Life Journal 06-29-2008 Woe to the Complacent

Woe To The Complacent

(S) Scripture
Amos 6:1 (NIV) 1 Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!

(O) Observation
Amos is preaching to a people who thought that being an Israelite was all God required. They were complacent in what it meant to be the people of God and they were falsely secure. They thought these external things made them "good with God"

Amos warn them that judgment is coming because they had not trusted in or acknowledged God. They were content in themselves and sorely mistaken.

(A) Application
I see many Christians in this same boat. They think that because of some emotional experience or intellectual understanding or some decision they made long ago they are "good with God," and it just isn't so. They think they can live anyway they choose and do anything they want - after all God loves them and must forgive them. They misunderstand forgiveness and what it means to be a follower of Jesus. It is sad but here they are complacent and falsely secure but unaware that judgment is coming.

I must never think that way or fall into that trap. I must continually trust and acknowledge God and follow him only.

(P) Prayer
Lord make me so aware of your presence that I will know when I have turned from you to trust my own ways. I want to always trust You. Amen

Life Journal 06-27-2008 Using Godly Tools

Using Godly Tools

(S) Scripture
Even if you go and fight courageously in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, for God has the power to help or to overthrow." 2 Chronicles 25:8 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Amaziah has amassed an army from Judah but hires soldiers from Israel as well. God was opposed to Israel at this time. When Amaziah sought the counsel of the "man of God" he was told not to take the Israelite soldiers into battle because God opposed them and God could either help or overthrow Amaziah.

God wants his people to trust Him in their battles and not to trust in their own devices or abilities or armies. It is never good to enlist the ungodly to fight with us. The outcome is that God will overthrow us in the face of our enemy.

(A) Application
I wonder how often I enlist the ungodly or worldly to help me accomplish what I think is God's will. Whether it is people, or things or forces or methods if they are not godly they lead to destruction. How often have we used secular ideas and methods to attract people and then wonder why things failed or the people did not stick with their decisions.

We must rely only on God and use the resources He provides. I will take care to be sure that the resources I use to accomplish God's work will meet with His approval because I want his help and not to be overthrown to the enemy.

(P) Prayer
Lord, let me trust only in you and the resources you provide and approve. Make me keenly aware when I am about to use resources that do not meet your approval. I do want and need your help in all things. Amen

Life Journal 06-26-2008 Forfeiting Grace

Forfeiting Grace

(S) Scripture
Jonah 2:8 (NIV) 8 "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.


(O) Observation
No idol has the power to save and yet many put their trust in them. Idols are not just other gods but also things we worship or put in the place of God.

People have put their trust in power and position and wealth - others believe in the power of crystals and such and in so doing they forfeit the grace that could be theirs because they are not trusting in God.

(A) Application
If I want to experience God's grace then I must be constantly sure my trust is in God and not in other things. I cannot trust in my abilities or personality or money or position. These are all empty. I cannot trust in other people either. I must trust in God alone. It is easy to get distracted and turn my trust to other things. I must keep careful watch i this area if I want my life to glorify God.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I confess that I take my eyes off you and put them on other things. Forgive me, my desire is t trust you and to live in your grace. Let me experience you today. Amen

LIfe Journal 06-25-2008 Put Away Fear

Put Away Fear

(S) Scripture
Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

(O) Observation
As Paul is encouraging Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you" (vs.6) he reminds Timothy not to be afraid. God has not given a spirit of fear but of power, love and self discipline. That is everything he will need to do what God has called him to do.

(A) Application
As I think about the invitation to teach and train pastors in Kenya I get somewhat afraid. IS this legit? Is it safe? Why me? This passage reminds me that God gives power, love and self discipline not fear. God is not the author of fear. Sometimes I confuse "being careful and thorough" with fear of the unknown. This opportunity opens many doors and has the potential to impact all of western Kenya. I must not be afraid or stupid but must trust that God is in control and will provide what I need.

