Monday, February 25, 2008
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Friday, February 22, 2008
The Ordinary
SCRIPTURE
Acts 14:1 ¶ At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. NIV
OBSERVATION
The Disciples weren’t doing anything out of the ordinary but something very extraordinary happened in the midst of the ordinary. (If that makes sense!) They went into the synagogue as usual but spoke so effectively that a great number of people responded to the message of truth about Jesus.
Truth changes people when they respond to it.
People respond to truth more readily when it is shared properly. You can share God’s truth in a judgmental way or in a condescending way. You can talk out of insincerity or with a critical tone. When you share from a bad attitude, however, people often react in a negative way. They seem to react rather than respond to the attitude and not the actual words. I am reminded once again from this text - how you say something is as important as what you say. I believe, however, this truth is not based entirely upon the style in which a person shares. I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has something to do with this effectiveness. An example of this is found in Acts 18:26.
A married couple named Aquila & Priscilla took a man by the name of Apollos aside and taught him the ways of the Holy Spirit and he began to speak differently. Throughout the New Testament people spoke in a new way when they were filled with the Spirit of Jesus. The bottom line is this, when you speak for God you need three things.
1. Substance,
2. Style
3. The Holy Spirit.
This is a prescription for great effectiveness.
APPLICATION
Today I need to examine my motives when I speak. Am I seeking to help people or am I secretly trying to put them in their place. The motive will often determine the tone and the tone will often determine the fruitfulness of the message. When we are yielded to the Holy Spirit and allow Him the right to oversee our speech, we will have greater success. I am going to watch over my words as they are spoken but also explore the underlying attitudes that my words are founded upon. This will be a step in the right direction.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to speak with your anointing and in such a way that others are not turned off to your truth. May I represent you by accurately sharing your words in the way that brings you glory.
Acts 14:1 ¶ At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. NIV
OBSERVATION
The Disciples weren’t doing anything out of the ordinary but something very extraordinary happened in the midst of the ordinary. (If that makes sense!) They went into the synagogue as usual but spoke so effectively that a great number of people responded to the message of truth about Jesus.
Truth changes people when they respond to it.
People respond to truth more readily when it is shared properly. You can share God’s truth in a judgmental way or in a condescending way. You can talk out of insincerity or with a critical tone. When you share from a bad attitude, however, people often react in a negative way. They seem to react rather than respond to the attitude and not the actual words. I am reminded once again from this text - how you say something is as important as what you say. I believe, however, this truth is not based entirely upon the style in which a person shares. I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has something to do with this effectiveness. An example of this is found in Acts 18:26.
A married couple named Aquila & Priscilla took a man by the name of Apollos aside and taught him the ways of the Holy Spirit and he began to speak differently. Throughout the New Testament people spoke in a new way when they were filled with the Spirit of Jesus. The bottom line is this, when you speak for God you need three things.
1. Substance,
2. Style
3. The Holy Spirit.
This is a prescription for great effectiveness.
APPLICATION
Today I need to examine my motives when I speak. Am I seeking to help people or am I secretly trying to put them in their place. The motive will often determine the tone and the tone will often determine the fruitfulness of the message. When we are yielded to the Holy Spirit and allow Him the right to oversee our speech, we will have greater success. I am going to watch over my words as they are spoken but also explore the underlying attitudes that my words are founded upon. This will be a step in the right direction.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to speak with your anointing and in such a way that others are not turned off to your truth. May I represent you by accurately sharing your words in the way that brings you glory.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Expect the Unexpected
SCRIPTURE
Acts 28:6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Acts 28:7 ¶ There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably.
Acts 28:8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.
OBSERVATION
In Acts 27 Paul and others were on a ship which encountered a tremendous storm. It was so severe that the ship experienced extensive damage and had run ashore. Those onboard found them selves on an island called Malta. It wasn’t a planned destination, it wasn’t on the itinerary and it wasn’t a desirable place to be.
That’s what caught my attention as I read this text. Even though Paul had not planned this part of the journey, he was used by God to touch the lives of people he would only see one time in his life.
How often I find myself in situations and places that I have not chosen. I fail to realize that possibly this is not a detour I must endure but a divine appointment God has scheduled. Could it be that the interruptions, inconveniences and intrusions into our lives are really an opportunity for God to reveal himself through us.
APPLICATION
Today I am going to look for opportunities where God can use me. I am not going to seek deliverance from my current location and circumstnces but I will ask God to deliver his wisdom, kindness, assistance and love to those I encounter.
