Finishing Well
J. Robert Clinton has studied the lives of 1300 historical and contemporary Christians. He estimates that the percentage of those who finish strong is about one in three!!! This is a startling fact that should cause every one of us to seriously examine our lives. What derails so many Christian? There are many causes such as power, possessions, pleasure but the largest single factor is that Christians simply plateau. As goes your heart so goes your life. That is why Solomon said, “Guard your heart for it is the well-spring of your life.”
In our reading today we have the most powerful antidote to fight this plateau. What is this super powerful antidote that can guard our hearts? It is praise and worship. Look at these references in today’s readings:
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
Sing joyfully to the Lord.
It is fitting for the upright to praise Him.
Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
Sing to him a new song, play skillfully, and SHOUT for joy. It does say shout!!!!
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!”
But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.
This Sunday when you sit in church look at the person on your left and right and realize that two of the three of you will not strongly finish the race. Once you have gotten over the shock of that fact, and then make a commitment to take the antidote of deliberate daily worship. Your commitment to read God’s word every day this year is a discipline that will pay huge dividends. But reading is not enough; we must move the truth of God from our heads to our hearts. Bringing worship and praise into our daily quiet time is something we must intentionally do. Break out that old guitar, old trumpet or just sit down with some praise music and sing at the top of your lungs. If you have family in the house it might be better to do this when they are awake. If you are extremely voice challenged you might want to limit this to the car. You will get strange looks as people pass you and hear you singing your heart out to the Lord, but the greater benefit will be your heart will be changed and renewed. And a strong heart is what really counts in life.
As a Christ follower for many years I have seen far too many people walk away from the Lord or disqualify themselves by dropping out of the race. Don’t think for one second that this fate could not occur in your life. If ever there was a time when we need the Christ followers to finish strong it is right now. We are living at one of the most strategic points of history and we need everyone to stay strong in this race.
So the moment you finish your Bible reading and this blog, fill your lungs with air and from the very center of your heart praise and worship our great and awesome God.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
April 29
The hard questions of life:
1) How long did the Hundred Years War last?
2) Which country makes Panama hats?
3) From which animal do we get catgut?
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
5) What is a camel's-hair brush made of?
6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?
7) What color is a purple finch?
8) Where are Chinese gooseberries from?
9) How long did the Thirty Years War last?
Answers to the Quiz:
1) 116 years, from 1337 to 1453.
2) Ecuador.
3) From sheep and horses.
4) November. The Russian calendar was 13 days behind ours.
5) Squirrel fur.
6) The Latin name was Insularia Canaria—Island of the Dogs.
7) Distinctively crimson.
8) New Zealand.
9) Thirty years, of course. From 1618 to 1648.
Psalm 19 includes three of the hard questions of life. These questions must be answered correctly to have a full and meaningful life.
1. Is God There? In the first six verses David clearly tells us that God is there. The heavens declare (present tense) the glory of God. Every time you take a walk at Cove Beach and see the beauty of the sun, water, trees and sunset they are shouting Glory to God!! He is there and he is a magnificent artist. 94% of Americans believe in God or some universal spirit. We all know that he is there.
2. What is God like? The nature of God is revealed in verses 7 to 11. These verses talk about the mind of God. Not only is God there, but he thinks, he has established laws, statues, commands and ordinances. This information is very exact and precise and it has been communicated to us. There is nothing arbitrary or indecisive about his revelation. Yet, 7 out of 10 Americans think truth is relative. In the church, it is 5 out of 10. This is why America is in deep weeds. We think we are the source of the 10 commandments. Our commandments go by these rules:
If it feels good, it must be right
I determine what is right and wrong, and who are you to even question my decision.
If it makes me happy, it must be right.
People are basing their lives, their eternal destinies, on their feelings. That is a scary thought.
3. Can a Person Change? The last three verses tell us that people can really be transformed. When we put the revelation of God into practice, it results in a changed life. It is the Word of God obeyed that supplies this revolution. So keep reading and keep obeying and see the change in your life.
It is great to be back from vacation. Thanks to everyone who filled in during the week.
1) How long did the Hundred Years War last?
2) Which country makes Panama hats?
3) From which animal do we get catgut?
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
5) What is a camel's-hair brush made of?
6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?
7) What color is a purple finch?
8) Where are Chinese gooseberries from?
9) How long did the Thirty Years War last?
Answers to the Quiz:
1) 116 years, from 1337 to 1453.
2) Ecuador.
3) From sheep and horses.
4) November. The Russian calendar was 13 days behind ours.
5) Squirrel fur.
6) The Latin name was Insularia Canaria—Island of the Dogs.
7) Distinctively crimson.
8) New Zealand.
9) Thirty years, of course. From 1618 to 1648.
Psalm 19 includes three of the hard questions of life. These questions must be answered correctly to have a full and meaningful life.
1. Is God There? In the first six verses David clearly tells us that God is there. The heavens declare (present tense) the glory of God. Every time you take a walk at Cove Beach and see the beauty of the sun, water, trees and sunset they are shouting Glory to God!! He is there and he is a magnificent artist. 94% of Americans believe in God or some universal spirit. We all know that he is there.
2. What is God like? The nature of God is revealed in verses 7 to 11. These verses talk about the mind of God. Not only is God there, but he thinks, he has established laws, statues, commands and ordinances. This information is very exact and precise and it has been communicated to us. There is nothing arbitrary or indecisive about his revelation. Yet, 7 out of 10 Americans think truth is relative. In the church, it is 5 out of 10. This is why America is in deep weeds. We think we are the source of the 10 commandments. Our commandments go by these rules:
If it feels good, it must be right
I determine what is right and wrong, and who are you to even question my decision.
If it makes me happy, it must be right.
People are basing their lives, their eternal destinies, on their feelings. That is a scary thought.
3. Can a Person Change? The last three verses tell us that people can really be transformed. When we put the revelation of God into practice, it results in a changed life. It is the Word of God obeyed that supplies this revolution. So keep reading and keep obeying and see the change in your life.
It is great to be back from vacation. Thanks to everyone who filled in during the week.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
April 28
Here are some of my thoughts:
Someone once told me: If you spent 1 minute in hell, you'd preach the gospel from the top of the mountains as loud as possible.
I'll never forget that. If we actually witnessed eternal punishment for one minute, i'd be terrified.
You alone are to be feared.
Who can stand before you when you are angry?
However, if you stood before God while he was angry, i'd bet you'd preach the Gospel even louder.
In my opinion, i believe one of our biggest problems as a society is the lack of fear in God. We always think of God
As this "character" that comes and saves the day. If he doesn't, he failed, if he does he's great! That's really not how it goes.
God is just and all powerful. If he acted one your every movement, he'd have more gray hairs and have higher blood pressure than you can imagine.
Luckily, he's a loving God.
Every so often stop and ask yourself: "how much do i fear God?" You should fear him above anything else.
Not to make you run away from him, but to keep yourself humble of his awe and power.
Monday, April 27, 2009
April 27
Psalms 40, 49, 50 and 73
In the series of Psalms for today’s reading we see different perspectives in the life of the believer.
Psalm 40 speaks of the wonderful relationship that the saved have with God. It is God who does the saving and rescuing of a person and puts their foundation on the Rock, Jesus Christ. The believer in turn puts continual trust in the saving power of God and has deliverance from the pit of hell and into the heights of heaven in intimate relationship with God. Words like God’s faithfulness, steadfast love, deliverance and mercy describe the actions of God towards us through Christ’s redeeming power.
Psalm 49 speaks of the riches in Christ that are possessed by the saved contrasted with the riches of earth that are the temporal valuables of the lost. How much value people place on the temporary riches of this earth that in reality provide nothing of eternal value?
There are things that money cannot buy and one of them is forgiveness of sins. When sin takes place someone has to pay the debt. The justice of God demands payment for transgressions and there are only two people that can pay the debt, either the sinner himself or Jesus Christ. The one who trusts Christ for salvation has had the price for their sins paid by Christ and there is nothing on earth that can compare in value. When we look upon something of value in this world let’s remember the priceless cost that was paid for our sins by Christ so that we could be adopted as children of God.
Psalm 50 can be summarized by the phrase from 1 Samuel 15:22 “to obey is better than sacrifice”. Sacrifice is easy compared to obedience in the heart. God doesn’t just want outwards works obedience but inward heart transformed obedience out of which works obedience will naturally follow. The Pharisees had an external works based obedience but in reality their hearts were very far from God. God doesn’t need our works but instead wants our hearts in close relationship to Him so that He can carry out His will and we can be “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
Psalm 73 focuses on the fact that covetousness and envy of others is sinful. The believer is not to look at the prosperity of others with envy and jealousy but instead to look at the prosperity we have in Christ. Death is the big equalizer because eventually the bodies of both the rich and the poor end up in the same place and their souls in front of the same judge. Prosperity through sinful means is not a blessing from God but the prosperity that has eternal value through Christ stems from the merciful, gracious hand of God. Let’s appreciate the great treasures of heaven that are ours in Christ whenever we are tempted to covet the prosperity of the world.
What is your perspective on life from day to day? Is it a spiritual perspective focused on the things of God and not on the things of this world?
Seek an intimate close relationship with your Heavenly Father and meditate on what you have because of Jesus Christ. Give yourself over moment by moment to your King and He will use you in mighty ways to accomplish His desires that will reap works of eternal value.
In the series of Psalms for today’s reading we see different perspectives in the life of the believer.
Psalm 40 speaks of the wonderful relationship that the saved have with God. It is God who does the saving and rescuing of a person and puts their foundation on the Rock, Jesus Christ. The believer in turn puts continual trust in the saving power of God and has deliverance from the pit of hell and into the heights of heaven in intimate relationship with God. Words like God’s faithfulness, steadfast love, deliverance and mercy describe the actions of God towards us through Christ’s redeeming power.
Psalm 49 speaks of the riches in Christ that are possessed by the saved contrasted with the riches of earth that are the temporal valuables of the lost. How much value people place on the temporary riches of this earth that in reality provide nothing of eternal value?
There are things that money cannot buy and one of them is forgiveness of sins. When sin takes place someone has to pay the debt. The justice of God demands payment for transgressions and there are only two people that can pay the debt, either the sinner himself or Jesus Christ. The one who trusts Christ for salvation has had the price for their sins paid by Christ and there is nothing on earth that can compare in value. When we look upon something of value in this world let’s remember the priceless cost that was paid for our sins by Christ so that we could be adopted as children of God.
