Life Journal 09-29-10

Greed

(S) Scripture
Luke 12:15 (NIV)
¹⁵ Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Luke 12:22-23 (NIV)
²² Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.
²³ Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.

(O) Observation

When Jesus hears a question about dividing an inheritance he answers by addressing greed. Jesus teaches that our lives are not determined by the abundance of our possessions and we are meant for so much more. If God takes care of lowly sparrows how much more will he provide for those who trust in Him.

(A) Application

We are fast approaching the final month before the mid-term elections. The airways are full of political ads with candidates making all kinds of promises directed at our greed. The emphasis seems to be "elect me and I will get you stuff, whatever stuff might mean. They promise jobs, extended benefits, comfortable retirements, healthcare and on and on we could go with promises that appeal to our greed. These ads play on people's fears and imply that if we should just trust the politician to take care of us. "What's in it for me" is a powerful tool that is the antithesis of what Jesus taught. Regardless of who is elected or what laws are passed we are to trust in the Lord and not the government for our well being. Greed is fueled by fear.

Next week our church is beginning a small group study using Max Lucado's book, "Fearless". I will also be preaching on the same themes each week. It is the "fear not" message from this passage in Luke that is echoed in other New Testament books that form the foundation for this series. When we live fearless lives we experience life at its fullest as God intended for His children.

(P) Prayer

Lord help me not to be deceived by promises that play on my greed. Let me trust in you and you alone. Help me to live a life without fear because I am trusting in You. Amen

Routines

Routines give some structure to my life. They are so beneficial and yet so easy to get away from. Spiritual disciplines need to be part of that daily routine. There was a time when I blogged my personal devotion every day and it has been a while since I did that. My desire is to exercise at least three days a week and yet that too is not what it should be. There is a little booklet out called "The Tyranny of the Urgent" that identifies the problem for me. I allow the urgent to override the important. It seems that I am slave to the urgent and neglect what is important. Reading and studying for Sunday messages does not constitute a personal quiet time. Too often I let it squeeze out my personal devotion and instead of asking, "How will I be different because of what I have just read?" I am asking, "What is in this passage that the church needs to hear?" It is subtle but oh so destructive to what God wants to do in me. We are in the beginning of a new church programming year, children, youth, and adult activities are back in full swing after the summer. It is a good time for me to do the same, get back into a good God honoring routine.

What are your thoughts?

Life Journal 04-27-2010

A Life Well Lived

(S) Scripture

Psalm 142:7

Set me free from my prison,
that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me
because of your goodness to me.

(O) Observation

The psalmist is praying. David is in a cave and asks for God's help and protection.

(A) Application

I just received the news of J.D. Johnson's death earlier this morning. J.D. was 92 and lost his battle with cancer. In these months since his diagnosis J.D. showed us all how to live by showing us how to die. Until about a month ago he went every day to the wellness center for excersize and conversation with his friends there. Although his body weakened his spirit was strong. J.D. loved Jesus and lived his life in a way that honored his God. His mind was sharp and his wisdom was something I sought out often. He was a "young" thinker. He was not afraid of change and only wanted what would point more people to Jesus.

As I read this scripture this morning I thought of J.D.. His prison was his diseased body. Today he is cancer free and enjoying his home in heaven, reunited with the love of his life, Sybil, and in the presence of the Lord. In the days ahead we will gather around his casket and thank God for for allowing John to touch our lives. It was through God's goodness that I called John my friend. I will sorely miss J.D. but rejoice that he is with the Lord.

His faithfulness in life and death are lessons in faith we can all learn from.

(P) Prayer

Father, thank you for allowing me to have a friend like J.D.. I thank you for his influence in my life. Let me influence others the way he influenced me. Amen

Life Journal 04-26-2010

The Prayer Before I Preach
(S) Scripture

This is why I speak to them in parables:
"Though seeing, they do not see;
though hearing, they do not hear or understand. ¹⁴In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:
" 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
¹⁵For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.'¹⁶But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.

(O) Observation

Jesus comments on why he teaches in parables. The religious who profess to see do not and the repentant are given eyes to see and ears to hear so they can understand what Jesus is teaching.

(A) Application
It was in a DMin class with John Guest that I was touched by this scripture and the impact it could have in my preaching ministry. John suggested that in a prayer before we speak, we invite people to focus on seeing and hearing with their spiritual eyes and ears. It made sense to me and so before nearly every message I lead the congregation in this prayer. "Lord, open our spiritual eyes to see and hear what you have for for us today. Open our hearts to understand and then give us courage to obey you."

It is a simple prayer but packed with power if we are honest and faithful when we pray it. The power of this prayer is that it invites God to transform us and to make us more like His Son. It allows us to live life as god intended it to be lived. Sadly too many in church have their eyes, ears and hearts closed so they do not see, hear or understand anything that God has for them. Today I want to have my eyes, ears, and heart open to whatever the Lord has for me. I ask for the courage to live out whatever I understand God to be saying to me.

(P) Prayer

Lord, open my eyes and ears so that I can see and hear what you have for me today. Open my heart to understand your will and give me the courage to obey you. Amen

Life Journal 03-18-2010

I Am God's Temple

(S) Scripture
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NIV)
¹⁶ Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?
¹⁷ If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.

(O) Observation
Paul is writing about the spiritual development of the Corinthian believers. Their disobedience has clouded what God wants to build in them and so Paul writes to correct it. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit lives in them. Their lives are the temple where God' Spirit dwells. That temple is to be cared for and sacred. What a thought – the Holy Spirit lives in me – I am God's temple, the place where He dwells.

(A) Application
The message this Sunday is about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. How key is it to know that the Holy Spirit dwells in the believer? That is the foundational truth and it affects every other part of our lives. This speaks to our respect, protection and provision for others. They too are or can be temples where God dwells. I am to treat every person with respect and see their lives as sacred trusts from God. On a personal side I am to take care of the temple that I am. This is a personal struggle as I continue to work to lose the excess weight that I carry. Am I treating my body as God's temple? Is the physical condition a reflection of the spiritual condition? Am I guilty of destroying my temple? Today I renew my commitment to losing the excess weight and taking better care of my body. Currently I am down 20 pounds in 10 weeks. As a friend of mine used to say, "That's like taking a glass of water out of the ocean," but it is a start. I have some good friends that are coaching me and a wife that supports me. In time I will achieve the goal. I want my life to glorify Christ in every area.

(P) Prayer
Lord, keep me focused and give me strength to carry on and see this through. I thank you for your presence in me. Let me live by faith in the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen

Life Journal 03-16-2010

Living the Christian Life Is Not That Complicated

(S) Scripture
Deuteronomy 30:11-14 (NIV)
¹¹ Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.
¹² It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?"
¹³ Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?"
¹⁴ No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.

