Crouch's Corner

Life Journal 01-04-2012

2012-01-04T16:26:00.001-05:00

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

2012-01-01T09:46:00.001-05:00

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

Life Journal 09-14-2011

2011-09-14T09:20:00.001-04:00

New Life in the Old Testament

(S) Scripture
Ezekiel 36:25-28 (NASB77)
²⁵"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.
²⁶"Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
²⁷"And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.
²⁸"And you will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.

(O) Observation
A right relationship with God has always been a result of His work and not ours. Here God, through Ezekiel, says that He will cleanse and give us a new heart and put His Spirit in us. Again it is His work of grace that allows us to walk with Him.

(A) Application
I am again reminded that my best efforts cannot merit or gain God's favor. At my best I do not deserve cleansing or the forgiveness of sins. At my best I am still a dirty sinner in need of the work of God in my life. On this side of the life and death of His Son, Jesus, that work comes by faith in Jesus. I am so thankful that my relationship with God is not dependent on my ability to please God or earn His favor. I am saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. Praise God. It is God that redeemed me. I walk clean because of His work in me. I am forgiven because of His work in Christ. I thank God for this reminder today.

(P) Prayer
Father, I thank you for sending your Son to do for me what I could not do for myself. I thank you for His sacrifice for my sins. I thank you for saving me and allowing me to now live for you. Use me today to make a difference in someone's life for the sake of your kingdom. Amen

Life Journal 09-07-11

2011-09-07T17:51:00.001-04:00

Being a Faithful Voice

(S) Scripture
2 Chronicles 36:15-17 (NIV)
¹⁵The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place.
¹⁶But they mocked God's messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.
¹⁷He brought up against them the king of the Babylonians, who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and spared neither young man nor young woman, old man or aged. God handed all of them over to Nebuchadnezzar.

(O) Observation
Over and over God sent the prophets with a message for the people. Again and again he pleaded with them to be faithful to Him and warned them of the consequences. Regardless of the message the people and their kings did what was evil in the sight of God and judgment was coming. It is interesting that God worked and moved through an unrighteous king to accomplish his judgment. Sometimes God uses the ungodly to bring about his purposes.

(A) Application
I am struck by two things in this passage:
1. That God would use the unrighteous to accomplish his purpose. So often I simply write off the actions of the unrighteous to evil and yet here God used these kinds of actions to bring about His purpose. I need to be more discerning in my judgments in the future to see if God is at work even if it is in bringing judgment to his people.
2. That God continued to send messenger after messenger to the people even though they did not listen. The messengers continued as the faithful voice of God even when they were not listening.
As we are coming up on the 10^th anniversary of 9/11 I recall how millions of people flocked to churches in the aftermath of the attacks. Now it seems that we again moved away from that. As a pastor I am called to be that faithful voice regardless of the response of the people.

(P) Prayer
Lord, grant me the courage, strength, and resolve to faithfully declare your word. Help me to make my words reflect your words and my ways to reflect your ways. Help me to make a difference in the lives of those around me for you, Amen

Life Journal 09-06-2011

2011-09-06T10:12:00.001-04:00

When God Speaks

(S) Scripture
Ezekiel 30:20 (NASB77)
And it came about in the eleventh year, in the first month, on the seventh of the month, that the word of the LORD came to me saying,

(O) Observation
Over and over in the reading for today we find statements like the one I chose. Ezekiel marked the day and year when God spoke and gave him a message to deliver to the people. Sometimes Ezekiel just declares that "The word of the Lord came to me…" but here the prophet gives the year, month and day.

(A) Application
As I read the passage today I was struck with how many times Ezekiel marked the year, month, and day that God had spoken to him. Was it for Ezekiel or the people that the event was marked that way? I am always suspicious when people say, "God told me to…" I am even more suspicious when people say, "God told me to tell you to…" There have been times in my life though when it seemed that God had spoken out loud. Now I didn't hear any audible voices but God was clear in His message to me. It might be helpful in the future to mark those days. There is power that comes from looking back and with confidence knowing that God has worked in your life. When it is marked it simply makes it easier to reference. I want to mark those times in my life so that as I speak of God's work in our lives I can do so with confidence and power.

(P) Prayer
Father, I thank you for working in my life. I thank you for directing my life and allowing me to be called your child. Help me to mark with certainty your works in my life so that I might declare your word with confidence and power. Amen

Life Journal 01-06-11

2011-01-06T10:12:00.001-05:00

Feet to the Fire

(S) Scripture
Luke 6:40 (NIV)
⁴⁰A 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

2011-01-05T09:09:00.001-05:00

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

Life Journal 09-29-10

2010-09-29T10:52:00.001-04:00

Greed

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

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

(O) Observation

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

(A) Application

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

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

(P) Prayer

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

Routines

2010-09-28T15:41:00.001-04:00

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

What are your thoughts?

Life Journal 04-27-2010

2010-04-27T12:10:00.002-04:00

A Life Well Lived

(S) Scripture

Psalm 142:7

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

(O) Observation

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

(A) Application

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

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

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

(P) Prayer

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

Life Journal 04-26-2010

2010-04-26T09:55:00.002-04:00

The Prayer Before I Preach
(S) Scripture

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

(O) Observation

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

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

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

(P) Prayer

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

Life Journal 03-18-2010

2010-03-18T09:06:00.001-04:00

I Am God's Temple

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 03-16-2010

2010-03-16T10:12:00.001-04:00

Living the Christian Life Is Not That Complicated

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

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 03-15-2010

2010-03-15T11:36:00.001-04:00

Rescuing a Child

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

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 02-07-2010

2010-03-07T08:01:00.001-05:00

Remember

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 03-04-2010

2010-03-04T09:08:00.001-05:00

If Jesus Came to Our Church

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 03-03-2010

2010-03-03T10:12:00.001-05:00

Following Jesus Completely Is Always A Choice

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 03-02-2010

2010-03-02T09:11:00.001-05:00

From Jamaica Back to Reality

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 02-16-2010

2010-02-16T10:42:00.001-05:00

The Tithe

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 02-15-2010

2010-02-15T11:03:00.001-05:00

Truth, Arrogance, Ignorance or God's Grace?

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 02-11-2010

2010-02-11T08:54:00.001-05:00

More to Learn

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 02-03-2010

2010-02-03T17:19:00.001-05:00

Clean?

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 02-02-2010

2010-02-02T11:12:00.001-05:00

To Know The Lord Better

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-31-2010

2010-01-31T08:04:00.001-05:00

Sometimes People Don't Want to Hear

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-28-2010

2010-01-28T09:02:00.001-05:00

Powerful Speech

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-27-2010

2010-01-27T10:26:00.001-05:00

Healthy Fear

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-26-2010

2010-01-26T09:02:00.001-05:00

Jumping To Worst Case Scenario

(S) Scripture
Exodus 14:10-12 (NIV)
¹⁰As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD.
¹¹They 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?
¹²Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-25-2010

2010-01-25T11:37:00.001-05:00

It Has Always Been Exclusive

(S) Scripture
Exodus 12:43-50 (NIV)
⁴³The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "These are the regulations for the Passover: "No foreigner is to eat of it.
⁴⁴Any slave you have bought may eat of it after you have circumcised him,
⁴⁵but 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.
⁴⁷The 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.
⁴⁹The same law applies to the native-born and to the alien living among you."
⁵⁰All the Israelites did just what the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron.

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-24-2010

2010-01-24T08:12:00.001-05:00

Looking in Wrong Places

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-22-2010

2010-01-22T10:58:00.001-05:00

Holy Ground

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-20-2010

2010-01-20T09:25:00.001-05:00

Humility vs. Arrogance

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-19-2010

2010-01-19T19:28:00.001-05:00

Amazing Words

(S) Scripture
Luke 19:47-48 (NIV)
⁴⁷Every 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.
⁴⁸Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-18-2010

2010-01-18T11:04:00.001-05:00

Spiritual Pride

(S) Scripture
Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)
⁹To 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.
¹¹The 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.
¹²I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
¹³"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
¹⁴"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-17-2010

2010-01-17T09:57:00.001-05:00

My Quiet Time

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-16-2010

2010-01-16T10:51:00.001-05:00

Self Justification

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-14-2010

2010-01-14T09:02:00.001-05:00

Memorials

(S) Scripture
Genesis 35:14-15 (NASB77)
¹⁴And 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.
¹⁵So Jacob named the place where God had spoken with him, Bethel.

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-13-2010

2010-01-13T09:09:00.001-05:00

The Fear of Isaac

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

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-12-2010

2010-01-12T09:37:00.001-05:00

A Great Gift

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-07-2010

2010-01-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

The Peril of Self Righteousness

(S) Scripture
Luke 7:40-43 (NIV)
⁴⁰Jesus 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.
⁴²Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
⁴³Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

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

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-05-2010

2010-01-06T10:11:00.002-05:00

The Right People

(S) Scripture
Luke 5:10-11 (NIV)
¹⁰and 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."
¹¹So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Luke 5:27-28 (NIV)
²⁷After 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,
²⁸and 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

2010-01-06T10:01:00.002-05:00

Foundations

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-04-2010

2010-01-04T08:47:00.001-05:00

One Voice

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-03-2010

2010-01-03T17:27:00.001-05:00

Radical Obedience

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-02-2010

2010-01-02T08:58:00.001-05:00

A Baby Dedication

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

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

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

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

Life Journal 01-01-2010

2010-01-01T08:11:00.004-05:00

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

Life Journal 12-23-2009

2009-12-23T09:02:00.001-05:00

The Holy Spirit's Presence

(S) Scripture
John 16:7 (NIV)
⁷But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

(O) Observation
Jesus is telling his disciples about his death and also about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will come to them as their Counselor. The Holy Spirit will guide, teach, convict and comfort them. He will also testify concerning Jesus. The Holy Spirit will be their Helper so that they might live lives that bring glory to God and honor Jesus. Jesus says it is for their good that this will happen.