Psalm 50 can be summarized by the phrase from 1 Samuel 15:22 “to obey is better than sacrifice”. Sacrifice is easy compared to obedience in the heart. God doesn’t just want outwards works obedience but inward heart transformed obedience out of which works obedience will naturally follow. The Pharisees had an external works based obedience but in reality their hearts were very far from God. God doesn’t need our works but instead wants our hearts in close relationship to Him so that He can carry out His will and we can be “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
Psalm 73 focuses on the fact that covetousness and envy of others is sinful. The believer is not to look at the prosperity of others with envy and jealousy but instead to look at the prosperity we have in Christ. Death is the big equalizer because eventually the bodies of both the rich and the poor end up in the same place and their souls in front of the same judge. Prosperity through sinful means is not a blessing from God but the prosperity that has eternal value through Christ stems from the merciful, gracious hand of God. Let’s appreciate the great treasures of heaven that are ours in Christ whenever we are tempted to covet the prosperity of the world.
What is your perspective on life from day to day? Is it a spiritual perspective focused on the things of God and not on the things of this world?
Seek an intimate close relationship with your Heavenly Father and meditate on what you have because of Jesus Christ. Give yourself over moment by moment to your King and He will use you in mighty ways to accomplish His desires that will reap works of eternal value.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
April 26: Psalms 1, 14, 15, 36, 37, and 39
Today's Psalms provide us with rich insight regarding God's relationship with both the righteous and the wicked and what characteristics define the righteous and the wicked.
First, we note that all our righteousness is merely a reflection of God's character, brought about by a thankful heart and a willing spirit. We know that God has a great love for His children, regardless of their circumstances or stature:
"Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the might mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.
How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men
find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light." (Psalm 36)
This foregoing passage shows us the depth of God's lovingkindness and provision for His holy ones. We learn that only in relation to God may we find enduring wisdom ("light"). Yet, experiencing His abundance does not require that we have a mansion on a hill. In Psalm 37, we read that we are to "delight yourself in the LORD/ and he will give you the desires of your heart." What happens, however, when we delight in the Lord? We find ourselves satisfied with His very presence; just as with a dear friend or family member, we find that we value their presence more than their presents. As John Piper has pointed out, God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. The person who "delights" in the Lord seeks His presence and not just His blessings. Ironically, desert periods in our spiritual life often draw us closer to God because we recognize the value of His presence.
The passages also touch upon the character that God may develop in the righteous:
1. Psalm 1:1-3:
"Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers."
2. The righteous seek after God; there are not many who join them in this pursuit.
3. The righteous keep "his oath/ even when it hurts." (Psalm 15) They are faithful and true to their word.
4. They are patient in waiting upon the Lord: "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;/ do not fret when men succeed in their ways,/ when they carry our their wicked schemes." (Psalm 37)
5. Their words bring forth wisdom based on the content of their hearts:
"The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks what is just.
The law of his God is in his heart;
his feet do not slip." (Psalm 37)
6. The righteous recognize the shortness of life, giving them perspective of God's timing. We are merely stewards of the time that God has given us; how are we doing in serving Him with it? (Psalm 39)
QUESTIONS
1. How can you seek more of God's presence? How have you seen "light" in His light?
2. Which characteristics of the righteous would you better like to model in your life? How might you gain the wisdom and perspective to live these characterstics out?
First, we note that all our righteousness is merely a reflection of God's character, brought about by a thankful heart and a willing spirit. We know that God has a great love for His children, regardless of their circumstances or stature:
"Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the might mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.
How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men
find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light." (Psalm 36)
This foregoing passage shows us the depth of God's lovingkindness and provision for His holy ones. We learn that only in relation to God may we find enduring wisdom ("light"). Yet, experiencing His abundance does not require that we have a mansion on a hill. In Psalm 37, we read that we are to "delight yourself in the LORD/ and he will give you the desires of your heart." What happens, however, when we delight in the Lord? We find ourselves satisfied with His very presence; just as with a dear friend or family member, we find that we value their presence more than their presents. As John Piper has pointed out, God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. The person who "delights" in the Lord seeks His presence and not just His blessings. Ironically, desert periods in our spiritual life often draw us closer to God because we recognize the value of His presence.
The passages also touch upon the character that God may develop in the righteous:
1. Psalm 1:1-3:
"Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers."
2. The righteous seek after God; there are not many who join them in this pursuit.
3. The righteous keep "his oath/ even when it hurts." (Psalm 15) They are faithful and true to their word.
4. They are patient in waiting upon the Lord: "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;/ do not fret when men succeed in their ways,/ when they carry our their wicked schemes." (Psalm 37)
5. Their words bring forth wisdom based on the content of their hearts:
"The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks what is just.
The law of his God is in his heart;
his feet do not slip." (Psalm 37)
6. The righteous recognize the shortness of life, giving them perspective of God's timing. We are merely stewards of the time that God has given us; how are we doing in serving Him with it? (Psalm 39)
QUESTIONS
1. How can you seek more of God's presence? How have you seen "light" in His light?
2. Which characteristics of the righteous would you better like to model in your life? How might you gain the wisdom and perspective to live these characterstics out?
Saturday, April 25, 2009
April 25
Psalms 120, 121, 140, 143 and 144
The themes of our readings in the Psalms today are focused on the lies of evil people, the wars waged by the wicked and the perspective that God’s people are to have in the midst of it all.
In Psalm 120 the psalmist was in great distress over the deception of people plotting against him. Maybe you have been a victim in the past of deception from people you thought were your friends that you could trust but were betrayed by them. If so, remember that God knows the truth and is the one who administers justice. But also remember that the betrayal and injustice that Christ endured for us was of infinite proportions compared to the injustice we may have suffered at the hands of evil men.
God is sovereign over all of our situations. In Psalm 121 we read in verse 8 that “The LORD will £guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.” We live in a world of sin whether it is coming from other people (the world), from Satan (the devil) or even from the battle with sin from within ourselves (the flesh). But we must remember that God is sovereign over it all and will administer perfect justice for all of the sin committed by people, lying included. Again we need to look to Christ and understand that if not for His willing atonement on the cross for us we would be judged for every lie that we have committed towards others. It puts lying in a whole different perspective.
David in Psalm 143:2 understands this when he writes “and do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no man living is righteous.”
Where there is sin there is war. Sin is enmity towards God. The Puritan, John Owen, said that enmity is like a war between two parties (God and sin) where there can never be a compromise, a truce, or any form of peace because the two are so completely opposed to each other. That is characteristic of the enmity between God and sin. God is perfectly holy and sin is perfectly unholy. So there will always be war as long as sin exists in the world, whether it’s literal war as in Iraq or a spiritual war within our selves. But the believer has great comfort when it comes to dealing with the wars surrounding us. The Prince of Peace has come to redeem and establish perfect peace, here and now. It is the peace between God and man. Christ has reconciled us to God so that the enmity of sin has been removed and we are declared righteous through Christ. Because of this we can truly say as David says in Psalm 144:15b “How blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!"
The themes of our readings in the Psalms today are focused on the lies of evil people, the wars waged by the wicked and the perspective that God’s people are to have in the midst of it all.
In Psalm 120 the psalmist was in great distress over the deception of people plotting against him. Maybe you have been a victim in the past of deception from people you thought were your friends that you could trust but were betrayed by them. If so, remember that God knows the truth and is the one who administers justice. But also remember that the betrayal and injustice that Christ endured for us was of infinite proportions compared to the injustice we may have suffered at the hands of evil men.
God is sovereign over all of our situations. In Psalm 121 we read in verse 8 that “The LORD will £guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.” We live in a world of sin whether it is coming from other people (the world), from Satan (the devil) or even from the battle with sin from within ourselves (the flesh). But we must remember that God is sovereign over it all and will administer perfect justice for all of the sin committed by people, lying included. Again we need to look to Christ and understand that if not for His willing atonement on the cross for us we would be judged for every lie that we have committed towards others. It puts lying in a whole different perspective.
David in Psalm 143:2 understands this when he writes “and do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no man living is righteous.”
Where there is sin there is war. Sin is enmity towards God. The Puritan, John Owen, said that enmity is like a war between two parties (God and sin) where there can never be a compromise, a truce, or any form of peace because the two are so completely opposed to each other. That is characteristic of the enmity between God and sin. God is perfectly holy and sin is perfectly unholy. So there will always be war as long as sin exists in the world, whether it’s literal war as in Iraq or a spiritual war within our selves. But the believer has great comfort when it comes to dealing with the wars surrounding us. The Prince of Peace has come to redeem and establish perfect peace, here and now. It is the peace between God and man. Christ has reconciled us to God so that the enmity of sin has been removed and we are declared righteous through Christ. Because of this we can truly say as David says in Psalm 144:15b “How blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!"
Monday, April 20, 2009
April 20
Accountability day: send me an email telling me what chapter you are on.
I will be out of the office for several days so if you don’t receive a respond or emails over the next few days you will know why. Juan is in Galveston Texas for the week doing humanitarian work so I think the next email devotion will be Friday from Apryl. Stay faithful to the daily reading of God’s word.
Are you a refuge?
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge.
Be my rock of refuge.
You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.
My life is consumed by anguish.
I am a dread to my friends.- those who see me on the street flee from me.
I hear the slander of many. Selections from Psalm 31
I recently read a letter written to Ann Landers. The writer wrote about a funeral wake that she recently attended. She said that the experience was extremely sad because the visitation was for a 13 year old girl who had committed suicide.
“Sally was a beautiful girl who wanted desperately to belong. She tried out for cheer‑leading and didn't make it. In fact, she failed to get into a single club she had signed up for. She was crushed after these failures.
A few weeks later Sally won a raffle. It was a certificate from a pizza place that entitled her to invite 14 friends to a pizza dinner. She turned down the prize because she didn't have 14 friends.
At the funeral home I sat and watched as the school kids come through in droves. I counted well over 100 in the 45 minutes I was there. Later I learned more than 200 had signed the guest book.
The longer I watched the angrier it made me. Dozens of teenagers placed a single flower in the casket. Many touched her hand and wept as they moved along.
I wanted to take those kids and shake them. If they cared so much for her why did they wait until she died before they let her know?
Sally left this world believing she didn't have a single friend. If just one of those kids who passed her casket had taken the time and trouble to show her a little kindness, Sally might have been alive today."
This letter concluded with this phrase, “Please print this for all the Sally’s out there for whom there may still be a chance.”
