Life Journal – 12-16-2008

How Should We Live (a summary)

(S) Scripture
To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Peter has been giving instructions about submitting to the Lord, government authorities, each other and then in the family. Peter then comes to this great summary statement. It is longer than Jesus' "love God with… and your neighbor as yourself," but Peter is teaching much the same things. When we live the way Peter describes we are living the way God intends us to live and we will be blessed. That is our calling as followers of Jesus.

(A) Application
Peter's description of how things in our lives should be is too often the opposite of what they are in reality. Too often I am disobedient, obstinate, pushy, proud and unkind. Then I wonder why I do not sense God's blessing in my life. DUH!!! This message is not difficult to understand but it is tough to live out. It though is our calling and that should mean something. I am called and compelled to live this kind of life and the result is God's blessing. Today I will seek to live the way Peter describes. I will stop my selfish, critical attitudes and live the way God desires.

(P) Prayer
Lord, you know how natural it is for me to be selfish and to think only of myself. I know that is not the way you want me to live and it is not what you have called me to. Today live your life through me and teach me to live the way Peter described. I want to experience you blessing. Amen

Life Journal – 12-15-2008

KWITCHERBELLYAKIN

(S) Scripture
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
James begins his letter by telling the people not to complain but rather to consider their trials as joy. There is a purpose in the testing and trial and that is to produce endurance and that then will leave us lacking in nothing. The Lord leaves nothing to chance, He wants us to be complete and he knows that it will take trials to accomplish that. The strength on an oak tree comes from straining against the wind and forces of nature. It roots grow deeper and its wood strengthens. This does not happen overnight but rather over time. Maturity like this takes time and there are no instant substitutes.

(A) Application
I live in a world of instant gratification. We want what we want when we want it. I am not just talking selfishness here but also we want instant maturity and instant trust in relationships. We want things quick. It reflects the pace of our lives. In our spiritual lives we want patience, right now!! Rather than doing the hard work of study we want the "Cliff Notes" of the Bible. When we have to wait or work we complain or belly ache about it. We do not see God's purpose and so we complain. James says to kwitcherbellyakin and consider it all joy because God is at work in you. The result will be something you will appreciate. We will be complete (mature) and lacking in nothing in our relationship with the Lord. That does not mean we will be perfect but we will have everything we need to continue to trust God in every circumstance and to experience his peace in our lives. Today I will refuse to complain and will count whatever I encounter as JOY because I know that the Lord is at work in me.

(P) Prayer
Lord forgive me when I complain and remind me that you are at work and that you are trustworthy. Amen

Life Journal – 12-14-2008

When I Get Discouraged

(S) Scripture
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:3 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
On the heels of the verses that tell us to run with endurance the author of Hebrews gives us this nugget of encouragement. Knowing that running with endurance would have its tough and discouraging moments the author reminds us to look at what Jesus endured. He endured that for us and so we can continue in His strength.

(A) Application
For years I have used the first two verses of this chapter. They are familiar to many of us:
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB77)

I have heard and preached many sermons on these verses but have yet to hear or preach a message that included verse three. This verse gives us the fuel we need to continue when tough times come. As I remember what Jesus endured it puts my struggles into perspective and empowers me to continue moving forward. As I live my life today I will do so remembering what Jesus endured for me and so regardless of my circumstances I will move forward.

(P) Prayer
Lord Jesus, sometimes I act as if you didn't suffer or endure anything for me. Forgive me for my sin. Since you endured so much for me I certainly can endure whatever comes my way for you. Teach me to trust you first and always. Give me the grace to deal with those who sin against me. Teach me to love others like you have and continue to love me. Amen

Life Journal – 12-13-2008

By Faith

(S) Scripture
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 (NASB77)

By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
Hebrews 11:3 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
The author, in chapter 11, illustrates from Israel's history that it is always by faith that we please God. This chapter is a litany of the heroes of Israel and all achieved what they did by faith.

(A) Application
This chapter has been called b some the Bible's "Hall of Fame". The listing of names and what they did reminded me somewhat of my visit to the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. There you can see the stats and busts of each member. All their accomplishments in the game they loved. In this passage we read about the important life accomplishments of some of Israel's heroes. In each case it was faith that brought God's blessing and pleasure. It is only by faith that we too can please God. "By faith" is repeated over and over in this chapter. It is an important point. We cannot please God in our own strength. We can only please him when we live by faith. That is easier said than done and yet we are told over and over in the New Testament to "walk by faith" or some similar command. Today I will walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. I will trust God and not complain, grumble or gripe. I will thank God for his provision in my life.

