Life Journal 08-28-2008 Just One Thing

Just One Thing

(S) Scripture
Revelation 2:2-4
2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love

(O) Observation
The Lord commends this church for all it is doing right. This is good at doing what it should but is not good at its relationship with the Lord. Things are done out of rote or duty but not out of love for God. The indictment is that they have left their first love and need to return. There is opportunity for renewal here when they are told what to do to restore their relationship of love.

(A) Application
Just doing the right things is not the measure of a persons love for the Lord. Many times we can be doing the right things but our hearts are far from God. We should not stop doing the right things but we do need to renew our love for God. We are to do what we did at first. Remember when we could not spend enough time in with the Lord. We read His word, we prayed, we talked about Him with our family and friends, we did all those things you do when you find real love. That is what the Lord wants us to do continually, to love Him.

Sometimes it is easy for me, a pastor, to get caught up in doing things rather than developing my relationship with the Lord. Today I will focus on renewing that love relationship knowing that it will motivate and empower me to do the right things.

(P) Prayer
Lord I want to do the right things for you but I want to love you more. Renew me today and know that I love you. Amen

Life Journal 08-27-2008 Learning to Live

Learning to live

(S) Scripture
Psalm 143:10-12
10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
11 For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. 12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.

(O) Observation
The psalmist in simple terms asks God for His guidance and protection. He asks God to revive him.

(A) Application
This is a good lesson for me. It is God who teaches His will. I seek it but it is God who teaches. It is the Lord who protects me from trouble and those who seek to harm me. Rather than always looking for God's will today I will ask God to teach me His will and to lead me in doing it. It is not as much me finding God's will as it is living it out by faith in Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(P) Prayer
Lord, teach me you will and let me live it out today. Amen

Life Journal 08-26-2008 A Parent's Joy

A Parent's Joy

(S) Scripture
3 John 4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

(O) Observation
As John writes to Gaius he comments on hearing about Gaius' faithfulness and how this gave him great joy. What an encouragement this must have been to both of them.

(A) Application
This is something that I am experiencing this week. I am at the beach with my wife, mother, daughters, son-in-law, and granddaughter. They are each involved in their churches and continue to pursue their relationship with the Lord. I cannot think of anything that could give me greater joy than knowing that they are walking in the truth.

Today I will enjoy the time I have with them as we vacation together. I don't want to miss a minute of this time because you never know when it will happen again.

(P) Prayer
Father, I thank you for my mom and dad and the faith they taught and modeled for me. I thank you for Becky and her faithful walk with you. I thank you for the girls and their faith and for their walks with you. I pray they will experience all you have for them. Hold them close. Let me be a continual example of faith and walking in the truth for them. Amen

Life Journal 08-25-2008 The Command Never Changes

The Command Never Changes

(S) Scripture
2 John 5-6
5Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.
6And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.

(O) Observation
John writes to a woman reminds her that the command never changes - she is to love God and the other believers. This is not new but it is how we are to live. We show our love by keeping His commandments.

(A) Application
Love is tough sometimes. People are not always lovable. Sometimes they are mean and just get on my last nerve. Some are satisfied with mediocrity and refuse to do their best. I am to love these people by keeping God's commands. I must show them that love by what I do not just by what I say. I must remember that the command never changes even if I wish it would. Today I will try to love people the way God desires because it is what I am to do as God's child and a follower of Jesus'

(P) Prayer
Lord help me to love people today. Make me aware of my selfishness and forgive me when I fail to remember that the command never changes.

Life Journal 08-24-2008 No doubt

No Doubt

(S) Scripture
1 John 5:11-13
11And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
Concluding Remarks 13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

(O) Observation
John has been describing overcoming the world. He tells us that faith in Jesus Christ is what allows us to overcome the evil one and the sin in our lives. Evidently there were those who thought you could lose your salvation and so John gives this incredible statement of truth for their benefit. Those who believe in God's Son, Jesus, can know they have eternal life. No doubt - can know.

