Life Journal 12-31-2008

A Great Ending

(S) Scripture
He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20 (NIV)

(O) Observation
As John concludes the Revelation he affirms that Jesus is coming back and soon. with some excitement John says, "Come Lord Jesus". This is a great ending to the revelation. This gives believers the assurance of God's protection and continual presence. He will come and judgment with him. this is part of our hope as Christians.

(A) Application
Today is the last day of 2008. It has been an eventful year for me and my family. Becky and I celebrated our 30th anniversary (yes she is the saint). We were able to travel some and have a vacation with the whole family, Bethany, Sarah and her family and my mom all at Myrtle Beach. Our youngest daughter moved to Charleston, WV to take a position with an orthopedic surgeon. She loves her work and is settling into a good church. Our oldest moved into a new home and after nearly 11 months of being unemployed went back to work. They have just begun the adoption process for our "granddaughter". We look forward to the day the adoption is final. It has been a good and sometimes trying year for us. We are all together again to usher in a new year. For me there is no better ending to a year than to be with my family, wife, daughters, son-in-law, granddaughter, and my mom.

This year will end on a high note much like John ended the Revelation. I can only agree that my life and hope is found in Jesus and the assurance of his return. With John in exclamation I can say, "Amen, Come Lord Jesus.

(P) Prayer
For another year I thank you. For the gift of family, I thank you. Fro the knowledge that as a family we all are believers I thank you. Lord, I pray that we will live in the center of your will in the year to come and if you choose to come back then I pray you will find us living faithfully for you. Amen

Life Journal 12-30-2008

A True Response

(S) Scripture
And I heard the altar respond: "Yes Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments." Revelation 16:7

(O) Observation
As the angels deliver the wrath from the seven bowls they hear this declaration coming from the altar. It is an acknowledgment from the one sending the bowls of wrath that He is Just and True in His judgments. The earth is not receiving anything that is not deserved. This is a time of judgment.

(A) Application
I am reminded that God's judgments are always just and true - never arbitrary or unwaranted. I know that what God does is always right. I want to experience His grace and mercy rather than His judgment. Today I will trust Him. I will seek to follow Him and do what He asks. I want to be a faithful witness to His work in my life.

(P) Prayer
Today Lord I need your strength. I need your grace and protection as we face a difficult situation. Let us sense your presence and peace today. Amen

Life Journal 12-28-2008

A Song To Sing

(S) Scripture
Rev. 5:13 (NASB) And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying,
"To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."

(O) Observaton
John is describing the secen around God's Throne. He hears a song being sung by every living creature that gives praise and honor and glory to Jesus.

(A) Application
This is qute a song that all will sing. The great thing aout it is that for believers it is a song we will willingly sing. For others it willbe a song they are forced to sing. For me it will come from the heart for those who do not beileve it will only be words and a realization that they have missed the only important thing in life; faith in Jesus. Today I want to sing that song here on earth. It is a song others need to hear and that I need to sing

(P) Prayer
Lord let me sing your song today. Amen

Life Journal 12-27-2008

Remaining Faithful

(S) Scripture
'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith, even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. Rev. 2:13 (NASB)

(O) Observation
The Angel commends the people for remaining faithful even in the face of great persecution. they lived in an evil city (the place where Satan lives) and yet remained faithful.

(A) Application
We live in a time where evil and immorality are the norm and rampant. It might seem that Satan's throne is right where we live. In the midst of that we are to be faithful to the Lord. Regardless of the pesecution or dificult times in which we live we are to remain faithful. today I will be faithful to the Lord regardless of what comes. I want to hear praise from God not a rebuke for being unfaithful.

(P) Prayer
Father, today I want to folow you fully and faithfully. Make me aware of when I am not listening you you and doing what my sin nature tells me to do. Amen

Life Journal 12-25-2008

The Right Path

(S) Scripture

How sweet are Thy words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! From Thy precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Psalm 119:103-104 (NASB)


(O) Observation

In this great psalm the psalmist speaks about the value of God's Word. In these verses he simply says that the Words are sweet and he leans what God wants from them. they also help the psalmist to recognize a wrong path.



(A) Application

Too often I find it hard to read my Bible. My excuses are that it seems hard to understand and in some ways out of date but then when I read it I find it relevant and personally challenging. It teaches me and guides me and shows me the right path. today is Chrismas and it is a good day to again acknowledge my faith in the Savior and renew my commitment to Hins Word and its work in my life.



(P) Prayer

Lord renew my excitement for your word and let me follow th epath that you set. Help me to recognize the wrong path as readily as the right path. Amen

Life Journal 12-24-2008

From The Manger To The Cross

(S) Scripture
So he then delivered Him to them to be crucified.
John 19:16 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Jesus is brought before Pilate for trial and execution. Despite Pilate's efforts to release Jesus he gives in to the Jews and gives Jesus to them to be crucified.

(A) Application
It is so fitting that this be the reading for today. We read about Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection on the eve of the day we celebrate his birth. There is a chorus that says, "From the Manger to the Cross" that reminds us of why Jesus came. Today I will remember the real meaning of Christmas that is found in the shadow of the cross that is behind the serenity of that first silent night.

(P) Prayer
Father, I thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sins and to provide a way for me to be in a right relationship with you. Help me to remember that today. Amen

Life Journal 12-23-2008

The Spirit of Truth

(S) Scripture
"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
"He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you.
John 16:13-14 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
In this passage Jesus is telling the disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls him the "Helper" or "Paracletos" (One who comes alongside to help). He is also called the "Spirit of Truth". He will convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. He is to guide the believer into all truth and will always glorify Jesus not himself.

(A) Application
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and so is part of the Godhead. It is His job to bring people under conviction and when they respond in faith to Christ, He then leads them into all truth. The interesting thing here is that the Holy Spirit never seeks to glorify himself but always points to Jesus. I know many Christians who focus on the work of the Holy Spirit (and that is important) but also point people to the Holy Spirit and glorify the Spirit instead of Jesus and that is wrong. The Holy Spirit will never draw attention to Himself and those filled with the Holy Spirit will glorify Christ not the Spirit. Today I will focus on glorifying Christ as I trust the Holy Spirit to guide and control my life.

(P) Prayer
Father, thank you for placing the Holy Spirit in my life as your guarantee of my relationship with you. Today I give control of my life to Him and with His help I want to glorify Jesus today. As we near the celebration of Jesus' birth let me lift Him up so that others might worship the Savior that was born in Bethlehem. Amen

Life Journal 12-22-2008

Lifting Up Christ At Christmas

(S) Scripture
"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."
John 12:32 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Jesus is speaking of how he is going to die and the disciples do not understand. It reminds me of when Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness and those who would look on the serpent would be saved. Now we are to look on Jesus who is being lifted up and through faith in Him we are saved.

(A) Application
Sometimes I forget that I am to simply lift up Jesus and let Him draw people to himself. Too often I think that I must do the drawing or convincing or convicting but that is His job, not mine. I am to lift Him up. We talk a lot at Christmas about Jesus being "God's Gift" to the world and He is. My responsibility is to let people know that the gift is for them and then let Him draw them into opening the gift for themselves. If I could force them or open it for others I would but I can't. They must do that themselves. Today I will lift up Jesus by letting others know that He is the Savior that was born and that He is for everyone.

(P) Prayer
Lord help me to be that witness today. Let me simply tell the story and lift up Jesus so that He can do His work in others. Amen

Life Journal 12-21-2008

Who's Voice Do You Follow?

(S) Scripture
"But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep.
"To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.
"When he puts forth all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.
"And a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers."
John 10:2-5 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Sheep will only follow the voice of their shepherd. They know the voice and know that it is from the one who will care and protect them. They will not follow another but will flee from them because it is a strange voice.

