SCRIPTURE 2 Chronicles 6:7-10
7 "My father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. 8 But the LORD said to my father David, 'Because it was in your heart to build a temple for my Name, you did well to have this in your heart. 9 Nevertheless, you are not the one to build the temple, but your son, who is your own flesh and blood—he is the one who will build the temple for my Name.'
10 "The LORD has kept the promise he made. I have succeeded David my father and now I sit on the throne of Israel, just as the LORD promised, and I have built the temple for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. 11 There I have placed the ark, in which is the covenant of the LORD that he made with the people of Israel."
OBSERVATION
The Lord always keeps his promises! God explained to David that he would always have his presence with him. God has given us a promise in Hebrews 13:5 that he would never leave us or forsake us. That promise gives me peace and confidence knowing that whatever I do he still will love me and accept me. God wants to dwell in hearts. He does not want to live in an ark ( box that held his Spirit). Archaeologists study artifacts of the near and distant past to develop a picture of how people lived in earlier cultures and societies. In the first Indiana Jones movie, Mr. Jones searched for the Ark of the Covenant. His goal was to find the box that not only carried the Ten Commandments but also God's presence. Today we can find God's presence if we seek after him. God is no longer in a box but he wants to live in our heart. Psalms 119:11 states that if we hide his word (commandments) in our heart we will not sin against him. The incredible thing is you can not separate the two. Where ever God's word is you will find his presence.
APPLICATION
I believe that everyday we should be searching for you. I know you have showed yourself to me, as soon as I pick up the Bible and start to read your word I can sense your Spirit. I can hear what you are wanting to say to me. Thank you for not being far from me. I do not have to go looking in a cave or try to dig up some artifact to feel your presence. I can start every morning with coming into your presence with praise and worship.
PRAYER
Lord I pray that you will show yourself to me today. I want to be like David who was a man after your own heart. I want to be like Solomon he built a temple and worshiped you. In 1 Cor. 3:16 You have said that we are the Temple of your Holy Spirit. I pray that you will help me to live my life with honor and respect knowing that your Spirit resides within me. Teach me to honor your covenant and follow your commandments so that you will be honored through my life. I am so glad that you have given me your promises. Forgive me for not always measuring up to your word. I thank you for your promise that you will never to leave me.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
My Tube
SCRIPTURE Psalms 101
1 I will sing of your love and justice;to you, O LORD, I will sing praise. 2 I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with blameless heart.
3 I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me.
OBSERVATION
Every day we watch shows on TV, the Internet and various movies on our DVD players. There is so much media out there that sometimes it is hard to not be careful and just watch whatever. We can watch just about anything on a youtube video. Some of the junk that people post on line is not funny but crazy. I can not believe that people would post so much junk and vile stuff. Psalms 101 talks about being careful about what stuff we allow ourselves to watch. The eyes are a window into our heart and the psalmist explains how it can effect our spiritual walk with the Lord. What we put in our minds will cause us to act a certain way. (Garbage in Garbage out) I want to live a blameless life and I want God's presence (Holy Spirit) to come to me. If we allow junk to cloud or thinking and enter our spirit we can not expect for God to come and dwell with us. It will be like inviting the President of the United states to come hang out in your messy room that is filled with junk & trash and think that he will fill comfortable.
APPLICATION
I want to be careful of what I am putting in my mind. The scripture talks about not being entertained by faithless men. I need put a check on what I allow to come into my home. I can make a choice to watch quality material instead of trash that is being played on various channels. I want the Holy Spirit to feel comfortable watching a show with me. I believe he would feel more comfotable watching somthing on Animal Planet or the Travel channel instead of sitting in front of a violent movie which takes the Lords name in vain every 5 minutes. I want to be sensitive to the Spirit and ask for his advice and let him be the critic.
PRAYER
Lord teach me to be careful and live a blameless life. Please come to me as you did the psalmist. I pray that your presence will fill our home and our lives. Forgive me for watching things that were questionable. I pray that you will protect our family from watching vile things. I want to Love God and Hate Sin. Help me to draw a line in the sand and keep on the blameless side.
We pray that you will put a new song on our hearts and teach us to walk in the Spirit.
1 I will sing of your love and justice;to you, O LORD, I will sing praise. 2 I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with blameless heart.
