. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you cannot succeed.” 2 Chronicles 13:12

Observation: Abijah, king of Judah, is headed into battle against Jereboam, king of Israel. Jereboam had led his country into cultish worship and evil practices. Abijah also was not completely without sin, but it says he was "wholly true to the Lord." THe difference between the two kings is that Abijah was leading his troops to trust in the Lord. Here, we see a battlefield speech, calling his countrymen to unite and fight and calling his enemies to give up.
These words caught me because I love the advancing with God nature of them. This is a man, albeit flawed, who actually wants to lead, to conquer, to defeat the enemy. And he wants to do it under the headship of the Lord, and with the priests sounding their battle trumpets. This is a man ho wants to go into battle with and for the Lord.

Application: I want to be a minister like Abijah. A man who runs to the battle, confident God is ahead of him and ready to sound the call to battle. It can be so easy to hang back, and let others sound the call. To refuse to accept the responsibility of wading into the fray. Is it fear? Is it insecurity? Is it personality? Is it lack of confidence that God is with us at our head? I am not sure, but I am learning that people are who people are, and some are simply not going to pick up the battle trumpet--no matter what you do. It may have to do with the way God created us--he made some to lead the battle and others to not. In any case, I know that for my soul, I need to look to the left and right and see "valiant men of war" standing with me on the plains of battle.

Prayer: God, I thank you for the way you created me. I pray you help me grow more comfortable with my divine design, and learn to serve and lead out of it. I pray you show me how to build valiant men of war around me for the battle. Show me how to do that and help me make sure that I have you at my head.

When Happiness Goes Too Far.

2011-05-25T07:12:00.001-07:00

Scripture: Happy are your wives! Happy are these your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 2 Chronicles 9:7

Observation: While the beginning of Solomon’s rule was marked by widespread prosperity and protection for the people, the last days saw the focus shift. When the Queen of Sheba visits Solomon, she is amazed by the luxury and wealth he has amassed. The throne of wisdom has become a gaudy, glitzy thing. The court of Solomon is a happy place, because luxury rules. It seems that success + drifting from God = decadence. The ultimate cost of this is a divided kingdom.
We have been talking in our Small Group about money, and the proper use of it. We learned that the love of money is the root of all kinds of problems. You can see that here. Solomon had too much success, and failed to temper it with the wisdom God gave him. The wisdom that starts with a healthy fear of God.

Application: As God brings success into my life, I must remain moored to Him. I need to remember to “dance with the one who brung ya.” I need to remember what got me here, and who got me here. Staying grounded in the word is key for me. With increased responsibility comes the increased pressure to squeeze out this time with God, to fill it with more productive things. But that is how it starts. I need this summer to make sure I stay close to God in his word.

Prayer: God, grant me success, that I might serve you and your people better. But don’t let me get caught up in the glamour and trappings of success. Don’t let it go to my head. I trust you to be my priority.

To see my kids eating and drinking and being happy...

2011-05-19T06:11:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. 1 Kings 4:20

Observation: Under Solomon's leadership, the people were happy. They grew. They were able to tackle immense projects for the glory of God, like the building of the temple. They had safety from their enemies and prosperity. Nations from all around heard of their growing reputation and came to seek the wisdom of Solomon. Why was God's hand on them in such a powerful way?
A clue is found in something Solomon himself once observed. When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. Proverbs 29:2. The way Solomon lived his life impacted the way he led, which impacted the way the people lived. Another clue is found in the psalm of Solomon's father, David. In psalm 101, David outlines the kind of man and ruler he intends to be. I will ponder the way that is blameless...I will walk with integrity of heart within my house. (v.2). I believe it is clear that the blessings Judah and Israel experienced were related to Solomon's walking in wisdom and integrity. Later, we see the flip side of this, but for now, everyone is eating and drinking and happy.

Application: As a father, my "kingdom" is subject to these same things. As I go, my family will go. How I conduct my life and character and walk affects my family. I need to heed Psalm 101 as an aspiration for fatherhood. I think I will memorize that over the next few weeks, and aspire to a higher level of integrity in my parenting.

Prayer: God, I know my life is not a guarantee for my kids. But the odds are much better if I walk with you. Help me to me a father of integrity. Help me lead myself that I might lead others.

Get off your Bed and Make a Decision!

2011-05-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

Scripture: And now, behold, Adonijah is king, although you, my lord the king, do not know it. 1 Kings 1:18

Observation: David is advancing, and it is time for him to choose a successor. His oldest living son, Adonijah, plans to take the throne, even though God had identified Solomon as David’s successor. David learns of this news on his sickbed, when his wife comes to tell him that Adonijah is acting like the next king. David has to act quickly to install Solomon, lest rebellion and division arise.

Adonijah was right—the oldest living son is supposed to take the throne from his father. This was the world’s custom. However, God had already picked Solomon. So contrary to public opinion of “the way things are done around here,” Solomon was the right choice for David.

Application: As a leader, one burden we must carry is the burden of leading where God is going, even when it may not be popular or even customary. There are many things I face in the church, for example, where I have to act on what God has shared with me or our leadership, things that may not make sense according to the customs of the day. Now, I need to make sure we are hearing from God, and we are communicating that to people. But in the end, sometimes we just have to install Solomon on the throne and let the chips fall.

What I realize today is that by not dealing with problems, I can let bitterness and rebellion grow. There comes a time when David has to get off his bed and make a decision, for the sake of the kingdom.

Prayer: God, I need your guidance in when and how to deal with people. When do I need to get off my sickbed and deal with a potential problem before it blooms into a big one? I pray today for wisdom in hearing from you and identifying the time to act. I also ask for grace and truth when the time comes.

God Brings Mighty Men

2011-04-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

Scripture: David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in friendship to help me, my heart will be joined to you; but if to betray me to my adversaries, although there is no wrong in my hands, then may the God of our fathers see and rebuke you.”
1 Chronicles 12:17

Observation: A group of men approach David, asking to join him. Having known betrayal and lack of support, David asks if these men have come to him in shalom, peace and support. If this is the case, then he will unite his heart to them. If they have come to be his loyal friends, he will give them his heart. Later, the text tells us that day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God. This verse tells us that these men were not coming on their own, but were coming to him from God. God was the one bringing these mighty men. God was the one building David’s army. God was the one finding friends for David.

Application: Two things. One, God has brought men in my life to be my shalom, my peace and support. I need to learn how to unite my heart to them, to give them my heart and join them. Two, I need to recognize that I am not alone in my battles, that God wants to support me, and support me by bringing mighty men around me. So I need to pray for and look for them, and then be ready to receive them with an open heart.

Prayer: God, I ask you to bring me mighty men. Maybe you have already, and I need to flip the switch and give them my heart. Maybe you still have some to bring, and I ask you to bring them and give me mighty men in friendship. Help me to enjoy your favor through friendships.

Who Are You Listening To?

2011-04-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

Scripture: And the men of David said to him, "Here is the day of which the LORD said to you, 'Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.'" Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul's robe. 1 Samuel 24:4

Observation: David and his men find themselves with what appears to be a divine opportunity. Saul, who had been pursuing David to kill him, steps into a cave where David and his men are hiding. While Saul is occupied, David's men seize this moment as God given and call David to take advantage of it by killing Saul. They use divine language, and speak as if they are speaking for God. David does not kill Saul, but is moved along by his men to go and cut a piece of Saul's robe, symbolizing that he could have killed Saul if he wanted.
God had not told David he could kill Saul. Yet David's men misread the situation and gave David spiritual sounding, but wrong advice.

Application: I need to be careful when I listen to others tell me what God says. Good hearted people, loyal to my best interests, can misread the signs and circumstances. When they come to me and say, "I think God wants you to do this or that," I need to test it out before acting on it. I need to be able to have my own direction from God and his word.

Prayer: As I head into a week of strategic discussions with our pastoral team, I pray we would be guided by you, Lord, and you would help shield us from misreading the signs and circumstances. Help us really hear from you, and avoid acting on what you have not said.

When That Armor Just Doesn't Fit

2011-04-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

Scripture: David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” So David put them off. 1 Samuel 17:39

Observation: David, outraged, prepares to come up against Goliath. Though David is hopelessly outmatched, he goes in the name of the Lord. Saul tries to equip David with his armor and weapons, but David realizes he is not a warrior; he is a shepherd. Robes and slings will be his strategy. David trusts in who the Lord made him to be, not in who others need him to be.

Application: This weekend I am speaking to a group at a conference. When I think about my topic, I get a little intimidated—it is outside my area of expertise. I wonder if they should have gotten someone else to deliver this talk, someone with the training and tools to really bring this topic to light. In recent weeks of preparation, I feel I have been trying on different suits of armor, trying to be a warrior. But I am a shepherd. I have to go out to meet this group as myself, as who God made me to be, not wearing the armor of another. God knew what he was doing when he called me here, and I can go in confidence in the name of the Lord.

Prayer: God, help me to go out today in Your name. Free me from the pressure of another man’s armor. For your reasons, you chose me to be the one to do this talk. I pray you would let me go out with my staff and sling, and throw for the fences. Thanks for qualifying those you call. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10

Succeeding at Work but Failing at Home

2011-04-07T06:27:00.001-07:00

Scripture: Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?’ 1 Samuel 2:29

Observation: Eli is a priest, and from his interactions with young Samuel, he appears to be a godly and wise one. Yet in his influence with his own sons, he is a failure. His sons, who serve in the ministry, are consumed with greed and immorality. They abuse their power. While we want to be careful about holding parents responsible for all their children’s’ actions. In this case, God does hold Eli accountable. God promises to dishonor Eli and his sons and eventually put them to death. In this situation, Eli was able to be an influence for good among other children, but not his own. He was good at work but a failure at home.

Application: As a pastor, I have the opportunity to influence others. On the recent Boquillas trip, I had the opportunity to spend time with and influence the children of others. But the lesson of Eli to me today is: your kids are your priority. Eli helped Samuel listen and follow God, but was unable to lead his sons to do the same. I do not want that to be my legacy. “He led others, but failed with his own family.” It can be easy for me to get home and go “off the clock.” But my main ministry is among my own family.

Prayer: God, help me to learn how to lead my own kids. I pray to day they will honor you and grow in love for you. Show me ways I can lead them, even tonight.

God Can Install and Uninstall Whom He Pleases

2011-03-31T06:19:00.000-07:00

Scripture: And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, Judges 9:23

Observation: Abimelech went to the leaders of Shechem, his relatives, and offered to kill his 70 brothers and become their king. Instead of 70 strangers ruling them, they could have one relative. They agreed, and yet soon they turned against Abimelech and tried to kill him. What soured their relationship so quickly? God himself. He sent an evil spirit in between them to divide their relationship. And though Abimelech had taken the throne illegally, without God's appointment, God was able to correct this.

Application: God can get his way. He can correct injustice. He is more powerful than the schemes of violent men. I am sure there were people who wondered where God was when Abimelech took over. The truth is, God was right there and he had a plan. God is able to install and uninstall people from positions.
I have seen God do this in a smaller scale in my life. People that need to be removed from a position or a a company or even a church. I wonder what God is doing and then I see his plan at work. I need to trust that God knows what he is doing and is at work, behind the scenes, to accomplish his purposes. And that sometimes he has to allow the occasional Abimelech.

Prayer: God, today I affirm my trust in your leadership. You know what you are doing. Evil does not win. Your kingdom moves forward. Help me have the peace of trusting you today.

Something More Important than Fear

2011-03-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

Scripture: So Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his family and the men of the town to do it by day, he did it by night. Judges 6:27

Observation: When the angel of the Lord showed up to where he was working, Gideon, begged him not to leave without giving him a sign. Later, the Lord told Gideon to tear down an altar to Baal. Gideon did, but waited until night because he was afraid. When God asked him to lead an army against his enemies, Gideon pressed God for a sign. He knew that testing God was wrong because he asked God not to be angry with him. Later, God told Gideon to scout the enemy camp, and told him if he was afraid to scout the enemy by himself, he was to take his servant with him.
Gideon did as the Lord told him, but with a spirit of fear and uncertainty. He needed constant reassurance that he was doing what was right. God was gracious to him, and gave him the reassurance he was looking for, but then upped the ante by reducing Gideon’s fighting force from 32,000 to 300 men—further stretching Gideon’s faith. In the end, Gideon, clothed with the Spirit of the Lord, was successful.

