Saturday, January 30, 2016

Saturday, January 30, 2016

By Keesha & Kenny Sullivan

        Every day that I teach middle school, I thank God that I made it through. I remember entering my first year of middle school with trepidation, curiosity and a bit of excitement. Within the first few months, I learned lessons that would remain with me for the rest of my life. One lesson that I learned that I still use today is how to discern who I can confide in. If the person for the most part never spoke badly behind another person's back, never divulged another person's secrets, and was careful when sharing his/her own secrets, I knew that that person would be one of my confidants.  

        In the scripture today, we find that God also has standards when it comes to choosing His confidants. We read in Psalm 25:14, "The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them." According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word "confide" means, "to tell (something that is secret or private) to someone you trust." God trusts men and women that fear Him. These men and women have a reverential awe of Almighty God. They strive to be like Him, submit to Him and do the things that He is doing. God is confident in someone that mirrors Him.

      As they mirror Him, God makes his covenant - the mercy of His purposes and the truth of His loving promises - known to His confidant, His friend. This "knowing" is an intimate experience of God, not just a mental certainty.  God makes His covenant known to His confidants through life experiences, both mountain tops and valleys.

How do we become one of God's confidants?  Asaph writes, "I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand....Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:23, 25, 26)    

      Lord, we want to be Your friend and confidant. We want you to confide in us. We want to know more about the mercy of Your purposes and the truth of Your loving promises. Stir up in us a desire to always be with you and desire you above the things we love so much right now.  Teach us to be men and women after your own heart. Help us to follow You and mirror Your ways even when it is tempting to mirror the world. We love You, Lord. In Jesus's name. Amen

Jan 29

Exodus 8,9

 

The Exodus account is a classic struggle between man and God. There is something about our hearts that does not want to let God be God. Because of pride, our hearts are convinced that we know the best way to live life and find happiness.  The last thing our hearts want to do is to surrender control to God. Our hearts no more want to find God than Cam Newton wants to find Broncos DeMarcus Ware on Super Bowl Sunday. Pharaoh's heart is a picture of every one of our hearts. A great insight is found in some notes from the Daily Bible, "Pharaoh will try to avoid God through procrastination, compromise, and insincere repentance. With each attempt at resisting God, Pharaoh's heart gets harder, until he is unmoved by even the threat of death to his people." 

 

A hardened heart is defined as a cold, insensitive, unfeeling, and unyielding heart. God has given us the freedom to make choices with our hearts. If we're honest, we all have to say that there are certain areas in our lives where we have a hard heart towards God.

You can see the danger of a hard heart in Pharaoh's choices. Even when he sees the "finger of God" in his life, he shuts off his heart to remain in control. This is a very dangerous place to be. Six times in these chapters it says that Pharaoh hardened his heart.  

Let me share with you a modern day story that shows the danger of a hardened heart. I had a pastoral friend who was greatly used by God. He led many people to the Lord. He was a vibrant preacher, fantastic worship leader and a strong believer in the gifts of the Spirit.  Yet one day when I was at the gym, he came up to me and said he was divorcing his wife. When I asked him why, he said God wanted him happy and his wife didn't bring him happiness anymore. I asked him to show me a verse in the Bible that speaks about our happiness being more important than our holiness. He cut the conversation off. I warned my brother that his heart had become hard and he wasn't thinking clearly anymore. He didn't care; he was convinced that happiness was the highest goal in life. Subsequently, he has divorced his wife and has left the ministry.

If this can happen to my friend, it can happen to anyone of us. So the warning from Pharaoh's life is this, "above all else, guard your heart, for everything we do flows from it."

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, January 28

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

Exodus 5:22–7

Matthew 18:21–19:12

Psalm 23:1–6

Proverbs 5:22,23

 

 

The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant speaks to all of us.  We constantly elevate the “debt” that others or “the world” owes us in terms of human mistakes, yet we diminish the liability that our own sin rightly has created.  “For the wages of sin is death… ” reads the first half of Romans 6:23.  While our sin has merited death – spiritual separation from God, a grave and terrible fate – we wish to hold others accountable for their sins against us and to play the judge.  This parable clearly demonstrates the folly of this logic and the misattribution of debt.

 

On another related note, this parable causes me to consider the real cost of unforgiveness in our own hearts:  both towards others and towards ourselves.  Or, phrased differently, what are the costs of failing to extend grace?

 

As undoubtedly with you, I have certainly experienced that momentary psychic pleasure of holding others’ sin.  We find a rush from claiming superiority and victory over one another.  Our current media culture has taken this practice into hyperspeed, as one group claims victory by calling out the bigotry, shortsightedness, or general wrongness of another group.  The whole effort just leads to a breakdown in communication, alienation, and an abandonment of common virtue.  But it sells television advertising time!

 

As Jesus urges us, we may take a different course, one of loving enough to forgive those who have wronged us, to extend a portion of the grace that God has lavished on us.  This attitude of lovingkindness offers the world a glimpse of God’s amazing goodness.  To do less means that we haven’t tasted this grace and experienced it for ourselves.  Once we have, we recognize that each person is simply like us, broken without the intervention of a loving and gracious God.

 

In addition, failing to extend grace traps us in unforgiveness and grows roots of bitterness.  These states ultimately sap us of strength and cause us to experience God’s presence less clearly.  Indeed, Jesus explains that we ought to settle matters with our brothers before approaching God in prayer.  He shared this truth because it would lead us to know God better and to love Him more effectively.

 

This radical forgiveness does require experiencing God’s grace.  How and to whom may you express this radical grace?  How would you like to find freedom to experience more of His presence through forgiving others?  I encourage you to seek reconciliation and wholeness in your relationships even today!