(A) Application
I am surrounded by many voices that cry out for my attention. The voices of advertizers or culture shapers or from those who would have me sacrifice the best for something less. These voices are so loud that sometimes they drown out the voice of Jesus. I must listen closely to hear His voice. I am reminded of the scripture that says: "The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by. "Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NIV)

I must listen for that quiet voice that will not shout for my attention but will rather continue until I choose to listen. Today I want to listen and hear that voice. I want to filter out the loud voices that would keep me from doing what God desires. Today I will act on the gentle whisper of God.

(P) Prayer
Lord help me to filter out the loud useless voices that clamor for my attention and let me hear your voice. Open my ears and eyes and heart to hear, see, and understand what you are saying to me. Give me the courage and will to then act on what you have said. Amen

Life Journal – 12-19-2008

Where to Turn

(S) Scripture
As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew, and were not walking with Him anymore.
Jesus said therefore to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?"
Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.
"And we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God."
John 6:66-69 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Jesus is speaking and has said some difficult things and many followers were not walking with him any longer. When Jesus confronts the twelve Peter responds with a great response, "Where else could we go?" It is only Jesus who has the words of eternal life. It is an example for us to follow.

(A) Application
There are times (not often) when I think that following Jesus is too hard or costs too much. Sometimes it is difficult to do what He asks. It is difficult because of my selfishness or pride; I may not want to give or take the time or be hospitable to a particular person. When God prompts me to follow him by doing something I need to follow without grumbling. In the passage some followers withdrew and did not walk with Jesus any longer. What a tragedy. Think about all they missed. When I think of myself it is also a tragedy and I miss so much because of my selfishness. It is Jesus who has the words of eternal life and that life begins here. It is not just quantity but is also quality. If I want the full quality of life that Jesus offers I need to walk Him all the time. I must lay aside my stubbornness and obey Him. Why would I listen to anyone else (including myself) when he has the words of eternal life. Today I will follow and listen and obey the One who has the words of eternal life so that I might experience it.

(P) Prayer
Father, forgive my stubborn spirit and let me follow Jesus. I want to walk with Him every moment of every day. He has the words that direct my life toward you. Help me to follow Him. Amen

 

Life Journal 12-18-2008

The Gift

(S) Scripture
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
John 4:10 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Jesus talks with the woman at the well and He knows her needs even though she may not. In the conversation Jesus refers to himself as the "gift of God". Through this encounter she recognizes Jesus as the messiah and her life is changed. She then tells the people of the city about Jesus.

(A) Application
At Christmastime we talk a lot about Jesus being God's greatest gift to the world. Jesus reminds us that "… God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16 NASB77). God gave His Son to die for our sins. That is the greatest gift ever given. In this passage Jesus simply refers to himself as "God's gift". This is not in the same sense as some who think they are "God's gift to women". Jesus is simply making the statement that He is the gift that God sent to save humankind. It is not a trite saying that Jesus is God's gift to us. It is rooted in Jesus' own understanding of himself. Today I will celebrate the gift and thank God for sending His gift for me.

(P) Prayer
Father, I can never thank you enough for the gift of your Son and the forgiveness he brought to my life. I thank you for the power he brings to my life to enable me to live for you. Thank you for Jesus and help me to share your gift with others. Amen

Life Journal – 12-17-2008

Slavery

(S) Scripture
promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.
2 Peter 2:19 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Peter is writing about the dangers of false teachers and false teaching. He finishes with this pithy statement, "for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved." What overcomes us enslaves us. That is a powerful and incredibly insightful statement. We are enslaved by what overcomes us. When I am overcome by fear I am a slave to it.

In this passage the people promising freedom (to do whatever I please) were themselves slaves to corruption. We hear people today talk about being free and yet they are slaves to their addictive behaviors.

(A) Application
This is such a key teaching for my life. I am free in Christ and yet I give myself to slavery every time I am overcome with something. I am a slave to food when I am overcome with the desire to eat. I am a slave to laziness when I refuse to exercise. I am a slave to anger when I let anger overcome me. When I am overcome by despair I am a slave to despair. The only way to freedom is in my relationship with Christ. He has set me free from sin and my slavery to it. Why would I give myself to slavery again after being set free? I do so because I have lost sight of God's work in my life. I have forgotten the forgiveness I received from Him. I ignore his command to follow. When I do those things I find myself back in slavery again. Today I want to live free. I am reminded that "… because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4 NASB77). Today with God's help I will not give in or be overcome by those things that will enslave me.

(P) Prayer
Lord, you know how weak I am in these areas. I need your strength today. Remind me when I am about to fall into slavery. Break those bonds of slavery in my experience again today like you did when I received you as my Savior and Lord. Let me live fully for you today. Amen

Life Journal – 12-16-2008

How Should We Live (a summary)

(S) Scripture
To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Peter has been giving instructions about submitting to the Lord, government authorities, each other and then in the family. Peter then comes to this great summary statement. It is longer than Jesus' "love God with… and your neighbor as yourself," but Peter is teaching much the same things. When we live the way Peter describes we are living the way God intends us to live and we will be blessed. That is our calling as followers of Jesus.

(A) Application
Peter's description of how things in our lives should be is too often the opposite of what they are in reality. Too often I am disobedient, obstinate, pushy, proud and unkind. Then I wonder why I do not sense God's blessing in my life. DUH!!! This message is not difficult to understand but it is tough to live out. It though is our calling and that should mean something. I am called and compelled to live this kind of life and the result is God's blessing. Today I will seek to live the way Peter describes. I will stop my selfish, critical attitudes and live the way God desires.

(P) Prayer
Lord, you know how natural it is for me to be selfish and to think only of myself. I know that is not the way you want me to live and it is not what you have called me to. Today live your life through me and teach me to live the way Peter described. I want to experience you blessing. Amen

Life Journal – 12-15-2008

KWITCHERBELLYAKIN

(S) Scripture
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
James begins his letter by telling the people not to complain but rather to consider their trials as joy. There is a purpose in the testing and trial and that is to produce endurance and that then will leave us lacking in nothing. The Lord leaves nothing to chance, He wants us to be complete and he knows that it will take trials to accomplish that. The strength on an oak tree comes from straining against the wind and forces of nature. It roots grow deeper and its wood strengthens. This does not happen overnight but rather over time. Maturity like this takes time and there are no instant substitutes.

(A) Application
I live in a world of instant gratification. We want what we want when we want it. I am not just talking selfishness here but also we want instant maturity and instant trust in relationships. We want things quick. It reflects the pace of our lives. In our spiritual lives we want patience, right now!! Rather than doing the hard work of study we want the "Cliff Notes" of the Bible. When we have to wait or work we complain or belly ache about it. We do not see God's purpose and so we complain. James says to kwitcherbellyakin and consider it all joy because God is at work in you. The result will be something you will appreciate. We will be complete (mature) and lacking in nothing in our relationship with the Lord. That does not mean we will be perfect but we will have everything we need to continue to trust God in every circumstance and to experience his peace in our lives. Today I will refuse to complain and will count whatever I encounter as JOY because I know that the Lord is at work in me.

(P) Prayer
Lord forgive me when I complain and remind me that you are at work and that you are trustworthy. Amen

Life Journal – 12-14-2008

When I Get Discouraged

(S) Scripture
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:3 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
On the heels of the verses that tell us to run with endurance the author of Hebrews gives us this nugget of encouragement. Knowing that running with endurance would have its tough and discouraging moments the author reminds us to look at what Jesus endured. He endured that for us and so we can continue in His strength.

(A) Application
For years I have used the first two verses of this chapter. They are familiar to many of us:
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB77)

I have heard and preached many sermons on these verses but have yet to hear or preach a message that included verse three. This verse gives us the fuel we need to continue when tough times come. As I remember what Jesus endured it puts my struggles into perspective and empowers me to continue moving forward. As I live my life today I will do so remembering what Jesus endured for me and so regardless of my circumstances I will move forward.

