Scripture
Luke 11:23 - "This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you're not on my side, you're the enemy; if you're not helping, your making things worse.
Observation & Application
Developing our relationship with Christ requires active, intentional work. It is like paddling upstream. You must keep paddling to keep moving forward. The moment you stop paddling you are moving the wrong way.
There is no neutral ground. We're either helping or hurting.
We're either growing toward Christ or we aren't. Sometimes I wonder if we think paddling along at an almost neutral rate is OK. From this passage...I don't think so. Paddle faster.
None of us likes to hear absolutes like this. Our lives are complex and we are too busy - and we know we should be shedding more and more of the world's rags, by putting on more of the garments of Christ. But we tend to let the things that matter get in the way, and become content in our rags because at least we're clothed. God calls us to change clothes.
Father, help me to give up my rags.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Putting Myself in God's Shoes
Scripture
Luke 8:52 - Everyone was crying and carrying on over her. Jesus said, "Don't cry. She didn't die; she's sleeping." They laughted at him. They knew she was dead.
Observation
Try as we might, we don't think like God very often. We're a lot like the disciples and the girl's parents in this testimony. We enter the room and we know what's going on. And, the minute we know something, we close ourselves off to the work of God.
As I look back at my life, I can see that almost 100% of the time, God's working in my life was not how I knew it should/could/would happen. It was always better - not necessarily less painful (which was always my fault...stubborn, stubborn man :)) - but definitely better.
Father, forgive me for the arrogance of knowing anything. I want to see and experience the world through your eyes, recognizing that to do that I must slow down my judgments of people and situations, and spend more time putting my self in your shoes.
Luke 8:52 - Everyone was crying and carrying on over her. Jesus said, "Don't cry. She didn't die; she's sleeping." They laughted at him. They knew she was dead.
Observation
Try as we might, we don't think like God very often. We're a lot like the disciples and the girl's parents in this testimony. We enter the room and we know what's going on. And, the minute we know something, we close ourselves off to the work of God.
As I look back at my life, I can see that almost 100% of the time, God's working in my life was not how I knew it should/could/would happen. It was always better - not necessarily less painful (which was always my fault...stubborn, stubborn man :)) - but definitely better.
Father, forgive me for the arrogance of knowing anything. I want to see and experience the world through your eyes, recognizing that to do that I must slow down my judgments of people and situations, and spend more time putting my self in your shoes.
(Wednesday's Post...Late) Hands and Feet
Scripture
Luke 7:21 - In the next two or three hours Jesus healed many from disease, distress, and evil spirits.
It is hard to imagine a culture (we're obviously very westernized compared to the rest of the world) like the one in Jesus' time. To have many people healed indicates that many people needed healing.
We love to ask, "why?" Why does famine exist? Why is their suffering in the world? Why does God allow evil to run rampant in our culture?
I'm sure many were asking the same questions in the time of Jesus. What if the blind were blind so that Jesus could heal them to show his divinity? What if the sick were diseased so that Jesus could reach out and extend arms of love, and model for the church how it should do it's work? Wouldn't that be worth it?
What if it's still true today? God is still alive reaching out arms of love for the sick and diseased. What if he's still trying to show he is God, but we just don't notice or care? What if we're supposed to be his hands and feet?
Luke 7:21 - In the next two or three hours Jesus healed many from disease, distress, and evil spirits.
It is hard to imagine a culture (we're obviously very westernized compared to the rest of the world) like the one in Jesus' time. To have many people healed indicates that many people needed healing.
We love to ask, "why?" Why does famine exist? Why is their suffering in the world? Why does God allow evil to run rampant in our culture?
I'm sure many were asking the same questions in the time of Jesus. What if the blind were blind so that Jesus could heal them to show his divinity? What if the sick were diseased so that Jesus could reach out and extend arms of love, and model for the church how it should do it's work? Wouldn't that be worth it?
What if it's still true today? God is still alive reaching out arms of love for the sick and diseased. What if he's still trying to show he is God, but we just don't notice or care? What if we're supposed to be his hands and feet?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Lovers not Fighters
Scripture
Luke 6:27 - To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.
