Sept 30

Philippians 2

 

Most of you know that I have a strong dislike for boats. It is not the boat itself I dislike; it is the impact that boats have on my stomach. Yet, even I have gone sailing a few times up at Camp Spofford. To be a great sailor you need a few things. First, you need a boat, then a sail, a rudder, a lifejacket, some rope and "voila" you are sailing. Wrong, something critical is missing from this list. Can you guess what it is? You need wind. If you get down to your sailboat, put on the lifejacket, hoist the sail and there is no wind, we have a special term for that, "dead in the water." It means no one is moving anywhere.

For sailing to occur we need two actions to take place simultaneously. In our roles as sailors we need to prepare. But equally important is we need the wind to blow. When those two events occur simultaneously amazing things happen.

In Philippians 2 Paul says, "as you have always obeyed, continue to work out your salvation – for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."

This is known as the doctrine of sanctification and it deals with our spiritual growth as Christians. The gospel is not just a ticket to get out of hell. The gospel is the process of growing to become like Jesus in our life right now. There is a problem associated with sanctification. Many people expect that God is going to supernaturally zap them with growth. If they just pray a certain prayer they will automatically change. Other Christians develop a Chuck Norris approach and think they can do all of the work without the Holy Spirit. Both are equally dangerous and will leave you "dead in the water spiritually."

What Jesus wants us to realize is that spiritual growth is the result of us working as if it depended on us and praying like it is totally dependent on the Holy Spirit. When we have these two forces working together in harmony that is when we will experience amazing spiritual growth.

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, September 29

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

 

 

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth:

       It will not return to me empty,

       but will accomplish what I desire

       and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)

 

 

I recognize that this passage came from Wednesday’s reading, but it struck a chord with me.  God’s Word accomplishes all those purposes that He intended – for His honor and glory.  Two such purposes include bringing repentance and instilling wisdom. 

 

In a passages from 2 Chronicles, we see His Word turning Israel’s hearts back to Himself:  “[Huldah speaking] ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard:  Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the Lord.  Now I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be buried in peace.  Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place and on those who live here.’” (2 Chronicles 34:26-28a)

 

The nation’s change of heart draws out the compassion of God.  He relents in His judgments for a time.  The truth of the Word demands a response, and we honor God by acknowledging our shortcomings and turning back to the Lord when we have strayed from Him.  Also, 1 John 1:9 discusses the effects of personal repentance:  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

 

In addition, God’s Word sets the table for feeding our minds and hearts with nourishment.  We become partners with Him by taking an active role in incorporating wisdom into our lives and shunning the world’s lies.  Sometimes, these lies stare us boldly in the face, stirring our consciences and allowing us to flee like the young man Joseph from Potiphar’s seducing wife.  Other times, however, these lies prove much more insidious, creeping into our minds over time and wearing down our defenses.  We must guard our hearts through active means.  We must cling to the truth of God’s Word and avoid the filth.

 

As you reflect on daily situations, I encourage you to sort through the truth and the lies.  You might consider the following questions:

 

a.       What do the Scriptures have to say about this matter?

b.       What truths must I uphold in this situation?

c.        What lies are trying to take me off course?

d.       How may I remove these lies and avoid their further spread?

e.       What may I do in order to build more truth into my life surrounding this topic?

 

 

 

Lord God, thank You for providing Your Word to bring us to repentance and wholeness in line with Your precepts.  Teach us Your wisdom so that we might fight the pull of the world’s lies.  Give us courage to live our Your Word, even when it costs us.  We worship You today.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

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Sept. 28

Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon formed against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.  This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me", declares the Lord.

