Gospel Pearls

Kids Across America Movie Tour

2010-09-30T11:41:00.000-05:00

Born That Way

2010-09-22T08:57:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (New Living Translation)

9 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

One of the arguments we hear about homosexuality (note it is just one in the list of sins Paul addresses … sin is sin) is that a person is born that way. This scripture says it is an indulged practice and is something which like other sin, one can be cleansed from. Homosexuality, along with any sin, is not beyond the power of God, through the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to make one right.

God is omnipotent … all powerful, if one will lay their sin at the foot of the Cross.

The ‘Ism’ Struggles

2010-09-21T09:21:00.000-05:00

Galatians 3:26-29 (New Living Translation)

26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.

When I see, hear, encounter the ‘ism’ struggle, I am reminded that this struggle is not new. The Apostle Paul spoke out on this 2000 years ago and we are still struggling with these strongholds.

Nationalism, the great immigration struggle
Racism, who can lead, politically, athletically, corporately, even religiously
Sexism, the glass ceiling

I praise God that Paul didn’t hesitate to tell us that in Christ, we are all one. There is no difference.

Kids Across America Movie Tour

2010-09-20T14:27:00.000-05:00

The Better Judge

2010-09-16T07:33:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 6:1-6 (New Living Translation)

1 When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers! 2 Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? 3 Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. 4 If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? 5 I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? 6 But instead, one believer sues another—right in front of unbelievers!

It would seem in today’s society, we have completely abandon the idea of settling legal issues among believers in the church. We have surrendered this practice to the secular courts.
Secular law may have the influence of scripture. A decision within the church would be based on the foundation of God’s Word. It would be advisable to turn back to this practice of making scripture based judgments because the day is coming when this role of judge will belong to believers in the heavens and in the earth. In that day, we will need to be wise about these matters.

Immorality in the Church

2010-09-15T07:39:00.000-05:00

1st Corinthians 5

The issue is not non-believers. Paul is addressing the problem of the tolerance of immorality of those who claim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

As he often is, Paul is very direct. The issue cannot be ignored. The person must be confronted. The sin cannot be tolerated in the church or the whole church is at risk. This is where we get the phrase, “A little yeast spoils the whole loaf.”

This another place in the scriptures where we find a list. Paul groups together sexual sin, greediness, idolatry, abusiveness, drunkenness and cheating. Paul is saying sin is sin. No big sin. No little sin. Any sin has the capability of spoiling the effectiveness of the individual and/or the church.

A Special Relationship

2010-09-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

1st Corinthians 4:8-21

Today’s scripture passage, while lengthy, reflects the very special relationship that existed between the Apostle Paul and the Church at Corinth. He could get real with them. Is this the relationship you have with your spiritual leader. Can he say to you what needs to be said without you walking away in a huff? Can he promise to discipline you without you having the question in your mind, “Who do you think you are?”

Click on the link and read about Paul’s relationship with the believers at Corinth. Then access for yourself the relationship you have with your pastor.

Nothing to Boast About

2010-09-13T07:34:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 4:6-7 (New Living Translation)

6 Dear brothers and sisters, I have used Apollos and myself to illustrate what I’ve been saying. If you pay attention to what I have quoted from the Scriptures, you won’t be proud of one of your leaders at the expense of another. 7 For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?

Thank you Father God for all the gifts you give us. The spiritual gifts all come from you … we have nothing to boast about.

Our salvation comes from you … the gift of your Son Jesus Christ. We have nothing to boast about.

Not Even My Own

2010-09-10T08:08:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (New Living Translation)

1 So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. 2 Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. 3 As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. 4 My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.

5 So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.

The judgment of others only counts in this life. Even my own evaluations of myself are limited to my today and now. Only what the Lord will say will count for eternity.

So live today as if the Lord is watching and is doing the evaluation. He is!

Keep Me Humble

2010-09-08T09:07:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 3:21-23

New Living Translation

21 So don’t boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you—22 whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

The Message

21-23I don't want to hear any of you bragging about yourself or anyone else. Everything is already yours as a gift—Paul, Apollos, Peter, the world, life, death, the present, the future—all of it is yours, and you are privileged to be in union with Christ, who is in union with God.

Amplified Bible

21So let no one exult proudly concerning men [boasting of having this or that man as a leader], for all things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas (Peter), or the universe or life or death, or the immediate and threatening present or the [subsequent and uncertain] future--all are yours, 23 and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

I was challenged by this morning’s passage. It took more than even these translations that I posted. In the end, the message is very simple.

It’s not about me. It’s not about you. It’s all about Christ. When you are in Christ, you have everything you will ever need.

The Wisdom of the World

2010-09-07T08:14:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 3:18-20 (New Living Translation)

18 Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.”

20 And again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless.”

Worthless … what value is it if you gain the whole world and lose your soul? Men of great wealth … Howard Hughes, Michael Vick, Tiger Woods, John Edwards (I don’t know the status of their soul, it is not for me to judge) … examples of men who gained great worldly wealth but appear to have not made God the priority in their lives. These men make the headlines with their rise and fall.

We can point at them. These verses however, encourage us to look in the mirror. “Stop deceiving yourselves.” Where is the wisdom of the world … the worldly foolishness … in our own lives? That’s what God would have us to surrender … our own worthlessness.

You

2010-09-06T09:22:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (New Living Translation)

16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 17 God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

We learned in English class that you can be singular … referring to a single individual … or you can be plural … referring to a specific group. This New Living Translation of these verses emphasizes the plural you.

“… all of you together…”

The temple or the church is more a reference to an organism than to a building. The temple here is an organized body of believers. The temple building may crumble, as we see in disasters or decay from aging but the temple, the organism, God will protect from destruction.

Jesus, one day soon, is coming back for His church. The church will survive until His return, regardless of Satan’s attacks and in the day of judgment, Satan is the one who will be destroyed!

He Guards You

2010-09-02T09:49:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (New Living Translation)

16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 17 God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Buildings decay … crumble … fall … but the temple of God is not buildings. It is saints. It is the saints that God has under His wings of protection. It is saints that are holy. It is saints that God has promised to never leave or forsake. God guards His saints.

Does that mean that you will never get a bump or a bruise … suffer sickness or disease? No. This means that your eternity is assured because “…the Spirit of God lives in you.”

Escape in Judgment

2010-09-01T08:58:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (New Living Translation)

12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.

No one will escape judgment day. The value of our works will be tested. Build today as with gold … not straw … so that barely escaping in judgment will not be our test score.

No Cracks

2010-08-30T07:16:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 3:10-11 (New Living Translation)

10 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.

He was spat on … ridiculed … a crown of thorns placed on His head … beaten, He received 39 stripes … pierced in His side … nailed to the Cross, crucified.

And yet … there are no cracks in this foundation … Jesus Christ! He rose and now sits at His Father’s side on the throne.

Bottom Line

2010-08-26T08:54:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 3:5-9 (New Living Translation)

5 After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. 6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. 9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.

How did you come to know Jesus Christ? If you were to send me replies to this question, I am doubtful that all answers would be the same. Some may be similar … “I grew up in a Christian family”. Others may be very different … “A lady told me about Jesus as I sat on the park bench while our children played in the sandbox”.

Which of these is better? It’s not important! The only thing that really matters is that you know Jesus. So big church … small church … traditional … charismatic … it doesn’t matter. What really matters is that God is growing in your heart. That IS the bottom line!

Assessment

2010-08-25T08:46:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 3:1-4 (New Living Translation)

1 Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. 2 I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, 3 for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? 4 When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you acting just like people of the world?

Like Paul, every pastor/preacher/minister must make an assessment of the audience he is called to address. Is this judgment? I think not. It is Holy Spirit guided assessment in order to effectively share the Goods News.

What value would there be in speaking to the spiritually mature as if they were baby Christians? What value would there be in sharing with the baby Christian in deep theological … seminary laden … terminology?

For every Christian, as you share your testimony, ask the Holy Spirit to help you consider who you are talking to and the current status of their emotions (not yours … theirs). You are not judging them. You are making a Spirit guided assessment.

The Mind of Christ

2010-08-24T07:21:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 2:13-16 (New Living Translation)

13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. 16 For, “Who can know the LORD’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?”

But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.