(A) Application
Most of us at sometime have thought that it would have been much easier to follow Jesus if we had him physically present with us. If we lived when he was breathing on this earth we would be better followers or better Christians. But look at what Jesus said to the disciples in verse 7 - It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. Jesus says we are better off spiritually with the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives than by being in his presence. Now that is something to think about. The Holy Spirit who lives in me is the same Holy Spirit that Jesus said would come to the disciples. I have the same Spirit they had. Jesus loves and provides for me the same way he did for his disciples. Now that brings great comfort and strength to my life. During the week when we celebrate Jesus' birth I am reminded of why he was born and how I am to live for him. I am to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is hard to imagine but I am better off with the Holy Spirit. Jesus could only touch so many lives physically but the Holy Spirit lives in every believer. WOW

(P) Prayer
Lord let me walk by faith in the power of your Holy Spirit today. Let me experience His presence in my life and help me make a difference for you today. Amen

Life Journal 12-16-2009

2009-12-16T09:30:00.001-05:00

Live Where?

(S) Scripture
1 Peter 2:12 (NIV)
¹²Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

(O) Observation
Peter is writing to believers that have been dispersed throughout that part of the world. Because of persecution and other factors these believers have been scattered. Peter gives them instructions on how to live and then gives the directive found in verse 12. Live in such a way that even those who oppose you will see your deeds and glorify God.

(A) Application
I am struck by how simple and direct this instruction is. In a simple phrase it tells us how and where to live. "Live such good (Godly) lives among the pagans…" I often hear Christians talk about building a "hedge of protection" around their children and that sounds noble. But that same hedge that protects them keeps them from influencing the people outside the hedge with the Gospel. We have developed a Christian sub-culture that keeps us from engaging the real culture. We now have Christian music, schools, clothes, bookstores, nightspots, and on and on I could go. We have created this to keep us from being polluted but the culture and in so doing we have lost any opportunity to engage the people we have been called to reach. Studies show that the longer you are a Christian the fewer non-Christians you associate with. It is important that as individuals we intentionally put ourselves in places where we will have contact with people who are not yet followers of Christ. That is why Rotary and Bowling are so important to me. In both I am with people I would not meet otherwise and I am with some who are far from God. The challenge is for me to live in such a way I am not seen as "holier than thou" and am approachable. I live is such a way that they see the Savior. That is my desire and today I am reminded of why I must put myself in places where I will have meaningful contact with those whose hearts are far from God.

(P) Prayer
Lord, help me to live in such a way that those around me might see you. Let me love "pagans" with your love and point them to you. Amen

Life Journal 12-15-2009

2009-12-15T10:34:00.001-05:00

What Did You Say?

(S) Scripture
James 1:19-20 (NIV)
¹⁹My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
²⁰for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

(O) Observation
James is kind of the Proverbs of the New Testament. He uses many short pithy sayings that grab our attention and teach us how to live Godly lives. Here he says we are to be quick to listen slow to speak and slow to anger.

(A) Application
Most of us are enamored with the sound of our own voices that we talk too much. Even in a conversation instead of listening we are forming our next sentences. In this passage James instructs us to listen more and speak less. Someone said that is why God gave you two ears and one mouth, so you would listen twice as much as you speak. I find that the more I listen to someone the less likely I am to get angry. I find that listening goes beyond hearing words to seeing the person and their circumstances. This does not say there is never a time for anger but we shouldn't go there first or quickly. Today I must focus on listening more and talking less. I want people to know that I care about them and that God cares about them. That cannot happen when I talk too much or jump to anger.

(P) Prayer
Lord, put your arm around my shoulder and you hand over my mouth. Teach me to listen more and talk less. Develop in me a calm spirit that is slow to anger and quick to show love. Amen

Life Journal 12-12-2009

2009-12-12T08:19:00.001-05:00

Maturing

(S) Scripture
Hebrews 6:1 (NIV)
¹Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity …

(O) Observation
In his warning against falling away the writer gives this command – Move to Maturity. It seems that the people were content to stay with the elementary things to the exclusion of the deeper things of our faith. The writer simply states that the believer should not be content staying in spiritual infancy but needs to move on to maturity.

(A) Application
The deeper things of the faith take work and commitment. It is easier to remain with the elementary things because there is not much to deal with. The elementary things seem more "black and white" and require little interpretation or judgment. As I mature I am called to make judgments and apply Biblical truth to areas the Bible does not address directly. Today I am reminded that I am called to "go on to maturity."

(P) Prayer
Lord I want to stay close to you so that I can be who you want me to be. I want to grow in my faith and mature in you. Make me conscious of when I am acting childish. Amen

Life Journal 12-10-2009

2009-12-10T10:14:00.001-05:00

An Encouraging Word

(S) Scripture
2 Timothy 4:3-5 (NIV)
³For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
⁴They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
⁵But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

(O) Observation
In closing his letter to Timothy, Paul gives him a "head's up" on what to expect and a word of encouragement and challenge. When people will not listen or begin to believe lies of false teachers do not give up but keep on doing what God has called you to do.

(A) Application
I must admit there are days when I wonder if I am making a difference at all. This is not a pity party. In conversations with some people I hear them talk about what they believe. It is so far from what I have been preaching and teaching that I wonder who they are listening to. They have fallen prey to the "health and wealth" preachers and their perversion of the Gospel. The pace of the holiday season (both Thanksgiving and Christmas) makes you tired. I have conducted more funerals this year than in any other year in my ministry. The emotional fatigue that comes from the funerals and ministering to the families also takes a toll. I am not complaining and am honored to serve families in times of crisis. When I am tired I get cranky. That's why this is such an encouraging and challenging word for me today. I am to keep my head in every situation, I am to endure whatever, and I am to continue to do what God has called me to do. That by the way is to pastor the people of First Baptist Church, Charlotte, MI. the reading today was the "shot in the arm" that I needed.

(P) Prayer
Lord make me aware of when I am tired or angry or frustrated and help me to keep my head in all situations. Let me be an example of your grace by speaking the truth in love. Let my life make a difference in some others today. Amen

Life Journal 12-08-2009

2009-12-08T09:42:00.001-05:00

A Personal Directive

(S) Scripture
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV)

(O) Observation
In defending his apostleship Paul in the first chapter gives this word of thanksgiving: I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.
1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV) He goes on to describe the life out of which he was called. It is with this sense of call and thanksgiving that Paul gives instructions to Timothy as he takes the leadership of the church in Ephesus. After a list of things Timothy was to do comes the exhortation in verse 16. It would seem that life practice and doctrine are linked. What you believe does impact your behavior.

(A) Application
This directive is for me, too. As one called to be a pastor I must watch how I live and what I believe. I must make sure that what I do and believe are consistent with what the Bible teaches and the standards the Bible sets. What I believe does affect how I behave. I cannot act like those who do not know Christ. I cannot give in to my sinful nature. I must persevere in the truth. That means I cannot give up or give in but I must press on in my faith walk with Jesus. Today I choose to follow Jesus. Today I want to persevere.

(P) Prayer
Lord, You know how easy it is for me to give up or give in to my sinful nature. Let me follow you so closely today that that will not be an issue. My desire is to persevere in you today. Amen

Life Journal 12-07-2009

2009-12-07T12:13:00.001-05:00

Naming Fraud

(S) Scripture
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Colossians 2:8 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Paul is warning the believers to beware of those false preachers/teachers who appeal to our basic and sinful natures. Beware of those who use the power of their personality to deceive you with empty teaching.

(A) Application
It seems that everywhere I turn recently I have been getting this same warning about false teachers. From my preaching through Jude, to a study of the Holy Spirit, to an article by John MacArthur today about health and wealth preachers, I have been almost bombarded with this issue. The scripture is clear about following Jesus by walking in faith by the power of the Holy Spirit. I am to square the faith I live and teach with the scripture. I cannot fall prey to these false teachers who promise God's blessing for a monetary donation. Those who play into the self-centeredness of our culture must be warned against. It is my responsibility as pastor to sound this warning and to expose these false teachers. I must also be sure my preaching is sound and squares with God's Word. I do not want to lead people astray.

(P) Prayer
Lord let me walk close to you. Fill me with your Spirit so there is no room for selfish error. Let me preach only what is true from your Word. Help me to point people to you. Amen

Life Journal 12-03-2009

2009-12-03T09:31:00.001-05:00

Watch Out

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

(O) Observation
In his parting words Paul reminds the Roman believers to "watch out" for those who teach and lead contrary to what they had learned from him. Today that would be what the scripture teaches. There are those who pretend to serve God but are not. They are serving their own appetites and are good at deceiving others. These false teachers were to be avoided.

(A) Application
In addition to the obvious warning, this is a call to examine my motives in serving God. In a recent study of the book of Jude I saw the severe judgments that God will bring to false teachers and to those that follow them. Jude also tells believers how to respond to these people. There are plenty of "health and wealth" and "name it –claim it" gospel preachers proclaiming their message today. Many are smooth talkers, deceive many and are living large. I must never fall into that camp. In fact part of my role as pastor is to protect people from these ungodly teachings and teachers. It is difficult when they have the power or TV and large congregations and promise that God wants me to be healthy, wealthy and wise. The truth is that God has called us to much more than temporal things. He has called us to live in His presence, to love as he loved, to serve as he served, to suffer as he suffered and to live life in the power of the Holy Spirit as He intended it to be lived. In sickness or in health, in poverty or in wealth, God has called me to follow Jesus and to do so fully depending on God to supply my needs. That is where I want to live today. I want to preach and teach only what is consistent with the Scriptures. I want my life to point others to the Savior.