Observation & Application
Enemies is a very strong term. David had enemies. Daniel had enemies. For us - not so much. Their enemies were out to kill them. Our enemies might want to get us fired, hurt our reputations or generally make life difficult. A completely different class of "enemy." So this verse should be easier for us. Our physical lives are not at stake. How come it isn't easier? Our pride? Our arrogance?
God call us to be lovers, not fighters. He doesn't even call us to be neutral.
We allow our enemies to bring out the best in us when we choose to serve them, when we choose to love them. They may be able to do lots of things to us, but only we are in control of the choice to serve.
Prayer
Father help me to love and serve those I don't necessary connect with, and in so doing honor You.
Luke 6:27 - To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.
Observation & Application
Enemies is a very strong term. David had enemies. Daniel had enemies. For us - not so much. Their enemies were out to kill them. Our enemies might want to get us fired, hurt our reputations or generally make life difficult. A completely different class of "enemy." So this verse should be easier for us. Our physical lives are not at stake. How come it isn't easier? Our pride? Our arrogance?
God call us to be lovers, not fighters. He doesn't even call us to be neutral.
We allow our enemies to bring out the best in us when we choose to serve them, when we choose to love them. They may be able to do lots of things to us, but only we are in control of the choice to serve.
Prayer
Father help me to love and serve those I don't necessary connect with, and in so doing honor You.
Monday, September 22, 2008
His Turf
Scripture
Luke 4:27 - And there were many lepers in Israel at the time of the prophet Elisha but the only one cleansed was Naaman the Syrian.
Observation
The world is filled with people who claim to know and follow God. Very few really do. There are, and always have been, religious people, but God has shown his disdain for RELIGION since time began. To me religion is words without actions...head knowledge not heart obedience. God wants our hearts and is not constrained by the artificial boundaries we set up (in this case...a gentile). He is no respecter of persons.
Application
One pattern I see in scripture is that the religious people expected God/Jesus to meet them on their "turf" (their rules, their ideas of who God is, their ideas of who God loves). The people who actually met God went on a journey that took him to his turf.
Father, enlarge my view of You. Show me where I am merely "religious" and missing out on you. Lead me on a journey of discovery to know you as you want to be known by me.
Luke 4:27 - And there were many lepers in Israel at the time of the prophet Elisha but the only one cleansed was Naaman the Syrian.
Observation
The world is filled with people who claim to know and follow God. Very few really do. There are, and always have been, religious people, but God has shown his disdain for RELIGION since time began. To me religion is words without actions...head knowledge not heart obedience. God wants our hearts and is not constrained by the artificial boundaries we set up (in this case...a gentile). He is no respecter of persons.
Application
One pattern I see in scripture is that the religious people expected God/Jesus to meet them on their "turf" (their rules, their ideas of who God is, their ideas of who God loves). The people who actually met God went on a journey that took him to his turf.
Father, enlarge my view of You. Show me where I am merely "religious" and missing out on you. Lead me on a journey of discovery to know you as you want to be known by me.
Friday, September 19, 2008
No Plan B
Scripture
Isaiah 53:10 - Still, it's what God had in mind all along, to crush him with pain. The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin so that he'd see life come from it - life, life, and more life. And God's plan will deeply prosper through him.
Observation
I've had a crazy, exhausting week. It started on Plan A. Then, the server at DSF died. The backup was overwritten. My laptop crashed it's Outlook file. A pastor's retreat in the middle of it all. Every plan I worked failed. I went from Plan A to Plan B to Plan C faster than a speeding bullet.
When we think of Jesus, sometimes we think, "if only Plan A hadn't failed. If Adam and Eve hadn't sinned in the garden of Eden, Jesus wouldn't have had to come to save us." But here in Isaiah we find that Jesus was always Plan A. Man sinning never surprised God. It was part of the plan all along.
Application
When we connect with God, we don't need to feel any guilt or shame because of our sin. His redemption of our lives was and is still on Plan A. When things go wrong...still Plan A. We can trust his faithfulness because there is no Plan B.
Isaiah 53:10 - Still, it's what God had in mind all along, to crush him with pain. The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin so that he'd see life come from it - life, life, and more life. And God's plan will deeply prosper through him.