(P) Prayer
Father today I thank you for forgiving me and placing your Holy Spirit within me. I give control of my life to him. Fill me and use me today. By faith I will live for you today. Amen

Life Journal 12-11-2008

Come Confidently

(S) Scripture
Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
The author has just been discussing our confession of faith and the High Priest we have in Jesus. On that basis we are to come with confidence to the throne of grace. We come as family and there we receive grace and help in time of need.

(A) Application
I am reminded of the scene in the movie, The Godfather, where people come to Don Corleone to ask for favors (he cannot refuse them at his daughter's wedding). They come in fear and make their requests. I am so glad that our Father is not like that. In this passage we are told to come to God with confidence or boldness. We come as children not as strangers. Because of our faith in Jesus we can approach God's throne with confidence. What a thought! I can approach Almighty God with confidence, knowing that He will hear me and give attention to my request and needs. I do not need to be afraid or timid. I am going to my father and he loves me and wants the best for me and will work for me. Why then do I hesitate? Generally because I have unconfessed sin in my life and I think he is angry and disappointed and will not hear or act. Nothing is farther from the truth. God is eager to hear, eager to forgive and eager to cleanse my life and then to make me into the person He wants me to be.

Today is my oldest daughter's birthday. I cannot imagine refusing to allow her into my presence or making it seem like a favor to her. I long to talk with her and to be with her and to hear what is happening and to sense what she needs. I would hope that she would come to me in confidence that her father will accept, hear and help her.

Today I will not shy away from His throne but will go there confidently and spend time with my Father.

(P) Prayer
Father, thank you for making me your child and allowing me access to you. Teach me not to be afraid or timid but to come to you in the confidence a child has in going to their father.

Life Journal 12-10-2008

A Blessed Heritage

(S) Scripture
You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them;
and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:14-15 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Paul tells Timothy to continue in the things he has learned. The foundation for these was laid in his childhood. Timothy was to remain true to the faith he had learned from his mother and grandmother. This faith was rooted in God's Word which is the focus of the next verses in this passage.

(A) Application
I am today who I am because of the instruction I received from my parents and grandparents. Yesterday I wrote about the influence of my uncles. That influence was significant in my life but it pales in comparison to the influence of my parents and grandparents. I am so blessed to be part of a family of faithful people. My parents taught me the lessons of faith early on and never wavered in their instruction. They lived what they taught. My dad died in 1984 and I so miss his wise counsel. My mom continues to be an inspiration in my life. Hers continues to be a life of service lived out through the church. My grandparents were also deeply involved in serving the Lord through the local church. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for the foundation they laid in my life that brought me to faith in Jesus and now to the ministry I have been called to. Today I want to influence others the way I was influenced. I want to build into others the faith that was built in me.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I know that I am blessed. Thank you for the people you had build in my life. Thank you for parents and grandparents who were people committed to you and who taught me those lessons of faith that I needed. Thank you for using me now to pass that faith on to the next generation. Help me to build in others the same way people built in me. Amen

Life Journal – 12-09-2008

A Smack of Reality

(S) Scripture
But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.
Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
Titus 2:1-2 (NASB77)

(O) Observation
Paul is giving instruction to Titus. He is to speak only that which leads to sound doctrine and as an "older man" he is to set the example for the younger men. He is to pass on to the next generation what he knows as a leader in the church.

(A) Application
In my life and ministry I have had many show me the way of faith, parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, bosses and co-workers. I looked to some of these as mentors. When I think about my spiritual mentors I think first of my two uncles who were pastors. Ward Robinson, my mom's brother now with the Lord, and Jim Crouch, my dad's brother, who is still an inspiration to my life and ministry. I suppose I still think of myself as a "young, 40 something pastor with much to learn from older pastors," and yet the reality is that I am 60. When I look in the mirror I see lots of gray hair and some wrinkles (the sure signs of wisdom J) and this passage reminds me that I have an obligation to those following after me. Just as my uncles have modeled ministry and mentored me I must now be about modeling and mentoring others. The smack of reality is that I am that "older man" and I have much to share. I must live a life of faithfulness that is described in these verses. I have been given a great gift of learning from two of the most Godly pastors I know (even though they are family) and I must mow share what I know with others.

Today I will thank God for the older men he put in my life to mentor me. I will call Uncle Jim and thank him for his continued influence in my life. I will seek to pass what I know on to others. By God's grace and in the power of the Holy Spirit I will develop and live out these qualities in my life.

(P)
Father, I thank you for my Uncles who poured so much of their lives into mine. I am in large part the pastor I am today because of their mentoring. Let me now be an influence in others lives. I can only do this with your help, strength and courage. Teach me to be that "older man" and to be so with grace.