Application: God can use people of weak faith. In Gideon’s defense, he never let his fear hold him back from obeying God. Ambrose Redmoon once wrote: Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. Gideon judged that obeying God, removing idols, and defeating the enemy was more important than his fear.
In my world, I have many reasons to need reassurance. To need external validation that I am going in the right way. I may not cast a fleece, but I may look for the words of others to confirm direction. But the reality is that God has declared a course for me, and I need to hold fast to it. Seeking reassurance may be fine, but in the end, I need to judge that something else is more important than my need for reassurance—obeying the call of God.

Prayer: God, you have outlined some clear paths. Do not let naysayers or questioners cast doubt on your direction. Keep me open to your voice, but when I have heard it, let me judge that it is more important than fear. Help me to keep moving forward.

Rob Bell and Deuteronomy

2011-03-10T06:07:00.000-08:00

Scripture: "If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, 'Let us go after other gods,' which you have not known, 'and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. Deuteronomy 13:1-3

Observation: God is warning his people not to be swayed by signs, wonders, or any other appearances of divine empowerment when it comes to people who claim to speak for God. The key to knowing if a person is truly a prophet is not success, or accurate predictions, or even miracles and signs. It is not if the person can reform miracles or heal people or have thousands of followers. The key is the theological test. Who does this person say that God is? What does this person say about God's word?
"Let us go after other gods" may not be someone intentionally enticing false religion, but if we lead people to a version of God that is inconsistent with scripture, then we, in effect, are leading people to other gods and are not to be listened to.

Application: Everyone is tweeting and testing about Rob Bell's forthcoming book, yet few have read it. I have not read it yet, and am trying to withhold a rush to judgment. But as I read the book, my criteria for whether Rob Bell is a person to be listened to is not if his prose is compelling, or if he is genuinely living out the signs of life of Christ, nor is it even the miracle of thousands of followers. In the end, it will come down to: "who does he say that God is?". This answer must be centered in scripture, and not in a sanitized or palatable version. If that answer leads us to a God different than scripture, then we have to stop listening.

Prayer: God, help me make sure my words reflect who you are and not who I want you to be or who I think people want to hear you to be. I pray also for Rob Bell, that his evident love for Christ and people would be guided by the truth of your word.

Obstacle or Opportunity?

2011-03-08T06:52:00.000-08:00

Scripture: And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to reveal what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. Deuteronomy 8:2

Observation: God led his people into some strategic situations where their patience and obedience would be tested. He did this to reveal what was really in their hearts. All people can promise obedience, but the true test is obedience under fire—how we act when our comfort and desires are challenged.

Application: I tend to look at challenges and problems as obstacles to me getting where I want rather than opportunities to obey. Chances to demonstrate to God that I will keep his commandments. These tests reveal what is really in my heart.

Prayer: God, help me today to see the tests I face as opportunities to obey you. Let me find joy I choosing your leading over me.

God Longs for it to Go Well With Me

2011-03-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Oh that they had such a mind as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever! Deuteronomy 5:29

Observation: Moses is giving the people the deut nomos, the second giving of the law. After the giving, receiving, and disobeying of the first law, God is gracious to reaffirm the terms of his promise. Here, Moses relates God's reminiscing about that moment. God remembers how the law was given and how the people promised to obey. And he remembers how they feared him with a holy fear. There was genuine honor and respect for God and a desire to follow him and obey.
The Moses relates this one lament of God's, "Oh that they had such a mind as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever!" while God values their fear, he longs for that t be more than fleeting. God longs for their fear and desire to obey would be permanent. Why? Not so God gets something out of it,but so that it might go well with the people whom he loves. In other words, God's heart is aching for his people to experience e best life has to offer, and he know the only path to that lies in holy fear and obedience.

Application: this is a good reminder for me that God asks for my obedience not because he is on a power trip--my obedience or disobedience does not affect his reign one whit. He asks for my obedience because he longs for life to go well with me. He longs for me to avoid the pain and troubles of wrong paths.
As I consider this, I need to ask, is this my motivation as I call others to obedience? Do I ask for obedience among my kids because I need to control, or because I long for it to go well with them in life? Do I call our church to follow God because it makes me feel better, or because I long for it to go well with them in this life? I need to examine my motives, and make sure my call to obedience in others is matched by a longing for blessing in their lives.

Prayer: God, examine my heart today as I prepare to lead with our staff. I am calling all of us to obedience. May my heart ache for them to experience it going well in their lives. May they hear that longing under the surface of all I say today. Let me lead with strength and grace and patience today. Amen.

When the Sure Thing isn't so Sure

2011-03-03T06:32:00.000-08:00

Scripture: And they said, "If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants for a possession. Do not take us across the Jordan." Numbers 32:5

Observation: The tribes of Israel are moving into the promised land, to cleanse and occupy it. As they are about to enter, two tribes, Reuben and Gad, ask Moses if they could hang back. They have found land much more suitable for their needs on the other side of the Jordan. Were they afraid of battle? Maybe they saw the land on this side of the Jordan as "a sure thing" compared to the risk of the promised land.
Moses strikes a compromise with them. If they will fight alongside the other tribes until the promised land is secure, then they can return to this land and live there. The two tribes agree and fulfill their obligation.
However, history shows this to be a bad decision. The land Reuben and Gad requested is referred to as the Transjordan. It lacked natural defenses, and was vulnerable to Israel's enemies. It was often the first land invaded. Several times, Israel lost control of this land. In fact, when Reuben is mentioned in the bible, it is never in a way that shows it controlled this land. The sure thing turned out to be not so sure.

Application: Be careful what you wish for could be the immediate takeaway. But the problem is not poor land assessment. The problem is that God gave the tribes a land of promise and two tribes thought they could do better. Moses even connects this decision with the fear of the spies who initially surveyed the land. The problem is that Reuben and Gad could not trust that what God had for them was better than what their eyes could see. They walked by sight, not by faith.

What is it in my life that God has promised, but I am turning down for what appears to be better? Can I hold out for His promise, or do I need to grab what I can now? Is it really a sure thing if is is not God's thing?

Prayer: God, show me today where I am choosing the Transjordan for the Promised land. Don't let me take the easy road.

What He Requires, He Will Provide

2011-03-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

Scripture: The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Command the people of Israel and say to them, ‘My offering, my food for my food offerings, my pleasing aroma, you shall be careful to offer to me at its appointed time.’ Numbers 28:1-2

Observation: Here we find the calendar of sacrifices. What to offer, which day to offer it. It is a detailed list. And sometimes, these offerings could pile up on each other. For example, if the Sabbath day fell on the first day of the month, a priest would have to offer not only the daily offerings and the Sabbath offerings but also the first-of-the-month offerings. That’s a lot to offer. According to the ESV Study bible, these sacrifices, over the course of a year, could total 113 bulls, 1,086 lambs, over a ton of flour, and 1,000 bottles of oil and wine!
One way to look at that is with pressure and responsibility. “You mean we have to produce that many animals and flour and bottles? Oh boy!” Another way to look at this is to see it as a promise: God will provide for what God requires. “You mean we will be prosperous enough to be able to sacrifice 100 bulls, 1000 lambs, and 1000 bottles of wine? Praise God!” Pressure or praise hinge upon seeing God’s unspoken promises.

Application: I deal with a lot of responsibility. Sometimes I look at that and feel the pressure, “You mean I have to come up with _______?” Today, God is reminding me that what he requires, He will provide. I can look at my responsibility (which has not changed) and see that God is going to provide. Greater responsibility means I need greater provision, and greater opportunity for God to flex his muscles.

Prayer: God, I have some tasks before me these next few weeks. Tasks that have increased due to illness. Yet today I ask for and trust that You will provide for all you have required of me. I cannot do it myself.

Resurrection = Preperation

2011-02-17T06:03:00.000-08:00

Scripture: There will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. Acts 24:15-16

Observation: Paul is giving a defense of his faith before Felix. And to counter the claims he is in a cult, he affirms his beliefs in the true God. One thing he confesses is that he believes in the resurrection…and that this belief causes him to guard how he lives in this life. Knowing he will one day face Christ, Paul lives to have a clear conscience in this life.

Application: This week I preached on Heaven. One person came up to me afterwards and admitted he was a little apprehensive about Heaven, as he expected Christ to call him to accounts. My initial response was to say something soothing, like, “Oh, but don’t worry about that, Heaven will just be joy. Jesus will not have anything negative to say to you—it will only be commendation.” This response comes out a lifetime of well meaning, yet biblically uninformed people spouting stuff like this. The judgment and evaluation aspect of Heaven is so downplayed. Yet the bible clearly outlines that meeting Christ in heaven should motivate our living on earth. Paul was motivated by the prospect of one day reviewing his earthly life with Christ in Heaven. We should be too.

Prayer: God, help me proclaim truth and prepare people for the resurrection. We have so many beliefs that are rooted in Christian folklore and not founded in Your word. Even this morning as I tackle my sermon prep, give me courage to “go there” in scripture.

The Scarlet Letter "U"

2011-02-10T05:48:00.000-08:00

Scripture: And the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the grain offering on the altar. Thus the priest shall make atonement for him, and he shall be clean. Leviticus 14:20

Observation: God spent a lot of time in Leviticus outlining the policies and procedures for dealing with various skin conditions, such as a boil or rash. Someone with such a condition was to be declared unclean. This designation was not intended to describe their spiritual condition—they were not being judged by God. But they were called unclean and separated from the rest of the people in order to preserve the holy. To keep the rest of the community clean.

The good news is that this ritual unclean state was not permanent. There were procedures not only in how to separate people, but how to reintegrate them. The hope and goal of separation was always restoration. Full fellowship. When the condition changed, and the cleansing was complete, the priest was to announce they were clean.

I wonder, however, if there were aftereffects from being called unclean. Even though the priest had declared them clean, were there people afraid to shake hands, invite them over for dinner, greet them with a kiss? Was there an invisible scarlet ‘U” hung around their necks? We see in Acts just how seriously God’s people took clean and unclean foods. Even when God declared a food to be clean, some struggled to embrace them. How much more would this have been with people?

Application: What God has made clean, do not call common. Acts 10:15 What God has declared clean, is clean, whether I like it or not. Food, clothing, and yes, even people. If God declares them clean, either through ritual in the case of skin or regeneration in the case of a heart, I must also accept as clean. I cannot hold prejudices or withhold touch. I don’t consider myself that kind of person, but perhaps below the surface, I too struggle to embrace those whom God calls clean. Maybe I project that scarlet letter "U" on others who have genuinely been cleansed.

Prayer: God, I want to declare your power to cleanse by embracing what you embrace. Will you show me if there are areas or people or even people groups that you have cleansed in Christ, yet I hold back from. Will you open my eyes to any vestiges of legalism or judgmentalism?

Small Matters and Hard Cases

2011-01-27T06:22:00.000-08:00

Scripture: And they judged the people at all times. Any hard case they brought to Moses, but any small matter they decided themselves. Exodus 18:26

Observation: Moses is quickly overloaded with the volume of his responsibility. His father-in-law tells him to select able men to help lead the people. Moses is able to focus his attention on what God truly needs from him through the power of delegation.

Application: The thing that caused me the most stress in 2010 was micromanaging. I enjoy having input, and it can be easy for me to drill down into a task far beyond where I am needed. This causes me stress as my time is quickly consumed with the urgent, and not spent on the important. Recently, I realized I need to set clear expectations, and then back away and see they are met, rather than being unclear, and continuing to give input. I do not have time for that.