(O) Observation
Moses is giving his final instructions to the people. Moses will not be leading the people into the promised land but God has given him these final instructions to pass on to the people. In doing so he encourages them with these words, "Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach." It is not beyond your ability to understand or to obey. The word is near you and it is in you. You can do what God requires and it is not too complicated for you to understand.

(A) Application
I cannot recount the number of times people have excused their lack of faithful living by saying, "I don't understand, it's too complicated for me." The more I mature as a follower of Jesus the less complicated that life becomes. Early on I remember getting into those "deep" and complicated discussions that always ended up with a very legalistic answer. My life was filled with asking, "Can I do this and still be a Christian?" That was and is the wrong question. I should be asking, "Will doing this glorify Christ? Will others see Christ in me?" Jesus said it this way, "
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31 (NIV) That is not to difficult to understand. It is not complicated. Love God with all you've got and love others like you love yourself. It is difficult but not complicated. It is also very freeing because when I am living that way I am not bound by the legalism that others want to place on me. Is my hair too long or too short, do I wear jeans to church, do I use a modern version of the Bible or do I have to use the King James Version? Those things all simply fade away when I am loving God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and my neighbor as myself.

Moses reminds me that it is not too difficult. It is not so far away that someone else has to get it and explain it to me. No, it is near me and in my heart so that I can obey. Today I will again focus on loving God with all I am and loving others like I love myself.

(P) Prayer
Lord, forgive me when I make excuses or claim that I do not understand. Let me live in a way that first looks to glorify you. Let me simply live to love you first and then the people around me. That I understand, help me to live it out. Amen

Life Journal 03-15-2010

Rescuing a Child

(S) Scripture
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

(O) Observation
In his discussion about faithful living Paul reminds us to continue doing good even when it seems to be fruitless. There is something about being persistent that God honors.

(A) Application
Last week Becky and I were in Louisiana to support our daughter and son-in-law during the adoption hearing for their little girl. Let me explain. Over three years ago they got custody of my son-in-law's then two year old niece. Her mother had been arrested and was incarcerated. The court gave full custody to Ryan and Sarah. The little girl was a mess and a behavioral challenge. In her nearly three years she had learned that to get her way she would simply scream. She had not received any of her infant shots and was simply a "wild child". Sarah and Ryan had been married only six months when they got her. Those first few months were a real challenge and they sought to be consistent and give the girl some stability. Jump forward now three years later and the change is tremendous. Grayce is now in kindergarten and excelling in her work. She is reading and doing simple math. She is well behaved and has not had one behavioral incident at school. She has been rescued from an awful future to now a promising one. In December of 2008 Sarah and Ryan began the adoption process. The mother made no attempt at contact for two years and since has only made a couple of weak attempts. The hearing on the adoption has been rescheduled now four times. This past Friday was supposed to be the day the case would be heard. Another case was placed in front of ours and it was going to take all day to hear and the judge decided to reschedule our case again. We have been given a priority hearing in June. According to the judge's instruction the clerk is not to schedule anything in front of our case on that day.

Each time we are to appear in court we get geared up mentally for that appearance. The highs and lows of getting geared up and then rescheduled is emotionally taxing. We just want this finalized. The court system can be frustrating but we cannot let that keep us from continuing to do good. Fact is that Sarah and Ryan still have full custody of Grayce and we will have our day in court in June. They will continue to build into her life and continue the work of parenting. Grayce calls them Mommy and Daddy and that has not changed. She is in a loving home and we will not give up until the adoption is complete. The disappointment of last Friday pales in comparison to the joy of hearing Grayce call me Papa. A lady in our church described this as another Moses story. Moses was rescued from the river and certain death by Pharaoh's daughter. Grayce was rescued much the same by Ryan and Grayce. The tasks of reshaping her behavior have not been easy but Sarah and Ryan have done an incredible job. Grayce has a bright future because Sarah and Ryan understood that it was God's will for them to pour their lives into this little one. As tired as the court system can make us we will not grow weary in doing good because it is our calling and the life of a little girl is in the balance.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for bringing Grayce into our lives. Thank you for giving Sarah and Ryan the strength, stamina and grace to raise this child. Now I ask that you renew our strength and resolve to continue to good knowing that you walk with us every step of the way. Teach us to be content with your timing and not frustrated by our own. Give us grace and strength for each day. Amen

Life Journal 02-07-2010

Remember

(S) Scripture
Deuteronomy 6:20-25 (NIV)
²⁰ In the future, when your son asks you, "What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?"
²¹ tell him: "We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.
²² Before our eyes the LORD sent miraculous signs and wonders--great and terrible--upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household.
²³ But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers.
²⁴ The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today.
²⁵ And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness."

(O) Observation
Moses has just recounted the release from slavery in Egypt, the receiving of the Commandments and the call to obedient living in the promised land. He then gives this instruction to the people. When asked the "why" of the law, give this answer and explanation. The Lord God delivered us and commands us to obey him so that we might live and prosper in the land. That obedience will be for us our righteousness.

(A) Application
Most of us have asked the "why" question concerning the law. I may not have been delivered from Egypt but my life was delivered from the slavery to sin and spiritual death. Obedience to the Lord God is what allows me to live life to its fullest and to enjoy a close relationship with the Lord. This obedience is by faith and allows me to walk by that same faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. God does not leave me on my own to live the life he sets before me but rather he has taken permanent residence in my life through the Holy Spirit. I obey God only by the strength the Holy Spirit gives me. I live for the Lord each day only by the power of the Holy Spirit in me. That is my righteousness, not from my own doing but by the Holy Spirit living in me. Today I renew my desire to be filed by the Holy Spirit and to walk by faith in Him.

(P) Prayer
Lord I thank you for placing your Spirit in me to empower me to be the person you want me to be. It is good to remember why we are to obey you. It has always be for our benefit. Today Let me live for you. Amen

Life Journal 03-04-2010

If Jesus Came to Our Church

(S) Scripture
Mark 11:15-17 (NIV)
¹⁵ On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves,
¹⁶ and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.
¹⁷ And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: "'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"

(O) Observation
When Jesus entered the temple he saw the emphasis was on commerce and not on worship. He then forcibly cleared the area. The temple leaders had taken the area set aside for Gentile worship and made it a marketplace. The leaders were also selling sacrifices at inflated prices. The leaders had lost sight of the purpose of the temple. It had become something that rather than honoring God was dishonoring and so in addition to clearing the area he reminded the people of the purpose God had set for the temple.