(P) Prayer
Lord, reveal to me any selfish motive I might harbor in serving you so I can confess it and move away from it. Use me today to speak and live your word. Amen

Life Journal 12-02-2009

2009-12-02T10:23:00.001-05:00

A Needed Reminder

(S) Scripture
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?"
"Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)

(O) Observation
As Paul addresses the Israelites place with God he comes to this point and breaks out in this doxology of praise.

(A) Application
This has been a hectic week for me. Becky and I were in West Virginia for Thanksgiving with our families. Last Wednesday I visited my cousin Jerry Robinson in the hospital. I was so pleased to have had that time with him because he died on Friday. Jerry had suffered with MS and its complications for years. We were notified about his death on our way home on Friday. I had the honor of officiating the wedding of one of our staff on Saturday. I preached on Sunday and then headed back to WV for the funeral on Monday. I enjoyed the time with my mom and saw family I have not seen in years. Tuesday I returned home having driven nearly 2000 miles in the week. That is not a lot for some of my trucker friends but it is more than I usually drive. On the way home my wife called to tell me a dear lady in our church had died. She had been taken to the Hospice House while I was away. I went directly there when I got to Charlotte. I am also working with some other tough situations with families and individuals in crisis. Sometimes it is easy to only see the problems and issues and fail to focus on the One who is the Light. Sometimes I am prone to look to my own strengths and skills and training and neglect the One Who can make a difference. Last night I felt somewhat oppressed at all I have to do. This morning the Lord reminded me again of His majesty, glory, power and authority. I have been renewed just from reading His word and receiving a needed reminder of just who really is in charge and just Who can really make a difference.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I want to keep my eyes and focus on you. I know that you can handle any situation that comes my way. Give me your wisdom as I trust you and as I work through all I have to do today. Amen

Life Journal 11-23-2009

2009-11-23T09:38:00.001-05:00

Am I Too Much Like The Disciples?

(S) Scripture
Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."
"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.
"Bring them here to me," he said.
Matthew 14:16-18 (NIV)

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way."
His disciples answered, "Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?"
"How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked. "Seven," they replied, "and a few small fish."
Matthew 15:32-34 (NIV)

(O) Observation
On two occasions a short time apart Jesus tells the disciples to feed the crowds that have gathered. Both times they ask Jesus just how they are supposed to do that with the limited resources they have. In both cases Jesus takes what they have and it is multiplied as they give it to the people. Everyone eats their fill and there is plenty left over. You would think that the disciples would have remembered what Jesus did in the first occasion but evidently they did not.

(A) Application
You would think that after seeing what Jesus did on the first occasion that when a similar situation arose they would have know what to do. Again they show the immaturity of their faith or maybe their forgetfulness by asking again just how they are to accomplish the task with limited resources. I wonder how many times I have seen Jesus act and then in a similar situation wonder what I should do or what Jesus will do. Sometimes I accuse the disciples of being slow in their understanding of who Jesus is and what he can do but then I find myself in the same shoes. Why am I so slow to learn and trust? Today I simply want to trust Jesus and do what He says and to allow him to us the resources I have and not worry about what I do not have.

(P) Prayer
Lord help me to trust in you and not worry or fret over the resources I have. The only resource I really need is You. Amen

Life Journal 11-22-2009

2009-11-22T08:11:00.001-05:00

What's Really Important to Me

(S) Scripture
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Matthew 12:34 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and does not hold back his criticism. In this Jesus give us a piece of wisdom that can be a corrective in our lives too.

(A) Application
What overflows our heart spills out of our mouths. What is first on my heart is first in my speech. When I listen to what I talk most about I will know what fills my heart. That can be a sobering and convicting exercise. Often we talk about our heart being filled with the Lord but our speech reveals something different. I do not think this means that every word we speak will reference God but I do think that our faith will be evident in every conversation. This is one of those things Jesus said that work me over the most. I listen to my speech and am convicted. Today I renew my commitment to havng my heart full of the things of God leaving no room for the evil that wants to fill my heart.

(P) Prayer
Lord let me be so full of you that there is no room for evil. Let me live my life filled with the Holy Spirit and doing your will. Amen

Life Journal 11-19-2009

2009-11-19T08:46:00.001-05:00

The Call to Follow

(S) Scripture
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
At once they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV)

(O) Observation
As Jesus begins his earthly ministry he seeks out disciples to follow him. The text does not indicate how much Peter and Andrew knew about Jesus. But when he called them they immediately followed. They left their father and the fishing business they were in. Jesus promised to make them into "fishers of men".

(A) Application
It was at the West Virginia Baptist Camp at Cowen that I first sensed God's call in my life. I was 15. I did not have to leave my parents or a job, I just needed to follow the Lord's leading in my life. For years before and sense I have heard people talk about "surrendering to the call" to full time ministry. It is as if a call to "full time" ministry is more important or significant than God's call to other vocations. The "call" as I understand it in this passage is a call to follow and to be made into the person God designed you to be. He makes us and shapes us into who he wants us to be. All his crafting in us is designed for ministry, no one is exempt. We are all called to full time ministry we just have different jobs that fund our ministries. We are each to follow the call in our lives. Mine was a call to pastoral ministries, significant to me but no more significant than God's call is in your life. Different maybe but no more significant. Today I will follow God's call in my life.

(P) Prayer
Lord help me to follow you. Make me into the person you want me to be. Use me today. Amen

Life Journal 11-18-2009

2009-11-18T09:27:00.001-05:00

What is My Motivation for Ministry

(S) Scripture
Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less?
2 Corinthians 12:14-15 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Paul has been defending his ministry with the Corinthian church. He has visited with them twice and is anticipating coming a third time. While in Corinth Paul did not take financial support from the people, thus he was not a burden to them. Some must have been accusing him of only being after their possessions and not really caring about them. Paul says he wants them not their possessions and rather than taking he will spend what he has and even expend himself. He will give all he has for their benefit.

(A) Application
There are plenty of examples of preachers and ministries that have fleeced people and bilked millions of dollars away from legitimate ministries into their own pockets. These charlatans have tainted all legitimate ministries. It is no wonder that people are skeptical and think that churches and preachers only want their money. My motivation must reflect what Paul wrote here. I must want people more than things and I must be willing to spend all I have and expend all of my energy in ministry to the people God has called me to serve. If this makes me weak then with Paul I will boast in my weakness because it is there that God's strength is made known.
As Senior Pastor part of my responsibility is to monitor the financial condition of the church. That can sometimes focus my attention on dollars rather than on people. Here again I am reminded by the psalmist that God "owns the cattle on a thousand hills," (Psalm 50:10) and I am worried about hamburger. Today I will invest myself in the lives of the people God has called me to serve and reach.

(P) Prayer
Lord, keep my focus where it should be. Thank you for meeting my every need. Let me invest myself in people today so that they too might come to know you and follow you. Amen

Life Journal 11-15-2009

2009-11-15T08:11:00.001-05:00

God's Promises

(S) Scripture
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church and in an encouraging word reminds the people that the promises of God are "yes" in Christ. Our faith is a positive faith in Christ.

(A) Application
I can count on God keeping his promises because he cannot lie and the promises are "yes" in Christ. I know so many Christians that are sour and negative and always against something. I don't like being around them and am sure that those who are not yet followers of Jesus don't want to either. God does so much in my life. My life has been changed, I have passed from death to life and from darkness into His glorious light. How can I be negative and sour? This is not a promise of "health and wealth" or a "name it claim it" stance. It simply is a stance that says, God will keep his promises and they are fulfilled in Christ. I cannot be negative when God is positive.

(P) Prayer
Lord, remind me of your promises when I get sour and negative. Let me be as positive in my faith as you are in your promises in Christ. Amen

Life Journal 11-12-2009

2009-11-12T08:45:00.002-05:00

Our Majestic God

(S) Scripture
Job 38:1-41

(O) Observation
The Lord speaks to Job. In this the Lord describes His work and creation. He does so in a way that reminds Job that 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. In the message for Sunday Jude tells the believers to "remember what the apostles foretold". It is good for us to remember. This passage in Job allowed me to simply pause, remember and reflect on how majestic the God I serve really 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 11-11-2009

2009-11-11T09:29:00.001-05:00

Pride

(S) Scripture
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
1 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Paul is using some illustrations from the Old Testament to warn the people about pride. He tells the Corinthians that these things happened as examples for them. He then gives this warning about pride, "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"

(A) Application
My grandfather used to say, "If you ride a high saddle you have a long way to fall." It was his warning about the dangers of pride. He was not and the scripture is not talking about a pride that drives me to excellence but rather one that puts my nose in the air as better than others. It is the "snooty" pride that leads to a fall. I must admit that I have taken some sinful delight, for which I have confessed, in the fall of some high and mighty politicians in the past. Those who have set themselves up as better and higher and "the laws don't apply to me", when exposed the crash is great. I know pastors who call themselves "God's anointed" and dare anyone to challenge their authority or instructions. Many times this authoritarian rule is used to cover their personal sin and immoral behavior. The illustrations are many from both politics and the religious world. In my life I must never let pride separate me from the people I am called to serve. The only place where I can boast is in the cross of Christ.

(P) Prayer
Lord, make me aware of areas of pride that hinder your work in and through me. Let me be so consumed with you that pride has no chance to grow in me. Amen

P.S. Today is Veterans Day. When you see a veteran or current military person today – say thanks. They stand in harm's way so that we can live and worship in freedom.