When I was growing up in the 60’s there was a great new idea called “Block Parents.” A Block Parent was a place of refuge for kids who found themselves in trouble. The sign of a Black Parent was a silhouette of a parent hand in hand with a child. You placed this sign in the front window of your house and if a child was in danger they could come to you. Only a knock on the door and there will be safety from trouble. Just a ring of the door bell and you would find shelter from the storm.
One of the toughest things in life is going through the storms. These storms are even tougher when you go through them alone. The truth is that most people today have no one to hold their hand in a storm. There are very few places of refuge in our cold world. We could focus on that all day and become really discouraged. But I have a better idea, why don't we try to become a place of refuge ourselves. Why don’t we form a kingdom Block Parent association? There are plenty of places to hang your Kingdom Block Parent sign, the office, our home, the health club and even in the church. If you had lived in David’s time would he have turned to you for refuge?
Here is the question for the day, Are you a refuge for the hurting Sally’s of the world?
I will be out of the office for several days so if you don’t receive a respond or emails over the next few days you will know why. Juan is in Galveston Texas for the week doing humanitarian work so I think the next email devotion will be Friday from Apryl. Stay faithful to the daily reading of God’s word.
Are you a refuge?
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge.
Be my rock of refuge.
You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.
My life is consumed by anguish.
I am a dread to my friends.- those who see me on the street flee from me.
I hear the slander of many. Selections from Psalm 31
I recently read a letter written to Ann Landers. The writer wrote about a funeral wake that she recently attended. She said that the experience was extremely sad because the visitation was for a 13 year old girl who had committed suicide.
“Sally was a beautiful girl who wanted desperately to belong. She tried out for cheer‑leading and didn't make it. In fact, she failed to get into a single club she had signed up for. She was crushed after these failures.
A few weeks later Sally won a raffle. It was a certificate from a pizza place that entitled her to invite 14 friends to a pizza dinner. She turned down the prize because she didn't have 14 friends.
At the funeral home I sat and watched as the school kids come through in droves. I counted well over 100 in the 45 minutes I was there. Later I learned more than 200 had signed the guest book.
The longer I watched the angrier it made me. Dozens of teenagers placed a single flower in the casket. Many touched her hand and wept as they moved along.
I wanted to take those kids and shake them. If they cared so much for her why did they wait until she died before they let her know?
Sally left this world believing she didn't have a single friend. If just one of those kids who passed her casket had taken the time and trouble to show her a little kindness, Sally might have been alive today."
This letter concluded with this phrase, “Please print this for all the Sally’s out there for whom there may still be a chance.”
When I was growing up in the 60’s there was a great new idea called “Block Parents.” A Block Parent was a place of refuge for kids who found themselves in trouble. The sign of a Black Parent was a silhouette of a parent hand in hand with a child. You placed this sign in the front window of your house and if a child was in danger they could come to you. Only a knock on the door and there will be safety from trouble. Just a ring of the door bell and you would find shelter from the storm.
One of the toughest things in life is going through the storms. These storms are even tougher when you go through them alone. The truth is that most people today have no one to hold their hand in a storm. There are very few places of refuge in our cold world. We could focus on that all day and become really discouraged. But I have a better idea, why don't we try to become a place of refuge ourselves. Why don’t we form a kingdom Block Parent association? There are plenty of places to hang your Kingdom Block Parent sign, the office, our home, the health club and even in the church. If you had lived in David’s time would he have turned to you for refuge?
Here is the question for the day, Are you a refuge for the hurting Sally’s of the world?
Sunday, April 19, 2009
"I'm scared." "I feel alone." "I am struggling with doubt." "I feel separated from God." "People who don't even think about God are getting ahead of me."
These sentences above, or at least the sense thereof, represent feelings that appear in the Psalms, the collection of songs that mark the middle of the Bible. The Psalms represent a great variety of topics, ranging from sorrow to great joy and from lament to praise. They portray the richness of the human heart and the experience of a believer in a dark world. While written more than 2,000 years ago, the thoughts expressed therein are still as poignant today as any song we might hear on the radio.
We begin with songs of a troubled soul. Psalm 6 shows the raw emotion as David wrestles with his enemies: "My soul is in anguish./ How long, O LORD, how long?" He asks for deliverance, remarking that "no one remembers you when he is dead./ Who praises you from the grave?" His anguish brings him fatigue, too: "I am worn out from groaning;/ all night long I flood my bed with weeping/ and drench my couch with tears./ My eyes grow weak with sorrow;/ they fail because of all my foes." David does not portray himself as entirely put-together, but He does show God as merciful and just.
One way that the Enemy attacks us is through isolation: feeling that we alone are to suffer. Certainly, the presence, support, and encouragement of loved ones are key ingredients for overcoming our struggles. Yet, we will fail to have true victory over the Enemy's attacks apart from trusting wholly in God. As Hudson Taylor wrote, "they who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true."
We cannot completely trust in God without sharing our struggles with Him openly. Often, we are in bondage because of our inability to put our fingers on the struggles we are having. We may ask the Lord, "Why do I feel down today? What should I learn from this tough situation?" By defining our struggles, we can lay them before the Lord and, like David, seek restoration. A great myth of the Enemy is trying to convince us that "strong Christians don't have struggles." This is patently false, as Paul explains in 2 Timothy 3:12: "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted... "
When you are scared, share that with the Lord, and ask for His comfort. When you feel alone, ask for His dear presence. Remember that, above all things, God desires our hearts and wants to be close to us. May you find strength in knowing of God's provision:
"Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
QUESTIONS
1. How do you feel today? How can these feelings draw you closer to the Lord?
2. In what ways are you vulnerable to spiritual attack? What forms might these take?
Saturday, April 18, 2009
April 18
I Chronicles 26-29
The Heart of the Problem in the US in 2009.
1 Chron. 29:14-16 But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 15We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16O Lord our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.
In these verses David realizes that he is not the man to build the temple. But he also realizes that he has received incredible blessings from his God. First of all, God chose his people. Of all the nations of earth God chose the Jews. He expresses his gratitude for everything he possesses; he appreciates that everything he has is a gift from God. There is no hint of any entitlement on his part. This gratitude even includes his life and even his hope. Awareness of the goodness of God and the expression of thanksgiving were the source of David’s happiness. A grateful heart is the foundation of all happiness in life.
Now think through your day today. Has it been characterized by whining or thanksgiving?
Some of the privileges in my life:
1. Why was I born at this particular time in human history and not during some barbaric war?
2. Why was I born in a spotless delivery room in an American hospital and not some steaming shelter in a dank jungle of Amazon?
3. Why did I have the privilege of going to public schools while millions around the world don't have enough money for a book?
4. How does it happen that my children were tucked into warm beds at night with clean sheets while millions of babies in the world will lie down in cold rooms, many in their own filth?
5. Why are my children healthy and strong when others deal with incredible hardships in life?
6. Why should I have found such a loving and caring wife?
7. Why should I have a great church and friendly people to pastor?
8. Why can I sit down to a warm meal whenever I want to and eat too much when billions will go to bed tonight hungry?
9. Why was I born in a land I didn't build, in a prosperity that I didn't create?
10. Why over the centuries of this great nation would countless thousands of servicemen die on unnamed beaches, farmland and jungles all over this globe to provide for me the privilege to eat my dinner in peace?
11. Why should I enjoy such a great freedom?
12. Why will I spend this Sunday morning in a comfortable church rather than in some dark corner of some rat infested alley in Calcutta?
13. Why did I have the opportunity to hear the good news about Jesus?
Do I deserve these things?
Did I earn these things?
By what right do I have them?
The grateful heart is a happy heart.
The Heart of the Problem in the US in 2009.
1 Chron. 29:14-16 But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 15We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16O Lord our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.
In these verses David realizes that he is not the man to build the temple. But he also realizes that he has received incredible blessings from his God. First of all, God chose his people. Of all the nations of earth God chose the Jews. He expresses his gratitude for everything he possesses; he appreciates that everything he has is a gift from God. There is no hint of any entitlement on his part. This gratitude even includes his life and even his hope. Awareness of the goodness of God and the expression of thanksgiving were the source of David’s happiness. A grateful heart is the foundation of all happiness in life.
Now think through your day today. Has it been characterized by whining or thanksgiving?
Some of the privileges in my life:
1. Why was I born at this particular time in human history and not during some barbaric war?
2. Why was I born in a spotless delivery room in an American hospital and not some steaming shelter in a dank jungle of Amazon?
3. Why did I have the privilege of going to public schools while millions around the world don't have enough money for a book?
4. How does it happen that my children were tucked into warm beds at night with clean sheets while millions of babies in the world will lie down in cold rooms, many in their own filth?
5. Why are my children healthy and strong when others deal with incredible hardships in life?
6. Why should I have found such a loving and caring wife?
7. Why should I have a great church and friendly people to pastor?
8. Why can I sit down to a warm meal whenever I want to and eat too much when billions will go to bed tonight hungry?
9. Why was I born in a land I didn't build, in a prosperity that I didn't create?
10. Why over the centuries of this great nation would countless thousands of servicemen die on unnamed beaches, farmland and jungles all over this globe to provide for me the privilege to eat my dinner in peace?
11. Why should I enjoy such a great freedom?
12. Why will I spend this Sunday morning in a comfortable church rather than in some dark corner of some rat infested alley in Calcutta?
13. Why did I have the opportunity to hear the good news about Jesus?
Do I deserve these things?
Did I earn these things?
By what right do I have them?
The grateful heart is a happy heart.
Friday, April 17, 2009
April 17
Plan your work, work your plan.
1 Chron. 23:4-5
David said, "Of these, twenty-four thousand are to supervise the work of the temple of the Lord and six thousand are to be officials and judges. 5Four thousand are to be gatekeepers and four thousand are to praise the Lord with the musical instruments I have provided for that purpose."
Most people don’t plan to fail; most people fail to plan. “I have provided for that purpose” are the words which show us the planning of David. Notice some of the details of this plan.
1. Development of a mission: supervise the work of the temple.
2. Development of a strategy: specific duties were given to Gershonites and Levites.
3. Development of measured results: precise numbers were given for divisions and
musicians.
Planning will help you in your personal life, family life and career life.
1. Write out a mission statement for your life. What is important to you? Like David in this passage, what would you like to pass along to the next generation? Write it out on a piece of paper and keep it in front of you as you make daily decisions.
Your Mission Statement in 6 words _________________________________________
My mission statement in 6 words: Multiplying leaders to change the world.
2. Develop a strategy: What goals would you like to reach in the next week, next month and next 3 years? Write out your preferred future and the steps you need to take to reach that future.
