A Contrarian’s Guide 2 Discipleship

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2009-05-29T14:48:00.001-07:00

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Will I Serve?

2009-05-29T12:04:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
John 15:15 [ESV] 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

John 15:15 [Message] I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.

EXPLORATION
When I read this verse, I suppose like most everyone that my first response is a warm fuzzy - Jesus is calling me “friend” - that’s a win on any day.
But upon farther meditation I’m struck by the beginning of the verse; “I’m no longer calling you servants.”
So was there a time when Jesus thought of me as servant? Was I in fact created to do his bidding?
How easy it is to forget that God is God.
How easy to forget that in fact; we are “created” beings, created for his glory and honor.
How marvelous it is to think that He loves me so much that He rather I serve Him because I want to rather than because I have to.

APPLICATION
As “friend” will I choose to serve Him?
The answer won’t be in a verbal response, “YES!”
The answer will be played out in my actions.
The answer will be played out in my reactions.

PRAYER
Father,
This is what Jesus has made known, GOD is Love!
As a friend may I serve you, as I become love to the people you place in my life.

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

2009-05-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Genesis 32:26,29 [ESV] Then he said, Let me go, for the day has broken. But Jacob said, I will not let you go unless you bless me. 29 Then Jacob asked him, Please tell me your name. But he said, Why is it that you ask my name? And there he blessed him.

Genesis 32:26,29 [Message] The man said, “Let me go; it’s daybreak.” Jacob said, “I’m not letting you go ’til you bless me.” Jacob asked, “And what’s your name?” The man said, “Why do you want to know my name?” And then, right then and there, he blessed him.

EXPLORATION
This passage of Scripture leaves me with a lot more questions than answers. The questions can be a great distraction, I’m not sure that many of them have answers this side of heaven.
Why did Jacob get up in the middle of the night and move his family.
Why didn’t he go with them?
Who was it that he wrestled with?
If it was God, if it was Jesus, why couldn’t God get the best of him?
Who was Jacob to demand a blessing?
Why did he ask the man his name?
Why did the man bless him?

APPLICATION
Questions I can answer.
When was the last time I got alone with God?
When was the last time I wrestle with God’s word for an extended period of time?
When was the last time I asked for a blessing?
When was the last time I got one?

PRAYER
Father,
Forgive me, for some reason in our culture when it comes to you we have a sense of entitlement that just isn’t ours.
Teach me to spend more time in your Word.
Encourage me to seek my Warrior King and to delight in being challenged by him.
Jacob’s question, “What is your name?” Should always be on my lips and my heart.
May I always seek to know you better and better.

TRUSTING

2009-05-26T06:50:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Numbers 21:17 [ESV] Then Israel sang this song: Spring up, O well!--Sing to it!--
Numbers 21:17 [Message] That’s where Israel sang this song: Erupt, Well! Sing the Song of the Well

EXPLORATION
The people of Israel had a very fickle faith. One minute cursing God, the next crying to him. I remember a story of an orphanage in Mexico where a lady of great faith and strong persuasion was building a school for the children. She had acquired the land, had buildings built and had a well dug. On the day of the grand opening of the school when lots of people that had invested in the school or hopefully would invest in the school were to come visit the well ran dry. Pastors and missionaries, locals and laborers all stood around it, wondering what to do and praying that God would intervene. There was no way to get a drill rig in there and re-drill in time for the grand opening. This lady that had made this orphanage her life work had been busy making lunch and was unaware of the problem until lunchtime came and very few people were around to eat it. She was informed about the problem and left the kitchen and headed to the well where people where gathered looking at this dried up well and praying that God would intervene. When she got to the well she looked down into the hole and then she looked to heaven. She pointed a finger to heaven, and yelled pointing her finger to the well. “DO YOU SEE THIS? DO YOU SEE THIS?” and then turned to everyone standing around and said, “come and have lunch.”
Before people arrived for the grand opening, water arrived at the well.

APPLICATION
We can curse Him or call upon Him.
What are you going to do today?

PRAYER
Father,
Give me that faith, a faith that trust you for what I can not accomplish.
I faith that can walk away from a problem and leave it to you.
I faith that let’s God be God all the time.

