Life Journal 01-30-2009

Growth God's Way

(S) Scripture
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:7 NIV)

(O) Observation
When faced with a problem the twelve acted. They chose men of good reputation and full of the Holy Spirit to serve the people while they tended to the tasks of prayer, and preaching. As a result of each one doing what they should and no one trying to do it all the church grew and its influence spread.

(A) Application
This is a lesson for me. Sometimes it is easier for me to do a task than to let someone else do it. That takes me away from what I need to be doing. When people have a responsibility and ministry in the church they are much more committed to the Lord and church. They make connections with others and the church grows. IT is interesting that the text says the number of disciples grew – they were disciples not church members. I wonder if we are too often focused on growing members rather than disciples. Today I will again focus on helping others find their ministry and equipping them to do it rather that hoarding those things to myself. I want our church to grow in disciples and this is the way the Scripture shows to do it.

(P) Lord, help me to give up some things and allow others to minister in your name. Help me to equip them so they can be effective for you. Let our church grow in disciples. Amen

Life Journal 01-28-2009

A Political Word

(S) Scripture
"You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
Exodus 22:28 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
In this long list of laws (property and theft and murder, accidental killing, etc.) Moses comes to this simple but timely command. We are not to curse God or the ruler of the people.

(A) Application
I am not to curse God or the ruler of the people. What does it mean to "curse God"? I think the obvious is meant when I live in defiance of God. I wonder if it does not mean when I attribute things to God that He has no part in. So often we say "God told me …" when it wasn't God at all. This part of the verse I work on every day to be sure that my heart is in a right relationship with the Lord.

The second part of the verse spoke to me today. I did not vote for President Obama. I find myself at odds with his position on some moral issues and also some governing policy. I was appalled at what some "Christian" groups did during the campaign in working against his election. I am not against opposition or promoting the candidate of your choice. I am against the negative smearing and distortion of a person, their record and background. Today Mr. Obama is our president, elected by the people to lead. I am obligated to voice opposition to those policies that I believe are morally and Biblically wrong but I am to respect and give honor to the President. There is no place for cursing him or wishing ill on him. I must pray for him and pray that God will be so real to him that he will be drawn into a deeper and deeper walk with Jesus. I must pray that He leads in a God honoring way. If I am to be obedient to the Lord this is what I must do.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for working in my life. Today I pray for President Obama. I pray that you would make yourself so real to him that he would be drawn to you and that his decisions would be guided by his faith in you. Help me to be respectful and truthful and full of grace in all I say when I disagree. Amen

Life Journal 01-27-2009

What's In A Name

(S) Scripture
After Moses had sent away his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro received her
and her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses said, "I have become an alien in a foreign land";
and the other was named Eliezer, for he said, "My father's God was my helper; he saved me from the sword of Pharaoh."
Exodus 18:2-4 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Moses gave his sons names that had meaning. Each name was a reminder of an important event in Moses' life. They are also evidence of God's presence and provision for Moses.

(A) Application
What's in a name. In one of the Upward Basketball devotions we asked the players the importance of their last name. Their responses were great and all in one way or another pointed to the fact that it tells who you belong to and the family you are part of. We then shared with the players how God wants them to have his name and be part of His family.

I have my father's first and last name and my mother's middle name. I am Robert Lee Crouch. My parents taught me from early on that my name meant something and that I had a standard to live up to because I was a Crouch. I mom's mother also reminded me that I came from Robinson stock too and that carried some responsibility too. I never felt burdened by this but have always known that with my name came some expectations. I did not always meet them but they are there nonetheless. My Dad taught me that, with the exception of family and a relationship with Jesus, your name was the only thing of real value you have. Your name means something to the people around you. It represents your character and reputation and it can be lost in a minute of selfish, ungodly behavior. As I reflect on this today I am reminded of how wise my dad was in teaching me to live a life of faith in Christ and to live with integrity in all my other relationships. There really is a lot in a name. I want my name to represent a life of faith and integrity.