1.
2.
3.
3. Set up measures to reach. If you don’t set up any measures your idea is simply an idea. When you put measures on your goals, then you give them life.
4. Finally have an accountability partner to check up on your goals. Without accountability there will be little or no success.
Who will be your accountability partner? __________________
What your life looks like in 2011 will largely be determined by what you plan in 2009.
Like David, plan your work and work your plan.
1 Chron. 23:4-5
David said, "Of these, twenty-four thousand are to supervise the work of the temple of the Lord and six thousand are to be officials and judges. 5Four thousand are to be gatekeepers and four thousand are to praise the Lord with the musical instruments I have provided for that purpose."
Most people don’t plan to fail; most people fail to plan. “I have provided for that purpose” are the words which show us the planning of David. Notice some of the details of this plan.
1. Development of a mission: supervise the work of the temple.
2. Development of a strategy: specific duties were given to Gershonites and Levites.
3. Development of measured results: precise numbers were given for divisions and
musicians.
Planning will help you in your personal life, family life and career life.
1. Write out a mission statement for your life. What is important to you? Like David in this passage, what would you like to pass along to the next generation? Write it out on a piece of paper and keep it in front of you as you make daily decisions.
Your Mission Statement in 6 words _________________________________________
My mission statement in 6 words: Multiplying leaders to change the world.
2. Develop a strategy: What goals would you like to reach in the next week, next month and next 3 years? Write out your preferred future and the steps you need to take to reach that future.
1.
2.
3.
3. Set up measures to reach. If you don’t set up any measures your idea is simply an idea. When you put measures on your goals, then you give them life.
4. Finally have an accountability partner to check up on your goals. Without accountability there will be little or no success.
Who will be your accountability partner? __________________
What your life looks like in 2011 will largely be determined by what you plan in 2009.
Like David, plan your work and work your plan.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
April 16
Read 2 Samuel 21,24 1 Chronicles 22 Psalm 30
2 issues to wrestle with today.
The death of the Gibeonites poses an ethical issue for us. The Bible does not record Saul’s act of genocide on the Gibeonites but apparently it was racially motivated. This act had the consequence of God withdrawing his blessing from the entire land. But was the resulting death of 7 of Saul’s descendents fair? The Bible is clear that sons should not be put to death for the sins of their fathers so we must assume that these 7 sons had a part in committing the genocide. Otherwise the second act would have been just as wrong as the first and God would have continued to withdraw his hand of blessing from the land.
The second issue has to do with counting people. God had commanded the counting of people in the desert so why all this fuss about counting the army? The answer has to do with the motivation of David.
1 Chron. 21:1-7 Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. 2So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, "Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are."
Perhaps it was selfish ambition, pride, insecurity or perhaps David was influenced by the seduction of power. Whatever the reason the humble little shepherd boy from Bethlehem goes out and has his general Joab number the army. Satan was part of this equation and took advantage of the weakness of David. As a result 70,000 people died. What a terrible price to pay for the sins of a leader. This census did not include counting the women and children; this was the counting of David’s strength. David was switching his trust in God’s invisible hand to the number of hands on swords in his army. Beware, leaders, of the seduction of power and especially the battle with have with our enemy Satan. He is always looking for ways to take advantage of us. It is easy in times of prosperity to think we are the big cheese and forget about trusting in our God.
“WHY” is a very important question to ask yourself as you make major decisions. Is it for the glory of God’s name or the glory of my name?
2 issues to wrestle with today.
The death of the Gibeonites poses an ethical issue for us. The Bible does not record Saul’s act of genocide on the Gibeonites but apparently it was racially motivated. This act had the consequence of God withdrawing his blessing from the entire land. But was the resulting death of 7 of Saul’s descendents fair? The Bible is clear that sons should not be put to death for the sins of their fathers so we must assume that these 7 sons had a part in committing the genocide. Otherwise the second act would have been just as wrong as the first and God would have continued to withdraw his hand of blessing from the land.
The second issue has to do with counting people. God had commanded the counting of people in the desert so why all this fuss about counting the army? The answer has to do with the motivation of David.
1 Chron. 21:1-7 Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. 2So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, "Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are."
Perhaps it was selfish ambition, pride, insecurity or perhaps David was influenced by the seduction of power. Whatever the reason the humble little shepherd boy from Bethlehem goes out and has his general Joab number the army. Satan was part of this equation and took advantage of the weakness of David. As a result 70,000 people died. What a terrible price to pay for the sins of a leader. This census did not include counting the women and children; this was the counting of David’s strength. David was switching his trust in God’s invisible hand to the number of hands on swords in his army. Beware, leaders, of the seduction of power and especially the battle with have with our enemy Satan. He is always looking for ways to take advantage of us. It is easy in times of prosperity to think we are the big cheese and forget about trusting in our God.
“WHY” is a very important question to ask yourself as you make major decisions. Is it for the glory of God’s name or the glory of my name?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April 15
April 15, 2009
Becoming a Peacemaker
Two examples of peacemaking are found in our reading today. The first is David and his peacemaking wisdom as he returns from exile. Even as he returns to Jerusalem as a victor in the coup attempt he is gracious in the spoils of war. His grace flowed to both Shimei and Mephibosheth and his example is a reminder that when we are placed in positions of power we must still be gracious. David could have easily punished both of them for their lack of loyalty but he overlooked it and united the nation together. His broader mission was not for his own glory and power but to unite the nation again. Only peacemaking can bring a nation together.
The second example is the wise mother at the town of Abel. There is nothing quite like the wisdom of motherhood. We don’t know anything about this woman who spared her city from destruction except her advice.
2 Samuel 20:18-19 She continued, "Long ago they used to say, 'Get your answer at Abel,' and that settled it. 19We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why do you want to swallow up the Lord's inheritance?"
When people used to need answers they would find them at the city of Abel. It was a place of wisdom and good advice. No wonder the city was described as a mother. Mothers are indeed wise peacemakers. For the most part they are a fountain of wisdom and understanding.
They come by this wisdom almost naturally, if not by sheer necessity. A mother’s day is a virtual peacemaking mission. She must settle arguments between child and children, children and herself and children and their fathers. There are no formal schools where mothers pick up these peacemaking skills, it just seems to come naturally with the job.
So if you find yourself at war or at odds with someone today pick up the phone and call your mom for her advice. If your mother is not available it would be wise to build a relationship with some godly older woman who can fill that role.
Be a peacemaker today.
Becoming a Peacemaker
Two examples of peacemaking are found in our reading today. The first is David and his peacemaking wisdom as he returns from exile. Even as he returns to Jerusalem as a victor in the coup attempt he is gracious in the spoils of war. His grace flowed to both Shimei and Mephibosheth and his example is a reminder that when we are placed in positions of power we must still be gracious. David could have easily punished both of them for their lack of loyalty but he overlooked it and united the nation together. His broader mission was not for his own glory and power but to unite the nation again. Only peacemaking can bring a nation together.
The second example is the wise mother at the town of Abel. There is nothing quite like the wisdom of motherhood. We don’t know anything about this woman who spared her city from destruction except her advice.
2 Samuel 20:18-19 She continued, "Long ago they used to say, 'Get your answer at Abel,' and that settled it. 19We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why do you want to swallow up the Lord's inheritance?"
When people used to need answers they would find them at the city of Abel. It was a place of wisdom and good advice. No wonder the city was described as a mother. Mothers are indeed wise peacemakers. For the most part they are a fountain of wisdom and understanding.
They come by this wisdom almost naturally, if not by sheer necessity. A mother’s day is a virtual peacemaking mission. She must settle arguments between child and children, children and herself and children and their fathers. There are no formal schools where mothers pick up these peacemaking skills, it just seems to come naturally with the job.
So if you find yourself at war or at odds with someone today pick up the phone and call your mom for her advice. If your mother is not available it would be wise to build a relationship with some godly older woman who can fill that role.
Be a peacemaker today.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
April 14
Here are some of my thoughts:
One of the hardest things for me to understand (still is) is love. David displayed love in todays reading. Love is more than that fuzzy feeling you get when you stand next to someone you like. Love is more than the warm feeling you get when the person you love has done something you like. Love is far more deeper than that. Love is a choice. That single thought has been one of the hardest things for me to wrap my arms around as a christian. If love was based on feelings, warmness and the fuzzy feeling you get inside, then Jesus wouldn't be so loving when we sin. I'm sure Jesus has NO fuzzy feeling when we go about our daily lives sinning. He loves us, he chooses to love us. That is why God is so amazing! Every day he puts aside his anger towards sin and displays his grace and love for us. He chooses to love us.
David chose to love his son Absalom. His son caused him a ton of headache, yet all he wanted at the end was to see his son alive. Though David lost many of his brave warriors, all he cared for was for his sons safety. News flash: his son = his enemy. The only reason why people lost their lives was because of his sons jealousy. David ignored that, instead, he hoped for the best.
Amazing story! Yet, God loves YOU more than David loved Absalom. THAT! is a lot harder to grasp, yet 100% true. Take time to thank him for his love and grace. We serve a good God.
Monday, April 13, 2009
April 13
Accountability Day ... send me an email informing me where you are in your reading.
For today: 2 Samuel 14-16
Taking Criticism
On Wednesday nights over the next few weeks we are working with some young men on a “life coaching” team. Our assignment this week is to assess who we are. Every one of us is a complex person with certain strengths and weaknesses. Many times our strengths naturally define our weakness. Take David for instance; his strength is that he is a fantastic warrior. He is the one guy I would want next to me in a battle. As a consequence David is a man of blood. That is part of his personality – the strong, dominate, courageous warrior. We would expect that his weakness would be in the area of gently handing any criticism. Warriors for the most part don’t like people standing in their way. But David surprises us today with showing us that he was able to show great restraint as he heads into exile. When he is confronted with the slander of Shimei we expect to hear the Shimei became part of Israelite history. But David show remarkable strength of character with Shimei’s taunting. David considers that God might be speaking to him through the abusive words. In the end we see the warrior showing remarkable patience and personal strength.
Here is the thought for us; in every criticism we receive, there is a kernel of truth. It takes a strong person to discern the difference between taunting and rebuke. So the next time you are criticized step back and ask God to help you grasp the kernel truth in the words. Don’t overreact but show patience, restraint and show your character.