(P) Prayer
Lord Jesus, sometimes I act as if you didn't suffer or endure anything for me. Forgive me for my sin. Since you endured so much for me I certainly can endure whatever comes my way for you. Teach me to trust you first and always. Give me the grace to deal with those who sin against me. Teach me to love others like you have and continue to love me. Amen

Life Journal – 12-13-2008

By Faith

(S) Scripture
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 (NASB77)

By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
Hebrews 11:3 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
The author, in chapter 11, illustrates from Israel's history that it is always by faith that we please God. This chapter is a litany of the heroes of Israel and all achieved what they did by faith.

(A) Application
This chapter has been called b some the Bible's "Hall of Fame". The listing of names and what they did reminded me somewhat of my visit to the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. There you can see the stats and busts of each member. All their accomplishments in the game they loved. In this passage we read about the important life accomplishments of some of Israel's heroes. In each case it was faith that brought God's blessing and pleasure. It is only by faith that we too can please God. "By faith" is repeated over and over in this chapter. It is an important point. We cannot please God in our own strength. We can only please him when we live by faith. That is easier said than done and yet we are told over and over in the New Testament to "walk by faith" or some similar command. Today I will walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. I will trust God and not complain, grumble or gripe. I will thank God for his provision in my life.

(P) Prayer
Father today I thank you for forgiving me and placing your Holy Spirit within me. I give control of my life to him. Fill me and use me today. By faith I will live for you today. Amen

Life Journal 12-11-2008

Come Confidently

(S) Scripture
Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
The author has just been discussing our confession of faith and the High Priest we have in Jesus. On that basis we are to come with confidence to the throne of grace. We come as family and there we receive grace and help in time of need.

(A) Application
I am reminded of the scene in the movie, The Godfather, where people come to Don Corleone to ask for favors (he cannot refuse them at his daughter's wedding). They come in fear and make their requests. I am so glad that our Father is not like that. In this passage we are told to come to God with confidence or boldness. We come as children not as strangers. Because of our faith in Jesus we can approach God's throne with confidence. What a thought! I can approach Almighty God with confidence, knowing that He will hear me and give attention to my request and needs. I do not need to be afraid or timid. I am going to my father and he loves me and wants the best for me and will work for me. Why then do I hesitate? Generally because I have unconfessed sin in my life and I think he is angry and disappointed and will not hear or act. Nothing is farther from the truth. God is eager to hear, eager to forgive and eager to cleanse my life and then to make me into the person He wants me to be.

Today is my oldest daughter's birthday. I cannot imagine refusing to allow her into my presence or making it seem like a favor to her. I long to talk with her and to be with her and to hear what is happening and to sense what she needs. I would hope that she would come to me in confidence that her father will accept, hear and help her.

Today I will not shy away from His throne but will go there confidently and spend time with my Father.

(P) Prayer
Father, thank you for making me your child and allowing me access to you. Teach me not to be afraid or timid but to come to you in the confidence a child has in going to their father.

Life Journal 12-10-2008

A Blessed Heritage

(S) Scripture
You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them;
and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:14-15 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Paul tells Timothy to continue in the things he has learned. The foundation for these was laid in his childhood. Timothy was to remain true to the faith he had learned from his mother and grandmother. This faith was rooted in God's Word which is the focus of the next verses in this passage.

(A) Application
I am today who I am because of the instruction I received from my parents and grandparents. Yesterday I wrote about the influence of my uncles. That influence was significant in my life but it pales in comparison to the influence of my parents and grandparents. I am so blessed to be part of a family of faithful people. My parents taught me the lessons of faith early on and never wavered in their instruction. They lived what they taught. My dad died in 1984 and I so miss his wise counsel. My mom continues to be an inspiration in my life. Hers continues to be a life of service lived out through the church. My grandparents were also deeply involved in serving the Lord through the local church. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for the foundation they laid in my life that brought me to faith in Jesus and now to the ministry I have been called to. Today I want to influence others the way I was influenced. I want to build into others the faith that was built in me.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I know that I am blessed. Thank you for the people you had build in my life. Thank you for parents and grandparents who were people committed to you and who taught me those lessons of faith that I needed. Thank you for using me now to pass that faith on to the next generation. Help me to build in others the same way people built in me. Amen

Life Journal – 12-09-2008

A Smack of Reality

(S) Scripture
But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.
Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
Titus 2:1-2 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Paul is giving instruction to Titus. He is to speak only that which leads to sound doctrine and as an "older man" he is to set the example for the younger men. He is to pass on to the next generation what he knows as a leader in the church.

(A) Application
In my life and ministry I have had many show me the way of faith, parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, bosses and co-workers. I looked to some of these as mentors. When I think about my spiritual mentors I think first of my two uncles who were pastors. Ward Robinson, my mom's brother now with the Lord, and Jim Crouch, my dad's brother, who is still an inspiration to my life and ministry. I suppose I still think of myself as a "young, 40 something pastor with much to learn from older pastors," and yet the reality is that I am 60. When I look in the mirror I see lots of gray hair and some wrinkles (the sure signs of wisdom J) and this passage reminds me that I have an obligation to those following after me. Just as my uncles have modeled ministry and mentored me I must now be about modeling and mentoring others. The smack of reality is that I am that "older man" and I have much to share. I must live a life of faithfulness that is described in these verses. I have been given a great gift of learning from two of the most Godly pastors I know (even though they are family) and I must mow share what I know with others.

Today I will thank God for the older men he put in my life to mentor me. I will call Uncle Jim and thank him for his continued influence in my life. I will seek to pass what I know on to others. By God's grace and in the power of the Holy Spirit I will develop and live out these qualities in my life.

(P)
Father, I thank you for my Uncles who poured so much of their lives into mine. I am in large part the pastor I am today because of their mentoring. Let me now be an influence in others lives. I can only do this with your help, strength and courage. Teach me to be that "older man" and to be so with grace.

Life Journal – 12-08-2008

The Benefit of Godliness

(S) Scripture
But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;
for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
In his instruction to Timothy, Paul tells him to discipline himself for godliness. It is this spiritual discipline that is beneficial for all things because it holds the promise of god for the temporal and the eternal. Godliness benefits us in this life and also with our eternal life with the Lord. It is a discipline which means that it must be learned and practiced and is not natural. We must work each day at godliness – it does not just happen.

(A) Application
I wish these verses let me off the hook for being physically fit but they do not. That is still a struggle and needs to be a discipline because it will not just happen. These verses do though put the physical in its proper position behind being godly. Discipline for godliness is a strong command. It must do the things (exercise, if you will) those habits that produce godly behaviors. This devotion is one of the core elements of that discipline. Prayer and Bible study and sharing my faith are other elements. I must work at offering grace and mercy and forgiveness to the people I come in contact with each day. Some are not so lovely and others seem arrogant and aloof. I must continue to love them like Jesus loves me and that isn't easy at times. Today I will focus on these spiritual disciplines and also get back into a routine of going to the wellness center to work on my fitness.

(P) Prayer
Lord, you know how I struggle with the physical exercise thing. Help me to do what I need to do. I need your strength each day. Help me to develop the spiritual disciplines that will lead to godliness. Amen

Life Journal – 12-07-2008

A New Challenge

(S) Scripture
Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, Colossians 1:25 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Paul is encouraging the Colossian believers and then gives an interesting commentary on his own call. His call was for their benefit and it was carried out in his preaching of the word of God.

(A) Application
I do not recall considering my call in terms of the benefit it is to the church. I know that each of us is to live out our calls in ways that benefit our sisters and brothers but I had never thought of it the way Paul states it here. My call is for the benefit of the people here at FBC. I know that preaching is important and I work at it. This though is a sobering thought. My calling is to benefit the church not just myself. My call is not just personal but it has a public component. Today I will seek to live up to the high nature of this call in my life.

(P) Prayer
Father, there is no way I can live this out without your help, strength and guidance. I want to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that my life will make a difference for you. Use me to benefit the church here in Charlotte. Thank you for your grace and calling in my life. Amen

Life Journal – 12-06-2008

Be Anxious for Nothing

(S) Scripture
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB77)

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers.
If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (TLB)

(O) Observation
This is a passage on practical living. Paul gives a number of practical directives for us to implement into our lives. Rejoice, Be patient, Don't worry, Pray, Be thankful, Trust God's Peace, and let your mind dwell on all that is good from God. Do this and you will experience God's Peace. His peace will stand guard over your heart.