(A) Application
As I thought about this passage I thought about two things; 1) Our Church and 2) our personal lives. Both of these have been describes as "temples". Questions that came to mind: 1) Would Jesus pull out his whip if he came into First Baptist Charlotte? 2) Are we focused on the purposes God has set for our gatherings together? 3) Are we so focused on the commercial that people are distracted from worship? 4) Is my life so caught up in money that I am distracted from true worship? 5) Am I inviting people to join our church or to follow Jesus? 6) Does Jesus ne4ed to pull out his whip in my life to drive out the things that hinder me and others from honoring Him with our worship and obedience. These are serious questions that we need to ponder. More than pondering as a church and as an individual I need to act to correct any area where we are not in obedience to the Lord. Today has been a good day for reflection but must be followed by action.

(P) Prayer
Lord Jesus you know my heart and I want it to be clean and tender before you. Do what cleansing that needs to be done and mold me into the person you want me to be. Let my life be one that honors you. As pastor of First Baptist Church Charlotte help me to keep the focus squarely of you and the purposes you have for us. Let our church be a place where people worship you and fellowship with each other. Amen

Life Journal 03-03-2010

Following Jesus Completely Is Always A Choice

(S) Scripture
Numbers 33:55 (NIV)
⁵⁵ "'But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live.

(O) Observation
As Moses prepares the people to take the promised land he gives them God's instructions. They are to drive out all the inhabitants because if they do not those that remain will always cause them trouble.

(A) Application
In the scripture we see that God does for his people what they cannot do for themselves but He expects them to do what they can. In this passage He gives them the land but they must drive out the inhabitants. When Peter was in jail the angel removed his shackles (what he could not do) but told him to put on his sandals (what he could do). This by no means is a works based salvation but it is obedience to the command that God gives us. When we become a follower of Jesus, God forgives our sin (what we cannot do) and we are expected to obey and follow (what we can do). Most of us come to Jesus with some bad habits in our lives. Jesus cleanses and forgives us but with His help we must them drive out of our lives. Those habits are like the inhabitants of the promised land in the passage for today. If we allow them to remain they will be the things that hinder our spiritual growth. This kind of obedience is tough and is always a choice we make. Today I will look for those things that need to be driven out of my life so that I might grow and enjoy my life in Christ.

(P) Prayer
Lord help me to identify those things that need to be driven out of my life and give me the strength to drive them out. My desire is to live for you today.

Life Journal 03-02-2010

From Jamaica Back to Reality

(S) Scripture
Mark 9:5-7 (NIV)
⁵ Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."
⁶ (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
⁷ Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"

(O) Observation
Jesus has taken Peter, James and John up on the mountain where he is transfigured. Elijah and Moses appear there with Jesus. Peter in his excitement says they need to build three tents and stay there. Then God says, especially to Peter, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" Jesus then leads them down the mountain to do ministry in His name.

(A) Application
Mountaintop experiences always energize our spirits and most of us want to stay there. Growing up my mountaintop experiences came each summer at the West Virginia Baptist Camp at Cowen. My spiritual life would be nurtured and challenged and I would want to stay right there but had to come home after a week. The fervor of camp would fade over time but would be renewed each summer when I returned to camp. I am struck by the fact that Jesus knew what needed to be done and therefore moved Peter back down the mountain to a world that needed his witness. I have just returned from a mission trip to the Jamaica Deaf Village. This was my fifth year and each year I have the same experience. We work hard building concrete block buildings. This building is done by grunt labor, all by hand. We mix and pour the concrete by hand, no such thing as a cement truck. This year we mixed, wheelbarrowed and then lifted in buckets to the second story over five yards of concrete. The team accomplished all the tasks set out for us by the director of the Village and then completed some work left undone by a previous team. The evening devotions and the whole experience of doing work of God's kingdom is a spiritual high that you do not want to leave. Nearly every person on our team of 17 wanted to stay there. I am sure that the 80 degree weather there and the 15 inches of snow that fell on Charlotte had nothing to do with that desire. Truth is though, we need to come off that mountain and continue to do the ministry God has for us here in Charlotte. We cannot stay on the mountain because Jesus leads us to our ministries in the valley. We need to let the energy and excitement of the mountaintop experiences with Christ carry us into the ministries God has for us to do. Today I want to let the experience of last week energize me to do what God asks of me today.

(P) Prayer
Father, thank you for the spiritual renewal of last week. Let me now use that energy to do all that you set before me today. Let me be sensitive to the needs around me and to the opportunities you set before me today. Amen

Life Journal 02-16-2010

The Tithe

(S) Scripture
Leviticus 27:30 (NIV)
A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.

(O) Observation
As Moses is closing out the book of Leviticus the Lord instructs him to speak to the people about what to do with what is dedicated to God. There are some strict regulations concerning what is dedicated to the Lord. One of the final instructions concerns the tithe. It is a simple but powerful statement. The tithe belongs to the Lord and is holy to him. It is a clear statement.

(A) Application
The tithe seems to be a big issue with Christians today. I hear questions about whether it is on the "net" or "gross" income. People make all kinds of excuses about why they cannot tithe but that does not change the truth or teaching of scripture. The tithe is a tenth. In this chapter it was a tenth of everything from the land and every tenth sheep. Whatever the person had, a tenth was to be given to the Lord because it belongs to the Lord and is holy to the Lord. That may be the key to our disobedience. We still think that what we have is ours. Here we are taught that the tenth belongs to God not us. That is why Malachi states, "Will a man rob God?" (Mal 3:8) I wonder how different our attitude would be if we considered the tithe to be holy. Holy – set apart - for God's work and use. How can I use for my purposes that which God says is his and is set apart for him? Tithing comes with a promise of God's blessing. My personal testimony is that there were times early on in my life when I tithed and when I didn't. When I tithed I seemed to have enough to do what I needed to do. When I didn't tithe I seemed to always be scrambling for money. I cannot explain how nine tenths goes farther than ten tenths but it does. Maybe God makes be a better steward of the nine tenths. Becky and I have practiced tithing our entire married life. We are not wealthy but our lives are rich and our needs are met. My mom began teaching our daughters to tithe when they were preschoolers. She sent them $2.00 every week. One dollar to savings, 20 cents to the church and 80 cents to do with as they pleased. Over the years they practiced and learned to tithe. What a novel thought to teach them as children to be obedient and faithful to the Lord. Today I simply want to renew my commitment to recognizing the tithe of all I have as being holy to the Lord.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for the blessing you bring to my life. Make me aware of when I am selfish or holding out on you. Let me be generous as you have been generous with me. Amen

Life Journal 02-15-2010

Truth, Arrogance, Ignorance or God's Grace?

(S) Scripture
Psalm 26:1-12 (NIV)
¹ Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
² Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;
³ for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.
⁴ I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites;
⁵ I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.
⁶ I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, O LORD,
⁷ proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.
⁸ I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells.
⁹ Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with bloodthirsty men,
¹⁰ in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.
¹¹ But I lead a blameless life; redeem me and be merciful to me.
¹² My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.