Life Journal 11-10-2009

2009-11-10T09:19:00.001-05:00

A Fond and Funny Memory

(S) Scripture
Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry.
But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.

But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
1 Corinthians 7:1-2;9 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Paul is giving instructions on marriage to the Corinthian church. He gives instructions to the married and unmarried.

(A) Application
Becky and I were married on April 8, 1978, in the Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Scott Depot, WV. The pastor of our church in Kentucky and Becky's home pastor shared the service. There were a number of humorous things that happened at the ceremony that day. I chose these verses because they are the verses that Becky's home pastor chose to read as he began our wedding service. It was hard to keep a straight face when he read these verses. Here I am on my wedding day and the preacher is saying it is better not to marry but it is better to marry than to burn with passion. We have laughed about that over the years. I am sure there have been times when Becky wonders why she didn't take the preacher's advice. God has blessed us with two incredible daughters. Both are now out of the house and off the payroll. Both are active in their faith and churches. Bethany is a Physician's Assistant working with an Orthopedic Surgeon in Charleston, WV. Sarah is married, she and husband Ryan have custody of a five year old little girl and hope to finalize the adoption soon. Sarah and Ryan are both Deputy Sheriffs in Bossier Parrish, Louisiana. Becky and I continue to enjoy married life, nearly 32 years now. As I read the scripture this morning it brought back a fond and funny memory for which I thank God.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for bringing Becky to me and for the life we have together. Thank you for our girls and their families. Thank you for fond and funny memories that I can share with others. Amen

Life Journal 11-09-2009

2009-11-09T09:20:00.001-05:00

Talk vs. Power

(S) Scripture
But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
1 Corinthians 4:19-21 (NIV)

(O) Observation
In dealing with this troubled church Paul assesses part of the problem. There are arrogant people, those pushing their own agenda. They use words to persuade but there is no power in those words to change a life. It is not enough to talk a good game you must live it with power. The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. It must be more than talk.

(A) Application
The church seems to be full of folks who talk a good game. These people want to influence the direction of the church and yet their hearts are only filled with cheap talk rather than the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul wanted to assess the real power of people and we should do the same. Living out our faith must be more than lip service. We cannot talk one way and live another. For our talk to be filled with power it must come from a life that is surrendered and committed to God. We must be walking by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. We cannot be satisfied with simply talking a good game because that leaves our lives empty and powerless.

(P) Prayer
Lord, fill me with your Spirit today. Let my walk with you be filled with power. Let my talk match my walk today, keep me from hypocrisy. Amen

Life Journal 11-06-2009

2009-11-06T10:11:00.001-05:00

Foolish Faith

(S) Scripture
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Galatians 3:1-3

(O) Observation
The believers have been deceived into thinking that they grow as a Christian by keeping the law. Paul writes to combat this false teaching. If you receive Christ by faith why do you think that maturity comes by returning to the Law? Maturity, growth and freedom come from following the Holy Spirit, who lives in you.

(A) Application
I hear so many Christians talk about rules they need to keep. The emphasis is on law keeping not on following the Spirit. It seems many Christians are afraid of the Holy Spirit because they do not understand or are adverse to giving control of their lives away. I am so thankful for the teaching I received as a young follower of Jesus concerning the ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life. The Holy Spirit is God's presence in my life and is there to guide, convict and comfort me. I do not need fear him because he is God. When I give control of my life to the Holy Spirit I am in fellowship with God. That fellowship cannot be achieved by keeping the law, it comes only by faith. Today I will walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. I want to enjoy fellowship with God today.

(P) Prayer
Lord, fill me with your Spirit today and let me enjoy fellowship with you. Amen

Life Journal 11-05-2009

2009-11-05T09:09:00.001-05:00

What a Testimony

(S) Scripture
And they praised God because of me.
Galatians 1:24 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Paul make this simple but profound comment in sharing about his ministry and travels for the sake of the gospel. The churches in Judea had not yet met Paul but had heard his story. They praised God because of what they had heard about Paul. His changed life caused them to praise God.

(A) Application
I want the Lord to work in my life in such a way that when people hear about it they praise God. I want to live in such a way that it causes people to praise God. I want my life to point people to Jesus. I can think of no greater testimony that others could give about my life than, "they praised God because of me."

(P) Prayer
Lord, do your work in me, knock off the rough edges and help me to live for you. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and let me point others to you today. I pray that my life will cause others to praise you. Amen

Life Journal 11-04-2009

2009-11-04T08:55:00.001-05:00

Resolute

(S) Scripture
And Job continued his discourse:
"As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made me taste bitterness of soul,
as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils,
my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit.
I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity.
I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.
Job 27:1-6 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Job's friends have accused him of unrighteousness. His wife has told him to "curse God and die". His friends are trying to give an explanation for his suffering and his wife wants an end to his suffering. Job refuses both. Job knows his heart and is confident in his God. In this passage he is answering his friends. He declares in no uncertain terms that he will continue to live a righteous life. He will not give in to the temptation to be bitter. He will not compromise his integrity. He is resolute in living a righteous and upright life before God.

(A) Application
I am impressed with the resolve in these verses. Job would not even entertain any other way of living. When those closest to him call into question his actions, he remains resolute. He will not defile his spirit and will not accept the accusations of his friends as being true. He knows his heart and actions are faithful and he will not turn from that. When my friends question my actions and motives I want to be as resolute as Job. I want to have lived in such a way that I can honestly be that resolute. Job was not being stubborn in a negative sense when he refused to take the counsel of his friends but rather he demonstrated the depth of his walk with God. I want to live that way so that when my life is challenges I can be as resolute as Job.

(P) Prayer
Father, my life is yours. Fill me with the Holy Spirit today and let me live for you. I want to walk so close to you that when questions come I can be as resolute in my faith and walk with you as Job was. Use me today. Amen

Life Journal 11-03-2009

2009-11-03T10:25:00.001-05:00

The Deity of Jesus

(S) Scripture
But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"
"I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked.
"You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned him as worthy of death.
Mark 14:61-64 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Jesus stands silent before the High Priest being falsely accused by person after person. Jesus refuses to answer or respond to any of the charges. The High Priest takes things into his own hand and asks Jesus, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" Jesus answers this with, "I am." The High Priest knows that Jesus has just claimed to be God. There is no mistaking what Jesus said or claimed. He then condemns Jesus to die.

(A) Application
Many will argue that Jesus never claimed to be God but that it was something others claimed for him. Not true. In an attempt to make Jesus just a man like all other religious leaders some deny his claim to being God. Jesus was not just a good man or a great moral teacher. He claimed to be God. C.S. Lewis makes this argument in Mere Christianity, "A man who was merely a man and said the kind of things Jesus said wouldn't have been a Great Moral Teacher, He is either a lunatic on the level of on who says he is a poached egg, or the devil of hell. You must take your choice. Either this person is the Son of God or a mad man or something worse. You can shut him up as a demon or fall at His feet and call him God, but don't come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a Great Moral Teacher. He hasn't left that alternative open to us."

There is no mistaking what Jesus said or meant. The people understood it then and we know it today. Therefore we must deal with the claims Jesus makes on our lives. It was 53 years ago when I gave my life to Christ and followed Him by faith. Today I affirm again my faith and trust in His death and resurrection. I thank Him for forgiving my sin and guaranteeing my life with Him eternally. I know He is God because He said so and has proved so in changing my life.

(P) Prayer
Father, thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, to pay the price for my sin so that I might have fellowship with you. Today I affirm again my trust and dependence on Jesus. Let me share tthat good news with others. Amen

Life Journal 11-02-2009

2009-11-02T09:31:00.001-05:00

The Simplicity of Following Jesus

(S) Scripture
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
Mark 12:28-31 (NIV)

(O) Observation
The Jewish leaders have been trying to catch Jesus in something they can arrest him for. He simply outsmarts them at every turn. The leaders are afraid of a public revolt if they arrest Jesus without cause because the people are thrilled with Jesus' teaching. In response to a question Jesus gives the foundation for faith. God is one not many and we are to love God with all that we are and then love others as ourselves. Simple and straightforward. There was no mistaking the message here. This was not a hidden truth in a parable but was a simple understandable answer.

(A) Application
The Pharisees and teachers of the law had concocted so many rules for the "righteous" to live by that it was nearly impossible. They were filled with spiritual pride because they were better at keeping their rules than others. Too often we resemble these rule makers. We make following Jesus about rules rather than about loving him. Jesus strikes at the heart of such oppressive legalism. Our faith is simple and easy to understand. Love God with all we are and Others as ourselves. How simple is that. Easy to understand and tough to do. Today I need to return to the simplicity of following Jesus. Simple but not simplistic. How free would we be in our lives if we practiced this and this alone. Today I renew my commitment to Love God with all that I am and to love others as I love myself.

(P) Prayer
Lord, help me to keep my focus on loving you and then loving others will fall into place. Let em do what you command. Amen

Life Journal 10-31-2009

2009-10-31T09:32:00.001-04:00

Pretending

(S) Scripture
⁶He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:
   " 'These people honor me with their lips,
      but their hearts are far from me.
⁷They worship me in vain;
      their teachings are but rules taught by men.'^[a]
⁸You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."
Mark 7:6-8 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Jesus challenges the Pharisees with their hypocrisy. The Pharisees were condemning the disciples for not following the traditions of the faith. Jesus uses a quote from Isaiah to describe them. They "honored with their lips but their hearts were far from God. You have let go of the commands of God and hold to the traditions of man." What an indictment. This is the height of hypocrisy. This is quite a condemnation of these men and their faith practice.