(A) Application
What a testimony for all of us. We can know... In a world with so many doubts and fuzzy things - a world built on emotion and how one feels - this is not emotion but fact. We can know we have eternal life. No doubt - we no longer worry. This motivates us to live for Jesus. We cannot go on living a life of willful sin after being forgiven so much. No doubt in spite of the devil's attacks - we can know - No Doubt.

(P) Prayer
Lord for this security and for your love that empowers it, I thank you. Let me live for you today without doubts. Amen

Life Journal 08-23-2008 Returning Home

Returning Home

(S) Scripture
Jeremiah 31:21
"Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road that you take. Return, O Virgin Israel, return to your towns.

(O) Observation
Jeremiah is telling the people how to turn their mourning into joy. Here he reminds them to mark the way they are going so that they can find their way home.

(A) Application
This reminds me of the story of Hansel and Gretal. remember, they dropped the crumbs of bread so they could find their way back home. On our honeymoon Becky and I stayed at Blackwater Falls State Park in the mountains of West Virginia. One evening we took a walk and were still in the woods when darkness came. It was so dark that you could not see your hand in front of your face. we longed for a light. The only way to get back to out cabin was to walk along the road with one foot on the berm and the other on the pavement. I would trace the numbers on the posts marking each cabin until we got to ours. Not knowing how to get home was somewhat unnerving. Today we met our daughters and my mom at Myrtle Beach. Sarah and Ryan drove and used a GPS to get here. Bethany used mapquest to map out the way here and the way home. Becky and I arrived by plane. Those driving wanted to know how to get home and so they took the necessary measures.
Jeremiah tells us to do the same spiritually. Watch and mark the way so when you need to come home you can. When you lose your way the way home is marked. I want to always know how to return to the Lord when I have gone the wrong way.

(P) Prayer
Lord keep me close and show me the way. Help me to keep watch and to take note of the way so I can come home. Lord, I never want to stray from you. Your promise is that your word would be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Let me walk in that light. Amen

Life Journal 08-22-2008 Seeking God

Seeking God

(S) Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

(O) Observation

In God's message through Jeremiah to the exiles He tells them that they will find Him when they seek Him with all their heart. This is not a casual seeking but one that involves the whole of our being. Anything less and we will not find the One we are looking for.

(A) Application

Half-hearted effort doesn't get it with God. Many times I am less than whole-hearted and it shows in my attitude and spirit. I am compelled to seek after the Lord with all that I am if I want to experience all He has for me. If I am to be the person He has called me to be and wants to empower me to be then I must seek Him with my whole heart. It is my desire to do just that today and every other day.

(P) Prayer

Lord, I want to seek after you with all that I am. Make me aware when I am less than that. Keep me close. Forgive me when I pull away from you. I want to live for you and experience the power of the Holy Spirit in my life every moment of every day. I give myself to you. Use me today and thank you for your love and care and provision. Amen

Life Journal 08-21-2008 A Daily Reminder

A Daily Reminder

(S) Scripture

Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
²⁴ This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

(O) Observation

The Psalmist has reminded us that "His love endures forever." In the middle of this emphasis is a reminder that every day is God's and we are to rejoice in them.

(A) Application

Some days I don't feel like rejoicing, in fact I am a little grumpy. I guess this comes when I think that I am responsible for the day. I am responsible for my attitude and behavior but it is God's day. It is good to be reminded of the truth and of what my attitude should be.

Today I will rejoice and be glad and thank God for the day and the life he has given me to live in it.