(O) Observation
At first look, David seems to have forgotten his past. If this was written before his sin with Bathsheba it seems a little arrogant and in either case he is not blameless. Is this the prayer of a faithful follower? David describes a life that I want to live. I want to mature to the point in my walk with the Lord that I could offer this psalm as a prayer. Certainly there are times when we see David being truthful, arrogant, a little ignorant or maybe naïve and especially aware of God's grace. Here he is trusting in God's Gracious work in his life and calling on God to act on his behalf. David may have had a strong sense of his identity in God.

(A) Application
I first thought how arrogant of David but then thought how much I would like to pray like that. My desire is to live so faithfully that this prayer could be mine. I am very aware that I do not have a blameless life but I do have a forgiven one and the New Testament declares that because of my faith in Christ I am blameless. I want my heart to be filled with God's truth. I do not want to take the counsel of wicked and evil men but I must confess that I feel compelled to build relationships with men whose hearts are far from God in order to talk with them about faith issues. I am aware that I cannot do thin on my own but can by the power of the Holy Spirit working in me. I ask the Holy Spirit to fill me and use me today.

(P) Prayer
Lord my desire is to live so close to you that by your grace I could pray a prayer like David did. Fill me and use me today. Let my conversations today be productive for you. Amen

Life Journal 02-11-2010

More to Learn

(S) Scripture
Acts 18:24-26 (NIV)
²⁴ Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.
²⁵ He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.
²⁶ He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

(O) Observation
The Lord had Priscilla and Aquila at the right place, they had traveled there with Paul, at the right time. They heard Apollos speak and realized that he knew the scriptures but his knowledge was not complete. Apollos received their instruction and learned the way of God more adequately or deeply.

(A) Application
In my experience great teachers are always open to deeper understanding. Apollos was not offended or put off by the instruction from Priscilla and Aquila. He was drawn to it and embraced their instruction. I want to have that attitude. Although I am called on to teach I want to continue to learn from those who will take my understanding of the Lord to a deeper level. For that to happen I must be open to it. I must put my ego in check and submit to the instruction I need. I thank God that He is never finished with us and the opportunity to grow is always in front of us.

(P) Prayer
Lord help me to recognize the teachers in my life that will deepen my walk with you. Help me to learn from them so that I might walk closer to you. Help me to bring others along with me in the learning process. Amen

Life Journal 02-03-2010

Clean?

(S) Scripture
Acts 10:15 (NIV)
¹⁵ The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."

(O) Observation
In Peter's dream he is told to kill and eat from the animals there. He refuses because some of them are "unclean". The Lord rebukes Peter by saying that he is not to call unclean what God has declared to be clean. This is a teaching that God will shortly use when Peter is told to share Christ with Cornelius, a Gentile.

(A) Application
So often the hardest person to forgive is yourself. We accept and trust in God's forgiveness but refuse to forgive our self. The scripture declares that when we become a Christian our sins are forgiven and we are made clean by the blood of Jesus. We are told that when we confess our known sin that God cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). When I refuse to forgive myself I am declaring that I am not clean or forgiven. I think that I need to hear God say, "Who are you to call unclean what I have declared to be clean?" I need to trust God's judgment of my condition and not my own. The devil will bring counterfeit charges that seem real but are not. I must trust God's Word. I may need to make restitution for my sin, I might need to make apologies for my actions. That is part of forgiveness and rebuilding the broken trust, What I must not do is to wallow in my own self imposed unforgiveness. Today I will seek to trust God and let Him speak for my condition before him. I will seek to agree with His declarations.

(P) Prayer
Lord, let me listen to you and not myself. Let me live in a way that shows others that I am forgiven and offer that same forgiveness to them. Teach me to listen to what you say and to keep my mouth shut. Amen

Life Journal 02-02-2010

To Know The Lord Better

(S) Scripture
Exodus 33:12-13 (NIV)
¹² Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.'
¹³ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people."

(O) Observation
The Lord has expressed his frustration with the people. He has called them "stiff necked" and that is not a compliment. He tells Moses to lead the people but there is still some confusion on Moses' part. Moses then expresses this request to God. In the middle of his confusion Moses asks The Lord to teach him so he can know God better. Rather than letting the confusion drive him away Moses asks for better knowledge of God.

(A) Application
When I am confused I don't always ask for more teaching. Generally I retreat back to what I know and try to proceed from there. Moses says, "Lord if I am on the right track teach me some more of your ways." When confused I ask for less and here Moses asks for more. Today I will ask for the Lord to teach me more so that I will know him better and find favor with Him.

(P) Prayer
Father, there is lots that I don't understand but I do know that I want to know y9ou better. I want to experience your favor. I do not want to disappoint you. SO grant me your presence and teach me your ways so that I can know you better and experience your favor. Amen

Life Journal 01-31-2010

Sometimes People Don't Want to Hear

(S) Scripture
Acts 7:54-55 (NIV)
⁵⁴ When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.
⁵⁵ But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

(O) Observation
Stephen just finished preaching about Jesus being the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel. He gave a quick history of God's provision for Israel and brings this together in Jesus. The people were so angry with what was said that they stoned him to death. Someone has said the "rocked him to sleep." I cannot recall another time where the scripture says that Jesus was standing at God's right hand. I think he stood to honor Stephen.

(A) Application
As I prepare the messages each week I am reminded of a question My mom often asks me. "Robin, is your sermon prepared? Remember the people want to hear from the Lord and so you had better be sure that your message is from God and not just you speaking." My task as preacher is to do just that, deliver the messages God has for the day not just some well delivered speech. It is God's word that is powerful. The question is, "Would I deliver that word in the face of death?" It is my desire today to be so fully devoted to the Lord that even the threat of death would not deter my speaking the word he puts on my heart.

(P) Prayer
Lord let me be so in tune with you that the messages I preach are your word for the people of First Baptist Charlotte. Amen

Life Journal 01-28-2010

Powerful Speech

(S) Scripture
Acts 4:1-2 (NIV)
¹ The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people.
² They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

(O) Observation
The leaders of the people were disturbed and tried to silence Peter and John because they were proclaiming that Jesus had raised from the dead. Their lives and places of power and prestige were at stake. People were becoming Christians and following the disciples instead of them. These preachers must be stopped. Why were they so fearful of this message? What was it that enraged them so? It was about power and authority over the people.