For today: 2 Samuel 14-16
Taking Criticism
On Wednesday nights over the next few weeks we are working with some young men on a “life coaching” team. Our assignment this week is to assess who we are. Every one of us is a complex person with certain strengths and weaknesses. Many times our strengths naturally define our weakness. Take David for instance; his strength is that he is a fantastic warrior. He is the one guy I would want next to me in a battle. As a consequence David is a man of blood. That is part of his personality – the strong, dominate, courageous warrior. We would expect that his weakness would be in the area of gently handing any criticism. Warriors for the most part don’t like people standing in their way. But David surprises us today with showing us that he was able to show great restraint as he heads into exile. When he is confronted with the slander of Shimei we expect to hear the Shimei became part of Israelite history. But David show remarkable strength of character with Shimei’s taunting. David considers that God might be speaking to him through the abusive words. In the end we see the warrior showing remarkable patience and personal strength.
Here is the thought for us; in every criticism we receive, there is a kernel of truth. It takes a strong person to discern the difference between taunting and rebuke. So the next time you are criticized step back and ask God to help you grasp the kernel truth in the words. Don’t overreact but show patience, restraint and show your character.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
April 12: 2 Samuel 12:24-14:24
Today's passage contrasts sharply with our Easter celebration of Christ's resurrection and the granting of new life to those who trust in Him. Here, in King David's family -- the very family from whom the Messiah will come -- we have great intrigue that emerges from the longings of sinful hearts. Like Jesus, David will experience the pain and disappointment of seeing those closest to him bring betrayal and sorrow. David had just finished his stealthy campaign to avoid the jealous Saul, and now he finds great violence and heartbreak within his own family. Because of sin's consequences, David can cry like Jesus: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22)
We notice several themes with the sinful nature and actions displayed in the passage:
1. Even the righteous will face great sorrow at the sin of others. As David painfully sees in his own family, despite his heart after God's own, he cannot control his own family members. Perhaps this lack of spiritual connection with prodigal sons and daughters is most troubling to parents of faith. There may be questions of: Could I have done more? How could I have loved them better? In the example of David, we see that each person must individually make choices to love and serve God but that, by our sinful nature, we are inclined not to.
2. Sin often has shrewd trappings. Amnon, who rapes his half-sister Tamar, receives counsel from Jonadab, David's brother. Jonadab sets up a plan to facilitate Amnon's lust. People has sinned creatively since the Fall, but their motivations are generally not very complex.
3. Unrighteous desirers will never be truly satisfied. Where do we seek our satisfaction? From a Snickers? A new car? As Mick Jagger told us (in the song that some have named the greatest rock song of all time), "I can't get no satisfaction." Sin always leaves us wanting more. In the case of Amnon, he initially "loves" his half-sister Tamar, but, in reality, he merely lusts after her. As we see her powerfully, love builds up, while lust breaks down. Lust is self-centered, while love is others-focused. His lust pushes him from love to hatred in the moments after their sexual encounter, and he pushes his sister away in great disgrace.
4. Anger that masks itself as "righteous" anger may lead us to even greater sin. Absalom's anger is initially justified, but he acts on his anger in murderous rage. Imagine Absalom's thought life for the two years between Amnon's rape and his murder. Was Absalom ever free? He never sought restitution from Amnon nor gave him forgiveness; as a result, his grudge welled up into great sin. We must not be naïve to let others' sin roll over us, but we also cannot allow our response to sin to lead to greater sin. We often believe that grudges give us power over another person, but they really only act to trap us. Please be careful with roots of bitterness because they can grow into mighty trees that harden our hearts.
QUESTIONS
1. How has others' sin affected your walk with the Lord? How might you seek to forgive them fully and so be freed from grudges?
2. How can you better seek satisfaction in God? Perhaps you might start by listing five ways in which the Lord has shown His great love to you.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
April 11
Read 2 Samuel 8 and 23
1 Chron. 11:11 This is the list of David's mighty men: Jashobeam, a Hacmonite, was chief of the officers; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.
A Band of Brothers is a book and TV series based on the WWII experiences of the Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division. The story tells about the friendships and camaraderie that develops among these men as they fight the war in Europe.
In 2 Samuel 23 we find the “band of brothers” that surrounded David. These men are called the Mighty Men. And most guys today have no idea of what it is to be part of a team like this. The times I most experience this level of camaraderie is during mission trips. When you are outside your comfort zone and you sense the intimidation of being a minority, you learn to trust God and depend on the guy next to you.
The problem with Christianity in 2009 is that we have portrayed the Christian life as a playground and not a battlefield. We tell people, if you come to Christ, you get to play more and have more fun. We conveniently forget the words of the Apostle Paul in Eph 6 about putting on the armor of God. We put this armor on not to play army but to be in the army. We are locked in a battle for the hearts and minds of the next generation and as of this moment we are being slaughtered by the opposition in the USA.
But don’t lose hope; the final battle has already been won by Jesus in his resurrection from the tomb. What he is asking us to do now is to complete mopping up operations until he returns again.
Thanks for standing alongside of me in this battle. You are all Mighty Men and Women of faith.
Be bold today in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection.
1 Chron. 11:11 This is the list of David's mighty men: Jashobeam, a Hacmonite, was chief of the officers; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.
A Band of Brothers is a book and TV series based on the WWII experiences of the Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division. The story tells about the friendships and camaraderie that develops among these men as they fight the war in Europe.
In 2 Samuel 23 we find the “band of brothers” that surrounded David. These men are called the Mighty Men. And most guys today have no idea of what it is to be part of a team like this. The times I most experience this level of camaraderie is during mission trips. When you are outside your comfort zone and you sense the intimidation of being a minority, you learn to trust God and depend on the guy next to you.
The problem with Christianity in 2009 is that we have portrayed the Christian life as a playground and not a battlefield. We tell people, if you come to Christ, you get to play more and have more fun. We conveniently forget the words of the Apostle Paul in Eph 6 about putting on the armor of God. We put this armor on not to play army but to be in the army. We are locked in a battle for the hearts and minds of the next generation and as of this moment we are being slaughtered by the opposition in the USA.
But don’t lose hope; the final battle has already been won by Jesus in his resurrection from the tomb. What he is asking us to do now is to complete mopping up operations until he returns again.
Thanks for standing alongside of me in this battle. You are all Mighty Men and Women of faith.
Be bold today in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection.
Friday, April 10, 2009
April 10
April 10, 2009
Human Weakness and Good Friday
If there is any theme that we have seen in our months of Bible reading it is that all of mankind is hopelessly messed up. Here is our “hero” David rising to his peak of power and influence. So what does he do as he reaches the apex of his career, he commits adultery and murder?
The wonder is not that David proved to be morally flawed; the wonder is that David could be forgiven after he messed up so badly.
In Psalm 51 David experiences the forgiveness of his transgressions. All his sins are washed away and he is cleansed from sin. This is the wonder of grace and our personal hope as we observe Good Friday.
One theologian said "Forgiveness is to man the plainest of duties; to God it is the profoundest of problems."
The reason it is such a problem for God is the collision between his divine holiness and the sinfulness of mankind. God’s holiness is so complete that sin cannot be in his presence. God’s justice is so extensive that he cannot compromise. When you combine these two together you see the problem. Every sin must be punished because it is a violation of God’s standard. But here is where the “wonder” comes in. God sends his son Jesus to the cross to pay the penalty on Good Friday so that David and all of us can be set free from this death penalty. This is why Jesus died on the cross 2000 years ago. So the holiness and justice of God could be satisfied and we could have an eternal relationship with the Father.
On this Good Friday every one of us find ourselves flawed in ways that would permanently block us from a relationship with God. We all can identify with some sort of moral failure in our lives. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount said that just looking at a woman lustfully is an inward way of committing adultery. That makes everyone an adulterer. And if we have anger in our heart’s it is the inward equivalent to murder. This makes all of us just as guilty as David.
The wonder of this story of David’s story is the wonder of our story.
On this Good Friday take the time to bow before the cross again and contemplate the cost of forgiveness.
Human Weakness and Good Friday
If there is any theme that we have seen in our months of Bible reading it is that all of mankind is hopelessly messed up. Here is our “hero” David rising to his peak of power and influence. So what does he do as he reaches the apex of his career, he commits adultery and murder?
The wonder is not that David proved to be morally flawed; the wonder is that David could be forgiven after he messed up so badly.
In Psalm 51 David experiences the forgiveness of his transgressions. All his sins are washed away and he is cleansed from sin. This is the wonder of grace and our personal hope as we observe Good Friday.
One theologian said "Forgiveness is to man the plainest of duties; to God it is the profoundest of problems."
The reason it is such a problem for God is the collision between his divine holiness and the sinfulness of mankind. God’s holiness is so complete that sin cannot be in his presence. God’s justice is so extensive that he cannot compromise. When you combine these two together you see the problem. Every sin must be punished because it is a violation of God’s standard. But here is where the “wonder” comes in. God sends his son Jesus to the cross to pay the penalty on Good Friday so that David and all of us can be set free from this death penalty. This is why Jesus died on the cross 2000 years ago. So the holiness and justice of God could be satisfied and we could have an eternal relationship with the Father.
On this Good Friday every one of us find ourselves flawed in ways that would permanently block us from a relationship with God. We all can identify with some sort of moral failure in our lives. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount said that just looking at a woman lustfully is an inward way of committing adultery. That makes everyone an adulterer. And if we have anger in our heart’s it is the inward equivalent to murder. This makes all of us just as guilty as David.
The wonder of this story of David’s story is the wonder of our story.
On this Good Friday take the time to bow before the cross again and contemplate the cost of forgiveness.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
April 9
Read 1 Chronicles 16,17 and 2 Samuel 7
USA Today on Wednesday Jan 10, 2007 carried a headline article on the Gen Y generation.
Gen Y are people 18-25 years old. When asked what their top life goal is the answer was clear and resounding: They want to be rich and famous.
81% said their life goal is to get rich.
51% to become famous.
30% to help people who need help
22% to be leaders in their community
10% to become more spiritual
God received 5th place and 10% of their priorities.
1 Chron. 17:1 After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, "Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent."
The first question we must ask is why would the creator of heaven and earth need a place to live? Couldn’t God just speak a word and an 18 room mansion would appear anywhere on earth. Of course he could, but he chooses to see how much of a priority this would be in David’s life.
The same is true today. God doesn’t dwell in a building of mortar and stone anymore but he resides in our hearts. The question is how much time, attention, money and effort are we going to put into making him feel welcomed in our hearts. Are we putting in endless hours of work and effort to build our physical homes while ignoring our hearts? According to the research in USA Today that is exactly the case. We are living in the lap of luxury while ignoring the far greater spiritual priorities? There is nothing wrong with living in a nice house, don’t go out and damage your home after reading this. The concern for us is spending so much time and energy on a house that will not be standing in 50 years while ignoring our spirit which will be alive for all eternity.