(A) Application
The verses I chose deal with worry and it's solution. I cited both the NASB and the Living Bible because the Living Bible is so vivid in its rendering of what Paul is saying. It is interesting to me that this is the passage for tomorrow's message on "Laying Down Worry and Embracing God's Peace." Peace is what the angel promised and it seems in short supply in our lives and world. Worry on the other hand seems to be rampant and it robs us of God's peace. Why are we so prone to worry? Because we trust God so little. We don't really believe that God is able to handle our circumstances or maybe we are simply afraid that he will not answer the way we want him to.

If I want to experience the peace of God I must trust the God of Peace. Worry accomplishes nothing good, changes nothing and robs us of God's peace. Today I choose to trust God. I will pray about everything (That leaves out nothing) with thanksgiving (my thankfulness shows I trust God even if I don't understand things). It is then that God's peace (that goes beyond my ability to comprehend) will seize my heart and guard it from all attacks. That is the way I want to live especially at this time of the year when we are celebrating Jesus' birth.

(P) Prayer
Father, today I trust you and thank you for all you have done and are doing in my life. Give me the strength to trust you when I don't understand things. I need your peace to guard my heart. Let me experience the Angel's promise of peace that was delivered on that first Christmas. Amen

Life Journal – 12-04-2008

Watch Your Mouth

(S) Scripture
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Paul has given a long list of things involved in the Christian's walk with God. In this list he addresses our speech. He is quite clear and leaves nothing to be misunderstood. The word "unwholesome" means "rotten". As Christians we are to build up and edify not tear down and destroy. We are to give grace not kill it in others.

(A) Application
In every situation and circumstance I am to use words that edify. That speaks to my sarcastic humor and kidding around where "put-downs" are the norm are not permitted. I am called to build up not tear down. I heard a teacher say that, "behind every sarcasm is a note of truth." I don't want to believe that because it means that my joking around really did and does hurt people. It is not just in sarcasm though. There are the harsh and mean words we speak in anger and frustration. There are the rumors we pass based on something less than the truth. In the past election I received many emails about Obama that were not based in truth and yet they were passed along by well meaning people who had not checked to truth of the allegations. Have you seen the look on a child's face when they are put down by an adult? Our words are mighty weapons that can wound deeply. The old saying about "sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me" simply isn't true.

As a follower of Jesus I am called to build up and encourage and life and inspire people with my words. This is something that I try to practice and yet I still find myself falling short too often. Today I will again focus my attention on lifting up rather than putting down people. I know that it is only with God's power that this can happen in me.

(P) Prayer
Lord, help me to watch what I say so that it is positive and wholesome. When I get negative make me so aware that I will again turn to you and confess my sin and begin again lifting people up. Amen

Life Journal – 12-03-2008

(S) Scripture
Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
Romans 13:1-2 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Paul certainly did not live in a time of godly rulers and yet his teaching was that these rulers are established by God and deserve our respect and obedience. It is hard to imagine that Paul taught this but he did and it is God's Word for the believers in Rome and also for us.

(A) Application
This is a particularly difficult passage for me especially when we have just elected a president that holds many positions that are immoral to me. Abortion and Homosexual marriage are two that make it hard for me to trust his judgment in other areas. I have a different worldview and it makes it difficult to follow. And yet here the scriptures tell me that God has established this ruler and that I am to submit to his authority. I know that the best thing I can do is to pray for the president-elect. I must earnestly pray for him and the judgments he makes. I am bound to actively influence decisions where I can. I am committed to living out my faith empowered by the Holy Spirit even in the face of opposition from the government. I do not believe God asks us to compromise the truth or to remain silent in the face of evil. In Acts 4 Peter and John are faced with being told to obey the government rather than God. Look at their response:

But when they had ordered them to go aside out of the Council, they began to confer with one another, saying, "What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. "But in order that it may not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to any man in this name." And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge;
for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:15-20 (NASB77)

Today I have been challenged not to complain or whine about the president-elect but rather to pray for him and his administration. I will also continue to speak the truth of scripture as I understand it and I will not cower in fear in the face of opposition. I will live faithfully to the lord and thank God I live in America where I am politically free to challenge the government when I think it is wrong and yet subject to its laws. This is a fine line to walk and yet God has called believers to walk it and so I will.

(P) Prayer
Lord Jesus, without your help and guidance this is impossible. Show me how to navigate these waters in a way that honors you and is faithful to your word. Amen

Life Journal 12-02-2008

Who Is The Potter

(S) Scripture
On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why did you make me like this," will it?
Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use, and another for common use?
Romans 9:20-21 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Paul addresses the arrogance of mankind. Just who are we to question God or tell him what he should do? Paul uses a simple illustration of a potter to show our relationship. He is the potter and we are the clay. It is he who makes us and decides what our purpose will be.

(A) Application
God is the potter and I am not! How arrogant is it for me to tell God what he should dop and how I should be made and fro what purpose. I suppose we all, in our selfishness, want to be made for the "honorable use" but what then happens to those who need a common touch. Being molded is not an easy task especially when I want to be something different than what the Potter has in mind. Too often I resist his hands and the changes he is making in me and as a result I miss out on all he has in store for me. I would be wise to let God mold me anyway he chooses and be what he created me to be. When I feel like a "square peg in a round hole" I know that I have again tried to change what God has made me to be. Today I want nothing more than to be who God has called and fashioned me to be. Today I will let his hands mold me and I will not complain.

(P) Prayer
Father, it is not easy being on the wheel and not knowing the outcome of your handiwork and design. Give me the grace to live out the calling you placed in my life. Let me fulfill my purpose today. Amen

Life Journal – 12-01-2008

The Difference a Phrase Makes

(S) Scripture
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1 (NASB77)

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 8:1 (KJV)

(O) Observation
The translators of the KJV included the phrase, "who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit," that because of more and better manuscript evidence was not included in the NASB. That phrase is huge and changes the meaning. There is no condemnation for the Christian, period. There is no qualifying phrase that follows, no parenthetic phrase, no catch phrase. I do not know if a scribe copying this letter simply could not believe what he read and so inserted this phrase or whether it was part of an early church father's preaching notes but what I do know is that it is not part of the best of the New Testament manuscripts. My relationship with God is not dependent on my performance it is dependent on God and his word. This does not mean that I am free to live in sin. Paul says "May it never be!" My relationship with God is always in his hands and secure in his character. I am to live as his child free from the burden and slavery to sin and alive to new life that is empowered by the Holy Spirit.

(A) Application
What a freeing statement. I do not need to be looking over my shoulder wondering what God is going to do to me. I do not need to wonder about whether I am in or out of heaven. God does not condemn his children. He continues to discipline us when we are wrong or on a wayward path much like we do our own children but that is out of love for us. I need God's discipline in order to become the person he wants me to be. His condemnation would crush my spirit and render me useless in his kingdom. To know that he does not condemn me allows me to live fully trusting him. Many of us have experienced that "long pointing finger" and the frown and words of condemnation and know what it does to us. This is the Good News. God does not act like that. He loves us and wants the best for us. Now that is a life worth living. Today I will again rejoice in what it means to be God's child. I will thank him for his love and care and strength and power and discipline in my life. Today I will live free for Jesus.

(P) Prayer
Father I do not understand your ways at times. How could you not condemn me when I sin so often? Yet, you do not. You forgive and cleanse and empower me to be the person you called me to be. Let me live that way today and be a witness to you love and grace. Thank you for your word that encourages us to live for you. Amen

Life Journal 11-30-2008

My Obligation

(S) Scripture
I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
Romans 1:14 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Paul revealed his calling as an obligation to those who were not like him, Greeks and Barbarians and also to the wise and foolish. It is easy to share with those like us or with the wise but difficult to those unlike us and foolish.