(A) Application
This sounds a lot like our world today. The powers in government want to squelch any mention of faith in Christ. Somehow Christians have become the enemy of the state. Why is it that we are so afraid of the teachings of Jesus? In the guise of tolerance Christians are to be silent because we are the majority in our country. Where is tolerance when one group is told to be quiet. Problem is that for too long we as Christians have had a privileged status in America and now that that place if privilege is being challenged we get defensive. I do not need to be combative or gripe and complain. I need to follow the example of Peter and John by simply continuing to live and speak the truth. When challenged I must speak the truth. Because someone or some government authority wants to quiet the church does not mean we are to be silent. With respect for all we are to continue to speak the truth concerning Jesus. As we do maybe just maybe some will respond in faith and follow Jesus. Today I will seek to speak the truth clearly and boldly. In the arena of ideas none compares to faith in the resurrected Christ, so speak clearly so that others might know the truth.

(P) Prayer
Lord give me courage to speak even in the face of opposition and especially when those in political power try to quiet speech about Jesus. Amen

Life Journal 01-27-2010

Healthy Fear

(S) Scripture
Exodus 20:20 (NIV)
²⁰ Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."

(O) Observation
The Israelites have arrived at the foot of Mt. Sinai and God calls Moses up the mountain to speak to him. God is going to let the people know that he is speaking to and through Moses. God gives careful instructions to Moses about how the people are to prepare themselves and what restrictions there will be on their movement up the mountain. Moses and the people comply. As we come to the end of this encounter we find the people in fear of God and wanting Moses to speak because they fear death if they hear God speak. It is at this time that Moses shares the purpose of this fear of God – It is to keep them from sinning.

(A) Application
It seems to me that we in the church have effectively neutered God of his awesome power by emphasizing his love and ignoring his wrath. We give people the impression that God is like a doting grandfather who overlooks or excuses sin and only expresses his love for his grandchildren. People no longer fear God's wrath but rather take for granted his love. We take advantage of God's love. How frightful is that? If we understood God's wrath and hatred of sin would we still willfully sin? Would we sin and then flippantly tell God to forgive us? I don't think so. Today I want to be so aware of God's full character that I will have a healthy fear of Him and live accordingly. I do not want to abuse or take God's love and grace for granted. I want to live as he would have me live.

(P) Prayer
Lord when I take you for granted or attempt to abuse your love, remind me of your wrath. Let me develop a healthy fear of You that keeps me from sin and moves me on to a life of faith. Let me walk in the power of your Holy Spirit today. Amen

Life Journal 01-26-2010

Jumping To Worst Case Scenario

(S) Scripture
Exodus 14:10-12 (NIV)
¹⁰ As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD.
¹¹ They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?
¹² Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"

(O) Observation
At the first sign of trouble the Israelites immediately assume the worst. They jump to the worst case scenario. Rather than to trust God they turn on Moses with all kinds of accusations about why they are in the desert. The Israelites look to their circumstances rather than to their God.

(A) Application
Sometimes in the face of difficult times my mind goes to the worst case first rather than trusting God's leading in my life. Rather than avoiding difficult times by any measure I should focus on being in the center of God's will for my life. The safest place for me is in the center of God's will not just some place that seems safe from the circumstances around me. An article in Leadership titled "Beyond Prayer Requests", makes the point that sometimes in our prayers we ask God to do what he says he will not do. We ask God to override our children's free will. We pray, "Don't let my child become an addict." Our prayer should be, "Lord make yourself so real to my child that they will want to follow you in the choices they make." "Lord keep me safe." Lord, let me live in the center of your will wherever that may be." Rather than assuming the worst today I want to first trust God and look for his provision for me. Today I want to live in the center of His will.

(P) Prayer
Father, I want to live today in the center of your will for me. Help me to trust you regardless of the circumstances I find myself in today. Rather than jumping to the worst case let me jump to faith and trust in You. Amen

Life Journal 01-25-2010

It Has Always Been Exclusive

(S) Scripture
Exodus 12:43-50 (NIV)
⁴³ The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "These are the regulations for the Passover: "No foreigner is to eat of it.
⁴⁴ Any slave you have bought may eat of it after you have circumcised him,
⁴⁵ but a temporary resident and a hired worker may not eat of it.
⁴⁶ "It must be eaten inside one house; take none of the meat outside the house. Do not break any of the bones.
⁴⁷ The whole community of Israel must celebrate it.
⁴⁸ "An alien living among you who wants to celebrate the LORD's Passover must have all the males in his household circumcised; then he may take part like one born in the land. No uncircumcised male may eat of it.
⁴⁹ The same law applies to the native-born and to the alien living among you."
⁵⁰ All the Israelites did just what the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron.

(O) Observation
These are the regulations of just who could eat the Passover. It was for all Israelites and those who bore the sign of the covenant, circumcision. The requirements for foreigners was severe but were the requirements just the same. These requirements and regulations made the celebration of Passover exclusive. Some were allowed and some were forbidden. This exclusivity is brought forward into the celebration of the Lord's Supper. Jesus and the New Testament limited participation to those who are following Jesus. It is exclusive to Christians. Thos who do not believe in Jesus are excluded from participation. This was not new with Jesus but taken from the regulations for Passover. It should be remembered that the Lord's Supper was first celebrated in the context of the Passover meal.

(A) Application
On the days we share the Lord's Supper I find myself looking for ways not to offend those attending the service who are not Christians by excluding them from participation. Why am I so afraid when Jesus certainly was not. Paul was even more emphatic. Paul says that to participate in an "unworthy" manner brings God's judgment on your life. The Lord's Supper, like Passover, is only for those who are of the covenant. My task is to share with people how they can express their faith in Jesus and become part of the covenant people. The idea of exclusivity should not lead to pride but rather to an urgency to share my faith. The idea of God's judgment should scare both the believer and the non-believer.

(P) Prayer
Lord I thank you for making a way for me to be part of the covenant people. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me new life in Jesus. Let me share that with others so that they too might be part of your family and never excluded again. Amen

Life Journal 01-24-2010

Looking in Wrong Places

(S) Scripture
Luke 24:5 (NIV)
⁵ In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?

(O) Observation
The women went to the tomb expecting to anoint Jesus' body with additional spices. Jesus had on more than one occasion said he would rise from the dead. Apparently the women had forgotten what he had said because they went to the tomb looking for Jesus' body. Think of their surprise when the angels speak. Then they remember and go to tell the disciples that Jesus did what he said he would do. Peter didn't believe them so he went to the tomb and left "wondering what had happened."

(A) Application
How often do I look for Jesus in the tomb? How often do I see him as an historic figure and look for him among the dead? How often do I live as if he were dead rather than alive? How often do I look for him in the wrong places? Jesus certainly is in the pages of history but I look for him in the present. His is not dead but is alive. I must look for him among the living. Today I will live by the truth that He is alive and lives within me. Today I will look in the right place by His Spirit to see the Savior. Today I will live for abd by the power of Jesus.