Observation
I've had a crazy, exhausting week. It started on Plan A. Then, the server at DSF died. The backup was overwritten. My laptop crashed it's Outlook file. A pastor's retreat in the middle of it all. Every plan I worked failed. I went from Plan A to Plan B to Plan C faster than a speeding bullet.
When we think of Jesus, sometimes we think, "if only Plan A hadn't failed. If Adam and Eve hadn't sinned in the garden of Eden, Jesus wouldn't have had to come to save us." But here in Isaiah we find that Jesus was always Plan A. Man sinning never surprised God. It was part of the plan all along.
Application
When we connect with God, we don't need to feel any guilt or shame because of our sin. His redemption of our lives was and is still on Plan A. When things go wrong...still Plan A. We can trust his faithfulness because there is no Plan B.
(Thursday's post late) We Must Sing
Scripture
Luke 1:40 - When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb leaped. She was filled with the Holy Spirit, and sing out exuberantly.
Observation
Last night Kevin pulled out his iPhone and walked me through one of his playlists: "The Best of the 70s". From "Sad Eyes" to "Play that Funky Music" we sang through a few lines of each song. For me the 80's had the best popular music. How incredibly powerful music captures moments in our lives. Something happens and we must sing - and it leaves an imprint on our soul.
Here Mary walks in on Elizabeth. Her preggo shirt says "Almighty on Board". Both Johnny (the Baptist) and Elizabeth recognize the mystery of the moment...in the presence of the Savior...and Elizabeth breaks into a spontaneous tune.
Her spirit recognized the presence of God and had to do something to express it.
Application
Every week I have the privilege of helping to craft moments in which people have an opportunity to recognize the presence of God. May the music we play inspire them to mark the moment so that it imprints upon their soul. Though we can't make the moment happen, we are tools in the hand of an Almighty God.
Luke 1:40 - When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb leaped. She was filled with the Holy Spirit, and sing out exuberantly.
Observation
Last night Kevin pulled out his iPhone and walked me through one of his playlists: "The Best of the 70s". From "Sad Eyes" to "Play that Funky Music" we sang through a few lines of each song. For me the 80's had the best popular music. How incredibly powerful music captures moments in our lives. Something happens and we must sing - and it leaves an imprint on our soul.
Here Mary walks in on Elizabeth. Her preggo shirt says "Almighty on Board". Both Johnny (the Baptist) and Elizabeth recognize the mystery of the moment...in the presence of the Savior...and Elizabeth breaks into a spontaneous tune.
Her spirit recognized the presence of God and had to do something to express it.
Application
Every week I have the privilege of helping to craft moments in which people have an opportunity to recognize the presence of God. May the music we play inspire them to mark the moment so that it imprints upon their soul. Though we can't make the moment happen, we are tools in the hand of an Almighty God.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
We are the Temple of God
Scripture
Ezekiel 43:12 - This is the law of the temple: As it radiates from the top of the mountain, everything around it becomes holy ground. Yes, this is law, the meaning, of the temple.
Observation and Application
Ezekiel has been taken by vision, to show and then describe, the temple. This appears to be the final temple that will exist throughout eternity. The presence of God, flowing down from the mountain of God is holy. As it stretches out, it makes all things around it holy as well.
Right now, the New Testament describes us as the temple of God. His Spirit resides in us. As we surrender our lives to Him, He purifies us, making us holy. I think the same principle from Ezekiel is true, even for us...as we become more and more holy, there is an impact on those around us. Our lives are so attractive that it is lie a magnet, drawing people to lay down their lives and become holy. God working in our lives is a picture of what it will be like for eternity.
Prayer
Father, I want my life to be holy and acceptable to you - that others may see and long for the same working of You in their lives.
Ezekiel 43:12 - This is the law of the temple: As it radiates from the top of the mountain, everything around it becomes holy ground. Yes, this is law, the meaning, of the temple.
Observation and Application
Ezekiel has been taken by vision, to show and then describe, the temple. This appears to be the final temple that will exist throughout eternity. The presence of God, flowing down from the mountain of God is holy. As it stretches out, it makes all things around it holy as well.
Right now, the New Testament describes us as the temple of God. His Spirit resides in us. As we surrender our lives to Him, He purifies us, making us holy. I think the same principle from Ezekiel is true, even for us...as we become more and more holy, there is an impact on those around us. Our lives are so attractive that it is lie a magnet, drawing people to lay down their lives and become holy. God working in our lives is a picture of what it will be like for eternity.