My parents are getting older and we have had a few serious health scares over the past two years. Last month my Mom decided to show me where the envelope is that contains their will -- as she put it, "Just in case something happens".  So I now know where my earthly inheritance is -- in a sealed envelope in her bottom dresser draw. As I read through this passage I realized that I have another inheritance, far greater than anything that is being kept secret in that envelope.  God does not keep His promises a secret from us.  As a matter of fact He makes them very clear. As long as we read the Bible we know exactly what they are.  There was an everlasting covenant He made with us at Calvary. It ensures no weapon formed against me shall prosper and even though God's thoughts aren't our thoughts, nor His ways our ways, when we seek Him, He has mercy on us and freely pardons us.  I looked up synonyms for the word "vindication" - clearing, whitewash, forgiveness, acquittal, atonement...get the picture?  Since His word will not return void, when we seek Him we will go out in joy and be led forth in peace. His richest blessings are wrapped up in the everlasting kindness and compassion He has on us.  I don't doubt that whatever is in that envelope in the bottom drawer of my Mom's dresser will be passed down in love, but that inheritance is nothing in comparison to what God, The Father, has for me through my trust in His Son Jesus.  I pray God lavishes us with His love today and opens the floodgates of Heaven  for everyone reading this blog. 

Randi

September 23

Ephesians 2

The late Spencer Perkins and Chris Rice wrote the book, "More than Equals." The year was 1994 and it was the first time that an evangelical book dealt with the subject of race in the church!! Needless to say the book struck the conscience of many evangelicals. Spencer and Chris then went on a speaking tour to promote the idea of racial healing growing out of the gospel. They were prepared for sparks for fly during their tour, and they weren't disappointed when they arrived at Middlebury College in Vermont.

Early in the dialogue, an articulate black student admitted his misgivings. "When I heard it was going to be Christian speakers, I thought oh, no. Some religious garbage, I mean, what can Christians say about race with their record on justice?"

His question goes to the core of our credibility. To this future leader, these Christians speaking about racial healing was an oxymoron. When we look back at our history, the church is always showing up several decades late. We argue that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation yet we tolerated slavery for 87 years as a country and 246 years in North America. Where were the Christians who stood against the Nazi regime when they killed the gypsies, handicap and the Jews? Oh, there were a few, but the vast majority sold out to save their own necks. In the civil rights movement in the 60's where were the white evangelicals? They were safely in their homes watching the conflict on CBS.  Our Christian witness is seriously tarnished under the microscope of historical examination. 50 years ago Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. was the most segregated hour of the week. Sadly, it still remains true today.

But at Grace Church we are working on showing the world it doesn't have to remain that way. I am so proud of the continual work so many people do to bring reconciliation to our community. I don't think we can say the work is done, reconciliation is an ongoing process, but when people say the Christians have nothing to say on this topic, I simply invite them to our next worship service.  

2000 years ago the divisions between Jews and Gentiles was huge. The ancient world was a mess when it came to race. But God's strategy was not to try to integrate the groups. His demand was that they reconcile. The strength of His argument was based on the cross.  The cross of Jesus rips down the barriers and walls that divide ethnic groups. Reconciliation with God and each other is the number one item on God's agenda. Let's keep it number one on our agenda too. 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, September 22

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of your Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." (Ephesians 1:15–23)

Have you ever struggled with what you might pray for others? If they aren't struggling with an illness or a relational challenge, we might be at a loss on how to lift up family and friends during those "fine" times.

Paul's prayer for the Ephesian believers provides us an awesome example of how to support one another in prayer. I would like to highlight the three main requests that Paul makes:

1. That the Father "may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better." The Holy Spirit receives mention here as a fount of "wisdom and revelation." We understand from the Lord Jesus Christ that the Holy Spirit will guide us into "all truth." This "wisdom and revelation" goes beyond mere factual knowledge, but instead moves into supernatural perception and guidance. As Pastor Scott has often taught, the physical and spiritual worlds intersect, but, without revelation, we cannot understand the spiritual. Paul describes the wisdom of God as "foolishness" to those who aren't interested in seeking it. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

2. "That the eyes of your heart may be enlightened… "

a. Leading to hope, "the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints." This world doesn't offer the lasting hope discussed here. The "glorious inheritance" has a surety and guarantee behind it that worldly promises could never provide. This hope has its roots in God's character and strength – in His perfect love – and not in human performance or brilliance. Instead of anxiety over whether we have "enough" smarts or strength to impress others, God instead has provided everything we need to bring real confidence. We may rest assured in His great provision for us and, from that place of security and wholeness, love others by sharing this truth and blessing them as God has richly blessed us.