3 I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me.
OBSERVATION
Every day we watch shows on TV, the Internet and various movies on our DVD players. There is so much media out there that sometimes it is hard to not be careful and just watch whatever. We can watch just about anything on a youtube video. Some of the junk that people post on line is not funny but crazy. I can not believe that people would post so much junk and vile stuff. Psalms 101 talks about being careful about what stuff we allow ourselves to watch. The eyes are a window into our heart and the psalmist explains how it can effect our spiritual walk with the Lord. What we put in our minds will cause us to act a certain way. (Garbage in Garbage out) I want to live a blameless life and I want God's presence (Holy Spirit) to come to me. If we allow junk to cloud or thinking and enter our spirit we can not expect for God to come and dwell with us. It will be like inviting the President of the United states to come hang out in your messy room that is filled with junk & trash and think that he will fill comfortable.
APPLICATION
I want to be careful of what I am putting in my mind. The scripture talks about not being entertained by faithless men. I need put a check on what I allow to come into my home. I can make a choice to watch quality material instead of trash that is being played on various channels. I want the Holy Spirit to feel comfortable watching a show with me. I believe he would feel more comfotable watching somthing on Animal Planet or the Travel channel instead of sitting in front of a violent movie which takes the Lords name in vain every 5 minutes. I want to be sensitive to the Spirit and ask for his advice and let him be the critic.
PRAYER
Lord teach me to be careful and live a blameless life. Please come to me as you did the psalmist. I pray that your presence will fill our home and our lives. Forgive me for watching things that were questionable. I pray that you will protect our family from watching vile things. I want to Love God and Hate Sin. Help me to draw a line in the sand and keep on the blameless side.
We pray that you will put a new song on our hearts and teach us to walk in the Spirit.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
SCRIPTURE
So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
OBSERVATION
Paul draws a correlation between standing firm and holding tightly to the Holy Scriptures. The church in Thessalonica were facing difficulties through persecution, false teachings and worldly temptation. Paul tells them that they need to know what he had taught them, either in person on in letters, if they wanted to survive these difficulties.
APPLICATION
Likewise, as we face difficulties in life, whether it be persecution, false teachings or worldly temptation, we need to hold tightly to the word of God. To hold tightly to God's word, we need to spend time reading it, studying it, meditating on it, talking about it, learning it. That is why life journaling is so important. It helps us hold tightly to the word of God. I need to be more diligent spending time in God's word. I need to be more passionate about reading, studying, meditating, learning and applying Scripture. I need to do these things if I want to stand firm in the midst of trials and temptations.
PRAYER
Father, help to give me a passion for Your Word. Have grace and mercy on me as I attempt to pursue spiritual disciplines that will help me to hold tightly to scriptures.
So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
2 Thessalonians 2:15
OBSERVATION
Paul draws a correlation between standing firm and holding tightly to the Holy Scriptures. The church in Thessalonica were facing difficulties through persecution, false teachings and worldly temptation. Paul tells them that they need to know what he had taught them, either in person on in letters, if they wanted to survive these difficulties.
APPLICATION
Likewise, as we face difficulties in life, whether it be persecution, false teachings or worldly temptation, we need to hold tightly to the word of God. To hold tightly to God's word, we need to spend time reading it, studying it, meditating on it, talking about it, learning it. That is why life journaling is so important. It helps us hold tightly to the word of God. I need to be more diligent spending time in God's word. I need to be more passionate about reading, studying, meditating, learning and applying Scripture. I need to do these things if I want to stand firm in the midst of trials and temptations.
PRAYER
Father, help to give me a passion for Your Word. Have grace and mercy on me as I attempt to pursue spiritual disciplines that will help me to hold tightly to scriptures.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
SCRIPTURE
Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
PRAYER
Father, help my knowledge of your righteousness. justice and love to increase so that my perseverance and faith will increase. Help me to be patient and trusting in the midst of troubles. Help me to trust Your timing.
Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
2 Thessalonians 1:4
OBSERVATION
The key to surviving trials and difficulties is perseverance and faith. The church in Thessalonica demonstrated this, even though they were new believers. Paul commends and encourages them. In fact, they had become a testimony of God's grace to other Christians in the ancient world. The foundation of their faith and perseverance is given in the following verses (5-7). God is right and just. He gives relief to those who love Him.
APPLICATION
Like the believers in Thessalonica, we can have faith in God's righteousness, justice and love. We can believe that he will give relief to those who love Him. Furthermore, our knowledge of God should lead us to have patience and perseverance in the midst of troubles. While we might not understand why difficulties arise in our lives, we should trust that He has our best interests in mind and persevere with faith.
OBSERVATION
The key to surviving trials and difficulties is perseverance and faith. The church in Thessalonica demonstrated this, even though they were new believers. Paul commends and encourages them. In fact, they had become a testimony of God's grace to other Christians in the ancient world. The foundation of their faith and perseverance is given in the following verses (5-7). God is right and just. He gives relief to those who love Him.