(P) Prayer
Father, thank you for the lessons you teach me each day. Thank you for allowing me to be called your child because of my faith in your Son. Let my life be one of faith. Let my name point people to you. Amen

Life Journal – 01-26-2009

Be Still

(S) Scripture
The Lord will fight for you ; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 (NIV)

(O) Observation
As the Israelites were leaving Egypt and they saw Pharaoh's army in pursuit they began t be afraid. They feared they would die in the desert and that God would abandon them. Moses then assures them of God's protection and provision with these words.

(A) Application
"Be still." I heard those words a lot as a child. I was active and talkative and I can remember my folks saying, "Robin, be still." It was an effort to get my attention and to focus my actions into something productive, or it may have been just to have some peace and quiet in the house. I wonder how much I have missed because I am so busy fighting my own battles that I crowd out the Lord. How often have I been active and loud when the Lord wants and needs me to be still. Part of being still is so I will recognize that it is the Lord doing the battle and not a result of my efforts. When I am still I am relying on the Lord's strength and protection. When I am fighting I am relying on myself. Today I resolve to "be still" and let God provide and protect me.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I get so antsy and impatient at times. I don't wait very well. Today I want to be still and allow you to do your work and accomplish your purpose in my life. I want you to use whatever circumstances in my life you need to use to accomplish your work. Amen

Life Journal – 01-22-2009

The Constant One

(S) Scripture
God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
Exodus 3:14 (NIV)

(O) Observation
God is calling Moses to go back to Egypt and lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. God assures Moses of his presence in the name he is to be known by, "I Am".

(A) Application
I believe it was a seminary professor who said that the name in this verse would convey this meaning, "I will Be what I will Be, I Was what I Was, I Am what I Am." God is ever-present and always in the present. He never changes, he is constant. He goes before us and has gone behind us and He is with us. He is!! These are great words of comfort. God is the Constant One and can be trusted. He is reliable and stable and steadfast. I can lean on Him and trust in Him. He never fails. He is with me. I am always in His presence. Today I will enjoy His presence and trust Him to guide my way.

(P) Prayer
O Lord, Thank you for being You. Thank you for your constant presence in my life. Amen

Life Journal – 01-21-2009

False Messiahs

(S) Scripture
"Teacher," they asked, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?"
He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.
Luke 21:7-8 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Jesus is teaching about the end times. The people ask a natural question about when this will happen. In Jesus' answer he tells them to beware of those claiming to be the messiah and are not. Don't follow them. Implied is that they will be charismatic and people will be drawn to follow them but believers are not to do so.

(A) Application
The crowds at the inauguration yesterday in Washington were treating President Obama like a messiah. People were caught up in worship of him. Now let me say that I don't think the President has ever called himself a messiah but it sure seems he plays into that kind of adulation. As Christians we are to obey and pray for our leaders and I will do so for President Obama. I do not think he "walks on water" and will not be caught up in this Obama mania. I want the President to do what is right and godly and in the best interest of the people. I want him to lead and as he does I want him to experience God's love and grace. I want him to grow in his devotion to Jesus. That's what I want for our country, too. I do not want us to grow in our devotion to Obama. That is not good for him or our country. Today I will pray for my President and I will worship the Lord Jesus.

(P) Prayer
Lord, lay your hand on the President and let him sense your strength for the task and your guidance for the way. Let me worship you today and follow only you. Help me to spot the imposters. Amen

Life Journal – 01-20-2009

A Proper Perspective

(S) Scripture
O LORD, our Lord,
       how majestic is your name in all the earth!
       You have set your glory
       above the heavens. Psalm 8:1 (NIV)

(O) Observation
The psalmist opens and closes this psalm with the same phrase. "… How majestic is your name…"

(A) Application
I remember hearing this verse put to music by Michael W. Smith. It is one of his earlier pieces and in my opinion his best. I wish he was writing more songs like that today. Every time I sing it my heart is lifted and I am drawn into God's presence. It is a song that I want to hear in my heart each day. It reminds me that God is in charge and nothing escapes his sight. Nothing comes my way that can change the truth of this verse. The psalmist gives us a good example of beginning and ending with this phrase. Each day of my life should be the same – begun and ended with this verse ringing in my heart.