PRAYER
Lord forgive me for resisting and resenting the places you position me for your glory. I am blind to your ability to work in all places. I have missed so many opportunities to see you work in various places because of my complaining spirit. Please forgive me but also change me. Give me a heart that wants to go where you want me to go - say what you want me to say and do what you want me to do.
Acts 28:6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Acts 28:7 ¶ There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably.
Acts 28:8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.
OBSERVATION
In Acts 27 Paul and others were on a ship which encountered a tremendous storm. It was so severe that the ship experienced extensive damage and had run ashore. Those onboard found them selves on an island called Malta. It wasn’t a planned destination, it wasn’t on the itinerary and it wasn’t a desirable place to be.
That’s what caught my attention as I read this text. Even though Paul had not planned this part of the journey, he was used by God to touch the lives of people he would only see one time in his life.
How often I find myself in situations and places that I have not chosen. I fail to realize that possibly this is not a detour I must endure but a divine appointment God has scheduled. Could it be that the interruptions, inconveniences and intrusions into our lives are really an opportunity for God to reveal himself through us.
APPLICATION
Today I am going to look for opportunities where God can use me. I am not going to seek deliverance from my current location and circumstnces but I will ask God to deliver his wisdom, kindness, assistance and love to those I encounter.
PRAYER
Lord forgive me for resisting and resenting the places you position me for your glory. I am blind to your ability to work in all places. I have missed so many opportunities to see you work in various places because of my complaining spirit. Please forgive me but also change me. Give me a heart that wants to go where you want me to go - say what you want me to say and do what you want me to do.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Father Knows Best
SCRIPTURE
Acts 27:10 "Men, i can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also. 11 but the Centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and the owner of the ship. 14 Before long, a wind of hurricane force, called the 'northeaster', swept down from the island.
OBSERVATION
PRAYER
Acts 27:10 "Men, i can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also. 11 but the Centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and the owner of the ship. 14 Before long, a wind of hurricane force, called the 'northeaster', swept down from the island.
OBSERVATION
As I read Acts 27 text this morning, I was reminded of a time when my wife and I went to the coast with another couple who attended Koinonia Christian Fellowship. It was early Friday morning when the four of us crammed into a little airplane that seated four people. When I say little, I mean LITTLE. As John, the pilot began to taxi down the runway and prepared to take off, he was listening to someone on his headphones. They were giving him directions and advising him on the best path to take. I assumed that once we were in the air, he would take the headphones off and we would have some good conversation for the entire trip. What happened, however, was quite different. He never did take the headphones off. Yes, we were able to talk at times but when he heard those from the tower trying to communicate with him, our conversation ceased and he listened to them. 'They had priority'.
John was the pilot and owner of the plane just like the man in Acts 27 who owned the ship. The difference, however, was that John was willing to listen to someone who had an objective perspective. Who we listen too can lead us to our destination or to our destruction.
The Centurion chose to listen to the wrong voice. He felt the pilot and owner knew best. The best advice, however, came from God. Paul revealed the truth. Once again we learn that 'Father God Knows Best.' It is easy for pilots and owners to forget who really knows best way. It's also easy for us! When we make decisions about life without consulting Him; when we listen to the advice of others and follow our own inclinations, we end up in a wreck.
Jesus wants to be the one you contact as you continue your journey. Maybe you are on the runway and waiting to take off. Possibly you are flying or sailing with clear skies and not a cloud in sight. As tragic as it may sound, you might have even crashed. Wherever you are right now, God is the REAL OWNER of everything. He is the REAL PILOT. As an airline pilot doesn't loose contact with the tower during the flight, please don't loose contact with God. he will make sure you arrive at your destination safely - if you listen. FATHER KNOWS BEST!
APPLICATION
APPLICATION
Sometimes my cell phone won't ring because I am not positioned in a place where I can receive or sent calls. Today, I am deciding to always stay within listening range. When God says;
Can You Hear me Now, I want to say YES. Others may be talking but I am going to give HIM priority. How about you?
PRAYER
Father, I give you my full attention today. Forgive me for listening to other voices and following their advice. Help me to hear your voice above all others and give full obedience to what you say. I know your are trying to help me and I am thankful. I realize that you always know what is best for me.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
God's Smile
SCRIPTURE
Numbers 6:23-27 " Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites.
We have all heard it said when we sneeze: God Bless You! I don't know why or when that phrase came into being but I do know that God wants to bless you and me.