The compelling question is: How much of my time each day is devoted to maintaining my home and how much is spent on maintaining God’s?
USA Today on Wednesday Jan 10, 2007 carried a headline article on the Gen Y generation.
Gen Y are people 18-25 years old. When asked what their top life goal is the answer was clear and resounding: They want to be rich and famous.
81% said their life goal is to get rich.
51% to become famous.
30% to help people who need help
22% to be leaders in their community
10% to become more spiritual
God received 5th place and 10% of their priorities.
1 Chron. 17:1 After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, "Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent."
The first question we must ask is why would the creator of heaven and earth need a place to live? Couldn’t God just speak a word and an 18 room mansion would appear anywhere on earth. Of course he could, but he chooses to see how much of a priority this would be in David’s life.
The same is true today. God doesn’t dwell in a building of mortar and stone anymore but he resides in our hearts. The question is how much time, attention, money and effort are we going to put into making him feel welcomed in our hearts. Are we putting in endless hours of work and effort to build our physical homes while ignoring our hearts? According to the research in USA Today that is exactly the case. We are living in the lap of luxury while ignoring the far greater spiritual priorities? There is nothing wrong with living in a nice house, don’t go out and damage your home after reading this. The concern for us is spending so much time and energy on a house that will not be standing in 50 years while ignoring our spirit which will be alive for all eternity.
The compelling question is: How much of my time each day is devoted to maintaining my home and how much is spent on maintaining God’s?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
April 8
Read 1 Chron 15,16 Psalm 105,96
The power of Praise
She saw King David dancing and celebrating.
Sing to him, sing praise to him.
Sing to the Lord, all the earth
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad.
One morning at breakfast, a father decided to teach his four-year-old son his first Bible verse--John 3:16. The father slowly enunciated the words: "For God so loved the world he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
The second time he said the verse even slower, encouraging his son to fill in certain words. When he got to "... shall not perish but have everlasting [blank]," the son proudly answered, "fun!"
We see David having fun in our reading today. He brings the Ark of the Covenant to its new location and in the process David has a great time. He is enjoying and celebrating his God. This is actually the reason we were created. God created us to spend eternity glorifying and enjoying him forever. Every day we are given the opportunity to start the eternal process early. The interesting way that this works is that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. There was no lack of intensity in David’s celebration; he danced, celebrated, and had a praise band playing. This exalting and glorifying of God fulfilled the deepest longings in David’s heart.
So enjoy our God today. Plan some time to worship, praise, celebrate, and dance before our God. It is actually your “duty” to enjoy God. And in doing our “duty” we will find the deepest level of satisfaction known to the human heart.
A story about the power of praise comes from the life of Catherine Dubois who lived in Ulster County, New York. She is the 8th great grandmother of the Christian writer Gilbert Beers.
She had strong faith even in the midst of life's greatest storm. One day in 1663 the Minnisink Indians swept down from the Catskill Mountains and killed several settlers. They also took several women and children captive. Among them were Catherine and her infant daughter Sara.
After 10 weeks, the Indians, thinking they had avoided reprisal, decided to celebrate their success by putting Catherine and her baby daughter Sara to death by fire. They placed the captives on a pile of logs and lit the torch to ignite them. Instead of screaming at her tormentors and cursing them or God, for her plight, Catherine DuBois burst into song! It was a hymn based on Psalm 137. The Indians were so taken by her bravery and by the song itself that they demanded another song, then another. And while Catherine was still singing, her husband and a search party burst upon the scene and rescued her.
Don't think this story is farfetched when applied to our lives in 2009. Everyday we also face “fires” that threaten to consume us. In these situations if we sing, hum, whistle or add a little humor, we can extinguish the flames of a dispute or a bit of tension in the home and work place.
My wife’s grandmother Oli was constantly humming and singing and this praise music had a surprising power to defuse life’s crises and problems. So your homework today is to hum and praise God as you do your work. Enjoy your God on April 8th.
The power of Praise
She saw King David dancing and celebrating.
Sing to him, sing praise to him.
Sing to the Lord, all the earth
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad.
One morning at breakfast, a father decided to teach his four-year-old son his first Bible verse--John 3:16. The father slowly enunciated the words: "For God so loved the world he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
The second time he said the verse even slower, encouraging his son to fill in certain words. When he got to "... shall not perish but have everlasting [blank]," the son proudly answered, "fun!"
We see David having fun in our reading today. He brings the Ark of the Covenant to its new location and in the process David has a great time. He is enjoying and celebrating his God. This is actually the reason we were created. God created us to spend eternity glorifying and enjoying him forever. Every day we are given the opportunity to start the eternal process early. The interesting way that this works is that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. There was no lack of intensity in David’s celebration; he danced, celebrated, and had a praise band playing. This exalting and glorifying of God fulfilled the deepest longings in David’s heart.
So enjoy our God today. Plan some time to worship, praise, celebrate, and dance before our God. It is actually your “duty” to enjoy God. And in doing our “duty” we will find the deepest level of satisfaction known to the human heart.
A story about the power of praise comes from the life of Catherine Dubois who lived in Ulster County, New York. She is the 8th great grandmother of the Christian writer Gilbert Beers.
She had strong faith even in the midst of life's greatest storm. One day in 1663 the Minnisink Indians swept down from the Catskill Mountains and killed several settlers. They also took several women and children captive. Among them were Catherine and her infant daughter Sara.
After 10 weeks, the Indians, thinking they had avoided reprisal, decided to celebrate their success by putting Catherine and her baby daughter Sara to death by fire. They placed the captives on a pile of logs and lit the torch to ignite them. Instead of screaming at her tormentors and cursing them or God, for her plight, Catherine DuBois burst into song! It was a hymn based on Psalm 137. The Indians were so taken by her bravery and by the song itself that they demanded another song, then another. And while Catherine was still singing, her husband and a search party burst upon the scene and rescued her.
Don't think this story is farfetched when applied to our lives in 2009. Everyday we also face “fires” that threaten to consume us. In these situations if we sing, hum, whistle or add a little humor, we can extinguish the flames of a dispute or a bit of tension in the home and work place.
My wife’s grandmother Oli was constantly humming and singing and this praise music had a surprising power to defuse life’s crises and problems. So your homework today is to hum and praise God as you do your work. Enjoy your God on April 8th.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
April 7
Here are my thoughts on today's reading:
David truly is a titan of the old testament. During his life time he gives us examples of textbook mess ups, and textbook examples of great leadership. Today he shows us his great leadership skills.
Life is involuntarily humbling when you realize what you are surrounded by and who created those surroundings. When we come to a point where we are in awe of God, whether it is in fear or in praise, we are humbled. David shows humility and respect for God in these chapters by always making sure that God is glorified by consulting and asking him for advice.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my delivered,
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.
I can personally tell you, I fail to consult God all the time. If we looked at percentages, I'd probably say i consult God 25% of the time i need to make decisions or when i find my self in trouble. Why? Why is it that even though life is humbling we are proud?
In my life, I don't have Philistines at my door or a golden box with fancy wood and golden angels (ark) that is untouchable. (Imagine if you had that in your living room! people found this to be a blessing... sheesh i'd move out!). David had all these issues, worse, he was the leader of all of Israel. If a great leader, such as David, finds it necessary to pray and be humble, shouldn't I do the same? yup.
I wish i knew why i hate asking God for advice at times. I also wish i knew why I feel more confident going with my gut feeling, rather than what i think God is leading me to do. I'm sure one of you will agree with me. The point is this, it happens! We fail to be humble and ask God, that doesn't mean we ignore the problem. I hope, and pray, that as we read about David's life we realize that great leaders are humble. Great leaders need God and so do we. Take time in your day, say hello to God. Instead of inquiring him about all your issues, take time to say hello. If your friend called you ONLY to complain and ask you for answers, would you be happy? no (that's why you are not God). Talk to God, tell him thank you, tell him about your day, tell him about your issues, tell him thank you for his son, thank him for your surroundings and above all, be humble. Realize that he's in control, and we need to learn to include him in our lives, through prayer and faith.
In my distress I called to the Lord;
I called out to my God.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came to his ears.
He's always listening.
Monday, April 6, 2009
April 6
Read 2 Samuel 2-4
Uncivil Civil Wars This is definitely an “R” passage for violence.
2 Samuel 2:26 Abner called out to Joab, "Must the sword devour forever? Don't you realize that this will end in bitterness? How long before you order your men to stop pursuing their brothers?"
Compared with the ongoing civil war between Saul’s men and David’s, the infamous feud between the Hatfields and McCoys looks like a Baptist Sunday School Picnic. The war between these two families lasted way too long and far too many people were hurt by this feud. Remember when elephants wrestle it is the grass that gets hurt. These civil wars can happen between Jewish tribes, families, neighbors, and friends. They can also happen in the church. It’s not that some battles don’t need to be fought, but that for every principled battle there are 100 personal battles. Abner asked three thought provoking questions in his conversation with Joab. Of the 3 question the last one is the most compelling. “How long” must this feud go on? When is it time to settle a dispute and move on? The word “brother” in this question is what makes the question profoundly sad. This was not a civil war of issue; it was a civil war of personalities. When the battle is against brothers instead of error, the time to stop is now.
Thought for today: Do you have an issue with another brother or sister that is becoming more personal than principled? What can you do to bring this feud to an end today?
Today is accountability day. Send me a quick email telling me what chapter you are on.
During the Holy Week be sure to set aside extra time to spend with God.
Uncivil Civil Wars This is definitely an “R” passage for violence.
2 Samuel 2:26 Abner called out to Joab, "Must the sword devour forever? Don't you realize that this will end in bitterness? How long before you order your men to stop pursuing their brothers?"
Compared with the ongoing civil war between Saul’s men and David’s, the infamous feud between the Hatfields and McCoys looks like a Baptist Sunday School Picnic. The war between these two families lasted way too long and far too many people were hurt by this feud. Remember when elephants wrestle it is the grass that gets hurt. These civil wars can happen between Jewish tribes, families, neighbors, and friends. They can also happen in the church. It’s not that some battles don’t need to be fought, but that for every principled battle there are 100 personal battles. Abner asked three thought provoking questions in his conversation with Joab. Of the 3 question the last one is the most compelling. “How long” must this feud go on? When is it time to settle a dispute and move on? The word “brother” in this question is what makes the question profoundly sad. This was not a civil war of issue; it was a civil war of personalities. When the battle is against brothers instead of error, the time to stop is now.