(P) Prayer
Lord, let me again know your power, love and self discipline. Let me put away my fear and follow you. Amen

Life Journal 06-24-2008 Be Careful Who You Listen To

Be Careful Who You Listen To

(S) Scripture
2 Chronicles 24:17-18 (NIV) After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. 18 They abandoned the temple of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God's anger came upon Judah and Jerusalem.

(O) Observation
Jehoida, the priest, had mentored Joash since the king was a child. Joash had followed his instruction. Joash had restored the temple and done many other good and godly things for the people. But after Jehoida died Joash began to listen to counselors who were far from God. Their counsel led to God's judgment and anger. Joash should have continued to do what Jehoida had instructed and ignored his "new" counselors.

(A) Application
I must be careful in the counselors I choose and in listening to the counsel they give. It must be from God. It is easy to take an expedient road or abandon a difficult path when your counselors are encouraging you to do so, but the end of that is destruction. I must be very careful is choosing those I listen to.

(P) Prayer
Lord, let me be so aware of You that counsel that is not from you will stick out like a sore thumb. Help me to choose counselors wisely. Thank you for guiding me as I walk by faith in the power of your Spirit. Amen

Life Journal 06-23-2008 Remembering a Mentor

Remembering a Mentor

(S) Scripture
1 Timothy 5:1-2 (NIV) 1 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

(O) Observation
As Timothy was taking the leadership of the church in Ephesus Paul gives him this instruction about how to treat people. Respect is seen through this instruction. The idea of "with absolute purity" removes any hint of improper or immoral relationships. People will follow when you treat them like this.

(A) Application
Ward Robinson was my uncle and a respected pastor in the American Baptist Churches -USA. He spoke at my installation as pastor for the first church I served. He gave me this advice in order to have a long term pastorate:
1. Treat everyone with respect
2. Do not show favoritism even though you will have favorites
3. Deal with conflict immediately
If you practice those three things you will be able to stay a long time at this church. I have tried to practice this in my ministry. I believe it works. I was at First Baptist Wheeling, WV, for thirteen years and am completing six years here at FBC Charlotte.

His advice came right out of this passage in 1 Timothy. He was to me as Paul was to Timothy. Today I have been reminded of the role mentors play in your life. I thank God for Uncle Ward and hope to be of similar help to a young pastor that will come after me.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for Uncle Ward, his wise counsel and the example he set for me. I am a better pastor because of his influence. Thank you for using his life in mine. Amen

Life Journal 06-22-2008 Hey Preacher, Watch Yourself

Hey Preacher, Watch Yourself

(S) Scripture
1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV) Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

(O) Observation
Paul tells Timothy that what a preacher believes and how he lives is of utmost importance to God and his ministry. The result of sticking with (persevering) your life and doctrine is that a right relationship with God comes to you and your hearers.

(A) Application
I can never divorce how I live from what I believe. I must be sure that what I believe is from God and that my life reflects what I believe. I must then live it out day by day. There are no "one hit wonders" who are successful in the pulpit. We have seen too many fall recently. My faithfulness is important to me and also to the people who hear me preach. To be an effective witness for Jesus I must be sure my doctrine is correct and my life reflects it.

(P) Prayer
Lord, Let me live a life of integrity based in your Word and Will. Amen

Life Journal 06-21-2008 If God Is For You

If God Is For You

(S) Scripture
2 Kings 6:16 (NIV) 16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

(O) Observation
Elisha is surrounded by the army of the Aramean king. The king wants Elisha captured because he is telling the Israelites the king of Aram's every move before he makes them. As Elisha's servant looks at the opposition he is afraid and reports the situation to Elisha. Elisha knows that he and the Lord make a majority and he has nothing to fear - The Lord will deliver him.

(A) Application
Too often I am like Elisha's servant looking only at the opposition and forgetting that The Lord and I make a majority. " ... because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4 NIV) When I am doing what God wants me to do, I need not be afraid when opposition comes because "those who are with us are more than those with them." As Long as I trust God I need not fear any circumstance. I must simply keep moving forward doing what God commands.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for going before me and protecting me wherever I go doing your will. Let me always do what you command. Amen

Life Journal 06-20-2008 God's Unexpected Ways

God's Unexpected Ways

(S) Scripture
2 Kings 5:11-12 (NIV) 11 But Naaman went away angry and said, "I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?" So he turned and went off in a rage.