(P) Prayer
Lord let me sing this song every day. Make it the theme of my heart and life. Amen

Life Journal 01-19-2009

Intentional

(S) Scripture
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today."
So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.'"
Luke 19:5-7 (NIV)

(O) Observation
The story of Zacchaeus is an interesting one. Zacchaeus was a tax collector and disliked by the people. He most likely had defrauded and cheated and over charged the people for his own gain. To hear Jesus call him by name and say "I must stay at your house today" must have surely shocked them. Why would Jesus intentionally single out this thief and stay with him. Jesus was intentionally going to those who needed a Savior. Zacchaeus responded by repenting and making more than restitution to the people. Jesus intentionally sought out this sinner in order to see that life transformed.

(A) Application
It seems like a "broken record" (tells my age, some young people have never seen an LP album)but this passage again emphasizes the need for the people of God to intentionally place themselves where they can interact with those who do not know Christ. Sometimes it will be to the chagrin and criticism of other Christians. I cannot let the attitude of others keep me from doing what God asks me to do. One sad fact is that the longer a person is a Christian the fewer non-Christians they know or associate with. Although in this encounter with Jesus Zacchaeus was changed immediately in most cases today it will take some time and a long time for many. Will we as Christians give up on people or will we stick with them even though they don't seem to be responding to the Gospel? I think we need to be in it for the long haul, after all what is a soul worth? Today I will renew my efforts to be with those who are not followers of Jesus. I want to be known as their friend and I will look for opportunities to share my faith with them. I will not give up on them regardless of their response. I pray they will be transformed like Zacchaeus.

(P) Prayer
Father, help me to not be so cautious and conscious of my friendships. Too often I wonder what others might think because of my pastoral calling. If Jesus was a friend of sinners then I should be too. Let that happen for me and let me constantly point people to you. Help me not to give up on people because you never gave up on me. Amen

Life Journal 01-18-2009

Responsibility

(S) Scripture
Your servant guaranteed the boy's safety to my father. I said, 'If I do not bring him back to you, I will bear the blame before you, my father, all my life!'
"Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord's slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers.
How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? No! Do not let me see the misery that would come upon my father."
Genesis 44:32-34 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Joseph seems to be taking great delight in making his brothers sweat. They are clueless to his identity and he is making them pay for selling him into slavery. Although Joseph knows it was God who had sent him to Egypt in order to provide for his people during the famine. Judah has promised his father that he would take care of Benjamin. When Joseph takes Benjamin as a slave Judah must step in. Judah takes responsibility for his brother and offers himself as a substitute.

(A) Application
It is from Judah's line that Jesus comes. It is interesting to me that as Judah offers to be Benjamin's substitute Jesus has offered himself to be ours. What we could not do for ourselves Jesus did for us. He died that we might live. We are forgiven and have a relationship with God because of His act on our behalf. I cannot forgive or pardon another. I cannot make another right with God but I can follow Judah's example and take responsibility for my actions and step up to show another the provision God has made for them. Today I will keep my word and do what is right in my relationships with others.

(P) Prayer
Lord, forgive me when I try to cover up my sin. Let me confess to you and make right whatever I need to make right. Let my life reflect your glory to the people I meet. Amen

Life Journal – 01-17-2009

The Place To Be

(S) Scripture
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Psalm 5:11-12 (NIV)

(O) Observation
The Psalmist describes the righteous and the unrighteous. He concludes with a promise and a word of encouragement to the righteous. They will have God's protection as a shield and they will sing for joy and rejoice.

(A) Application
This is a good reminder to me of the benefits of following Jesus. Many ask, "What difference does God really make in my life?" Here the answer is clear. God protects us and shields us. We are in God's company and we are able to rejoice. Joy is elusive to many because it is a gift of God not some conjured up feeling. It is an experience God brings to the faithful. Yesterday I had the funeral of Eleanor Crittenden, a 100 year old saint, and her family although sad experienced the joy that God gives in knowing that she was with him. People are looking for joy and cannot find it because they are looking in all the wrong places. Joy comes to those whose trust is in Christ and who are living faithfully for Him. God's protection does not mean that we never experience difficult or trying times it means that when they come we have Him walking with us and guiding us. Today I will live for Him. The joy of the Lord truly is my strength from day to day.