Prayer
Father, I want my life to be holy and acceptable to you - that others may see and long for the same working of You in their lives.
(Tuesday...Late) Wasted on Eternity
Scripture
2 Corinthians 5:5 - The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what's ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less.
Observation
God has written eternity on our hearts, a longing for something that will be at some point in the future. Reading through Revelation, these past couple of weeks, especially as we near the end, I was reminded of this verse in 2 Corinthians. A taste for what's to come.
The question is what to do with it in the meantime...
Never settle for less. This world is not our home, yet most of us live like this is all their is to live for.
EVERYTHING we do should point toward eternity. Anything else is wasted time and energy.
Application
I want my life to be "wasted on eternity", on the things that matter most: loving God and loving others.
Prayer
Father, purify my life. Help me to focus all of my energies and passions toward eternity...to prioritize every though and activity with eternity in mind...no distractions.
2 Corinthians 5:5 - The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what's ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less.
Observation
God has written eternity on our hearts, a longing for something that will be at some point in the future. Reading through Revelation, these past couple of weeks, especially as we near the end, I was reminded of this verse in 2 Corinthians. A taste for what's to come.
The question is what to do with it in the meantime...
Never settle for less. This world is not our home, yet most of us live like this is all their is to live for.
EVERYTHING we do should point toward eternity. Anything else is wasted time and energy.
Application
I want my life to be "wasted on eternity", on the things that matter most: loving God and loving others.
Prayer
Father, purify my life. Help me to focus all of my energies and passions toward eternity...to prioritize every though and activity with eternity in mind...no distractions.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Why Choose Death?
Scripture
Ezekiel 33:11 - "Tell them, "As sure as I am the Living God, I take no pleasure from the death of the wicked. I want the wicked to change their ways and live. Turn your life around! Reverse your evil ways! Why die, Israel?
Observation
Apparently meth is one of the most addictive substances on earth. It only takes one time to be addicted. My thought is: why try it all, even once? You know where the road is going to take you. Yet everyday, people become addicts.
Sin's allure is incredibly strong. Once it has its tentacles in you, even hard to escape. We all have seen how it has a way of blinding us from the truth, of masquerading as the light. We get to the point where our hearts are hardened enough that we choose death over life...even as Christians...the death of a vibrant, living relationship with God. And it seems OK...too far off the narrow path and we don't even miss it.
Why die, Israel? If we know the path leads to death...why go there?
Application
Choose the path of life. Every time.
Prayer
Father help me to choose the path of life...every time, in ever situation. Protect me from a hardened heart.
Ezekiel 33:11 - "Tell them, "As sure as I am the Living God, I take no pleasure from the death of the wicked. I want the wicked to change their ways and live. Turn your life around! Reverse your evil ways! Why die, Israel?
Observation
Apparently meth is one of the most addictive substances on earth. It only takes one time to be addicted. My thought is: why try it all, even once? You know where the road is going to take you. Yet everyday, people become addicts.
Sin's allure is incredibly strong. Once it has its tentacles in you, even hard to escape. We all have seen how it has a way of blinding us from the truth, of masquerading as the light. We get to the point where our hearts are hardened enough that we choose death over life...even as Christians...the death of a vibrant, living relationship with God. And it seems OK...too far off the narrow path and we don't even miss it.
Why die, Israel? If we know the path leads to death...why go there?
Application
Choose the path of life. Every time.
Prayer
Father help me to choose the path of life...every time, in ever situation. Protect me from a hardened heart.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Pursuit
Scripture
Daniel 2:11 - What you're asking is impossible unless some god or goddess should reveal it - and they don't hang around people like us.
Observation
So King Neb has a dream. Won't tell all of his magicians, fortunetellers, etc. what the dream is. He figures an answer that isn't shining him on will come if they have to know both the dream and the interpretation.
In verse 10 the fortunetellers say "Nobody anywhere can do what you ask. And no king, great or small, has ever demanded anything like this." I mean, come on, let us blow some smoke... (my interpretation).