Prayer: God, I need you to walk me through this in 2011. It may be a pride or control issue, or even a lack of faith. Help me to select able people, then clearly communicate with them my expectations, and then let them handle all the matters they can decide themselves. Show me the hard cases I should be devoting power and energy to. Please help me take a step forward in that today in the conversation I have planned.

The Missing Component in My Parenting

2011-01-25T06:22:00.001-08:00

Scripture: You shall tell your son on that day, ‘It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ Exodus 13:8

Observation: After engineering his people’s escape from Egypt by his own strong hand, God sets forth a feast to help his people always remember their salvation. In the instructions for this feast, God calls parents to tell their children what the ceremonies mean.
But three words in this command make it personal. “Did for me.” God is calling parents to get personal with their faith and their kids. Not just to give dry religious lectures, not to just cover the bases of spiritual talk or check off the list, but to tell their kids what God did for them.

Application: I think I am doing better at trying to help my kids learn about what God has done. But I don’t think I share enough about what God has "done for me." The facts of faith can be passed on without the reality of it in my life. My kids need more than to hear information; they need to see transformation in my life. I want to share more with them about the whys of my faith—why I pray, why I worship, why I follow Christ. How I feel about what the Lord has "done for me."

Prayer: God, help me to tell my sons and daughter “what the Lord did for me.” Give me opportunities to go below the surface and share my story with them. Help me to listen when they ask questions, and not just give them the theological definition. Let me share my heart as I share my faith.

When Jesus Doesn't Want Us To See Him

2011-01-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

Scripture: But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. Luke 24:16

Observation: After the resurrection, Jesus appears to two men on the road to Emmaus. But God prevents them from recognizing Jesus. Why? Why would God conceal His presence? wouldn’t it more powerful to have them instantly recognize Jesus? If they were going to get a day to spend with the risen savior, wouldn’t that day be better spent knowing they were with Christ?
Or maybe not. Perhaps this was a much more dramatic lesson than even the revealed Christ could have taught. This was a way for them to learn a lesson about trusting what God has said, even when they could not see it. This was a chance for this mysterious stranger to retell the story of faith, to help them restore their faith before revealing his identity. The walk to Emmaus was a walk of faith, not of sight.

Application: We sang a song in church yesterday, “Like a River Glorious.” One line drew me to God: “They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.” God wants me to trust him, even when I cannot see him. As I walk down the road, He is calling me to believe what he has said and to trust He will bring it to pass. To trust him wholly, and find him wholly true.

Prayer: Jesus, May I trust you this week even when I do not see you. You are walking with me, teaching me, stretching my faith. Let me believe you.

Unstable as Water

2011-01-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence…Genesis 49:4

Observation: Jacob is dying, and has called his 12 sons to him to bless them and call forth their future. He tells his oldest, Reuben, that he has lost his standing as the firstborn because of Reuben’s sexual sins. Instead of being morally stable, he is unstable as water. Then Jacob tells Simeon and Levi that they will experience a scattering of their descendants and a loss of their strength because of their anger problems. In these three cases, leadership loss happens as a direct result of sin.

Application: As a leader, I am acutely aware of how sin impacts not only me, but my leadership ability. It scares me to think these pronouncements could be made about me one day. That I would lose my opportunity to serve God due to sin. Failing to be stable sexually, or failing to bridle my anger could have repercussions beyond my own life. They could compromise my ability to lead my family, my friends, my church. I want to make sure that I do not let instability now ruin my future.

Prayer: God, I pray for your help. I desire sexual stability and emotional self control. You put that desire in me, and also put in me the power to be stable in these areas. Please help me to continue to yield to you and seek your strength so that I am ready and able to serve at your calling.

Years Seem Like Days

2011-01-12T06:32:00.000-08:00

Scripture: So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her. Genesis 29:20

Observation: Simply a great description of how hard work is worth it when you are working with and for the one you love.

Application: I have served with my wife for over 12 years now, and they feel like a few days because of the value and love I have for her. I need to make sure she knows that even though marriage is work, years feel like days when you love someone.

Prayer: God, thank you for my marriage to my wife. I pray you protect us from the attacks of the enemy. Grow us strong to have confidence in your plan in and though our lives together.

Circumcision and Faith

2011-01-06T06:14:00.001-08:00

Scripture: Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. Genesis 17:24

Observation: God chose circumcision as a mark of his covenant promise with his people. The focus of the cutting could be to draw attention to the offspring of Abraham, through whom the Messiah would come. In a sense, being circumcised meant, “I believe in God and his promises.” Still, it is a dramatic demonstration of trust when Abraham at 99, and his son at 13, and his whole household of grown men follow the Lord in this rite.
Abraham’s track record of obedience is spotty. In Genesis 15, he is commended for refusing to help himself to the reward of men. In Genesis 16, he “helps” God’s plan by sleeping with his wife’s mistress to produce a child. Then in Genesis 17, we see him help his son and other men to yield their own bodies as an act of faith. Abraham succeeds when he acts in faith, and fails when he acts on his own.

Application: There are times I act in faith, and times when I feel God needs some of my “help” to accomplish his work. It is a constant struggle for me to act by faith and not by power. To know the difference between acting in my power and God’s. Sometimes these are not as clear as I would like.

Prayer: God, sometimes obedience requires action. And sometimes it requires patience. Help me have strategic patience. To not rush to get things done in my time and power. At the same time, if you call me to drastic action, give me strength to act with faith.

This Town's Not Big Enough for the Both of Us

2011-01-05T06:22:00.001-08:00

Scripture: Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.” Genesis 13:8-9

Observation: Abram and Lot have come to the realization that this town just isn’t big enough for the both of ‘em. Their flocks are too large and the pasture is too small. It is time to separate for the sake of the relationship. In doing so, Abram shows Lot great honor by giving him the choice of the better land.
In this, we do not get a sense that Abram or Lot had failed, or that God was displeased at their inability to get along. In fact, it seems that Abram is to be praised for the gracious way he handled the separation.

Application: Is there a time to separate for the sake of the relationship? I am not talking about commitments like marriage, but rather, temporary partnerships. Maybe two friends who try to be roommates. Perhaps a husband and wife that decide to work in the same office. Maybe someone who realizes there is too much baggage at their church for them to stay. Or two people realize they are better friends than partners.
Could it be that sometimes, things just are not going to work out? And for the sake of future relationship, and for the resolution of present strife, that a separation is in order? Could it be that this is not necessarily a failure in God’s eyes, especially if it is resolved well and handled with grace? Paul and Barnabus did the same thing—separation for the sake of the relationship. And God was able to bless both their journeys in new ways.

Prayer: Lord, I do not know what this means, other than maybe you offering me freedom from guilt and responsibility when a separation has to occur. If handled with graciousness, maybe what seems like an ending is a beginning of new opportunities for ministry and friendship. Help me think more about this and see your direction in how this would affect my life.

Preparing the Way

2011-01-03T07:06:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Luke 3:5-6

Observation: Luke quotes Isaiah’s prophecy about the coming of the Messiah, and attributes it to John. John is the voice crying in the wilderness for people to get ready. His role was to help the Jews get right with God now, so that when the Messiah came, they could see and receive him easily. This is a poetic passage, describing the filling up of holes, the smoothing down of obstacles, and the straightening of crooked paths. It implies the raising up of the humble, the knocking down of the proud, and the correcting of the dishonest. These are the preparations for the Messiah.

Application: This morning I was reading a news article about a group of people that believe Christ will return this year, on a certain date. These people believe so strongly that some have left jobs and homes to travel and tell people. Right or wrong, they are ‘preparing the way’ for the Messiah.
So how am I preparing the way for me to receive the Messiah in 2011? How am I making His path into my life smoother? Am I filling valleys, removing obstacles, and straightening crooked paths in my life? I need time to engage in some of these questions this month during my sabbatical day. I know Jesus wants to come to me all throughout this year. Will his path into my life be smooth?

Prayer: Jesus, I want to receive you again and again in this year. I know that meeting you in your word is a primary way for me to do that. I invite you in and pray you would help me prepare the way.

When We Don't Get What We Want the Way We Want It

2010-12-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” John 10:32-33

Observation: The Jews could not argue with Jesus’ miracles. The proof was in the pudding. The lame could walk, the blind could see. Things were happening, and yet they were not happening the way some people wanted them. The Messiah did not look, act, or speak like they wanted. Worse, this man who was clearly not the man they wanted, claimed to be God. They rejected the one sent from God because he did not come in the right package.
When God shows up in a different package, we can get angry. Why? We want what we want the way we want it. Now, we can dress that up in a whole lot of spiritual language, but at the end of the day, it is more about us getting God the way we want him, rather than accepting that he might want to come in a different and new way.

Application: This week, a person came up to one of our pastors asking about our Christmas Eve services. They were disappointed in last year’s service, as we did not do something they wanted us to do. As I reviewed last year’s services, I saw that we celebrated the birth of a God who came to be with us. We did welcome the arrival of Christ. And yet, because we did not welcome Christ in the way this person wanted, they felt like he had not come at all.
My downfall as a pastor is that I often let the gripes of a few outweigh God’s voice in my life. I believe the lies of the enemy speaks through a few. I need to remember that sometimes, when it comes to the things of God, we want what we want the way we want it.
This person’s problem was not with me. It was with God. God chose to reveal himself in a different way. With God, who does not always give us what we want the way we want it, but instead gives us what we need in ways we may not want.

Prayer: God, I have been allowing Satan to speak to me through the griping and gritching of a few people. While it is crucial for me to listen and learn, sometimes, these complainers are really angry with You, and the new ways You have chosen to reveal yourself. I need to step out of the line of fire and let them fire at you. I am a convenient target, but really, their beef is with you. Please help me listen to the truth of your word, and the good works you are doing in my life and the life of our church.

A Knight's Code

2010-12-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Respect everyone. Love the brotherhood of believers. Fear God. Honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17

Observation: Peter is stressing that the way we treat others in life reveals our true freedom, and silences our critics. If we claim Christ, then the way we relate to authorities and others in our lives ought to reflect that. If we have truly been set free, we will show it by submission.

Application: These words stick out to me as a code of conduct, a creed. Something that would be emblazoned on the shield of a knight. They are brief and yet cover so much about our relationships in life. My boys and I have a code of conduct for men in our house, our knight’s code. But I like this as well. These are 4 truths I need to teach my kids. Respect everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor authorities in your life. I think this might be our next family time devotional.

Prayer: God, help me model these attitudes towards these 4 groups in my life. Please instill these in my kids. Help me lead them towards true freedom through submission.

Hold Fast. This is good. God is in this.

2010-12-15T07:20:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

Observation: James tells us we each have a decision to make when we encounter challenges in life. We can choose to grumble or we can chose to believe, “This is good. God is in this.” This choice is ours and ours alone. No one can make it for us. No well-meaning friend can use these words on us. We have to choose that this is good and God is in this. And the reason it is good and God is in this is because God is using this trial and my response to it to build in me steadfastness. He is completing me by teaching me how to hold fast in this world.

Application: I was thinking this morning about how I have a lot on my plate at this time of year. I can get stressed out by a number of things. And unfortunately, I don’t always choose joy. I choose outlets like negativity, discouragement. I turn to food for escape. These are all alternatives to choosing to believe, “This is good. God is in this.” I think God is reminding me today that the choice is mine, and for me to choose joy.

Prayer: This is good, God. You are in this. You are forging in me the ability to hold fast. Help me choose to believe. Help me choose joy. Steer me from easy, yet unsatisfying responses to my trials. I choose today to hold fast to you and your plan for my life.

God Does Not Force Hard Hearts

2010-11-22T06:11:00.000-08:00

Scripture: And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58

Observation: Jesus returns to his hometown, yet finds that people cannot relate to him as messiah. They only see the son of Mary and Joseph (the one born under sketchy circumstances). Jesus did very few miracles here, because of the unbelief of the people. As one note in my bible says, “The Holy Spirit does not force his miracles on a hostile, skeptical audience.”