(P) Prayer
Lord, Let me experience you protection as a shield in my life to allow me to face each day rejoicing in you. Amen

Life Journal 01-16-2009

Blind to Needs

(S) Scripture
"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. Luke 16:19-21 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Jesus is teaching in parables about being faithful. Here he tells about a rich man who ignores a poor man right at his door. The rich man either does not see Lazarus or he chooses to ignore his need. Jesus has some harsh words for the rich man and comforts Lazarus after they die. The rich man wants God to do something spectacular for his brothers but Jesus refuses. If they don't believe the prophets they won't believe one who comes back from the dead. The rich man thought he had it all and that he had earned it and that he did not need to share with those in need and it cost him eternally.

(A) Application
I wonder how often I overlook or ignore those in real need that are right in front of me. Does my pride keep me from offering help to those less fortunate (even if by their own choice) than me. So often I find myself thinking that I deserve what I have and so do they. How bankrupt is this kind of "us vs. them" thinking. I am called to be Christ ambassador in this world and Jesus never ignored people in need. He offered help and healing or he challenged their spiritual pride. Today I want to be aware of the people around me and to offer help where I can and challenge to those who need it. I want to live a life that pleases the Lord.

(P) Prayer
Father, it is easy for me to ignore the poor and needy and I ask for your forgiveness. Make me aware of the people around me and help me to be the person you want me to be. Let me help where I can and challenge where necessary. Let me experience and share your love today. Amen

Life Journal 01-15-2009

Jesus' Example

(S) Scripture
Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him.
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
Luke 15:1-2 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Jesus welcomed all who came to hear him. Their background or life situation or heritage did not matter to him. He was called a "friend of sinners". When he is rebuked by the religious people he simply tells them a parable about what is important to God. The series of "lost" stories gives us Jesus' priorities.

(A) Application
I wonder what people say about me. Am I a "friend of sinners" or do I associate only with "righteous" people. One indictment against Christians is that the longer they are Christians the fewer non-Christians they know. If Jesus was seen with sinners, I should not be afraid to be seen with them. My reputation as a pastor is not tarnished by my association with those who do not yet believe. I must intentionally put myself in contact with those who do not know Christ. Today I will continue to look for opportunities to connect with people who have not yet followed Jesus.

(P) Prayer
Father, Thank you for saving me and allowing me to be called your child. Let me never forget what that means. Help me to connect with those who need your forgiveness and let me be their friend. God use me today. Amen

Life Journal 01-14-2009

Humbled

(S) Scripture
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Luke 14:11 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Jesus is teaching about pride and humility and how to act. In this he speaks clearly so all can understand. Evidently we are a lot like his audience, wanting the "premium" seats – the places of honor. We want people to serve us and to recognize our importance. Jesus says to watch out because someone may come who is more important than you think you are and you will be embarrassed by being asked to move to a lesser seat. Better to take the lesser seat and be moved to a greater seat Jesus says, then all will see how important you are.

(A) Application
I bowl on Monday nights. This league gives me intentional contact with men that are not in church. It took more than a year for many of them to feel comfortable talking to the "preacher". Now I am just "Robin" and I have their respect because I have lived my faith consistently before them. Those of you who know me know that I hate to lose, I hate to get beat. These men take great delight in "humbling" me from time to time. I generally compete very well but there are those nights when you get knocked down a bit. I average 183 and just when I think I am getting pretty good I throw a 120 game. Humbled. My grandfather said it this way, "You ride a high saddle you have a long way to fall."

In this passage Jesus says that when you think you are something, God will humble you. I wonder what I have missed because of a proud or arrogant spirit. I have learned that humility is "seeing yourself as God sees you". That is with your weaknesses and strengths. A humble spirit is one that knows that without Christ they can do nothing. It is like Jesus said in John 15, "without me you can do nothing." Humility is actively trusting God for all the issues of life. It is allowing God's Spirit to fill (control) our lives. It is walking by faith moment by moment. When I live like that Jesus says I "will be exalted."

Today I will check my ego at the door of God's grace and trust His Spirit to fill and use me. I want to serve God whatever that means. Today I will live my life for him.