(A) Application
Actors pretend to be someone they are not. "Actor" and hypocrite" come from the same root word. I wonder how many folks are pretending in their faith. How often do we hear people who talk a good game but whose actions are not consistent with their words. How many fall into this place that Jesus described; " 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.'You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."

How many of the things we hold "sacred" are traditions and teachings of man and have little or nothing to do with the commands of God? I cannot think of anything worse than to have Jesus look at me and say, "you honor me with your lips but your heart is far from me." I do not want to be a pretender or hypocrite. Today I will check my heart and make sure it is close to God and that my lips honor God out of that heart.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for forgiving my sin and allowing me to be close to you. Fill me with the oly Spirit and let me walk close to yu today. Let me words and life honor you. Amen

Life Journal 10-30-2009

2009-10-30T11:44:00.001-04:00

Staying With Jesus

(S) Scripture
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him.
Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."
So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
Mark 5:18-20 (NIV)

(O) Observation
The man Jesus healed wanted to stay with him. He wanted to be with Jesus and to go wherever Jesus went. Jesus did not allow that rather he had a mission for the man to do. He was to go to his family and tell them what Jesus had done for him. His testimony was powerful and amazed those who heard it. Had he gone with Jesus those people would not have heard his testimony.

(A) Application
Many times I have found myself wanting to stay at a place where I have experienced a spiritual mountaintop experience. Whether it was at the WV Baptist at Camp at Cowen during my school years or at Campus Crusade for Christ Conference or retreat as a college student or at a retreat or conference now, it does not matter. When Peter asked to stay on the mountain after the transfiguration the answer was, "NO". The mission was not on the mountaintop but rather off the mountain and where the people lived. The mission and ministry remain the same for us. As much as we would like to stay on the mountaintop our mission and ministry is off the mountain and with the people. What are we to do? Tell them how much the Lord has done for us. Simple instructions and a simple message. Why do we make it so complicated? Lord today I will tell people the simple story of what you have done for me.

(P) Prayer
Lord, help me to get the mission and message right. Help me today to share the simple truth of all you have done for me and that you want to do the same for others. Amen

Life Journal 10-29-2009

2009-10-29T08:48:00.001-04:00

Good Ground

(S) Scripture
Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times."
Mark 4:8 (NIV)

Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop--thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown."
Mark 4:20 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Jesus is teaching and uses the parable of sowing seeds. He describes four types of ground that seed can fall on. Many did not understand what he meant and so he gave an explanation to his disciples. He encouraged them to be sure that their lives were "good ground." He wanted their lives to be productive for the sake of the gospel.

(A) Application
What does it take to be "good ground"? How can I be sure that my life is "good ground" in which God's word can grow and flourish and produce much fruit? I must continually be in fellowship with the Lord. I must not be harboring unconfessed sin in my life. I must be walking by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. I need to be investing time in reading the Bible and prayer. I need to have conversations with other Christians that challenge me and hold me accountable for my spiritual growth. All these things and others are necessary for me to be sure that my life is fertile ground in which the seed of God's Word can grow and multiply.

(P) Prayer
Lord, break up the fallow ground in my heart so that the seed of your word can take root and grow and flourish in me. Help me to teach others to do the same. Amen

Life Journal 10-28-2009

2009-10-28T21:10:00.002-04:00

Immediate Obedience

(S) Scripture
¹⁶As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁷"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." ¹⁸At once they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:16-18 NIV

(O) Observation
When Jesus called Simon (Peter) and Andrew to follow him they immediately followed. They didn't hesitate or ask for time to inform their families or to take care of getting substitute workers. They just immediately followed.

(A) Application
Too often I want to bargain with God about what he is asking me to do. I want to negotiate a more convenient time or opportunity. I am convicted by the immediate nature of the disciples' response. Today I will seek to be immediate in my obedience and following of Jesus. I want to be faithful and so I must practice instant obedience.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for your patience with me when I think I have a better way or when I delay in responding to your call in my life. Make me aware of my delay and give me the courage and strength to follow immediately wherever you might lead. Amen

Life Journal 10-27-2009

2009-10-27T10:12:00.001-04:00

A Personal Note: During the past few months I had gotten away from blogging my daily devotion. It is easy to neglect this when life gets so busy and schedules get hectic. I want to thank "my Bud" for the gentle but pointed reminder that I have not blogged in a while. I did not realize how much I had missed this until I started again yesterday.

An Important Daily Prayer

(S) Scripture
"'Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."
For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'
Acts 28:26-27 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Paul has reached Rome and is speaking to the Jewish Leaders there. As he teaches them about faith in Christ some believe and others do not. He uses a passage from Isaiah to explain their unbelief. In that explanation is the core of a prayer we should express daily. The passage is an indictment against them. It reveals their closed eyes, ears and hearts to the truth of God. How sad to miss what God has for you because of a stubborn spirit.

(A) Application
It is the indictment from Isaiah through Paul that should give us the core of a prayer to pray daily. I do not want to have my eyes, ears and heart closed to what God has for me. I do not want to miss God's healing touch in my life because of a closed spirit. In a DMin class the professor, John Guest, an Anglican Priest, suggested that we begin each Sunday message with this prayer on behalf of the people. "Lord open our eyes, ears and hearts so that we might clearly see, hear and understand what you have for us today. Give us the courage and will to act on the message we receive from you." I have used this prayer often since then with the congregation on Sunday. It has become a more important prayer for me to use each day as I invest this time in my daily devotion. "Lord, open my spiritual eyes, ears and heart so that I can see, hear and understand a clear word from you today. Energize my will with the courage to act on what you say to me." Today I am renewed.

(P) Prayer
Lord, open my spiritual eyes, ears and heart so that I can see, hear and understand a clear word from you today. Energize my will with the courage to act on what you say to me. Don't let me miss what you want to do in me today. Amen

Life Journal 10-26-2009

2009-10-26T09:21:00.001-04:00

Proving My Repentance

(S) Scripture
First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.
Acts 26:20 (NIV)

(O) Observation
In his defense before King Agrippa, Paul recounts his life before and after his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus. He is being falsely accused by the Jews but has already appealed to Caesar. In his defense he explains the content of his preaching. In that explanation is this gem, "I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." Each person is to prove their repentance by what they do.

(A) Application
This admonition is so simple it is profound. "Prove your repentance by your deeds." What a novel concept in our world. I know many who voice repentance but their deeds do not change. They voice a change of heart but it is not followed by appropriate actions. How often do we ask forgiveness for a sin and then keep right on repeating the same sin over and over. Forgiveness is God's part but changing my behavior is my part. I know that I cannot change apart from the power of the Holy Spirit working in me. I must give control of my life to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide my actions. My deeds must prove my repentance or maybe it wasn't really repentance at all. Maybe I was just trying to avoid consequences or outcomes of my behavior and thought I could get God to let me off the hook. Never happens. For repentance to be real and effective it must be seen (proved) by my change of deeds.

(P) Prayer
Lord help me to be authentic and honest when I pray. Help me to show the depth of my repentance by my changed life and actions. Amen

New Testament Listening Day 1

2009-09-14T14:41:00.001-04:00

(S) Scripture
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

(O) Observation
At the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount we find what has been called "the Beatitudes". These are attitudes and behaviors that result in God's blessing.

Application
This particular one, on mourning, continues to challenge my life. D. Martyn Lloyd Jones in his Studies in the Sermon on the Mount says this means that we should allow what breaks God' s heart to break our heart. I am afraid that I am calloused and I do not see or maybe I ignore the needs in the people God brings across my path. This is not something that pleases God. How can I touch people with the gorace of God if I am calloused or simply ignore their needs? Today I want to see people as God sees them and then to act toward them the way God would have me to act.

(P) Prayer
Lord let me see with your eyes and act with your heart today. Amen

Life Journal 09-02-2009

2009-09-02T08:51:00.001-04:00

The Gospel is for Everyone

(S) Scripture
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
Revelation 7:9 (NIV)

(O) Observation
In John's vision he first sees the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel then he sees people "from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb." God's plan included faithful people regardless of their heritage.

(A) Application
The Good News of Jesus has always been for everyone. It was never the exclusive right of the Jews but has always been for faithful people everywhere. We did not somehow sneak in under the fence but rather have always been invited through the front door. The invitation has always been to everyone who would respond in faith. It is still that way. We would never say the Gospel is not for everyone but the way we live and share the Gospel reveals what we really believe. I am sure there will be people in heaven that I will be surprised to see and some will be surprised to see me. I must open my eyes to see people as God sees them. Each one in need of a Savior and each one loved by God. Why am I so reluctant to share God's love with people when he has lavished his love on me? I think I need to focus on this vision of John a little more intently. Every nation, tribe, people and language – now that is the God I serve and want to serve more fully.

(P) Prayer
Father let me see people the way you see them. Open my mouth and let me share the Good News of Jesus with them. Amen

Life Journal 09-01-2009

2009-09-01T10:44:00.001-04:00

A Warning

(S) Scripture
You are a true daughter of your mother, who despised her husband and her children; and you are a true sister of your sisters, who despised their husbands and their children. Your mother was a Hittite and your father an Amorite.
Your older sister was Samaria, who lived to the north of you with her daughters; and your younger sister, who lived to the south of you with her daughters, was Sodom.
You not only walked in their ways and copied their detestable practices, but in all your ways you soon became more depraved than they.
As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, your sister Sodom and her daughters never did what you and your daughters have done.
"'Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.
They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.
Samaria did not commit half the sins you did. You have done more detestable things than they, and have made your sisters seem righteous by all these things you have done.
Ezekiel 16:45-51 (NIV)

(O) Observation
In describing an unfaithful Jerusalem the prophet has given us a warning that needs to be heeded. In this allegory the Lord has described how he took Jerusalem from nothing and made her great and then how she abused this greatness by prostituting herself with other nations. The prophet then compares Jerusalem to others she despised and said that Jerusalem was worse than the other two. Judgment would come but God would also keep his covenant. The judgment would be harsh but there was a note of redemption in that the covenant would be kept.