What does Paul mean when he refers to someone as “spiritual” or “aren’t spiritual”? It’s not race. It’s not gender. It’s not education or position. It’s not what we wear or what we drive. When Paul says spiritual, he is referring to a mindset. Do we think like Christ? When we evaluate a situation, is it with a Christlike attitude? When we make decisions, would our decisions be the same as decisions Christ would make? Yes … WWJD … What Would Jesus Do?

Paul says those who are spiritual … think … evaluate … decide … with the mind of Christ.

The Counsel of the Holy Spirit

2010-08-23T08:49:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (New Living Translation)

9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 11 No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.

To understand God’s Word, as He intended it for us, requires the counsel of the Holy Spirit. Without His Spirit we cannot understand His thoughts. The result … improper interpretation … false teaching … the use of Scripture to promote our agenda. When you have the counsel of the Holy Spirit, not only will you understand God’s thoughts, you will also be troubled in your spirit when you encounter any such misuse of God’s Holy Word.

Plain Talk

2010-08-20T08:31:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (New Living Translation)

1 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan.2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

Each person called by God to share the Good News is still an individual. God has made each individual unique … different talents and spiritual gifts … different ways to say things … different abilities to comprehend things. That’s why if you skipped through your TV on Sunday morning you find varying styles of preachers, pastors and evangelists. Some respond better to Charles Stanley … some to Joyce Meyer … some to Tony Evans … some to T.D. Jakes. I am not here to judge which is better or worse.

The Apostle Paul, a very learned man, chose to keep his message and preaching very plain. He could have used clever or persuasive speech but chose not to. Rather he chose the plain, relying solely on the power of the Holy Spirit.

My prayer … You rather than me LORD! You LORD!

Proud Mary

2010-08-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (New Living Translation)

26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 31 Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”

When Tina Turner sang ‘Proud Mary’, I can’t imagine her knowingly expressing a scriptural thought. One line says, “I never saw the good side of the city till I hitched a ride on the riverboat queen.”

We can’t see the good side of life until we hitch our life to the Father through His Son Jesus Christ. It is His life, not ours, that makes things good. Therefore we have nothing to be proud about … nothing to boast about … “only about the Lord.”

Wisdom and Power

2010-08-16T06:48:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 1:20-25 (New Living Translation)

20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21 Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.

24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

Jews … God’s chosen people. Gentiles … everybody else.

Many seek them but only those who receive Christ in their life will attain true wisdom and power. All the world’s wisdom and power is foolishness when stacked up against what God has to offer.

The choice seems easy. Receive God’s free gift … Jesus Christ … and let Him make your education investment worth something.

The Kiss Principle

2010-08-13T07:40:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (New Living Translation)

The Wisdom of God

18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19 As the Scriptures say,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”

As a child, I heard Billy Graham, live in Chicago, present the gospel … very plainly … very simply. Along with hundreds of others, I responded to this simple message.

Earlier this week, I again heard the gospel explained in very basic and simple terms … another very effective presentation.

God has never required that His plan of salvation to be complicated … requiring great intelligence and wisdom. In fact, I think He would support the ‘Kiss’ principle.

Keep It Simple St____ (didn’t want to offend anyone with the last word). How simply can you articulate the gospel message?

Not for Your Entertainment

2010-08-12T06:53:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 1:13-17 (New Living Translation)

13 Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 for now no one can say they were baptized in my name. 16 (Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas, but I don’t remember baptizing anyone else.) 17 For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.

The Apostle Paul made it clear that it was not Paul that hung on the Cross. Only Jesus died for our sin and therefore it is only Jesus who is to be lifted up. No apostle … no pastor … no evangelist … no preacher … no saint … ONLY Jesus.

It doesn’t take fancy words … flashy broadcasts … worldly entertainment. The Good News doesn’t need anything which distract from the Cross. The Cross of Christ alone is the power of salvation.

No Division

2010-08-11T08:06:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 1:10-12 (New Living Translation)

Divisions in the Church

10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 11 For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. 12 Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.”

Divisions rightful place is in math class … not in the Body of Christ. The church should have a focus on addition … add souls to the Kingdom. Multiplication also has a place … we should multiply our efforts to live like Christ. Even subtraction … let us take away (subtract) sin, putting off the old man. But NO division!

Gifts For the Church

2010-08-10T06:27:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 (New Living Translation)

Paul Gives Thanks to God

4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Yesterday we focused on Christ’s return in this passage. Today, take note of what you do while waiting … anticipating His return. God has “invited you into partnership with His Son” to use “the gracious gifts He has given you” to “enrich your church”. Your spiritual gift is not give to benefit you. It is given to benefit the Body of Christ. Where will you use your gift this week … today?

Focus on Christ Return

2010-08-09T06:22:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 (New Living Translation)

Paul Gives Thanks to God

4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Two thousand years ago, Paul spoke to the young church at Corinth using the phrase, “eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Was Paul wrong about the return of Christ? Absolutely not! Christ is coming back. It didn’t happen two thousand years ago and it didn’t happen yesterday. We don’t know the day nor the hour of Christ return. That unknown says we must be ready everyday and every hour. Christ will come again!

On a personal note, I took the summer off from posting these devotions. I needed the break but in the terms of the pilot from the movie ‘Independence Day’, “I’m back!” I have continued with my recovery challenges from last November’s surgery. I remain hopeful and I am certain that God remains faithful. Please continue to pray for me.

IT’S NOT HARD

2010-05-14T05:19:00.000-05:00

Acts 15:19
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The Council at Jerusalem

19 “And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

James, the half-brother of Jesus and leader of the early church at Jerusalem, made it clear that those who wanted to turn their lives over to the One True God, should not be made to jump through hoops. We, the church of the 21st century must be careful to follow this 1st century teaching.

It is not hard to trust Jesus! Don’t make it any more difficult than it need be.

HUMBLED

2010-05-13T08:34:00.000-05:00

Daniel 4:34-37
The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

The King’s Dream Comes True

34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up toward heaven, and I could think normally again! Then I gave praise to the Most High God; I gave honor and glory to him who lives forever. God's rule is forever, and his kingdom continues for all time. 35 People on earth are not truly important. God does what he wants with the powers of heaven and the people on earth. No one can stop his powerful hand or question what he does.

36 At that time I could think normally again, and God gave back my great honor and power and returned the glory to my kingdom. The people who advised me and the royal family came to me for help again. I became king again and was even greater and more powerful than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, give praise and honor and glory to the King of heaven. Everything he does is right and fair, and he is able to make proud people humble.

As the emperor of Babylonia, Nebuchadnezzar enjoyed years of dazzling military and economic achievements. But like so many other influential leaders who preceded and followed him, he fell prey to the illusion that it was he who had accomplished these things. Tragically, he failed to recognize that God had allowed him to rise to power. Daniel warned Nebuchadnezzar that he would be humbled unless he acknowledged the Most High. The king refused to follow Daniel’s wise counsel. Nebuchadnezzar lost everything for seven years until God restored him. Nebuchadnezzar never forgot the truth that the Most High alone does as He pleases.

THE ANCIENT OF DAYS

2010-05-12T07:31:00.000-05:00

Daniel 7:9-14
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Daniel’s Vision of Four Beasts

9 I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, 10 and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened.

11 I continued to watch because I could hear the little horn’s boastful speech. I kept watching until the fourth beast was killed and its body was destroyed by fire. 12 The other three beasts had their authority taken from them, but they were allowed to live a while longer.

13 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.

The Book of Daniel underscores the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms in contrast to the everlasting kingdom that will be ushered in by a man who receives authority, glory and sovereign power (v. 13-14) from the Ancient of Days. The affairs of people and nations may appear to be independent of God’s divine control, but regardless of how people rebel against the plan and purposes of God, He remains sovereign over the kingdoms of men. God will, one day, set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. It will endure forever, bringing all other kingdoms to an end. And the One who will reign over it … none other than Jesus Christ.

JUDGES

2010-05-11T07:55:00.000-05:00

Psalm 82:2-4
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

A Psalm of Asaph.

2 “How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked?
3 “Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
4 Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.

In this week when there is a lot of focus on the nomination of a Supreme Court justice, consider what God has to say on the subject. The author of Psalm 82 describes a scene in which God chastises and challenges Israel’s judges.