(P) Prayer
Lord, You know how proud I can be and how easy it is for me to exalt myself. Forgive me when I am being like that. Make me aware of my pride and let me follow you fully each day. Amen

Life Journal 01-12-2009

Ready and Alert

(S) Scripture
like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.
It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.
It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.
Luke 12:36-38 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Jesus is teaching the disciples to always be prepared for His coming. He tell a parable and makes the teaching plain. We are to always be doing what the Master has told us to do even in his absence. Even though we do not know when he will return we are to be doing what he told us to do. When he comes and finds us faithfully serving then he will bless us.

(A) Application
God has called us to serve him. Sometimes we goof off or play around because we think we have all the time in the world to do what He said. I remember someone asking this question, "If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours what would you do differently?" the answer to that question is what we should be doing on a regular basis. Tim McGraw has a song, "Live Like You Were Dying". That's what I need to do. Today I will begin to do the things I have neglected or ignored that the Lord has asked me to do.

(P) Prayer
Lord, forgive me for taking you for granted and for living for myself instead of You. Let me live fully for you today, Amen

Life Journal 01-11-2009

Being Blessed

(S) Scripture
As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you."
He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Luke 11:27-28 (NIV)

(O) Observation
While Jesus is teaching a woman cries our blessing Jesus' mother. Jesus replies by telling who is really blessed by God.

(A) Application
My catholic friends may want to look at this as a justification for their worship of Mary but Jesus turns this toward all of us. God's blessing goes to those who hear and obey God's word. This is not about Jesus' mother but is about me. If I want God's blessing in my life I must hear and obey His word. God has spoken to us through the Bible. To hear God's word I must read it. That is why this devotional time is so important. To read and then ask myself, "How will I be different because of what I have just read (heard)?" As I read the Word I can hear God speak to me. I must then apply the word to my life. I must obey. That is where it is difficult – It is easy to know what to do it is tough to do it consistently.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I want to follow you fully and yet I find myself not doing what you ask. Forgive me and empower me to live by faith filled with the Holy Spirit. I want my life to count for you. Use me today. Amen

Life Journal 01-09-2009

Not One Of Us

(S) Scripture
"Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us." "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you."
Luke 9:49-50

(O) Observation
Jesus recognizes that the disciples have been talking about who is the greatest among them. Then John, one of the "sons of thunder", asked about a man who was not a disciple but was doing things in Jesus' name. It seems to me that John was trying to protect the status of the disciples with Jesus because this man "was not one of them". Jesus reminded John that "whoever is not against you is for you." Let them do what they are called to do.

(A) Application
Many times I am this way. Because a person in "not one of us" I question the "what and why" of their actions. I wonder if it is because I am afraid they will get ahead of me or be more favored by God than me. My selfish pride can keep me from celebrating the work God is doing through people who are not like me. How arrogant is it for me to think that people need to be like me or from my camp before God can use them. Today I will try to keep my pride in check and celebrate what God is doing regardless of the source. IF God ids in it I want to celebrate it.

(P) Prayer
Lord, you know how difficult this will be for me. Help me to recognize Your work and to celebrate it with whoever is accomplishing it. Amen

 

Life Journal 01-07-2009

A Common Problem

(S) Scripture
Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little. Luke 7:47 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Jesus is having dinner at a religious leader's home. None of the common courtesies have been done for Jesus, washing feet, anointing with oil. A sinful woman comes and wipes his feet with her tears and hair and pours an expensive perfume on his feet. The religious people are indignant and appalled. Jesus explains that, "he that is forgiven much loves much and he that is forgiven little loves little." A person's love for Jesus is based on their understanding of how much they have been forgiven.