b. Receiving "his incomparably great power for us who believe." Paul then reflects for several verses on God's "incomparably great power," explaining that this same power raised Christ from the dead. As we read, there is indeed power in the Name of Christ and in His blood shed for us. While the most tangible and lasting effect of this power involves our being saved (justification by the blood of Christ), it appears that Paul has in mind a broader power. This power unlocks the spread and advance of His Kingdom and carries us into a channel of full engagement and embrace of God and the life He intended for us. It calls to mind a favorite verse: "But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well." (Matthew 6:33). This power allows us to leave behind pettiness and to live and experience true meaning.

Lord God, thank You for providing these three amazing gifts according to Your great plan. May we embrace each one so that we may live completely for you today. Thank You that You have called us and set us aside for Your great purposes. Open our hearts to wisdom and revelation by Your Spirit, and give us a deeper sense of Your hope and a greater experience of Your power – to Your honor and glory. In Jesus's Name, amen.

________________________________________

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Sept. 21

Isaiah 38:17-19

Isaiah had an incredible relationship with God.  He heard Him very clearly and had visions of Him as well.  The main message of Isaiah's writings is to call people back into that special relationship with God that we were created for.  Today's reading stretched my thinking.  Isaiah tells us that in the process of being called back into that relationship, we will go through "stuff", learn how to pray, and through our prayers, because He is faithful, God will deliver us.  Here Hezekiah realizes that having gone through this process, he was not only delivered from death, he was forgiven as well.  We aren't delivered or forgiven because we deserve it, but as Isaiah so eloquently states "For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise, those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness.  The living praise you".  Today's reading made me think of my own storm which led me and my family to Christ, and brought us to Grace Church.  I feel incredibly blessed now but that was not the tune I was singing at the time my life was a mess.  Isaiah speaks of joy and hope in God.  He also tells us to tell our children about God's faithfulness. I felt a sense of security and renewed closeness to God after reading this passage.  In Psalm 62 David's soul found rest and hope in God alone (v.1,5).  I pray God touches everyone who is reading this in the same way.


Randi

September 19: Of passion

Isaiah 30:12-33:9

Galatians 5:1-12

Psalm 63:1-11

Proverbs 23:22

When I first read today's NT verses - specifically Galatians 5:12 (As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!) and realized Paul was suggesting that those creating ceremonial impediments to a relationship with God take a sharp blade and do themselves a mischief, I thought "Whoa!  Paul has a temper!"  Today I read it differently, though was no less taken aback: "Whoa, Paul has a passion!"  

My older son has a passion - a good one.  He swims competitively.  Loves it.  So much so, that on his thirteenth birthday, 5 days after coach told him he could join the high school kids in training, he woke up at 5am (on a Friday - a school day!) so he could hit the pool and train at 5:30.  He swims at 5:30am twice a week these days, and 7 times a week overall.  He enjoys it, yes...but he is driven to do it - he has a passion to swim, and to get better at swimming.  

Paul had a passion too - one I hope my older son, his younger brother, his older sister, their mother and I - and truth be told, everyone - acquires: a passion for relationship with God.  Not a book knowledge of Him, the way one might read a biography of, say McArthur or Patton or Churchill, but a relationship - one built spending time together, as two persons who love each other, who know each other well enough they do not stand on ceremony, they do not take comfort in form and formality.  Paul had a passion for a relationship with Christ based on Christ's unconditional love, not on rites and credentials.  And he wanted that for everyone, and was furious at anyone who got in the way.  

He was like the psalmist in today's reading - "earnestly I seek You, I thirst for You, my whole being longs for You, in a dry and parched land where there is no water."  That isn't just a passion - that's a desperation.  And why not?  This is the God who is "my help...I cling to You; Your right hand upholds me."  This is whom Isaiah will bless Israel with "rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful."  Who makes His people to "live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest."  