Thought for today: Do you have an issue with another brother or sister that is becoming more personal than principled? What can you do to bring this feud to an end today?
Today is accountability day. Send me a quick email telling me what chapter you are on.
During the Holy Week be sure to set aside extra time to spend with God.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
April 5: 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, and 1 Chronicles
"Saul died because he was unfaithiful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse." (1 Chronicles 10:13,14)
So reads the uninspiring summary of the death of Israel's first king. Because his relationship with the heavenly King was weak, he reflect little of the glory that God desired. After pursuing David feverishly, during which David spared Saul's life twice, he meets a premature end at the hands of the Philistines.
Even though he has passed away, Samuel reappears in the passage after Saul inquires of a medium, the witch at Endor. While the world treats mediums and spiritists lightly (think of tarot card readers, fortune tellers, and oouija boards), it is clear from this passage and others that we are not to approach such objects and practices. While such elements may bring forth truth, we must be careful not to trust any spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus as the true Son of God. Any spirit that seeks to bring glory to itself is ultimately at the hands of the Evil One. 1 John 4 admonishes: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God." Therefore, while the witch at Endor is able to conjure up Samuel, it is not surprising that his message for Saul is one of imminent destruction. After his three sons are killed in battle with the Philistines, Saul takes his own life after a serious battle wound.
Saul's sin leaves a further trail of tears, both for David and for Jonathan's lame son Mephibosheth. Yet, despite Saul's mistreatment of David, David protects Saul's honor, even in death, first by striking down the Amalekite messenger and then through his lament. He reserves his choicest words for his dear friend Jonathan, however:
"How the mighty have fallen in battle!
Jonathan lies slain on your height
I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother;
you were very dear to me.
Your live for me was wonderful,
more wonderful than that of women."
QUESTIONS
1. In your thirst for knowledge about the future, how can you lean more on God and His perfect will? How can you trust Him in times of uncertainty, which generally lead to anxiety?
2. Can you think of a sin that had consequences for parties outside of the immediate action, thought, or words? What were the ripple effects?
3. Saul's jealousy ate away at him. How can you trust God's goodness this week in lieu of showing jealousy towards others?
So reads the uninspiring summary of the death of Israel's first king. Because his relationship with the heavenly King was weak, he reflect little of the glory that God desired. After pursuing David feverishly, during which David spared Saul's life twice, he meets a premature end at the hands of the Philistines.
Even though he has passed away, Samuel reappears in the passage after Saul inquires of a medium, the witch at Endor. While the world treats mediums and spiritists lightly (think of tarot card readers, fortune tellers, and oouija boards), it is clear from this passage and others that we are not to approach such objects and practices. While such elements may bring forth truth, we must be careful not to trust any spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus as the true Son of God. Any spirit that seeks to bring glory to itself is ultimately at the hands of the Evil One. 1 John 4 admonishes: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God." Therefore, while the witch at Endor is able to conjure up Samuel, it is not surprising that his message for Saul is one of imminent destruction. After his three sons are killed in battle with the Philistines, Saul takes his own life after a serious battle wound.
Saul's sin leaves a further trail of tears, both for David and for Jonathan's lame son Mephibosheth. Yet, despite Saul's mistreatment of David, David protects Saul's honor, even in death, first by striking down the Amalekite messenger and then through his lament. He reserves his choicest words for his dear friend Jonathan, however:
"How the mighty have fallen in battle!
Jonathan lies slain on your height
I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother;
you were very dear to me.
Your live for me was wonderful,
more wonderful than that of women."
QUESTIONS
1. In your thirst for knowledge about the future, how can you lean more on God and His perfect will? How can you trust Him in times of uncertainty, which generally lead to anxiety?
2. Can you think of a sin that had consequences for parties outside of the immediate action, thought, or words? What were the ripple effects?
3. Saul's jealousy ate away at him. How can you trust God's goodness this week in lieu of showing jealousy towards others?
Saturday, April 4, 2009
April 4
Read I Samuel 25, 26, 27, 30
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. told the story of a car ride he and his brother AD took from Atlanta to Chattanooga, Tenn. For some reason the other car drivers were very discourteous that night. Hardly any of the other drivers that night dimmed their lights when they passed by. Martin said he remembered very vividly, AD looked over and in a tone of anger said, “I know what I'm going to do. The next car that comes along here and refuses to dim the lights, I'm going to fail to dim mine and pour them on in all of their power."
Martin quickly responded, "Oh no, don't do that. There'd be too much light on this highway, and it will end up in mutual destruction for all. Somebody got to have some sense on this highway."
Martin was right. Someone has to break the cycle. Culture has programmed all of us on how to respond to someone pouring on the lights. Here is the cycle:
You blind me… I’ll blind you.
You disrespect me… I’ll disrespect you.
You hurt me… I’ll hurt you.
You hate me… I’ll hate you.
Whether its nations, communities, racial groups, political parties or individuals… someone has to have the sense to break the cycle.
Today in our reading we see the wisdom of a woman in breaking the cycle and becoming a peacemaker.
Her influence saved the lives of an entire family and preserved the reputation and the future for a king.
1 Samuel 25:18-19 Abigail lost no time. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. Then she told her servants, "Go on ahead; I'll follow you." But she did not tell her husband Nabal.
This situation started with her husband pouring on the lights to David. David was returning with 400 angry men to pour the lights on Nabal. So how does one, unarmed woman negotiate with 400 angry men? Food!!!! She doesn’t show up empty handed, she shows up prepared with a feast of food.
Not only did she have the looks, she also had the brains. Peacemakers need to be wiser than haters.
Haters are fueled by emotions, vengeance, reactions…
Peacemakers are clear thinkers, planners, strategist, resourceful people, calm, level headed.
Thought for the day: Do you find yourself in a conflict? Don’t over react… don’t let your emotions lead you.... don’t pour the lights on. Think through situation carefully. Ask God for wisdom and bake a cake.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. told the story of a car ride he and his brother AD took from Atlanta to Chattanooga, Tenn. For some reason the other car drivers were very discourteous that night. Hardly any of the other drivers that night dimmed their lights when they passed by. Martin said he remembered very vividly, AD looked over and in a tone of anger said, “I know what I'm going to do. The next car that comes along here and refuses to dim the lights, I'm going to fail to dim mine and pour them on in all of their power."
Martin quickly responded, "Oh no, don't do that. There'd be too much light on this highway, and it will end up in mutual destruction for all. Somebody got to have some sense on this highway."
Martin was right. Someone has to break the cycle. Culture has programmed all of us on how to respond to someone pouring on the lights. Here is the cycle:
You blind me… I’ll blind you.
You disrespect me… I’ll disrespect you.
You hurt me… I’ll hurt you.
You hate me… I’ll hate you.
Whether its nations, communities, racial groups, political parties or individuals… someone has to have the sense to break the cycle.
Today in our reading we see the wisdom of a woman in breaking the cycle and becoming a peacemaker.
Her influence saved the lives of an entire family and preserved the reputation and the future for a king.
1 Samuel 25:18-19 Abigail lost no time. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. Then she told her servants, "Go on ahead; I'll follow you." But she did not tell her husband Nabal.
This situation started with her husband pouring on the lights to David. David was returning with 400 angry men to pour the lights on Nabal. So how does one, unarmed woman negotiate with 400 angry men? Food!!!! She doesn’t show up empty handed, she shows up prepared with a feast of food.
Not only did she have the looks, she also had the brains. Peacemakers need to be wiser than haters.
Haters are fueled by emotions, vengeance, reactions…
Peacemakers are clear thinkers, planners, strategist, resourceful people, calm, level headed.
Thought for the day: Do you find yourself in a conflict? Don’t over react… don’t let your emotions lead you.... don’t pour the lights on. Think through situation carefully. Ask God for wisdom and bake a cake.
Friday, April 3, 2009
April 3
David and God Sightings
This is a renewal of a theme we saw earlier in our readings.
Read 1 Samuel 23,24 Psalm 54, 63
In our reading today David is protected in a variety of situations. God tells him to leave the city of Keilah just in the nick of time. David is just about to be caught in the mountains when the Philistines launch an attack at another city and Saul has to abandon his pursuit. The third situation is when Saul goes into the cave and David has the opportunity to show his loyalty by not killing Saul. All of these situations are either totally random coincidences or they are divine appointments, those are the only two choices we have.
Some questions for us who live in a day with Blackberries and Ipods.
1. Why don’t we see God working like this in our lives?
2. Has God taken a vacation in recent days?
I believe this lack of God Sightings is because of the influence of secularism. Secularism means that the supernatural can be removed from life as irrelevant. When secularism has characterized a people for a long period of time, it creates a great blindness to the acts of God. What we want to do as a Bible reading group is to develop the ability to see God acting in our world today, just like he did in David’s time. Begin to look for His answers to prayer. Learn to recognize the help He provides to accomplish His work in your world. Delight in the unexpected evidences of His care and thank Him when there is unusual linkage or timing that works to your benefit.
When practicing the discipline of God Sightings, these "sightings" will be recognized for what they truly are ‑ the actions of Christ on your behalf. As believers we choose to give Jesus the credit for what others might see as mere coincidence. This awareness of our Lord's presence is what we want to rediscover. A characteristic of all spiritual awakenings or times of genuine revival is an overwhelming sense of the presence of the Lord. Such a movement is sorely needed in our lives today.
Like the prophet Habakkuk we say,
"Lord, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy."
Habakkuk 3:2
When was the last time you saw God working in your life? Ask God to open your eyes to see a God Sighting today.
This is a renewal of a theme we saw earlier in our readings.
Read 1 Samuel 23,24 Psalm 54, 63
In our reading today David is protected in a variety of situations. God tells him to leave the city of Keilah just in the nick of time. David is just about to be caught in the mountains when the Philistines launch an attack at another city and Saul has to abandon his pursuit. The third situation is when Saul goes into the cave and David has the opportunity to show his loyalty by not killing Saul. All of these situations are either totally random coincidences or they are divine appointments, those are the only two choices we have.
Some questions for us who live in a day with Blackberries and Ipods.
1. Why don’t we see God working like this in our lives?
2. Has God taken a vacation in recent days?
I believe this lack of God Sightings is because of the influence of secularism. Secularism means that the supernatural can be removed from life as irrelevant. When secularism has characterized a people for a long period of time, it creates a great blindness to the acts of God. What we want to do as a Bible reading group is to develop the ability to see God acting in our world today, just like he did in David’s time. Begin to look for His answers to prayer. Learn to recognize the help He provides to accomplish His work in your world. Delight in the unexpected evidences of His care and thank Him when there is unusual linkage or timing that works to your benefit.