Because of their role as God’s delegates and image-bearers, these men were referred to as “gods” (v. 6). Do we dare think of our Supreme Court justices that way today? Rather than defending the unjust and judging with partiality, they were accountable to defend the weak and fatherless and to protect the rights of the poor and oppressed. They were to exercise their power in a godly manner, a manner which would rescue the needy and deliver them from the domination of wicked individuals.

Will this be the debate we will hear over the nomination of our next Supreme Court justice?

THE GEESE STORY

2010-05-07T07:40:00.000-05:00

Genesis 2:18
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

18 Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

It’s amazing how much we can learn by observing what God has built into His creation. All of His creatures “relate” in some way to all of the others. Interpersonal relationships are a key aspect of life as a human being. From the beginning God spoke this fact. It was repeated centuries later as Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, emphasizing that we are all members of the same body.

Geese function in relationship. They increase their flying range by flying in their “V” formation. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the pack and another goose flies the point. Geese honk from behind to encourage those in front to keep up the pace. The followers cheer the leaders on. When a goose falls out of the formation, two other geese follow it down and provide help and support. They stay until the goose either recovers or dies.

We as people are so smart that we’ve figured out ways in which to succeed in isolation and competition. Imagine what we could accomplish if we were as artless as a flock of geese.

RELATIONSHIPS THAT TRANSFORM

2010-05-04T07:09:00.000-05:00

Exodus 17:10-13
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Israel Defeats the Amalekites

10 So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. 11 As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. 12 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.

The Bible repeatedly exhibits relationships that transform and bring about growth. Moses and Joshua, Jesus and the disciples, Paul and Barnabas, Paul and Timothy – all of these relationships provide illustrations of the manner in which mentors can help to build the future leaders. Today’s passage reveals how God affected Moses and Moses in turn affected the life of Joshua.

God inspired and empowered Moses to do great deeds on His behalf. Moses, in turn, commissioned Joshua to lead the people of Israel after his death. In each relationship instance, the life of the mentee was transformed. Think today about who has effected this same kind of transformation in your life. Are you working to pass on the wisdom of your experience to another?

RELATIONSHIPS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

2010-05-03T07:28:00.000-05:00

Philemon 1:13-16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus

13 I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. 14 But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. 15 It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. 16 He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.

Read Paul’s brief letter to Onesimus on Philemon’s behalf: Philemon.

The Paul-Onesimus-Philemon relationships describe principles needed within the Body of Christ. Underlying all of these principles is Paul’s plea for this slave owner to treat his slave with human dignity and brotherly love. Having abandoned the slave mentality in our social order today, should we not in our leader-follower, employer-employee, spousal-parent-children relationships, rise to this same level of respect for our brothers and sisters (fellow human beings) in the Body of Christ.

MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS

2010-04-30T07:55:00.000-05:00

Acts 4:36
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus.

Mentoring is an essential need in the church. Being able to spot a young person with potential and nurturing them is a key gift. Barnabas had this gift. Two men in the New Testament, both better known than Barnabas, owe their success at least in part to the mentoring relationship they had with him. We know well the Apostle Paul. He was a mentee of Barnabas. What about John Mark?

A quiet event happened on the missionary trip when Paul and Barnabas were working together to expand the church. John Mark, one of the younger team members, deserted the effort and returned home. On a later missionary journey, John Mark wanted to rejoin the team. Paul refused to take John Mark. Barnabas would not abandon John Mark, a good man who needed sponsorship, encouragement and development. Paul was now well established. Barnabas chose to travel with John Mark.

A great mentor doesn’t win just by going with winners. He or she sometimes turns losers into winners. That’s what Barnabas did with John Mark. That’s what God needs with you; a believer with the vision, discernment and commitment to take on a mentoring relationship with someone who needs encouragement.

THE VALUE OF RELATIONSHIPS

2010-04-29T07:44:00.000-05:00

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The Advantages of Companionship

9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

There is power in relationships. Together we can do better work. Together we can help each other in difficult times.

Take a thread and see how much strength is needed to break it. It’s easily doable. Take three strands of the same thread and twist them together. The task of snapping them becomes more difficult.

Three separate individuals are as vulnerable as one individual alone. In “relationships”, we are like the twisted thread. Better work, less vulnerability.

PRIORITY ON RELATIONSHIPS

2010-04-28T07:39:00.000-05:00

1 Kings 19:19-21
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The Call of Elisha

19 So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. 20 Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, “First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!”

Elijah replied, “Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.”

21 So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.

In this passage, we see the beginning of the mentoring relationship between Elijah and Elisha. It is similar to the relationship Jesus formed with His disciples. In both cases they dropped everything and followed their mentor. Elisha and the disciples learned that following God’s will is worth infinitely more than money. Money and achievements will disappear in the end, but relationships will endure forever. This is why our Lord said we should spend earthly wealth on gaining friends so they will be with us in eternity (Luke 16:9).

SEE IN THE BEAMS

2010-04-27T07:28:00.000-05:00

1 John 4:9-11; 20-21
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Loving One Another

9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.

20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.

The Scriptures teach us that the most important things in this life – and the next – are relationships. God demonstrated His interest … His love for humanity … most fully in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ (the vertical beam). This love shows the greatest intention of God’s will for our highest good. John tells us that those who have entered into the love of the Father through His Son should naturally express this love in their relationships with others (the horizontal beam). In fact, those who do not love the members of God’s family should seriously question whether they really love God.

When we look at the Cross, we can see in the vertical and horizontal beams, these expressions of God’s love. He first loved us. Let us now love Him back and love one another.

FORGIVE AND RESTORE

2010-04-26T07:25:00.000-05:00

Hosea 2:21-23
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The LORD’s Love for Unfaithful Israel

21 “In that day, I will answer,” says the LORD. “I will answer the sky as it pleads for clouds. And the sky will answer the earth with rain. 22 Then the earth will answer the thirsty cries of the grain, the grapevines, and the olive trees. And they in turn will answer, ‘Jezreel’—‘God plants!’
23 At that time I will plant a crop of Israelites and raise them for myself. I will show love to those I called ‘Not loved.’
And to those I called ‘Not my people,’ I will say, ‘Now you are my people.’
And they will reply, ‘You are our God!’”

Read Hosea 2.

Hosea’s love for Gomer serves as a picture of God’s love for His unfaithful people. It also serves as an example for us to follow. Every believer will at some time be called on by God to seek out, forgive and restore a relationship which has been broken. Such actions require both the grace and love of God.

How must Hosea have felt when God directed him to reconcile with Gomer? Why did he do it? What relationship in your life requires such love? When God calls on you to seek reconciliation with someone who has hurt you, how will you respond? Remember, believers are acquainted with forgiveness. He first forgave us through the gift of His Son.

WORDS OF WISDOM

2010-04-23T06:43:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 13:20
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

20 Walk with the wise and become wise;
associate with fools and get in trouble.

We have been sharing this week on the need for believers to form healthy alliances. Solomon’s words point to both the benefits and the dangers in the alliances we form. These words of wisdom, I would say, are the bottom line!

NUTURED ALLIANCES

2010-04-22T07:17:00.000-05:00

2 Samuel 17:15-16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Hushai Warns David to Escape

15 Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, what Ahithophel had said to Absalom and the elders of Israel and what he himself had advised instead. 16 “Quick!” he told them. “Find David and urge him not to stay at the shallows of the Jordan River tonight. He must go across at once into the wilderness beyond. Otherwise he will die and his entire army with him.”

These verses come from the midst of a story that has all the intrigue of a biblical “spy novel”. Read 2nd Samuel 16:15-17:23.

We all need allies and allies must be cultivated and nurtured. This cultivation and nurturing carries the cost of time, thoughtfulness and devotion. Allies are expensive, but genuine allies are valuable because they can’t be bought.

THE COMPANY WE KEEP

2010-04-21T08:08:00.000-05:00

1 Samuel 30:26-31
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

David Destroys the Amalekites

26 When he arrived at Ziklag, David sent part of the plunder to the elders of Judah, who were his friends. “Here is a present for you, taken from the LORD’s enemies,” he said.

27 The gifts were sent to the people of the following towns David had visited: Bethel, Ramoth-negev, Jattir, 28 Aroer, Siphmoth, Eshtemoa, 29 Racal, the towns of the Jerahmeelites, the towns of the Kenites, 30 Hormah, Bor-ashan, Athach, 31 Hebron, and all the other places David and his men had visited.

