Life Journal 11-29-2012

There is More than Joy, Prayer and Thanksgiving

(S) Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 (NIV)
¹⁴  And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
¹⁵  Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.    

(O) Observation
Most Christians are real familiar with the verses that follow these. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

¹⁶  Be joyful always;
¹⁷  pray continually;
¹⁸  give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.    

These verses (16-18) deal with me and it is interesting that we neglect or skip over verses 14-15 that deal with how we are to treat others. Just how wrong headed is it for us to neglect how we are to act toward others and focus only on God's blessing in our lives. Can we really rejoice, pray and give thanks while at the same time ignoring the needs of the people around us?

(A) Application
These five verses describe how God wants me to live my life. Today I will focus on how I can live out verses 14-15 while I continue to rejoice, pray and give thanks in all things. It is interesting that these verses close with "this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Today I want to be aware of when I can warn, encourage, help, be patient with, and show love to others today. I want to live life the way you intended it to be lived.

(P) Prayer
Lord, make me sensitive to and aware of your leading in my life today. Give me opportunity to live out these verses. Amen

Life Journal 11-28-1012

Who is Your Target Group

(S) Scripture
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
¹⁸  Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
¹⁹  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
²⁰  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

(O) Observation
This is Jesus' charge to his followers. As we are going we are to be making disciples. It is a continual process that should be as natural to us and as constant as breathing. The command is to go into all the world or "'til the whole world knows"

(A) Application
I have been to many church growth seminars that encourage you to identify a "target" group and then fashion all you do to reach that target. That sounds reasonable until you put it against what Jesus said. My friend, Roger Adams, who has planted two churches in WV, just bristled every time he heard that advice. We don't need to identify a target group, God has already done the targeting. The target is everyone because the message of Christ is for "whoever calls on the name of the Lord" (Romans 10:13).

I am also reminded that this Great Commission must be undergirded by the Great Commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbor as ourselves. As we seek to make disciples we cannot neglect the Great Criteria of "unto the least of these brothers of mine" that Jesus has called us to serve and reach for His sake.

I suppose for me today it is a reminder that every person I see today is one that needs to be discipled. My target group must be the people God brings across my path and not some artificial criteria that I set up.

(P) Prayer
Lord let me see the people around me today with your eyes and your heart. Break down any artificial criteria I have set up and let me be truly committed to the Great Commission as you gave it. Amen

Life Journal 11-27-2012

God's Presence Surrounds Me

(S) Scripture
Psalm 125:2 (NIV)
²  As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.    

(O) Observation
The Lord protects his people like mountains protect a city. Being from West Virginia and somewhat familiar with mountains, I am aware of the protection they provide. As rugged as they may be to cross they provide great shelter and protection from many troubles.

(A) Application
Today I am aware and thankful for the protection God brings to my life. I am safe because He surrounds me with His presence. Can there be a safer place to be than surrounded by God's presence? I think not! I need not fear what others might say or think about me or how someone might act toward me because I am safe with God. This does not mean that I am exempt from times of trial and trouble. It does mean that His presence and protection are steadfast and sure and in them I am safe and need not fret. Today I will trust in His presence because I am His child.

(P) Prayer
Lord, surround me today as you have promised. Let me sense and experience your presence, protection and power. Amen

Life Journal 11-22-2012

What Are You Talking About?

(S) Scripture
Matthew 12:34b
For the mouth speaks out of that which fill the heart.

(O) Observation
Jesus says that if you want to know what is first on your heart listen to what you talk most about. That is an indictment for most of us.

(A) Application
When I listen to what I talk most about or how I speak too often it is not very consistent with what I say is most important or first in my life. Today, though, is Thanksgiving and I can begin today by making it truly a day of giving thanks to God for every part of my life. Today and every day I want my speech to reflect my commitment to the Lord.

(P) Prayer
Lord help me to get my focus off myself and on to You so that my speech might be pleasing to You and reflect my love for you. Thank you for loving, saving, providing for and protecting me. Amen

Life Journal 11-20-2012

Yes and No

(S) Scripture
Matthew 5:37 (NASB77)
³⁷  "But let your statement be, 'Yes, yes' or 'No, no'; and anything beyond these is of evil.    

(O) Observation
Jesus recognized that the people were putting so many qualifiers into their agreements that it would not produce good results. People used these conditions and qualifiers to wiggle and squirm out of doing what they said. They also used to swear by something to show they really meant what they were saying. Jesus says this is unnecessary fro righteous people. Just say "yes" or "no" and then do what you said.

(A) Application
Too often I find myself putting these kinds of qualifiers in my statements and I am reminded that those qualifiers are from the evil one. Today I simply want to say "yes" or "no" and mean what I say and follow through. I want to be known as a man of my word.

(P) Prayer
Lord don't let me off the hook of using qualifiers. Help me to say "yes" and "no" and meant it and carry it through. Let me be a man of my word. Amen

Life Journal 11-19-2012

Temptation Comes

(S) Scripture
Matthew 4:1-11 (NASB77)
¹  Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
²  And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.
³  And the tempter came and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."
⁴  But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'"
⁵  Then the devil * took Him into the holy city; and he had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple,
⁶  and * said to Him, "If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down; for it is written,   'HE WILL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE CONCERNING YOU'; and   'ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, LEST YOU STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'"
⁷  Jesus said to him, "On the other hand, it is written, 'YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'"
⁸  Again, the devil * took Him to a very high mountain, and * showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory;
⁹  and he said to Him, "All these things will I give You, if You fall down and worship me."
¹⁰  Then Jesus * said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, 'YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'"
¹¹  Then the devil * left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.

(O) Observation
Immediately after a spiritual high, his baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit to the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. I don't often think about God leading us to be tempted (I generally don't need His help J). But Jesus was led here and I think it was to show us how to deal with temptation when it comes. The Devil tempts Jesus in these areas: 1) His Authority, 2) His life and 3) His Mission. In each case the Devil used scripture as the basis for the temptation and each time Jesus uses scripture to resist and to show how the Devil had perverted or misused the scripture. Because Jesus knew the Word he was aware when it was being perverted.

(A) Application
I find the greatest temptations to come in the same areas of authority, life and mission. These are key areas in every person's life and if the Devil can get us off track there it puts our whole life out of sync with the Lord. If I am going to resist temptation I must do it the way Jesus did by relying on the Word of God and his power in my life. I cannot trust willpower or human resolve to resist, I simply am no match for the Devil. I must use the Word.
Therefore, I need to spend time in the Word each day, memorize some of it so I can quote it accurately and unperverted in the heat of temptation. I cannot expect to have my Bible with me each time I am tempted.