It is interesting that these are the "spiritual" elite of the Babylonian culture. The ones in power. The ones with wealth. The ones everyone else would like to be. And they had no hope that the gods they servied would want anything to do with them.
Contrast us...those who follow Christ. We are average people. Not rich (most of us). Not powerful. And the God of the universe not only seeks us out to hang with us, but has adopted us into his family.
Prayer
Father thank you for pursuing me...help me to pursue you with the same intensity and purpose.
Daniel 2:11 - What you're asking is impossible unless some god or goddess should reveal it - and they don't hang around people like us.
Observation
So King Neb has a dream. Won't tell all of his magicians, fortunetellers, etc. what the dream is. He figures an answer that isn't shining him on will come if they have to know both the dream and the interpretation.
In verse 10 the fortunetellers say "Nobody anywhere can do what you ask. And no king, great or small, has ever demanded anything like this." I mean, come on, let us blow some smoke... (my interpretation).
It is interesting that these are the "spiritual" elite of the Babylonian culture. The ones in power. The ones with wealth. The ones everyone else would like to be. And they had no hope that the gods they servied would want anything to do with them.
Contrast us...those who follow Christ. We are average people. Not rich (most of us). Not powerful. And the God of the universe not only seeks us out to hang with us, but has adopted us into his family.
Prayer
Father thank you for pursuing me...help me to pursue you with the same intensity and purpose.
(Thursday's Post...Late) No Silent Treatment
Scripture
Psalm 139:17-18 - How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
Observation
I had a diet coke with a new friend today (Thursday). He was obviously a newer believer, and was hungry to understand God's Word, and to be mature. He told me he just wanted to stop messing up. He wanted to be like me.
He was surprised, and frankly didn't believe, that I am just like him. I mess up too. I finally got him to take it on faith...I mess up. He messes up. We all do, no matter how "mature" we are. Our tests just grow to match our faith and maturity.
BUT, how we process what God "thinks" of us when we mess up and our response is very important. God's thoughts about us are precious, and outnumber the grains of sand in the oceans. He never thinks "Man, Chris messed up again." I am saved by grace through Jesus Christ, who intercedes for me in the throne room of the most Holy God. I am a child of God, loved regardless of my actions. God's thoughts about me are precious. My response...to move toward Him, even when I mess up, and forget about the penance I think I should pay...
You know, when you have a fight with someone and you get the "silent treatment" while they are processing (and sometimes punishing you). We never have a silent treatment from God, though we tend impose one because of the guilt we feel.
God's thoughts about me are precious. No silent treatment.
Application
I want to grow in my understanding of grace. I want to model the "no silent treatment" that God gives me to others. I want to help others understand the freedom we have when we walk by faith through grace.
Prayer
Father, thank you that I never get the silent treatment from you, though I often deserve it. When I am tempted to punish myself...don't let me get in the way of our relationship!
Psalm 139:17-18 - How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
Observation
I had a diet coke with a new friend today (Thursday). He was obviously a newer believer, and was hungry to understand God's Word, and to be mature. He told me he just wanted to stop messing up. He wanted to be like me.
He was surprised, and frankly didn't believe, that I am just like him. I mess up too. I finally got him to take it on faith...I mess up. He messes up. We all do, no matter how "mature" we are. Our tests just grow to match our faith and maturity.
BUT, how we process what God "thinks" of us when we mess up and our response is very important. God's thoughts about us are precious, and outnumber the grains of sand in the oceans. He never thinks "Man, Chris messed up again." I am saved by grace through Jesus Christ, who intercedes for me in the throne room of the most Holy God. I am a child of God, loved regardless of my actions. God's thoughts about me are precious. My response...to move toward Him, even when I mess up, and forget about the penance I think I should pay...
You know, when you have a fight with someone and you get the "silent treatment" while they are processing (and sometimes punishing you). We never have a silent treatment from God, though we tend impose one because of the guilt we feel.
God's thoughts about me are precious. No silent treatment.
Application
I want to grow in my understanding of grace. I want to model the "no silent treatment" that God gives me to others. I want to help others understand the freedom we have when we walk by faith through grace.