(O) Observation
Naaman expected Elisa to act as he wanted and expected God to heal him the way he thought he should be healed. He wanted to be healed but was angry when God did not do it the way he expected. Healing did come but only when Naaman was obedient to what the prophet had said.

(A) Application
God does not always act in the way I expect. It is frustration to expect one thing and be told another. I may not go off in a rage like Naaman but I hesitate and argue or complain and try to convince God to do it my way. Today I will listen and obey without complaining because I know that healing comes from being obedient.

(P) Prayer
Lord, today I will shut up and listen and obey without complaining. Forgive me for my stubbornness and thinking that I know better than you what needs to be done or what will lead to healing. Thank you for loving me enough to put up with me. AMEN

Life Journal 06-19-2008 A Timely Reminder

A Timely Reminder

(S) Scripture
1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV) I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.

(O) Observation
Paul was remembering his call and appointment to ministry and it caused him to be thankful.

(A) Application
It is good to be reminded of my call and Who issued it. To be confident that it is the Lord who called and appointed me to this service. When I am discouraged or tired or wondering about the future it is good to be reminded of Who I serve and Who called me.

As I think about the opportunity to teach and preach in Kenya, it is good to be reminded that it is the Lord who calls and appoints and if this is from Him I must go.

Today I will celebrate my call and appointment to serve Jesus by preaching and teaching the Good News wherever He leads.

(P) Prayer
Thank you Father for seeing in me gifts that you could use and for calling and appointing me to serve you in a pastoral ministry. If I can be used in other places I ask that you make your call plain so I can understand and follow it. AMEN

Life Journal 06-18-2008 Is Kenya an Open Door?

Is Kenya an Open Door

(S) Scripture
Colossians 4:3 (NIV) 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

(O) Observation
Paul desires to preach in a new location and asks the Colossian Christians to pray that God would open a door for him.

(A) Application
I have been invited to lead a conference for about 100 pastors and their wives in Kakamega, Kenya, in September. The invitation came from Bishop Nicholas Oulmasai of the Kenya Outreach Tidings Church. He found me through our church website. I have attempted to check out the legitimacy of this church and invitation and so far it seems OK. Since you are reading this blog let me ask you to pray for guidance and clear understanding that it is God who has opened this door and not the enemy. It is an opportunity to proclaim the mystery of Christ in a foreign land. I can only go if God opens the door and provides the funding. This is so bizarre and I need to have confidence that it is from God. I ask again that you pray for me.

(P) Prayer
Lord grant that I might clearly understand your will. I only want to walk through doors that you open. Thank you for all those who are praying. AMEN

Life Journal 06-17-2008 The Word in You

The Word In You

(S) Scripture
Colossians 3:16 (NIV) 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.


(O) Observation
When Christ's word dwells richly in our hearts there is honest worship and growth in our walk with God. We will give wise counsel to our brothers and sisters because of this Word. It is our decision, though, to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..."

(A) Application
This command does not happen in our lives automatically. It is a conscious decision we must make. We must decide to "Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly." This means that I must first know the Word (Jesus - John 1:1) and know His words and have them "hidden in my heart" (Psalm 119:11) and have them as a "lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). When that is happening then I will give wise counsel to the people around me and my life will be blessed with true worship.
This make my devotional time and the Life Journal so important in my life.

(P) Prayer
Lord I give your word reign in my life. Let it do its work in me and let me worship and grow in my relationship with you. Let me give wise counsel to my brothers and sisters so they too can follow you. AMEN

VBS Jamaica Video

This is a video I will be sharing with the children at VBS this week and thought you might enjoy it too.

Life Journal 06-16-2008 From Faith to Fear

From Faith To Fear
(S) Scripture
1 Kings 19:2-3 (NIV) 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them." 3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life...

(O) Observation
Elijah has just had a great victory on Mt. Carmel and the people have killed all the prophets of Baal. Jezebel, the king's wife who brought Baal worship to Israel, has threatened to kill Elijah because he had all her prophets put to death. Because of this threat Elijah runs away in fear and hides.

