Life Journal 06-29-2009

Playing Church

(S) Scripture
"I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies.
Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.
But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!
Amos 5:21-24 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Amos is calling for repentance. He is describing the "Day of the Lord." In this he speaks God's words and blasts them for their hypocrisy in worship. They were doing the things of worship but were ignoring living a faithful life. They were just playing at their relationship with God. God calls for justice and righteousness to be part and parcel of our existence. These two are to be descriptive of our lives and here they were not and God was not pleased.

(A) Application
At times I wonder if we are just playing church. This passage seems to describe what happens in our churches. We are good people doing good things but lives are not being transformed and we seem content in our current condition. We think we are doing God some kind of favor by showing up on Sunday and throwing a quarter in the plate. Here the Lord requires much more. It is justice and righteousness that God requires from His people. We can no longer be satisfied with the pseudo practices of our faith. They must now be real and come from the heart. Our worship practices must be genuine and revealed in a life of faith lived out in the power of the Holy Spirit. Today I will examine my life and worship to make sure it is real. I do not want a hint of hypocrisy. I want my worship to be real and honoring to the Lord. I do not want to play church I want to experience real church and worship.

(P) Prayer
Lord remove those things that are not real from my life. Rid me of hypocrisy so that my life with you will be real and true. Let me experience the power of the Holy Spirit in my life today. Amen

Life Journal 06-28-2009

A Pointed Reminder

(S) Scripture
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:2-5 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Paul continues his charge to Timothy and the ministry he will carry out in Ephesus. Paul has just reminded Timothy of the authority of the scripture, now he tells him to "preach the word" whenever and wherever he finds himself. People may complain and want something different but he is to preach the word. In the face of opposition he is to keep his head also and continue to do what he is to do as pastor of this church.

(A) Application
"Preach the Word." That is such a simple command and yet I find that many want something different. Feel good sermons or sermons on "felt needs" may draw a crowd but if they are not rooted and grounded in the Word they really accomplish nothing. I am to "preach the Word" nothing else has power or the ability to change lives. IT is the word that is powerful. Why am I tempted to do something else. To preach the Word takes time and effort to study what it says and what it means and then how best to communicate it. I have always considered my messages to be rooted in the Word and want to continue that. I do not think that this prescribes a verse by verse preaching style but I do think that it means we stick to the text of the Bible. Today I renew my commitment to "preach the Word."

(P) Prayer
Lord, it is easy to get side tracked and speak about so many things that have nothing to do with your Word. It is easy to twist your Word for my purposes and not necessarily yours. Keep me from doing violence to your word by preaching something that is not true or not meant in the passage. Let me proclaim your Word every time I preach. Use me today to "preach the Word." Amen

Life Journal 06-27-2009

God Breathed

(S) Scripture
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

(O) Observation
In a charge to Timothy, Paul reminds him of the power and purpose and origin of God's Word. It is God breathed. It is the very breath or words of God and it is good got us in all ways.

(A) Application
One of the most exciting truths about the Christian faith is that we have a "Speaking God." He is not silent. He has not left us to our own devices trying to figure out what He desires. He has spoken to us and that word is recorded for us in His Word, the Bible. The Word is profitable for my life in all ways. That is why this time is of Bible Reading and reflection is so important. As I spend time in His Word I get to know Him better and I begin to understand more and more of what He desires from me as His follower. It is never wasted time when I am reading the Bible. Some names are hard to pronounce and some events hard to follow but it is not wasted time because I am getting to know Him a little better. Today I am thankful that God has spoken to us and then preserved His word for us in the Bible.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for speaking to us. Thank you for preserving your word for us in the Bible. Give me the energy to do what you have said. Help me to keep sacred this time I have with you each day. Amen

Life Journal 06-25-2009

No Fear

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

(O) Observation
Paul encourages Timothy to be faithful in the calling he has received. Paul encourages him to develop the gift God gave him. He then reminds Timothy not to be timid because God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love and self-discipline or as the KJV translates it, "a sound mind."