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us the true nature of unforgiveness.  Help us to understand and perceive the tremendous weight of our sin and the enormity of Your lovingkindness.  Give us the courage to discover all those manners of unforgiveness in our hearts so that we may have reconciliation with others and peace with You.  Thank You that, at the Cross, You have canceled all our sin.  We love You and worship You with our lives today.  In Your Name, amen.

 

 

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Tuesday, January 26, 2016

January 26, 2016

Exodus 2:11-3:22

Matthew 17:10-27

There seems to be an underlying theme in these verses. People instructed by God and existing in the midst of Jesus still fell short in their faith. Moses received his instruction from I AM. You certainly can't receive any more direct instruction about your mission and the assurance that God Almighty is with you and there is nothing to fear. As far as the disciples, I can just picture Jesus being a bit angry when he said "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there" and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

I believe this should serve as a daily reminder to us all that the Lord is with us daily. He was crucified, died and was buried, but ROSE AGAIN and is watching over His flock. He is never out of earshot when we cry out to Him, yet we doubt just as did Moses and the disciples.

Psalm 22:10

From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God! Amen

Thank you Father for Your constant reassurance and love for us all. May our faith grow each day by knowing You.

January 27

Exodus 4:10-17

Sometimes we worry too much about the outcome of things without stopping to realize that God has already taken care of it.  I know for myself I am guilty of that.  Perhaps I shouldn't be so hard on myself though, Moses did the same thing.  God have Moses his assignment - he was to tell Pharaoh to let His people go.  God gave Moses a staff and displayed His power through it. Yet Moses still thought he was taking this on by himself and tried to get out of by telling God he was "slow of speech and tongue".  He wasn't realizing that God wasn't asking him to go in his own power - He was telling Moses to walk in His power  (v.11-12).  God's supremacy trumps our insecurities.  In the same manner, when we received Jesus as our Lord, we also received His Holy Spirit.  In Luke 10:19 Jesus tells us that he has "given us authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy, nothing will harm you".  Just like Moses, we walk with the staff - the Holy Spirit. Moses did not have an easy time, neither will we.   As a matter of fact, God told him He was going to harden Pharaoh's heart but that didn't diminish God's supremacy.  We are all facing a "Pharaoh" of some sort - something we can't quite break free of on our own.  Perhaps we just have to stop for a moment and realize that God has already taken care of it -- I pray we all pick up our staff and allow God to display His power in our lives. And to Him be all the glory.

Randi

January 25: Of H's - HardHeadedness, Hope, Hallelujah

Genesis 50:1-Exodus 2:10

Matthew 16:13-17:9

Psalm 21:1-13

Proverbs 5:1-6

The Old and New Testament readings today are a source of hope to one as hardheaded as I; are of such great encouragement in my frustrating, persistent sinfulness.  In the Old Testament, I was astounded to see how Joseph's brothers seemed incapable of learning their lesson.  They found themselves afraid for their lives because they sinned - they sold their brother into slavery - and here, after God had blessed them despite, and even as a result, of their sinfulness, they were scheming again; to protect themselves after their father's death, they felt compelled to scheme once more, telling Joseph his father had left instructions he was to forgive them what they'd done.  God blessed them abundantly with prosperity in a time of want, and they fell back into their old, sinful ways. 

Peter's story is much the same - a physically strong man, full of unanchored bravado, he didn't just receive food in a time of need, he received revelation from God: a far greater blessing.  For all that everyone else had seen of Jesus, it was only to him at that time that God appears to have disclosed Who Jesus was, exactly.  What a gift!  Yet shortly thereafter, what does he do?  He falls back into his old ways, the proud ways where he justifies his "I know better than Jesus" attitude with good intentions, the desire to protect Him (and, consequently, protect himself - the student was supposed to follow the rabbi, wasn't he?).  

Despite his sinfulness, which Peter manifest in even worse way when he first abandoned, then thrice denied Jesus, we know God changed his heart and used him powerfully.  He never stopped being a sinner, but I can only conclude that his changed relationship with God did not only give him the strength to go on during difficult times, it gave him the impetus to return when he sinned.  And despite their deceitfulness - and I doubt they ever stopped being sinners as well -  we know God blessed the Israelites with great abundance in Egypt despite the Egyptians' efforts to subdue them, and even saw fit to pass His only Son's genealogy through one of Israel's own sons - Judah.

When I am aware of how God has blessed, me, so very often I am frustrated by the persistence of my sinfulness despite his blessing, and am tempted to conclude I am unworthy, a lost cause.  What a blessing to know God has redeemed, changed, and seen fit for use other others like myself, like ourselves, sinners despite His abundant blessing.  I pray we remember that, so that rather than let our sinfulness discourage us, we let it remind us of our perfect and perpetual need for Him, and of His perfect and perpetual mercy.  Despite my hardheadedness, He gives me hope - hallelujah!

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Saturday, January 23, 2016

[Matthew 15:16-20 The Message]

"Don't you know that anything that is swallowed works its way through the intestines and is finally defecated? But what comes out of the mouth gets its start in the heart. It's from the heart that we vomit up evil arguments, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, lies, and cussing. That's what pollutes. Eating or not eating certain foods, washing or not washing your hands—that's neither here nor there."

At some point in your life you've said something stupid and/or offensive.  It's okay to admit it - you're in good company.  I made more stupid and offensive comments than I care to admit.  Have you ever said something and, as you were saying it, you wished you could reach out your arms, grab those words, and shove them back down your throat?  Yeah, me too!  But, even if we were able to do that, to delete those words before anyone ever heard them, it wouldn't change our hearts.  The words aren't the culprits.  It's a heart issue.