)Prayer
Lord God, help me to use your Word in my life to avoid giving in to the temptation the evil one brings my way. Help me to know you and your Word so well that I will recognize the Devil's misuse of it. Help me walk the straight path with you each day. Amen

Life Journal 11-16-2012

Unveiled

(S) Scripture
¹⁵ Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.¹⁶ But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. ¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ¹⁸ And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate^[a] the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

(O) Observation
Paul draws a distinction between those who follow Moses and those who follow the Lord. Those who follow Moses have a veil covering their faces and they cannot see God clearly. They miss the freedom that Christ brings because they are tied to the Law. Those who follow Christ see clearly and are then transformed into the image of Christ. With that transformation comes freedom; freedom to be all that God created you to be.

(A) Application
As a pastor I have been part of many weddings. One of my favorite moments is when the bride's veil is removed and the groom sees her clearly. The smile and joy of the moment just come. IT is that same joy we should feel when the veil is removed and we see Christ as He is. There is a freedom that comes when the veil is removed and we are then able to live life freely following Jesus without the obstacle of the veil blocking our view. Today I want to live free and be transformed into Christ's image. I want the people I interact with to sense the presence of Christ. Today I want to bear a strong family resemblance to Jesus. I want to constantly live with an unveiled face and a clear relationship with God.

(P) Prayer
Good and gracious God thank you for your Son's life, death and resurrection so that by faith in Him I might follow you clearly. Thank you removing the veil in my life and setting me free to be the person you created me to be. Keep me from abusing that freedom and let me walk close to you each day. Amen

Life Journal 11-15-2012

How Do You Smell?

(S) Scripture
2 Corinthians 2:14-16
¹⁴ But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. ¹⁵ For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. ¹⁶ To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?

(O) Observation
There is a pleasing aroma to the gospel for those who believe. It is the aroma of Christ. To some is smells like death and to the believer it is the aroma of life. It was Paul and his companions that carried this aroma. As believers we should be carrying this same aroma.

(A) Application
November 15^th is the start of deer season here in Michigan. The woods are full of hunters that have gone to great lengths to mask their human scent so the deer will not notice them. I wonder how often we as believers try to hide our scent so that we can blend in with the environment around us. When we are disguising our scent it hides the gospel from those who do not know Jesus. It is my desire never to disguise the aroma of Christ but rather for it to be how I am known. How exciting would it be each day to be recognized as bearing the aroma of Christ.

(P) Prayer
Lord make me keenly aware of when I am tempted to mask you aroma in my life. Let me be recognized as your child by the resemblance I have to your Son. Amen

Life Journal 11-14-2012

By the grace of God

(S) Scripture
1 Corinthians 15:10a (NASB77)
¹⁰  But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain...

(O) Observation
Paul understood that it was God's grace that had transformed him into the man he had become. He did not feel worthy but was aware that it was God at work. Paul had a past that was in opposition to what God was doing. From that past he was being transformed. He was not yet all he would be but by God's grace he was not the man he used to be.

(A) Application
There are many life situations that shape us into the people we become. The families we are raised in have a profound influence on our lives. I am so thankful for my family, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins that are deeply committed Christians and encouraged me in my faith. The churches I have been part of have taught me much about following Jesus. The West Virginia Baptist Camp is where I first sensed God's call in my life. My college friends and the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ had a great impact on my life. To these I would add death of my father and the witness that would be to so many. Today is the anniversary of the plane wreck that killed the Marshall University football team in 1970, that was a life shaping event.

My life as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, pastor and friend continues to be shaped by God's grace. With Paul I can say that I am what I am by the grace of God. As the saying goes, "I am not all I ought to be, I am not what I'm going to be but thank God I am not what I used to be. Today I will trust God's hand as he forms my by His grace.

(P) Prayer
Father, let me live the life you have made me for. Let me follow you and you alone. Continue to use your grace to transform me. Amen

Life Journal 11-12-2012

Our Majestic God

(S) Scripture
Job 38:1-41 (NASB77)
¹  Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said,  
²  "Who is this that darkens counsel By words without knowledge?
³  "Now gird up your loins like a man, And I will ask you, and you instruct Me!
⁴  "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding,
⁵  Who set its measurements, since you know? Or who stretched the line on it?
⁶  "On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone,
⁷  When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy?    
⁸  "Or who enclosed the sea with doors, When, bursting forth, it went out from the womb;
⁹  When I made a cloud its garment, And thick darkness its swaddling band,
¹⁰  And I placed boundaries on it, And I set a bolt and doors,
¹¹  And I said, 'Thus far you shall come, but no farther; And here shall your proud waves stop'?    
¹² "Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, And caused the dawn to know its place;
¹³  That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, And the wicked be shaken out of it?
¹⁴  "It is changed like clay under the seal; And they stand forth like a garment.
¹⁵  "And from the wicked their light is withheld, And the uplifted arm is broken.    
¹⁶  "Have you entered into the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in the recesses of the deep?
¹⁷  "Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the gates of deep darkness?
¹⁸  "Have you understood the expanse of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this.    
¹⁹  "Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And darkness, where is its place,
²⁰  That you may take it to its territory, And that you may discern the paths to its home?
²¹  "You know, for you were born then, And the number of your days is great!
²²  "Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, Or have you seen the storehouses of the hail,
²³  Which I have reserved for the time of distress, For the day of war and battle?
²⁴  "Where is the way that the light is divided, Or the east wind scattered on the earth?    
²⁵  "Who has cleft a channel for the flood, Or a way for the thunderbolt;
²⁶  To bring rain on a land without people, On a desert without a man in it,
²⁷  To satisfy the waste and desolate land, And to make the seeds of grass to sprout?
²⁸  "Has the rain a father? Or who has begotten the drops of dew?
²⁹  "From whose womb has come the ice? And the frost of heaven, who has given it birth?
³⁰  "Water becomes hard like stone, And the surface of the deep is imprisoned.    
³¹  "Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades, Or loose the cords of Orion?
³²  "Can you lead forth a constellation in its season, And guide the Bear with her satellites?
³³  "Do you know the ordinances of the heavens, Or fix their rule over the earth?    
³⁴  "Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, So that an abundance of water may cover you?
³⁵  "Can you send forth lightnings that they may go And say to you, 'Here we are'?
³⁶  "Who has put wisdom in the innermost being, Or has given understanding to the mind?
³⁷  "Who can count the clouds by wisdom, Or tip the water jars of the heavens,
³⁸  When the dust hardens into a mass, And the clods stick together?    
³⁹  "Can you hunt the prey for the lion, Or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,
⁴⁰  When they crouch in their dens, And lie in wait in their lair?
⁴¹  "Who prepares for the raven its nourishment, When its young cry to God, And wander about without food?