(A) Application
It is easy for me to forget that my calling is also like Paul's, to those unlike me and to both the wise and foolish. Who are the Greeks and Barbarians for me. There are people here in Charlotte that I have very little in common with, some are rich or poor, others are crude or sophicated, some educated or uneducated. I am called to all these. I am obligated to all these people because of what Jesus has done in my life. I operate better in some of these circles than I do in others but I must share in all of them. I think of some of my bowling friends – I am obligated to them. That is why I bowl. I must intentionally put myself in places where I can be with those who do not yet follow Christ. I am obligated. Today I want to be more intentional in meeting those to whom I am obligated for the sake of Christ.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I thank you for the work you have done in my life and for the forgiveness I have received. Let me now share that with others. Help me to recognize the opportunities you bring to my life. Amen

Life Journal 11-28-2008

First Orders

(S) Scripture
He is not here, he has risen just as he said. Come see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples… Matthew 28:6-7

(O) Observation
The first thing the angel told the women to do after they saw that Jesus had risen from the dead was to go quickly and tell. They were not to delay or wait until they understood, they were to go and tell what they had seen and experienced.

(A) Application
Those are still the first orders any believer receives. Once we experience the risen Christ in our lives we are to go and tell someone. We are not to delay or wait until we understand everything – we are to tell others what we have seen and experienced. I am afraid that too often those of us who have been Christians for a long time have lost that great sense of God's grace and forgiveness and therefore have lost our motivation to share. We need a fresh sense of God's love and forgiveness every day in order to have something to tell others about. That is why this daily devotion is so important because it keeps me mindful of what the Lord has done for me and wants to do for others. If I am being made different each day because of what I have read in the Word then I have something fresh to share. Today I will look for opportunities to share Jesus with someone and I will continue this daily time with God so I will always have something to share.

(P) Payer

Lord, keep my experience with you fresh. Prod me when I am getting stale. Help me to recognize the opportunities to share my faith you put in my life each day. Amen

Life Journal – 11-27-2008

The Foundation of Thanksgiving

(S) Scripture
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. Matthew 27:50 (NIV)

(O) Observation
the reading today is about the last couple of days in Jesus life here on earth. He willingly gave his life to pay for my sins. This is the foundation of thanksgiving.

(A) Application
I can think of no better or more appropriate scripture to read for today than the passages about the Crucifixion. The price for my sin was death and Jesus paid that for me. I do not understand it but I can experience it. Today as I celebrate Thanksgiving with my family I will be thankful for what Jesus did for me so many years ago. Another exciting aspect of our gathering is that every person here is a follower of Jesus.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for dying for my sins. Thank you for allowing me to celebrate this day with my family. Thank you for your love and sacrifice for us. Amen

Life Journal – 11-25-2008

Known By His Enemies

(S) Scripture
Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words.
They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.
Matthew 22:15-16 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Even Jesus' enemies recognized his character. He was known by his integrity, teaching truth, and not being swayed by people. These were characteristics his enemies lacked. They tried to use them to trap him but he was much too wise.

(A) Application
I must live my life in such a way that my enemies would recognize my integrity. It is important to speak the truth regardless of what others think even the influential. Personal integrity takes a lifetime to build and can be lost in a moment. Today I want to be known as a man of integrity who teaches the truth and is not swayed from the truth by what others might think or say. Today with God's help I will display integrity in all that I do.

(P) Prayer
Lord give me the courage to live a life of integrity. Let your character be seen in me. Let my life be transparent and point others to you. Amen

Life Journal – 11-24-2008

Thick-headed

(S) Scripture
"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.
But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
Matthew 18:5-6 (NIV)

Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
Matthew 19:13 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Jesus has just told the disciples how important children are to him. They represent how we are to trust God – with childlike faith not childish but childlike. Shortly after that the disciples rebuke the people for bringing their children to Jesus so he could bless them. How quickly they forgot what Jesus said to them. Jesus asks for the children and blesses them and I think implied is that the disciples were rebuked by Jesus.

(A) Application
I wonder how many times I am like the disciples. I hear and understand clearly a teaching of Jesus and shortly after act in just the opposite way. It is as if I had never heard or understood. I suppose my sin nature has a great deal to do with this. I know my selfish side wants what I want and is not really concerned with other's needs. Here I stand "thick-headed" like the disciples. I want to think that I am smarter than that but too often I am just like the disciples. I am so glad that Jesus corrected their behavior and let them continue to follow him. I too can be corrected, forgiven, cleansed and then continue to follow. Today I will work at not being so thick-headed and will seek to obey what I understand Jesus is asking me to do.

(P) Prayer
Lord, You know how thick-headed and stubborn I can be. I ask that you make me aware when I am ignoring what you have asked of me and that you would forgive me and allow me to continue to follow you. I want most to be faithful to you but I need Your strength and guidance for that to happen in my life. Thank you for your patience, love and forgiveness. Amen

Life Journal 11-23-2008

A Solitary Place

(S) Scripture
When Jesus heard what had happened he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.
Matthew 14:13 (NIV)

(O) Observation
When Jesus go the news of the death of John the Baptist he went to a private place. On hearing about the death of a friend, Jesus needed to be alone with His Father so he went to a solitary place. The crowds would not leave him alone and followed by foot to where he went. Jesus went by boat and at least for that time he was alone.

(A) Application
So often when we hear bad news we immediately seek our friends to be with. Jesus went first to His Father and so should we. Friends are necessary but there are times when we need to be alone with God. Howard Hendricks, a professor at Dallas Seminary, said, "You can never do enough for people if you are always surrounded by people." Jesus knew that if he was going to be able to help the crowd he first needed to be alone with His Father. That is why this quiet time is so important for me. It is my time with God that is not disturbed or interrupted by people. As God recharges my spirit I can then help others. I have missed this time with God the last couple of days. Today I renew my commitment to this time each day. I know I cannot adequately minister to people if I have not had this time with my Father.

(P) Prayer
Father, thank you for the reminder from the life of Jesus about the need for solitude. I commit to this time with you again today. Give me strength to follow through and teach me what I need to know to more fully follow You. Amen

40 Days of Love – Day 40

The Relationship Principles of Jesus

This has been a great emphasis for me and for the church. In the middle of tough economic times here in Michigan it would be easy for us to turn our attention to ourselves and to huddle-up. This emphasis of Love has caused us to move our attention off ourselves and onto others. It helps us keep our outward focus. If that were all this study did I would be grateful. But it did much more. In my own life it has caused me to slow down and listen to the people around me; not to be so consumed with my own agenda to ignore or pass off the people around me. My life has been so enriched by the depth of conversations I have had during these 40 days. I look forward to continuing the behaviors I have learned.

At our Men's Prayer Breakfast this morning the comment was made, about this study, "If we would just practice the Golden Rule (Luke 6:31) we could almost throw away our Bibles." Not quite but we would certainly be acting more like Jesus than we normally do. He was not advocating abandoning Scripture but I think you get the point of what he was saying.

On a lighter note in Staff meeting this week the comment was made, "I am looking forward to Celebration Sunday and the conclusion of these 40 Days of Love because I have a couple of people I want to talk to and on Monday I can do it like I want to." This was in jest and we all know how this emphasis on loving others the way Jesus loves us really has changed the way we talk to each other even in difficult times of conflict.

What a joy it has been. One person said, "I hate to see this study end." So do I so let's just keep loving like Jesus loves us. Our community will be better, our church will be better, our families will be better and we will be better for it.

What are your thoughts?

40 Days of Love – Day 39

Forget the Ideal – Go for the Real

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.
Romans 12:1 (MSG)

Today's devotion speaks to our real lives. We sometimes drift off into a dream world or ideal settings but know they never materialize. This is not a call to abandon working toward the ideal but it is a call not to make the ideal an idol. Our ideal of ideal and God's may be two quite different things. When tough times come to our lives we ask, "How could God let that happen?" It doesn't meet our idea of the ideal. But God see the entirety of our lives and knows what we need today to prepare us for tomorrow. The tough time today may be to strengthen us for tomorrow. God's ideal is for us to trust Him in every circumstance, not just the ideal. Often the ideal is simply imaginary or wishful but the love of God is constant and real. It is that love that we are to experience and share with others. Disney World has "Fantasyland" a place where everything is perfect and anything can happen. Fantasyland is in the Magic Kingdom, a place where we visit because we know that it does not exist anywhere else. Why do we try to create a fantasyland in our lives. It is much more productive to use our energy dealing with what is in ways that please God.