Jesus was explaining this to His disciples after they had been criticized by some Pharisees and teachers of the law for not washing their hands before eating.  The Pharisees were more concerned with tradition and cleanliness on the outside than they were concerned with the deceit and sin on the inside.  Our words and actions are very often indicative of what is going on in our hearts.  Works of generosity and love are products of a heart that has experienced love.  Hurtful acts and words come from a heart that is hurting.  Why is this so important to Jesus?  Jesus came to deal with the sinful hearts of humanity.  He is not a moralist or a preacher of behavior modification.  He is a really good Gardener.  He knew that if He dealt with our sin issue at its roots (the heart), the fruit would be good.

When I was young and I would say something offensive my parents would reply, "Watch your mouth!"  However, Solomon tells us in Proverbs 4:23 to watch our hearts; to take inventory on a regular basis so that our hearts would be a wellspring of life rather than death.  How do we do this?  I don't have all the answers, but I do have a few suggestions.

1. Do a heart check using SASHET (S-cared, A-ngry, S-ad, H-appy, E-xcited, T-ender): which emotions are you feeling and WHY?
   
2. Before you speak, hit reply, text, post or act, ask God, "Lord, please help me to understand my heart." (Psalm 139:1-4; Acts 15:8)
   
3. LISTEN.  God may give you a Scripture, an impression in your heart, a picture, a song, etc.
   
4. Talk to someone who will pray for you and with you about what you received from the Lord.

Father, search me, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Friday, January 22, 2016

Genesis 45

[by Keesha Sullivan]

        Joseph's brothers wanted to kill him because they hated him so much. Instead of murdering their brother, greed won. They decided to sell him for 20 pieces of silver and make a little money. Joseph was sold into slavery at the tender age of 17 years old. He was a servant to Potiphar and imprisoned for 13 long, painful years. He had a lot of time to think and to dwell on the past. He had enough time to let bitterness grow in his heart and to come to hate his brothers for the trespasses that they had committed against him. 

The world would tell Joseph, "It's okay to be angry. You were treated unfairly. It's okay to be bitter and hold unforgiveness in your heart. Your brothers betrayed you. In fact, you should get revenge the next time that you see them. Allow them to feel the pain that you felt." The devil is the prince of this world and his ideals are present in our flesh. Instead of Joseph letting his flesh reign and joining forces with the devil, he decided to fear God and obey God's ways. Psalm 111:10 says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise."

From the reading today, we see how God led Joseph to handle the betrayal of his brothers. The scripture says, " And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land…So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me the father to Pharaoh" (Genesis 45: 5, 6, & 8). Joseph tells his brothers that he is not upset at them. In fact, he goes as far as to tell his brothers not to be upset with themselves.

Joseph realized that although God allows painful circumstances into our lives that "…God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" (Romans 8:28). Joseph feared God and believed that He ultimately had control even when the trials and tribulations came. 

Lord help us to fear you and to believe that You have control even when the trials and tribulations come. Lord help us not to grow cold and bitter. Help us to forgive those that have betrayed and hurt us. Help us to not only to forgive, but help those that have hurt us forgive themselves. We want to emulate, obey, and honor You. Help us to become ambassadors for Your name's sake. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen

Thursday, January 21

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

Genesis 42:18–43:34

Matthew 13:47–14:12

Psalm 18:16–36

Proverbs 4:7–10

 

 

Today’s reading continues the account of Joseph’s reunion with his brothers during the great famine that Pharaoh’s dream had anticipated.  Through the brothers’ renewed interactions, we may draw out three beautiful themes that will persist throughout the Scriptures.

 

The chief themes of Joseph's biblical account appear to be God's sovereignty and Joseph's consistency in his stewardship.  The irony is that the brothers' mistreatment of Joseph would ultimately lead to the blessing of Jacob (Israel)'s entire family -- and to the Egyptian people as well.  Joseph is gifted with abilities for administration, and he rises to take a prominent role in running three different franchises:  Potiphar's house (as a slave); the Egyptian jail (as a prisoner); and all of Egypt (as Pharaoh's second-in-command).  In each case, Joseph takes no credit for himself but instead points to God's sovereignty and his ultimate servanthood to God, not men.

 

Furthermore, in the person of Joseph, we see many Christological symbols:

 

1.       He was called to Egypt, as Jesus was during Herod's reign of terror on the young boys of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).

2.       Jesus too was rejected by his brothers (Mark 6:4).

3.       He spoke to the cupbearer and the baker, promising restoration for the cupbearer.  In the same manner, Jesus proclaimed forgiveness for the thief who asked Jesus to remember him when Christ's kingdom had come (Luke 23:43).

4.       Both Joseph and Jesus gave glory to God for His work (Genesis 41:16; John 8:28).

5.       The Holy Spirit worked powerfully through both to reveal truth to needy people (Genesis 41:38,39; John 14:16,17; John 16:13-15)

 

 

Sometimes, we may doubt whether our individual faithfulness to God’s purposes for our lives makes any difference.  We may reason that, given our fallen nature, we are destined to continue falling short.  Our “humility” might lead us to have a low opinion of our role, thinking that pastors and other Christian leaders’ faithfulness holds far greater importance.