(A) Application
How often do I experience a great spiritual victory and then at the first peep of a threat out of the devil's mouth I run and hide. It is as if God will not defend me. I have gone from faith to fear. Where is my faith? I would expect that great victories would lead to greater confidence in God's power but I am too much like Elijah. Today I will trust God and stand in his power, I will not cower in fear.

(P) Prayer
Lord, you have proven yourself worthy of my trust over and over. I want to trust you and I know that you protect me. Grant me courage and confidence to live by faith and not in fear. Amen

Life Journal 06-15-2008 Father's Day

Father's Day

(S) Scripture
2 Chronicles 16:9 (NASB77) "For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars."

(O) Observation
Asa has trusted God until now, here he turns to other kings and doctors and not the Lord. The seer reminds him of that God God wants to support those who trust Him and not to do so is foolish

(A) Application
This is my life verse and no Father's Day it is most important to remember that I am to trust in God alone regardless of the circumstances. I am to set this example for my family.

(P) Prayer
Lord let me trust you and so set an example for others to follow. Amen

Life Journal 06-14-2008 I Can Do Anything

I Can Do Anything

(S) Scripture
Philippians 4:13 (NIV) 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

(O) Observation
Paul has just been talking about being content in whatever circumstances he finds himself, whether in want or in plenty. He follows that with this statement "I can do everything..." I can withstand any circumstance and be content. I can always be who God wants me to be.

(A) Application
This verse is often taken out of context, to mean "I can do anything I put my mind and heart to do." I certainly can do anything God calls me to do but this verse is directly addressing your life situation and pleasing God in it. Being content in whatever circumstance you find yourself.

Today I will thank God for my circumstances and seek to be content in them whether in want or in plenty.

(P) Prayer
Lord teach me to trust you in all of life's circumstances, not just in want but also in plenty. Teach me to trust you for all I need. Let me be content. Amen

Life Journal 06-12-2008 Sound Advice

Sound Advice

(S) Scripture
1 Kings 12:8 (NIV) 8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.

(O) Observation
The elders had given good and sound advice to Rehoboam but he rejected it and favored the advice of his peers. Their advice was youthful, selfish and ambitious centered in their exercise of power over others. The elders had a perspective that neither Rehoboam nor his peers had. They saw the future and his peers only looked at the present.

(A) Application
I need to listen to the advice of elders. In some circles I am now considered an elder (now that is a revelation). Life experience and maturity as a Christian gives some wisdom that others do not yet have. I need to listen to the counsel of elders.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for giving me access to elders who give sound advice. Thank you for their wisdom and maturity and their willingness to share that with me. Let me give similar sound advice when I counsel others. Amen

Life Journal 06-11-2008 It's Good to Remember

It's Good To Remember

(S) Scripture
Philippians 1:3 (NIV) 3 I thank my God every time I remember you.

(O) Observation
Paul was moved to Thanksgiving when he thought of the people of Philippi. They had meant so much to him - they supported his ministry and worked with him. He was moved to thank God for them each time he remembered them.

(A) Application
Today I will take time to remember those who have supported me and worked with me in my ministry and life. I will attempt to reconnect with some of them I have not spoken with in years. I am who I am in large part because of their investment in me. It is good to remember.

as Father's Day approaches one I will not be able to talk with is my Dad. He gave so much to me. He lived as an example of what a father should be and what a Christian should be. He taught me lessons of life and faith that continue to shape me today. I thank God for the heritage he gave me. It is good to remember.

(P) Prayer
Lord, So many have poured themselves into me, let me do the same for others. Thank you for Dad and the example he set. Let me do the same. Amen

Life Journal 06-10-2008 What's a Father To Do?

What's A Father To Do?

(S) Scripture
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

(O) Observation
Paul gives some simple but profound instruction to fathers about their responsibilities. Fathers are to instruct and train their children in the Lord and not provoke or exasperate them intentionally.
Fathers have an important role to play in the raising of children.