(A) Application
I am nearing my 61^st birthday. I am not a young pastor any longer and yet these words are fresh for me today. It does not matter how old or how long I have been a pastor I still need to develop the gifts God has given me. I need to live out His calling in my life every day. I need not be afraid. In these days of economic turmoil it is easy to fret over the future and what might happen. And then I hear again Paul's words to a young pastor that must be true for me today, For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV) Today I will work on my gifts, and trust the Holy Spirit to let me experience God's power, love and give me the benefit of a sound mind.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I want to trust you each day. Remind me of the spirit you have given me, that of power, love and a sound mind. Today I will live by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit that resides in me. Amen

 

Life Journal 06-24-2009

Contentment

(S) Scripture
⁶But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:6-9

(O) Observation
In his instructions to Timothy, Paul warns him about the trap of discontentment and the pursuit of riches. Timothy was to be godly and content with whatever he had. Being content allows you to focus on the Lord and His work in and through you.

(A) Application
Being content is not the opposite of ambition. To want to be and do better is not what Paul is warning about. I want to strive to be a better man, husband, father, grandfather and pastor. I want to strive for excellence in each of these and that is not what Paul is warning about. Proverbs 27:20 says, "The eyes of man are never satisfied." It is the always wanting more that Paul warns about. If I am not content with what the Lord has provided for me how can I ever expect others to trust in God's provision in their lives. Today, Lord, let me strive for excellence and to demonstrate to others that I have everything I need in Jesus.

(P) Prayer
Father, it is easy to focus on what I do not have or on my wants rather than on what I have in You. Today let me focus on You and let me rejoice in Your provision in my life. Amen

Life Journal 06-22-2009

Spiritual Fitness

(S) Scripture
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

(O) Observation
This comes in some instructions Paul was giving Timothy about what he should be emphasizing in his life and ministry. He is not diminishing physical fitness but is elevating spiritual fitness.

(A) Application
I have always struggled with physical fitness. It takes time, commitment and work. I go to the gym and exercise and yet it seems that many times I let other things crowd out the time I set aside for exercise. The same thing can happen spiritually. That is why this time each day is so important to me. I want my life to be characterized by godliness. That takes time, commitment and effort. It does not come naturally; it must be developed and that only comes through spiritual exercise. Today I renew my commitment to both spiritual and physical exercise. Paraphrasing the words of my best friend, "I want to be the fittest fat guy in Mid-Michigan." I desire more to be Godly.

(P) Prayer
Lord, today I commit to spiritual and physical exercise. Give me the strength to follow through. Amen

Life Journal 06-21-2009

Good Advice For A Father

(S) Scripture
O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."
2 Chronicles 20:12 (NIV)

(O) Observation
In the face of an approaching army that outnumbers their own army Jehoshaphat begins to pray for deliverance. This verse is at the end of the prayer. "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." The only place to turn was to the Lord. That was good for him and the nation and is great advice for us today.

(A) Application
Today is Father's Day. I am reminded of what a daunting task it is to be a good father. The world in which we live seems to be attacking from all sides the idea of family and especially fatherhood. Many give up and cut and run leaving child rearing to the mothers. It is not easy and the task is hard and yet in this verse we have the most practical advice I could ever give or receive. "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." That is the key to being a good father. Keep your eyes on the Lord. He will provide and show the way to be and do what He wants. I am reminded of another verse, in 2 Chronicles 16:9 are these words "For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His…" When our eyes are on the Lord and our hearts are completely His, we can be sure His eyes are on us and His support, guidance, direction and will is ours. That is the way I want to live.

(P) Prayer
Lord, today I will keep my eyes on You. Help me to be the father and grandfather you want me to be. Thank you for my children. I am so blessed because they are walking with you. Help me to continue to be an example for them. Amen

Life Journal 06-19-2009

A Proud Father and Grandfather

(S) Scripture
Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 82:4

(O) Observation
The psalmist reminds the people that it is our responsibility to take care of those less fortunate.