 

Rather, God desires our individual faithfulness as a key to unlocking deeper intimacy with Him and to unveiling His promises to His people.  Joseph’s tireless service in adverse conditions stands as a great testimony to this principle.  In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30), the master rewards his servants based on their faithfulness to their calling, not based on their initial potential.  In preparing a Bible study this week, I noticed the key role of Abraham’s obedience as part of God’s promise in Genesis 22:15–18:  “The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.  Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

 

Like us, Joseph may have struggled to understand the purpose of his brothers’ betrayal.  The time in Potiphar’s household or the Egyptian prison may have seemed pointless.  Yet, in those arenas and later as Pharaoh’s second-in-command, Joseph served honorably as a steward, not just of the Egyptians’ resources but ultimately of God’s resources.  Joseph’s faithfulness had prepared the way for this opportunity to rescue his family and, in turn, to provide fertile ground for building a sizable nation.

 

In the endeavor of blessing the nations, God has raised up His children to partner with Him, granting them talents, time, and energy to serve faithfully and to consequently bring glory to the great Provider of all.  Joseph’s path from Potiphar’s slave to jailed “criminal” to warden’s helper to dream interpreter to Pharaoh’s second-in-command comes directly from the heart of God.  Certainly, God willed Joseph through this path, but Joseph joined with God, applying those abilities God had provided and giving honor to Him through pointing to their source.

 

 

Lord Jesus, grant us the same faithfulness that Joseph showed in serving the nations and trusting You to bring reconciliation.  Heal our human families so that each member may love You and experience love from one another.  Help us to be agents of reconciliation and ones to forgive and make peace.  In Your Name, amen.

 

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January 19, 2016

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Genesis 39:1-41:16

I am happy to say that I am right on target with reading the Bible this year. I don't have to come from behind and I am learning more, hearing more, and enjoying it more than I could have imagined. Of course, now it becomes difficult to pinpoint the specific thoughts that I want to share with everyone because all of the verses are more meaningful. After reading the entries for January 19th however, my mind began to focus on Joseph in Genesis. Here was a young man totally blessed by God. He was handsome, well built and had the capacity to interpret dreams. We all know that his life was not 100% perfect. He was sold as a slave and

imprisoned unjustly. However, the Lord was with him ALL THE WAY!! He prospered even when he was imprisoned. I chose this particular excerpt because I admire Joseph and his devotion to the Lord. Through the good times and the bad, Joseph leaned on the Lord and the Lord was with him. It became obvious as well to those surrounding Joseph that the Lord was him. No matter where Joseph was, households prospered. Even while imprisoned, he gained respect and authority from the warden. I mention these things because during all of the ups and downs, Joseph exhibited complete humility. He did not say that I am great and I can do all these things of my own accord. NO....his thanks and praise always went to God. Even when he interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, he said I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires. He knew that his prosperity and even trials and tribulations came from God, but he always gave the Lord the credit for his life. Joseph exhibited honesty, fairness, love and respect. He truly in my opinion is the kind of individual I would strive to replicate. Today, many of our young people boast of their capabilities and abilities, and I believe it is because they do not yet know the Lord. It is the Lord who gives us all good things and desires for us to live an abundant life. Joseph to me is the example of someone who gives the glory to God for their successes and in return, the Lord blessed him abundantly. Lord today I pray that our younger generation comes to know You with a heart like that of Joseph. May they see that You are the one who blesses them with skills, prosperity and knowledge. Lord, to You may the glory be given, today and always!!

Jan. 20

Matthew 13

 

I often wonder why Jesus spoke in parables. The message He had to deliver was so important.   I was wrestling with why, aside from fulfilling scriptures, wouldn't He just come out and say what He meant to say.  Then, as I was thinking about it, I remembered what it was like growing up listening to my grandparents and relatives speak in Yiddish. They would have entire conversations and laugh among themselves and I longed to understand what they were saying.  When I would ask my grandmother to "teach me", her answer would be "just listen".  I spent quite some time "just listening" and was quite shocked that I began to learn and understand what everyone was talking about.  I think Jesus wanted the disciples to do the same, and as disciples, we must follow suit. He wanted them to listen, He wants us to listen.  Not just with our ears but with our hearts and minds open and willing to learn. The learning that took place was beyond the scripture.  It's the desire and the longing to understand that stretched the disciples to seek God and see Him revealed in their lives.  Just as my grandmother would explain the context of her conversations to me after I listened, Jesus explained the context of His parables to His disciples as they were ready to discern His words.  "He who has ears, let him hear." (v. 43)  The treasure won't be handed to us, it will be revealed as we listen.  I pray we all take time today to hear and discern what God has to say.

 

 

 

 

Randi

January 18: You can't squeeze blood from turnips, or "who is good?"

Genesis 37:1-38:30

Matthew 12:22-45

Psalm 16:1-11

Proverbs 3:27-32

"...how can you who are evil say anything good?  For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.  A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him."

What is it we used to hear?  "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time."  And it's true - because what is inside ultimately finds its way out into the open,.  You don't see a fish come out of a cocoon, and you can't squeeze blood from turnips.  I was talking about this with my daughter the last couple of days, trying to explain to her why it is impossible to exhibit a persona that does not begin from the heart, why it is tough to make people feel appreciated if, deep within,  you don't really do.  

Our Lord points this out when he makes reference to goodness, in counterpoint to his calling the Pharisees a "brood of vipers".  Such vile condemnation would make it seem as though the Pharisees were refusing to be something it was so easy to be - "good".  But we know from yesterday's psalm (Ps 15:1-5) just how difficult it is to be good.  The psalmist asks who may dwell in the Lord's sacred tent and live on His holy mountain.  And the answer is one whose walk is blameless, does what is righteous, speaks truth from the heart, whose tongue utters no slander nor casts slur on others nor does wrong to a neighbor.  Folks, I don't know about you, but there are, like, 17 different reasons in those words why I am not "good".  I suspect that, upon reflection - and upon reflection of the certainty and pervasiveness of our sinfulness - you, dear reader, will agree.