ENDURING

2009-05-25T12:03:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
2 Tim 2:10 [ESV] Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
2 Tim 2:10 [Message] That’s why I stick it out here—so that everyone God calls will get in on the salvation of Christ in all its glory.
2 Tim 2:10 [NLT] So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

EXPLORATION
In this chapter of 2 Timothy, Paul exhorts Timothy to be a “good solider”. He exhorts him to follow his example, and to endure everything, to endure anything, that will in return lead God’s chosen to God.
This Memorial Day we stop to remember those who gave their all for their country.
This Memorial Day may God challenge each of us to make a renewed commitment to give our all for Christ

APPLICATION
There is still a fight to fight.
There is still battles to be won.
Who would Christ call us to fight with?
What would Christ call us to fight for?
Where would Christ call us to fight?
When would Christ call us to fight?
How would Christ call us to fight?
What are we willing to endure for the sake of the gospel?

PRAYER
Father,
Thank you for for those that have gone before us.
Show me who you have called to join me; to endure anything, to endure everything - that those you have chosen would come to know you.
Bring salvation, to us.
Bring salvation, through us.
Bring salvation, for your eternal glory.
Be praise.
Be honored.
Be gloried.
As this day we remember Him who gave His all, for all.
Amen.

GOD'S TIMING

2009-05-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Genesis 21:2 [ESV] And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him.
Genesis 21:2 [Message] Sarah became pregnant and gave Abraham a son in his old age, and at the very time God had set.

EXPLORATION
This verse represents the beginning of a kept promise. The promise was that through Abraham God would raise up a nation. The thought to grasp, the action to take hold of; is that the promise is being kept in God’s timing.

APPLICATION
It’s Sunday morning and it’s the beginning of the third day that I’ve spent with men from KCC on a retreat. It’s the beginning of a new chapter in the life of men’s ministry at KCC. Perhaps it’s the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of some of the men. But the greater significance is that it is God’s timing.

PRAYER
Father,
As you bore to Abraham & Sarah their son Isaac, who’s very name means “he laughs” in your timing - may you also in your timing give to each of us - Isaac’s Itch - a longing that just has to be met - in your timing.

TESTING

2009-05-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Ps. 107:19,28 [Message] Then you called out to God in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time.
Ps. 107:19,28 [ESV] Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
Ps. 107:19,28 [NASB] Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses.

EXPLORATION
Sometimes we hear a greater lesson from what the Bible doesn’t say, than we do from what it says. The Bible doesn’t say, “then they cried out from their trouble and He delivered them from their trouble. They still had their trouble, or the consequences of their trouble, they just weren’t distressed about it.

APPLICATION
“WHEN” / “THEN” - “When the trouble comes - “then” - call / cry to the Lord.
James 1:2-4 [ESV] Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
STEADFASTNESS is the lack of stress, not the lack of a test.

PRAYER
Father,
This morning I awoke on a porch deck at a cabin high in the Sierra’s where men from our church have gathered for a retreat. This morning the “when” seems distant to me, although perhaps not for all of us. But my prayer is “when” my troubles come - my testing - “then” - SHOW UP! and make me perfect and complete.

LET GO and LET GOD!

2009-05-22T05:19:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE  
Psalm 37:5 [ESV] Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:5 [Message] Open up before God, keep nothing back; he’ll do whatever needs to be done:
Psalm 37:5 [NLT] Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
Psalm 37:5 [NCV] Depend on the Lord; trust him, and he will take care of you.

EXPLORATION
If there is a phrase that sticks out to me in this passage it is; “Trust him”. I love the way the message translates it; “keep nothing back” - that’s trust.
When we trust him, what do we get in return?
Each translation spells it out a little different, the [ESV] says; he will act. The [Message] says; he’ll do whatever needs to be done.
That’s commitment: Our “trusting” His “acting”

APPLICATION
We all have something we “keep from God”
What is it that I need to let go off?
I eat to relief stress, that’s something I hold pretty tight to.
Can I really learn to trust Christ instead of Calories?

PRAYER
Father,
In the name of Jesus, your son, my Savior - search me!
Is there other things that I keep back from you?
What am I holding back?
Teach me to let go and let God!

Can you get to tomorrow without remembering yesterdays?