(A) Application
As I read this passage I was again reminded of what an incredible thing my daughter and her husband have done. they had been married only six months when they received custody of his then two year old neice. Ryan's was in trouble with the law and Grayce had no place to go. grayce has no father named on her birth certificate. Sarah and Ryan prayed and felt that the Lord wanted them to take care of Grayce. They received custody in January 2007. Grayce came from an undisciplined and unsettled homelife. They literally rescued her and have provided a safe, stable and loving home. There has been no contact from the mother in well over two years and so in February they began the adoption process. Becly and I were in Louisiana for the hearing this week. the mother has contested the adoption and so the hearing was rescheduled for September. It is our prayer that the process is concluded then.
Being a grandfather is great. Being the father of adult children who listen for and follow the voice and will of God is also great. I am so proud that Sarah and Ryan have literally followed this verse.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for allowing me to be part of grayce's life. thank you for children who follow you. Give them grace and strength to continue the journey. Amen

Life Journal 06-18-2009

How to Speak

(S) Scripture
But Micaiah said, "As surely as the LORD lives, I can tell him only what the LORD tells me."
1 Kings 22:14
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

(O) Observation
In Kings, Micaiah has been encouraged to tell the king what the other prophets have said and not to upset the king. Tell him what he wants to hear. Micaiah responds by saying that he can only say what the Lord tells him to say. In the Colossians passage we are told that our speech must be full of grace and seasoned with salt. We are to speak the truth in love and it has an earthy practicality about it. It preserves and flavors life.

(A) Application
I must speak what comes to me from the Lord. This is important on Sunday but also must be true in my daily conversations as well. In both cases I must say what God has given me and it must be communicated with grace and seasoned with salt. It must be to help and not harm - to preserve and not spoil. I am thankful for this reminder to be bold in the proclamation of the truth but to do so with grace.

(P) Prayer
Lord let me proclaim your word with bold clarity and let my words be full of grace and practical for each situation. Amen

Life Journal 06-17-2009

Adoption Hearing Day

(S) Scripture
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let 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
Paul is teaching these new believers how to live as followers of Christ. Let the Peace of Christ rule in your heart and let the Word of Christ be at home in you.

(A) Application
It is interesting that on this court day I read about letting the Peace of Christ rule in my heart. It is easy to get frustrated and anxious about the proceedings today. The lawyer has indicated that it will most likely be continued to another day. It seems that the other side is not prepared for today. I cannot control what the judge decides but I can do what this passage commands. It is Christ's peace that we need today to rule in us regardless of the judge's decision. I must let this Word dwell in me and be at home in me so that what I speak I speak as a Christ follower. today I want to experience His peace and want to speak His words.

(P) Prayer
Lord you know my heart and my desires. regardless of what happens in court today let me represent You well. Let me experience your peace and speak yur words. Amen

Life Journal 06-16-2009

Hearing God

(S) Scripture
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 1 Kings 19:11-13

(O) Observation
elijah has just come off a great victory at Mt. Carmel and yet when challenged by Jezebel he flees in fear. The Lord appears o him but first there is a great winf, earthquake and fire but God was not in any of those.

(A) Application
I often look for God in the spectacular. I expect to hear the deep booming voice of God and yet most often it is in the common and quiet that He speaks. It is not that He cannot use the spectacular but most often He speaks when I am quiet enough to hear. That is why this quiet time with the Lord is so important to me each day. My life is diminished when I neglect my time alone with the Lord. Today I want to slow down and be still so that I can hear what He is speaking to me.

(P) Prayer
Lord, help me to listen for the gentle whisper of your voice so that I can follow you completely. Thank you for giving me the time to spend with you each day. Amen

Life Journal 06-15-2009

A Prayer for VBS Workers

(S) Scripture

Colossians 1:10-12

10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.


(O) Observation

Paul is praying for the believers in the Colossian church. It is a prayer of encouragement to believers as they begin to live out their faith in a culture that is not that favorable to their faith.