So who can be good?

Well, the psalmist by whose words we understand how we are condemned today gives us hope.  He speaks of a God in whom we can take refuge, "apart from [whom] I have no good thing."  And that is the answer - our goodness isn't in ourselves, it is in our God.  We don't have to be good - we enjoy His goodness, His salvation, when we make Him, and Him alone, our portion and cup.  When we make Him the Lord "who counsels me".  When we "keep [our] eyes always on the Lord." When we do this, He will "make known to me the path of life; [He] will fill me with joy in [His] presence..." - presumably on His holy mountain, in His sacred tent.

Folks, I don't just struggle with goodness - I fail at it.  Repeatedly.  Constantly.  Perpetually.  Consistently.  I am so grateful that the goodness I require does not depend on me; that I can turn to Him whose love for me, whose sacrifice for me, is far greater than all my sins combined.  Thank You, Jesus, for Your salvation, upon which our dependence is complete.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Saturday, January 16, 2016

[Matthew 11:28-30]

Rest.  In our culture, and particularly in the Northeast, rest is one of the most elusive states of being ever sought after.  When I'm out shopping and I ask salespeople and cashiers how they are doing they almost always respond saying, "I'm tired" or "Busy" or "I'm overwhelmed."  In my own life, I can say that I am very familiar with the feeling of being overwhelmed.  We exist in a busy, fast-paced, over-the-top, "I'm-a-get-mine" world and the busy-ness only seems to be increasing!  Between work, play-dates, soccer games, church, school plays, and my own laundry list of problems, WHEN am I ever supposed to find time to REST?

"Come to me."  

Jesus tells His disciples quite clearly that rest is not always something that you need to find time to do - it's a way of life.  He says, "Come to me...and I will give you rest."  Rest is not something that we DO; rest is rather something that we RECEIVE.

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me."

What we receive is not necessarily a "holy nap, in Jesus' Name."  What we receive is a way of living that centers on Jesus and His ways of doing everything.  It's hard to imagine sometimes that Jesus has a plan for EVERYTHING that we do and a way that He wants us to do it.  He promised that the Holy Spirit would "teach us all things" (John 14:26).  I checked the Greek for the word "all" in that verse.  It means "all" in English, too!  Now, just because the Holy Spirit is helping us, guiding us, and teaching us doesn't mean that it'll be easy; but, it will be worth it. 

"Jesus doesn't offer a life of luxurious ease - the yoke is still an oxen's tool for working hard.  But, it's a shared yoke, with weight falling on bigger shoulders than yours.  Someone with more pulling power is up front helping.  Suddenly you are participating in life's responsibilities with a great Partner."   (excerpted from NIV Life Application Study Bible. Tyndale House, 2005)

Father, in our overwhelmingly busy reality we sorely need your true rest.  Jesus, thank you for inviting us into it, to receive this amazing gift.  In your power, Holy Spirit, please grant us the humility and the courage to RSVP, come to you and learn what you've been itching to teach us.  All for your glory!  In Jesus' Name...Amen

January 15

Genesis 32

"In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups… then he prayed.

I can only imagine all the "If only's" that were flooding Jacob's mind at that moment. "God, how did I end up in this mess? You made such great promises to me. You told me you would guide me, keep me, and fulfill your plans in me. How could any of this be your leading? What kind of covenant walk is this? Lord, I simply have no future."

Now, you may reason to yourself, "Maybe Jacob didn't seek God about some of the choices he made. Maybe he acted out of his flesh." Well, perhaps he did, but all that is beside the point. God could have intervened on Jacob's behalf at any time but He did not.

The fact is, we can be committed to following Jesus and still have problems in life. You can read your Bible today and still get a flat tire on the way to work. You and your spouse may both love the Lord and still have to work through relational disconnections. 

Most of us think, as Jacob did, that praying believers should not have to endure great sorrows. We should not have to face awful times or fearful conditions in which our very future is threatened. Yet, the reality is, praying Christians still go through great storms in life.  

Nowhere in the Bible does God promise to keep us from problems. Never does He promise us a smooth ride in our job, our relationships or in life itself. Nor does He promise us exemption from affliction. In fact, He says:

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

                                                                                   Psalm 34:19   ESV

This verse does not say God delivers us from troubles, but out of them.

Jesus put it this way to his disciples, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."                                                       John 16:33

The apostle Paul speaks of knowing the heights and depths of God's love for him. Yet the Lord didn't keep Paul's ship from sinking. In fact, He allowed the apostle to be stoned, beaten and disgraced.

At times we may weep, wondering, "God, where are you? Why haven't you taken me out of this?" But even though the Lord allows us to go through things that try our souls, in one way or another He delivers us out of them all, just as He did Jacob and Paul.

If you find yourself in a storm today, pray and ask God for overcoming deliverance.  

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, January 14

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Genesis 30:1–31:16

Matthew 10:1–23

Psalm 12:1–8

Proverbs 3:13–15

 

 

In both Matthew 10 and Luke 10, we find Jesus’s working on succession planning, and the blueprint clearly included a broad swath of disciples.  Intriguingly, Jesus started on this plan only months into his ministry, deviating from the world’s pattern of making such arrangements well into a leadership tenure and exercising strong control (“hand-picking”) a small follow-on team.  Here, as with many other details, we find the Kingdom ethic quite different than that of the world.

 

Let’s consider the world’s approach to succession planning a bit further.  Typically, CEOs or politicians take advantage of prevailing power in order to stamp their legacy into an organization -- and to guarantee longer-term influence for themselves.  They surmise that their hand-picked successors will remain true to their visions for the organization and will afford the outgoing leader a voice well into the future.  This arrangement fuels loyalty among would-be successors during the leader’s tenure, supporting their power consolidation.  As this analysis suggests, pride lies at the center of most human leadership.