(O) Observation
This is the Lord speaking to Job. The Lord describes His work and creation and his rule over it. It is a clear reminder the Lord is God and Job is not.

(A) Application
As I read this passage I was simply caught up in the majesty of God. He created all that is and controls all that is. His creation and works are beyond our understanding or comprehension. These set Him apart and show us His glory and majesty. I am reminded that Isaiah wrote these words, "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing" (Isaiah 40:25-26 NIV). It is easy to slip into thinking of God in common
terms and to strip Him of His majesty and power.
This passage in Job allowed me to simply pause, remember and reflect on how majestic the God I serve really is. He is like No Other, full of power. He reigns over all, He is the God of heaven who created and controls all that is. What a great way to begin the day.

(P) Prayer
Lord, let me dwell on your majesty. I am grateful that you, the majestic God, chose to love me. Today I want to live in such a way that others may see and be drawn to your majesty. Amen

Life Journal 11-08-2012

Foolish Wisdom

(S) Scripture
1 Corinthians 1:17-31 (NIV)
¹⁷  For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel--not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
¹⁸  For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
¹⁹  For it is written:   "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."    
²⁰  Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
²¹  For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
²²  Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,
²³  but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
²⁴  but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
²⁵  For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.    
²⁶  Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.
²⁷  But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
²⁸  He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are,
²⁹  so that no one may boast before him.
³⁰  It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
³¹  Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

(O) Observation
Wisdom was something important to the people of Corinth. But the wisdom they sought was made foolish by God. They wanted a faith that made sense to them but the power of the cross does not come from human wisdom. In fact, human wisdom empties the cross of its power. Even though it may not make sense to us the power of the cross is rooted in the message of Christ crucified. It is not in miracles or wisdom but in the preaching of Christ crucified.

(A) Application
I have read many "church growth" books and tried some of the programs. It seems that many are based on the best advertizing and marketing skills that can be offered. I was always suspicious of those that told me to identify a target group, I thought Jesus already that in the Great Commission. I wonder if we have not emptied the power of the cross by trying to make that message fit into our slick schemes. When I think of myself and when I was called I fit what Paul described, unwise, non-influential and not of noble birth (don't tell my mom) and yet God has chosen to use me. Why then would I turn to the wisdom of man to accomplish the things of God? This is not a call to be ignorant but it is a reminder of just Who we are to listen to and follow. Today I choose to follow the Lord and the Word God has given to us. Whatever wisdom I need will be found there. Today I must remember that power comes for the cross and not my wisdom.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I do not ever want to empty the cross of its power by substituting human wisdom for the gospel. Help me to get this right. Amen

Life Journal 11-07-2012

What To Do the Day After

(S) Scripture
Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
¹⁴  The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

(O) Observation
Paul uses the Great Commandment to remind the people that you show your love by serving one another. Paul has picked up on Jesus' teaching and again emphasizes that the whole law is fulfilled in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." Here it is again and it is so simple and yet so profound. We are to love God and others.

(A) Application
It is the day after the presidential election. A quick glance at facebook showed some pretty nasty remarks concerning the outcome and directed at those who voted for President Obama and most of those comments came from Christians. As I read these verses this morning I was struck with how easy it is to forget Jesus' command. We get so caught up in the political that we miss the direct call of God in our lives. I live in a state that ended up in Obama's column. I did not vote that way but does that give me the right to be mean and nasty to my neighbors who did? No way, I am commanded to love my neighbors regardless of whether they agree with me politically or not. It is not just in politics though, it is also in our lives in church. I wonder why we make things so complicated. We get so caught up in the details of theology that we miss what we are called to accomplish. We argue over the method of baptism and Jesus says, "love each other". We fight over dress codes and Jesus says, "love each other." When will we get it right. The love Jesus is talking about isn't wishy-washy or gushy or dismissing of the truth. Rather it is tough and addresses sin, corrects bad behavior and compels me to love the people I disagree with. I am called to express this love by serving others. I cannot serve others in a Godly way if I have anger, bitterness or a grudge in my heart. Today I will focus on serving others as an expression of my love for God especially those who I disagree with politically.

What about you?

(P) Prayer
Lord, keep me focused on serving you by serving others to day. Help me to make this a habit and a daily expression of my faith in you. Amen

Life Journal 11-06-2012

Living by Faith

(S) Scripture
You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?
This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
Galatians 3:1-3 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Paul was addressing a problem in the Galatian church. The believers who had received the Spirit by faith were now trying to live by keeping the law. There were those among them that were teaching that very idea. The idea was to become a Christian by faith and then live that out by keeping the law. These false teachers were encouraging the believers to give up their freedom in Christ for slavery to the law. Paul challenges them and reminds them of the direction they should follow. They began and should continue by faith. Their trust and security is in their faith in the God not in keeping the law. They were justified by faith in Christ and not by keeping any law.

(A) Application
This is still a trap that many Christians fall in to. There are still those who teach that the way to please God is to focus on and keep the law. We too, are foolish if we think that we receive Christ by faith and then try to live out our faith by keeping the law. The problem is that we set up artificial standards and if we keep them we think we must be OK with God. God's grace has set us free to be all that God wants us to be. That freedom is not a license to do whatever we want but rather it is a freedom to do what is right and godly. Before we became Christians our sin nature was a slave to sin and we could only do things that displeased God because they were not from faith. We are now free to do what pleases God. Church Swindoll in his book "The Grace Awakening" calls these artificial standards "Grace Killers" and that is exactly what they do. The "laws" we put in place to show how righteous we are only kill grace in us and others.

Today I want to be a Grace Giver not a Grace Killer. I want to live by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. I want my faith to be revealed and seen in what I do but it comes from my relationship with the Lord. In no way do I want to think or even imply that what I do in any way merits God's favor or grace. What I do comes out of my submission to Christ not from an obligation to keep the law. Today I desire to live free in Christ and in that freedom to impact people around me with the gospel of Christ.