Application: Hard-heartedness prevents the ministry of God. Oh, God can overcome that, to be sure. But it seems that when God finds hearts hardened to him, he leaves them be. I wonder if God wants to do something great, but passes by because of lack of faith. Do I really believe? Can that believe help me overcome doubt, grumbling, rejection? It seems that all great works are accompanied by opposition. But to those children who persevere in hope, they see God at work.

Prayer: God, help me believe you want to do something greater. Stretch my faith. I do believe; help my unbelief. I want to trust you and lead our people to expect great things from you.

Hearts Wide Open

2010-11-16T05:55:00.000-08:00

Scripture: We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also. 2 Corinthians 6:11-13

Observation: Paul is baring his soul to the Corinthians, asking them to respond to him the way he has responded to them. He is trying to lead them, yet they have been resistant. Paul’s heart is wide open to them, and he requests, not demands, their love in return.

Application: I have been surprised over the years how some people respond to pastoral leadership with mistrust and hostility. They meet each new initiative and direction with resistance and suspicion. While there are many reasons for that that have nothing to do with the leader, I can see why some people might feel that way. They have had leaders whose hearts were not wide open. Leaders who saw their position as a stepping stone to another role. Leaders who were temporary. Leaders who started things they would not be around to finish. These actions leave people wary of leaders. If the leader’s heart is closed off, why should they open theirs? Paul does not demand their love, but as a father requests the love of his kids, Paul requests the love (and trust) of the Corinthians.

I need to lead with heart wide open. With honestly, with genuineness, with no hiddenness or secret agendas. Some people are so jaded that they will not be able to handle this, but nevertheless, I must lead this way. And in the end, I cannot convince or cajole someone into loving me and my direction---I can only request their respect.

Prayer: God, let me lead with my heart wide open. Let me lead with integrity and honesty. Protect me from discouragement when I am not trusted or attacked. Grant me favor with our people. Help them to trust my heart and leadership.

Willing to remain silent

2010-11-04T06:04:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. Mark 15:32

Observation: Jesus was humiliated on the cross. Mocked, abused, insulted. Everyone from the rich to the poor, from the nobles to the outcasts, looked down on him as they looked upon him. Mark tells us that even those who were being crucified with Jesus reviled him. These are the last people on earth who should be mocking Jesus. Besides the torture of their own pain, they were being hung before people as the ultimate failures. They were being put to death for their utter collapse of life. Yet even in their dying moments, they find breath to shower hate on the Christ. If someone being crucified can look down on you, you have sunk as low as you possibly could.

I am amazed that Christ was willing to sink this low for me. Enduring the shame for me. Willing to allow lies and slander to fly all around him while he remained mute for me.

Application: It really bothers me when my motives or actions are maligned. When someone who does not have all the facts calls me out. I want to rise up, to defend myself. I want to show them the facts. But as I meditate on Jesus here, I see that he can give me the power to stay silent. To let accusations and questions roll off of me. To be content with having people misunderstand my motives or actions. I don't have to fix everyone's views. People of integrity act, expecting to be believed. When they are not, they trust that time will prove them right.

Prayer: God, free me today from my need to correct. If the greatest slander in history could go unresponded to by you, then I can certainly trust you to take care of minor misunderstandings in my life. Show me when to speak in love, and when to let things go. Your back is strong enough to bear it; I take shelter there today.

Increasing Faith

2010-11-01T05:59:00.001-07:00

Scripture: And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer." Mark 9:29

Observation: The disciples have failed to cast out a demon. Jesus has to step in and do it for teem. Later, when alone with Jesus, they ask him why they could not do it. Jesus replies that some things only can be done by prayer. I have always taken is to be a spiritual principle of dependence. That we do not have the power and we need to ask God for help. So in the moment of spiritual need, we ought to stop and pray.
However, the context of the story shows Jesus frustrated with the faithlessness of this generation, including the disciples. It seems the issue might not just be that the disciples are trying to do spiritual work with physical effort, but that they lack the faith to do it. That maybe Jesus is calling them not only to pray in the moment to insure dependence, but he is calling them to a lifetime of prayer to increase faith. Some manuscripts add the words, "and fasting" to the end of the sentence, which is not something you could stop and go do in the moment, but has to be a habit and lifestyle.

Application: I think I am practicing the pausing to pray for spiritual power. But I am not practicing the ongoing prayer to increase faith. These times of devotion give me part of that. My faith is increased each time I meet with God in his word. But I want to grow in my faith. I have battles and tests ahead of me, and the only way I will overcome is through faith, faith that has grown through prayer.

Prayer: God, help my faith grow. Give me eyes to see what is coming and how faith will play a role in the victory. Show me how to pray for the faith to overcome.

I Know that my Redeemer Lives

2010-10-28T07:19:00.001-07:00

Scripture: For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me! Job19:25-26

Observation: Job wishes he could write a book about his experience. Why? So he could tell everyone of his belief that his redeemer lives. In spite of all the pain and suffering he still believes he will see God. What is remarkable about this is that in Job's day, the theology of the afterlife was still developing. These people believed that the grave was the end. So Job is declaring his belief in God as his redeemer, even if that redemption or vindication comes "too late". Job is confident that God will vindicate him, even if it is after Job is long dead and gone. His hope is greater than rescue; it is redemption. It is a trust in God that goes beyond God fixing his life.

Application: I hold strongly to Christ as my redeemer. I know that he will one day recuse me from out of this earth. But do I trust him to do what is right even if it is after possible benefit to me? Do I trust him beyond the fixing of the situation?

Prayer: God, help me know that my redeemer lives today, and at the last he will stand upon the Earth.

Filled with Joy

2010-10-21T06:13:00.000-07:00

Scripture: And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52

Observation: In the midst of persecution and being kicked out of the city, the disciples are able to shake the dust off their feet and leave. But they leave full of joy and the Holy Spirit. There is a powerful connection between the filling of the Spirit and attitude.

Attitude is not something I produce, but the Spirit produces in me. It is not about bucking up, putting on a good face, but connecting with the Spirit and letting him drive my joy. Then, even in the midst of tough times, I can have an inner joy and peace and maintain control of my attitude and responses.

Application: God has been speaking to me recently about attitude. Specifically, the attitudes he wants me to have and not have. Today, I hear him reminding me that the source of my attitude is not my own willpower, but hinges on my connection with his Spirit.

Prayer: Today, I have a day planned to pray and think about my life. I pray that it would be a day of reconnecting with the Spirit, letting you fill and control my life. I pray I will leave this day refreshed and filled with the joy of the Spirit.

My Birthday Blog

2010-10-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

Scripture: "Behold, God will not reject a blameless man, nor take the hand of evildoers. He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting. Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked will be no more." Job 8:20-22

Observation: Bildad offers Job an explanation for his suffering, namely that Job must have done wrong and his suffering is a punishment from God. He asserts that truly righteous people will not suffer and truly unrighteous people will be punished. Yet Job will argue and ultimately reject this counsel as unbiblical. He will arrive at this conclusion: God and God alone dictates the course of people's lives.

Bildad's counsel is sound in every way except one: it is unbiblical. Logically, religiously, ethically, we expect karma. Good gets blessed and evil gets punished. So if we see blessing or punishment, then we should be able to assume good or evil. But that is not always the case. Sometimes suffering befalls good believers. Sometimes grace and patience comes to evil doers. The bottom line is that God's ways are higher than our ways.

Application: I like to live in a world where blessing and punishment are clearly connected to my behavior. That if I work hard enough and live good enough, I can control my own destiny. That I can avoid pain if I try hard enough. But that was not true for Job and it is not true for me. Yes, generally blessing comes to the righteous and difficulty to the unrighteous, but I must trust God in what he deems He needs to bring my way. This is true in my own life and in the life of my church. I need to be careful about assigning reasons behind why some gins have or have not happened. Without blaming God, I must ultimately trust God and seek him and submit to him.

Prayer: Make me like Job and not Bildad. Help me submit to your sovereignty in my life and model that to others, rather than go down Bildad's blaming road. Help me shift my trust from my own ability to secure your blessing to your ability to decide what is best for me.

Praying for My Kids

2010-10-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

Scripture: And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually. Job 1:5

Observation: Job was a blameless man, blessed with wealth, health, and a happy family. He had ten kids, who celebrated life and God with a daily feast. Each one of his 7 sons took a day of the week to host the feast. And in all of this, Job rose daily to pray for his kids, in case they got a little out of hand in their celebrations and committed a sin. Bottom line: Job prayed for his kids daily, he interceded on his kids behalf.

Application: Jessica and I talked last night about how it was important for us to be praying for our kids, for protection and God’s work in their lives. I do not know what this so easily slips our mind, but it often does. Job reminds me here of the crucial task of praying for my kids. Tomorrow, Jessica and I are going to sit down and talk more about how we can implement this in our lives and be more intentional about rising to pray for our family.

Prayer: God, forgive me for my prayerlessness when it comes to my kids. Teach me how to “offer sacrifices” for each of my kids before you regularly, so that you may fully work in their lives.

"The Hand of the Lord was Upon Me"

2010-10-07T06:04:00.001-07:00

Scripture: I took courage, for the hand of the LORD my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me. Ezra 7:28

Observation: Ezra sees the hand of God at work in his life. The king has granted permission and given resources for the temple to be restored. Ezra sees this as the moving of God and the fulfillment of prophecy. And in this, he sees that God's hand is upon him. This gives him courage to act and gather leaders who will act with him.

Application: often we are hesitant to be bold in life, feeling that we do not have the right to do this or that. We fear being perceived as arrogant, or filled with hubris. It seems that some christians equate courage with cockiness, and that humility=passivity. But there are times when we can trust the hand of the Lord is upon us, and act with courage. I feel I am in a season of this in my life right now. While this does not mean I am always right, it does mean I sense the moving of God in this time of history. Like Ezra, I want to bless God, act with courage, and gather leaders around me to go up and follow God's hand.

Prayer: God, I bless you, the God of my fathers. Thank you for continuing to move. Help me discern your hand, to humbly seek your moving, that I might act with courage to do what needs to be done.

What Do You Want Me To Do For You?

2010-10-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

Scripture: “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” Luke 18:41

Observation: Jesus comes upon a blind beggar, who cries out for Jesus to have mercy on him. Then Jesus asks him this question, “What do you want me to do for you?” At first, this seems like a question with an obvious answer. But the beggar could have been asking for a few coins. He could have asked for comfort, maybe a night off of the street. Jesus asks to get this man to specifically state what he wanted. And what he wanted was huge—healing of his sight. Only the Lord could do this. This beggar had the desperate faith to ask for the impossible.

Application: When I am praying, I need to really ponder Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?” What am I really asking for? Am I asking for a simple solution, the removal of a problem? What faith stretching request am I really bringing to him? And am I prepared to ask for more than a few coins, but for the impossible?

Prayer: God, as I pray, help me pray much larger and bolder. Show me where my prayers are small.

We Heard that God is With You

2010-09-30T06:11:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’ Zechariah 8:23

Observation: Zechariah is prophesying about a future day of blessing that God will visit upon his people. Here, I think he is talking about the day of Pentecost, where God’s people were so filled with His spirit that as they go out into the streets, people from every nation wanted to go with them because it was so obvious God was with them.

Application: “Let us go with you, for we heard God is with you.” I have lived in my neighborhood for 2 years now. What have my neighbors heard about me? That I am a nice guy? That my kids go to school down the street? That I am the man with no grass in his yard? Have they heard God is with me? What will be the result of God putting a family of believers in a neighborhood for two years? Impact, or irrelevance?

Prayer: God, I fear I have not been intentional enough about my neighborhood. I get so caught up in my house being a refuge for me, that I fail to see it as an opportunity. Would you help me be more mindful of my neighbors, and how I can extend the heart and hands of Christ to them?