(P) Prayer
Lord today I want to live by the power of your Spirit and experience you. Keep me from wasting time looking in the wrong places. Amen

Life Journal 01-22-2010

Holy Ground

(S) Scripture
Exodus 3:5 (NIV)
⁵ "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."

(O) Observation
When Moses see the burning bush and approaches it he encounters God. God speaks and commands Moses to take off his sandals because he is standing on Holy Ground. The place where Moses met with God was a holy place and Moses needed to recognize that place as holy. Moses heard from God in that holy place and it set the course of his life.

(A) Application
If I really believed that the place where I encounter God was holy ground, would it change the way I respond? I wonder how often I have treated holy ground as common ground. On common ground I am equal with those I encounter. On holy ground I am not. When I treat the holy as common I miss or can dismiss what God says because it is common. When I recognize that I am on Holy Ground then I must shut-up and listen and then obey. There is to be no argument or compromise just obedience. Moses wanted to argue or negotiate and later in the text it says that "God's anger burned against Moses". I want to avoid that is I can. Too often I have treated this "devotion time" or "quiet time" as something common. Today I see it differently. This is where I meet with God and ask Him to speak to me. This is Holy Ground and I need to begin to treat it as such.

(P) Prayer
Lord, help me to always recognize that when I meet with you and listen for your voice, that place is holy ground. It is my desire to treat it as such. Discipline me when my pride kicks in and I treat you as common. Amen

Life Journal 01-20-2010

Humility vs. Arrogance

(S) Scripture
Luke 20:45-47 ⁴⁵While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, ⁴⁶"Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. ⁴⁷They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."

(O) Observation
Jesus warns his disciples against acting like the teachers of the law. They were arrogant and expected to be treated in special ways as important and powerful individuals. They were impressed with their own importance and showed it in their lengthy prayers. Jesus says their punishment will be great and severe.

(A) Application
Why is it that many preachers expect to be treated in special ways. I think it is because they have determined that their call to pastoral ministry is more significant than any other call of God and should be recognized as such. Too often I see preachers arranging for and taking the places of honor. How often do we joke about preachers asking for discounts? My Uncle Jim, a pastor, used to joke that once he asked for a discount once by saying, "Can't you help me out here, I am just a poor preacher," to which the clerk answered, "I know I heard you Sunday." Today I am reminded that humility is the character God wants in those that serve Him. Today I will check my ego and seek to be the person and pastor God has called and expects me to be.

(P) Prayer
Lord make me aware when I get a haughty spirit. Teach me to trust in you and you alone. Let me reflect Jesus in my life today. Amen

Life Journal 01-19-2010

Amazing Words

(S) Scripture
Luke 19:47-48 (NIV)
⁴⁷ Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him.
⁴⁸ Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.

(O) Observation
Jesus' teaching and the cleansing of the temple riled the temple leaders to the point of needing to eliminate Jesus. But Jesus had captured the hearts of the people with His teaching. They were drawn to Him because of His words. They must have been amazing words.

(A) Application
I wonder how passionately I hang onto Jesus' words. When my quiet time is erratic am I really hanging onto His words. When I misquote Jesus or misuse His words am I really hanging on them? In this passage I sense a breathless reverence as people longed to hear Jesus speak. Today I want to develop that kind of "hanging" onto His Words.

(P) Prayer
Lord, let me hear you clearly today and then obey you completely. Let me be caught in absolute awe of you. Amen

Life Journal 01-18-2010

Spiritual Pride

(S) Scripture
Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)
⁹ To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:
¹⁰ "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
¹¹ The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector.
¹² I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
¹³ "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
¹⁴ "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

(O) Observation
In a series of parables Jesus addresses many spiritual issues. In this one he addresses spiritual pride or self righteousness. There is incredible arrogance associated with approaching God thinking you are righteous in yourself. Jesus compares and contrasts the proud with the sinner. Those who exalt themselves will be brought down.

(A) Application
Spiritual pride is an easy trap to fall into. Just when I think I have things figured out, when I am riding high in my spirit, when I think I know more than others and am somehow more worthy of God's grace, I am brought back to reality by my own sinfulness. I find spiritual pride to be rampant in the church. We think we are better than those who don't attend. We are somehow more favored by God. God is lucky to have us on his team. . That comes just before the crash. I must develop personally and help the people I serve develop the attitude of the tax collector. God be merciful to me a sinner. I deserve nothing but your wrath but please have mercy and grant me your grace. Today I want to rid myself of any spiritual pride and trust in God's mercy and grace.

(P) Prayer
Lord, You know how prideful I can become. Make me so aware of your mercy and grace that I will trust only in you and not in myself. Let me experience your mercy today. Amen

Life Journal 01-17-2010

My Quiet Time

(S) Scripture
Psalm 5:3 (NIV)
³ In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

(O) Observation
The psalmist is describing his personal time with the Lord. IT comes early in the morning and then the day is filled with expectation of what God will do.

(A) Application
This psalm reminds me again of the benefit of a morning tome with the Lord. It is a great way to start the day and a great way to live. When my life is filled with the expectation of what God will do in and through me, that is a full and exciting life. It begins with a time with God in the morning. This is what the structure of the "Life Journal" has done for my devotional life. Each day I read a portion of Scripture and then answer the question, "How will I be different because of what I have just read?" As I spend time each morning with the Lord I am energized for the day. I live expectantly, looking for God to work. It makes a difference when I begin the day this way rather than waiting until later for my quiet time.

(P) Prayer
Father, I thank you for your word and its work in my life. Let me live expectantly today. Amen

Life Journal 01-16-2010

Self Justification

(S) Scripture
Luke 16:14-15 (NIV)
¹⁴ The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.
¹⁵ He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.

(O) Observation
Jesus is teaching in parables and here addresses the greed of the Pharisees directly. You can justify yourself all you want but God knows your heart. You cannot fool God.

(A) Application
We justify all kinds of bad behavior with our friends and somehow think that God accepts our justification too. This week at a prayer breakfast one of the men shared about a man he met who had been successful but ended up homeless. He told of going to churches and people saying, "I'll pray for you," but they did nothing to help. The idea was when God moves you don't just pray but act too. Right after one man started passing "the hat" for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. $155 dollars was given that morning. I wonder how often I rationalize or justify not doing something because it is inconvenient or hard or something else when in reality it is just selfish. Today I want to value what God values and to have a clean heart before Him.

(P) Prayer
Lord, cleanse me and help me to value what you value. Help me act immediately when you prompt me to act. Amen

Life Journal 01-14-2010

Memorials

(S) Scripture
Genesis 35:14-15 (NASB77)
¹⁴ And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He had spoken with him, a pillar of stone, and he poured out a libation on it; he also poured oil on it.
¹⁵ So Jacob named the place where God had spoken with him, Bethel.