To go for the real means that we place our everyday ordinary lives as a daily offering to God to be used by Him as He pleases. Then we will experience all He has for us and that is reality. God meets us and uses us in real ways when we are fully dedicated to him.

Go for the real and make a difference for Jesus today.

40 Days of Love – Day 38

Love Your Enemies

Do to others as you would have them do to you.
"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them.
And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that.
And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full.
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Luke 6:31-35 (NIV)

We are called to be radically different from those who are not Christ followers. We are constantly surrounded with messages that tell us to be self assertive. These messages tell us to promote ourselves and to watch out for ourselves first. These are self-centered and selfish; we do what we do to get what we want. We protect our own and demand our rights and expect to receive what is due us. This leads to an isolated and lonely existence. We know people who have everything they could ever want and yet are isolated and lonely. Jesus says the antidote is to treat others the way you want to be treated. To think of others first and in so doing your own needs are met. He then takes the teaching further and says to love your enemies, those who are bent on doing you in.

I could never do that on my own. That is what is so exciting about following Jesus, He sets seemingly impossible commands and then He empowers us to fulfill them. It is not in my power but in His. It is not by my might but by His. What is impossible with me is possible in Him. How radical is responding to evil with good? You know how hard it is to have an argument with someone who will not argue back. How hard it is to treat someone mean who is doing good to you. Sure throws me off stride. What is it that makes me want to seek revenge or get even or fight? It is my pride. I want them to agree that I am right and they are wrong. I want them to pay for hurting me. I want to extract my ounce of flesh. The emphasis is always on "me" and "I" and that is the antithesis of what Jesus teaches. It is not about me but rather about God.

Why am I to love my enemies? Because Jesus set the example when He died for me. Jesus did for me what I could not do for myself. Romans 5:8 says, But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. I was his enemy and He died for me, can I do anything less for those I see as enemies? Not and be the follower Jesus calls me to be.

This isn't an easy command but Jesus didn't come to make things easy. He came to make us holy and to restore our relationship with God. He tells me to treat others the way He treats me. No loop holes, no escape clauses. I am to do what he did. I have some work to do in my life. How about you?

40 Days of Love – Day 37

Love is Sacrificial

In West Virginia I was part of a group of pastors that had grown up together as West Virginia Baptist through youth events and summer camps. Some of us went to college together and we all were friends. We got together several times each year and discuss what was going on in our churches and what should be happening. These discussions would always end with the same question, "So, What are you going to do about it?" It was a call to action. We could not just talk about things we must act to bring about solutions.

That is what the author is calling for today. We must take the first step. We initiate the action. We are not to wait on the other person, we are to do for them without regard to what they will do for us. We will never experience all God has for us if we do not move forward. There are no escape clauses or loop holes for the Christian, we are to make the first move in loving others. That is the example Jesus set, He didn't wait on others to move first. He took the initiative and showed his love by what he did.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 (NIV) For a long time when I read this I thought of jumping to push a friend out of the way of a speeding car and being hit myself or of being in a room and volunteering when a gunman demands that one die so the rest of the group can go free. As I grow older those might be true but I wonder if "laying down my life for my friends" has more to do with opening my life to others as a transparent book. To give myself to them as I am. To lay down my life before them and to love them and let them love me. Sacrificial love says that I am willing to do just that – lay down my life for my friends. In living that way I just might be able to lead them to the Savior. I often wonder about just what I am willing to sacrifice for my friends. Jesus gave his life for us. What am I willing to give?

So we come back to the question so many discussions ended with in the past, "So what are you going to do about it?"

What do you think?

40 Days of Love – Day 36

The Big Question

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

The Golden Rule is maybe the most simple and yet profound of Jesus' teachings. In this one phrase he has given the key that changes our lives and relationships in ways that reflect Christ in us. I cannot think of anything that surpasses this teaching for building relationships. When I treat others the way I want to be treated I put their needs ahead of mine but in the process my needs are also met. I can't explain that I just know it is true. It is a God-thing working in us. It is like tithing – I can't explain how nine tenths goes farther than ten tenths but it does – it's a God-thing.

The author gives some clear explanation of the substitute rules we sometimes insert in our relationships that may begin good but end in disaster. (pg. 299-300)

• The Reciprocal Rule – You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours
  
• The Ricochet Rule – How I've been treated by others is how I treat you
  
• The Hidden Motive Rule – I'm acting like I'm doing this for you but it is really to get what I want
  

How often do you find yourself substituting one of these rules for the Golden Rule? When I take careful examination of my motives I find myself doing this more than I would like to think I do. So today I will focus on keeping the Golden Rule foremost in my relationships and let God sort out and meet my needs.

Lord, help me to operate out of the Golden Rule rather than one of the substitutes. I want my relationships and life to count for you and honor you. Make me aware when I am not living this out. Amen

What do you think?

40 Days of Love – Day 35

The Daily Decision of Humility

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:5-6 (NIV)

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5 (NIV)

This is the best daily reading so far for me. To again be reminded that I am to humble myself and also to have the same attitude as Jesus is indeed a reminder I need. It is so easy to get caught up in yourself that nothing else matters much. Today Becky and I have been refinishing some furniture. We were both covered in sawdust and then stain. Just as we were cleaning up the phone rang and it was the hospital asking if I would come and talk with a distraught patient. I first thought of saying no because I had other plans but I knew the right thing to do was to go and so I did. WWJD is still a good question to ask. The correct answer will keep us from thinking more of ourselves than others.

I thought the description of humility on page 292 was the best I have seen. "Humility is not thinking less of myself; it is thinking more of others. Humility is not putting myself down; it is lifting God up. Humility is not denying my strengths; it is being open and honest about my weaknesses. Humility is seeing that without Christ I can do nothing, but with Christ I can do all things!"

When I begin to live my life by that definition of humility I will:

• begin to be used in great ways by God.
  
• have deep and meaningful relationships
  
• make a difference in people's lives for the sake of Christ
  
• experience life at its fullest – the way Jesus promised
  

I will ponder this lesson for days to come.

What are you thinking.

40 Days of Love – Day 34

Vines and Branches

 5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NIV)

I am so amazed at how simple Jesus was in what he taught and in how he lived it out. He used everyday objects and situations to explain deeply spiritual concepts. In today's reading it is a vine and a branch. The branch cannot exist apart from the vine. We cannot exist apart from Jesus. How simple and yet how profound.

We are prone to try to take sustenance from other sources and find ourselves starving and dying. Peter got it right when he said, "Who else has the words of eternal life?" why do we work so hard to find alternatives to what Jesus teaches. Must be our sin natures.

Today the lesson is simple and the truth profound. Abide in the vine – stay attached – the Vine has everything you need and will produce in you what God wants.

Let stay attached to the Vine and nothing else.

What do you thnk?

40 Days of Love- Day 33

How Humility Handles Our Relationship with God

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)

It is humility that keeps us from the self-righteousness of the Pharisee. Problem is that the longer we are Christians the more like the Pharisees we become. We forget what it was like to really need a Savior, to be so aware of our sin that we were drawn to God's grace and mercy. We forget what being forgiven really means and we lose the experience of being cleansed because we think we are clean. We set up rules and regulations and standards that we require others to meet before we welcome them into our fellowship and we do it in the name of being "pure" in Christ. How far from the truth we stray. The author offered three warning signs that we are becoming like the Pharisees:

1. You become confident in yourself
   
2. You become condemning of others
   
3. You become content with externals
   

This weekend some Radical Homosexuals staged a protest at a local church in Lansing. Many comments from Christians were condemning of the people not just their behavior. Some wanted a measure of revenge. Some were glad, "we're not like them". How quickly we slide into Pharisee mode and the kingdom of God is not advanced or helped.