2009-05-21T06:44:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Psalm 77:6 [ESV] I said, Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart. Then my spirit made a diligent search:
Psalm 77:6 [Message] I strum my lute all through the night, wondering how to get my life together.
Psalm 77:5,6 [NLT] I think of the good old days, long since ended, 6 when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now.

EXPLORATION
There is within this Psalm a cry for yesterdays. A cry for what was, A cry for what could be! I think of times in my life when I felt like I was one with God. Totally in sync. Times when a song or a melody drew Him near. Times when my heart jumped as I saw Him working in the life of a ragamuffin. Times when I wondered can heaven be any better than this?
But those aren’t everyday experiences. On most days I wonder if I’ve left Him or if He’s left me. On most days I find myself with less than, rather than more than enough. On most days I sense Him, I just don’t experience Him. On most days...

APPLICATION
When I remember how He showed up in the past, I can count on Him to show up in the present.
When I’m not experiencing Him, it’s because I’m not reflecting on what He has already done.
It’s a dumb joke, “Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side”
CHICKEN, Cross the Road!

PRAYER
Father,
When I feel distant from you, fill me with memories of all the times you’ve showed up.
When I stray, bring me back I pray.
When I wonder, fill me with your wonder.
The Bible says, “Knock and the door shall be opened”
I’m knocking!
Take me to the other side, allow me to experience your grace today.

WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?

2009-05-20T21:02:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE

John 18:11 [ESV] So Jesus said to Peter, Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?
John 18:11 [Message] Jesus ordered Peter, “Put back your sword. Do you think for a minute I’m not going to drink this cup the Father gave me?”

EXPLORATION
Jesus knew where he was headed. Headed to the cross to please the Father by bring redemption to humanity.
Where am I headed?
Is there someone or something that is keeping me from my destiny?

APPLICATION
Examine myself!

PRAYER
Father,
Create in me a clean heart,
Create in me the heart of Jesus,
Create in me a longing to please you.
Enable me to “put away” anything that would keep me from doing your will in my life.

WORTHY OF PRAISE!

2009-05-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Genesis 24:26 [ESV] The man bowed his head and worshiped the Lord

EXPLORATION
Abraham’s servant had prayed in v.12 "O Lord , God of my master, Abraham," he prayed. "Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham.” Then when given success, in v.26 the servant bows his head and worshipped the Lord.
When was the last time you thought; “Unless Jesus shows up, this isn’t going to go well”
I work as a volunteer Police Chaplain and get called out on a lot of death notifications.
I always find myself asking Jesus to show up on my way to the incident. This story in Genesis is a good reminder to thank Him when he does.

APPLICATION
The best part of petitioning God is praising Him when He shows up.
Dare to do the unattainable, that the unexplainable might happen.

PRAYER
Father,
I thank you for those times in my life when I’ve need an extra measure of grace and you’ve showed up to deliver.
I thank you for those times in my life when you’ve worked through me, continue to use me.
Allow me your servant, to bring honor and glory to your name.

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD!

2009-05-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Daniel 10:12-13 [ESV] 12 Then he said to me, Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia.
Daniel 10:12-14a [Message]
12 “‘Relax, Daniel,’ he continued, ‘don’t be afraid. From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard, and I set out to come to you. 13 But I was waylaid by the angel-prince of the kingdom of Persia 14 and was delayed for a good three weeks. But then Michael, one of the chief angel-princes, intervened to help me. I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia.

EXPLORATION
We are forget that there a battle going on that we aren’t involved in, yet are affected by. Daniel’s prayer was heard, but not answered right away.
We need to be like Daniel and set our hearts to understanding and humble ourselves before God.
We need to assume that God and his angels are doing what God and angels do.
Are we doing what we are to do?

APPLICATION
Set my heart
Humble myself

PRAYER
Father,
Make me like Daniel.
Obedient and trusting.
Calling on you.
Help me.

CRAZY! / FOOLISH?

2009-05-15T19:58:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Job 37:21 [ESV] And now no one looks on the light when it is bright in the skies, when the wind has passed and cleared them.
Job 37:21 [Message] No one in his right mind stares straight at the sun
on a clear and cloudless day.