(P) Prayer

Lord, thank you for the day. Teach me to rejoice always. Amen

Life Journal 08-20-2008 What a Wonderful Word

What a Wonderful Word

(S) Scripture

1 John 1:9 (NIV)
⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

(O) Observation

John shows us here how to walk clean and forgiven before God. God in His wisdom has given us a way to walk clean before Him. It is not from ourselves but from Him. As His children we are forgiven. That comes by our faith in Jesus' death and resurrection. Sin blocks our fellowship with God. When we confess the haze of sin is cleansed and we experience forgiveness anew. Forgiven is a wonderful and so is cleansed or purified. To walk clean before God is to walk in His presence and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

(A) Application

Craig Baynham was a running back for the Dallas Cowboys in the late 60's. He commented on this verse, "I 'fess 'em as I does 'em." It was and continues to be an important lesson to me. I, too, must confess as I am aware of sin in my life. I want my life to reflect Christ and to do so I must practice this verse. I want to experience forgiveness and cleansing. How wonderful that when I confess my known sin He cleanses me from all unrighteousness. It certainly is a wonderful word and I want to experience it every day.

(P) Prayer

Lord hear my heart's desire and let me walk clean before you. Make me aware when I sin and remind me that I can experience forgiveness when I honestly confess. Thank you for making a way for me to walk with you. Amen

Life Journal 08-19-2008 - A 100 Freestyle

A 100 Freestyle

(S) Scripture

John 21:7-8 (NIV)
⁷ Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
⁸ The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.

(O) Observation

Peter and John have gone back to what they know how to do – fish. When Jesus sees them they have fished all night and caught nothing. He calls out to them. They do not recognize Him at that distance. Jesus tells them to throw the net on the other side of the boat and they do and catch so many fish they cannot raise the net. John then recognizes that it is Jesus and tells Peter. Peter jumps into the water and heads to shore. When he reaches Jesus, Peter is restored and given a mission to fulfill.

(A) Application

Michael Phelps has just completed the greatest swimming performance in Olympic history. Eight Gold Medals in eight events and along the way setting seven world records. I was reminded how important swimming was to our family. Both daughters swam in High School and our oldest swam in college. Sarah swam the 50 and 100 freestyles. As a swim official I have seen countless 100 freestyles but none that would compare to the one Peter takes in this passage. He must have been somewhat distraught and embarrassed after his denials. But when he sees Jesus he must simply get to Him as fast as he can so over the side of the boat for that 100 yard freestyle.

I wonder if I am as quick to get to Jesus after I have denied him in some way. Do I immediately go to him or do I hide and avoid him. Too often I let my pride get in the way and I hide or avoid. Eventually I get to Jesus and confess and experience His forgiveness but why do I wait or hesitate. Today I will go immediately to Him. I will not let circumstances get in the way. If need be I will go over the side for my 100 yard freestyle.

(P) Prayer

Lord, I love you and know that you love me. I know that you want me to be in fellowship with you and not to ignore or avoid you. Remind me of this story when my pride is keeping me away. Help me to get out of the boat and begin to swim to you. Amen

Life Journal 08-18-2008 He Knows My Name

He Knows My Name

(S) Scripture

John 20:10-16 (NIV)
¹⁰ Then the disciples went back to their homes,
¹¹ but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb
¹² and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
¹³ They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him."
¹⁴ At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
¹⁵ "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."
¹⁶ Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).

(O) Observation

Mary did not understand that Jesus had risen from the dead but she did know He was not in the tomb and she wanted to find Him. In her search she did not recognize the angels or Jesus. Jesus spoke to her and she mistook Him for the gardener. It wasn't until Jesus called her by name that she recognized Him. What a great moment – Jesus called her by name and then she recognized Him.

(A) Application

It is a wonderful thought that Jesus knows my name and he calls out to me. Tommy Coombs put this thought into a song:

I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in His hands

I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call

Today I will rest and trust in the One Who "knows my name". I will live in the assurance of His presence and provision.

(P) Prayer

Lord, the thought that you know my name and call out to me is almost overwhelming. How is it that a Holy God would take the time to know mw and call out to me. I know it is because of your great love shown in your sacrifice on my behalf. I need your power to live life as you intended it to be lived. I want to recognize your voice and obey you when you call. Give me ears to hear and a heart to understand and a will to obey you. Amen

Life Journal 08-17-2008 Words of Anguish, Joy and Completion

Words of Anguish, Joy and Completion

(S) Scripture

John 19:30 (NIV)
³⁰ When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

(O) Observation

As Jesus hangs on the cross and death approaches, Jesus declares that He has finished all that the Father sent Him here to do. His sacrifice for all humankind was complete. There remains nothing else that must be done to satisfy God's justice and righteousness. Redemption was now available to all who would believe.