Prayer
Father, thank you that I never get the silent treatment from you, though I often deserve it. When I am tempted to punish myself...don't let me get in the way of our relationship!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Quick Obedience
Scripture
Jeremiah 42:20 - Didn't you just now send me to your God, saying, 'Pray for us to our God. Tell us everything that God says and will do it all'?
Observation
What's the point of asking God's opinion when you've already made up your mind? Here, the remnant (those left in Israel when most of the nation was taken captive) had apparently already decided to go to Egypt. Life as the remnant wasn't easy. Egypt looked safe and maybe they could rebuild their lives. As a side note, I find it interesting that they were willing to return to their lives before God brought them out of Egypt. We are just like them. Life gets hard for us and we return to the slavery of our old lives, before we found freedom in Christ.
They meet with Jeremiah and ask Him to ask God for His will. I'm sure they were thinking, "of course, God will want this, He wants our lives to be easier." Or, something like that. They promise to obey (because they know God will affirm their decision). God says "No." They still go and suffer the consequences.
Application
It is far better to ask God for direction before I make up my mind. And, when presented with a change in plans (by Him), I need to be quick to change my mind. I want my life to be characterized by quick obedience, regardless the cost.
Jeremiah 42:20 - Didn't you just now send me to your God, saying, 'Pray for us to our God. Tell us everything that God says and will do it all'?
Observation
What's the point of asking God's opinion when you've already made up your mind? Here, the remnant (those left in Israel when most of the nation was taken captive) had apparently already decided to go to Egypt. Life as the remnant wasn't easy. Egypt looked safe and maybe they could rebuild their lives. As a side note, I find it interesting that they were willing to return to their lives before God brought them out of Egypt. We are just like them. Life gets hard for us and we return to the slavery of our old lives, before we found freedom in Christ.
They meet with Jeremiah and ask Him to ask God for His will. I'm sure they were thinking, "of course, God will want this, He wants our lives to be easier." Or, something like that. They promise to obey (because they know God will affirm their decision). God says "No." They still go and suffer the consequences.
Application
It is far better to ask God for direction before I make up my mind. And, when presented with a change in plans (by Him), I need to be quick to change my mind. I want my life to be characterized by quick obedience, regardless the cost.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Walk by Faith
Scripture
2 Chronicles 36:22 - In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia - this fulfilled the message of God preached by Jeremiah.
Observation
The Israelites had been in exile for more than 100 years. Things were bleak and not looking like they were going to change any time soon. And then God talks to Cyrus.
We rarely know who (or how) God will use to accomplish his purposes in our lives. If we did, we wouldn't be living by faith. We do know he is going to push us out of our comfort zones to places where we must trust Him more deeply. And when things seem bleak, and we feel like we have been in exile for 100 years or more...He makes a way. Though we may not understand how it all fits into the big picture of our lives, nothing is ever wasted in God's economy.
I was talking with a friend this morning. She has been on a journey of change and discomfort for the past year. Every time it seems like she gets to a "safe place" where she can relax, God takes her by the hand and stretches her faith. At times it seems overwhelming...more than she can handle. She is learning to walk by faith. And God is using who God will use to move her along her journey.
Trust. Faith. Obedience. A commitment to walk step by step as He leads...even though the path ahead seems overgrown and impossible to find the way.
Application
Like my friend, you are calling me to deeper faith and trust in You. Some of those areas are a bit challenging. I will trust You, because You are good.
Prayer
Give me the strength and courage to walk the path You are laying before me.
2 Chronicles 36:22 - In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia - this fulfilled the message of God preached by Jeremiah.
Observation
The Israelites had been in exile for more than 100 years. Things were bleak and not looking like they were going to change any time soon. And then God talks to Cyrus.
We rarely know who (or how) God will use to accomplish his purposes in our lives. If we did, we wouldn't be living by faith. We do know he is going to push us out of our comfort zones to places where we must trust Him more deeply. And when things seem bleak, and we feel like we have been in exile for 100 years or more...He makes a way. Though we may not understand how it all fits into the big picture of our lives, nothing is ever wasted in God's economy.
I was talking with a friend this morning. She has been on a journey of change and discomfort for the past year. Every time it seems like she gets to a "safe place" where she can relax, God takes her by the hand and stretches her faith. At times it seems overwhelming...more than she can handle. She is learning to walk by faith. And God is using who God will use to move her along her journey.