 

In contrast, Jesus considered God’s Kingdom purposes with each aspect of His ministry, including His succession planning.  He sends out the disciples to make further disciples, fully recognizing that the disciples had real shortcomings and little experience.  He gave them a simple message of repentance and endued them with power through the Holy Spirit to testify with words and miraculous signs.  Even at its beginnings, Kingdom ministries included a holistic ministry of renewal and unwavering commitment to grace and truth.

 

Reflecting on this teaching, I strive to “empower and release” those whom God has brought into my life.  It would be great to see those who are newly walking with Christ building into others.  The multiplicative math behind this approach represents the great hope for bringing hope to a world heavy with depression and discouragement.  May we join these early disciples in proclaiming the simple, bold message of “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is near.”

 

As an action plan, please brainstorm on how you may make following Jesus a priority in your life; how you may invite others to follow with you; and how you may build into them so that they may love and develop other leaders.  Whom has God put into your life?  For what purpose?  Would you choose to boldly love in 2016 -- for the sake of the Kingdom?

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us such a clear example of godly leadership.  Thank You for demonstrating Your awesome humility and Your unwavering commitment to grace and truth.  Help us to see opportunities to love and develop other leaders in the manner You prescribed.  Open up doors through which we may influence Stamford and our surrounding communities through a selfless and humble love.  Prepare us to serve boldly by sending Your Holy Spirit (Acts 4:24-31).  To You be all praise, honor, and glory forever!  In Your Name, amen.

 

________________________________________
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2) Facebook:        http://on.fb.me/tc6jkS

January 12

Matthew 9:18-30

 

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we don't see -- what we see is not made out of what is visible." (Heb. 11:1, 3)

 

It is hard for us to grasp and believe that which is not tangible. As I was reading the account of the woman who was bleeding for 12 years, and the blind men, I found myself envious of their bold faith.  I know this is very similar to yesterday's blog, but perhaps this is just confirmation of an important message that God wants us to embrace.  Jesus changed and restored this woman because she was sure of what she hoped for.  Even though Jesus didn't heal the blind men immediately, He did in fact heal them. He told them their request was answered in accordance with their faith. In both cases the healing that took place didn't come from what is visible.  When Jesus looks into our hearts, I believe He is looking for our persistent faith in action.  Believing in what is not tangible, being sure of what we hope for based on the word of God, and certain of what we don't see, is all part of the mystery of God.  We'll never understand it, but we are called to walk in it. When we read accounts of healing like in today's passages, it demonstrates God's love and faithfulness to us.  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8)  and that gives us hope.  Just as the woman who reached out to touch the hem of Jesus' garment, the author of this gospel stepped out in faith as well to follow Jesus. He knew the cost of this leap of faith but he didn't hesitate. I pray we all take the next step in reaching out and stepping out in faith in accordance with Gods word. I believe Jesus will reach out His hand to meet us and perhaps even ask us "why did you doubt?"  (Mat. 14:31)

 

 

 

Randi

 

 

January 11: Of sleeping in boats (the remix)

Genesis 24:52-26:16

Matthew 8:18-34

Psalm 10:1-15

Proverbs 3:7-8

I've written about this episode in our Lord's life before.  And I wish I could say I've learned what He was trying to teach me the first time I reflected on it, some 2 or 3 years ago I think.  

You see, what struck me about this story wasn't that Jesus calmed the storm, or that He admonished His doubting disciples - what struck me was the example of faith we are called to have.  You see, our Lord was asleep.  He was so confident the storm posed no danger, He was so peaceful, He was asleep.

I realized when I went on vacation the last week of 2015 just how stressful the year had been when it took 5 nights of holiday before I was actually able to fall asleep before midnight and not wake up at either 3 or 4 in the morning.  I was stressed, I was worried, and I certainly wasn't manifesting the faith our Lord demonstrated.

Here's the crazy thing - the stress and worry did nothing.  They didn't make my job easier, they didn't guarantee the results I wanted...they didn't even assure me that the results I wanted were the right results.  All they guaranteed was that I was exhausted at the end of the year.  

Lord, I don't know how we get there, other than via prayer and scripture.  In any case, please teach us to do what You did.  Let us get to know You and our Father so well that, even when the storms come, we can sleep in the boat knowing we are in Your care.

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Saturday, January 9, 2016 

"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High." (Psalm 9:1­2)

The look on her face was the look of one who was troubled and weighed down with heavy burdens. As we talked, her eyes welled with tears, but never shed one. It was a difficult time for her and all Keesha and I wanted to do was to be there for her. One heavy matter after another sprung up from her spirit that was worn, tired, and in need of a Savior. As a man, I wanted to fix it all; but, as a believer, I knew that I wasn't able to. We had listened and listened. It was no longer a time to discuss nor a time for advice. It was time to pray. The crazy thing is that when we did pray, God led us to fill our prayers with praise!

There is something about remembering and prayerfully retelling the story of how God brought you through in times past that changes the atmosphere. Praise is like getting an intravenous injection of faith. As we thanked God for who He was and what marvelous things He had done in our lives, the burdens seemed to get lighter. The room actually seemed to get brighter! There was a "shift" in the atmosphere from solemn to glorious. It is difficult to explain, but wondrous to experience.