APPLICATION
Like the believers in Thessalonica, we can have faith in God's righteousness, justice and love. We can believe that he will give relief to those who love Him. Furthermore, our knowledge of God should lead us to have patience and perseverance in the midst of troubles. While we might not understand why difficulties arise in our lives, we should trust that He has our best interests in mind and persevere with faith.
PRAYER
Father, help my knowledge of your righteousness. justice and love to increase so that my perseverance and faith will increase. Help me to be patient and trusting in the midst of troubles. Help me to trust Your timing.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Revenge or Rejoice
SCRIPTURE
"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
APPLICATION
How often do I exude joy, kindness, thanksgiving and faith in the midst of being wronged? My gut reaction is anger, frustration and the inclination to seek revenge. To seek pay back. To teach them a lesson. Or to fall into self-pity. In many ways, this is our way of trying to manage the lives of others. An attempt to exert some sort of control over them. However, I know this is not God's will for my life. He is the one in control, not me. I can take me hands off and let go, for our God is a good God and His ways are right and true. My faith is in Him and He will take care of me. So I will choice rejoicing over revenge.
PRAYER
Father, help me to be slow to anger and frustration with others. Help me to rejoice and be thankful no matter what is going in my life. Help me to follow your will.
"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
I Thessalonians 5:15
OBSERVATION
Two vastly different approaches to life are presented here. One that seeks revenge and another that rejoices, prays and gives thanks even in the midst of difficulty. God's desire is for us to approach life with joy and thanksgiving. When we are wronged, the world tells us to seek revenge, however, God's will for our lives is that exude joy, kindness, thanksgiving and faith.
OBSERVATION
Two vastly different approaches to life are presented here. One that seeks revenge and another that rejoices, prays and gives thanks even in the midst of difficulty. God's desire is for us to approach life with joy and thanksgiving. When we are wronged, the world tells us to seek revenge, however, God's will for our lives is that exude joy, kindness, thanksgiving and faith.
APPLICATION
How often do I exude joy, kindness, thanksgiving and faith in the midst of being wronged? My gut reaction is anger, frustration and the inclination to seek revenge. To seek pay back. To teach them a lesson. Or to fall into self-pity. In many ways, this is our way of trying to manage the lives of others. An attempt to exert some sort of control over them. However, I know this is not God's will for my life. He is the one in control, not me. I can take me hands off and let go, for our God is a good God and His ways are right and true. My faith is in Him and He will take care of me. So I will choice rejoicing over revenge.
PRAYER
Father, help me to be slow to anger and frustration with others. Help me to rejoice and be thankful no matter what is going in my life. Help me to follow your will.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
SCRIPTURE
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life...
PRAYER
Father God, help me to take control of my life. Help me to guard myself from those things that rob time and energy from those things that are important. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you.
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life...
I Thessalonians 4:11
OBSERVATION
At the beginning of chapter 4, Paul tells the Christians in Thessalonica that they have received instruction on living lives that please God. He then encourages them to continue to live in a manner pleasing to the Lord. He talks about sexual purity and brotherly love. Then we encounter verse 11, where the church is instructed to live a quiet life. In fact, it says "make it your ambition to lead a quiet life." This concept of a quiet life jumped off the pages for me, especially that it is placed in a section of scripture referring to living a life pleasing to the Lord.
APPLICATION
We live in a busy world filled with noise and distraction. The concept of a quiet life seems so counter-cultural. We fill our lives with busyness and activity. We even seem to promote how busy we are to others as if there is a relationship between our busyness and our value. This all leads to a point where we feel burdened and anxious about life, and this isn't how God intended for us to live. Too frequently I equate my importance and value by the busyness in my life. I need to embrace the concept of quiet and simplicity. I need to guard my time. I need to guard myself from allowing activities and busyness to dictate what is important and true in my life. I need to place God before everything else. I need to make it my ambition to lead a quiet life that pleases God.
OBSERVATION
At the beginning of chapter 4, Paul tells the Christians in Thessalonica that they have received instruction on living lives that please God. He then encourages them to continue to live in a manner pleasing to the Lord. He talks about sexual purity and brotherly love. Then we encounter verse 11, where the church is instructed to live a quiet life. In fact, it says "make it your ambition to lead a quiet life." This concept of a quiet life jumped off the pages for me, especially that it is placed in a section of scripture referring to living a life pleasing to the Lord.
APPLICATION
We live in a busy world filled with noise and distraction. The concept of a quiet life seems so counter-cultural. We fill our lives with busyness and activity. We even seem to promote how busy we are to others as if there is a relationship between our busyness and our value. This all leads to a point where we feel burdened and anxious about life, and this isn't how God intended for us to live. Too frequently I equate my importance and value by the busyness in my life. I need to embrace the concept of quiet and simplicity. I need to guard my time. I need to guard myself from allowing activities and busyness to dictate what is important and true in my life. I need to place God before everything else. I need to make it my ambition to lead a quiet life that pleases God.