(A) Application
One thing we strive to do in the church I serve is to get people to love Jesus more. From this passage it would seem that the problem is that people don't really believe they have needed to be forgiven of much. Our problem is that we think we are pretty good people and God should be pleased that we are on his team. We have such a perverted view of our own sin, thinking that we don't have many. IF we really understood how utterly sinful we are it would change how we see and love God. Today I want to acknowledge my sinfulness and my forgiveness in Christ. I do not want to gloss over my sin or excuse it I want to experience God's forgiveness for it. When I understand how much I have been forgiven I will express a much deeper love to God.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for forgiving me of all my sin. Thank you for not crushing me with the totality of my sinfulness. I want to love you deeply because I have been forgiven much. Teach me to love you more as I understand how far your forgiveness extends in my life. Teach me to love other too. Amen

Life Journal 01-06-2009

God's Will My Way – No Way

(S) Scripture
Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar;
so she said to Abram, "The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her." Abram agreed to what Sarai said.
So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife.
He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress.
Then Sarai said to Abram, "You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my servant in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the LORD judge between you and me."
"Your servant is in your hands," Abram said. "Do with her whatever you think best." Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her.
Genesis 16:1-6 (NIV)

(O) Observation
God had already promised Abram that his offspring would be numbered like the stars of the sky. He was old and his wife could not have children. How would God's promise and will be fulfilled? Sarai devised a plan to accomplish God's will. It was her plan not God's. She told Abram to sleep with Hagar and she could raise a family that way. Sounds noble but it was fraught with danger. Jealousy came in and Hagar got resentful and Sarai got mean. What was begun to accomplish God's Will ends in disaster. God does make a way to keep his promise with Abram but not without some pain.

(A) Application
When I get ahead of God things tend to fall apart of at least go off course. Even if I know what God wants to accomplish I need to wait for Him to move. This does not mean that I do nothing – that I don't prepare or look for opportunities – It simply means that I need to do God's will in God's way and in God's time. It is in the timing that I mess up the most. I have trouble waiting on the Lord and so get ahead of him way too often. It is hard to follow when you are ahead of the leader. In the passage today Sarai got jealous, impatient and mean with Hagar and Abram. I do not want to get that way in my relationships with the people around me, especially the ones closest to me. Today I will listen to hear what God says and then wait on Him to lead. I will prepare so I can be ready to move ahead when He says it's time. Like so many other things in my walk with the Lord, this is easy to say and tough to do.

(P) Prayer
Lord, you know how easy it is for me to get ahead of You. I want to follow you. When I start to move ahead, draw me back so I can walk with you and do your will in your time and way. Amen

Life Journal 01-05-2009

Too Busy To Pray?

(S) Scripture
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16 (NIV)

(O) Observation
In the reading for today Jesus is going from place to place doing all sorts of ministry. People are all around him. The needs are great and yet in the middle of this hectic pace of life we find this nugget of truth "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." Jesus left the people and his disciples and found a quiet place to pray. He did this to renew his spirit and to maintain his relationship with and dependence on the Father.

(A) Application
If Jesus needed to get away from the people and pray how much more so do I need to do the same. Howard Hendricks, professor at Dallas Seminary, said in a leadership seminar I attended, "You can never do enough for people if you are always surrounded by people." That is what Jesus is modeling in this passage. We need to get away from the hectic pace of life and spend time with the Father and we need to do it often. I think it was Martin Luther who said, "I have so much to do today I cannot afford to spend less than three hours in prayer." My take is that if you have that much to do – get at it! He is right and I am wrong. I must take time to pray – often. These are not quick prayers on the way to doing something but rather times devoted only to prayer. Today I want to begin this practice that was so important to Jesus. If it was important to Him then it should be important to me.

(P) Prayer
Lord, you know how impatient and scattered and hectic my life can be. Forgive me for neglecting my time with you. Help me get this right. I know that you do not coerce but I ask that you nudge me and remind me of my need to spend time in prayer with you – often. Amen

Life Journal 01-04-2009

Handling Temptation

(S) Scripture
And the devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."
And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE.'"
Luke 4:3-4 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
When the devil tempted Jesus, Jesus answered him with scripture. In this passage Jesus is tempted in three important areas: Food, Power and Life. Jesus answered each of these temptations by quoting Scripture. Interesting is the fact that Satan quoted scripture as part of the temptation. Jesus had to discern what the devil was doing and how he was misusing scripture.

(A) Application
God's Word is my best defense in overcoming temptation. When I know God's Word I can recognize when it is being misused and when I need to use it as a defense. Since I do not carry my Bible 24/7 I must write God's word on my heart (memorize). When I commit the word to memory I can immediately recall it when needed. Psalm 119:11 says, I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Hid in my heart not my notebook. When it is in my heart God can use it when I need it most. Today I will hid God's word in my heart so that I have something to use when I am tempted.