(P) Prayer
Lord, help me to live free and to trust only in you. Let me live by faith, filled with the Holy Spirit and trusting in you. Make me aware when I am killing grace in others and myself. Let me make a difference for you today in someone's life. Amen

Life Journal 11-05-2012

What Kind of Man Should Lead

(With the election tomorrow, as I was reading this morning I was struck by this statement of Job. I thought this is the kind of man I want to lead us.)

(S) Scripture
Job 29:1-25 (NIV)
¹  Job continued his discourse:  
²  "How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God watched over me,
³  when his lamp shone upon my head and by his light I walked through darkness!
⁴  Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house,
⁵  when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me,
⁶  when my path was drenched with cream and the rock poured out for me streams of olive oil.    
⁷  "When I went to the gate of the city and took my seat in the public square,
⁸  the young men saw me and stepped aside and the old men rose to their feet;
⁹  the chief men refrained from speaking and covered their mouths with their hands;
¹⁰  the voices of the nobles were hushed, and their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths.
¹¹  Whoever heard me spoke well of me, and those who saw me commended me,
¹²  because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist him.
¹³  The man who was dying blessed me; I made the widow's heart sing.
¹⁴  I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban.
¹⁵  I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.
¹⁶  I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger.
¹⁷  I broke the fangs of the wicked and snatched the victims from their teeth.    
¹⁸  "I thought, 'I will die in my own house, my days as numerous as the grains of sand.
¹⁹  My roots will reach to the water, and the dew will lie all night on my branches.
²⁰  My glory will remain fresh in me, the bow ever new in my hand.'    
²¹  "Men listened to me expectantly, waiting in silence for my counsel.
²²  After I had spoken, they spoke no more; my words fell gently on their ears.
²³  They waited for me as for showers and drank in my words as the spring rain.
²⁴  When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them.
²⁵  I chose the way for them and sat as their chief; I dwelt as a king among his troops; I was like one who comforts mourners.

(O) Observation
It is these values that I want to see in a leader. Sometimes in the text is seems that Job wants the prestige and power he had back. But when I read about how he treated the less fortunate; this is the kind of man I want leading our country.

(A) Application
I not only want this kind of person to lead our country, I want to be this kind of man each day as I serve the Lord here in Charlotte.

(P) Prayer
Lord help me to be a Godly man and leader of this church. Grant that we might elect leaders with these qualities. Amen

Life Journal 11-04-2012

Discipline

(S) Scripture

Job 27:2-6 (NASB77) "As God lives, who has taken away my right, And the Almighty, who has embittered my soul,
For as long as life is in me, And the breath of God is in my nostrils,
My lips certainly will not speak unjustly, Nor will my tongue mutter deceit.
"Far be it from me that I should declare you right; Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me.
"I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go. My heart does not reproach any of my days.

(O) Observation

As Job responds to his friends he reveals his faith and character. He will maintain his integrity and will hold fast to acting righteously. What a testimony. His has lost nearly everything and his friends are accusing his of all kinds of wrong and yet Job holds on to what he knows is right and just and Godly.

(A) Application

God disciplines us because He loves us and wants the best for us. Sometimes he uses our brothers and sisters to correct us. Sometimes he uses us to correct others. The trouble is that our tendency is to protect and defend ourselves in times of discipline, trouble and stress. We blame God for our circumstances. We ask God why he did this or that to us? At best we ask why he allowed something that he could have prevented. We fail to look for the big picture, what God is doing in us to prepare us for other things. Job's wife had encouraged him to "curse God and die." But Job held on to the truth of his faith. I want to do the same. In the face of accusation or even when I think that God has "embittered my soul," I want to hold to the truth of my faith and walk with Jesus.

It is not always easy but it is the only path to take if I want to continue to grow as a Christian. What do you do when a friend needs to be corrected and you risk being misunderstood but you integrity compels you to talk with the person. How do you approach a brother or sister with their sin? How do I receive the correction from others. I want to be as confident in my walk with the Lord as Job was in his. I want this passage to represent my life.

(P) Prayer

Lord, when I am being corrected let me listen and respond with truth and grace. When I must correct another let it be with redemptive words filled with grace. Let me never compromise your word in my life. I want to live for you. Amen

Life Journal 11-01-2012

Positions of Power

(S) Scripture
Mark 10:35-41 (NASB77)
³⁵  And James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, * came up to Him, saying to Him, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You."
³⁶  And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?"
³⁷  And they said to Him, "Grant that we may sit in Your glory, one on Your right, and one on Your left."
³⁸  But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking for. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?"
³⁹  And they said to Him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized.
⁴⁰  "But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared."
⁴¹  And hearing this, the ten began to feel indignant with James and John.

(O) Observation
I am not sure of their motives but it seems that James and John wanted positions they thought would give them preference and power. Jesus questions them and then rebukes them by saying those places are not for him to give. Since the other disciples became indignant with them it is fairly obvious this was about power and not service.

(A) Application
Next week we will elect a president here in the USA. Have you ever wondered why someone would spend nearly $1,000,000,000 (a billion dollars) to get a job that pays $400,000? Or why would someone contribute large sums of money to a political campaign? I think it is for the same reason James and John wanted to have the seats next to Jesus; positions of power and privilege. Jesus reminds them that the call is to service and not to power and prestige. Sometimes it is easy for me to see my position as one of power and prestige (after all people come every week to hear me preach J). Left unchecked that can become a real ego inflator that can cause me to slide into thinking people should serve me. Power does crazy things to us and it need to be kept in check. Often people give us power we do not deserve and should not have. Today I want to be known for serving and not for self seeking positions of power. If Jesus came to seek and to serve I can do no less or different.

(P) Prayer
Lord, You know how easy it is for me to be attracted by power and prestige for the wrong reasons. Make Yourself so real to me that I become keenly aware of these pitfalls. You have called me to a life of service and that is how I want to live. Grant me the strength and courage to live out that calling. In Jesus Name, Amen

Life Journal 10-31-2012

Halloween

(S) Scripture
Mark 7:26-30 (NASB77)
²⁶  Now the woman was a Gentile, of the Syrophoenician race. And she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter.
²⁷  And He was saying to her, "Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."
²⁸  But she answered and * said to Him, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children's crumbs."
²⁹  And He said to her, "Because of this answer go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter."
³⁰  And going back to her home, she found the child lying on the bed, the demon having departed.    