PRAYER
Father God, help me to take control of my life. Help me to guard myself from those things that rob time and energy from those things that are important. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Increase & Overflow
SCRIPTURE
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else...
PRAYER
Father, I pray the same thing that Paul prayed over the Christians in Thessalonica. May you make my love increase and overflow for those I encounter on a daily basis.
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else...
I Thessalonians 3:12
OBSERVATION
Paul, with Silas and Timothy, is writing this letter to a new community of believers in Thessalonica. At the beginning of the letter, he commends them for their love. This new group of Christ followers are living out their faith in love and it is having an impact on the world around them. It's as if Paul is saying, "you guys are doing a great job, keep it up. Then, in chapter 3, Paul says "may the Lord make your love increase and overflow...."
APPLICATION
As a follower of Jesus, my love needs to continue to increase and overflow, impacting those around me. The application question for me is: has my love increased from year to year? Am I more loving today as opposed to 5 years ago? Is so, what is the evidence of this love? Where is the overflow from my love? These are difficult questions for me to answer which tells me that I need to pursue a closeness with Christ where his love is evident in my life. I need to combat selfishness and serve others.
OBSERVATION
Paul, with Silas and Timothy, is writing this letter to a new community of believers in Thessalonica. At the beginning of the letter, he commends them for their love. This new group of Christ followers are living out their faith in love and it is having an impact on the world around them. It's as if Paul is saying, "you guys are doing a great job, keep it up. Then, in chapter 3, Paul says "may the Lord make your love increase and overflow...."
APPLICATION
As a follower of Jesus, my love needs to continue to increase and overflow, impacting those around me. The application question for me is: has my love increased from year to year? Am I more loving today as opposed to 5 years ago? Is so, what is the evidence of this love? Where is the overflow from my love? These are difficult questions for me to answer which tells me that I need to pursue a closeness with Christ where his love is evident in my life. I need to combat selfishness and serve others.
PRAYER
Father, I pray the same thing that Paul prayed over the Christians in Thessalonica. May you make my love increase and overflow for those I encounter on a daily basis.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
To Live or Die
SCRIPTURE
Matt. 27:1 ¶ Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death.
OBSERVATION
This beginning verse talks about a group of religious people who came together and discussed their concerns about Jesus. They ultimately made a fatal decision - the wrong decision! Maybe that is why I am a bit cautious when it comes to releasing committees to make decisions.
The phrase “came to a decision’ reveals that this was a process which took some time and discussion. It was not a snap decision! Have you ever wondered what they discussed and why they reached their conclusion? Maybe the discussion went like this…
Have you heard that Jesus has a lot of followers? Yes even more than we have. What about the people being healed? Many are experiencing miracles and beginning to say he is God! I too have heard that he stilled the Sea of Galilee and saved the lives of several people. All he said was “Be Still” to the waters and they obeyed. Yah and what about the man who had a legion of demons? Jesus set him free. In view of all these acts of kindness and love there is only one conclusion… We must kill him!
One would think that Jesus should be praised rather than killed. Amazing isn’t it!!!
(Read Mark 5:1-17 and note vs. 17)
APPLICATION
Our decision as followers of Christ is quite different from those of the religious leaders of that day. We choose to die rather than crucify Christ.
Gal. 6:14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
1Pet. 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Phil. 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
What Decision will you make today?
PRAYER
Lord, show me a better way of dying rather than a better way of living. If you do, I know I will experience eternal life.
Matt. 27:1 ¶ Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death.
OBSERVATION
This beginning verse talks about a group of religious people who came together and discussed their concerns about Jesus. They ultimately made a fatal decision - the wrong decision! Maybe that is why I am a bit cautious when it comes to releasing committees to make decisions.
The phrase “came to a decision’ reveals that this was a process which took some time and discussion. It was not a snap decision! Have you ever wondered what they discussed and why they reached their conclusion? Maybe the discussion went like this…
Have you heard that Jesus has a lot of followers? Yes even more than we have. What about the people being healed? Many are experiencing miracles and beginning to say he is God! I too have heard that he stilled the Sea of Galilee and saved the lives of several people. All he said was “Be Still” to the waters and they obeyed. Yah and what about the man who had a legion of demons? Jesus set him free. In view of all these acts of kindness and love there is only one conclusion… We must kill him!
One would think that Jesus should be praised rather than killed. Amazing isn’t it!!!