(P) Prayer
Lord, you know how often I give in to temptation. Too often it is because I try to face it on my own. Today I will face it with your Word. Help me to recall what I need so that I can overcome temptation rather than being overcome by it. Amen

Life Journal 01-03-2009

False Hope

(S) Scripture
John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. Luke 3:7-8 (NIV)

(O) Observation
As John the Baptist begins his ministry he challenges the Jewish crowds that were coming to him. He told them not to even think that because they were Jews, children of Abraham, that they had any special standing before God. HE wanted them to know that they must decide for themselves to repent and that their family heritage did not make them right with God.

(A) Application
Many people think that because they live in America or go to church or have parents who are Christian that they must be "OK" with God. Nothing is farther from the truth. A family heritage of faith is good and helpful but we are each still responsible for deciding to follow Christ. I cannot receive God's forgiveness based on the faith decision of my parents, friends, spouse, church or anything else. I must decide to follow Jesus on my own. I cannot fall prey to the false hope found in the lie of the devil that I am right with God because of my family heritage.

My faith commitment to Jesus must be lived out each day. I must trust the Holy Spirit to fill and use me each day. I cannot rely on the faith of my parents; it must be my personal faith. I thank God for the heritage of faith my parents gave me but I must make that faith my own and live it each day.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I thank you for the example of faith my parents set for me. I thank you for a church family that taught me how to follow you. I thank you for your call in my life and for my personal faith in you. I thank you for your presence and provision in my life. Use me today to point others to faith in you that can transform their lives. Amen

Life Journal 01-02-2009

God's Gracious Warning

(S) Scripture
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." Genesis 4:7 (NIV)

(O) Observation
God is speaking to Cain about his offering and worship. God was displeased with Cain's offering. Abel had brought the best part of his flock and Cain had brought some grain. Cain was jealous of his brother. God knew what the evil in Cain's heart and so in an attempt to give Cain an alternative to the murder he was planning, God gave him this warning. It is a good warning for us today. God has always worked to give us the choice to do what pleases Him and not what brings his judgment. He offers us opportunities to escape the grip of sin but we must make the choice to master sin's control in our lives rather than to be mastered by it.

(A) Application
As I begin a new year I do so loke so many others, making resolutions about how things will be better or some things brought under control. For me is is consistent exerise and the need too lose some weight. This scripture lays out the choices in plain easy to understand words. When you do what is right you are accepted and free from the guilt of sin. When you do not then you are a slave to sin and constantly battling the guilt sin brings. The solution give is to master the sin that only desires to enslave you. Today I will begin anew the disciplines I need to get some these things under control. I want this to be the beginning of a long journey rather than a short lived resolution like so many others.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I am so prone to put things off or make excuses for not doing what I should. Forgive me and let me experience your power to accomplish these things. I cannot do this on my own, I need your help. Thank you for the promise of your presence and power. Let me live fully in it today. Amen

Life Journal 01-01-2009

A New Year Perspective

(S) Scripture
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 (NIV)

(O) Observation
I don't believe the bible is a scientific textbook. I do believe that the Bible is true. This passage puts god at the center of creation. All that there is was from God and created by him. As I begin a new year it is again with the assurance and knowledge that God is the source and at the center of all creation.

(A) Application
I believe God created all things. I am not an evolutionist. I believe that God created man and woman. I do not believe that we evolved from lower life forms. That said, I do not believe that this passage tells us how God created things, just that He did create. The important part of this passage is that God is at the center of all things. "In the beginning God..." There He is at the start. When nothing else existed God was.

As I begin a new year it is good to know that God is there. He is in control and at the center of all things. he has a plan for my life and in this new year I want to experience that plan. To do so I must trust in Him and allow the Holy Spirit to control my life each day. Yesterday we closed a good year for the Crouches and today we begin a new year with the bright hope of His work in our lives again.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for being in control. When I lose sight of this remind me of your presence. I look forward to this new year and walking with you in the days ahead. Amen