It is almost 1:30 in the morning as I write this.  An undisturbed place of rest sure would make me passionate for the One who provides it.  

Father thank You - for Paul and His zeal and His example, and for Your love and providence.  Enkindle in our hearts the same fire that raged in Paul's heart for You; make us desperate for You the way a man, parched and in a dry land thirsts for water.  Amen.

Thursday, September 15

"We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified."

‭‭(Galatians‬ ‭2:15-16)

Today's passage reminded me of the great personal sacrifices (and changes) that came about in Paul's life as a result of receiving Christ and giving his life for His glory.  Sometimes, after reading passages many times, we may become jaded or immune to the underlying heart, but the reality of Paul's surrendered heart shone through today.

I have been reading a book on apologetics (the study of supporting the faith through argument and reason), and the personal sacrifices of the early disciples appeared rightly as strong evidence for the validity of the New Testament witness.  Why would people have made such great personal sacrifices, including frequent martyrdom, for something in which they didn't really believe?  What motivated these early disciples to transcend once hard-and-fast cultural boundaries to love people in other lands?  Why would these disciples have abandoned the patterns of their family home in order to embrace the Way?

Paul's example is both the most striking and most reassuring.  Once a persecutor of the Church, zealous for its destruction and the supremacy of the Torah's teachings, he turned dramatically on meeting the Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus.  The words he shares in Galatians, one of his earliest letters, underscores the change of heart that he had overcome.

While our consistent reading of the Scriptures may have dulled us to this point, it is critical to acknowledge that Paul's transformation went well beyond human terms.  Have you ever found yourself confronted with the fact that you are wrong about something?  Not a fun place!  Our pride of being right, whether on moral or mere knowledge grounds, slaps us in the face in these moments.  Given his training, discipline, and great "success" before becoming a believer, Paul would have faced this internal struggle quite violently.  In that light, his trusting in Christ becomes evidently supernatural, where God's intervention helped to heal his heart and mind of misunderstanding.

For us today, how may we greater experience God's love, presence, and power in our lives?  Might we, like Paul, have areas that require a change of heart or mind?  May we all submit our hearts and minds to the Lord Jesus Christ so that He might guide, direct, and change those areas that need refinement?

Lord God, thank You for giving us the example of Paul.  Thank You for using this man to illustrate how we all need humility to undergo changes of heart and mind.  Conform our hearts, minds, and wills to Your desired path for us.  Give us the courage to reject any stuck patterns of thought or action in our lives.  Bring us freedom to love, honor, and serve You freely.  We give You this day as an offering.  In Jesus's Name, amen.

Sept. 14

Galatians 1

Let's take ourselves back and see life through the eyes of Paul. Before his transformation, Paul (Saul) was very knowledgeable in Scripture and most likely very respected among in the Jewish community. I found it interesting to learn that the name "Saul" means significant one. After his his transformation, He took on the the "Paul" which means "little".  It was this humbling event, not only in his name, but in his spirit, that made him available to be used by God and become an Apostle, an ambassador for Christ. Once a former enemy of the followers of Jesus, who he brutally persecuted, he is now preaching the gospel of faith that he was once was obsessed with destroying. He finds himself faced with controversies between grace and law, faith and deeds, and as a result of his transformation that took place on the road to Damascus, Paul is writing a letter proclaiming the reality of our liberty in Christ.  Despite all the controversy going on around him, Paul's supreme passion always remained to please God. The revelation leading to his transformation could only be attributed by a direct encounter with the Living God. I pray everyone is blessed with such a great encounter. Our mission is the same and couldn't be made any clearer.  Each of us reading this has had some encounter with Jesus.  It is what fueled our passion to live for Christ.  Despite all the craziness that goes on in our lives, our supreme passion and focus must remain on pleasing God. As we begin our Church year, I pray we all quiet our hearts and our minds and take time to hear from the Lord. Paul gives us a great example on putting one's agenda aside and serving God.  It's not about building our own kingdom, we're here to advance and build His.



Randi

September 12: Impossible? No such thing...