(Read Mark 5:1-17 and note vs. 17)
APPLICATION
Our decision as followers of Christ is quite different from those of the religious leaders of that day. We choose to die rather than crucify Christ.
Gal. 6:14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
1Pet. 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Phil. 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
What Decision will you make today?
PRAYER
Lord, show me a better way of dying rather than a better way of living. If you do, I know I will experience eternal life.
Friday, May 9, 2008
First Things First
SCRIPTURE
Matt. 26:7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
Matt. 26:8 ¶ When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.
OBSERVATION
What this woman did was an act of worship! Yet, many felt it was a waste?
It always surprises me to discover Christian people who do not understand the purpose, place or power of worship. If we fail to grasp the foundational truth about praise and worship, life will never be experienced to it fullest dimension. You worship God when you put Him FIRST in everything you say or do. Every time you make tithing the first thing you give from your paycheck, (A tithe = a 10% of your income) you worship God. (Mal 3:8-11) Every time you put some persons need before your very own, you worship God. (Phil 2:4) Every time you sing songs to God from the heart, you worship God. (Eph 5:19) Worship makes Him FIRST and FOREMOST. It gives him the seat of honor, the place of preeminence. Worship is anything but a waste - It is the pathway to eternal life. (Deut 6:5)
APPLICATION
I personally have many people that I value greatly. Without them I would be at a loss and my joy would be incomplete. My wife has been my personal friend for 35 years and
a wonderful mother to our two sons. Words can’t express her value to me. I am a better man because of her. My two sons and grandchild are priceless - I would give my life for them. Many other friends cause me to cherish the relationship I have with them.
Jesus, however, is above all other relationships and holds the most important place in my heart. At some point everyone will abandon you. It might be through death, divorce or practical changes in life but Jesus will never leave you or forsake you (Heb 13:5)
Your wife (If you are married) your children and your friends deserve to be valued but only Jesus deserves to be worshipped! I don’t know about you but I’m deciding to put Him first in my life today by allowing Him to lead and committing myself to follow. It’s not a waste but true worship! Who is most important to you?
PRAYER
O Lord, you are worthy of all praise!
Help me value things through your eyes and continue to lay the foundation of worship.
Matt. 26:7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
Matt. 26:8 ¶ When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.
OBSERVATION
What this woman did was an act of worship! Yet, many felt it was a waste?
It always surprises me to discover Christian people who do not understand the purpose, place or power of worship. If we fail to grasp the foundational truth about praise and worship, life will never be experienced to it fullest dimension. You worship God when you put Him FIRST in everything you say or do. Every time you make tithing the first thing you give from your paycheck, (A tithe = a 10% of your income) you worship God. (Mal 3:8-11) Every time you put some persons need before your very own, you worship God. (Phil 2:4) Every time you sing songs to God from the heart, you worship God. (Eph 5:19) Worship makes Him FIRST and FOREMOST. It gives him the seat of honor, the place of preeminence. Worship is anything but a waste - It is the pathway to eternal life. (Deut 6:5)
APPLICATION
I personally have many people that I value greatly. Without them I would be at a loss and my joy would be incomplete. My wife has been my personal friend for 35 years and
a wonderful mother to our two sons. Words can’t express her value to me. I am a better man because of her. My two sons and grandchild are priceless - I would give my life for them. Many other friends cause me to cherish the relationship I have with them.
Jesus, however, is above all other relationships and holds the most important place in my heart. At some point everyone will abandon you. It might be through death, divorce or practical changes in life but Jesus will never leave you or forsake you (Heb 13:5)
Your wife (If you are married) your children and your friends deserve to be valued but only Jesus deserves to be worshipped! I don’t know about you but I’m deciding to put Him first in my life today by allowing Him to lead and committing myself to follow. It’s not a waste but true worship! Who is most important to you?
PRAYER
O Lord, you are worthy of all praise!
Help me value things through your eyes and continue to lay the foundation of worship.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
What's In Your Pocket?
SCRIPTURE
Matt. 25:14 ¶ (The Kingdom of God) “It’s also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities.
Matt. 25:15 To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. (The Message)
OBSERVATION
When some people read this verse they focus on the apparent inequity of the money (talents) given to the servants (you and me) by the man. (God)
When I read the text, however, I am grateful that God has given something to everyone. No one is left out! While we are in pursuit of God and waiting for His return, we have all been given gifts to utilize for the benefit of His Kingdom. God is not unfair nor does He play favorites. He gives to each person according to their abilities. Remember, it is not what you have been given that is important but what you do with what you have been given.
APPLICATION
What has God given to me? Am I using my gifts, talents and resources to expand His Kingdom? Do I focus more on what others have received or on what I have been given?