(O) Observation
Jacob marked the place where God spoke to him with a memorial (a pillar). It would be a reminder of what happened at that place. Jacob would see the pillar and remember that God spoke to him there.

(A) Application
Memorials are things that remind us of something else. When I worked at Ole Miss (University of Mississippi) I needed to drive to Atlanta. I asked an older man for directions and here is what he said. "Stay on Route 6 through Mississippi and Alabama. When you cross into Georgia you will see a big chicken, turn right and that road will take you to Atlanta." I followed his directions not knowing what he meant by a big chicken but when I got into Georgia there was a 50 foot Chicken – It was the front to a restaurant. I turned right and got to Atlanta. That became a memorial for me because I knew that when I saw that chicken I could get to Atlanta. I know it is a silly illustration. In my life I have memorials. Every time I walk into the WV Baptist Camp at Cowen I am reminded that there is where I first sensed God's call in my life to pastoral ministry. When I look at my wedding ring I am reminded of the commitments I made to my wife and I am reminded of the love we share. I wonder what memorials I need to erect today to remind me of what God has and is doing in my life? Today I will look for a memorial to erect.

(P) Prayer
Lord, Thank you for the reminder today of how you have worked in my life. Thank you for those times where I placed a memorial so I wouldn't forget. Help me to remember to give thanks each day for your love and grace. Amen

Life Journal 01-13-2010

The Fear of Isaac

(S) Scripture
From Genesis 30
⁴² If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would surely have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands, and last night he rebuked you."

⁵³ May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us."
      So Jacob took an oath in the name of the Fear of his father Isaac

(O) Observation
In this narrative about Jacob leaving Laban we find this interesting reference to God, "the Fear of Isaac." This tells a great deal about what Isaac taught his sons about his view of God. There is a reverence and respect for God's power, protection and provision. It was so ingrained in Jacob that he refers to God not as the "God of Abraham and Isaac" but rather as the "God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac."

(A) Application
We talk about the "fear of God" but I am not sure I have ever thought of referring to God as "the Fear". Have I so robbed God of his power that I no longer fear him? Do I believe that God will exercise his wrath on those who have not trusted His Son? Jacob's reference to God as "the Fear of Isaac" has really caused me to think today. I want to have a healthy and honest fear of God. I want to reverence and respect God's power, protection and provision.

(P) Prayer
Father I do not want to be afraid to come to you but I do want to reverence and respect you. Help me to develop that kind of fear that causes me to follow you more closely and motivates me to make a difference in people's lives for your sake. Amen

Life Journal 01-12-2010

A Great Gift

(S) Scripture
Genesis 29:20 (NIV)
²⁰ So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

(O) Observation
Jacob's love for Rachel made the work and days fly by. This is a story of betrayal by his father-in-law and yet a great love story too. The love he shared with Rachel overcame many obstacles.

(A) Application
When I read this verse I was struck with the thought of how blessed I am. I have often said that next to my salvation the greatest gift in my life is my wife and daughters. God blessed me beyond anything I deserved when He brought Becky and me together. Looking back over 32 years now I understand just what Jacob felt. It is a funny thing because it seems like yesterday that we were getting married and yet I find it hard to remember not being married. The love we share has grown over these years and I cannot imagine having spent these years with anyone else. Today I am reminded of what a gift from God my wife is. She has partnered with me in ministry, given birth to our daughters, and loved me beyond what I deserve. She is gone to a music conference in Hilton Head, SC, this week and I jokingly say it is a vacation for both of us but in truth I miss having her by my side. I am a better man, father, husband and pastor because of her. Today I rejoice in The gift of my wife.

(P) Prayer
Father, thank you for bringing Becky and me together. You knew just who I needed to help me become the person you want me to be. I praise you and honor her today. Amen

Life Journal 01-07-2010

The Peril of Self Righteousness

(S) Scripture
Luke 7:40-43 (NIV)
⁴⁰ Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said.
⁴¹ "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
⁴² Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
⁴³ Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

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

(O) Observation
Jesus is having dinner with Simon, a Pharisee, when a woman with a jaded past begins to anoint Jesus' feet and wipe them with her tears. Simon questions why Jesus would allow this behavior and why he would have anything to do with this woman. Jesus then teaches a great lesson about love and gratitude. Jesus says the one forgiven much loves much and the one forgiven little loves little. I wonder which category Simon placed himself in that day?

(A) Application
I know many self righteous people. I am not talking about obnoxious or being "holier-than-thou" but people who think they are pretty good people and don't have much in their lives that needs forgiving. This self righteousness (a righteousness of their own making) prevents them from experiencing the fullness of God's forgiveness and love. Their relationship with the Lord is somewhat cavalier because they don't see that God has done that much for them. In the story the woman loves much because her sins were many. By contrast, Simon had left undone many common courtesies a host offered his guests. Did Simon feel he was equal to Jesus, was he so familiar with Jesus that he no longer saw Jesus as Lord? Did Simon love Jesus a little because he felt righteous in himself?

I am confident that if God revealed my utter sinfulness to me all at once it would crush me. That is why day by day I want to give him more and more of myself and He reveals areas that have not yet been given to Him. My love for Jesus grows as I trust him with more and more of my life. The love I share with my wife is a picture of what I am saying here. When I married Becky I loved her with all my heart. 32 years later I am amazed at how little I loved her then as compared to today. All my heart then does not seem as much as all my heart today. As I give my life to Jesus each day my love grows deeper and bigger. Today I want my love for Jesus to grow because I recognize how much he loves me in that he forgives me.

(P) Prayer
Lord for your forgiveness in my life I thank and praise you. Let my love for you grow deeper and bigger each day. Let me walk in the power of your love and forgiveness. Amen

Life Journal 01-05-2010

The Right People

(S) Scripture
Luke 5:10-11 (NIV)
¹⁰ and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."
¹¹ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Luke 5:27-28 (NIV)
²⁷ After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him,
²⁸ and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.

(O) Observation
Luke describes the calling of the first disciples. Jesus chose common men to be his disciples. He did not choose perfect or even righteous men but he saw in them the character and qualities needed to do the task he would leave them with. It is interesting that the disciples left what they were doing and immediately followed Jesus. This following of Jesus changed and transformed their lives.

(A) Application
If Jesus didn't think it necessary to choose perfect people to be his disciples why do we put such a premium on perfection? Why do we think that our lives need to be perfect for God to use us? God chose common flawed men to follow him and ultimately to change the world. Jesus used their flaws to show God's power. I am so glad that God does not require perfection in order to be a follower, if he did I would be out. I am thankful that he chose me and that by faith in His Son my imperfections and flaws and weaknesses are forgiven and the Holy Spirit strengthens my life. As I look for leaders I need to practice what Jesus did and look not for righteous perfection but rather for the character and qualities that when given to God will bring honor and glory to God.