Isaiah 10:1-11:16
2 Cor 12:11-21
Psalm 56:1-13
Proverbs 23:6-8

Isaiah 11:6-9
6 The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
7 The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
8 The infant will play near the cobra's den,
the young child will put its hand into the viper's nest.

I can only imagine people's reactions to Isaiah's words when he first proclaimed them. "Wait, what did he say? Is he joking? He must be crazy." Because, other than Noah and the ark, I don't recall any zoos in the Old Testament where the animals could live in peaceful proximity; I don't believe they were set up with cages and displays where children could play near snakes and lions and leopards. They would have thought what Isaiah was saying was so impossible it was crazy.

But His Word is true - so there is a lesson I am still struggling to learn: impossible may as well be our God's middle name. He specializes in what we think is impossible; He feasts on it the way I feast on sushi, He relishes the prospect of doing something impossible the way I relish tearing into a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich in the morning, He delights in doing something impossible the way I delight in seeing the results when my eyes are open and pointed in the right direction.

And so we can trust Him. And we can entrust everything to Him - even what, to us, would be impossible. Because it isn't impossible - not for Him. Marital problems? Give them to Him. Willful children, refusing to listen, falling for the world's false promises? Lift them up into His care. Unemployment in a difficult job market? He's got that. Persistent sin? He'll take that too. Remember: He is God, and so we can pray:

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
- Psalm 56:3-4

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Saturday, September 11, 2016

"[The Father] said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 

-- 2 Corinthians 12:9

     A few years ago, I remember seeing a video clip of a little girl trying to operate her car-seat belt in the backseat of her father's car (her father was recording her).  Though he gently asked, "Can I help [you]," she sharply replied, "No, worry 'bout yo'self!"  It was obvious from the video that the father had captured a portion of an exchange that went on for several minutes with the same repeated outcome - "Worry 'bout yo'self!"  This video was responsible for many hours of doubled-over belly laughing with those awesome, happy, laughing tears that we all really love.  It was absolutely hilarious!  Yes, I was one of those "doubled over, tear-laughing" people until I realized how much of this little girl's attitude toward her father was reflected in my attitude toward my Heavenly Father.  Can you relate?

     On the other side of that coin is a memory I have of a little girl with a broken toy that she just can't seem to fix.  She looks at the broken mass trying to diagnose the issue.  However, after a few seconds of absolute confusion she turns around to find her father.  He's sitting in a chair in this waiting room reading a magazine.  With her little awkward legs she runs/bounces over to her father and sweetly ask, "Daddy, can you help me?"  Daddy puts down his magazine immediately and responds, "Sure, sweetheart.  Let's see."  After a minute of tinkering, he presents the toy back to his daughter and at that point I heard some of the sweetest words I had ever heard: "Daddy!  You DID it!"

     Paul was faced with an issue that he couldn't solve - a "thorn in his flesh."  It doesn't help us to speculate about the actual nature of that issue because that's not why Paul is telling this story from his experience with God.  What's most important to know is that Paul recognized his inability and weakness.  Despite his education, his prestige, his amazing encounters with God, and the great successes he had in missionary work, Paul was like that little girl in the waiting room.  He prayed for His Heavenly Father to fix the issue, but received an answer that no one would expect:  "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  From this revelation, Paul realized that it is better to be "weak" (faith-FULL-y humble) so that "Christ's power may rest" on him.  

     Which child do you want to be like?  The first child wanted to fix everything herself so she could say "Daddy, look at what I did!"  The second child was pleased to say, "Daddy, you did it!"  God made us to be dependent on Him for strength and wisdom.  We participate with our obedience, but He supplies all of the power!  The word of God says, "The eyes of the Lord go around looking in all the earth for people who are faithful to him so that he can make them strong" (2 Chronicles 16:9).  So we pray: Father, may we always find our sufficiency in the grace You provide us.  Show us how to humble ourselves, realizing our weakness in the presence of Your great power, that Your power would always rest upon us for Your glory alone.  We love You in Jesus' Name.  Amen!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A6Bu96ALOw

September 9

Psalm 53

 

What is the greatest danger that faces our nation today? ISIS, North Korea, Hillary, Trump, our 19 trillion national debt, Zika, gun control, racial strife, or super size soda drinks?