When blessing is the key to success and obedience is the key to blessings, I need to make sure I am answering the questions correctly. Am I carefully following His ways in the current situations that are confronting me? Am I obeying at a 100% rate? Anything less is disobedience. Is there any place where I am compromising or wandering from His desired path? Is there anything I am neglecting to do that He has instructed me to do? Could it be that I am working hard to accomplish His will but I'm doing it MY way? These are questions worth asking because the blessing is worth receiving.
PRAYER
Lord give me the wisdom and strength to make right choices. Today I choose your blessing. I choose to obey!
Say to them:
24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
27 So they will put my name on the Israelites and I will bless them."
OBSERVATION
OBSERVATION
We have all heard it said when we sneeze: God Bless You! I don't know why or when that phrase came into being but I do know that God wants to bless you and me.
In Deuteronomy 11:26 & 27 we discover that God give us a choice regarding this blessing.
We can choose to experience a blessing or a curse. Here is what he says to us.
Deuteronomy 11:26 See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse.
27 The blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today;
28 the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn form the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.
Literally, these words reveal the difference between success or failure in the different arenas of our lives. 'The blessing if you obey... the curse if you disobey."
When I read these verses, GOD'S SMILE comes to mind. To me, His blessing is his smile. (Numbers 6:25) When you're doing what is pleasing, He smiles on you with blessing. The curse, however, is when you're doing what displeases your Father, and His smile quickly disappears. If I were to interpret this into language that makes practical sense, I would say this: When you are doing things God's way, things work. When you stray from doing things God's way, things stop working.
When you fully obey God's commands, all His blessings will accompany you! Deuteronomy 28 and & 29 elaborate on this blessing. It says that your family along with your work will be blessed. It talks about how your enemies will be scattered. The scripture goes on to say; 'However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow His commands... all these curses will come upon you." Then He proceeds to describe how the same people, doing all the same things, will get opposite results.
It all depends on the SMILE! After all, it is His blessing.
Nothing is worth losing the blessing of God! It is the key to fruitfulness.
APPLICATION
APPLICATION
When blessing is the key to success and obedience is the key to blessings, I need to make sure I am answering the questions correctly. Am I carefully following His ways in the current situations that are confronting me? Am I obeying at a 100% rate? Anything less is disobedience. Is there any place where I am compromising or wandering from His desired path? Is there anything I am neglecting to do that He has instructed me to do? Could it be that I am working hard to accomplish His will but I'm doing it MY way? These are questions worth asking because the blessing is worth receiving.
PRAYER
Lord give me the wisdom and strength to make right choices. Today I choose your blessing. I choose to obey!
Monday, February 18, 2008
In The Waiting
SCRIPTURE
Acts 17: 16 While Paul was waiting for them (Silas and Timothy) in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.
OBSERVATION
At this juncture in Paul's ministry we connect with him at Athens. he has just been teaching God's word in Thessalonica and Berea. Some religious leaders, however, caused great difficulty for Paul and their actions make it necessary for him to leave. While following the Holy Spirit's lead he went to the city of Athens. We are told that he was 'waiting' for Silas and Timothy to join him. Verse 16 & 17 stood out to me as I read this section of scripture because Paul accomplished some Kingdom business while he was 'waiting'. he saw the spiritual emptiness and did something about it. The city was full of idols but empty of spiritual life.
Acts 17: 16 While Paul was waiting for them (Silas and Timothy) in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.
OBSERVATION
At this juncture in Paul's ministry we connect with him at Athens. he has just been teaching God's word in Thessalonica and Berea. Some religious leaders, however, caused great difficulty for Paul and their actions make it necessary for him to leave. While following the Holy Spirit's lead he went to the city of Athens. We are told that he was 'waiting' for Silas and Timothy to join him. Verse 16 & 17 stood out to me as I read this section of scripture because Paul accomplished some Kingdom business while he was 'waiting'. he saw the spiritual emptiness and did something about it. The city was full of idols but empty of spiritual life.
Wow! When I''m waiting for someone, I usually just hang out and accomplish nothing. I call it Killing Time - This happens frequently when I accompany my wife on a shopping expedition. I will sit on a bench and you guessed it... I 'Kill Time. I also get caught up in 'People Watching" when I am waiting for someone or something to happen. It brings a smile to my face when I catch some of the idiosyncrasies and silly actions that people do as they go about their daily activities. I know it's sick and I may need some therapy but it is a cheap price for some entertainment. After reading this verse, however, I realized that I am wasting some valuable time and an opportunity for God to do some Kingdom work through me. Do you find yourself doing the same thing? Col 4:5 tells us to make the most of every opportunity. It may be at a stop light while waiting for it to turn green. It may be at Starbucks or on a bench outside a maul. God wants to show something to you about people and their need. While you are waiting, God can work through you.