Today’s devotion is not a test of pronouncing these towns in various parts of Israel. Rather the focus is on the building of healthy alliances.

By distributing part of the plunder of war to the elders in various parts of Israel, David wisely promoted goodwill with potential allies. He understood the importance of planning for the future and of building relationships based upon trust and mutual benefits that would serve him well in the years ahead. Believers who look for and participate in strong alliances build a store of relational resources that can be of immeasurable value in times of change or crisis.

All of us have a need for fellowship, encouragement and accountability. Given a choice, few people would opt for the years of isolation experienced by Robinson Crusoe as over against the family ties enjoyed by the Swiss Family Robinson. The body of Christ provides a network of personal and group alliances that are critical to our physical and spiritual well-being.

PERFECT UNITY

2010-04-20T08:13:00.001-05:00

John 17:20-23
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The Prayer of Jesus

20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

The divine alliance that is manifested in the Trinity is the same healthy alliance God wants among believers. The mystery that is encapsulated in the truth that we are in Jesus, and He is in us, is really beyond our comprehension and exceeds all that we could ever have hoped or guessed. The Bible tells us that on the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus prayed not only for His disciples, but also for those who will put their faith in Him through the hearing of their message. His petition to the Father was nothing less than a request that believers, you and I, might experience unblemished communion with one another and God Himself.

Take a few minutes to meditate on the personal implications of Jesus’ high-priestly prayer on your behalf. Are you living in perfect unity or are you falling for Satan’s scheme that divides us?

GOING IT ALONE

2010-04-19T05:24:00.000-05:00

1 Samuel 22:1-5
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

David at the Cave of Adullam

1 So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Soon his brothers and all his other relatives joined him there. 2 Then others began coming—men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented—until David was the captain of about 400 men.

3 Later David went to Mizpeh in Moab, where he asked the king, “Please allow my father and mother to live here with you until I know what God is going to do for me.” 4 So David’s parents stayed in Moab with the king during the entire time David was living in his stronghold.

5 One day the prophet Gad told David, “Leave the stronghold and return to the land of Judah.” So David went to the forest of Hereth.

A story is told of a boy who valiantly, but unsuccessfully, attempted to move a heavy log to clear a pathway to his favorite hideout. His dad stood quietly nearby, watching his son straining against the load. Finally he said, “Son, why aren’t you using all of your strength?”

Confused and a little angry, the boy responded, “Dad, I’m using every last little bit of strength I have.”

“No, son, you’re not,” his dad quietly responded. “You haven’t asked me to help.”

David possessed the foresight to know that he couldn’t go it alone. He sought to build others’ trust in him. Form healthy alliances. Encourage others to step forward and help you. God never designed us to go it alone.

TOUGH WORK

2010-04-16T08:01:00.000-05:00

Galatians 6:1-5
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

We Harvest What We Plant

1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

Is there any tougher part of being a believer than exhortation? Friends, family, co-workers err and need correction. That can be tough work. People sin and need “exhortation”. That’s usually excruciating work. Balancing justice and grace, consequences and forgiveness, restitution and restoration can be confusing. When believers are angry at and/or disappointed in the offender, the situation becomes even tougher.

Before exhorting anyone, the believer needs to engage in self-examination. People fail, and believers are often compelled to intervene and deal with the consequences. Paul reminds us, gentle restoration handled by spiritual individuals defines the biblical approach to this very tough part of being a believer.

BLESSINGS

2010-04-13T07:14:00.000-05:00

Deuteronomy 28:1-6 (New Living Translation)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Blessings for Obedience

“If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. 2 You will experience all these blessings if you obey the LORD your God:

3 Your towns and your fields will be blessed.
4 Your children and your crops will be blessed.
The offspring of your herds and flocks will be blessed.
5 Your fruit baskets and breadboards will be blessed.
6 Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed.

As Paul exhorted Timothy in yesterday’s devotion, today we hear Moses exhorting the nation of Israel to obedience to God’s commandments. Blessings are the product of obedience.

As God is no respecter of persons, any nation would benefit from this exhortation. And any nation, any people, any person who is not being blessed in this fashion can trace their shortcoming to a lack of obedience to God’s Word … to sin. “All have sin and come short of the glory of God … Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” I can only imagine how much more our blessings could be…

GOLDEN VESSEL

2010-04-12T06:49:00.000-05:00

2 Timothy 2:15-21
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

An Approved Worker

15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.

19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.”

20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

Exhorters are people who spur others on to higher levels of achievement. This was Paul’s role with Timothy. Paul exhorted Timothy to be a gold vessel in a great house … clean … polished … ready to be used by the Master for a noble purpose.

Is there someone you know who you might be spurred on in Kingdom work by some exhortation from you?

OUR TRUE WORTH

2010-04-09T07:54:00.000-05:00

Hebrews 3:13
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

13 You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.

Encouragement is to believers what wind is to a sail – it moves believers forward. We need to move forward ‘every day’.

It is the beginning of the season of our national pastime … baseball. Dave Dravecky, former baseball great, wrote in his book, “Worth of a Man”, that we should validate a person’s worth before God. He wrote, “It’s easy for us to confuse our true worth with our sense of worth. While the Bible teaches that our true worth never varies, since it’s based on God and not on us, our sense or feeling of worth can vary tremendously.” The problem is our feelings don’t always align with the truth.

Believers should ‘every day’ help other believers align their feelings with the truth.

MUTUAL BENEFIT

2010-04-07T07:38:00.000-05:00

1 Samuel 18:1-4
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Saul Becomes Jealous of David

1 After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. 2 From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

Sometimes life leaves us bleeding and grasping for breath. Not every day is a sun shiny day. In the rough and tumble days we need reassurance from God and others so that we may remain faithful. David and Jonathan had a relationship of mutual encouragement. They covenanted to be there for each other and this relationship served each man until Jonathan’s death.

Encouragement in good times shows care and thoughtfulness. Encouragement in tough times reflects character.

Consider ways that you can encourage another. Be thankful to others who take time to invest in your life by encouraging you.

GOD – THE ULTIMATE ENCOURAGER

2010-04-06T08:09:00.000-05:00

John 14:1-3
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Jesus, the Way to the Father

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

After Israel experienced the seventy-year captivity, God spoke to them through the prophet Jeremiah about His plan to prosper them and not to harm them; to give them hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Similarly, Jesus comforted His disciples on the night He was betrayed by encouraging them not to let their hearts be troubled, but to trust in Him.

God is an encourager and He uses people for this purpose. Who has encouraged you in your past? Did you express your gratitude? Who have you encouraged lately?

ENCOURAGEMENT

2010-04-05T06:59:00.000-05:00

Acts 9:27
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem

27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.

No other New Testament character illustrates the ability to encourage more strongly than Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement.” The apostles were afraid of Saul. He had a reputation of zealotry and cruelty. It is no wonder they questioned his confession of faith in Jesus Christ. As a Pharisee, Saul had hunted down and prosecuted followers of Christ.

It was Barnabas who stood in the gap beside Saul, leading him to the apostles and testifying concerning his conversion and bold preaching for Christ. Barnabas encouraged the apostles to bless Saul’s ministry.

We, like Barnabas, can offer words of support to a family member, coworker or peer. A little bit of encouragement can go a long way toward motivating those around you. Look what Barnabas’ support did in the ministry of Saul (Paul).

REDEEM THE TIME

2010-03-25T08:39:00.000-05:00

Ephesians 5:15-17
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Living by the Spirit’s Power

15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

The Apostle Paul gave advice to the Ephesian Christians to redeem the time because of the evil day (v.16). If you wish to avoid being foolish and desire to understand the Lord’s will, you will redeem (buy, get or win back) the time (v.17).

God definitely cares about how well a person manages time. The first principle of time management is recognizing the value of time and redeeming it … buying it up and using it carefully as the priceless resource which it represents.

KILLING TIME

2010-03-24T07:44:00.000-05:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

A Time for Everything

1 For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.

9 What do people really get for all their hard work? 10 I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

This well-known passage stresses the preciousness of time as a resource. In that light, think on this quote by Henry David Thoreau. “As if we could kill time without injuring eternity.” Time is our most precious resource, and Scripture assures us that our stewardship of the time we have been allotted is not something we should take for granted.