While all of these problems are serious (maybe not the soda), I would suggest these are not the greatest threats to America. The greatest danger is the causal Christian. Casual Christians say they believe in God but live their lives as though He doesn't exist. The causal Christian is not an atheist but he lives like one. The causal Christian professes to believe in the existence of God and His oracles (the Bible) yet he lives life without connecting to either one.

David says this in Psalm 53:1, "The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good."

There is a direct relationship between the existence of God and human morality. A foolish person says there is no God, so therefore, there are no oracles from Him. In such a world there is no absolute revelation. Subsequently, in a world without God, who is to say which values are right and which are wrong? Who is to judge that the values of Adolf Hitler are inferior to those of Mother Theresa? The concept of morality loses all meaning in a universe without God. This means that it is impossible to judge sexual perversion, violence, oppression, or crime as evil. Nor can one praise brotherhood, equality, and love as good. For in a universe without God, good and evil do not exist - there is only the bare, valueless fact of existence. Welcome to the world of Jerry Springer.

We are in a series at Grace called "Becoming World Changers." The way that we can all change the world today is to live as though God is present at each step we take today and  to be obedient to His oracles. Many Christians have subtly, almost imperceptibly, embraced a godless lifestyle. The hope of America is the hope found in the revival of His people. If you want to change the world today, believe that God is there and He has given us the oracles for life. Believe these oracles, live the oracles, and share the oracles.  

 

 

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, September 8

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:3–5)

In today's reading from 2 Corinthians 10, Paul combats some demeaning commentary that he had heard from some quarters regarding his ministry. He recognizes that this commentary may have emerged partly from pride, but also potentially from spiritually opposing forces.

His admonishment in the verses above stands as a key element of experiencing victory as a Christ-follower. We will all certainly face judgments, slights, and outright lies from others, ourselves, and evil forces that will confuse, frustrate, and wound us. The world might suggest that we should "take it in stride" and simply overlook these words and thoughts. But Paul suggests a more active approach: to "fight"; to "demolish" strongholds, arguments, and every pretension; and to "take captive" our thoughts.

From my observation, it is certain that passivity with our thought life will not yield great results. In some ways, our mind is like a balloon, driven by whatever winds we allow to affect it. For example, if we allow ourselves (in effect, choose) to listen to evil forces, our mind-balloon will face those forces and become blown off course from what God had set in our hearts to do, say, or think. If we submit to the Lord and take this active course of taking every thought captive, then God Himself becomes the main force, and our lives may fulfill the meaning and purpose that He intends for us.

It ultimately involves an active choice on our parts: Will we choose to fight, demolish, and take captive? Or will we allow ourselves to be passively blown by the winds?

How may we actually take action towards achieving these goals? First, we must store up truth in our hearts so that we may discern what is false. Reading Scripture and staying connected to God through prayer will provide us with His godly viewpoint, allowing us to sift between the counterfeit and true. Next, we must recognize the reality of the battle and prepare ourselves daily for that. Ephesians 6:10–18 gives us a great portrait of becoming ready for the battle. In addition, God has given us our brothers and sisters in Christ so that we may seek one another's counsel and encouragement in the battle.

May we choose to fight, demolish, and take captive today, strengthened by the Holy Spirit and protected by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord God, protect our minds and hearts during the battle that rages around us today. Give us eyes and ears of discernment to distinguish between lies and the truth. Fill our minds with truth through Your Word and our time with You. Strengthen our relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ so that we may have victory in this battle together. We desperately need You in our lives and in our country. Heal our hearts, and heal our land so that we might honor You and worship You. In Jesus's Name, amen.