When practicing the discipline of God Sightings, these "sightings" will be recognized for what they truly are ‑ the actions of Christ on your behalf. As believers we choose to give Jesus the credit for what others might see as mere coincidence. This awareness of our Lord's presence is what we want to rediscover. A characteristic of all spiritual awakenings or times of genuine revival is an overwhelming sense of the presence of the Lord. Such a movement is sorely needed in our lives today.
Like the prophet Habakkuk we say,
"Lord, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy."
Habakkuk 3:2
When was the last time you saw God working in your life? Ask God to open your eyes to see a God Sighting today.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
April 2
“Losers Wanted”
Read 1 Samuel 22, Psalm 34, 35, I Chron12
David was a loser. After the great victory over Goliath, his incredible friendship with Jonathan, we now see running from Saul and faking his insanity in Gath. There is also a collecting of a motley crew to be his army. It certainly was a dubious beginning for the next king. What was going on in David’s mind? That is why the Psalms are so important. They give us the inward workings of a man. We see his fear, his anger and his anxieties. We also discover the pathway to wholeness. That pathway is revealed in Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The principle that David discovers in his down and out time is that when we are broken that gives us the best chance to become whole. For in our brokenness we learn to depend on the Lord. God uses brokenness to get our attention. His desired result is the surrender of our will. For David this was his time in exile. For me it was a disconnection from my wife in 1985, raising of three teenagers, the heartbreak of fractured relationships, a bout with depression about 9 years ago and most recently my wife’s Lyme disease.
Times of brokenness come in many flavors. The source of the situation is not nearly as important as how we respond to it. Although the circumstances may be diverse, the divine goal is very simple—spiritual growth through brokenness. I can say that while these periods of time were the most difficult in my life they were the times I grew the fastest spiritually.
Jesus used this description of brokenness in his analogy of pruning. John 15:2 says the Gardener cuts off dead branches that do not bear fruit. But the passage also says that He prunes fruit bearing branches so they can be even more fruitful. When we think we are doing our best and yet experience setbacks, failures, and broken dreams appear in our lives, God may be pruning a fruitful branch to make it more effective. As I continued my journey into this process called brokenness, it amazes me how when the lights go out in the classroom that is when I learn the most.
Here is a prayer of brokenness that I wrote several years ago: My Dear Lord Jesus, show me my bankrupt self and the desperate condition of my broken heart today. Help me to move from brokenness to the spiritual life that is found in You. Lord, teach me to depend totally on your provision and not on my own energy. Help me see your provision to protect, enable, empower, and direct my life. Today help me confide in your power and love alone. I commit my soul to you Lord without reservation. I desire to bear your image, to observe your law, and pursue your service. Open my eyes to see your grace at each step of my journey today. Help me not only to receive you Lord but to walk with you, depend on you, continue with you, be conformed to you, to follow you, love you with all my heart. And when trials come into my life help me to give thanks for the growth they produce.
In Jesus’ Name Amen.
Read 1 Samuel 22, Psalm 34, 35, I Chron12
David was a loser. After the great victory over Goliath, his incredible friendship with Jonathan, we now see running from Saul and faking his insanity in Gath. There is also a collecting of a motley crew to be his army. It certainly was a dubious beginning for the next king. What was going on in David’s mind? That is why the Psalms are so important. They give us the inward workings of a man. We see his fear, his anger and his anxieties. We also discover the pathway to wholeness. That pathway is revealed in Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The principle that David discovers in his down and out time is that when we are broken that gives us the best chance to become whole. For in our brokenness we learn to depend on the Lord. God uses brokenness to get our attention. His desired result is the surrender of our will. For David this was his time in exile. For me it was a disconnection from my wife in 1985, raising of three teenagers, the heartbreak of fractured relationships, a bout with depression about 9 years ago and most recently my wife’s Lyme disease.
Times of brokenness come in many flavors. The source of the situation is not nearly as important as how we respond to it. Although the circumstances may be diverse, the divine goal is very simple—spiritual growth through brokenness. I can say that while these periods of time were the most difficult in my life they were the times I grew the fastest spiritually.
Jesus used this description of brokenness in his analogy of pruning. John 15:2 says the Gardener cuts off dead branches that do not bear fruit. But the passage also says that He prunes fruit bearing branches so they can be even more fruitful. When we think we are doing our best and yet experience setbacks, failures, and broken dreams appear in our lives, God may be pruning a fruitful branch to make it more effective. As I continued my journey into this process called brokenness, it amazes me how when the lights go out in the classroom that is when I learn the most.
Here is a prayer of brokenness that I wrote several years ago: My Dear Lord Jesus, show me my bankrupt self and the desperate condition of my broken heart today. Help me to move from brokenness to the spiritual life that is found in You. Lord, teach me to depend totally on your provision and not on my own energy. Help me see your provision to protect, enable, empower, and direct my life. Today help me confide in your power and love alone. I commit my soul to you Lord without reservation. I desire to bear your image, to observe your law, and pursue your service. Open my eyes to see your grace at each step of my journey today. Help me not only to receive you Lord but to walk with you, depend on you, continue with you, be conformed to you, to follow you, love you with all my heart. And when trials come into my life help me to give thanks for the growth they produce.
In Jesus’ Name Amen.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April 1
The Friendless American Male
1 Samuel 18-20
I forgot to make Monday accountability day. Please send me a quick email on where you are in your reading?
A question for you: Who would you call if you were stranded on 95, 10 miles from home at 1:30 in the morning? That person would be a true friend. In our reading today we see two distinct types of relationships. Saul looked at David with fear, insecurity and jealousy. Jonathan looked at David with love, sacrifice and support. The constant in both of these relationships is David. Same guy yet two completely different relationships.
In America today most men do not have one Jonathan – David relationship. Most men in America are alone. There seems to be a serious shortage of friendships today.
I would suggest we change that. Perhaps the greatest biblical example of a meaningful relationship is found in our reading today. Jonathan had many great military victories over various enemies of Israel, but he was not remembered from his military wisdom but rather because he was a friend of David. One verse contains several of these principles.
1 Samuel 18:1 After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.
1. Friendships require work. The key word here is “became.” It was a process, an effort, they “became” buddies. We don't spontaneously end up with a friend, we become friends. This is one huge reason why men don’t have friendships .... we are too busy and too competitive. Add to that our lack of relationship building skills, and you have a recipe for loneliness.
2. They were one in spirit. David and Jonathan were knit together. These words “one in spirit” are used to describe the intense love that Jacob had for his youngest son Benjamin in Gen 44:30. We are told that if any harm had come to Benjamin, it would have sent Jacob to the grave in sorrow because his soul was "closely bound" with the soul of Benjamin. In order to be “one spirit” we do not have to share the same blood; we need to share the same heart. At the deepest level of their hearts, they were committed to the same goal of living to please an audience of one. They didn’t allow anything come between them, even career or family problems; they drew closer together when their friendship was tested, and they remained friends to the end.
3. Self love is the foundation of good friendship. They were both secure men and came to the relationship to give and not take. When you have two givers in a relationship you have strength.
4. Sacrifice is the last principle. Guess who was supposed to be the next king of Israel? That’s right, it was Jonathan. If anyone was supposed to be jealous of David, it should have been Jonathan. But Jonathan loved David so much he would rather lose the throne of Israel, than lose his closest friend.
It takes time and work to develop a friendship. We must spend time together, we must give, and we must unite our hearts to create these friendships. I encourage you to take one friendship step today. Initiate one act of friendship building before you go to sleep tonight. Make a phone call, send an email of encouragement, buy someone a coffee, but the bottom line is take time and take a risk. Reach out to someone today.
John Donne, a 17th century English poet, wisely warns us that "no man is an island." We all need a friend. To find a friend today, you need to be a friend.
1 Samuel 18-20
I forgot to make Monday accountability day. Please send me a quick email on where you are in your reading?
A question for you: Who would you call if you were stranded on 95, 10 miles from home at 1:30 in the morning? That person would be a true friend. In our reading today we see two distinct types of relationships. Saul looked at David with fear, insecurity and jealousy. Jonathan looked at David with love, sacrifice and support. The constant in both of these relationships is David. Same guy yet two completely different relationships.
In America today most men do not have one Jonathan – David relationship. Most men in America are alone. There seems to be a serious shortage of friendships today.
I would suggest we change that. Perhaps the greatest biblical example of a meaningful relationship is found in our reading today. Jonathan had many great military victories over various enemies of Israel, but he was not remembered from his military wisdom but rather because he was a friend of David. One verse contains several of these principles.
1 Samuel 18:1 After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.
1. Friendships require work. The key word here is “became.” It was a process, an effort, they “became” buddies. We don't spontaneously end up with a friend, we become friends. This is one huge reason why men don’t have friendships .... we are too busy and too competitive. Add to that our lack of relationship building skills, and you have a recipe for loneliness.
2. They were one in spirit. David and Jonathan were knit together. These words “one in spirit” are used to describe the intense love that Jacob had for his youngest son Benjamin in Gen 44:30. We are told that if any harm had come to Benjamin, it would have sent Jacob to the grave in sorrow because his soul was "closely bound" with the soul of Benjamin. In order to be “one spirit” we do not have to share the same blood; we need to share the same heart. At the deepest level of their hearts, they were committed to the same goal of living to please an audience of one. They didn’t allow anything come between them, even career or family problems; they drew closer together when their friendship was tested, and they remained friends to the end.
3. Self love is the foundation of good friendship. They were both secure men and came to the relationship to give and not take. When you have two givers in a relationship you have strength.
4. Sacrifice is the last principle. Guess who was supposed to be the next king of Israel? That’s right, it was Jonathan. If anyone was supposed to be jealous of David, it should have been Jonathan. But Jonathan loved David so much he would rather lose the throne of Israel, than lose his closest friend.
It takes time and work to develop a friendship. We must spend time together, we must give, and we must unite our hearts to create these friendships. I encourage you to take one friendship step today. Initiate one act of friendship building before you go to sleep tonight. Make a phone call, send an email of encouragement, buy someone a coffee, but the bottom line is take time and take a risk. Reach out to someone today.
John Donne, a 17th century English poet, wisely warns us that "no man is an island." We all need a friend. To find a friend today, you need to be a friend.
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