Facing our Accusers

2010-09-28T06:11:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Thus says the LORD of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. Zechariah 3:7

Observation: After years of unrest, stability is starting to come back to God’s people. Under the new preaching ministry of Haggai, people are starting to come back to the old truths, starting to rebuild the temple. Zechariah has a vision of Joshua, the high priest, standing in heaven. Joshua is on trial, with Satan as his accuser. But in a dramatic courtroom turn, God turns to Satan before he can even open his mouth and rebukes him. God orders that Joshua’s filthy clothes be removed and replaced with brand new robes. Then he promises that if Joshua will obey him and keep God’s calling, he will find leadership, acceptance, and he will have a voice in the heavenlies.

Application: Over the last month, I feel I have been under Satan’s accusations. Except they are coming from people. It has been a struggle to listen, to care, to try to mend fences. I have not always done well. But today I think God is reminding me that these accusations do not come from people, but from the accuser of the brethren. My job is not to defend myself, but walk in God’s ways and keep his charge. I can let God rebuke whom he needs to rebuke. I can trust that God will provide the leadership, acceptance, and access to Him that I need to carry out his work.

Prayer: God, help me walk in your ways and keep your charge. Give me courage to stand amidst the accusations. Give me grace to respond, but let me trust you for my defense. And help me turn to the access I have in you for the grace and courage I need.

With or Without You

2010-09-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

Scripture: And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. Revelation 21:3

Observation: After the final destruction of Satan, sin, and death, God creates a new heaven and earth. The hallmark of this new forever is unhindered fellowship with God. God with us, is now a reality like never before. God with us has always been the goal, from the garden to eternity. But sin has kept us from this. Jesus came to be God with us, but still our fellowship was challenged by the world, the flesh, and the devil. Now that all three are gone, the ultimate goal of all of God’s promises—God with us, can begin.
Ephesians tells us that our sin has separated us from God, leaving us without hope and without God in the world (2:12). In the end, all of life comes down to the question: Am I with or without God in this world? To be without God in this world means we are without hope, because we face an eternity apart. To be with God in this world holds great hope that we will experience God with us forever.

Application: I want to start seeing people the way Jesus saw them—helpless and harassed, without a shepherd (without God) in this world.

Prayer: I pray you help me see people the way you do—either with or without You in this world. And give me opportunity to share the shepherd with them.

Prophet or Performer?

2010-09-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

Scripture: And behold, you are to them like one who sings lustful songs with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument, for they hear what you say, but they will not do it. Ezekiel 33:32

Observation: The prophet Ezekiel was calling people to change. And the people were listening. But they were listening to Ezekiel as they might listen to an entertainer at a concert. They liked his style and tone, but were not moved to act. One day, God promised, they would look back and realize they were listening to a prophet, not an performer.

Application: I feel a pressure often to perform on stage. That people have a certain expectation of my sermons, and they sit as critics, rating what I do. Some want more stories, some want less challenge, others want more “meat.” I think there is a place for me to really listen, and try to meet the needs of the people. But there is also a place for me to get with God, and godly counsel, and speak what he has put in my mouth. These are some important times for our church, and I have been charged by God to say some challenging and hard-to-swallow things. I need to trust that one day, the actions and words I use will be regarded as right.

Prayer: I pray today that I would be moved by the compassion of Jesus, to have the courage of Jesus, to lovingly say what I need to say. Help me listen to those who are hurting or confused. But keep me on course with Your truth. Help me make sure I am listening to your words and responding to them myself.

Determined to Discipline

2010-09-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

Scripture: The LORD determined to lay in ruins the wall of the daughter of Zion; he stretched out the measuring line; he did not restrain his hand from destroying… Lamentations 2:8

Observation:
1. God determines to discipline his people.
2. God measures out his discipline to an exact amount needed, no more, no less.
3. God is willing to mete out harsh discipline to his loved ones.
My discipline of my own children is often haphazard, depending on my mood, frustration level. Often I feel my discipline is too light or too tough, but rarely just right. But God is always right on target. He knows what is needed to bring about the change he desires.

Application: Jessica is leaving town for the weekend tomorrow, leaving me alone with the kids. It is during these long periods that my tolerance drops, and I tend to discipline out of my flesh, and not God’s spirit. I want to embrace the coming weekend as a time for me to parent in the spirit.

Prayer: God, I yield myself to you for this coming weekend. I pray I will experience your patience. Help me have self control. I want this to be a fun time for me to have with my kids. I trust you to give me wisdom to discipline like you, determined and right on target.

The Divine Epitaph of a Leader

2010-09-07T06:40:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD his God. 2 Chronicles 36:5

Observation: Often repeated in scripture is this sentence summarizing the reign of a king of Israel or Judah. The sentence follows this same formula, only the names and dates are changed. ____________ was ____________ years old when he began to reign, and he reigned ____________ years in Jerusalem. He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD his God. An entire king’s reign is held up to one standard. Structures could have been erected, treaties signed, wars fought and won…all of these achievements are not important enough to make it into their divine epitaph. All of the things that would have been great or small in the eyes of men are immaterial. Only one criteria exists: Did they do right or evil in the sight of God?

Application: If this is the evaluation standard of my leadership, then I must be about doing what is right in the sight of the LORD my God. This means making the tough decisions, holding fast to the course. It means being willing to endure criticism from others, willing to act with integrity, expecting to be believed, and when I am not, trusting that the divine epithet to set things right. It means seeing my leadership as a temporary trust, one that I will one day hand off to another. What will my divine epitaph read?

Prayer: God, I pray for the eternal perspective of history and your final commendation. It is not history, but You that will determine my actions and decisions. May I be counted as one who kept the commandments of God and held to the testimony of Jesus.

It's Not Fair!

2010-09-02T05:43:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ O house of Israel, are my ways not just? Is it not your ways that are not just? Ezekiel 18:29

Observation: Ezekiel is talking about how those who repent will be forgiven, even if they have lived a wicked life. Apparently, this did not sit well with God’s people, who believed more in karma than grace. In their minds, God was valuing a moment of repentance over (in their minds) a lifetime of obedience. This is the prodigal son’s brother, angry over how unfair the father is for forgiving repentance and not valuing obedience.

But God points out the irony of this attack: People who are not just are accusing God of not being fair.

Application: God is just. I am not. Just yesterday, I was going off about another person’s actions, indignant that they could act in such a way. Yet even while I was talking, I heard a small voice pointing out the same hypocrisy in my life. Is my life living with justice? Am I quick to accuse others, or even God? Maybe I need to scale down my indignation and look at my own life before I go on the warpath.

Prayer: God, help me to be humble today, not quick to judge motives and actions. Give me compassion today. May I yield and submit to your authority. You are just in all you do. Help me live like I believe that.

Weep No More

2010-08-31T06:31:00.000-07:00

Scripture: …and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Rev. 5:4-5

Observation: No one is worthy. What a terrifying truth. No one, no matter how good they are, are worthy. But weep no more and behold the Lion. Jesus has conquered death and sin and evil, so he is worthy.

Application: Thinking today about the Lord’s Supper, and especially the admonition not to take the Lord’s supper in an unworthy manner. I think some people think this means that they examine themselves to see if they have been worthy enough in the last few weeks to enable them to take communion. But who is worthy to take communion? No one. Communion reminds us we are unworthy, but that the Lion has conquered and he is worthy for us. I am unworthy; my worth is found in Christ.
How would that change the articles I need to write, the email I need to send, the sermons I have to prepare, if I trusted the worth of God? How would that change the conversations, the family time, the choices I make today if I behold the Lion?

Prayer: God, help me in the many things I need to do today, to live not like I am worthy enough, but like a man who beholds the Lion who is worthy for me.

Can God's Heart Be Broken?

2010-08-29T06:14:00.000-07:00

Scripture: …how I have been broken over their whoring heart that has departed from me and over their eyes that go whoring after their idols. Ezekiel 6:9 ESV

Observation: God foretells an upcoming judgment against his own people. He is going to make his own people an example to the world of what happens when God is against you. As horrible as this is, something powerful is happening in the heart of God. He is broken. It is always tricky to assign emotions to God, since his ways are not like our ways. But here, God himself gives us language to describe how he is feeling. God says that his heart is broken over the unfaithfulness of his people. The heart of God is broken.

Application: I struggle still to think of God as angry with me, disappointed when I do not follow him. These are not biblical thoughts. I know there is now no condemnation. But I often fail to consider that the God of the universe might be broken over my sin. That his heart might yearn for my faithfulness. That he loves me and wants what is best for me—and my unfaithfulness is not what is best for me. God cares deeply for me and his heart breaks when I go after idols.

Prayer: God, forgive me for wandering. I pray my heart would be broken over my sin like your heart is broken over my sin. Help me to align with you and rely upon you to be faithful.

Dealing with Dissension

2010-08-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

Scripture: I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. 3 John 1:9-10

Observation: Paul is writing to Gaius, a pastor who is facing a troublemaker in his church. Specifically, this troublemaker, Diotrephes, is talking against leadership, refusing to yield to God-appointed authority, and actively refusing to support the missional ministry direction of Gaius’ church.
We do not know Diotrephes’ heart, except that he likes to put himself first. He may be an unbeliever, or a church leader. He may even be a well-meaning believer who is at odds with the leadership. If you sat and talked with him, he might point out all the ways Gaius is doing things wrong. He might even have a slew of verses to support his position.
But regardless of his position, his actions are wrong. Paul’s counsel is twofold: Walk in the truth and confront opposition.

Application: When I get whiffs of dissension, like all leaders do, I can tend to let that slide, to hope it will resolve itself. But part of a leader’s responsibility is to deal with dissension. The key is to make sure you are walking in the truth—both that your life is right with the Lord, and that your position is based on God’s word.

Prayer: God, I know that dissension drains me. I would often rather not deal with it. But good shepherding of people means helping them get on board with God’s direction. That requires truth and conversation. Will you show me when and how to deal with dissension?

When the Discipline is Over, Hope Remains

2010-08-19T05:59:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the LORD, for I am with you.
I will make a full end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished." Jeremiah 46:28

Observation: Jeremiah is predicting God’s judgment on the nation of Egypt. At the end of this chapter, he speaks a word from God to God’s people: “I will not make an end of you. I will punish you, I will discipline you, but I will not end you.” Though God’s discipline is hard, it is necessary. And when the discipline is over, hope remains. For his kids, God always offers hope at the end of discipline.

Application: This is an element I need to bring into my discipline of my own kids…the promise of hope. The assurance that even though the punishment may be tough, when it is over, there is the hope of restoration. That we still love them even though we punish them. And when the punishment is over, there are not lingering consequences—they are fully back in the family. Actually, they never left.

Prayer: God, help me to have the attitude of God when I discipline my kids. Help me show them my love for them even though they have sinned. Let them know my love and commitment for them has not wavered.

Jesus Wants Us to Know He Loves the Father

2010-08-12T06:13:00.000-07:00

Scripture: I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. John 14:31 ESV

Observation: Jesus is teaching his disciples during his last night before the cross. He is sharing some important last minute instructions. In a section about the imminent departure of Christ, and the future arrival of the Spirit, Jesus makes this statement: I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Why is it important to Jesus that I know he loves the Father? Is this to give me comfort, like a kid going to sleep at night secure in the love his parents have for each other? Is it a model of life for me, that I am to obey God out of my love for him? Is it a hint at something mysterious and deep, a unique relationship Christ shares with his father? Is it a subtle reminder that I am not the center of things, that before I or humanity in general showed up, God was already in a perfect relationship with Jesus (and the Spirit)?

Application: I don’t know what this means. Jesus wants me to know that he obeys God, and he wants the world to know that he obeys God so we will know he loves him. I have to think more on this.

Prayer: Jesus, you thought this was important for me to know. Why? Will you help me hear from you? Will you show me why your love for the father is good for me to see and know?

God Will Save Us (By Beau, age 9)

2010-08-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

Scripture: God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3?:17 (NLT)

Observation: God will come down to the world and save us when he is done making Heaven.

Application: I need to stop worrying because God will save me.

Prayer: Dear God, please help me not worry.