Do I spend more time thinking about what I don’t have or on what I do have? Do I compare myself with others or do I realize that I am unique? What am I going to do today with the gifts God has given me?
When we answer these questions by the help of the Holy Spirit and make any necessary adjustments, God will work IN us as well as THROUGH us.
PRAYER
O Lord Thank you for your gracious gifts that I have received. May I use them to bring you honor and glory! May you lead me to a person in need of what I have to give. May we celebrate Christmas in May and rejoice as your gifts to us are opened.
Matt. 25:14 ¶ (The Kingdom of God) “It’s also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities.
Matt. 25:15 To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. (The Message)
OBSERVATION
When some people read this verse they focus on the apparent inequity of the money (talents) given to the servants (you and me) by the man. (God)
When I read the text, however, I am grateful that God has given something to everyone. No one is left out! While we are in pursuit of God and waiting for His return, we have all been given gifts to utilize for the benefit of His Kingdom. God is not unfair nor does He play favorites. He gives to each person according to their abilities. Remember, it is not what you have been given that is important but what you do with what you have been given.
APPLICATION
What has God given to me? Am I using my gifts, talents and resources to expand His Kingdom? Do I focus more on what others have received or on what I have been given?
Do I spend more time thinking about what I don’t have or on what I do have? Do I compare myself with others or do I realize that I am unique? What am I going to do today with the gifts God has given me?
When we answer these questions by the help of the Holy Spirit and make any necessary adjustments, God will work IN us as well as THROUGH us.
PRAYER
O Lord Thank you for your gracious gifts that I have received. May I use them to bring you honor and glory! May you lead me to a person in need of what I have to give. May we celebrate Christmas in May and rejoice as your gifts to us are opened.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
He Is Coming
SCRIPTURE
Matt. 24:3 ¶ As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
OBSERVATION
Jesus is coming again! This truth is consistently echoed from Matthew to Revelation. I cant’ speak for you but I’m ready right NOW! Eternity with Him sounds very good.
We all want an E.T.A. (Estimated time of Arrival) but God has chosen to keep the specific time to Himself. This unknown fact keeps us on our toes and causes us to depend upon Him each and every day. We are to live every day as if it were our last. There are signs, however, which indicate His return could happen at any moment. In Revelation 22:12 it says: “Behold, I am coming soon” Are you ready.
APPLICATION
If you are like me, you want to be in “The Know!” I want to know all the details; be informed of all the data, be able to speak my opinion and be prepared in my mind for any surprises. Our Christian lives, however, are to be lived on the basis of TRUST and not knowledge. As we put our faith and confidence in Jesus, we can trust him to give us the knowledge we need and determine the right time. That goes for everything else in our lives too. Timing is important. If you have been waiting a long time for God to answer your prayers, remember these four things.
1. If your prayer request is wrong He may say “NO”
2. If the timing is wrong, God will say, “SLOW”
3. If you are wrong, God will say ”GROW”
4. When the timing is right, God will say, “LET’S GO”.
Check out 2 Peter 3:9 - You may rejoice that He hasn’t come yet!
PRAYER
O Lord - Come Quickly
Matt. 24:3 ¶ As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
OBSERVATION
Jesus is coming again! This truth is consistently echoed from Matthew to Revelation. I cant’ speak for you but I’m ready right NOW! Eternity with Him sounds very good.
We all want an E.T.A. (Estimated time of Arrival) but God has chosen to keep the specific time to Himself. This unknown fact keeps us on our toes and causes us to depend upon Him each and every day. We are to live every day as if it were our last. There are signs, however, which indicate His return could happen at any moment. In Revelation 22:12 it says: “Behold, I am coming soon” Are you ready.
APPLICATION
If you are like me, you want to be in “The Know!” I want to know all the details; be informed of all the data, be able to speak my opinion and be prepared in my mind for any surprises. Our Christian lives, however, are to be lived on the basis of TRUST and not knowledge. As we put our faith and confidence in Jesus, we can trust him to give us the knowledge we need and determine the right time. That goes for everything else in our lives too. Timing is important. If you have been waiting a long time for God to answer your prayers, remember these four things.
1. If your prayer request is wrong He may say “NO”
2. If the timing is wrong, God will say, “SLOW”
3. If you are wrong, God will say ”GROW”
4. When the timing is right, God will say, “LET’S GO”.
Check out 2 Peter 3:9 - You may rejoice that He hasn’t come yet!
PRAYER
O Lord - Come Quickly
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
You Are Invited!
SCRIPTURE
Matt. 22:1 ¶ Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying:
Matt. 22:2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.