(O) Observation
As I read this passage I see Jesus demonstrating three key elements of his life and ministry.
    1. His message and power was not exclusively for the Jews
    2. He was not afraid or anxious in the face of evil
    3. He could heal or command evil to flee from a distance.
It is a strange conversation and yet Jesus responds to the faith of the woman regardless of her race or gender. He heard her cry, saw her faith and answered her need.

(A) Application
I will admit that my thoughts today are somewhat tangent to the passage but here they are. In this passage Jesus deals with a parents cry for help in the face of a demon. Jesus is not afraid and neither should we be afraid. Today is Halloween. For years I have had Christians ask whether or not they should allow their children to celebrate or participate in Halloween. There is a fear that by participating they are somehow endorsing the "Devil's night." I know it is called the "Devil's night" but I don't think that we as Children of God should let him have it. I really do not think that God has said to the evil one, "OK, you can have that night, it's yours and I will not interfere." My theology just won't let me go there.

Certainly there are people who abuse this night as an excuse for evil and destructive behavior. There certainly are places and areas that are unsafe that we should avoid. Proverbs gives us this instruction:
⁵  Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 (NASB77) Note that it does not say that we should not use our understanding, it just takes a back seat to trusting God. So I will not get all worked up about Trick or Treat or teach that this is the "Devil's night." I will have some fun with the kids that come in costumes to the church tonight, play some games and yes get some candy. The God I serve is bigger than my fears and certainly does not give even one night to the evil one.

(P) Prayer
Lord, teach me to trust you more and not to take the counsel of my fears. Let me enjoy your presence every day and never to settle for giving one day away. Amen

Life Journal 10-30-2012

Calm Seas

(S) Scripture
Mark 6:50-51
⁵⁰ because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." ⁵¹ Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed,

(O) Observation
The disciples were working on their own straining at the oars when Jesus was not with them. Seeing their struggle from the shore Jesus goes to join them. When they see him walking on the water they are terrified. He immediately calls out to them with a word of comfort and encouragement, "It is I, do not be afraid." When he enters the boat the sea an wind go calm. Apart from his presence the disciples were afraid and straining. Jesus' presence changed everything.

(A) Application
Yesterday we saw the rescue of the crew from the USS Bounty. The rough seas from Hurricane Sandy had taken the boat and the crew was rescued from their life raft. The Coast Guard swimmer who rescued them said when he first got to the raft he calm the crew with words that said he was there to rescue them. The crew was calmed by his presence. I am not in the Atlantic but have some storms that come my way. When I try to handle them on my own I strain and strain and make little progress. It is the Savior's presence that makes a difference. Rather than being anxious or afraid I need to trust in God's presence. Like the crew of the Bounty I can take heart in the presence of the one who comes to save me. The major difference is that the Coast Guard swimmer had no power to calm the sea but the God I serve can calm any storm. Today I choose to trust His presence and power.

(P) Prayer
Lord, Teach me to recognize your presence and to not be afraid but rather to trust in your power to calm the storm and take me safely to the shore. I need your presence and power. Amen

Life Journal 10-29-2012

Have You Lost Your Mind?

(S) Scripture
Mark 3:20-21 (NASB77)
²⁰  And He * came home, and the multitude * gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal.
²¹  And when His own people heard of
this, they went out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, "He has lost His senses."

(O) Observation
Jesus returns home after a time of teaching, casting out demons and healing crowds of people. He has also called the twelve to follow and he is preparing them to be sent out to preach. The crowds follow him home and press in on him to the point he cannot even eat a meal. When his family see and hear all this they don't understand and think he has lost his mind so they come to take him away. His family did not understand God's call in his life.

(A) Application
Often it seems that when people do follow God's call in their lives people think they have lost their minds. The challenge is to follow Jesus even though some might not understand. In 1970 when I joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ many thought I had lost my mind. As a college graduate I was moving to Oxford, Mississippi, going to make $250/month and have to raise that myself from people that would support my ministry. Some said I could have made that much without a college degree. It was God's call and I am compelled to follow. Again when we left WV to move to Michigan where it is cold and we did not know anyone, people thought we were a little crazy. But following God's call wherever it leads is not crazy. It might be tough but it is satisfying to your soul. I thank God today for the strength He gives to follow even when some think you have lost your mind. So if following Jesus' call in my life means that I have lost my mind, then call me crazy.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness, strength, support and presence as we follow your call. I do not want to be anywhere but where you have called me to be. Amen

Life Journal 10-28-2012

The Sabbath

(S) Scripture
Mark 2:27 (NASB77)
²⁷  And He was saying to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.

(O) Observation
When challenged for his disciples picking grain on the Sabbath Jesus teaches the truth about it. The day of Rest was made for man's good not for God's.

(A) Application
The Sabbath is the subject of some controversy. Let me say that the Sabbath has always been the seventh day, Saturday. We celebrate the resurrection by gathering for worship on Sundays but that is not the Old Testament Sabbath. Does that mean the Sabbath is no longer valid. NO WAY!! That is what Jesus is teaching. The Sabbath, a day of rest and reflection dedicated to deepening our walk with God, was made for us. This day of rest is for our good and needs to be observed. I remember a professor saying, "If you are doing more than you can get done in six days you are doing more than God intended you to do." It is easy for me to let my life get crowded with stuff and this day gets neglected. As a pastor it is easy to let "church work" consume the week and my life to the point that I neglect a personal Sabbath. I can give all kinds of excuses and explanations but truth is I just let things crowd the week. I am thankful for the reminder that if Jesus need a Sabbath I certainly need one. Today I want to do better at investing a day each week in rest, reflection and deepening my walk with the Lord.

(P) Prayer
Lord, help me not to neglect my Sabbath. Help me to keep that time for you. Thank you for the reminder today. Amen

Life Journal

Our Culture and Our Task

(S) Scripture
Acts 25:19 (NASB77)
¹⁹  but they simply had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a certain dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive.

(O) Observation
Paul is accused of wrongdoing for simply disagreeing with what some believe and for claiming that Jesus is alive. Sounds a great deal like our culture where as Christians we are constantly accused of being intolerant and somewhat unenlightened to believe that Jesus was resurrected and is alive today.