God Made Us (by Henry)

2010-07-31T08:43:00.001-07:00

(Today's devotional was written by Henry, age 6)
Scripture: Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay. You are the potter. Your hands made all of us. Isaiah 64:8

Observation: God made us.
Application: God wants me to be nice to Gus and not scream at him because God made him.
Prayer: God, help me to control my anger and not scream.

God's Father Heart Towards Me

2010-07-29T06:08:00.000-07:00

Scripture: As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. (Psalm 103:13 ESV)

Observation: God is a father who shows compassion to his children (His children being those who fear him).

Application: I am wrestling some with my own concept of God the Father. I am realizing that I tend to think of God more as a Captain or CEO, who meets with me to give me marching orders and responsibilities to carry out, rather than a father who delights to show compassion to his children. As I think about this, I think about my own fathering of my kids. Am I a father who shows compassion to his children? I think I am often a little hard on my kids—expecting them to carry out responsibility just like I feel God does to me. But if God’s father heart towards me is compassion, then how can I have that heart to my kids?

This upcoming week will test me in that I will be spending a lot more time with my kids. I want to show them the compassion of a father and simply delight in them.

Prayer: God, I know that this sort of compassion comes only from you. Help me readjust my concept of you to truly see your compassion towards me. And then help me this next week to pass that same compassion on to my kids. Help my kids to see the compassion of their heavenly father through the love of their earthly father.

Sometimes We Forget

2010-07-27T06:44:00.001-07:00

Scripture: For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. (2 Peter 1:9 ESV)

Observation: Peter tells us we have all we need for life because of the divine power that called us, promised us, made us partakers of his divine nature. People that recognize this make every effort to pursue the qualities of God in their lives. However, some people we see are true believers, but do not have these qualities. What gives? The answer is they have forgotten their salvation. They forgot they have been cleansed. They have become so nearsighted that they are blind, totally missing out on the big picture—that they are born again.

Application: I must remind us what happened to us. I must show us the big picture. We can get so nearsighted, focused on our day to day, that we miss the grand scheme of God. This series starting in the fall is my shot at reminding us.

Prayer: God, please help this series accomplish more than I ask or imagine. Help us to truly revel in the riches of your grace. Please guide me this morning as I prepare.

Love Covers a Ton of Problems

2010-07-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8 ESV)

Observation: When there is a foundation of earnest love, then the winds of offence are unable to shake the building.

Application: I am in the middle of a season of dealing with complaints over very minor issues. I have been getting a little weary of them, and my natural response is to say, “Billions are dying and going to hell and you are concerned about X?” But I know how unproductive that would be. I have also been gearing up to say, “Let me show you volumes of theological commentary to show you why this is this way.” But again, I am not sure that this is the right response.

Peter is jacking with my attitude with this simple plea: Love covers over a ton of problems. Maybe what I really need to ratchet up is not a fight, but love. Maybe I need to shower love and care. Oh, I still don’t want to compromise on what God is calling. But I can definitely love people. And maybe true genuine, earnest love will give a little wiggle room and cover over some offences.

Prayer: God, help love and shepherding be foremost on my mind when I am disagreed with. Give me humility and patience. I pray that PRC becomes a place of grace, where we so love each other that we can overlook a multitude of minor offences.

Sparring with Expectations

2010-07-22T05:41:00.000-07:00

Scripture: But if you say to me, “We trust in the LORD our God,” is it not he whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and to Jerusalem, “You shall worship before this altar”? (Isaiah 36:7 ESV)

Observation: The King of Assyria sends an officer to taunt King Hezekiah. He asks Hezekiah where he places his trust. Then he asks, “But if you trust God, then why did you tear down all the high places and altars?” The Assyrian officer thought that all forms of worship were the same. He could not understand how Hezekiah could claim to trust God, yet destroy religious symbols. He could not see that Hezekiah tore down those idolatrous high places and altars because of God, not in spite of him.

Application: It is easy to misjudge the actions people take for God. People often have unbiblical or cultural expectations of Christianity, and when you do not live up to them, they question your faith. I face this all the time. Someone expects that if we really loved God, we would sing a patriotic song in a worship service, or support this political cause. Yet it may be precisely because of our faith in Christ that we do not. The important thing I am hearing today is that my response to these people is crucial. With graceful patience, I need to be able to calmly and without battle, explain the reason for what we do. Then, if they still don’t get it, we can agree to disagree. My problem is that I tend to take their words personally, when I should let them go. Yes, there should be the foundation of humility, and willingness to grow, to change, to reverse a decision or policy. But sometimes we need to hold the course, even if that does not satisfy the expectations of others.

Prayer: God, give me patience today. Help me not get riled up when others question my decisions. Help me be humble and really listen, and have the wisdom to seek out compromise when needed. And give me courage to stand my ground even if it disappoints. But protect my heart from ratcheting up into anger.

My Job is to Disappoint

2010-07-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

Scripture: What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? (James 4:1 ESV)

Observation: James is explaining the source of conflict within the church. Why believers who follow Christ can still get into it with their brothers and sisters. The reason is self-centeredness. The passionate focus on self. Even after we come to Christ, we have to battle the world, the flesh, and the devil. The flesh is full of our focus on ourselves. We don’t have what we want, and instead of going to God for it, we fight with each other.

Application: Sometimes as a pastor I feel like my job is to be the arbitrator of everyone’s happiness. The problem is, there is not one solution to make everyone happy. People’s desires, even good and godly ones, are in competition. I have recently realized that part of my role is to continually disappoint everyone! This means I am here to keep us on track with what the Lord has called us to do as a church, even if that means that various interest groups and agendas have to be disappointed. My job is to keep people focused on the main thing—Jesus. This verse reminds me that as long as we have passions, we will have quarrels and fights. Instead of trying to solve all of these, I need to continue to turn people back to God. James says the way to get what you want is not to fight about it, but to go to God and ask Him. I need to model this in my life and also encourage others to pray and talk with God about these as well.

Prayer: God, let me start with me. I have many things I need to take to you, that instead, I have been trying to figure out on my own. Help me trust you for these things. You are at work. You love me. You love this church. You have the right path marked out. Please help us see where you are moving and join you.

When God Pummels the Earth

2010-07-15T05:31:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:28-29 ESV)

Observation: In Isaiah 24, God describes the future judgment in which he will pummel the earth. He says, “The earth is utterly broken, the earth is split apart, the earth is violently shaken. The earth staggers like a drunken man; it sways like a hut; its transgression lies heavy upon it, and it falls, and will not rise again.” (Isaiah 24:19-20) The earth will be like a punch-drunk boxer, or a battle weary bull, staggering and shaken. But in Hebrews 12, talking about this same shaking, God goes on to encourage us to be grateful that we believers have a kingdom that will not be shaken. This world will shake until it cannot rise again, but the kingdom of God will never be shaken, never be beaten. It will stand unbloodied, unbowed.

Application: I ought to be grateful for the kingdom I have received. Knowing I will escape the shake is reason for great joy and hope. And I should worship God, with reverence and awe, for the God that can shake the earth is a consuming fire.

Prayer: God, I am grateful today for your kingdom. Thank you for reminding me that the stakes are high, that the victory is sure. Sometimes I can get so lost in the world that the future becomes hazy. The promise of your coming judgment waves away the haze and reminds me to be sober and focused.

We Are Being Made Holy

2010-07-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

Scripture: For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14 ESV)

Observation: At the cross, Jesus fully earned our perfection. This does not mean we are perfect people now. The second part of this verse helps us see that. We are people who are being sanctified. That is, people who are progressively being made more holy. We are day by day seeing us conform more to the image of Christ. It would be great if this were all at once, but for some reason, God decided to let our spiritual lives growth be a maturing process. As we grow, we face the world, the flesh, and the devil, all conspiring to thwart our growth. But good news! Jesus has already secured our perfection. As we look to him in faith, we can see forgiveness, growth, healing, victory in this life. We are holy people who are also being made holy.

Application: Had a good conversation this week with someone who felt frustrated over the slow growth of many peoples’ spiritual lives. She felt the issue was faith—if we had more, we would be able to see victory. In a sense, she is right on: faith is the key. Not more faith, necessarily, but faith in the one who made the single offering. In another sense, all the faith in the world still faces opposition and God’s intentional growth process. But though our being made holy seems slow, it is certain. True believers will continue to grow and mature as we partner with God in faith.

Prayer: God, help me believe your word and have faith. You are at work in me. Help me trust you and follow you and see your promise come true in my life.

Sanctuary or Snare?

2010-07-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

Scripture: But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. (Isaiah 8:13 ESV)

Observation: God is teaching us that not only is he the sanctuary for those who fear him, but he is a stone of offense and a snare for those who do not. The same God of rescue can become a God of rebuke. The key is a healthy fear of the Lord. So the question is: Do I want God to be my sanctuary, or my snare?

Application: Earlier this morning, I was thinking through a decision. In this decision, I was considering all the pros and cons. Lumped in the list was a desire to please God. Yet this should not be lumped in with all the rest. Pleasing God, honoring him as holy, letting him be my fear and dread—these should propel to the top of the list. These should be the first consideration, not an afterthought. In my decision, I need to consider how I am honoring God as holy. That is a step towards fearing the Lord.

Prayer: God, forgive me for letting you be a part of my decision process, instead of the priority. You are the one I fear. Let my life in this area reflect that. Let me be able to say, “I do this because I want to honor God.” Thanks for your love for me and your grace. Help me find you to be my sanctuary.

We Need it Every Day

2010-07-06T06:13:00.000-07:00

Scripture: But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
(Hebrews 3:13 ESV)

Observation: We are living in “Today,” a tough time to live for God. All around us is the deceitfulness of sin, the temptation to give up, give out, or give in. And we know that God has given us the power in Him to endure. But when our resolve flags, we need each other to keep going. We need the encouragement every day to make it to the end.

Application: I have not been very encouraging towards my wife. She does so much, and so sometimes I take her for granted. I think she has got it all handled. But Hebrews says that everyone needs encouragement every day. I need to make it a point to encourage her each day.

Prayer: God, thanks for your reminder. Thanks for my wife. Help me encourager her every day, as long as it is called “today.” And please speak to her and lift her heart today.

When Our High Places are Higher than Christ

2010-07-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Nevertheless, the high places were not removed. The people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. He built the upper gate of the house of the LORD.
(2 Kings 15:35 ESV)

Observation: 2 Kings is a tragic tale of failed leadership. Basically, one king after another failed in their leadership, because they allowed (and sometimes encouraged) worship on the high places. The high places were literally higher places where altars to various false Gods stood. Instead of tearing these down and centralizing people’s worship around the one true God, these kings often failed.

Application: One test of my leadership will be: What did I do with the high places at Pulpit Rock? Oh, we have them, just like every church does. High places are where our preferences start to take the place of our priority. Our high places reveal themselves in our judgment of those who worship with different worship than we prefer. Our high places can involve the expectation that the church celebrate our Hallmark holidays, or pursue our political or social agenda. Our high places can even look spiritual, such as our expectations of preaching or philosophy of ministry. Good hearted believers, who genuinely love the Lord, can sometimes allow preferences to replace their priority, allowing high places to tower over Christ.

The book of Hebrews makes the case that Jesus is better than everything else, every ‘high place’ that we could hold. He is to be the center around which we revolve as a church. While I cannot root out every high place, nor can I be responsible for convincing and converting people, I can put Jesus first in front of our people. I can help us focus on Jesus. Maybe with a focus like this, some of the high places around us will fade. Maybe we will see that the Jesus that holds us together is more important than the differences that hold us apart.

Prayer: God, start with me. I have high places. I have ways I think things ought to be done. Help me root out the high places in my life and make sure that Jesus is the highest place in my life. Help me to lovingly but firmly stay on track, and not be swayed by the tempting high places all around us. Give me strength to keep the wheel firmly pointed towards Christ.

I Must Insist

2010-07-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

Scripture: He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. (Titus 3:5-8 ESV)

Observation: We are saved by God’s work, not ours. Paul commands Timothy to insist on this. The result of insisting on this is that people will be careful to devote themselves to good works. This seems counterintuitive. If we want to motivate people to do good, how does insisting that their good has nothing to do with God’s approval of them spur them on?