EXPLORATION
Last night and this morning I was at a Prayer Retreat with a group of pastors from my home town. Last night we were sharing with each other “crazy” things we’d done in our lifetime. This won’t surprise you but no one said; “One day - in the middle of the day I looked up at the sun and just stared and stared.” No! that would just be foolish.
I’m glad the question wasn’t tell us something foolish you’ve in your lifetime. That list is funny, it’s sad! Acts of disobedience, failure to love, failure to care, unrelenting selfishness and arrogant pride. Who looks at the sun? Who sins with intent?

APPLICATION
I sin enough without thinking - shame on me when I know better and sin anyway.

PRAYER
Holy Spirit,
Quicken me - often! always!
Lead me to right behavior.

OUCH!

2009-05-14T09:43:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Genesis 17:23 [ESV] 23 Then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him.
Genesis 17:23 [Message] Then Abraham took his son Ishmael and all his servants, whether house born or purchased—every male in his household—and circumcised them, cutting off their foreskins that very day, just as God had told him.

EXPLORATION
Some Scripture just leaves us with questions.
What does obedience look like?
Does it have to hurt?
What is the mark of a Christian?
Is there a cost?

APPLICATION
Ask God the questions

PRAYER
Father,
I’m embarrassed by how either consciously or unconsciously I treat you like Santa Claus or a giant vending machine in heaven; looking for you to deliver on my wants.
I say that this life is about obedience to a God that loved me first. But I act like this life is about You being obedient to my desires.
I get that “grace” is a free gift from you.
Should appreciating it cost something?
What does obedience look like?
What should be my mark?
What one thing should set me apart?

IF!

2009-05-12T13:33:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Mark 9:24 [ESV] And Jesus said to him, If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.
Mark 9:24 [Message] Jesus said, “If? There are no ‘ifs’ among believers. Anything can happen.”

EXPLORATION
When Jesus made this comment, “If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.” who was he speaking to?
To the father, who had just said; “...But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
To the child who was on the ground convulsing and foaming at the mouth.
To the evil spirit that was in the child, that wasn’t going to be there for much longer
To the disciples, who could have and should have healed the child already.
To himself, knowing he is about to glorify the Father, “anything can happen”
To the faithless, have faith!
To me, years later, “If?”

APPLICATION
Trust and obey!
Believe and behave like it!
Obedience is like MiracleGro
It doesn’t take a lot to make your faith blossom.

PRAYER
Father,
That day long ago, a father and child in front of Jesus needing a miracle and you smiled because you knew your son would come through.
No, not if? WHEN!
Do the same through me, bring miracles to others, that all might believe!

It's FRIDAY, Sunday's Comin

2009-05-11T08:53:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Psalm 66:12 [ESV] you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.
Psalm 66:12 [Message] Road-tested us inside and out, took us to hell and back; Finally he brought us to this well-watered place.

EXPLORATION
Tony Campolo has a great book entitled; “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Coming” and in it he tells the story of a Good Friday Service where his pastor used this one phrase over and over. “It’s Friday and Sunday is Coming” - “It was Friday and Mary was cryin’ her eyes out. The disciples were runnin’ in every direction, like sheep without a shepherd, but that was Friday, and Sunday’s coming... It was Friday. The cynics were lookin’ at the world and sayin’, ‘As things have been so they shall be. You can’t change anything in this world; you can’t change anything.’ But those cynics didn’t know that it was only Friday, Sunday’s coming”! ...
Isn’t that how life plays out. We feel hemmed in by life, it’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming.
We experience burden, it’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming. People treat us unjustly, it’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming. One threatening circumstance follows another, it’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming.
2 Cor. 4:16-5:1 [ESV] So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

APPLICATION
Live for Sunday!
Know I am headed to a place of abundance.

PRAYER
Father,
Bring what trial you may, just keep me from temptation today.
Help me to see beyond the trial to the treasure.
Help me see beyond the moment to the Master.

BE STRONG!

2009-05-10T15:00:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Ps. 27:13-14 [ESV] I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Ps. 27:13-14 [Message] I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in the exuberant earth. 14 Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God.

EXPLORATION
The psalmists isn’t speaking of a faith he once had, but of a faith he has now.
He is encouraging himself to cheerfully wait and hope.
The believing half of his soul addressing the despondent and weaker half; “I believe!”

APPLICATION
None of us know what “life” will throw at us on any given day.
All of us can know who to trust “life” to.
Be strong.
Take heart.
Stay with God!
Believe!