ALL THE TIME NEEDED

2010-03-23T07:28:00.000-05:00

2 Peter 3:8-9
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The Day of the Lord is Coming

8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

God views all things as part of an eternal now. He has all the time He needs to provide for each of us the individual care He has promised us.

Do you believe that the Sovereign God has given you enough time to accomplish His purpose for your life? God’s plan for you has been unfolding since the beginning of earthly time. He calls you to seek out His plan for your life and act on it. What steps can you take today to begin the work God has called you to do in your family, church, personal and professional life?

THE VALUE OF TIME

2010-03-22T07:38:00.000-05:00

Psalm 90:10-12; 17
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The Prayer of Moses

10 Seventy years are given to us!
Some even live to eighty.
But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble;
soon they disappear, and we fly away.
11 Who can comprehend the power of your anger?
Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve.
12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
so that we may grow in wisdom…

17 And may the Lord our God show us his approval
and make our efforts successful.
Yes, make our efforts successful!

Moses essentially said, “Unless we are gripped by life’s brevity and place proper value on the time we have, no matter how long or short it is, we will never gain a wise heart.”

We can employ the skills and principles of time management, buy a new calendar (even a high priced electronic one), employ a better scheduling system … all are of little benefit until we understand the value of time. Granted, we may do a better job of scheduling time, but that doesn’t mean we’re doing a better job of spending that time. Knowing the difference defines wisdom. “Lord teach us …”

TEAM COMMITMENT

2010-03-10T07:41:00.000-06:00

2 Samuel 23:15-16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

David’s Mightiest Warriors

15 David remarked longingly to his men, “Oh, how I would love some of that good water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem.” 16 So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew some water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as an offering to the LORD.

Read 2nd Samuel 23:8-17 for the story of “David’s Mighty Men.” Because David attempted mighty things, only the mighty could keep up with him. Those who could not or would not keep pace, could not join the team.

David’s team was one of the most celebrated teams in the Old Testament. This group was the all-star team of his battle-hardened warriors.

When these three mighty men risked their lives to obtain drinking water for David during a battle, David refused to drink it. Instead he poured it onto the ground as a sacrifice to the Lord. That act of sacrifice communicated a depth of devotion and love that had to have impressed those warriors.

What priority do you place on your work for the Lord? Does He come first … ahead of job … ahead of self? Are you keeping pace? Are you all-star caliber or just a part-time (briefly on Sunday morning) player on the team?

PERFECT HARMONY

2010-03-09T08:29:00.000-06:00

Ephesians 1:9-10
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Spiritual Blessings

9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. 10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.

For the full context, read Ephesians 1:3-14.

When we work together … teamwork … Kingdom building … it requires the harmony we find in the Trinity.

Paul speaks first of the work of the Father in accomplishing our salvation in verses 3-6. The Father chose us before the creation of the world and sent His Son into the world so that through Him we could be adopted into His family. Second, the apostle focused on the work of the Son in verses 7-12. Christ’s blood sacrifice on our behalf paid the penalty for our sins so that we could enjoy forgiveness and lay hold of God’s purpose for our lives. Third, the work of the Holy Spirit, identified in verses 13-14, seals and guarantees our spiritual inheritance.

The Father initiated our salvation … the Son accomplished it … the Holy Spirit makes it real in our lives. The Trinity works in perfect harmony and agreement, each performing distinct roles. Wherever your team is working and whatever your role on the team, purpose to find that kind of perfect harmony.

TRICKLE DOWN IMPACT

2010-03-04T07:39:00.000-06:00

Jonah 1:7-11
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Jonah Runs from the Lord

7 Then the crew cast lots to see which of them had offended the gods and caused the terrible storm. When they did this, the lots identified Jonah as the culprit. 8 “Why has this awful storm come down on us?” they demanded. “Who are you? What is your line of work? What country are you from? What is your nationality?”

9 Jonah answered, “I am a Hebrew, and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.”

10 The sailors were terrified when they heard this, for he had already told them he was running away from the LORD. “Oh, why did you do it?” they groaned. 11 And since the storm was getting worse all the time, they asked him, “What should we do to you to stop this storm?”

Jonah’s decision to run from the Lord put the lives of unknowing sailors in peril.

What is the impact of the decisions you make in life? Who do your decisions, good or bad, have an effect on? Your family … your church … your community … your co-workers.

Every decision you make touches the lives of others. Purpose in your heart that these decisions are pleasing to the LORD. You don’t want to stir up a storm that negatively impacts the lives of those your life touches.

CHRIST’S TEAM

2010-03-01T07:04:00.000-06:00

1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 27
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

One Body with Many Parts

12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles,[a] some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit…
27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

Read 1st Corinthians 12:12-27 for the full message God is communicating to us through the Apostle Paul.

Paul wanted to ensure us that every follower of Christ is important. Be assured that your contribution to Christ’s Team is crucial. No one has the right to act as though he or she is separate from the body nor should members of Christ’s body envy one another.

While we may wish that we (or others) were different, the bottom line is that God created each of us just as He wanted us to be and calls upon each of us to faithfully serve according to our unique calling. We are to view every member of our team as a crucial part.

How do you feel about your role on your current team or on teams with whom you have been involved in the past? How do you feel about the roles of other team members? What could you do to demonstrate that you value each member and want to strengthen his or her relationship with the rest of the team?

THE LONE RANGER

2010-02-25T08:15:00.000-06:00

Numbers 11:16-17
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Moses Chooses Seventy Leaders

16 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Gather before me seventy men who are recognized as elders and leaders of Israel. Bring them to the Tabernacle[a] to stand there with you. 17 I will come down and talk to you there. I will take some of the Spirit that is upon you, and I will put the Spirit upon them also. They will bear the burden of the people along with you, so you will not have to carry it alone.

Even ‘The Lone Ranger’ had Tonto, his American Indian guide and companion, and Silver, his trusty horse. ‘The Lone Ranger’ was not successful alone.

God calls individuals to ministry but He does not call them to try to be Lone Rangers. Twelve disciples … Paul and Silas … the three Hebrew boys … Peter, James and John … Aquila and Priscilla … Moses, Aaron and Miriam … Moses and Seventy Leaders. Seldom do you find one called by God, going it alone.

God calls individuals but we don’t have to minister the Good News as individuals. Pray for your team … those you minister with.

ORDER

2010-02-24T06:32:00.000-06:00

1st Corinthians 14:33, 40
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

A Call to Orderly Worship

33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.

40 But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.

According to Scripture, God has instituted authority structure in the spheres of marriage, parenting, the church and the state. While self-centeredness has led to frequent abuse of authority within these spheres, these structures have proven necessary to stem the tide of anarchy and lawlessness that would otherwise prevail in a society of fallen people.

Where is it that you need to show more respect and honor for the authority structure which God is currently using to keep the peace? Where might your self-centeredness be abusing the power given you within a defined structure, which God does not intend?

WORTHY TO BE PRAISED

2010-02-23T09:17:00.000-06:00

Revelation 4:8b-11
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Worship in Heaven

Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”

9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,

11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power.

For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

When we get to heaven, it will be all about worship. The troubles and trials of this world will be left behind. Those things that we get so concerned about; think are so important; won’t matter at all.

I think we better get ready. As you think about your worship practices here, are you getting ready to bow before the throne of the Almighty!

WISE COUNCIL

2010-02-22T06:55:00.000-06:00

Exodus 18: 5a, 14,23-24
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Jethro’s Visit to Moses

5 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, now came to visit Moses in the wilderness…
14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?”…
23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”
24 Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions.

I praise God that I always had wise ‘in-laws’ to guide me. I cannot think of a single case where advise they gave was unwise. I can think of cases where I was too immature to follow it.

That being said, we ought to be more like Moses and his father-in-law. Read Exodus 18 for the full story. It is a picture of a wonderful story … the kind of relationship that God would have ‘in-laws’ and children to have.

“In-laws’ have gotten a bad rap. Where necessary, let’s reassess these relationships.

FACTS OF LIFE

2010-02-19T07:03:00.000-06:00

Psalm 23

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

The first step toward healthy stress is to define the problem. The best definition of a problem is that a problem is something I can do something about. If I can’t do anything about it, it is not my problem. It doesn’t become my problem until I can do something about it. If I can’t do anything about it, it’s my fact of life. I have to constantly be able to recognize facts of life, accept them, live with them and not consider them problems. I can’t solve things that can’t be solved; therefore I don’t spend time thinking about them. (Fred Smith, ‘Dissecting Sense from Nonsense: Insights from a Layman’, p. 105)

Our “facts of life” are in the Shepherd’s hands.