(A) Application

Jesus has done all that needs to be done in order to satisfy God's demands concerning our sin. There is nothing I can do. I simply trust in Christ's death on my behalf and I receive forgiveness of sin and eternal life. This great act of love compels me to live in gratitude and never to take this sacrifice for granted. Way too often I forget what my forgiveness cost. Jesus died for me. I must live for Him without compromise. It is the only response worthy of Him.

(P) Prayer

Lord, I thank you that you loved me enough to die for me. I thank you for satisfying all God's demands on my behalf. Help me to live faithfully for you each and every day. Amen

Life Journal 08-16-2008 - Well Meaning But Mistaken Friends

Well Meaning But Mistaken Friends

(S) Scripture

John 18:10-11 (NIV)
¹⁰ Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)
¹¹ Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

(O) Observation

I have often wondered why when travelling with the Prince of Peace Peter would be carrying a sword. That is for another time. Peter evidently thought the Messiah's hour had come, that Jesus Christ was now ready to free Israel and establish the throne of David as the dominant nation in the world. When it did not seem that was going to happen peter took things into his own hands. Whether Peter was trying to push an agenda or just protecting his friend his action was in effect keeping Jesus from doing what God had sent Him to do. Peter was trying to help Jesus avoid a painful tough experience. Jesus understood both what God wanted and what Peter was doing. He rebukes Peter and moved ahead in God's will.

(A) Application

I wonder how many times I have tried to keep my friends from tough and painful situations that God wants to use to accomplish His purpose in them. I may be well meaning but I am mistaken. I wonder how many times I have let friends keep me from moving ahead with God's will because the way was painful and tough.
Jesus here shows and unswerving commitment to obedience. Today I am struck with how easily I am persuaded to take an easy or expedient path rather than to be obedient and take the route God has set before me. I must continue to pursue God's Will for my life and not let anyone keep me from it. Obedience is the key. That's easy to say and tough to do. I must obey God and not be swayed by well meaning but mistaken friends.

(P) Prayer

Lord, I confess that I have listened to friends instead of you at times. Forgive my disobedience and give me the wisdom I need to discern your will. Let me listen to my friends but obey only you. Amen

Life Journal 08-15-2008 The Real Lord's Prayer

The Real Lord's Prayer

(S) Scripture
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. John 17:1 (NIV)

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, John 17:20 (NIV)

(O) Observation
For most of us when we think of the Lord's Prayer we think of the prayer in Matthew 6 that Jesus taught his disciples to pray. "Our Father ..." This passage though is the prayer Jesus prayed for his disciples and also for us.

In the time of His greatest agony Jesus prayed not just for himself but for us. He had us (vs.20) in mind. the depth of His love for us is seen in this prayer. His desire was for us to experience unity in Him and that our joy would be full.

(A) Application
I am so encouraged by this prayer. Jesus prayed for me and is specific in His desires for me. When I am at odds with my brothers and sisters, when there is disharmony and discord in the church then I know that we are not experiencing what Jesus has for us. Unity does not mean lockstep union but rather that we are one body not at war with ourselves but rather moving toward a common destination in the kingdom.

I think of the many times I write off or ignore or diss on those who disagree with me theologically or doctrinally and I am convicted of my sin. When I hinder unity I am not living out Jesus' prayer. I am not suggesting that we accept false teaching or unite with those who would do violence to the scripture. I am saying that Jesus calls for unity and that is greater than my narrow understanding of the Bible. I must be open to fellowship with those who see things differently.

Today I will seek to minimize the intensity of my differences and seek to experience the joy of unity with my brothers and sisters with whom I may disagree on certain issues.