(A) Application
In the American church we have become lax and soft on sin. In many places we have so watered down the gospel that it does not come close to being what Jesus taught. We have emphasized the love of God to the point that we have removed his wrath. This passage reminds me that the wrath of God is still a reality and we ignore it at our peril. Have we become like Sodom, "arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me." I am afraid that this is more true than we want to think. When our commitment to follow Jesus is simply one of many commitments in our lives we are on this road. How often do I think I am better than someone else because I am a Christian or I see a person in need and do nothing about it because they don't deserve any better? I wonder if I prostitute my time with things that dishonor God. Today's reading was a sobering reading because it again reminded me that God's wrath is still a reality and people are going to be on the receiving end of it apart from knowing Jesus and following Him.

(P) Prayer
Lord, order my steps so that I walk in your ways and not my own. Grant me the strength to be faithful and true to you and your word today. Let me share what I know with others so that they might not be consumed by your wrath. Amen

Life Journal 08-31-2009

2009-08-31T09:57:00.001-04:00

Personal Choices

(S) Scripture
"Son of man, if a country sins against me by being unfaithful and I stretch out my hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it and kill its men and their animals,
even if these three men--Noah, Daniel and Job--were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign LORD.
"Or if I send wild beasts through that country and they leave it childless and it becomes desolate so that no one can pass through it because of the beasts,
as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, even if these three men were in it, they could not save their own sons or daughters. They alone would be saved, but the land would be desolate.
"Or if I bring a sword against that country and say, 'Let the sword pass throughout the land,' and I kill its men and their animals,
as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, even if these three men were in it, they could not save their own sons or daughters. They alone would be saved.
"Or if I send a plague into that land and pour out my wrath upon it through bloodshed, killing its men and their animals,
as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, even if Noah, Daniel and Job were in it, they could save neither son nor daughter. They would save only themselves by their righteousness.
Ezekiel 14:13-20 (NIV)

(O) Observation
The prophet is describing the judgment that is coming to Israel. In it he cites three of their "faith heroes" and says that even they could only save themselves by their righteousness. Even their sons and daughters were in peril. Each must make his personal decision to follow. The outcome is terrible for those who refuse to follow the Lord.

(A) Application
I am responsible for my relationship with the Lord. I must personally decide to follow the Lord, I cannot get in on my parent's faith. My faith must be my own. It is my responsibility to share and lead and live out my faith before my children and the people around me but they must follow the Lord by personal choice. I cannot coerce them to follow and they will not be spared because of my choice to follow. It is sobering to think about but our relationship with God is not about the country we live in or the family we were born in, although these can be great assets in our faith walk, but it is in our personal choice to trust in Christ's death and resurrection for us and then to follow Him.

(P) Prayer
Lord I thank you for providing a way for me to be made right with you. Thank you for Jesus' death and resurrection on my behalf. I love you and want to live faithfully for you. Use me today and let me be a faithful and true witness of your work on our behalf. Amen

Life Journal 08-27-2009

2009-08-27T08:53:00.001-04:00

A Daily Prayer

(S) Scripture
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 143:10 (NIV)

(O) Observation
IN this psalm David asks the Lord for a number of things. He asks for mercy, relief from his enemies, answer to his prayers and a sense of God's love. These are just a few of his requests. He also asks for God to teach and lead him. That is a prayer we each should pray daily.

(A) Application
I am struck at how often David, described in the Bible as a man after God's own heart, asks the lord to teach and guide him. If David needed to do this continually how much more do I need to do this? It is my heart's desire to live out God's will in my life. I want to be guided by the Holy Spirit moment by moment. It does not happen automatically, I must constantly yield myself to God's Will and direction. This will be my daily prayer because I want to make a difference for the cause of Christ wherever I am.

(P) Prayer
Lord today I will pray what David prayed. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Amen

Life Journal 08-26-2009

2009-08-26T09:52:00.001-04:00

Facebook

(S) Scripture
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 John 1:4 (NIV)

(O) Observation
In writing to the first century believers John reminds them of the great joy he receives when he hears that they are faithfully walking with the Lord.

(A) Application
I had the privilege of serving on college campuses with Campus Crusade for Christ and WV Baptist Campus Ministry. During those years the Lord allowed me to touch many students with the gospel. The pain of Campus Ministry is that the students graduate and move on with their lives and careers. I know that is the goal but it is painful to lose those faithful students. It would be like losing a fourth of a congregation each year. I have often wondered what those students are doing today. Some I have kept in touch with but many I have not. Welcome Facebook!! I have made numerous connections with former students through Facebook. To see their families and hear what they are doing brings great joy. I am so pleased that many are continuing to serve the Lord. They are Christians serving the Lord in their chosen professions. Some are serving in pastoral ministries but most are serving through their local churches. The connections through Facebook have renewed relationships and brought incredible joy to me. I am experiencing the joy John wrote about.

(P) Prayer
Lord, help me to help others follow you. Help me to help them help others so that they might also experience this kind of joy. Amen

Life Journal 08-24-2009

2009-08-24T09:30:00.001-04:00

Childhood Lessons

(S) Scripture
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)

(O) Observation
This is a promise to Jeremiah about restoration of the people. Jeremiah has not had much good news in his word from the Lord. This must have come as some refreshing news. God would hear and answer Jeremiah.

(A) Application
As a child, about eight years old, I was part of a Bible memory group at my home church, Highlawn Baptist in Huntington, WV. This club was led by Henry and Theresa Bird. In the course of a couple of years we memorized about 300 Bible verses. We were quizzed each week and at the end we were put in front of the church on a Sunday night and were randomly asked to recite some of the verses. We did not miss one. This verse from Jeremiah was one of the first verses that we memorized. I used the KJV in this post because it is how I memorized it and how I recite it today even though it has been more than 40 years since I have consistently used a King James Version of the Bible. I will never forget the lessons I learned in that Bible Club, they helped shape my life. Bible memory is not something we emphasize much anymore. I wonder what lessons our children are missing because they are not challenged to memorize the scripture. I wonder how much we as adults are missing because we no longer memorize the scripture. I wonder how often we misquote or misrepresent the Scripture because we say what we think it says rather than quoting it verbatim, and thus knowing what it says. Today I thank the Birds for their investment in my life and the example they set for me.

(P) Prayer
Lord, help me to get your word right when I use it. Help me to encourage others to write your word on their hearts. Thank you for bring people like the Birds into my life. Amen

Life Journal 08-20-2009

2009-08-20T08:38:00.001-04:00

What We Preach

(S) Scripture
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:3 (NIV)

(O) Observation
John gives authenticity to his message by saying it comes from firsthand experience. It comes from what he saw and heard. The result is fellowship with each other and with God.

(A) Application
John gives some great insight in this little statement. The authenticity of my messages comes from my personal experience with the Lord. When I preach from my own life experience with the Lord and His Word the authenticity of the Gospel comes through. Preaching from life experience is not enough. My life experience can also be sinful and apart from God. It is what I have seen and heard from the Lord that produces the fruit of fellowship within the church and with the Lord. I cannot preach from others experience, I must do so from my own. This means that I must continually walk by faith, spend time with the Lord in prayer and in His Word. That is the source of my preaching content, the power in the preaching must come from the Holy Spirit as He takes the Word and applies it to lives through the preaching. I cannot remember who said it but it was in a seminar sometime, "We are to preach from the overflow of our relationship with the Lord." Today I recommit myself to preaching from the overflow in my life.

(P) Prayer
Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so that my life will overflow with your love and grace. Let me preach from that overflow. Amen

Life Journal 08-19-2009

2009-08-19T08:48:00.001-04:00

Training Camp

(S) Scripture
When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"
Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."
John 21:21-22 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Jesus has just restored Peter. Three times he asks Peter, "Do you love me?" Peter responds each time by affirming his love for Jesus. Most think that Jesus did this three times because f Peter's three denials before the crucifixion. Jesus then tells Peter how he is going to die. Jesus finishes by telling Peter to "Follow Me." Peter see John and immediately asks Jesus how he is going to die. Jesus tells peter that it is not his concern but that he is to follow Jesus regardless of what God has planned for others.

(A) Application
I have been doing a series of messages titled, "Training Camp". In this series I am emphasizing the basics of our faith in Christ. Just as football training camp emphasizes blocking and tackling and band camps emphasize scales and proper marching steps before anything else is added so in our training camp we are going back to the basics that will help us grow as followers of Christ. Jesus' words to peter are about as basic as you can get. "Follow Me" regardless of what anyone else is doing or experiencing. The directive was for Peter to follow Jesus wherever that led. That is where we each must begin our walk with Jesus. It is the basic step of faith that declares that I will follow Jesus.
I am sometimes like Peter. I want things to be fair and equal. After all, why should I suffer and others not? Jesus says my only concern should be to follow him. Now that is basic and that is Training Camp 101. Today I will follow Jesus and not be distracted.