(P) Prayer
Lord, for your grace I give you thanks. Let me be as gracious in my dealings with others. Help me to see in others the character and qualities you see and to develop them into faithful followers of Jesus. Thank you for your calling in my life. I want to honor you today. Amen

Life Journal 01-06-2010

Foundations

(S) Scripture
Luke 6:46-49 (NIV)
⁴⁶ "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?
⁴⁷ I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice.
⁴⁸ He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
⁴⁹ But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

(O) Observation
Jesus uses this graphic picture to illustrate the effect obedience to God has on a life. Obedience becomes the firm foundation on which a life is built that will withstand any storm or circumstance that comes its way. Being disobedient though creates an unstable foundation that crumbles under the weight of storms and circumstances that come to life but are compounded by our disobedience.

(A) Application
Being told to "obey" makes me bristle at times. It seems like an attempt to take away my freedom. In reality I do not have the ability or inclination to obey God until I am His child. When I became a Christian I then had the opportunity to choose to obey God and build my life on a firm foundation. Obedience is now a daily choice or more correctly a moment by moment choice. I know Christians who have chosen to disobey the clear teachings of scripture and then wonder why their lives are a wreck. I want my life to have staying power and so I will choose to be obedient. I am quite certain that I will not always get this right but I want to be so sensitive to God's Spirit that I will not continue in disobedience. I want my life to be like a well built house on a firm foundation.

(P) Prayer
Lord, You know my heart and my deepest desires. I want to be obedient and do whatever you ask of me. Make me aware when I am rebelling and not following you. Help me to build my life on the firm foundation of obedience to You. Amen

Life Journal 01-04-2010

One Voice

(S) Scripture
Genesis 11:6 (NIV)
⁶ The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.

(O) Observation
This is the recount of the building of the "Tower of Babel" and the confusing of the languages in order to scatter the people. The people decided to remain in one place rather than scattering like God had said earlier after the flood. In this account though we see the power of people speaking with one voice.

(A) Application
When I have read this passage at other times I have seen this unity of voice as a negative because it kept the people from carrying out God's command. But today the flip side jumped out at me. When people are on the same page speaking with one voice nothing is impossible. Now there is a lesson for me as a leader in the church. If the church is to move forward and accomplish what God has for us then it will need everyone to be on the same page speaking with one voice. My role as pastor is to work to achieve this one voice and to be sure it is used to lead us into God's will and not away from it. There is great power in together and I must cultivate that in my life and in the life of the church I serve. It is this "one voice" power that will move us to being the church God desires us to be. That is how I want to lead.

(P) Prayer
Lord let me speak with one voice rather than many. Give me the consistency that is needed to lead this local church to be and do what you desire. Let us speak with one voice and accomplish great things for you. Amen

Life Journal 01-03-2010

Radical Obedience

(S) Scripture
Noah did everything just as God commanded him. (Genesis 6:22 NIV)

(O) Observation
As the story of Noah is told one thing stands out. Noah was radically obedient to the voice of God. When you think that it had never rained before and Noah was being asked to build an ark because the world was going to be flooded, he had no frame of reference except his trust in God.

(A) Application
It is that kind of obedience I want to cultivate in my life. Many times I have felt impressed to do something and then hesitated or talked myself out of it because I didn't understand or thought it didn't make sense. I wonder what I have missed or how many people have missed a blessing from God because of my hesitation to be obedient. I want this radical obedience that acts when prompted by God, knowing that where He leads he also provides. How often do we miss what God has for us because we rationalize ourselves into the safe thing rather than what we sense we are being prompted to do. A friend of mine shared that early one morning last week he was awakened with the thought that he should get up and pray for a particular need. He told me he asked God if this could wait until a more reasonable hour, after all he needed his rest. After the bargaining he got up and prayed. That afternoon he received word that the serious need had been met. Coincidence, I don't think so. It was a lesson he won't forget. God does not always give us what we pray for but he always gives us grace for the moment. I want to obey without the complaining or bargaining. I want to live out radical obedience.

(P) Prayer
Father, let me hear you clearly and then obey without hesitation. Amen

Life Journal 01-02-2010

A Baby Dedication

(S) Scripture
Luke 2:22-24 (New International Version)
 ²²When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord ²³(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), ²⁴and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."

(O) Observation
Here Luke describes how Mary and Joseph presented Jesus to the Lord in the temple. This is when they as his earthly parents consecrated Jesus to the Father.

(A) Application
While visiting family in West Virginia this past week I attended First Baptist in St. Albans, WV. The pastor preached on the last part of Luke 2. As he opened the Word to us I saw this passage in a new light. I have always used the passage in Samuel where Hannah presents Samuel to the Lord as the scripture lesson for Baby Dedications. Here though is another passage and maybe more powerful. Jesus' parents were doing all that the law required (vs.27) and was their custom. Think about that. Jesus' parents brought him to the temple and presented him to the Lord. Now that is an example to follow. In the future I will also use this passage. Child dedication is not just an Old Testament custom but we see it in the life of Jesus. My folks presented me to the Lord as a child not knowing where that would lead me but confident in God's grace. Becky and I presented both of our daughters to the Lord, again not knowing where that would lead them but confident in God's faithfulness and grace. Dedication yourself and your child to the Lord is a priceless gift that bears great rewards in all your lives.

(P) Prayer
Lord thank you for parents that loved you and me enough to dedicate me to you. Thank you for your faithfulness in my life and in the life of my daughters. I pray that every parent at First Baptist Charlotte would take seriously this act of obedience and present themselves and their children to you. Amen

Life Journal 01-01-2010

I Am Blessed

(S) Scripture
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24 (NIV)

(O) Observation
This is the biblical description of marriage. Even before there were any other parents God had already set forth the description of the family and marriage. We are to leave mothers and fathers and cleave to our spouse.

(A) Application
I am a blessed man. I was born into a loving, Christian home. My parents set the example of faith in Christ from the beginning. I have never known anything else but loving God and following Jesus. That was the norm in my family. My grandparents were all followers of Jesus and active in their churches. The same is true for my wife's family. It was nearly 32 years ago that Becky and I were married. From that day tuntil this I have known that I was blessed. Together we have two daughters and they are both following Jesus. I wish for them this same blessing.
As I think about beginning a new year I must begin by thanking God for the blessing He gave me in my wife, Becky. Today I will honor and celebrate being blessed.

(P) Prayer
Father, thank you for another year to follow you. Thank you for blessing my life with Becky. Let us live in a way that encourages others to follow your design for marriage and loving each other. Make me ever aware of your blessing in my life. Amen