There must be something powerful about the gospel. More than human rhetoric, more than motivational speeches. Something about the simple truth that He saved us, not because of works done by us, serves as a starter pistol for a life of good works. When guilt and self-effort are off the table, the glory of the gospel can be seen.

Application: I believe He saved us, not because of works done by us. But do I insist on this? Do I insist on this in my own relationship with God? Do I insist on this with my wife and kids? Do I insist on this in my preaching? Do I insist on this with my friends and neighbors? Or do I subtly communicate that He saved us, but only due to works done by us?

I need to think more about what it means for me to insist that He saved us, not because of works done by us.

Prayer: God, it is clear that when it comes to salvation, either you get all the credit, or I try to steal some. Forgive me for foolishly thinking I contributed. It is all, beginning, middle, and end, your work in me. Help me insist on this in my dealings today.

Scratching Itchy Ears

2010-06-28T06:09:00.000-07:00

Scripture: For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV)

Observation: Paul warns Timothy to preach the word completely—correcting when needed, encouraging when needed. This is crucial because there is coming a day when people will turn from sound teaching to wander off into myths. That day has come. I used to think that myths referred to ‘liberal teaching.’ But the truth is, no matter the slant, any teaching that is in error is a myth. And no matter the bent, whether the teaching is licentiousness or legalistic, there will be devotees of it. This is often why people will complain or change churches. The teaching does not scratch their particular itch. They want it more grace filled, or more law filled. They want it more end-times focused or more practical focused. They often do not want to hear the word; they want to hear the word in a way they like, that scratches their itching ears.

Application: I can be like this too. I have particular teachings and teachers that scratch my itch, that I listen to. This is not necessarily wrong, but I need to be careful not to love the teacher, but to love the truth. I need to be a bigger fan of Jesus and his word, than Lewis Sperry Chafer, Craig Groeschel, or John Piper. These guys are great, but they do not have all the answers.

Prayer: God, help me love your word. Help me listen to what it says, even if it does not scratch my itch at the time. And help me be free from trying to scratch the itch of every person that comes to Pulpit Rock. Lead me to do what is right in your eyes and let the chips fall where they may.

To What Do I Sell Myself?

2010-06-17T05:32:00.000-07:00

Scripture: There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. (1 Kings 21:25 ESV)

Observation: God told Ahab to kill the defeated king of the Syrians. In Ahab’s mind, sparing the king and making a treaty with him seemed more profitable than obeying God. So he spared his life. Later, Ahab decided he wanted a certain vineyard. He had this man murdered so he could profit from his land. Ahab spared who needed killing and killed who needed sparing. He sold himself to do what was evil. His choices were up for bidding. Whatever would bring him profit, he did.

Application: What is my price? For what would I sell myself? Maybe money is not my price, but what about comfort, or escape? Do my ends justify my means? How do I rationalize decisions in spite of God’s word? Ahab was able to come up with all kinds of reasons why his way was better than God's, but in the end, he simply sold out.

Prayer: Lord, let me not be like Ahab. Help me to obey you even when my way seems better or more ‘profitable’ to me. Help me put to death what is earthly in me that I might sell myself to do what is right in your eyes.

God's Mystery

2010-06-16T07:20:00.001-07:00

Scripture: ...that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3

Observation: Paul was talking about some false teachers, who claimed to have special knowledge of the mysteries of God. Paul counters by saying the only mystery is Christ, and in him is everything we need to know.

Application: Sometimes I have nagging doubts about taking a year to explore the divine riches of Grace. I fear it is too much of a departure from our norm, that it is too theological and not as practical. That it is a focus on us and not the world we are called to reach. But then I read passages like this and it encourages me that we need to focus on Christ and what he has done for us. We need to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding of this. This will knit us together. It will propel us outward. I need to have faith and trust that the truth of God is a treasure and is more than enough for us.

Prayer: God, continue to help me focus on Christ and please prepare our hearts and minds to receive the encouragement, the unity, and the riches of searching out your divine mystery of Christ.

Keep Moving Forward

2010-06-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (Philippians 3:12 ESV)

Observation: Paul wants to keep moving forward in his life with Christ. To move forward in knowing Christ, the power of his resurrection. To move forward in sharing in Christ’s suffering, and becoming like him. This right relationship with God did not come from Paul’s own efforts to keep God’s rules, but from simple faith in Christ. Even so, Paul does not want to relax and sit back—he wants to keep moving forward.

Application: My relationship with Christ is not a result of my own effort. I was never going to be “good enough.” I am righteous simply because of Christ. My faith in what he did was so much better than anything I could have tried to do. Even so, I do not want to sit back and ride this thing out. I want to engage, to move forward, to press on. Yes, I do not have to do one thing to get God to like me better. But I *want* to, not to earn God’s love, but to explore and follow more of this life called faith.

Prayer: God, help me balance faith and works in my life. Help me desire more of you and not to rest or quit or feel like I have arrived. Keep me growing and teachable and hungry for more of you.

The Strength of His Might

2010-06-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Ephesians 6:10

Observation: Paul writes to people well versed in spiritual battles and supernatural opponents. He concludes his letter with a call to be string in the Lord. The strength they will need to withstand attack is not human. The strongest Christian lacks the strength to defeat the schemes of the devil. But the weakest believer has access to the strength of God’s might.

Application: There continues to be battles I face in the strength of my might. I prepare by rehearsing, or steeling myself to be strong. But I don’t rely on his strength. A simple pause and plea—“God, I need your strength to face this conversation”—would be better than being strong. I see two areas where God is calling me to stand in his strength.

Prayer: God, forgive me for foolishly thinking I have the strength. Thanks for the strength of your might. Help me pause and rely on you throughout this day.

The End of a Thing is Better than its Beginning

2010-06-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8

Observation: Solomon observes that even in a world of vanity, wisdom can help us know how to live right. Here, he points out that a goal accomplished is better than setting the goal. When we embark on a goal, a task or project, we are full of hope, full of expectation, full of promises. And sometimes, we can be a little full of pride as well. The arrogance of goals is that we declare what will happen. This is not entirely bad, but can be a necessary side effect of setting objectives. However, when we reach our goal and we look back, we see all the obstacles, all the challenges. We see all the missteps and failures along the way. We see how God time and again had to come through. Looking back, we see God’s hand in it, and how big his part truly was. Being patient in spirit, not giving up, clinging to God, gets us to the end of a matter, where pride melts in the face of God’s involvement.
So in the setting of the goal, there can be some pride in our spirit. But how much better is the end of the matter, where our patience has helped us see God as the true accomplisher of our purpose.

Application: Right now, I am facing something in my life. A challenge unlike any I have faced. I have some directions and some tools and some goals. But I also have some doubts and concerns. I am clinging to the hope that the end of a thing is better than the beginning of it. That God will step in and change direction and the second half of this thing will be so much better than the first. I hope and pray today that is true. As for me, I want to be patient. I want to keep working for the end of the thing.

Prayer: God, I give this thing to you. You alone can accomplish it. Having tools and techniques make me feel better, make me feel I can effect it, but I lay down that pride and trust your heart in the matter. Help me to be faithful in this, and patient, which is a fruit of your Spirit. I trust your end in this.

The Gospel Makes Us...

2010-06-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

Scripture: This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Ephesians 3:6

Observation: Paul is explaining to his gentile audience about his calling to them. He says he is a gift to them, to help them see who they are in Christ. He goes into detail to explain that even though they are not Jews, they are able to be rightly related to God. These gentiles might have struggled to believe that they were truly the great men and women of God the gospel said they were. They could have felt second rate, or inferior. Paul affirms that they are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise—all because of the gospel.

Application: The gospel makes us great men and women of God. We have not yet plumbed the depths of that truth. Even Ephesians 3:6 gives us some overwhelming truths about our status before God. This is further confirmation to me that we need to spend a year at Pulpit Rock talking about what God has done to and in us through the gospel. In a small way, I feel like Paul, whose job was to present truth to a group of believers about who they truly were in Christ. I am going to be spending time today studying and preparing for this year-long series.

Prayer: God, speak to me today as I study and prepare. I want to be fully impacted by these truths before I begin to share them. Help me hear from you and put together this series.

The Glory of Kings

2010-06-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

Scripture: It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. Proverbs 25:2

Observation: Part of what separates us from God is that God’s thoughts are so much more vast than ours. His knowledge and wisdom is limitless. Job learned this when he dared question God. So the fact that God knows more than he has revealed to us is part of his glory. We, on the other hand, are creatures of learning. Unlike God, we have room to grow and learn. Our glory as “kings” is to apply ourselves to live our lives by wisdom.

Application: I have been praying about our church going through a year of searching out what truly happens to us at the moment we believe on Christ. I think we have barely scratched the surface of this transformation. The Bible lists 33 realities that occur to us at the moment of salvation. This endeavor is daunting, as it will challenge much of my comfort zone. But what is outweighing the risk is the wonder of what could happen if we searched things out, if we spent a year unpacking the divine riches of God’s grace. I think that God is saying to me today that it is to our glory to do this. God’s glory is to effect all of this salvation; our glory is to search it out and live by what we learn.

Prayer: God, I continue to yield this to you. Guide me in what you want us to search out. If you want me to do this, I will. I trust you and the sufficiency of your word. As I search out this idea, would you reveal to me your plans?

What I Hope I Don't Hate

2010-05-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

Scripture: You say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors. Proverbs 5:12-13

Observation: Solomon is warning his son about the dangers of forbidden relationships. His instruction to his son about a forbidden woman is simple: Keep your way far from her and do not go near the door of her house. What Solomon is trying to prevent is a lifetime of regret, where his son would look back and groan over the wasting of his life because of his immorality. He wants his son not to grieve over how he hated discipline and the reproof of others.

Application: A good friend of mine has made some immoral decisions. He has crossed a line. He knows it, and is open to counsel. Those of us who love him are going to meet with him this week, to outline a plan of restoration, to help him recover his life. This is a plan of love, but also has some hard truths to it. There will be discipline and reproof. I feel God is giving me Proverbs 5:12-13 to share in this meeting, to encourage my friend to not hate the discipline and reproof that is coming his way, but to embrace it. To listen to the voice of the other men in his life, playing the role of teacher in his life.

Prayer: God, I pray that I would always submit to your teaching and to your teachers in my life. I pray for great wisdom for us as we meet with our friend tomorrow, that we would be humble and strong instructors, and that his heart would love discipline and reproof.

What I Look for Most in a New Employee

2010-05-26T05:36:00.000-07:00

Scripture: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Observation: The point of the entire book of Proverbs—that fearing God is the beginning of knowledge—is contrasted by a second statement, that those who despise wisdom are fools. Perhaps the core thing I have learned in the last few decades is how often people despise knowledge. They despise knowledge when they refuse to learn, when they stop growing, when they keep doing things their own way, when they ignore counsel, when they think they know it all. In other words, when they have lost teachability. In fact, teachability just might be my most prized trait when I am hiring someone. With it, there is not necessarily the guarantee of success, but without it, there is 100% chance of failure. I want people who never stop coming to God and others to learn and grow.

Application: I need to be teachable today on our staff retreat. One thing I am asking God for is the proper balance of confidence. I do not want to be so determined that I come off as dictatorial, but I also do not want to be so consensus-minded that I give no direction. I need God’s wisdom to know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em today. Fearing God is the beginning of this balance.

Prayer: God, I yield control today to you. Would you guide me and grant me wisdom to lead this retreat? I need your spirit whispering in my ear to speak or be silent. To know the right questions. To listen and learn, and to know when to decide. I pray for all of our pastors today as well, that our number one desire would be to fear God and from that would spring a thirst for wisdom.