Trust. Faith. Obedience. A commitment to walk step by step as He leads...even though the path ahead seems overgrown and impossible to find the way.
Application
Like my friend, you are calling me to deeper faith and trust in You. Some of those areas are a bit challenging. I will trust You, because You are good.
Prayer
Give me the strength and courage to walk the path You are laying before me.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Consider the Ant
Note: There are days when I read the verses assigned to that day of the year in the Life Journal, and don't find anything applicable for my life in that moment. I find that a few verses in Ezekiel and Revelation fall into that category more frequently than say...Philippians. When this happens I pick a chapter in Proverbs (I pick whatever chapter corresponds to the day of the month I am in) and add it to my reading. Therefore...today is a Proverbs day. :)
Scripture
Proverbs 6:6 - You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely, let it teach you a thing or two.
Observation
We have ants at our house. Though we've seen them in the kitchen, the living room and the bathroom, most of the time they can be found in the concrete seam where the garage meets the driveway. Every few weeks I'll walk outside and see an ant orgy going on, and gleefully get the ant killer and spray the heck out of them. Later I clean up the leftover carcases and we don't see them again for a few weeks. And then the cycle begins again. As I consider the ant, three things popped into my mind today when I read this passage.
1. Ants are persistent. They persevere. Ants face bigger than life challenges every day of their existence. And, just as the journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step, a colony teeming with life begins by moving one grain of sand/dirt over and over. Rather than being focused on the big picture, which is often too overwhelming, they focus on the step in front of them. And over time, have a colony the size of my driveway.
2. Ants are resistent. They don't let anything stop them. You'd think that they'd stop coming up in the same place. They don't let a little persecution stop them. They just keep doing what instinct tells them to do. Even if it puts them in a dangerous relationship with me.
3. Ants are consistent. They are focused. Each ant has a role to play in the colony, and plays it with focus. You don't find the little worker ant trying to lay the eggs for the queen. The scout ants don't spent time carving out the homestead.
Application
I need these characteristics in my life. Even today, my list of things to get done is almost overwhelming. I need to tackle it one item at a time. In the face of opposition, I need to resist. I know what God has called me to. I can't let a little "bug spray" stop me. And, I need to consistently do the things God has gifted me to do and stop doing the things he hasn't...which is easier said than done.
Prayer
Father, give me wisdom to apply these three principles in my life.
Scripture
Proverbs 6:6 - You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely, let it teach you a thing or two.
Observation
We have ants at our house. Though we've seen them in the kitchen, the living room and the bathroom, most of the time they can be found in the concrete seam where the garage meets the driveway. Every few weeks I'll walk outside and see an ant orgy going on, and gleefully get the ant killer and spray the heck out of them. Later I clean up the leftover carcases and we don't see them again for a few weeks. And then the cycle begins again. As I consider the ant, three things popped into my mind today when I read this passage.
1. Ants are persistent. They persevere. Ants face bigger than life challenges every day of their existence. And, just as the journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step, a colony teeming with life begins by moving one grain of sand/dirt over and over. Rather than being focused on the big picture, which is often too overwhelming, they focus on the step in front of them. And over time, have a colony the size of my driveway.
2. Ants are resistent. They don't let anything stop them. You'd think that they'd stop coming up in the same place. They don't let a little persecution stop them. They just keep doing what instinct tells them to do. Even if it puts them in a dangerous relationship with me.
3. Ants are consistent. They are focused. Each ant has a role to play in the colony, and plays it with focus. You don't find the little worker ant trying to lay the eggs for the queen. The scout ants don't spent time carving out the homestead.
Application
I need these characteristics in my life. Even today, my list of things to get done is almost overwhelming. I need to tackle it one item at a time. In the face of opposition, I need to resist. I know what God has called me to. I can't let a little "bug spray" stop me. And, I need to consistently do the things God has gifted me to do and stop doing the things he hasn't...which is easier said than done.
Prayer
Father, give me wisdom to apply these three principles in my life.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Chip or Mold?
Scripture
Revelation 9:20 - The remaining men and women who weren't killed by these weapons went on their merry way - didn't change their way of life, didn't quit worshiping demons, didn't quit centering their lives around lumps of gold and silver and brass, hunks of stone and wood that couldn't see or hear or move.