Matt. 22:3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. NIV
OBSERVATION
As I read these verses today and the rest of the chapter, I realize how desperately God wants us to be in His presence. He goes to great lengths to make sure everyone is invited to a feast yet the surprising thing is: many refuse to come. Imagine… A free meal and no one accepts the invitation! In our culture, free food is an automatic YES when invited. I can’t remember the last time I said NO to a free meal!
Possibly they are too busy with other things or maybe they were not interested in what was being served. The truth, however, might be - they just weren’t hungry!
Sometimes I find myself feeding on things that are temporal and experience a fullness of sorts that leaves me with no appetite for the eternal. I am FULL but not FILLED with the Holy Spirit. Jesus invites us to set our minds upon eternal things. (Col 3:2) He invites us to feed and think upon what is true, noble and right… (Phil 4:8) If we are to do this, we may need to adjust our eating habits. What are you full of today?
APPLICATION
I am going to eat from God’s table FIRST. I will not fill up on the things that distract me from God. My mother use to say: Timmy, don’t eat that candy because it will ruin your appetite for dinner. Well… Jesus has provided a full course meal and I am deciding not to ruin my appetite by eating too much of the temporal world. After all, man doesn’t live by bread alone.(Matt 4:4)
PRAYER
Jesus, may you help me make wise decisions today and may I acquire a taste for your word and your wisdom. I choose to be filled with your Spirit rather than filled with temporal things. O Jesus, baptize me in the Holy Spirit a fresh today.
Matt. 22:1 ¶ Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying:
Matt. 22:2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.
Matt. 22:3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. NIV
OBSERVATION
As I read these verses today and the rest of the chapter, I realize how desperately God wants us to be in His presence. He goes to great lengths to make sure everyone is invited to a feast yet the surprising thing is: many refuse to come. Imagine… A free meal and no one accepts the invitation! In our culture, free food is an automatic YES when invited. I can’t remember the last time I said NO to a free meal!
Possibly they are too busy with other things or maybe they were not interested in what was being served. The truth, however, might be - they just weren’t hungry!
Sometimes I find myself feeding on things that are temporal and experience a fullness of sorts that leaves me with no appetite for the eternal. I am FULL but not FILLED with the Holy Spirit. Jesus invites us to set our minds upon eternal things. (Col 3:2) He invites us to feed and think upon what is true, noble and right… (Phil 4:8) If we are to do this, we may need to adjust our eating habits. What are you full of today?
APPLICATION
I am going to eat from God’s table FIRST. I will not fill up on the things that distract me from God. My mother use to say: Timmy, don’t eat that candy because it will ruin your appetite for dinner. Well… Jesus has provided a full course meal and I am deciding not to ruin my appetite by eating too much of the temporal world. After all, man doesn’t live by bread alone.(Matt 4:4)
PRAYER
Jesus, may you help me make wise decisions today and may I acquire a taste for your word and your wisdom. I choose to be filled with your Spirit rather than filled with temporal things. O Jesus, baptize me in the Holy Spirit a fresh today.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 20:13-16
13 "But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius?
14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you.
15 Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'
16 "So the last will be first, and the first will be last."
OBSERVATION
The workers in this parable expected a different result from the one they received. At the end of the day, all the workers lined up to get paid in reverse order from their time of hire. Interestingly enough, it would seem that the master could have lined them up differently, but chose not to. So the men that had worked all day long stood and watched as those who had worked for only a couple of hours received the same pay as what they were promised.
I would guess that had I been one of these, I would have been thinking that perhaps the master had decided to pay me more! My hopes would have been lifted, but only for a moment. As soon as the next group of workers stepped up (they had worked a few more hours then the previous group) and received the same pay, my hopes would have been dashed again. At that point, I would start to get a little frustrated, starting to stew on the injustice of working all day and getting paid the same as those who had worked for only a few hours.
I can see myself being the man who objects to the master for this perceived injustice. Of course, the master's response is unanswerable — you agreed to work for the wage I have paid you.
APPLICATION
We are always worried that we are going to get the short end of the stick somehow. One of my sons is in a stage of life where he feels that he is always being treated unfairly. Somehow he perceives that his brothers are always being treated better and that his lot in life is somehow less than.
I think this tendency is innate in all of us. We constantly compare ourselves with what others are receiving and are constantly worried that we are going to be treated fairly. I think sometimes this expresses itself in the way we treat those to whom we are responsible — kids, employees, etc. We are obsessed with making sure we treat them equally because anything different from equal is unfair.