STRESS MANAGEMENT FROM THE WORD

2010-02-18T08:07:00.000-06:00

Philippians 4:4-9
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Words of Encouragement

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Paul teaches us how to turn pressure to our advantage, an essential for anyone under pressure. Paul teaches us about stress avoidance, not stress management. He was not just an idealistic do-gooder. He was a man who worked under tremendous pressure with great success. He is well qualified to teach us today how to endure pressure without being crippled or killed by the stress that accompanies it.

Rejoice (v. 4), be gentle (v. 5), trust God (v. 5-7) and live ethically (v. 8-9) … the principles to manage stress.

GOD’S POSITION ON HEALTHCARE

2010-02-17T06:22:00.000-06:00

Ezekiel 47:1; 12
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The River of Healing

1 In my vision, the man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple. There I saw a stream flowing east from beneath the door of the Temple and passing to the right of the altar on its south side. …

12 Fruit trees of all kinds will grow along both sides of the river. The leaves of these trees will never turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, for they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing.”

I think God’s Word gives us direction on where He would be and what our position should be on any given issue. As clear as scripture is on abortion, it is likewise as clear on healthcare.

Pick any link … you decide.

Matthew 4:23 Matthew 9:35 Luke 6:19 Luke 9:6 Luke 9:11 John 7:23 Act 3:16 Acts 10:38

HANDLE YOUR STRESS

2010-02-16T07:05:00.001-06:00

1 Peter 2:21-24
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.

Jesus is the example of how we are to handle stress. First, He suffered sinlessly; His pain was not a consequence of His own sin but of the sins of others. Second, He suffered silently; instead of shouting threats of vindication or retaliation, He entrusted Himself to His Father’s will. Third, He suffered as a substitute; His grief was redemptive and brought great benefit to others.

In these verses we observe Christ’s response to stress and suffering. They give us a model to emulate. Handle your stress ... sinlessly … silently … sacrificially.

DEALING WITH STRESS

2010-02-15T07:34:00.000-06:00

1 Samuel 18:7-11
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Saul Becomes Jealous of David

7 This was their song:

“Saul has killed his thousands,
and David his ten thousands!”

8 This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” 9 So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.

10 The very next day a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave in his house like a madman. David was playing the harp, as he did each day. But Saul had a spear in his hand, 11 and he suddenly hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David escaped him twice.

Stress is the way the body responds to perceived or actual danger. Blood pressure skyrockets … muscle strength increases … we are ready to fight or fly off the handle. Stress isn’t the cause but rather the effect.

Sensing that David was a threat to his position, Saul’s blood pressure skyrocketed, his heart rate increased and his muscles tightened. Overcome with rage he hurled his spear at David.

Christians must learn how to manage stress … both their own and that of others around them. This was a shortcoming with Saul. Don’t let it be with you. Call on the Holy Spirit and use that fruit of the Spirit called self control.

THE PEOPLE

2010-02-12T08:33:00.000-06:00

Genesis 41:53-57
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Joseph Made Ruler of Egypt

53 At last the seven years of bumper crops throughout the land of Egypt came to an end. 54 Then the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had predicted. The famine also struck all the surrounding countries, but throughout Egypt there was plenty of food. 55 Eventually, however, the famine spread throughout the land of Egypt as well. And when the people cried out to Pharaoh for food, he told them, “Go to Joseph, and do whatever he tells you.” 56 So with severe famine everywhere, Joseph opened up the storehouses and distributed grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout the land of Egypt. 57 And people from all around came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph because the famine was severe throughout the world.

Read Genesis 39-41.

Joseph was put in charge of everything in Egypt, managing all the resources there. He was the steward that God put in place.

What God deems most important, the greatest resource is people. Yes, Joseph had charge over the storehouses and the grain. It was all in God’s plan to save the people. Joseph is an Old Testament ‘type’ of Jesus Christ. God used Joseph. God sent Jesus. What role are you playing in God’s plan? How is He using you to be a steward over His most important resource? Not buildings. Not bank accounts. Not storehouses. You must accept accountability for the people God has entrusted to your care.

SMART

2010-02-11T07:22:00.000-06:00

Luke 16:1-8
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Parable of the Shrewd Manager

Jesus told this story to his disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a manager handling his affairs. One day a report came that the manager was wasting his employer’s money. 2 So the employer called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.’

3 “The manager thought to himself, ‘Now what? My boss has fired me. I don’t have the strength to dig ditches, and I’m too proud to beg. 4 Ah, I know how to ensure that I’ll have plenty of friends who will give me a home when I am fired.’

5 “So he invited each person who owed money to his employer to come and discuss the situation. He asked the first one, ‘How much do you owe him?’ 6 The man replied, ‘I owe him 800 gallons of olive oil.’ So the manager told him, ‘Take the bill and quickly change it to 400 gallons.’

7 ‘And how much do you owe my employer?’ he asked the next man. ‘I owe him 1,000 bushels of wheat,’ was the reply. ‘Here,’ the manager said, ‘take the bill and change it to 800 bushels.’

8 “The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light.

I must admit, I have never heard a sermon based on this parable. At first glance, the message is strange … confusing.

Note, however, in verse 8 that the rich man’s admiration is of the manager’s shrewdness, NOT his dishonesty. As stewards of the resources God has placed in the hands of the children of light (believers), God admires when we handle them shrewdly … smartly, NOT dishonestly.

ACCOUNTABILITY

2010-02-10T07:10:00.000-06:00

Genesis 1:28-30
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The Account of Creation

28 Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”

29 Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.30 And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—everything that has life.” And that is what happened.

A steward manages the possessions of another. We are all stewards of the resources, abilities and opportunities that God has entrusted to our care, and each of us must one day give an account of the manner in which we have used them. It is humbling to realize that nothing we are or possess is really our own. The time, talent, material possessions and relationships we have been given are merely consigned to us by God for a few decades.

Have you developed a “stewardship mentality” – a growing awareness that you will one day give an account of how you have used the trusts you have been granted?

FIRST TO LAST

2010-02-09T07:14:00.000-06:00

Psalm 104:1; 33-35
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

1 Let all that I am praise the LORD.

O LORD my God, how great you are!
You are robed with honor and majesty.

33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live.
I will praise my God to my last breath!
34 May all my thoughts be pleasing to him,
for I rejoice in the LORD.
35 Let all sinners vanish from the face of the earth;
let the wicked disappear forever.

Let all that I am praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD!

The psalmist begins his inspired poetic meditation on the wonders of God’s world, praising God Himself. He concludes the psalm in the same way. From beginning to end, from first to last, we too ought to praise the LORD. He is worthy to be praised.

Read Psalm 104 to catch a glimpse of the many reasons we ought to praise the LORD.

THE GOOD STEWARD

2010-02-08T06:54:00.000-06:00

Matthew 25:14-16, 19-21 (selected portions)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Parable of the Three Servants

14 … He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver to one, … —dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.

16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more …

19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’

21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. …

Read Matthew 25:14-30 for the complete context.

Consider that everyone on earth has the same amount of time in every day ... exactly twenty-four hours. What differentiates people is the manner in which they exercise their gifts and talents within the available time. That’s what stewardship is about: faithfully developing and using our gifts, talents and resources within the amount of time God has allotted to us. Consider how you are investing the resources God has placed under your trust.

OPPOSITION

2010-02-05T07:29:00.000-06:00

Nehemiah 6:15-16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The Builders Complete the Wall

15 So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. 16 When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.

Read Nehemiah 4-6 for context.

Satan will oppose the plans of God. The good that God has planned for His people will come to pass but there may be struggles … bumps in the road … along the way. Nehemiah and the Jews remained focused on the task, not letting their enemies get them off track.

Stay the course, whatever the task. Don’t let the enemies of God distract you. Most of all, be confident that as God did with Nehemiah, He will be there to help.

LIFTED HANDS

2010-02-04T11:21:00.000-06:00

Exodus 17:8-13
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Israel Defeats the Amalekites

8 While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. 9 Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.”

10 So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. 11 As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. 12 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.