(P) Prayer
father, you know how easy it is to compare and how easily I am distracted from following you completely. Today I want to follow you and you alone. Make me aware of when I am not doing so. Let me make a difference for you today. Amen

Life Journal 08-17-2009

2009-08-17T10:26:00.001-04:00

Public Opinion

(S) Scripture
The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God."
When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid,
John 19:7-8 (NIV)

From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar."
When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha).
John 19:12-13 (NIV)

Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.
John 19:16 (NIV)

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away.
John 19:38 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Pilate was a politician and was controlled by public opinion. Even when he could find no fault in Jesus he gave in to the cries of the public to crucify Jesus. Pilate was more concerned with keeping his job as governor than he was in doing the right thing with Jesus. In the grand scheme of things I wonder if Pilate really had a choice. I am sure he did and also sure that God knew the decision he would make given his personal integrity. Joseph was also afraid of the Jews and therefore was a secret follower of Jesus. The pressure of public opinion kept these men from being the men they knew they should be. IT is interesting to me that Pilate did do some things to get back at the religious leaders: he had Jesus called the king of the Jews in a plaque on the cross and he allowed Joseph to have the body. I wonder if Pilate smiled some at the irritation this caused the Jewish leaders?

(A) Application
When I read about some of the prophets and preachers of the Bible I see their boldness and fearless trust in God. I think about them and then realize how domesticated we preachers today have become. Where are we challenging the hall of justice or injustice? Where are we challenging the governing authorities? We challenge people to live faithful lives but do we call people to radically follow Jesus? I don't think so. We seem to be satisfied with mediocrity and that pains the heart of God. It seems that we are conscious of what the public thinks of us and do not want to appear intolerant or exclusive or "holier than thou" and so we water down the message and call of Christ in the world. We downplay the wrath of God and make forgiveness something God gives to everyone regardless of their faith. Today I will speak the truth without waver and call people to radically follow Jesus. It is time to let Jesus be Jesus rather than some caricature we have created to continue a view of him that is caged and domesticated.

(P) Prayer
Lord, give me the courage to radically follow you. Let me not be swayed by public opinion that would distort your truth. I want to follow You and make You known as you really are. Amen

Life Journal 08-11-2009

2009-08-11T07:23:00.001-04:00

Clean

(S) Scripture
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"
Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."
"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."
"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!"
Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you."
John 13:6-10 (NIV)

(O) Observation
As Jesus is washing the disciples' feet, Peter begins to protest. If anyone should be washing feet it should be Peter not Jesus, the Son of God. Peter says, "No way," to Jesus but Jesus explains that he must do it because if not them Peter has not part with Him. Peter says "Don't stop with my feet wash me all over." Jesus then gives us a great teaching about confession and being clean. "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean.

(A) Application
What a great picture of confession and walking with Jesus every day. When I became a Christian, I was washed clean, the guilt of my sin was taken away and I received forgiveness. As I live my life in this fallen world I sin. Just like the disciples who walked the dusty roads with Jesus needed their feet washed I need to be cleansed of the dust of sin on my feet from walking in this world. What a great picture of confession. 1 John 1:9 says, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (NASB77) When we confess what we know He cleanses us from all our sin. I am sure that if God revealed to me my utter sinfulness at one time it would crush me and so He asks me to confess what He brings to my mind and then He cleanses me from all. I am then able to trust Him with more and more of my life and so I confess more and more and am constantly cleansed. This is how I can walk clean before God. He cleanses me. I cannot do it myself. I cannot make myself presentable to God by He washes me and then cleanses me when I confess. Now that is clean!!! That is how I want to live. Today I again commit myself to walking by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. I do that by "Spiritual Breathing," exhaling by confession and inhaling by giving the Holy Spirit, Who lives within me, control of my life.

(P) Prayer
Father, thank You for giving me a way to walk clean before You. Remind me to take a spiritual breath when I need to and not to wait until the end of the day. As I walk with You today use me in the lives of others. Amen

Life Journal 08-07-2009

2009-08-07T08:42:00.001-04:00

Blinded by Spiritual Pride

(S) Scripture
³⁰The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. ³¹We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. ³²Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. ³³If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." ³⁴To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out.
John 9:30-34

(O) Observation
Because it did not fit into their narrow and "privileged" view and understanding of God the Pharisees rejected the healing of the blind man as being from God. When challenged the man spoke the truth but their spiritual pride and arrogance kept them from accepting the truth. In fact they got irritated that this uneducated man would think he could teach them anything. Their spiritual pride kept them from understanding the truth.

(A) Application
I must realize that truth can come from unexpected sources. I appreciate my education but must understand that a person does not need a seminary education to speak God's truth. I cannot let my prejudices keep me from hearing and recognizing God's truth whoever it comes from. Today I will listen for truth and then square it with what scripture says, not what I wish or thing or want scripture to say but rather what it says.

(P) Prayer

Lord, help me to recognize your truth regardless of the source. Help me to keep my prejudices from blinding me to your truth. Give me a discerning heart. Amen

Life Journal 08-06-2009

2009-08-06T08:38:00.001-04:00

Trust

(S) Scripture
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Habakkuk has been asking God why the wicked prosper and God seems to do nothing about it. God answers and in this third chapter of the book we have the prophet's prayer. In responding to what the Lord has revealed in the answer he received Habakkuk concludes his prayer of response with this affirmation of his faith.

(A) Application
This is the attitude with which I want to live. Regardless of the circumstances around me I want to trust and rejoice in the Lord. Trust demonstrates faith. I want to live by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit each and every day. It seems easy to trust God when things are going good but when tough times come it seems we begin to fret and rely more on ourselves than on God. We try to manipulate our circumstances to avoid tough and difficult situations rather than trusting in the Lord to show us a way through. When everything is stripped away is a time to trust, not complain. Regardless of my circumstances, today I choose to trust God and rejoice in Him.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I thank you for meeting my every need. Teach me to trust you in plenty and in want. Let my life be one of rejoicing in you. I know You are all I need. Teach me to be satisfied with You and You alone. Amen

Life Journal 08-05-2009

2009-08-05T09:36:00.001-04:00

Quick Judgment

(S) Scripture
Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment."
John 7:24 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Jesus is addressing those who make quick judgments based on appearances rather than considering the whole of the matter. Here Jesus is being criticized for healing a man on the Sabbath. In there criticism the people failed to consider their own practice of circumcision that must be done on the eighth day even if it falls on the Sabbath. Jesus exhorts them to consider the whole and make a right judgment rather than one based solely on appearances.

(A) Application
Things are not always what they appear. When I jump to a judgment based on appearances I am likely to get the judgment wrong because I have not considered the whole and all the factors. Jesus exhorts me to consider all the facts before I make a judgment. Today I will work to look at all factors and circumstances before I make a judgment. This does not mean that I tolerate sin or law breaking but it does mean that I will give careful examination to all factors before I make a judgment. I must be careful in making a quick judgment because like those in this passage I might be judging them for something I am also doing.

(P) Prayer
Father, you know how quick I am to assess and judge a situation. Teach me to pause and make a right judgment based on the whole and not just based on appearances. Help me to be redemptive and not condemning in my dealings with people. Let me reflect you. Amen

Life Journal 08-04-2009

2009-08-04T08:47:00.001-04:00

A Godly Leader's Task

(S) Scripture
Josiah removed all the detestable idols from all the territory belonging to the Israelites, and he had all who were present in Israel serve the LORD their God. As long as he lived, they did not fail to follow the LORD, the God of their fathers.
2 Chronicles 34:33 (NIV)

(O) Observation
In this record of the work of Josiah we find that he was faithful to God and led the people to live the same way. He had the idols removed and compelled the people to live faithfully for the Lord. Because of his leadership (OK as king there may have been some coercion) the people served God as long as Josiah lived.

(A) Application
When I read this I was struck with the fact that this is what I am to be doing as the pastor of First Baptist. I am to compel (I cannot coerce) people to live faithfully. A great joy for my life would be if all the people of First Baptist were living faithfully for the lord all the days of my life. What I do really does have eternal significance. It is my responsibility to help people tear down their idols and help them worship and serve the Living God. It is my desire to be that kind of leader.

(P) Prayer
Lord let me live my life in such a way that it sets the example for others to follow in being faithful to you and you alone. Help me to tear down the idols inmy own life so that others can see the way to tear down the idols in their lives. Let me lead the people of First Baptist in a way that is pleasing and faithful to you. Amen

Life Journal 08-03-2009

2009-08-03T09:28:00.001-04:00

Great News

(S) Scripture
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
John 5:24 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Jesus gives this simple and yet profound and offensive statement to the people who were persecuting him. Jesus had healed a man on the Sabbath and was being persecuted for it by the religious legalists among the Jews. Thinking that they were the only ones with access to God, Jesus rocks them with this statement. Jesus says it is "whoever", not just restricted to the Jews, hears and believes has eternal life.

(A) Application
That is great news for all of us. Anyone who hears His word and believes has eternal life, no condemnation and has life. I wonder if there are those who I see every day that I do not think are worthy of God's mercy, those I refuse to share the good news with because it is not for them. Now I would never say something like that because I know it is not scriptural but I wonder about my actions. Today I commit to sharing with those I meet. I will keep my focus on what God says and will ignore my prejudices.

(P) Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to see people like you do. Give me courage to share the good news with them. Let me live for you today. Amen

Life Journal - 07-27-2009

2009-07-27T10:19:00.002-04:00

My Resources

(S) Scripture
His devine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

(O) Observation
Peter is reminding these new believers that they have a resource in Christ that gives them all they need for life and godliness. They do not lack anything - they have all they need in Christ.

(A) Application
God has given me all I need in Christ. I do not need to search for more resources. I do not need more, I simply need to use the resources I have in Christ. Too often we neglect what we have and look for something else. Something more complex or intriguing but here Peter reminds me that I already have all I need, I just need to use it. Today I will trust the resources I have.