But this parable teaches us that this internal tendency is not a good one. If we compare the workers in the vineyard to those who have chosen to follow Christ and labor in His Kingdom, then we immediately begin to see how we are exactly like those who worked starting in the morning. We are constantly wanting to compare ourselves to each other and when we see what we perceive as an injustice in the way they are being blessed or recompensed or rewarded or whatever, we start to whine to God.
What we forget is that we are fortunate to be working in the vineyard to begin with! The reward of the Master is what we are working for, not to get more then our fellow laborers.
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to fall into the trap of comparing myself with others. Let me be concerned about my relationship with You first and foremost. Dig the root of comparison out of my heart. I find that this desire to outshine others is one that keeps creeping to the surface. Help me, my Lord!
Matthew 20:13-16
13 "But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius?
14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you.
15 Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'
16 "So the last will be first, and the first will be last."
OBSERVATION
The workers in this parable expected a different result from the one they received. At the end of the day, all the workers lined up to get paid in reverse order from their time of hire. Interestingly enough, it would seem that the master could have lined them up differently, but chose not to. So the men that had worked all day long stood and watched as those who had worked for only a couple of hours received the same pay as what they were promised.
I would guess that had I been one of these, I would have been thinking that perhaps the master had decided to pay me more! My hopes would have been lifted, but only for a moment. As soon as the next group of workers stepped up (they had worked a few more hours then the previous group) and received the same pay, my hopes would have been dashed again. At that point, I would start to get a little frustrated, starting to stew on the injustice of working all day and getting paid the same as those who had worked for only a few hours.
I can see myself being the man who objects to the master for this perceived injustice. Of course, the master's response is unanswerable — you agreed to work for the wage I have paid you.
APPLICATION
We are always worried that we are going to get the short end of the stick somehow. One of my sons is in a stage of life where he feels that he is always being treated unfairly. Somehow he perceives that his brothers are always being treated better and that his lot in life is somehow less than.
I think this tendency is innate in all of us. We constantly compare ourselves with what others are receiving and are constantly worried that we are going to be treated fairly. I think sometimes this expresses itself in the way we treat those to whom we are responsible — kids, employees, etc. We are obsessed with making sure we treat them equally because anything different from equal is unfair.
But this parable teaches us that this internal tendency is not a good one. If we compare the workers in the vineyard to those who have chosen to follow Christ and labor in His Kingdom, then we immediately begin to see how we are exactly like those who worked starting in the morning. We are constantly wanting to compare ourselves to each other and when we see what we perceive as an injustice in the way they are being blessed or recompensed or rewarded or whatever, we start to whine to God.
What we forget is that we are fortunate to be working in the vineyard to begin with! The reward of the Master is what we are working for, not to get more then our fellow laborers.
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to fall into the trap of comparing myself with others. Let me be concerned about my relationship with You first and foremost. Dig the root of comparison out of my heart. I find that this desire to outshine others is one that keeps creeping to the surface. Help me, my Lord!
Friday, May 2, 2008
We Forget So Quick
A quick post today because I failed to get this done this morning!
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 106:13
But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel.
OBSERVATION
The people of Israel saw more demonstrations of God's power then any other people group. The Scriptures are full of the stories of God's miraculous interventions and power displays. But even though they experienced God's hand of deliverance time and again, they also turned away from him time and again.
APPLICATION
We are no different from Israel. We are humans and humans have a tendency to forget very quickly what God has done. One day we are convinced He knows what He is doing and are committed to follow Him til the end. Twenty-four hours later we have forgotten all about it and are convinced that He has abandoned us and we know a better way.
We forget too quickly. It is one of our ever present weaknesses. To combat this, we would do well to rehearse God's goodness regularly so as to remind ourselves. We must keep fresh in our minds, because the half-life of our recollections of God's works is altogether too short.
PRAYER
God, help me to keep your goodness ever before me! I will declare your works at all times so that my heart may not forget your faithfulness.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 106:13
But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel.
OBSERVATION
The people of Israel saw more demonstrations of God's power then any other people group. The Scriptures are full of the stories of God's miraculous interventions and power displays. But even though they experienced God's hand of deliverance time and again, they also turned away from him time and again.
APPLICATION
We are no different from Israel. We are humans and humans have a tendency to forget very quickly what God has done. One day we are convinced He knows what He is doing and are committed to follow Him til the end. Twenty-four hours later we have forgotten all about it and are convinced that He has abandoned us and we know a better way.
We forget too quickly. It is one of our ever present weaknesses. To combat this, we would do well to rehearse God's goodness regularly so as to remind ourselves. We must keep fresh in our minds, because the half-life of our recollections of God's works is altogether too short.
PRAYER
God, help me to keep your goodness ever before me! I will declare your works at all times so that my heart may not forget your faithfulness.
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