Lord, I lift your name on high…

As long as Moses lifted his hands and was able to keep them up, God showed Joshua and the Israelite army favor. Because I desire the Lord’s favor, I don’t hesitate to lift my hands and praise His holy name.

FLEXIBILITY

2010-02-03T07:39:00.000-06:00

1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Paul Gives Up His Rights

19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

How flexible are you? The Apostle Paul could relate to the Jews or the Gentiles because he purposed to be flexible. He could “…find common ground with everyone...” Note that he was able to do this without giving up his faith. “…I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.”

Are you willing to be flexible in your relationships with people who are different from you or do you take a hard line stance? Must it be your way or no way? Lets learn to let Paul’s flexibility be a model for our interpersonal relationships. Ohhh … to be as successful as Paul in winning souls to Christ!

DISCIPLINE AND MERCY

2010-02-02T07:13:00.001-06:00

Exodus 32:25-30
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The Gold Calf

25 Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get completely out of control, much to the amusement of their enemies. 26 So he stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, “All of you who are on the LORD’s side, come here and join me.” And all the Levites gathered around him.
27 Moses told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Each of you, take your swords and go back and forth from one end of the camp to the other. Kill everyone—even your brothers, friends, and neighbors.” 28 The Levites obeyed Moses’ command, and about 3,000 people died that day.
29 Then Moses told the Levites, “Today you have ordained yourselves for the service of the LORD, for you obeyed him even though it meant killing your own sons and brothers. Today you have earned a blessing.”
30 The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a terrible sin, but I will go back up to the LORD on the mountain. Perhaps I will be able to obtain forgiveness for your sin.”

Read Exodus 32 & 33 for the full context of the situation.

Moses was a masterful leader in this crisis which could have resulted in total annihilation of the nation. He called them to account for their behavior as well as sought out God on their behalf. Such balance of discipline and mercy is vital for leaders at all levels … from the family to the top of the nations.

THE APOSTLES

2010-02-01T06:17:00.002-06:00

Luke 6:12-16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles

12 One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. 13 At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:

14 Simon (whom he named Peter), Andrew (Peter’s brother), James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,

15 Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (who was called the zealot),

16 Judas (son of James), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).

I have heard this title, apostle, tossed around more casually than it ought to be. Jesus had (has) many followers (disciples). I pray, that’s you and me. From among His first disciples, He specifically called The Apostles.

An apostle is one called by the living Christ, who walked with Him … was trained by Him, and was sent by Jesus with a mission given by Him.

To this list of apostles, only Judas Iscariot is missing and only Paul (because of his Damascus Road experience) can be added.

JUSTICE

2010-01-29T06:35:00.001-06:00

Psalm 37:3-6
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

A Psalm of David

3 Trust in the LORD and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
5 Commit everything you do to the LORD.
Trust him, and he will help you.
6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

We all seek justice from others … the legal system … the human resources department … but true justice comes from our relationship and authentic interaction with the Lord. Trust Him … delight in Him … commit your all to Him. When you do, you can count on the Lord’s help. When the world wants to label you as guilty … flawed, He will shine His light on your innocence.

Your trust … your delight … your commitment … will bring ‘the justice of your cause’ into plain view.

GREEN PASTURES

2010-01-28T08:07:00.000-06:00

John 10:7-10
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The Good Shepherd and His Sheep

7 … “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Jesus described Himself as the gate for the sheep (v. 7). As the gate He was the one through whom His sheep would find not merely entrance into a secure fold but into a rich green pasture (v. 9).

All who come to God through Jesus will receive not only eternal life but also abundant life. Time and again Jesus reminded His disciples about the benefits and rewards they would receive because they had chosen to follow Him.

Look around you today and take notice of your green pasture.

MUCH MORE THAN A PAYCHECK

2010-01-27T08:07:00.001-06:00

1 Kings 9:4-5
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The Lord’s Response to Solomon

4 “As for you, if you will follow me with integrity and godliness, as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations, 5 then I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever. For I made this promise to your father, David: ‘One of your descendants will always sit on the throne of Israel.’

A note attached to your empty paycheck envelope that says. “God will reward you in heaven,” just won’t cut it. We all know our response to that. But the biblical principle of rewards is that our work is worth more than money. We actually contribute to God’s eternal work. That’s was the answer Solomon received.

Christians need to receive a fair wage. But Christians also can rest in knowing that they earn something more for their kingdom work … a reward that money can’t buy!

THE REWARD OF THE FAITHFUL

2010-01-26T05:52:00.001-06:00

2 Corinthians 5:9-10
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

New Bodies

9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

C. S. Lewis wrote, “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.”

God will reward the faithful who respond to opportunities. How will you respond to His call? He has a holiday waiting for you.

GOD’S DESIRE

2010-01-25T07:17:00.001-06:00

Jeremiah 29:11-14
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

A Letter to the Exiles

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the LORD. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

God longs to bless and reward His people, but it is essential that they be willing to turn to Him and repent of their unfaithfulness and disobedience.

In Hebrews 11:6 we learn that “…he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

God has revealed a passion for our highest good, yet we struggle with seeking Him and the rewards He offers. God’s desire is for our good. Our desire must be for Him.

THE PROMISE OF REWARDS

2010-01-22T07:44:00.001-06:00

Hebrews 11:32-40

32 … It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. 33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them… Others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection…

39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 40 For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.

Read Hebrews Chapter 11 … “The Hall of Fame of the Faithful”. A careful reading of this chapter reveals that many of these great men and women exercised their faith but were able only to look forward to their reward. The Bible is full of the promises of rewards God will give to those who follow Him.

Think about it. What rewards have you already received for your faithfulness? What might you receive by remaining faithful? What can you look forward to in eternity? God’s promises are still GOOD!

THE SERVANT LEADER

2010-01-21T06:30:00.001-06:00

Psalm 78:70-72
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

70 He chose his servant David,
calling him from the sheep pens.
71 He took David from tending the ewes and lambs
and made him the shepherd of Jacob’s descendants—
God’s own people, Israel.
72 He cared for them with a true heart
and led them with skillful hands.

What should be the focus of the servant leader? The psalmist Asaph points to two characteristics found in David. David promoted excellence in Israel because he led with skillful hands. David was an involved leader, not afraid to get his hands dirty. The servant leader must lead with skillful hands.

David’s hands were guide by a true heart. David led with skillful hands because he shepherded Israel with a heart of integrity. The servant leader must always examine the quality of their heart which guides their own hands in leadership.

Where has God chosen you to lead? Your family … home … community … workplace … church? What is the condition of your heart? How skillful are you hands?

MODERN DAY SACRIFICES

2010-01-20T07:29:00.001-06:00

Malachi 1:6-8
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Unworthy Sacrifices

6 The LORD of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name!

“But you ask, ‘How have we ever shown contempt for your name?’

7 “You have shown contempt by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar.

“Then you ask, ‘How have we defiled the sacrifices?’

“You defile them by saying the altar of the LORD deserves no respect. 8 When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn’t that wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor, and see how pleased he is!” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

As New Testament believers we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). God calls us to nothing less than the excellence of Christlikeness. That’s an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord. This becomes possible only when we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.

QUALITY

2010-01-19T07:18:00.001-06:00

Hebrews 1:1-4
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Jesus Christ Is God’s Son

1 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. 2 And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. 3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. 4 This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.

We live in a society surrounded by references to quality. There is great emphasis on the quality of the products on which we are willing to spend our hard earned income. I can remember as a child, shopping for toys, if it said ‘Made in China’, it was not going to last very long. Low quality. When we buy our cars, quality … service record … resale value … are the emphasis and why the American auto industry almost went bankrupt.

Throughout the book of Hebrews, we find references to the superiority of Christ. He is better than the angels … Moses … the Levitical priesthood. He offers a better covenant … sanctuary … sacrifice. He provides the power to live a better life.

Looking for quality in your spiritual life? There is nothing better than Jesus Christ!

PROBLEM SOLVER

2010-01-15T07:23:00.001-06:00

Daniel 5:12, 16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

12 This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine knowledge and understanding. He can interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.”