Psalm 22:3­4 says, "Yet you [LORD] are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel." I don't know how it works, but praise invites the presence of God into situations. Psalm 100 also connects worship and praise with the presence of God ("Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise"). A great starting point for worshipping the Lord is remembering what He has done in the past ­ the testimony ("I will tell of all of your wonderful deeds," Psalm 9:1). When we remember what God did in the past we can have hope for what God can do in our present and what He's promised to do in the future. Why? Because, He never changes (Malachi 3:6). He is the same yesterday, today and forever! (Hebrews 13:8)

When we are overwhelmed with the issues of life it is largely because we are underwhelmed with God (Leif Hetland, paraphrased). Praise changes our focus and leads us into a place where we are overwhelmed with the One Who Created Everything. It's in that place that our challenges seem to take their rightful place ­ under the feet of God. But, don't take my word for it. The next time you are overwhelmed begin to give God praise. Remember how He's moved before in your life and the lives of others around you. Shout it out and watch the atmosphere shift. 

January 8

Matthew 7 January 8, 2016

Perhaps this is the most quoted and most misunderstood Bible verse of our day is Matthew 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."

This is the favorite verse of the Jerry Springer show. It is usually used to stop any discussion between right and wrong behavior. It implies that no one can ever tell you to stop doing some particular behavior.

But that is not even close to the intent Jesus had for the verse. What Jesus is warning against here is self deception and hypocrisy. There is something in our fallen hearts that loves to point out the weaknesses and sins in others, while giving ourselves a free pass. We tend to be victorious over certain sins and those are the ones we quickly and powerfully shine the spotlight on in others. It makes us took good but in the end it is nothing but pride.  

The speck and log illustration clearly teaches us to take a good long look at our own life before we start beating up on others. In the end we need to see this as a matter of showing grace to others and not accusing them. When we see something wrong in the life of a friend we need to point it out and help them deal with it. When we do that, we are serving them, not condemning them. That is what a Christ follower does. With a loving attitude we help others become trophies of God's grace. And we must do all of this with a loving attitude and not a condemning, superior, hypocritical attitude. Pointing out destructive behavior in another person, is in reality, an incredible and brave way to show your love to your neighbor.

So as we head into the New Year may this be said about the Grace Church family; "they are the most tender, gracious, compassionate people who love the unchurched and will do everything possible to help those caught in the web of sin to experience victory in Christ."   

This is our goal.

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, January 7

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

Genesis 16:1–18:15

Matthew 6:1–24

Psalm 7:1–17

Proverbs 2:1–5

 

 

“Abraham believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)

 

“For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” (Genesis 18:19)

 

 

Reading the story of Abraham points out the depth of God’s grace and the power of His sovereign choice.  Despite some duplicity (the “sister act” in Egypt) and running ahead of the Lord in fertility, Abraham received affirmation of God’s call and blessing for his life and his descendants.  God remembered Abraham’s faith above his shortcomings and carried out (and continues to deliver on) the many promises prophesied for Abraham.

 

Abraham received clear guidance from the Lord at each major turning point in his life.  Yet, in determining that he would take a shortcut to fulfill the promises of “many nations,” he hastily followed Sarah’s advice about producing offspring through her servant Hagar.  Unsurprisingly, the situation devolved into jealousy enmity between Sarah and Hagar.

 

The prophecies spoken over Ishmael have indeed come to fruition in light of many historical conflicts between Hagar’s and Sarah’s descendants.  Even with the challenging future for Hagar and Ishmael, we may read great hopefulness in her name for the Lord:  “You are the God who sees me.  I have now seen the One who sees me.”  Indeed, God has intended that all people should have the opportunity to know Him and experience His presence.   Abraham’s descendants would participate significantly in introducing others to “the One who sees me.”  We may offer that same testimony, too.

 

Yet, on the flip side, Abraham does demonstrate his commitment to God through obedience, although imperfect.  He follows God’s directive to circumcise his household, setting a sign of God’s call over His people.  Chapter 17 describes a great covenant between God and His people, but the responsibilities fall almost exclusively on God Himself.  Abraham, his household, and his descendants have only the responsibility of staying committed to the God of these promises.

 

For us, practically speaking, we find direction in Matthew 6:33 (from Friday’s reading):  “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  This verse appears to offer a New Testament parallel to the Abrahamic promises.  It wraps up our commitment to Christ and His Kingdom above earthly ties and the promises of God’s provision in all times.  We seek God not for His benefits, but because of His awesome Person.  He is worthy of all honor and praise, due only to His lovingkindness and holiness.  Yet, in His wholly otherness, He loves us so much to give eternal life to those who have trusted in Christ and to bring “all things” into our lives.  These thoughts call to mind Psalm 37:4:  “Take delight in the Lord/ and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

 

 

Lord God, thank You for the opportunity to know You and experience Your goodness.  Make us more cognizant of Your character, provision, and promises in 2016.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

________________________________________
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January 6

Genesis 11 - The Tower of Babel

The Tower of Babel was a monument built by man for man.  It was built for the whole world to see and represented the people's own achievements and their own greatness.  It can be summed up in one word - pride.  Pride and Gods presence are incompatible.  In Luke 18:14 Jesus tells us that everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.  Whatever false idol stands between us and the Lord has to be removed if we want to live in a relationship with God.  Much like the people of Babel, we too have a tendency to build our own monuments "so that we can make a name for ourselves" (v.4).  It can come in different forms or as anything that points to our achievements instead of pointing to our Father.  "Things", (for lack of a better word), in and of themselves may not be bad.  However when we confuse them with our identity and self worth we've created a false idol over God in our lives.  Knowing that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights is a reminder of our Good Father and our identity.  I pray Father You reveal to us and tear down "towers" we've built in our lives that stand between or replace You in our hearts and by the power of Your Holy Spirit, give us strength, wisdom and discernment to follow and live in a relationship with You.  In Jesus' Name.