(A) Application
It is a good reminder that the culture does not share my beliefs and often think I am intolerant. If because I believe Jesus is alive and therefore makes certain demands on our lives makes me intolerant then so be it. Truth is the argument is not with me but with Jesus and what He said and claimed. Since He claimed to be God and to be the only way to have a right relationship with God, I guess we are exclusive. I cannot be arrogant or mean spirited in my faith and I can neither deny what Jesus said. Because people do not want to believe cannot silence me and my belief in the resurrection of Jesus.

(P) Prayer
Father, make me aware if I ever become arrogant or mean spirited in my walk with you. Help me to faithfully share with others the truth about Jesus and his resurrection. Give me courage to not be afraid to speak the truth with love and grace. Thank you for your power and presence. Amen

Life Journal 10-24-2012

Futility

(S) Scripture
Acts 19:13-15 (NASB77)
¹³  But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches."
¹⁴  And seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
¹⁵  And the evil spirit answered and said to them, "I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"

(O) Observation
Because of the miraculous healing that was being done at the hand of Paul in the name of Jesus some others wanted to cash in. They were trying to imitate God's work without God's power. That to me is futility.

(A) Application
It is futile for me to attempt to do God's work without His power, too. As a pastor it is easy to let my personal walk with the Lord slip some because of all the other study and preparation I do in order to preach and teach. But if my personal discipleship is slipping then I am not preaching and teaching with God's power, I am only performing. Regardless of how polished the performance it is futile to do so apart from being empowered by the Holy Spirit. That power is a result of my personal walk with God that must be nurtured each day. That is one reason this life journal is so important. I cannot faithfully follow the Lord if I do not know His Word.

(P) Prayer
Father, I thank you for the reminder of how important my personal walk with you is. I want my life to make a difference and I want to make that difference for you and in your power. Keep me focused on You and use me today. Amen

Life Journal 10-23-2012

How Will I Be Known

(S) Scripture
Acts 17:6-7 (NASB77)
⁶  And when they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have upset the world have come here also;
⁷  and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus."
Acts 18:24 (NASB77)
²⁴  Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures.

(O) Observation
Here we have three men, Paul, Silas and Apollos. They were known as "men who have upset the world." The KJV says "turned the world upside down." My thought is that they turned the world right side up. They were also known as being "mighty in the Scriptures." Their impact on the places where they preached and taught came from a boldness that was fueled by the Holy Spirit and a knowledge of the Scriptures. They were unafraid of their surroundings even if it meant opposition, arrest or imprisonment.

(A) Application
Today I ask myself, "How will I be known?" Will I be known as being mighty in Scripture and setting the world around me right side up? Will I settle for less than full commitment to Jesus and His call in my life? These are sobering questions. In order to have an impact on my community I must develop these same kind of commitments and traits. I must read and study the scriptures and I must seek a boldness that comes through walking by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. Today I commit myself to those pursuits.

(P) Prayer
Lord, grant me the strength and courage to be the person you have created me to be. Make yourself so real to me that I am unafraid of the world around me. Father, my desire is to be known as a man mighty in scripture and making a difference in my community for the kingdom. Today I also pray for my pastor friend, Mark Woodbury, and ask that you heal him from the cancer he has been diagnosed with. I pray for Mark and the church he serves. Give them strength and let them experience your presence and peace today. Amen

Life Journal 10-22-2012

Gracekillers

(S) Scripture
Acts 15:1-2 (NASB77)
¹ And some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."
²  And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.

(O) Observation
As Paul continued to preach salvation by faith alone in Jesus to the Gentiles. Some Jews came and began to teach that the Gentiles must be circumcised in order to be Christians. Paul and Barnabas took exception to this teaching and it was then taken to the Jerusalem Council for resolution. Paul and Barnabas would not let the gracekillers have their way with the new converts.

(A) Application
In his book, "The Grace Awakening" Chuck Swindoll describes people who add unbiblical demands to following Jesus as "Gracekillers." Anytime we add some work or action to faith it really does kill grace. I often wonder if I put unbiblical demands on people making following Jesus more difficult for them. In our churches do we demand a certain kind of dress or hair length or language? I try to be aware each day of what may be gracekillers in my life or from me into the lives of others. It is sobering to take a look at what I think and what demands I put others for following Jesus. Today I commit again to identifying and laying aside the gracekillers I find in my life. I have been set free to follow Jesus and to do his will and I should never submit to legalism again.

(P) Prayer
Lord, make me keenly aware for the gracekillers I experience in my life and especially of the ones I direct at others. Let me learn and teach following you by grace through faith. Amen

Life Journal 10-19-2012

My Heart's Desire

(S) Scripture
Acts 11:24
²⁴ He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

(O) Observation
Barnabas was sent to Antioch to encourage the new believers there. In addition to being recognized as a Godly man he also led many people to the Lord. It is here that believers were first called Christians.

(A) Application
I am challenged by this passage. Barnabas was the encourager and it came from his commitment to the Lord and to the people he met each day. It is my desire to be the same kind of person. I want to lead many to Jesus and when I leave Charlotte I want to be known as a Godly man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.

(P) Prayer
Lord, you know my heart and my deepest desire to be used by you to make a difference in the lives of people I meet for the kingdom. Help me to keep my focus on you and not be distracted from your call in my life. Amen

Life Journal 10-18-2012

My Confidence and Hope

(S) Scripture
Job 4:6 (NASB77)
⁶  "Is not your fear of God your confidence, And the integrity of your ways your hope?    

(O) Observation
Job has just given a long lament wishing that he had never been born. His friend, Eliphaz comes and reminds him of some of the things he has done. He then asks Job this question, "Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?" It is a reminder to Job that his confidence and hope are not in material things but rather in the spiritual realm.

(A) Application
It is good to be reminded of where my real strength comes from. Real strength comes from my relationship with God and all else is counterfeit. My reverence and awe of God reminds me that He is in control of all things and can do whatever He chooses. My responsibility is to trust and follow not lead. My confidence comes in knowing that the God of the universe is directing and leading and as I follow him with integrity I have hope. Hope is that sure, unshakable assurance that God is in control and I can trust Him. Given the hectic nature of this week and the pressures that come I am thankful for the gentle reminder of where my focus and trust need to be.

(P) Prayer
Father, you are the Holy One of heaven. You can do whatever you choose because of who you are. I stand in awe of you and kneel in reverence. Let me experience a confidence that comes from you as I walk by faith following you. Amen   

Life Journal 10-17-2012

With Wisdom and the Holy Spirit

(S) Scripture
Acts 6:10 (NASB77)
¹⁰  And yet they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.