APPLICATION
I don't think I will stop watching people in my times of waiting because it is SO MUCH fun. I am going to to more, however that merely watch. I am going to pray for them. I will ask God to reveal a need they might have, a family member they are concerned about or a bill that needs to be paid. As I 'People Watch', I 'm going to become a watchman for God (Ezek 33:7) While I wait for the next thing to transpire, I will pray for our city and county because there are idols everywhere. If you and I do this, we will 'redeem the time - Col 4:5
PRAYER
Lord, Thank You for being involved in our daily times. While we are waiting, while we are sleeping, while we are going about our daily activities, you are at work. Thank you for men like Paul who actively pursued you and was stirred by the Holy Spirit because there were idols that filled the land. May we be among those who carry a burden for our city and set ourselves to tearing down the idols of darkness.
APPLICATION
I don't think I will stop watching people in my times of waiting because it is SO MUCH fun. I am going to to more, however that merely watch. I am going to pray for them. I will ask God to reveal a need they might have, a family member they are concerned about or a bill that needs to be paid. As I 'People Watch', I 'm going to become a watchman for God (Ezek 33:7) While I wait for the next thing to transpire, I will pray for our city and county because there are idols everywhere. If you and I do this, we will 'redeem the time - Col 4:5
PRAYER
Lord, Thank You for being involved in our daily times. While we are waiting, while we are sleeping, while we are going about our daily activities, you are at work. Thank you for men like Paul who actively pursued you and was stirred by the Holy Spirit because there were idols that filled the land. May we be among those who carry a burden for our city and set ourselves to tearing down the idols of darkness.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
SCRIPTURE
Acts 24:25 - "and as he (Paul) continued to argue about righteousness, purity, and the judgement to come, Felix (the king) became terrified, and said, "go away for now, and when I have a convenient opportunity, I will send for you".
OBSERVATION
The king became uncomfortable when Paul started to share the realities of living in righteousness, purity, and the judgement to come, which is the eternal judgement. He sent Paul away, saying that he would call for him and listen when it was more convenient. Unfortunately, that time never came, because it is never "convenient" when a person is confronted with the reality of their need of a Savior and a lifestyle change that will honor the Lord.
APPLICATION
It is very easy to live our lives focused on the "easy" parts of Christianity, and how we push away the things that challenge our lives with the need to change - it just isn't "convenient" for our flesh. May we choose to become Christians who are making the decisions to not live what is just "convenient", but what is necessary to us growing in Christlikeness and choosing godliness and maturity.
PRAYER
God, help us to not give in to the temptation in our flesh to not do the "inconvenient" that would really cause us to choose Christ and grow and mature in a relationship with Him. Help us to understand that, in reality, we will face an eternal judgement someday and how we live our lives here on earth, and whether or not we have chosen to know You and have a relationship with You will determine the outcome of our eternity. Help us to always live with this at the forefront of our minds and lives.
Acts 24:25 - "and as he (Paul) continued to argue about righteousness, purity, and the judgement to come, Felix (the king) became terrified, and said, "go away for now, and when I have a convenient opportunity, I will send for you".
OBSERVATION
The king became uncomfortable when Paul started to share the realities of living in righteousness, purity, and the judgement to come, which is the eternal judgement. He sent Paul away, saying that he would call for him and listen when it was more convenient. Unfortunately, that time never came, because it is never "convenient" when a person is confronted with the reality of their need of a Savior and a lifestyle change that will honor the Lord.
APPLICATION
It is very easy to live our lives focused on the "easy" parts of Christianity, and how we push away the things that challenge our lives with the need to change - it just isn't "convenient" for our flesh. May we choose to become Christians who are making the decisions to not live what is just "convenient", but what is necessary to us growing in Christlikeness and choosing godliness and maturity.
PRAYER
God, help us to not give in to the temptation in our flesh to not do the "inconvenient" that would really cause us to choose Christ and grow and mature in a relationship with Him. Help us to understand that, in reality, we will face an eternal judgement someday and how we live our lives here on earth, and whether or not we have chosen to know You and have a relationship with You will determine the outcome of our eternity. Help us to always live with this at the forefront of our minds and lives.
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