Humility reminds me that apart from Christ's work in my life I am no different from those who are at war with God. Being aware of God's work in me makes me more aware of my need for His mercy, grace and forgiveness. How can I condemn those for whom Christ died? Pride is an awful master and leads us to disaster. Today I want to shed any vestige of being a Pharisee and realize that I need God's mercy and must offer it to others.

What did this reading say to you?

40 Days of Love – Day 32

How Humility Handles Our Tendency to Compare

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)

The treadmill of comparing is tiring, uses lots of energy and gets us nowhere. God has not called us to compare our lives with others but rather to faithfully be the person He created us to be. When I compare myself to someone else I have set my sights way to low. If I must compare I should compare myself to Jesus. He never sinned and showed us how God wants us to live. That is not a comparison I want to make because I always end up on the low end. It really is not useful to compare yourself with others. As a preacher, I should not to compare myself with Billy Graham, Chuck Swindoll, Max Lucado or any of the local pastors. God does not expect me to be better than them but does expect me to be the best I can be. That means I can learn from others, but I must hone my skills and use what God has given me to the best of my ability.

The author said something that jumped off the page at me and struck a true chord in my heart. "Satan tempts us to take something good and compare the joy right out of it." (pg 271) How often do we do that? I meet with pastors quite often for lunch and fellowship. On one occasion we were talking about what we do at Halloween. They had an event at their church and were excited about the 60 children they had come out. I could see their joy fade when I shared about the 600 that come to our Fall Festival. The joy is that 660 children were reached that night not that one event was larger than the other. Comparing really does strain relationships.

When a person leaves our church to go to another do I rejoice that they have found a place to worship and serve or am I bitter and ask what that church has that we don't or do I bad mouth what they believe because we have the truth here. This comparison trap comes at our lives from all areas.

Can you imagine the freedom that would come to your life if we were to be content with who we are in Christ and lived that out to its fullest? Not compared to others but simply being all that God wants me to be. Comparing ourselves to others is being in slavery to an evil master. Paul said it this way, It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

O God, let me live my life fully devoted to you and free from comparing it with others. Let me live in such a way that others will see Jesus in me and be drawn to Him. Amen

40 Days of Love – Day 31

How Humility Handles Our Need to Be Noticed

"Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long;
they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues;
they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.'
Matthew 23:5-7 (NIV)

"My Bible is bigger than yours. I sit in the big chair and don't forget to call me Reverend." How silly and petty does that sound? Sadly it happens in too many churches. Today's reading makes me want to cry, "Uncle, I give." This lesson really hits home and right where we live. The need for status symbols, recognition and titles. This is an area where many struggle. We have to live in the right neighborhood and house, drive the right car and wear the right brand of clothes and God forbid that someone would forget or not use my title. How enslaved have we become to our status symbols, our need to be noticed.

When I arrived at Ole Miss in 1971, as a staff member with Campus Crusade for Christ, one thing that became really clear was that to be accepted you had to wear certain brands of clothes. It was Corbin slacks, Gant shirts, Puritan sweaters and Bass Weeguns. Students were judged by the clothes they wore. One day the other staff and I wore our clothes inside out so the labels would be visible just to make a point. The students in our ministry began to see how they had become so attached to their symbols that they were excluding others and that sin was hurting the kingdom of God.

I wonder how often we let this need to be noticed get in the way of building the kingdom of God because people don't meet our standards. Our relationships are diminished by these three status seeking issues.

In our church and lives we cannot afford to be caught in these traps. Pray that we will not allow social status to keep us from reaching our community with the gospel of Christ.

40 Days of Love – Day 30

How Humility Handles Ambition

Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4 (NIV)

There is a great difference between being childlike and childish. I had never thought of childlikeness in the way the author presented it. I know that a child must depend on others but I had not thought about how freely a child asks for things. Because they are totally dependent they must ask for everything and so it never enters their thoughts not to ask (p 260-261). That was an eye opener for me. Children are not afraid or timid – they just ask. Many ask and ask and ask. It is when they stomp their foot and begin to demand that they become childish. That is generally met with discipline from the parent.

Wanting to be all that God created me to be and desiring to experience all that God has for me is ambitious but not for self-seeking reasons. Rather it is to fulfill God's will in my life and that can only come as I trust in Him. I must become like that child that depends totally and asks freely. Humility is recognizing that I am dependent on God and that gives me his perspective on my ambitions. Seeing myself as God sees me allows me to live my live under his control, power and provision.

Lord, teach me to depend on you and make me aware of when I am being childish and not childlike. Amen

40 Days of Love – Day 29

The Desire To Be Great

For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:12 (NIV)

What does it mean to be humble? What is humility?

When I think of humility I am reminded of what Paul wrote to the Romans. For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Romans 12:3 (NASB77). I am not to think more highly of myself than I ought but I am to use sound judgment.

That teaches me to see myself as God sees me; with all my strengths and weaknesses. Humility is not thinking I am nothing or that I have nothing to share or give or use but rather it is to recognize the gifts and abilities I have and to use them to glorify God. I recognize my strengths and use them in service to God. I exalt God not myself. In my weaknesses I trust God to use them with his power not mine.

The flip side of not thinking more highly of myself than I ought is thinking very high of who God has made me and what he has given me to use for His glory. This is a daily practice to lift up Christ and not myself. I choose to humbly serve God and not my selfish interests.

This is not an easy task when all around me the culture tells me to promote myself, to get what is mine, to seize whatever power I can. To be faithful to my call as a follower of Jesus I must daily exalt Christ and live humbly before my God.

What are your thoughts?

Life Journal 11-07-2008

Serve One Another

(S) Scripture
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
Galatians 5:13-14 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Paul reminds the people that their freedom in Christ is not a freedom to sin but rather it is being free to show our love by serving one another. Paul has picked up on Jesus' teaching and again emphasizes that the whole law is fulfilled in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." Here it is again and it is so simple and yet so profound. We are to love God and others.

(A) Application
I wonder why we make things so complicated. We get so caught up in the details of theology that we miss what we are called to accomplish. We argue over the method of baptism and Jesus says, "love each other". We fight over dress codes and Jesus says, "love each other." When will we get it right. Now we have been learning in the 40 Days of Love that this love isn't wishy-washy or gushy or dismissing of the truth. Rather it is tough and addresses sin and corrects bad behavior. Speaking the truth in love is hard and difficult at times and requires an element of personal risk and yet we are compelled to speak it. The verses I chose today from Galatians 5 fit right in to the theme for this Sunday when we resume the 40 Days of Love. The theme for this week is "Love Serves" and here it is in the Life Journal reading for today. How great is our God and what a sense of humor. We just can't get away from this call to show our love through serving others. It is something that we should try.

Today I will focus on serving others as an expression of my love for God

What about you?

(P) Prayer
Lord, too often I want to be served rather than to serve others. Keep me focused on serving you by serving others to day. Help me to make this a habit and a daily expression of my faith in you. Amen

Life Journal – 11-06-2008

Living by Faith

(S) Scripture
You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?
This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
Galatians 3:1-3 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
    Paul was addressing a problem in the Galatian church. The people who had received the Spirit by faith were now trying to live by keeping the law. They were giving up their freedom in Christ for slavery to the law. Paul challenges them and reminds them of the direction they should follow. They began and should continue by faith. Their trust and security is in their faith in the God not in keeping the law.

(A) Application
    This is a trap that many Christians fall in to. We receive Christ by faith and then try to live by keeping the law. We set up artificial standards and if we keep them we think we must be OK with God. God's grace has set us free to be all that God wants us to be. That freedom is not a license to do whatever we want but rather it is a freedom to do what is right and godly. Before we became Christians our sin nature was a slave to sin and we could only do things that displeased God because they were not from faith. We are now free to do what pleases God. Church Swindoll in his book "The Grace Awakening" calls these artificial standards "Grace Killers" and that is exactly what they do. The "laws" we put in place to show how righteous we are only kill grace in us and others.