(P) Prayer
Lord, sometimes I am so proud and arrogant that I neglect to seek the unity that you want fro me. Make me aware when I am hindering unity and help me to build up the unity of the Christian witness in our community. Teach me to love my sisters and brothers. AMEN

Life Journal 08-13-2008 A Place I Never Want To Be

A Place I Never Want To Be

(S) Scripture

Jeremiah 15:1 (NIV)
¹ Then the LORD said to me: "Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before me, my heart would not go out to this people. Send them away from my presence! Let them go!

(O) Observation

The people of Israel have ignored and turned away from the Lord. It has gone on and on and now we come to this pronouncement - Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before me, my heart would not go out to this people. What an awful place. How angry must God be to say that even Moses and Samuel could not influence Him.

(A) Application

On occasion I have found myself in places where I was lost. Some places were a little scary particularly when there is perceived (whether real or not) danger. It is an terrible feeling to be in a place where you are lost and scared. But even in those places as a Christian I am confident of God's presence, love and care. I never want to be in the place where God withdraws his protection and love for me. I am convinced that as His child He will never forsake me or remove my salvation but I can be far from His presence and left to my own devices. I never want to make the Lord that angry with me. I think the reading in John 15 holds the key to keeping me out of that place. As I abide in Jesus and keep his commands I experience His life in me and I sense His presence at all times.

Today I will practice spiritual breathing to be sure I am walking by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. I am keenly aware of how much I need God's presence and never want to be at a place where He is as frustrated with me as He was with the Israelites.

(P) Prayer

Lord, I love you and want to live for you. Help me to listen and obey. I want to experience your presence, power and protection. I commit myself again to you. Thank you for your patience with me when I try to live on my own terms. Amen

Life Journal 8-12-2008 Love is a Verb

Love is a Verb

(S) Scripture

John 14:15 (NIV)
¹⁵ "If you love me, you will obey what I command.

John 14:23-24 (NIV)
²³ Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
²⁴ He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

(O) Observation

Jesus says that love is demonstrated in our actions. It is something that we do. It is not just an emotion that we feel. When we love we are compelled to act.

(A) Application

A friend just returned from a mission trip to Okinawa. In preparation to preach there he was told that there was no word for "love as a feeling" in their language. Love is something that you show and do. You don't say it rather you do it. I don't tell my wife I love her, I show it by doing the dishes or running the vacuum. I show it by taking a walk with her. Love is more than words. This does not me that I never say it or tell her but there must be more. That is what Jesus is getting to here in this passage. In my relationship with Him my love needs to be demonstrated by my obedience and not just in the words I say.

Today I will focus on obeying God rather than just mouthing my love for Him. Today I will show my love by the way I live.

(P) Prayer

Lord, I love you and am thankful for my relationship with you. Today I want to show my love by the way I live. I need the strength of your Spirit to empower me to live as you intend. Amen

Life Journal 8-11-2008 What Are You Thinking

What Are You Thinking

(S) Scripture

Jeremiah 7:9-11 (NIV)
⁹ "'Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known,
¹⁰ and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, "We are safe"--safe to do all these detestable things?
¹¹ Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the LORD.

(O) Observation

How many times do we take forgiveness for granted? As if God is obligated to forgive us and we can live any way we please. In this passage the prophet asks the people how they can do the immoral things they are doing and then come to the house of God and think they are safe. What have you made this house? God is watching.

 

(A) Application

How often have I taken this same cavalier attitude toward sin? Taking God for granted and His forgiveness as something I deserve. How could I ever think that sin is something that God just kind of winks at? It was sin that sent his Son to the cross and I take it so lightly. Somehow I think that coming to church and asking forgiveness makes things all better. God requires more than that from me. Living like I choose in disregard to what He asks is disaster for me and shows that I don't really understand forgiveness at all. Today I will examine my life and recommit myself to living and walking by faith so that when I come to God's house I will not make it something it is not. I will live for Him and trust in His forgiveness, not because I deserve it but because as His child he offers it to me so that I can walk clean before Him.