16 I am told that you can give interpretations and solve difficult problems. If you can read these words and tell me their meaning, you will be clothed in purple robes of royal honor, and you will have a gold chain placed around your neck. You will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

One criteria that determines greatness of a leader is the degree of difficulty of the problems which this leader is willing and able to tackle and solve. Great leadership is willing and able to roll up its sleeves, get down in the dirt and tackle life’s toughest issues. Daniel did that. Daniel ranks among history’s premiere leaders.

Every believer must tackle problem solving. Mankind’s greatest problem is sin and separation from God. The Christian has the answer. We must get down in the dirt and tackle life’s toughest issue! Tell someone about Jesus.

PRAY AND GIVE

2010-01-14T07:41:00.001-06:00

Exodus 32:30-35
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Moses Intercedes for Israel

30 The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a terrible sin, but I will go back up to the LORD on the mountain. Perhaps I will be able to obtain forgiveness for your sin.”

31 So Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a terrible sin these people have committed. They have made gods of gold for themselves. 32 But now, if you will only forgive their sin—but if not, erase my name from the record you have written!”

33 But the LORD replied to Moses, “No, I will erase the name of everyone who has sinned against me. 34 Now go, lead the people to the place I told you about. Look! My angel will lead the way before you. And when I come to call the people to account, I will certainly hold them responsible for their sins.”

35 Then the LORD sent a great plague upon the people because they had worshiped the calf Aaron had made.

Read Exodus 32 for the full context.

God responds to the petitions on men. He responded to Moses appeals to save the people of Israel.

Haiti is predominantly a Christian nation while MANY practice voodoo alongside their Christianity. Sounds similar to Israel and the golden calf.

Let us pray for Haiti and give to the relief effort in response to the earthquake tragedy (call (888) 407-4747).

CREATIVITY AND TIMING

2010-01-13T07:00:00.001-06:00

Esther 4:13-17
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Mordecai Requests Esther’s Help

13 Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” 17 So Mordecai went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.

The problem facing the Jews seemed insurmountable but… “nothing is impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37

Mordecai and Esther reasoned together and came up with a creative plan. At the right time they executed the plan. Over it all they sought God’s blessing… “fast…do not eat or drink for three days…”. Creativity and timing are essential to problem solving combined with radical dependence on God… “If I must die, I must die.”

THE GREAT PROBLEM SOLVER

2010-01-12T08:49:00.001-06:00

Romans 3:9-12
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

All People Are Sinners

9 Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. 10 As the Scriptures say,

“No one is righteous—not even one.
11 No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God.
12 All have turned away; all have become useless.
No one does good, not a single one.”

There has been no greater problem … the power of sin. There has been no greater problem solver in the history of mankind … God Himself provided the sacrifice that would satisfy our sin debt … His Son, Jesus Christ.

Is there a pressing problem that has been awaiting your action? God is waiting to help you in your family, your business, your personal life. Take a moment to go to Him in prayer … believing that He can solve your problem, whatever it may be!

OPPOSITION

2010-01-11T07:26:00.002-06:00

Nehemiah 6:5-9
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

5 The fifth time, Sanballat’s servant came with an open letter in his hand, 6 and this is what it said:

“There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king. 7 He also reports that you have appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim about you, ‘Look! There is a king in Judah!’

“You can be very sure that this report will get back to the king, so I suggest that you come and talk it over with me.”

8 I replied, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.”

9 They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.

Read Nehemiah 6:1-14 to see the three ways Nehemiah’s enemies tried to distract him from his mission.

Believers will face opposition. It can’t be avoided. Follow Nehemiah’s model; (1) retain your focus, (2) confront any false accusations immediately with integrity and (3) pray to God for strength and wisdom. God is eager to help you.

Who is the opposition in your faith walk? No matter how strong the opposition seems, God is a more powerful ally. Don’t go it on your own.

EQUIPED BY GOD

2010-01-08T06:40:00.001-06:00

Jeremiah 1:4-8
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Jeremiah’s Call and First Visions

4 The LORD gave me this message:

5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

6 “O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

7 The LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. 8 And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the LORD, have spoken!”

God equips each of His sons and daughters with a unique mix of temperament, education, background, aptitudes and abilities; and He couples this mix with a distinctive sphere of influence. God has called you to ministry. This ministry … this purpose is realized when you come to know Him and enjoy Him in your life. Only when you seek God first will you fully be the person God intends you to be.

THE GIFTED

2010-01-07T07:45:00.001-06:00

Ephesians 4:11-13
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Unity in the Body

11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Christ gave special gifts to His people in order to enhance the building of His church. He has not given these gifts just for our enjoyment. To quote Rick Warren, “It’s not about you.” Jesus gifted people so that they would exercise these abilities in a way that prepares them for works that would bring Him glory. He planned that these works of service would build up the body of Christ in unity.

How have you been gifted and how are you using that gift for Christ’s glory; for the unity of the body of Christ?

A POSITIVE OUTLOOK

2009-12-29T06:57:00.002-06:00

Isaiah 61:1-3
New International Version

The Year of the LORD's Favor

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

As 2010 approaches, it’s a great time for an attitude check. With the economy in the ditch, with world peace very shaky, with relationships among people strained, it would be a good time to reread Isaiah’s words and take on a personal attitude adjustment. A positive outlook depends on our personal attitude. I … “proclaim the year of the LORDS’s favor…”

O COME, O COME

2009-12-17T06:34:00.001-06:00

Luke 2:8-12
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The Shepherds and Angels

8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

All of Israel was looking for the coming Messiah. When the angels brought the good news that He had been born in Bethlehem, the shepherds left their post … they left their flocks … and went to see the babe lying in a manger.

Are you focused on CHRIST this Christmas? There is still good news … great joy to all people. CHRIST is still the center of the Christmas story!

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

WINGS AS EAGLES

2009-12-16T14:35:00.001-06:00

Isaiah 40:31
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

31 But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

God gave me this verse years ago. There are eagles all around me … pictures … plaques … statues … bookmarks … all with my attachment to this verse as a basis. This is my life scripture.

One month ago today, I had surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. The surgery was very successful and yet I was left with severe weakness in both my legs. After a week in the hospital recovering from the surgery I spent three weeks in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. I came home yesterday.

No, I’m not running yet but I am walking (with a walker) and not getting weary nor fainting nor falling. I have come from no movement in my right leg to walking where I need to walk. I say all that to say God is not finished with me and this verse … new strength … soaring high … walking … and yes some running too.

This is the verse God knew a long time ago that I would need for just such a time as these.

SERIOUS ABOUT SIN

2009-11-23T06:23:00.002-06:00

1 Peter 2:24
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Suffering with Christ

24 He personally carried our sins
in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
and live for what is right.
By his wounds
you are healed.

It was easy to wrap my head … my heart … my faith around the end of this verse going into surgery. The Lord woke me more focused on the beginning. Have I been living "…dead to sin…"? No! Is that why I had to suffer another surgery? Truly, I don’t know. There is the question in scripture about whether a sickness is due to personal sin … generational sin … or whether it is for God’s glory.

There are consequences to the sins we commit. If I am not living …dead to sin…, I best be ready for the wages of sin.

God is due the glory for ALL that has been accomplished in my life over the years I have lived with this tumor. He continues to receive the glory today!

Let me live only for what is right.

REMEMBER

2009-11-13T05:43:00.001-06:00

Romans 15:25-27
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Paul’s Travel Plans

25 But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially.

There is a phrase I remember hearing as I grew up in my family. Remember those who brought you over. It is used in the context of honor given to your parents, elders or ancestors. We should never forget the sacrifices made by them on our behalf.

The Apostle Paul was participating in this practice as he returned to Jerusalem with a gift for the believers there.

Who was responsible for bringing you the Good News? What have you done to say thank you to them? Remember those who brought you over.

TRUST GOD

2009-11-12T06:16:00.002-06:00

Isaiah 30:1-3
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Judah’s Worthless Treaty with Egypt

1 “What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,”
says the LORD.
“You make plans that are contrary to mine.
You make alliances not directed by my Spirit,
thus piling up your sins.
2 For without consulting me,
you have gone down to Egypt for help.
You have put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection.
You have tried to hide in his shade.
3 But by trusting Pharaoh, you will be humiliated,
and by depending on him, you will be disgraced.

Living, planning, setting goals without consulting God is a strategy doomed to failure. God must be the foundation upon which you build your plans and the first consideration in the development of your life purpose.

The wisdom writer put it this way: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5