(A) Application
I thank God for the example my father gave me - an example that I could follow with my daughters. Even today I must continue to instruct and train even though they no longer live at home. I am not to intrude in their lives but I am still their father and have a responsibility to fulfill with them and their families. I want to give them an example to follow.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I will need your help to continue to set an example for my girls. I cannot do it on my own. I thank you for them and their faith in You. Thank You for giving them to me and allowing me to be their Dad. Amen

Life Journal 06-09-2008 It Really is That Simple

It Really Is That Simple

(S) Scripture
Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV) 13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man.

(O) Observation
The "Teacher" is giving simple instructions that everyone can understand. This is as simple and yet as profound as it gets. In this one sentence he gives us the "whole duty of man." "Fear God and keep his commandments." It is a simple and direct statement that no on can misunderstand.

(A) Application
The Christian life is not a s complicated as I want to make it. It is not difficult to understand, just difficult to do. My whole responsibility is to "Fear God and keep his commandments."

Too often I try to excuse myself by claiming that I didn't understand or that circumstances dictated that I do this or that. We all know that excuses are just that, excuses. The Bible says, "Fear God and keep his commandments." What part of that do I not understand? Today I will drop the excuses and give myself to do whatever God commands.

(P) Prayer
Help me, Lord, I want to do what you say but too often I get in the way. Today I want to do what you say and be used by you. Let me do your will today. Amen

Life Journal 06-07-2008 - Quick Promises

Quick Promises

(S) Scripture
Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 (NIV) 1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. 2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.

(O) Observation
When we come before God we should take note of where we are. In this place we are to "be still" and listen rather than active and talking. God will hold us to what we say so we should be careful and not foolish when we are before Him.

(A) Application
Too often when I am before God I do all the talking. How arrogant and foolish is that? I will often make quick and foolish promises to God thinking it sounds spiritual but in reality this passage describes them as the "sacrifice of fools."
Today I will listen more and speak less. I will speak carefully and then keep the promises I make.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for forgiving me when I am hasty and mouthy. Teach me to listen intently and then to carry out the promises I make. Amen

Life Journal - 06-06-2008 - My Foundation

My Foundation

(S) Scripture
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. Ephesians 2:19-20 (NIV)

(O) Observation
We are built on the foundation of those faithful servants who have gone before us. This foundation has its origin in the prophets and apostles and Jesus is its anchoring point. In addition to these we also benefit from all those have gone before us. We are in their debt.

(A) Application
Today if the 64th anniversary of D-Day - the invasion at Normandy. Thousands lost their lives that day defending our freedom. We must never forget their sacrifice or the fact that we are free today because the fought like many did before them and like many have done since then. We live free because of the foundation they laid.

Spiritually we are free and we understand that freedom because of those who laid the foundation before us. There are many who I need to remember because of their contribution to the foundation of my life and ministry. I am who I am today because of the foundation they provided. I must never forget but rather continue to build on that foundation,

(P) Prayer
Lord, Thank You for those who have given so much to me, those who laid a foundation of faith in my life. Let me live in such a way as to leave a firm foundation for others. Amen

Life Journal - 06-05-2008 To Know Jesus Better

To Know Jesus Better

(S) Scripture
Ephesians 1:17 (NIV) 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

(O) Observation
All we can know of Jesus is given to us by the Father. The NIV uses a capital "S" on Spirit indicating the Holy Spirit. It is interesting that in this verse all three persons of the Trinity are mentioned. It is the Holy Spirit that guides us into truth and helps us to know Jesus better. It is the Holy Spirit who works in us to make us like Jesus.

(A) Application
To know Jesus better I must be led by the Holy Spirit. That is difficult at times because it it a control issue. I want to be in control of my life and we both cannot be in control at the same time. I must give control of my life to the Holy Spirit if I want to know Jesus better and to become like Him.

(P) Prayer
Today I choose to give control of my life to the Holy Spirit. I trust that He will lead and guide me to be who God wants me to be, to do what God wants me to do and to know Jesus better. Thank you for loving me so much that you provide a way for me to live the way you want me to live. Amen

Life Journal - 06-04-2008 - Vision

Vision
(S) Scripture
Proverbs 29:18 (NIV) 18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.
Proverbs 29:18 (NASB77) 18 Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.