(O) Observation
Stephen begins to preach and some leaders of a synagogue want to argue with him. Stephen spoke with wisdom and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Because they could not win the argument they brought false witnesses against him and he was arrested.

(A) Application
In the face of opposition or criticism I must be sure that I am speaking with wisdom and in the power of the Holy Spirit. That requires preparation and a moment to moment commitment to following Jesus. The scripture addresses the use of the tongue in many places. It is important that when I speak it be with the wisdom and power of God's Spirit. Too often I want to jump in with a quick pithy comment that most often does not move the conversation forward. Rather a wise and timely word, empowered by the Holy Spirit, would help to move things along. The end may not be what I want, I am sure that Stephen was not hoping to be arrested and yet in it all God was glorified. I want the outcome of my conversations to bring the same result, that God is glorified.

(P) Prayer
Lord teach me when to speak and when to remain silent. Let me speak with wisdom in the power of the Holy Spirit. Let my conversations bring glory to you. Amen

Life Journal 10-16-2012

Making an Eternal Difference

(S) Scripture
Acts 5:38-39 (NASB77)
³⁸  "And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action should be of men, it will be overthrown;
³⁹  but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God."

(O) Observation
The disciples have been arrested again for preaching the gospel of Jesus. The religious leaders want to quiet them by force but Gamaliel advised them to stay away from this. The counsel he gave is in the scripture I chose for the day. "If this plan or action should be of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God." The disciples after being flogged continued to teach and preach. The flogging was considered a sign to rejoice because it meant they were worthy to suffer for Jesus.

(A) Application
In our culture we very rarely consider suffering or punishment a reason to rejoice. Most often my suffering comes from my own selfishness and sin and that should not be confused with the suffering the disciples endured with joy. But what caught my attention today was Gamaliel's advice. "If this plan or action should be of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God." As I look at all that I do in my life I must ask, "Is this from God and will it stand?" If I want to make an eternal difference in the lives of the people I meet then I must be about that which is from God and not just a great program someone has devised. In no way do I ever want to be fighting against God. I am afraid that sometimes we come dangerously close when we use slick "Wall Street" advertizing or allow pop culture to shape how I do ministry. Today I again make a commitment to do my best to be doing what God is blessing and not just asking God to bless what I am doing.

(P) Prayer
Lord my desire is to keep my focus on you and to do what you would have me to do. Amen

Life Journal 10-15-2012

Being Bold in the Face of Opposition

(S) Scripture
Acts 4:29 (NASB77)
²⁹  "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Thy bond-servants may speak Thy word with all confidence,

(O) Observation
The religious authorities have arrested Peter and John. The authorities cannot find them guilty of a crime so they release Peter and John but commanded them to stop preaching Jesus to the people. The disciples ask for confidence and boldness to speak God's Word in the face of opposition by those in authority. It seems that the religious authorities did not want any preaching of Jesus in the public square.

(A) Application
It seems that there are those in our country that are bent in removing any talk of Jesus and faith in Him from the public discourse. There are threats of lawsuits and boycotts that have been called for. Just a couple of years ago a group entered a church to disrupt the worship service because they didn't like the church's stance on their particular issue. We hear a great deal about the separation of church and state, a concept that I support. I do not think the church or state should have control over the other. When it has happened in history it has corrupted both the church and state. This separation does not mean the separation of faith and state. In the face of this kind of opposition it is important for me to continue to trust God for strength and protection and to preach with boldness and confidence. Those both come only as a result of walking by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. Today I ask like Peter and John to speak God's Word with confidence.

(P) Prayer
Father, let me know your strength, protection and power in the face of all opposition so that I might preach your word with boldness and confidence. Amen

 

Life Journal 10-12-2012

My Task As A Pastor

(S) Scripture
Nehemiah 8:8 (NASB77)
⁸  And they read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.

(O) Observation
Ezra has called all the people together for the reading of the Word. It is interesting that in verse 2 this call went out to men, women and "all who could listen with understanding." This reading captivated the people and one great task for Ezra and the men at his side was to translate the Word in order for understanding to happen.

(A) Application
I remember one of professor in a "ministry formations" class say that part of our call was to translate the gospel into the language people can understand. That is an incredible responsibility to have and the New Testament says that teachers will incur a greater judgment. I am also sure that it is the responsibility of every Christian to square everything they hear with scripture themselves but still the responsibility to translate the Word so that the people can understand is sobering. I take this responsibility seriously and today recommit myself to the study and preparation necessary for good, honest, God honoring explanations of the Word.

(P) Prayer
Lord the task is great and I need your help and guidance as I prepare and deliver the messages each week. Let me be so full of You that the translation is consistent and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Amen

Life Journal 10-11-2012

The Lord's Supper Is More Than We Think

(S) Scripture
Luke 24:35 (NASB77)
³⁵  And they began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

(O) Observation
The men Jesus met on the road to Emmaus had no clue it was Jesus they were talking to. Their conversation was rich. I sure would like to have a recording of Jesus teaching about Himself from all the Old Testament. Even with all this they did not recognize Jesus until he broke bread with them.

(A) Application
I have often said that some churches and people make too much of the Lord's Supper or communion when it is the focus of their worship every week. But it also needs to be noted that too often some of us make too little of the Lord's Supper when it is just tacked on at the end of a worship service once a month or whenever we feel like it. The scripture says that "as often as you do this…" so that leaves the when up to the local congregation. I am not arguing for or against when we choose to celebrate the Lord's Supper but I am saying that for me as a Baptist it is more than just something we do out of rote. As the bread is broken and the cup is shared we should be recognizing Jesus and all that He has done for us. It is not just a cracker and juice but rather a memorial that points us to again recognize and remember Jesus. I never want the Lord's Supper to become routine. We will continue to celebrate it on the first Sunday of the month but as a pastor I never want to take it for granted or to lose it meaning in its repetition. My desire is for all to recognize Jesus as we share the Lord's Supper together.