PRAYER
Father,
Thank you for being there for me.
In the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit, encourage me.
In the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit, allow me to encourage others.

LET'S TALK

2009-05-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Genesis 18:19 [ESV] So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord.

EXPLORATION
... but Abraham still stood before the Lord.
When was the last time I stood before the Lord?
When was the last time I questioned Him?
When was the last time I earnestly debated Him?
When was the last time I did more that offer up a “wish list”?

APPLICATION
God, created us for relationship
Relationship requires communication.
Communication is more than a “prayer request”
TALK with GOD!

PRAYER
Father,
I hoping to learn to listen to you more than I talk.
I hoping that my heart will long to be in your presence more than anywhere else in the world.
Consume me with your grace, mercy and love.
Let’s talk!

BUT LOOK!

2009-05-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Daniel 3:25 [ESV] He answered and said, But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.
Daniel 3:25 [Message] “But look!” he said. “I see four men, walking around freely in the fire, completely unharmed! And the fourth man looks like a son of the gods!”

EXPLORATION
In the book of James we read; “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,”
In the book of Daniel we are reminded that Jesus shows up.
James doesn’t say; “IF you meet trials” it says “WHEN”
So, here the question, “WHEN” trials come my way, am I going to stare at the problem or look around for a person.
JESUS shows up sometimes in a parent, some times in a partner, sometimes in a friend, sometimes in a favorite song, sometimes in a thought, sometimes in a task.

APPLICATION
Trials Happen!
Sometimes it is an opportunity to give of myself to help someone else.
Sometimes it is an opportunity to take from someone else and get help.
Trials - they are give and take

PRAYER
Father,
I don’t know what today is going to bring; but you do.
I do know that people will experience trials today and I may be one of them.
If I am I trust Jesus to show up
If I’m not, use me to be Jesus for someone in need.
Give me your eyes, your heart, your love - for your glory.

Lion Chasers Manifesto

2009-05-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death.
Grab life by the mane.
Set God-sized goals.
Pursue God-ordained passions.
Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention.
Keep asking questions.
Keep making mistakes.
Keep seeking God.
Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution.
Stop repeating the past and start creating the future.
Stop playing it safe and start taking risks.
Accumulate experiences.
Consider the lilies.
Enjoy the journey.
Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can.
Live like today is the first day and last day of your life.
Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God.
Burn sinful bridges.
Blaze new trails.
Criticize by creating.
Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks.
Don't try to be who you're not.
Be yourself.
Laugh at yourself.
Quit holding out.
Quit holding back.
Quit running away.

From Matt Batterson's Book: In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day - MUST READ!

COME TO THE FATHER

2009-05-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Luke 18:1 [ESV] And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
Luke 18:1 [MESSAGE] Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit.

EXPLORATION
Ever have a loved one ask you for something that you knew you were going to give them, but you just loved having them ask you for it over and over.
We’ve got this oversized chair in our living room that my son and his wife enjoy much more than I do, I’m ready for the leather recliner.
Just this week my son asked, hey you ready to get rid of the brown chair yet?
No, but it’s your ... someday!
We were tickled that he asked. We were tickled that he wants it.
Is God any different?
What does He have that we want?
I can’t imagine Him denying us.

APPLICATION
PRAY
ASK
OFTEN

PRAYER
Father,
I’m not asking for the leather recliner, I just want to sit in your lap.
I desire to experience your presence.  I desire to share your peace.
I enjoy the prayer time.
Praise to your name.

Obedience isn’t cleaning up your own mess. Obedience is when you quit making them!

2009-05-06T19:12:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Psalm 25:14 [ESV] The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.
Psalm 25:14 [NLT] The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.
Psalm 25:14 [MESSAGE] God-friendship is for God-worshipers; They are the ones he confides in.

EXPLORATION
This verse teaches that a person who fears the Lord is instructed by the Lord’s Word. We can talk “fear the Lord” to death. Isn’t it this simple:
FEAR THE LORD = OBEDIENCE

APPLICATION
OBEY HIM and you get to know Him
Here’s the take away.
List three areas that you are less than fully obedient at.
1] treating my body as the temple of God
2] loving one another
3] putting family before myself

PRAYER
Father,
I wish it was only three areas that needed work, but these are the first three the Holy Spirit brought to my mind.
May you work a work in me and through me that I can not accomplish on my own; that I might fear you more, and know you better.