(O) Observation
Revelation or Vision gives purpose and direction without which people will go in all directions doing all kinds of things, some good and some not. It is the vision that keeps up on track. we are blessed because the law gives the boundaries and direction our lives need. The law gives us a sense of God's vision for our behavior. Our focus then is not solely on the law but more so on the greater vision of God it reveals.

(A) Application
Vision, revelation, purpose, direction give us the structure and confidence we need to live out God's will in our lives. Without these we tend to go off in any direction with any behavior (cast off restraint). This leads to defeated, frustrated and powerless spiritual lives. If the church (that is the body of believers) is to move forward the the vision needs to be clear, consistent and constantly before us. Without it we may be doing some good things but the church does not get to where God wants it. This can also lead to all kinds of sinful behavior and heresy (things contrary to the truth of scripture). It is important for me to keep God's vision before me and the church I serve so we can become who he wants us to be and will be doing what he wants us to do.

(P) Prayer
Lord, make the vision plain and let me clearly understand it so I can communicate it clearly to the church. Amen

Life Journal - 06-03-2008 - Sarcasm

Sarcasm
(S) Proverbs 26:18-19 (NIV) Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows 19 is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!"

(O) Sarcasm, teasing and deceit really harm our friends. The thins we say do harm people. We all know the old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me", just isn't true. Words do hurt and harm even when said in jest.

(A) We joke around and think we are being funny but the truth is that behind every tease or sarcastic remark is a note of truth. Those words hurt and harm our friends and we tend to tease those we are closest to. We are called to build up and encourage not to tear down and destroy. (what if political campaign practiced this) I must watch my conversations and be sure they are building people up. There is no place where I should use sarcasm or deceit in personal relationships.

(P) Lord, help me control my tongue. Help me to make my speech words that build up and encourage rather than to tear down and destroy. Help me to believe the best in people and not the worst. Amen

Life Journal 6-2-2008 Passing Judgment

Passing Judgment
(S) Romans 14:13 (NIV) Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.

(O) In this passage the Holy Spirit through Paul tells us to stop doing what comes way too easy for most of us, passing judgment on our brothers and sisters. Passing judgment on them does not get them or me to where God wants us to be. There is a better way - Decide, make a conscious decision, not to put a stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. Find ways to connect with them, continue to love them.

(A) I can be so quick to pass judgment on people and that really accomplishes nothing productive except it make me feel superior to them and that's not right either. I find it interesting that many people I know are most judgmental about behaviors that they have or are personally struggling with. Rather than passing judgment I am to decide to look for ways to help my brother and sister. This does not mean tat I am to condone or enable their sinful behavior but I am to look for ways to connect with them and help them to restoration with the Lord.

This is really difficult when the behavior is openly sinful and harmful but I must remember that an accusing finger only builds barriers. A loving rebuke is much different than an accusing finger.

(P) Lord, give me wisdom and remind me to build bridges rather than to condemn and judge my brothers and sisters. Amen

Life Journal - 6-1-08

Knowledge and Enthusiasm

(S) Proverbs 19:2 (NIV) 2 It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.

(O) Our faith and action must be based in knowledge not just emotion. We must be willing to wait on the Lord. Being in a hurry only takes us down wrong paths. God is never in a hurry or rush and we should follow His example.

(A) In 1972 I was on Campus Crusade for Christ staff. Dr. Earl Radmacher, then President of Western Conservative Seminary, was the speaker at a conference where I was leading the singing. As we talked that week he gave me some sound advice about my need for a seminary education. He said, "Enthusiasm without knowledge leads to fanaticism and knowledge without enthusiasm leads to stagnation." We must have both enthusiasm and knowledge for our faith and ministry to grow and be vibrant. I am ever thankful for this counsel and am appreciative of my seminary education.

(P) Lord, I thank you for Dr. Radmacher's wise counsel in my life and for the education I received. Let me give that same wise counsel to others. Let me serve you with a balance of enthusiasm and knowledge. Amen