    Today I want to be a Grace Giver not a Grace Killer. I want to live by faith. I want my faith to be revealed and seen in what I do but not to think that what I do in any way merits God's favor or grace. What I do comes out of my faith not the other way around. Today I desire to live free in Christ.

(P) Prayer
Lord, help me to live free and to trust only in you. Let me live by faith, filled with the Holy Spirit and trusting in you. Make me aware when I am killing grace in others and myself. Let me make a difference for you today in someone's life. Amen

Life Journal 11-05-2008

Integrity and Hypocrisy

(S) Scripture

Galatians 2:11-14 (NASB77)
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.
For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.
But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, "If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?

(O) Observation

Peter (Cephas) fell into the trap of not being the same person in every situation. He compromised his integrity when he acted one way with one group and differently with another because of fear of what they might think. Paul called him on this hypocrisy for the sake of all in the church. Leaders cannot say and live one way one day and then for popularity say and live another way the next. There must be a consistency that comes from integrity.

(A) Application

This is an easy trap for people. We do not want to offend, we want to be liked and so we try to blend in even if it means we compromise what we know to be true. We have seen this all too often in the recent presidential campaigns. The candidates say one thing to this group and something quite different to another. We do the same and it is our integrity that suffers. Integrity is like trust, it takes time to build or earn and can be lost in a moment. I believe that Peter repented and the church grew. He continued as a leader because when confronted with hypocrisy he took steps to rectify it.

It is easy to compromise what you hold as true in order to be liked and welcomed. If though the price of that welcome is my integrity then the price is too high. I am not encouraging people to be obnoxious or overbearing. I am encouraging us to be true to the God who called us to be his children and has sent us into the world to be salt and light. Our hypocrisy will keep us from impacting our world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today I want to live out of my integrity and rid myself of any hypocrisy. Not an easy thing but one that must be done.

(P) Prayer

Lord I see myself in this challenge to Peter. Make me keenly aware of the hypocrisy in my life and help me to correct it. I want to live a life of integrity as your child and servant. Amen

Life Journal – 11-04-2008

Faith Lived Out

This week I am taking a break from the 40 Days of Love because of the Next Generation Power Force rally this past Sunday. This special opportunity came and so I asked the small groups to take a break this week from the 40 Days material and we will resume with week 5 on Sunday. Therefore this week I will be sharing from the life journal again.

(S) Scripture

Job 27:2-6 (NASB77) "As God lives, who has taken away my right, And the Almighty, who has embittered my soul,
For as long as life is in me, And the breath of God is in my nostrils,
My lips certainly will not speak unjustly, Nor will my tongue mutter deceit.
"Far be it from me that I should declare you right; Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me.
"I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go. My heart does not reproach any of my days.

(O) Observation

In this passage Job reveals his faith and character. He will maintain his integrity and hold fast to acting righteously. What a testimony. His has lost nearly everything and his friends are not being helpful and yet Job holds on to what he knows is right and just and Godly.

(A) Application

It seems our tendency is to protect and defend ourselves in times of trouble and stress. We blame God for our circumstances. We ask God why he did this or that to us? At best we ask why he allowed something that he could have prevented. We fail to look for the big picture, what God is doing in us to prepare us for other things. Job's wife had encouraged him to "curse God and die." But Job held on to the truth of his faith. I want to do the same. In the face of accusation or even when I think God has "embittered my soul" I want to hold to the truth of my faith and walk with Jesus.

It is not always easy but it is the only path to take if I want to continue to grow as a Christian. What do you do when a friend needs to be corrected and you risk being misunderstood but you integrity compels you to talk with the person. I think the 40 Days of Love lessons are being put to the test. Interesting how he Lord prepares you in advance for what He needs you to do.

(P) Prayer

Lord, you know the difficult task I have before me. Help me to speak the truth in love and to maintain my integrity and to act in ways that please you. It is not easy but it is the path I must take so I ask that you fill me with your Spirit and walk the path with me.

40 Days of Love – Day 28

Seeing the Truth about Yourself

What a great devotion today. It was tough but when you are called to do some self-examination it is always tough. The "man in the mirror" is sometimes the hardest one to see honestly. In the movie "Fireproof" there is a scene in the firehouse where a young firefighter is primping himself and talking to himself in the mirror. It is a funny scene as he works at being "cool". He is trying to convince the man in the mirror that he is different than he really is. I wonder just how often we do the same. We try and try to convince ourselves that we are different than we really are. We excuse sin and other things in order to feel better about ourselves but in the end we know the truth. The author asks us to see clearly two phrases:

I HAVE SINNED
I AM FORGIVEN

If we keep these in focus we will be less judgmental and more forgiving of others. That is a good exercise for me. The author made an interesting comment on page 241, "Why is it that some who have been Christians for years become more and more judgmental? Because they have forgotten how deeply they need God's grace." The fresh sense of their sin when they first became a Christian has faded – what a tragedy that those who have been forgiven refuse to forgive.

This was a sobering lesson and one that I hope we all begin to practice.

What are your thoughts?

40 Days of Love- Day 27

Understanding God's Judgment

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV)

As I read today's chapter I thought I should simply write – "Amen" and stop but that seemed a little flippant. As the author related the story of Corrie Ten Boom I was reminded of the days I was her host and driver while she was in Southern California for Campus Crusade for Christ. I heard her tell the story the author related. As she told it she would still tear up and that was nearly 30 years later. The horror of the Nazi concentration camp was still fresh to her as she spoke and yet her message was one of forgiveness, mercy and grace. My life was enriched by those days. She had a simple faith that God was in control and she need not worry about anything. She left her travel plans to the Lord, where she would stay and eat did not matter to her. In Five Star hotels or No Star hotels she was content. What a picture of God's Grace.

One moving conversation in the movie of her experience, "The Hiding Place" between Corrie and her sister Betsy was about Corrie's despair in the camp. Betsy's response was this great understanding of God's presence and protection when she said, "There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still." We can learn a lot from Corrie and her sister.

On this subject of judgment and forgiveness Corrie gave us a key truth. "Forgiveness is not an emotion… Forgiveness is an act of the will and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart." Wow – 'nough said.

Share your thoughts in a comment.

40 Days of Love – Day 26

Understanding God's Mercy

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--
not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

Grace has been described as "getting something you do not deserve". Mercy on the other hand has been described as "not getting what you do deserve". God's grace offers me forgiveness and eternal life and His mercy spares me the judgment and penalty I deserve for my sin.

Many times I find myself thinking that a person is just getting what they deserve and I am taking some delight in their pain or punishment. How merciless and graceless is that. To take delight in another's punishment is far from what God expects from his followers. This mercilessness also is seen at times when in I look down on others with a self righteous attitude. They are horrible sinners and I should have no contact with them after all I am to "avoid the very appearance of evil" (1 Thess 5:22). What a misuse of that verse in that context. We are not to avoid people who need the Lord, we are to go to them. We are not to participate in their evil but we are not to look down on them either. This can open a real can of worms for some people who want to nit-pick. Some people would build a "hedge of protection" around their families to keep them from being exposed or subjected to evil. I understand that desire but that same hedge that protects you keeps you from sharing the gospel with people who desperately need it. Jesus' prayer for us in John 17 was not to be taken out of the world but that He would take us through the world with his protection.

I get so irritated when I hear people in church trying to put artificial standards on who is welcome in our church. It is couched in "those people" terms. That was the problem Simon, the Pharisee, was having in the story the author related from Luke 7. He and the disciples were thinking in "those people" terms rather than in welcoming terms. Jesus saw the heart and Simon and the disciples were only thinking of their reputations.

I see myself way too much in the reading for today. I have worked on my attitude and behavior here for years and yet still from time to time see those old prejudices coming out. I must continue to focus on God's mercy, forgiveness and love in my life and then offer that to others. This showing of mercy and grace must characterize my life if I am to be the person God has called me to be.

What did this day's reading say to you?