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD!

2009-05-05T05:55:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
2 Chronicles 20:22 [ESV] And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.
2 Chronicles 20:21,22 [MESSAGE] After talking it over with the people, Jehoshaphat appointed a choir for God; dressed in holy robes, they were to march ahead of the troops, singing, Give thanks to God, His love never quits. 22 As soon as they started shouting and praising, God set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir as they were attacking Judah, and they all ended up dead

EXPLORATION
 Got any fights that need to be fought?
What if we thought of the men of Ammon as let’s say; gossip. The men of Moab as pride, the men of Mount Seir as pornography. You get the idea ... you name your sin.
What if instead of fighting our own battles we let the Lord fight them for us? [He does have a pretty good track record].
What if what we did was praise the Lord?
I’m thinking our sins would end up dead.

APPLICATION
Give thanks to the Lord, His love never quits.
Last week I saw a twit on twitter that read; “You can’t listen to praise and watch porn.”
I think that could be applied to lots of sins.
Got any fights that need to be fought?
Do your part - Sing your heart out! Praise Adonai!

PRAYER
Father,
Fight for me, there are battles I lose everyday fighting on my own.
Teach me to praise you, before the battles.
Teach me to praise you, during the battles.
Teach me to praise you, after you’ve won the battle for me.
Praise Adonai!

HELP, GOD!

2009-05-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Joel 2:32 [ESV] And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls.
Joel 2:32 [MESSAGE] Whoever calls, ‘Help, God!’ gets help. On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be a great rescue—just as God said. Included in the survivors
are those that God calls. God Is a Safe Hiding Place

EXPLORATION

Survival has a lot more to do with God’s call, than with mine.
Survival is God sending the life boat.
Survival is me getting in.

APPLICATION

I don’t cry; “Help, God!” enough.

I’ve got to get there sooner.

PRAYER

Father,
Forgive me my pride,
Teach me to call upon you sooner, rather than later.
Teach me to trust all of my life to you.
Help me, God!
Help me!

HE REIGNS

2009-05-02T14:07:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE

Psalm 103:19 [ESV] The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all
Psalm 103:19 [NLT] The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.
Psalm 103:19 [Message] God has set his throne in heaven; he rules over us all. He’s the King!

EXPLORATION
A touching legend tells us that when Jesus was a boy at Nazareth He met a Roman lad by the name of Fidus, who confided this desire: “I am looking for Joseph, the carpenter. From him I want to learn the arts of his craft.”
“I can lead you to him,” answered Jesus, “for I am called the Son of Joseph.”
As Fidus watched and learned from Joseph, Jesus told him of a great King who would one day be raised upon a throne so high that all the world would see.
Fidus exclaimed:
“Would that I might build the exalted throne of the great King!” “Fidus,” said Jesus, “you will be the one to build the throne of the great King, the throne from which He shall rule the nations. I promise you.”
Years passed, Fidus went home to Jaffa and practiced his trade with honor. He happened to return to Jerusalem on a day when the Jewish capitol was in an uproar. He could hear cries of: “Crucify Him! He makes Himself a King.”
As he passed the gate of Pilate’s palace, a Roman soldier who knew the skill of Fidus greeted him: “You are especially welcome, Fidus. Three are to be crucified today, and only two crosses are prepared.”
Fidus was assigned the task. He put all his skill into its making, and viewed his finished product with pride. Later he followed the crowd outside the town and up a hill. He heard a voice, a voice he could never forget. Looking closely he saw a figure, a figure he could never forget. Yes, it was the Boy of Nazareth, now a Man, but writhing in agony on the “throne” Fidus had made. His eyes were opened.

APPLICATION

Quit thinking of heaven as way up there, somewhere. Heaven is where you are making a difference in someone’s life, heaven is where someone is making a difference in yours.

PRAYER
Father,
You do rule over us, with grace, and mercy and truth.

PROCLAIM HIM!