The Slavery of Solomon

2010-05-25T06:31:00.000-07:00

Scripture: …the LORD had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. 1 Kings 11:2

Observation: Solomon, as wise as he was, allowed his love of the forbidden to override his love of God. Romans 6:16 reminds me 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.. Solomon became a slave to his desires. He thought the 700 wives and 300 concubines belonged to him, but in the end, he ended up belonging to them as their slave, for they wrested the love of God right out of Solomon’s heart.

Application: What is out there that can wrest my heart from God? What am I owning that might end up owning me? I am amazed at how easy it seems to be for us to take small steps into sin, only to find out we are miles deep faster than we could have imagined. The past two weeks of preaching on the tactics of Satan have opened my eyes to his efforts to gain footholds in my life through my sin. He certainly had 1,000 footholds in Solomon’s life. I must be on the alert. I am listening to God about hooks and snares that could trip me up.

Prayer: God, I love you more. Please help me submit to you anything that will turn away my heart from you.

My Hope in Spiritual Warfare

2010-05-20T05:33:00.000-07:00

Scripture:
O you who love the LORD, hate evil!
He preserves the lives of his saints;
he delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 97:10

Observation: The Lord reigns. Those who worship him can rejoice, knowing that God is in control. This control extends to the lives of his saints, especially when they face the wicked. God’s concern and care is not only global, but local. God cares for and can deliver his people from evil.

Application: I am in the middle of preparing this week to talk about spiritual warfare. While it is easy in this topic to get lost in debate, or to value experience over scripture, the simple truth is that God reigns. God reigns over Satan and all the demonic host. The Most High over all the earth is most high over all the enemies in the earth as well. There is victory and protection found in God and God alone. Not in formulas or objects, not in spiritual relics or human power. Our victory does not lie in our own ability to fight well. The Lord reigns. He alone is the Most High over the earth. He alone delivers us from the hand of Satan.
I need to remember this in my own spiritual battles. My victory is found in Christ alone. When it comes to the enemy, I must remember the words of Martin Luther: “One little word shall fell him.” That little word is Jesus.

Prayer: God, thank you for your complete power over all creation, both seen and unseen. Help me to truly have faith in you, and not in myself. Not in my words, my posture, my attitude, but to stand firm in my faith. I believe you when you said that everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Help me believe and preach You this week.

The Wisest Thing Solomon Ever Did

2010-05-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” 1 Kings 3:9

Observation: As Solomon begins his reign as king, God appears to him and offers him an incredible gift. He can ask God for whatever he wants. Solomon recognizes his complete inadequacy to rule the kingdom, and asks God for wisdom. This is an act of dependence. Solomon here acknowledges his inability to lead in his own effort and wisdom. He must have the wisdom only God can supply. The wisest thing Solomon ever did was recognize his lack of wisdom and need for God.

Application: We face a threefold impossibility in this life. We are called to live like Heaven while here on earth. We are called to fight an enemy much stronger than us. We are called to live with desires that pull us towards evil. These three we are unable to pull off in our own strength. But God has promised to supply all we need to life this life he calls us to. However, it starts with the wisdom Solomon showed here. The understanding of complete helplessness, total dependency. That God and God alone is sufficient. This intentional dependence is tough to maintain in a world that calls us to self sufficiency. But the wisest thing we will ever do is recognize our complete lack of ability to live the live God calls us to on our own, apart from him.

Prayer: God, today I acknowledge I do not have what it takes on my own to lead our church. I do not have the ability to do this. In Christ, I do. I again proclaim my dependence on you and your Spirit. Will you give me your understanding mind today, that I might lead and love your people in your power?

The High Cost of My Sin in Others

2010-05-13T06:06:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Then David spoke to the LORD when he saw the angel who was striking the people, and said, “Behold, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand be against me and against my father's house.” 2 Samuel 24:17

Observation: David conducts a census, counting his troops. One verse says God motivated him to do it; another says Satan did. Somehow, God allowed Satan to move David to conduct this census. And for some reason it was sin—maybe it was pride, or maybe reliance upon his forces and not God. But whatever the sin, David knew it and asked God for forgiveness. God tells him there will be a consequence to his sin where many people will die. David pleads with God that since it was his sin, not the sins of the innocent sheep, he should die. But God visits the consequence upon 70,000 men.

Application: What must it be like to know your sin caused the death of 70,000 men? And to know that despite your best efforts, you cannot fix things. You cannot pay for them. Sometimes, even with forgiveness, there are costs that cannot be prevented. That is sobering and a spur for me to live upright before God, lest my sins affect others I love. But it is also a reminder than I cannot control everything. David hoped that by offering his own life, he could control the consequences. He could not. One day, the situation would be reversed. A man would come from David’s own house, who had not sinned and had not done wickedly. For the sake of guilty sheep, he would find God’s hand against him.
I think God is reminding me that despite my best efforts, I sin. And my sin has consequences in people’s lives that I cannot fix. Ultimately, Jesus is the only healer and fixer of the terrible cost of my sin in other’s lives. While I need to live upright, and I need to offer to help—I must pray and trust Christ to redeem people from the effects of my life.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your redeeming power. Forgive me my sin. Thank you for opening the door for me to see the high cost of it in others. Thank you that you are able to step in and heal what I cannot. Let me trust you more.

Far-Reaching Ripples

2010-05-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

Scripture: And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 18:33

Observation: Absalom, the rebellious son of David, has died. When a messenger brings the news to David, he is wracked with grief. Grief over his son’s death, and the now lost hope of reconciliation. I wonder also if part of the grief is his knowledge that he is partly responsible. The consequences of the sin with Bathsheba had farther reaching effects than he could have dreamed.

Application: One thing no one talks about is how far the ripples of our sin can reach. Sin that is forgiven can still have consequences in our life. Physical, emotional, financial consequences. Even as repentant and broken as David was when confronted by Nathan, this news of Absalom reopened the wound. Yes, God can forgive, but sometimes we have to live with what we have done. I wish I understood this better when I was younger, to see how decisions and sins and habits would reach out into today. This spurs me to look at my life now and see if there are any areas that will come back to me in the future.

Prayer: God, thank you for forgiving me and delivering me from the ultimate consequences of my sin. Thank you also for rescuing me often from the more immediate natural consequences. Help me to listen to your Holy Spirit to address issues in my life now, that they will not come back to haunt me.

Cinco de Mayo and the Robes of Righteousness

2010-05-05T06:51:00.001-07:00

Scripture: But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. Matthew 22:11

Observation: Today is Cinco de Mayo, and it has me thinking about parties. In Matthew 22, Jesus tells the story of a wedding feast, where the initial invitees decline, and so the doors are thrown open to anyone. This symbolizes the offer and rejection of the kingdom to the Jews and the subsequent throwing open of the kingdom to the gentiles. But as the king walks around the party, he sees someone without a wedding garment. This man is kicked out of the party. So, invitation or not, there seems to be some garment required to participate in the party. If the part is heaven, then we need to be wearing something to get in. I think Jesus is referring to the robe of his righteousness. That we get into the party not because of how fancy the clothes of our effort are, but whether or not we wear his robes.

Application: Heaven is a gift, not a get. Our greatest effort are ratty, worn out clothes, unacceptable for a fancy feast. The only thing we can wear is His righteousness. I just needed to remember that today. That my entry into eternity is based on nothing I do, but what he has done. I don’t have to be good enough or prove myself enough.

Prayer: Jesus, thanks for the party clothes. May I today feel their weight as I go about my day.

God's Voice in Church Yesterday

2010-05-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

Scripture: And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people. Acts 18:9-10

Observation: God is confronting Paul with the promise of his presence and protection. He is speaking directly to Paul’s fears. He is urging Paul to not fear, but to go on in courage, to keep speaking, to not stop.

Application: These were part of the verses that we looked at in church yesterday. Even though I already had a sermon studied and written on this, I did sense God speaking to me afresh during our listening to God together time in church. I have dreams and desires for where I think God wants to take Pulpit Rock. He has already begun moving us and restoring us. But sometimes I am afraid to tackle some of the tougher issues. I felt God encouraging me with these words to Paul. Encouraging me that we are on the right track and I need to keep on moving us that way. Encouraging me not to be silent but trust that as I speak, God is moving behind the scenes in ways I cannot yet see. Encouraging me that I am not alone, that there are many that desperately desire for us to be the place God wants.

Prayer: God, thanks for this encouragement. I pray for humility and discernment to know when to push and when to rest. Help me gain consensus and unity towards the vision you have for our church. Let me remember these words and act in loving courage. Pull me back from feelings of aloneness. I trust you to build your house.

And I Was Gentle Today

2010-04-29T13:03:00.001-07:00

Scripture: And I was gentle today, though anointed king. 2 Samuel 3:39

Observation: Abner, in a fit of passion, decides to abandon the house of Saul and give that kingdom to David. All because Saul's son disrespects him. Joab, in a fit of passion, kills Abner with a punch to the gut. All because Abner had murdered his brother.
David, in a restraint of passion, holds a national funeral for his enemy Abner, where he calls him a “prince” and a “great man.”
Two men let their passions get out of control. One man chooses compassion over passion, gentleness over his gut.

Application: I love the word passion. I think all people ought to be fired up and driven by passion in life. But my passions will either be my downfall, or they will be under my dominion. I will be undone by passion or chose to be gentle. Passion out of control can lose kingdoms and curse families, leaving legacies of pain. Passion in control and tempered by gentleness will win the day.

Prayer: God, may I go to bed tonight saying, “And I was gentle today.” May I have the passion of David, but the restraint of gentleness.

Attain to The Three

2010-04-27T06:01:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David. But David would not drink it. He poured it out to the LORD 1 Chronicles 11:18

Observation: David, sitting in a cave near Bethlehem, muses aloud about his longing to have a drink of water from the well in Bethlehem, currently held by the Philistines. Three men, three mighty men, risk their lives to bring their commander a drink. David is so moved by this act of loyalty that he feels undeserving and pours out the water to the Lord.
David inspires such loyalty for his men that they go above and beyond the expectation to serve their king. But David is astute enough to realize that only God deserves such loyalty, and directs his men’s eyes back to God.

Application: Reading through this passage, I am pretty impressed with David’s mighty men. These guys were the Dirty Dozen of their day. Some killed lions and giants. Others killed armies with only a spear. These were heroic brothers. Yet these heroics did not enable these mighty men to attain to “The Three.” Apparently, these three men who risked life to secure the drink for David were a part of some inner circle. Perhaps loyalty to David drew them where heroic deeds had not.
I am not sure what God is saying here to me. Certainly, I want to inspire such loyalty in those I serve with. Of course, I also want to direct people to devotion to God. But I also wonder what it takes to attain to the three. What sets a man apart from simple renown, to attain to the three? I want to take some more time and think about David’s mighty men, and what God has to say to me through it.

Prayer: God, I want to be one of your mighty men. I want to serve you with devotion and loyalty. With honor and bravery. Help me grow in manhood to become Your man.

Gus and Woodrow

2010-04-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Jonathan lies slain on your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women 2 Samuel 1:25,26

Observation: David composes a heroic ode to Saul and Saul’s son Jonathan. He reserves special remarks to his friend, Jonathan. Some have tried to pervert this friendship into something sinful, but it is a true friendship of men. Jonathan’s devotion to David was so great that he gave up his shot at the throne and even risked his life for his friend. This is an epic friendship, one that few men find in life outside of a spouse. This is Woodrow and Gus territory.

Application: I once heard Chuck Swindoll teach on the friendship of David and Jonathan. He remarked that this is a once-in-a-lifetime type of relationship, and that few men find it. While on an 8-hour drive back from hunting with friends last year, I reviewed the friendships in my life. I saw few that had survived the years. God spoke to me about some specific steps I needed to take to continue to peruse these. I don’t have a David/Jonathan friendship yet, but I hope God allows me one before I die. It is easy for men to back away from these kinds of battle-forged friendships. But if we are to truly embrace our manhood, we need to maintain them for our souls and model them for our sons.

Prayer: God, help me reach out to friendships with other men. I pray you help me find a David and Jonathan, a Woodrow and Gus type friendship. And help me teach my sons the value of godly friendships with men.