(A) Application
Today is the first day of VBS at FBC Charlotte. I am in Louisiana for the adoption hearing for our granddaughter (officially after the hearing we hope). I took Grayce to her VBS this morning and was reminded of the excitement and chaos of the first day. When I read the verses above I thought about the workers and volunteers . It is my prayer that they would live lives worthy of Christ and be the examples of Christ for the children. I pray that they will have the endurance and stamina that this week requires. I know about all the work that has already been done in preparation by the teachers and also about the wonderful work done on the set for the sanctuary and the decorations for all the rooms and hallways. This is when we are at our finest. I pray that the witness this bears to our faith is seen and caught by the children and their parents. Have a great week and know I am praying for all of you.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I thank you for all the workers and volunteers at VBS. I pray that they will experience your strength this week. renew them each day and fill them with love for the kids, especially for the challenging ones. May you be magnified this week as the kids learn and worship. Amen

Life Journal 06-10-2009

Fearless Speech

(S) Scripture
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
Ephesians 6:19 (NIV)

(O) Observation
In this letter Paul has written about both the personal and corporate nature of our faith in Christ. He emphasizes both the importance of growing as an individual in Christ and also being committed to the Body of Christ. He closes by asking these Christians to pray for him to be fearless whenever he speaks and that he will proclaim the gospel message.

(A) Application
Fearless speech is something I need. Too often I find myself soft pedaling the truth because of not wanting to offend someone or being afraid I might cause a stir. In having conversations about faith matters with people I need to be fearless in my speech. If Paul needed Christians to pray for him how much more do I need that prayer support. I thank God for the folks that pray daily for me and the ministry of First Baptist. I will ask them to pray specifically that I will be fearless and that words will be given to me so that I will proclaim the message of the Gospel to people who need to hear it.

(P) Prayer
Lord, Fill my mouth with the words You want me to speak. Give me the courage to speak them fearlessly, boldly and full of grace. Let me stand firm in You. Amen

Life Journal 06-08-2009

Finishing

(S) Scripture
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Solomon is giving some proverbs in this part of Ecclesiastes. He says that finishing is better than beginning and patience is better than pride. Both are true and our experience bears it out.

(A) Application
I am good at starting things and often do not finish them. Not finishing something is frustrating and depressing. It is exciting to begin something new but here we are told that finishing is even better. Patience to complete a task is better than the pride in beginning it. I am in the final stages of my Doctor of Ministry degree. I remember the excitement of beginning this program but now it is time to finish. I have put it off and begun new things and left the thesis unfinished. Today I am committed to finishing the degree and looking forward to the joy of completion.

(P) Prayer
Lord, You know how easy it is for me to procrastinate. Help me finish this task. I will trust in you for the stamina to continue and the wisdom to move forward. I want to finish this degree and no longer be satisfied with an incomplete project. Amen

Life Journal 06-07-2009

Energy

(S) Scripture
You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
Psalm 18:28 (NIV)

(O) Observation
The psalmist reminds us that God is the source of our energy and is the One who dispels the darkness.

(A) Application
The Lord is the source of my energy. When I lose sight of this is when I sense my energy waning and things begin to fade to black. If I want to walk in the light and have my energy continually renewed then I must trust in the Lord. Today I will renew my commitment to trust the Lord to keep my energy up and to dispel the darkness. Today is another day for me to walk with the Lord by faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

(P) Prayer
Lord let me walk with you today. I trust you fro my energy and to dispel the darkness around me. Keep me in your light. Amen

Life Journal 06-04-2009

Integrity with the Word

(S) Scripture
I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.
For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
Romans 16:17-18 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Paul reminds these believers in Rome to watch out for those who misuse and misunderstand and falsely teach the Word of God. Some distort the Word for their own gain and therefore lead many astray. We are to avoid these people.