________________________________________

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Sept. 7

Psalm 51

David is known for being a man after God's heart.  In his Psalms we often find him crying to out to God for help because he's under attack by an army, or hiding from Saul, but in this Psalm he is under attack by his own conscious. Nathan holds up a mirror to David and he doesn't like what he sees.  Not only has he sinned against Bathsheba, he sinned against her husband and Yahweh.  Uriah can't pass judgement. Bathsheba won't pass judgement, but David knows God can and will pass judgement on him.  So David cries out and appeals to the very character and nature of the God he loves. God is love and David is trusting and asking that God display mercy based on His character.  David knows only God's compassion can blot out his transgressions. It's not that David isn't aware of right and wrong behavior.  He just didn't make the right choice. Haven't we all been there?   On speaking of sexual immorality, Paul told us in 1 Corinthians 6:12 that not everything is beneficial, even though we think we might have a right to do it. Maybe David should have spoken with the Apostle first.  David shows us though that we too can be people after God's heart, even when we make wrong choices.  First, we acknowledge our sin. "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me" (V.3).  Then, we repent and ask God to purify our heart,as only He can (v.10) David knew that there would be consequences for his wrong choice, but he was more afraid of the ultimate punishment, that God would take His Holy Spirit from him. Without God, we are nothing. We've all made mistakes, but God loves us more than any mistake we've made.  I pray we all take time today in prayer and worship and allow God, who loves us all, to fill us as only He can.  All God wants is our hearts.

Randi 

September 5: Trial and Joy, Poverty and Generosity

Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Psalm 49:1-20

Proverbs 22:20-21

"In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity...they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people."

I read through today's readings a couple of times before the verse above stopped me in my tracks.  Can a people be undergoing severe trial and extreme poverty, yet demonstrate overflowing joy and rich generosity?  Apparently, they can.  I'd love to know how to be joyful during times of crisis and stress, and how to be generous during times of extreme poverty.  Because I will be honest - I do NOT know how.  If you're like me, you will have lived much of your life aspiring to be in control...and aspiring to the degree of financial security necessary to maintain that illusion of control (an illusion, because that is all it is).  The OT readings have been telling us how meaningless this all is - the only thing that matters is that we "Fear God and keep His commandments".  Perhaps then trial will not cause worry, and extreme poverty will not preclude generosity.

Father teach us to put our trust in You and You alone, that our relationship with you might bear fruit in joy and generosity, however difficult our circumstances might be.

Saturday, September 3, 2016

September 3, 2016
By Keesha Sullivan

One of my favorite songs to sing as a child was "Lean on me." There was something about having a person there "when you're not strong " and being a friend to help the other carry on that resonated with my spirit. The song continues to make me smile. In life, trouble is eminent. We all go through trials and tribulations, but when we have a friend, it helps. And when God is the foundation of that friendship, it makes that relationship even better and stronger.

In the scriptures from today, it says, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Solomon in his wisdom knew that friends were necessary to triumph over hardships. He then added onto the two strands and said, "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12). I believe that third strand is the Lord. When He comes into the relationship, He enhances everything. The love, loyalty, and leaning are increased exponentially.

One of the greatest examples of a three strand friendship in the bible is David and Jonathan. They loved each other. They leaned on one another. Their loyalty to one another was greater than anything, including death. Jonathan saved David's life even though it would cost him becoming the next king. David searched for Jonathan's kin even after Jonathan had died, just so he could continue his loyalty and love for his friend.

I believe that this is the type of friendship that God always desired for His children. He wants us to lean on one another, and He wants to be in the middle of that leaning, so that He can hold the weight that we could never bear on our own. Honestly, we as humans don't have enough strength to completely support our friend in the midst of a trial. We need some supernatural strength that only God can provide. We would be crushed under the burdens that our loved one's carry, but the Lord is all powerful. There is nothing too difficult for Him.