(P) Prayer
Lord, Thank you for giving me all I need in Christ. Teach me to use the resources I have rather than always looking elsewhere. Let me trust in you today. Amen

Life Journal 07-24-2009

2009-07-24T10:06:00.001-04:00

Simple Instructions

(S) Scripture
For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.
He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
1 Peter 3:10-12 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Peter is using instructions from the Psalms to tell believers how to live. These are simple and direct. They are easy to understand and yet are profound in their impact on our lives.

(A) Application
Today I want my speech and attitude to glorify Christ. It is the only way to experience the abundant Life that He has for us as believers. There is no place for lies and demeaning and evil speech. Those reveal a heart that is far from God. I want to seek peace in the midst of some conflict. Today I will pursue righteousness.

(P) Prayer
Lord, use me today. Help me to keep my tongue in check and only speak words that edify and build up the body of Christ. Amen

Life Journal 07-22-2009

2009-07-22T11:04:00.001-04:00

When Under Fire

(S) Scripture
And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD:
"O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.
Give ear, O LORD, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD, and see; listen to all the words Sennacherib has sent to insult the living God.
"It is true, O LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste all these peoples and their lands.
They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands.
Now, O LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God."
Isaiah 37:15-20 (NIV)

(O) Observation
The king of Assyria is ready to attack. He has sent messengers to intimidate and discourage the people. The messengers speak directly to the people but Hezekiah has instructed the people not to respond in any way. The threat is real and the destruction would be complete if it came about. Hezekiah's response was not one of fear or taking up the fight, he prayed. His prayer is an interesting one because it is not until the last line that he asks for deliverance. He acknowledges God for who he is and the Assyrian gods for who they are not. He simply asks God to protect His name and to show Himself to be the Almighty. Why? So all the kingdoms would know that He alone is God.

(A) Application
When under fire of attack or the peril of a pending attack too often I look for ways to defend myself or to take the fight to the others. Often when I pray it is first for safety and deliverance or vindication. Isaiah reminds me that I need to focus on the majesty of God and let him handle to forces set against me. My desire is that all the "kingdoms" around me know that He alone is God. How can that happen if I do all the fighting, maneuvering and work and leave Him out of the picture. I need to get out of God's way. He is the One to carry the battle. When I rely on Him sometimes He lets me know that I am in the wrong and must apologize. Regardless of the outcome it is important to me that the Lord our God be the one people see and recognize.

(P) Prayer
Lord, teach me to rely on you. Teach me not to be so quick to move forward or pursue a conflict. Help me to trust you with every detail of every situation. Let me live for you and in your protection today. Amen

Life Journal 07-21-2009

2009-07-21T09:13:00.001-04:00

God Responds to Faith and Obedience

(S) Scripture
He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him; he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses.
2 Kings 18:6 (NIV)

Isaiah said to them, "Tell your master, 'This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard--those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.
Listen! I am going to put such a spirit in him that when he hears a certain report, he will return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.'"
2 Kings 19:6-7 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Hezekiah was faithful and obedient to the Lord. When faced with the challenge of the king of Assyria he remained faithful to the Lord and led the people to do the same. The messengers from the king of Assyria did all they could to discourage and frighten the people of Judah but Hezekiah and the people remained strong. God honored their faithfulness and kept them from being overthrown and taken captive. In spite of all his threats and boasts of power it was the king of Assyria who died and Hezekiah and the people of Judah were saved.

(A) Application
I must be faithful and obedient to the Lord and His call in my life regardless of the threats and boasts thrown at me from others. I cannot be discouraged because it is the Lord God that I serve. I must trust that He will protect me and the people I serve. I must be faithful and obedient as the leader of the people of First Baptist. If we are to move forward in our ministry and mission then I must follow Hezekiah's example and be faithful and obedient. It is the only way we can move forward unafraid and with courage.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I will follow you. Strengthen my heart and my life. Protect me from the threats and boasts of the enemy. Let me lead this church to the future you have for us. Give me the strength to follow you faithfully and obediently. Amen

Life Journal 07-20-2009

2009-07-20T08:45:00.001-04:00

Directives

(S) Scripture
In everything that he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.
2 Chronicles 31:21 (NIV)

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:7-8 (NIV)

(O) Observation
The Chronicles' passage described the work and life of Hezekiah. He was faithful to God and followed with his whole heart and he prospered. The passage in James gives us the directives to follow that will produce a similar result. This is not a health and wealth message but one of obedience and blessing. God's blessing may not be material prosperity but our lives are full and meaningful.

(A) Application
I want to live like this. I want to live in a way that the last words of the Chronicles passage could legitimately be carved on my tombstone, "he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered". For that to be true I need to practice the directives given by James. Today I will return my attention to living out these directives. I will submit to God, seek to resist the devil, draw near to God and receive God's cleansing. Today will be a great day.

(P) Prayer
Lord, You know my heart and my desires. Let me get to know you better today, do your work in me and use me in the lives of others. Amen

Life Journal 07-19-2009

2009-07-19T08:11:00.001-04:00

Split Loyalties

(S) Scripture
They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought.
To this day they persist in their former practices. They neither worship the LORD nor adhere to the decrees and ordinances, the laws and commands that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom he named Israel.
2 Kings 17:33-34 (NIV)

They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices.
Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.
2 Kings 17:40-41 (NIV)

(O) Observation
The Israelites ignored God's command to follow and worship Him alone. They tried to both worship God and the gods of the people around them. This brought God's anger and punishment. The result was a heart calloused to God and mimicked by their children and grandchildren. The example of disobedience they set was followed by the generations that followed.

(A) Application
This is a sobering passage. I wonder what other "idols" I try to worship along with the Lord. I may not have shrines built for them but I wonder. What about golf and TV and my image in town. These quickly come to mind when I think of things that occupy my time. After all don't you give your time to the things you hold dear and "worship"? Today I will work on my priorities and put all those other things in their proper place somewhere down the list from my relationship with the Lord. Those things are not evil in themselves but when I give them a place of priority in my live over my relationship with the Lord they become evil for me. The scary thing is that others will follow my example.

(P) Prayer
Lord, keep me focused on you. Help me to keep these other things in their proper place. Amen

Life Journal 7-15-2009

2009-07-15T10:13:00.001-04:00

Discipline

(S) Scripture
For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness.
All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Hebrews 12:10-11 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
The writer is comparing the discipline of our earthly and Heavenly fathers. Our parents do what seems right to them but God disciplines with a purpose. God disciplines us to make us holy. Now that is quite a thought.

(A) Application
Parents do what they think is right but don't always get it right. Some discipline out of frustration and anger with very little love involved. Others may have the best interest of the child in mind. I am reminded of the discipline I received after running into the street. That discipline taught me that the pain of the discipline was not worth running into the street for. That discipline was used to teach me and to keep me safe. I was not able to reason it through and so my parents used what I understood, discipline. God always has my best in mind. He never disciplines to get even or to alienate but always with the purpose of holiness. The discipline is not always pleasant but when received with a faithful heart it will lead to holy living. Today I do not want to run away from God's discipline; I want to embrace it and learn from it and to let it lead me to holy living that brings peace and righteousness to my life.

(P) Prayer
Lord, make me into the person you created me to be. Chip off the rough spots and make form me into your design for me. Work in my life today. Amen

Life Journal 07-14-2009

2009-07-14T09:36:00.001-04:00

It Really Is By Faith

(S) Scripture
Hebrews 11

(O) Observation
The writer makes it clear from history and the lives of the heroes of Israel that our standing with God has always been by faith. Before Christ it was by faith that people pleased God. After Christ it is by faith that people please God. It has always been and will always be "by faith" that we please God and receive His blessing in our lives.

(A) Application
Whenever I try to live on my own power I cannot please God or receive His blessing and power in my life. It is "by faith" that I can and will please Him. Today I will again focus on living by faith. I will seek to walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit.

(P) Prayer
Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit today and let me walk faithfully with you. Amen

Life Journal 07-13-2009

2009-07-13T09:17:00.001-04:00

The Way To Live

(S) Scripture
Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,
by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,
and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:19-25 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Because Jesus is superior and is our high priest we are called to a new way of living. We are to:
    Draw near to God with a sincere heart
    Hold fast to the confession of our faith
    Stimulate each other to love and good deeds
    Gather together for encouragement and worship
That is a new way of living because it is the antithesis of our nature. These directives are counter to our natural selfish tendencies. This kind of living comes as a result of our lives being transformed by the Holy Spirit.

(A) Application
These four directives form a way of living that I desire. Too often I find myself focused only on my personal needs and struggles. I sometimes forget that I have a family in Christ that can and will help. When I am focused on myself I am not able to help others and then I am way out of whack with these directives. If I could outline a way to live that brings fulfillment and satisfaction it would have to resemble this one but it could not improve on this one. Today I will seek to live out these directives. I will practice them and by the power of the Holy Spirit they will become the normal for my life. I cannot produce this on my own but can with the Holy Spirit leading and empowering me.

(P) Prayer
Lord, you know the work that must be done in my life in order for it to reflect these commands. Do that work in me. Amen

Life Journal 07-12-2009

2009-07-12T16:35:00.001-04:00

A Done Deal

(S) Scripture
The LORD Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.
Isaiah 14:24 (NIV)

(O) Observation
In a prophecy against Assyria, Isaiah begins with this declaration. What God plans will happen and what God purposes will last.

(A) Application
Sometimes I forget that God is in control and that His plans and purposes will stand. Now I would never say that God is not in control out loud, but I live that way at times. When I take things into my own hands or choose to live by my own devices I am taking control and my plans will not stand. Today I will trust and follow God. I know that His plans and purposes last where mine are temporal at best.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I know that your plans and purposes last so help me to trust and follow them and not my own. Amen