Randi

January 4: Of ridicule, seasickness and foul odors; of patience and faith

Genesis 8:1-10:32
Matthew 4:12-25
Psalm 4:1-8
Proverbs 1:20-23

As I went through today's reading, two words leaped into my mind, making as big a splash as a morbidly obese diver who changed his mind just as he left the high board on a swan dive: "patience" and "faith".

The story of Noah is one of patience and faith, among other things. Think about it: as they were obedient to God, building the ark, they must not have known what God had planned, and they must have suffered tremendous ridicule at the hands of other people...but they were patient, prepared to wait for God's revelation of His purposes in His time. And when that revelation became clear - when the clouds broke and the rain poured - they were even more patient. Think about it: bad enough a year, partly in very rough seas, in a big boat with no stabilizers; even worse, we don't know if the plans included vented plumbing. Seasickness, stale food, and the ripe aroma of enclosed wildlife over more than 365 days, but they were patient. One can only imagine the desperation to get off the ship, back onto dry land. And through it all, they did not know what God had planned - whether or not He intended for the waters to recede, whether or not He intended for them to return to the ground, but they had faith.

I pray - but sadly, I find many of my prayers are still for what I want, which is often different from what God has chosen for me in the moment. It is scary to imagine how difficult the lesson might be, but one day I hope to pray like Noah did - not just with his words, but with his life - a life spent trusting in God's plans, and waiting for them to come to fruition according to His schedule - a life of patience and faith.

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Saturday, January 2, 2016  [Kenny Sullivan]

"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was GOOD for food and PLEASING to the eye, and also DESIRABLE for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it." (Genesis 3:6)

Unsatisfied with my laboratory job of eight years - which paid fairly well, but was not intellectually stimulating - I started looking for teaching jobs.  After one interview I landed a job!  The assistant principal called me the day after my interview and asked if I would accept.  I wanted to move on from being a lab technician.  My job bored me!  I tested medical devices, analyzed my data, and wrote lab reports on the same stuff day-in and day-out.  The teaching job looked really good.  The only question was, "Is this from God?"

I prayed for God to speak to me - "Lord, give me an answer!"  Of my mother, my girlfriend and my best friend no one thought it was a good move for me.  But, I was waiting for God to answer.  I wanted Him to speak with His thunderous voice and tell me to my face that this was the wrong move.  All I could see was that it was a GOOD opportunity, PLEASING to my eyes, and DESIRABLE for satisfying my intellectual needs.  I "bit into the fruit," took the job, and experienced the worst 10 months of my life.  Each day of teaching ended with two Tylenol and the recurring question, "Lord, what have I done?"

If Genesis 3:6 teaches us anything, it definitely shows us that everything that is good in NOT necessarily God.  Maybe the opportunity, relationship, job, or product is right, but the timing is wrong.  Maybe the timing is right, but the opportunity is wrong.  Maybe it just looks good, but it's all wrong.  How can we tell?  We need a relationship with God and His Word that defines our understanding of, and relationship to, everything.  If we always are driven by our definition of GOOD we will very often miss GOD.  There are many voices vying for our attention, even our own.  But only One Voice will lead us to life (see John 6:68).  How do we hear His Voice?

1. Spend time daily reading His Word.

2. When something you read "grabs you," ask God, "What does this mean for me?"

3. Obey what He tells you.

These are simple steps, but they are NOT always easy because we like what we like and want to do what we want to do.  Obedience is the great challenge of the Christian life.  But, if we do these steps, we will develop a relationship with God that will bless us in every situation where we struggle to discern the difference between GOOD and GOD.  

Lord, please speak for your servants are listening!

January 1

Psalm 1  

 

Happy New Year to each of you!! 

 

Let's start the new year off by imagining you are walking on a beautiful beach on a Caribbean island today. The palms are waving and the greenish blue water is gently lapping up on the shore. All of a sudden your toe catches something in the sand. You look down, push the sand away and there you discover one of those old-fashioned Arabian lanterns. Then you remember all the times you read in the comic books about genies being in these things. You look at the lantern and say to yourself, "why not?" So you rub the lantern and instantaneously a genie pops out. He says he is there to grant you one wish from these five choices:

You can have 500 million dollars.

You can have success in everything you touch for 50 years.

You can be stunningly beautiful or handsome for 50 years.

You can be the most popular person on the planet for 50 years.

Or you can be blessed.   

Which one of those would you choose?  

 

The writer of Psalm 1 instructs us that "blessedness" is by far the best choice. Blessedness is from the root word " to be straight, to make right, or to be well ordered." It is best understood as inner peace that cannot be taken away.  

In Psalm 1 blessedness is actually experienced by the choices we make in life. It's found when we read and meditate on God's Word. It's found when we choose to turn away from the foolishness of the culture and allow the Bible to feed us and guide us. 

There are two kinds of people in the world, the blessed and the wicked. What is most sobering is how the book of Psalms defines wickedness from the very start. Wickedness is not defined in terms of heinous acts of violence or socially deviant behavior. Wickedness is defined as being self-centered, rather than God-centered, or self-instructed, rather than God-instructed.

 

We usually think of wicked people as those who sell drugs or commit some kind of crime. But wicked people are those who have Bibles but are too busy to read them, people who believe in Jesus but not enough to listen to Him.

 

So if you want to experience a blessed life choose to read and obey God's word each day this year. Choose to allow God's word to direct your pathways away from the ways of the world. If you make this choice, you will be like a tree planted beside a source of abundant water. Your life will be fruitful and ever blessed.

 

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"