Life Journal 01-06-11

Feet to the Fire

(S) Scripture
Luke 6:40 (NIV)
⁴⁰ A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

(O) Observation
This statement comes in the middle of Jesus teaching about not judging or condemning others. He speaks about the peril of the blind leading the blind. Then he makes the statement in verse 40. It is a direct challenge to all who would teach. Followers become like their leaders, students like their teachers. It is an incredible responsibility.

(A) Application
This challenge and statement from Jesus is one that "keeps my feet to the fire." As a pastor/teacher the people I serve will become like me. Paul said, "imitate me as I imitate Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). The closer I follow Jesus the more I become like Jesus. Here is the kicker, the more people listen and learn from me they become more like me. That is a sobering thought. Do I want people to be like me? When I observe my life with its flaws and weaknesses, do I want that replicated in the lives of others? Certainly not. But, If I am listening and following Jesus with my whole heart then that is something I want replicated in the lives of others. Today I will seek to radically follow Jesus without reservation. In so doing I can help other to do the same.

(P) Prayer
Lord, you know my faults, weaknesses and sins. Let me experience your forgiveness today and then live and teach in a way that points and motivates others to radically follow you. Keep my feet to the fire. Amen

Life Journal 01-04-11

The Call

(S) Scripture
Luke 5:10b-11
Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." ¹¹ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

(O) Observation
When Peter listens to Jesus' suggestion he catches more fish than his nets and boat can hold. Jesus then calls Peter to follow and Peter and his partners, James and John, immediately leave to go with Jesus

(A) Application
God's call in my life was and continues to be an important and significant event. I can remember distinctly the time and place. I was 15 and at the Sr. High Camp at Cowen, the West Virginia Baptist Camp. Rev. Elizabeth Caudill was the camp pastor and she challenged us to listen for God's call to "full-time" ministry. I sensed in my heart that God was calling me and so I responded that night. The call is sometimes hard to follow especially when you have to leave family and friends, but never really difficult because there is no better place to be than where God wants you to be.

When things get frustrating and I begin to wonder if I could be doing something else with less stress and strain, I am drawn back to the call of God in my life. Can I do something else, the answer is both yes and no. Yes, I am capable of doing something else. No, I cannot and do not want to abandon the Call of God in my life.

(P) Prayer
Father, I don't know why you called me but I know that you did and for that I thank you. I ask that you sustain and empower me to fulfill your call in my life. Amen