 

(P) Prayer

Lord, thank you for your forgiveness of all me sin. Make me keenly aware when I take you and your forgiveness for granted. I want most of all to live for You. Amen

Life Journal 08-06-2008 Useless Idols

Useless Idols

(S) Scripture

Habakkuk 2:18-20 (NIV)
¹⁸ "Of what value is an idol, since a man has carved it? Or an image that teaches lies? For he who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.
¹⁹ Woe to him who says to wood, 'Come to life!' Or to lifeless stone, 'Wake up!' Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.
²⁰ But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him."

(O) Observation

What a great question. "Of what value is an idol, since a man has carved it?" This is a reminder that all our idols are manmade and utterly useless. They might give us something tangible to hang on to but in reality cannot do anything for us. Habakkuk reminds us that they are lifeless and no matter how beautiful they are they are unable to help us. He then points us to the One who can help and tells us where to find Him and how to approach Him. "the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him."

(A) Application

Too often I put my trust in things I have created or in my abilities or the abilities of others. I create idols both physical and non-physical that I trust in or worship. Anything that draws my attention away from God is a useless idol. Idols I worship can be things like possessions, relationships, my own abilities, etc. All these leave me empty because they are lifeless and useless for any real help. These are not necessarily wrong in themselves but when raised to a level that replaces God then they are harmful and detrimental to my spirit.

Today I will take a hard look to see if I have created any idols in my life and will tear them down. I will seek the Lord and be silent before Him. This silence is hard for me. My life is filled with noise from many sources and here I am told to be silent. It is so I can hear the voice of God. He will not shout over the other voices in my life. I must give my full attention to His voice and no other.

(P) Prayer

Lord let me hear a clear word from you today. I want to hear you so help me quiet the other noises and voices and listen intently to you. Amen

Life Journal 08-05-2008 Renewal

Renewal
(S) Scripture
2 Kings 23:3 (NIV) 3 The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD--to follow the LORD and keep his commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.

(O) Observation
The high priest has reported to Josiah that he has discovered the Book of the Law in the Temple. Josiah has the whole book read in the presence of the people. Josiah is so moved by what he heard that he renewed his commitment to the covenant and the people followed his example. After many years of evil kings and God's judgment Josiah renews his commitment to the Lord and God empowers him to do great things. Josiah's renewal led to radical actions - he removed all the shrines and altars to false gods in every part of his kingdom. His renewal was followed up by righteous living.

(A) Application
It is good to know that renewal is possible. Sometimes we get so caught up in our sinful selves that the word of God gets lost in all the clutter of our lives. I am so thankful that I can return to a forgiving God and He will allow me to renew my commitment to Him. He then empowers mew to remove those things that I have substituted for Him. He helps me rid those false gods and shrines from my life so that I might live solely for him. Today I will again renew my commitment to the Lord. I will make a conscious effort to remove those things that keep me from worshipping and following him. Today I will serve the Lord.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I commit my self anew to you. I ask your forgiveness for when I am distracted away from you. Help me today to rid my life of the things that hinder my walk with you. Give me the strength to follow you. Amen

Life Journal 08-03-2008 A Probing Question

A Probing Question

(S) Scripture
John 5:6 (NIV) 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"

(O) Observation
For many it is easier to be sick and blame you lot in life on the sickness than to get well and take responsibility for themselves. Jesus gets to the heart of the matter when he asks the man "Do you want to get well?" The man had depended on others for years and now has to decide if he really wants to get better.

(A) Application
It is so much easier to blame things on others, an addiction, being overweight, anger, poor job etc. rather than to do something about it. Jesus asks a probing question that demands some soul searching. What does it mean to get well? I will then be responsible - Can I accept that - can I get beyond blaming other things for my shortcomings or failures. Is it easier being the slave rather than free?
Today I choose to get well. To listen and obey. To get up and walk. To take responsibility.

(P)Prayer
Lord, I cannot get well without your healing. I cannot move forward without your presence. I cannot live free without your power and direction. Today I will listen and obey you. AMEN