Sunday, January 31, 2010

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

Thursday, January 28, 2010

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

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

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

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

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

Monday, January 25, 2010

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

Sunday, January 24, 2010

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

Friday, January 22, 2010

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

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

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

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

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

Monday, January 18, 2010

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

Sunday, January 17, 2010

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

Saturday, January 16, 2010

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

Thursday, January 14, 2010

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

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

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

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

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

Thursday, January 7, 2010

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

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

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

Monday, January 4, 2010

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

Sunday, January 3, 2010

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

Saturday, January 2, 2010

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

Friday, January 1, 2010

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