Observation
The human capacity to live in denial often astounds me. It shouldn't - I've just about seen it all, yet it does. Here the human race is being knocked up along side of the head by God. Trying to get their attention. Trying to get them to acknowledge the futility of the path they are following. And...they go their merry way.
I was talking with somone this week about the method of their approach to a particular problem in his life. He acknowledged the failure of the method and the resulting consequences, but was still seemingly unmotivated to pursue a change in the method to get better results.
We can make ourselves believe anything we want, but when it is not grounded in THE TRUTH we set ourselves up to hardened hearts. Since God chastens those he loves, he has to chip us instead of molding us. He'll go for the same result - one is just more painful than the other.
Application
I want to see myself through the lens of God's truth. I want my heart to be soft to His leading, accountable to those who can see our blind spots, and willing to let go of the safe lies I cling to as I embrace the wild adventure God has planned for my life.
Prayer
Father, reveal to me through Your Word and the words of friends, those areas of my life that you want changed. I submit who I am and who I want to be to You for Your purposes.
Revelation 9:20 - The remaining men and women who weren't killed by these weapons went on their merry way - didn't change their way of life, didn't quit worshiping demons, didn't quit centering their lives around lumps of gold and silver and brass, hunks of stone and wood that couldn't see or hear or move.
Observation
The human capacity to live in denial often astounds me. It shouldn't - I've just about seen it all, yet it does. Here the human race is being knocked up along side of the head by God. Trying to get their attention. Trying to get them to acknowledge the futility of the path they are following. And...they go their merry way.
I was talking with somone this week about the method of their approach to a particular problem in his life. He acknowledged the failure of the method and the resulting consequences, but was still seemingly unmotivated to pursue a change in the method to get better results.
We can make ourselves believe anything we want, but when it is not grounded in THE TRUTH we set ourselves up to hardened hearts. Since God chastens those he loves, he has to chip us instead of molding us. He'll go for the same result - one is just more painful than the other.
Application
I want to see myself through the lens of God's truth. I want my heart to be soft to His leading, accountable to those who can see our blind spots, and willing to let go of the safe lies I cling to as I embrace the wild adventure God has planned for my life.
Prayer
Father, reveal to me through Your Word and the words of friends, those areas of my life that you want changed. I submit who I am and who I want to be to You for Your purposes.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
A "Fresh" Perspective
Warning: I don't promise that these posts will make sense to anyone other than me. :) I am putting them here to model what a connection with God can look like. You are unique. Yours will probably look different. That's OK.
Scripture
Revelation 7:11-12 - And they were standing, dressed in white robes and waving palm branches, standing before the Throne and the Lamb and heartily singing: Salvation to our God on His Throne! Salvation to the Lamb!
Observation
I had the privilege of meeting an older visitor before a service a few weeks ago. He asked me if we were a 7-11 church. He could see the puzzled look on my face as I struggled with how to respond. He said, "you know, one of those churches who sings 7 words 11 times." His thinking was obvious - too much repetition is bad...is shallow.
When I read the book of Revelation I see repetition over and over and over and over... A few words repeated forever. It never indicates that God tires of hearing those few words day in and day out; nor does it indicate that the elders (or angels or saints) ever tire of saying them.
I have to admit. It is easy for me to grow bored with some of the worship songs I've sung. (Since I'm blogging this I won't mention any titles...don't want to get sued). This passage reminds me of how much I really don't get God. I really can sing of His love forever...just not the same song. My humanity limits my imagination and awareness of God.
How arrogant we are to think that the mere 26 letters we have in our alphabet could ever be strung together in a way that even begins to describe God completely. Maybe the freshness we are looking for is not in the lyrics, but down in the depths of our hearts. Imagine the elders, in God's presence all the time, constant aware of His Awesome Presence. Of course they never tire of singing the same thing.
Application
I need to live my life in such a way that I practice His Presence in every moment, in every situation. Then, the freshness will well up from deep inside of me, making all things new.
Prayer
Father, I long to connect with you in a deeper way today. Please meet me, awaken me to Your presence and bring a fresh perspective as You renew my spirit.
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