(A) Application
As I read this passage I was struck with the importance of not becoming one who distorts or uses the Word for my own gain. There are plenty of those type out there preaching a "health and wealth", or "name it claim it" gospel. They deceive many and are lining their pockets with money. The gospel they preach plays into our sinful selfish natures. For those of us who are true to the Word this is tough to overcome because people like something that is focused on their gain. Today I renew my commitment to be true to the Word as best as I am able. I also ask the Lord to make me aware of when I am misreading, misunderstanding or distorting His Word so that I can be corrected.

(P) Prayer
Lord, help me to stay true to Your Word and to teach the truth. Amen

Life Journal 06-03-2009

What's In Your Bucket

(S) Scripture
Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.
Proverbs 26:20 (NIV)

(O) Observation
This simple proverb is so profound. Without fuel a fire goes out.

(A) Application
If only we would practice this truth. Too often we add fuel to a fire rather than starving the fire. I am reminded of the teaching I heard about this. To every fiery situation you are carrying two buckets, one filled with water and the other with gasoline. You get to choose which one you will throw on the fire. I want to be throwing water. I want to quell the fire not fuel it. Our words many times are like gasoline and only fan the flame of a tough situation to greater heights. I want to be one known as a peacemaker. I want to resolve issues not exacerbate them. Today I want to use words that bring healing not harm.

(P) Prayer
Lord help me to only carry water to fiery situations. Let my words bring healing not further harm. Help me to remember

Life Journal 06-02-2009

A Grateful and Proud Dad

(S) Scripture
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.
May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!
Proverbs 23:22-25 (NIV)

(O) Observation
In these two proverbs the writer has given parents a task and then outlined the rewards of following through with the task. Training our children to be persons of faith in Christ is our main task as parents. The rewards are many but great joy and delight are at the top of the list.

(A) Application
Becky and I have two grown daughters, Sarah and Bethany. We knew that if we had great ministries but failed as parents we had not done what God expected of us. We have always understood that the priorities in our lives was:
    First our personal relationship with the Lord
    Second was our Family
    After that came our work and ministry and everything else

That was something we got right and it gives us great joy today. Both girls are growing in their faith, active in their churches and helping others to grow as disciples of Jesus, too. Sarah and her husband are teaching their daughter these lessons of faith with Bible Stories at bedtime and active participation in the children's ministry at their church. Sarah also teaches in the Children's Sunday School. Bethany is very active in her church, small group, she teaches in their children's ministry and she also is an adult advisor to the Youth Ministry Planning Team of the West Virginia Baptist Convention. It is exciting to see your daughters growing and sharing their faith.

The joy we receive is experienced nearly every day when they call to check in and tell us about their days. Sarah is a Deputy Sheriff in Louisiana and Bethany is a Physician's Assistant working with an orthopedic surgeon in West Virginia. They are not only our daughters but are our friends. Great joy and delight.

(P) Prayer
Father, I thank you for the faith and growth we see in our daughters. I thank you for helping me keep my priorities straight. I have great joy because they are following you. Help me now to teach other parents how to have this same joy. Amen

Life Journal 06-01-2009

The Only Good Debt

(S) Scripture
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:8 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Paul is reminding the Roman Christians that we have an obligation to love the people around us. Financial debt needs to be taken care of but the debt of loving people for Jesus' sake remains constant.

(A) Application
We live in a debt strapped society. Many people are drowning in debt and never seem to get ahead. Paul tells us to clear up our debts because they do paralyze us and keep us from doing all that God wants for us to do. When we are in debt we are slaves to the lender and therefore cannot be fully committed to following Jesus. The only debt we are to carry with us is the debt to love our neighbors. That is where we make the greatest impact for the gospel is when we love others with the love of God. When we live like that we are fulfilling the law that God gave and we are living out our faith in ways that please God. Today I want to live like that. I want my life to be characterized by the love of God. I would hope that when people remember me it would be because I loved them with God's love.

(P) Prayer
Lord make me aware of the opportunities I have to love others with your love. Let me never withhold your love because of some prejudice of mine. Lead me into loving others the way you would. Amen