(P) Prayer
Lord, help me to see you in new and meaningful ways each time I share in the Lord's Supper. Help me to never take you for granted or to minimize your sacrifice on my behalf. Help me to help others to see you clearly. Amen

Life Journal 10-10-2012

Making the Tough Decision

(S) Scripture
Luke 23:13-24 (NASB77)
¹³  And Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
¹⁴  and said to them, "You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him.
¹⁵  "No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him.
¹⁶  "I will therefore punish Him and release Him."
¹⁷  [Now he was obliged to release to them at the feast one prisoner.]
¹⁸  But they cried out all together, saying, "Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!"
¹⁹  (He was one who had been thrown into prison for a certain insurrection made in the city, and for murder.)
²⁰  And Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again,
²¹  but they kept on calling out, saying, "Crucify, crucify Him!"
²²  And he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; I will therefore punish Him and release Him."
²³  But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail.
²⁴  And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand should be granted.

(O) Observation
In the face of opposition from the people Pilate caved in and released Barabbas, a guilty man, and gave Jesus (who he and Herod had declared innocent) over to the Jews to be crucified. Pilate was more interested in keeping the people happy than in doing what was unpopular but right.

(A) Application
Sometimes I am called on to make a tough and unpopular decision. To be faithful and obedient to my call I must do what is right regardless of the circumstances. Like most people I want to be liked but sometimes I must make a decision that some will not like. It is much more important to please God than to please man. Today I again affirm my commitment to do the right thing regardless of the consequences to me rather than the expedient thing that might make me popular for a while.

(P) Prayer
Lord Jesus, in every decision I make I want to do what is right and pleasing to you. Grant me the discernment I need to know what is right and give me strength to resist the expedient. Amen.

Life Journal 10-09-2012

Hungering for the Presence of God

(S) Scripture
Luke 22:61-62 (NASB77)
⁶¹  And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, "Before a cock crows today, you will deny Me three times."
⁶²  And he went out and wept bitterly.    

(O) Observation
When Peter was made conscious of his sin by both a sound and then the Look of Jesus he wept and repented.

(A) Application
In the last couple of weeks I have been confronted with my failure to nurture my personal relationship with the Lord. In his book, "The Irresistible Church," Wayne Corderio says the first trait is that of a "hunger for God's presence." This past Friday I spent the day with Dr. Anthony Headley a professor at Asbury Seminary. Two of his books have impacted my life, "Achieving Balance in Ministry" and "Reframing Your Ministry." In both he emphasizes the need for the pastor to never neglect their personal devotional life. The trap is to study for messages for the church but to neglect that personal time with the Lord. It was some years ago that I began using the "Life Journal" as a means to foster and order my devotional life because the emphasis is on "How will I be different today because of what I have just read?" I had gotten away from that discipline and it shows at least to me. It was the voice of these two men that got my attention and then isn't it ironic that the reading this morning was about Nehemiah first confessing his sin and then about Peter's denial and repentance. Today I begin again hungering for the presence of God and seeking Him in His Word.

(P) Prayer

Lord you know me and my heart. Forgive me for neglecting my time with you alone. I know that apart from your presence I can do nothing of significance in your kingdom. It is my prayer that you use me to make a difference in people's lives so that they too might experience your presence. Let that hungering be infectious in our church. Amen

Thinking About Mom

Mother's Day is a great and fun day for our church. As I prepare the message I think about my mom. I smile when I think about the first handmade card I made for my mom on Mother's day. I must have been in first grade, it was a heart drawn on construction paper that said, "I love you." It was addressed to Mother and Bob. Bob was my dad and yes they were married. My dad and my mom still is a great inspiration in my life. They lived and modeled living life to the full. They modeled faithful commitment to the Lord and for that I am so thankful. Their lives were rooted in God's Word and that continues to be an inspiration to me. Every Mother's and Father's day message I have ever delivered has that foundation as a background. This week is the same. As I prepare I am reminded of what I was taught as their son.

It is Wednesday and tomorrow I will be travelling to see my mom. She has been a widow for 28 years and still lives in the house she shared with my dad and that my sister and I grew up in. She is not as steady on her feet as she once was (she did handsprings on her fortieth birthday just to prove she could) but her commitment to the Lord is as steady as ever. She continues to inspire and challenge my personal walk with the Lord. Nearly each week as we talk she asks if Sunday's message is prepared and she reminds me that people come to hear a word from God and not me, so I had better be sure about the source of the message. She still keeps my feet to the fire. I look forward to seeing her tomorrow.

Becky and I will also be visiting her mom and dad. They, too, live lives of faith and encourage us to be all we can be in the Lord.

I am fortunate to have these two mothers in my life. I am richer for their presence.

These are some quick thoughts of mine. I hope you will take time to remember and be thankful for your mother. If she is still living, don't miss the opportunity to see her and tell her you love her.

Let me ask you to share your thoughts in the comments.

 

Life Journal 01-04-2012

Rainbow Promises

(S) Scripture

Genesis 9:16 (NIV)
Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.

(O) Observation

The rainbow is a sign of an everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures. The language used might lead one to think that God might forget, but that is not in His nature. My guess is that He used that language to remind us of His faithfulness to His promises.

(A) Application

The memory is quite vivid. I was travelling a two lane road in the mountains of West Virginia on a rainy day and was following a coal truck. Bethany was with me and I suppose I was complaining out loud about being behind a coal truck and the weather when she looks at me and says, "Daddy, why don't we look for a rainbow?" I was immediately put in my place and repented. Together we looked for that rainbow and my attitude changed. Today I am preparing for the funeral of a friend. Tina Droscha was a godly and faithful woman. She lost a 14 year battle with cancer this week but in that loss she gained Heaven. As I talk with her family and friends I am reminded to look for the rainbow. The everlasting promise is found in Jesus. I thank God for the knowledge that death is not the end but only the beginning for the person of faith.
A friend of mine from southern Chile says that they can see a full circle rainbow at times. How cool would that be? The never ending circle of the everlasting promise of God. Bethany had it right, it's time to look for rainbows.

(P) Prayer

Lord keep reminding me of your everlasting promises and when I forget help me to remember to look for a rainbow. Amen

Life Journal 01-01-2012

The Beginning

(S) Scripture

Luke 1:77 - to give his people the knowledge of salvation 
   through the forgiveness of their sins, 

(O) Observation

John the Baptist's ministry from the beginning was to prepare the way for Jesus and the way that was to be done was to – "to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,". New beginnings come from a knowledge of being right with God and experiencing forgiveness.

(A) Application

As I begin this new year and continue to follow God's call in my life, I too must be about helping people discover that right relationship with God that would offer forgiveness.

(P) Prayer

Lord as I begin a new year give me the strength, courage and boldness to live out Your call n my life. Let me be faithful in my walk with you so that I might show others the way. Amen