Lord, help us to lean on You so that our friends can lean on us. Lord help us to love You deeply and receive supernatural love from You, so that we can love our friends deeply. Lord help us to be loyal to You and learn from You, so that we can maintain loyalty to our friends. Lord help us to be the cord of three strands that is not quickly broken. Lord, thank You for designing friendship. Thank You for knowing what we need and desire before we even ask. You are truly wonderful. We love You. In Jesus's name. Amen

September 2

September 2, 2016

Ecclesiastes 3 

The book, "The Progress Paradox," was written by New Republic senior editor Gregg Easterbrook. He observes that, by every measure of well-being, our generation is better off than any of our forebearers. We enjoy more leisure time with better health, less air pollution, higher levels of education, higher per-capita income, and greater personal and civil liberties than at any other time in history. Even compared to the peaceful 1950s, our generation has it better in terms of real income and home and car ownership, not to mention mortality, education, environmental quality, and the fair treatment of minorities. Whereas, in the past, these benefits were limited to the rich and privileged, today they are realized by a wide spectrum of society. All these material measures should add up to an increased sense of well-being. But they don't. 

This is the huge paradox of our time; while we have all the outward toys and live lives that would have been considered utopian less than a century ago, unhappiness and depression are at record levels. 

Psychologist Ernest Becker said, "Psychotherapy is such a growing vogue today because people want to know why they are unhappy."  There are now 2 psycho-therapists for every dentist and more counselors than librarians. And today the incidence of depression is over 10 times greater than just 20 years ago. We are living in an age of unparalleled gloom and doom and we need an explanation. 

So how do we explain this? All we need to do is turn to King Solomon and his journal found in Ecclesiastes. Solomon abandoned God for a season in his life and when God disappeared, unhappiness showed up big time. To try to find happiness without God is like chasing after the wind.  

C.S. Lewis observed, "Our ever-increasing craving for an ever-diminishing pleasure," has led more people into more and more extreme (and destructive) behaviors which, in the end, devour, rather than fulfill them. The only key that unlocks the door to happiness is knowing Jesus.   

Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 

To know Jesus is to have the eternal void in our hearts fulfilled. The Creator has kept the key to happiness himself. We cannot pick the lock. Only He can unlock the door to happiness. We must look to the Eternal One to have the eternal void filled. 

St. Augustine said, "Thou hast made us for thyself and the heart of man is restless until it finds rest in Thee."  All that we need in order to satisfy the emptiness inside is found in Jesus. He alone can quench the thirst of our souls. 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, September 1

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

One joy of growing older is the collective memory of moments humorous, lovely, and glorious. In this less-than-uplifting election season, I think back to the 1992 Vice Presidential debate when Adm. James Stockdale, a war hero of the first degree, "lost" himself for a moment and uttered: "Who am I? Why am I here?"

Unlike Adm. Stockdale in that moment, Paul didn't struggle with this question. To the Corinthians, his zeal for their hearts may have seemed overwhelming, but he had strong motivation from having experienced the relentless love of Christ.

This summer, we have been studying 1 John during the Chinese ministry's Friday night Bible study times. In this book, the apostle highlights God's amazing love poured out for us and how we demonstrate our connection to Christ through pouring out a similar love for our brothers and sisters. Reflecting on Jesus's heart to "seek and save the lost," this idea of relentlessness has come to my mind repeatedly. How amazing that God would love us so much that He would send Christ to die for us "while we were yet sinners." His unconditional love destroyed the chains of sin and death.

Compelled by Christ's relentless love, Paul lived with abandon and trusted that, even with significant opposition in this world, his living sacrifice would reap eternal rewards. Paul has become fully committed to the ministry of reconciliation, bringing people to consider how they might have peace with God through Jesus Christ.

Would you take a moment in prayer this week to ask God: "How may I become involved in Your ministry of reconciliation?" Would you pray to find someone or a group of people to honor and serve so that they might experience the relentless love of God, most clearly communicated through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?

Lord Jesus, thank You for making possible the ministry of reconciliation to which You have called us. Thank You for giving us a clear purpose beyond ourselves and for sending the Holy Spirit so that we might be prepared and equipped to play our role in the ministry of reconciliation. Please bring to mind whom we serve and honor. We love You and rejoice in You. In Your Name, amen.

Adm. James Stockdale (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uKpX-5jQjQ0)