2009-05-01T17:56:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
 Titus 1:2-3 [NLT] This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. 3 And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him.
Titus 1:2-3 [MESSAGE] My aim is to raise hopes by pointing the way to life without end. This is the life God promised long ago—and he doesn’t break promises! 3 And then when the time was ripe, he went public with his truth. I’ve been entrusted to proclaim this Message by order of our Savior, God himself.

EXPLORATION
What was true of Paul, remains true of us today.
RAISE HOPES
PROMOTE GOD’S PROMISES
PROCLAIM JESUS
It’s “May Day” - I can remember a time when our kids would take flowers to the neighbors house, leave them on the porch, ring the door bell and run.
They didn’t run because they were afraid of the neighbors; they ran because they wanted to share a kindness without being identified.
When was the last time I shared a “kindness”; shared Jesus?

APPLICATION
Calling - “ which we announce to everyone”

PRAYER
Father,
Like Paul give me a passion to share Jesus with everyone!
Not that they might just come to eternal life, but rather that they may come to experience real life. Life the way you intended it, life in relationship to you.
Teach me to think of others more than I think of myself.
Teach me to share.

What gets my time? Who gets my time?

2009-04-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Jeremiah 29:11-13 [ESV] 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 [Message] 11 I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.12 “When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen.13 “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else

EXPLORATION
What do I spend my time at?
Who do I seek?
What is my priority?
Who gets most of my attention?
What is "with all your heart"?
What is "more than anything else"?

APPLICATION
Seeking God isn't "trying harder" it's time management, it's a matter of priority.
I use the FranklinCovey system for my every day tasks.
A = Vital
B = Important
C = Optional
SAMPLE
A1 Visitation
A2 Follow Calls
B1 Dry Cleaning
C1 Pull Weeds
So where do I add Spiritual Things?
Bible Reading
Meditation
Prayer
Journaling
Loving One Another
TIME - to rethink my priorities

PRAYER
Father,
Give me Jesus' passion to please you.
Not because I have to out of some kind of obligation.
But because I want to because of my love for you.
Keep me from me, and my priorities.
Help me seek You and yours.
Help me to trust You with my welfare and my future.

WRESTLING!

2009-04-28T22:01:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Psalm 28:7 [ESV] The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

EXPLORATION
This verse has been a wrestling match for me all day long. I started to write down some thoughts this morning about Jesus being there for me and me being there for him and then the Holy Spirit gives me this big, “REALLY!” Like really is the Lord your strength and your shield?
And the match was on; I’m trying to say YES, YES, YES! Knowing in my heart the answer is NO, NO, NO. So, after losing the match, and crying uncle, here’s Confessions of a Christian.

The Lord is not my strength, most days I don’t even call on Him for strength, I just live life.
The Lord is not my shield; if fact, I’m kind of disgusted by people who claim that He is.
People that call on His name like a lucky charm, or a magic genie, people that are wanting, self-focused, thinking they deserve some special protection.

Yes, my heart trusts in Him, and I realize I’ve been helped by Him, I’ve exulted Him, and sang to Him and given thanks to Him, but truth be told not often enough.

APPLICATION
What would life be like if I tried things that unless He shows up I fail. - Then He’d be my strength.
What would life be like if I quit calling on Him for protection: “keep my family safe, healthy and wealthy.” and instead prayed to Him for power, the power to be bold, yet humble; godly, selfless, righteous

PRAYER
Father, I don’t want a shield that protects, I want a shield that professes, I want to hold it in front on me and when I do, people will see Jesus.
I’m not half the Christian I could be.
But I’m twice the Christian I was before I was honest about this verse.
Thanks for the wrestling match.
Thanks for the conviction
Thanks for the reality check.
Thanks for loving me even when I’m not loving You back.
Teach me to trust You beyond my imagination.
Teach me to try the unbelievable.

Storm Chaser

2009-04-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Mark 4:39 [ESV] And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Peace! Be still! And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:39 [Message] Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, “Quiet! Settle down!” The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass.

EXPLORATION
“With Christ in the vessel, you can smile at the storm”

APPLICATION
I don't know what this week will bring; I just know who I'm spending the week with.

PRAYER

Father,
I'm trusting in your son, my savior, to calm the winds that come my way.
I'm trusting that whatever you have for me to experience this week will bring you glory.
Jesus, you do any rebuking that needs to be done.
Jesus, may you bring peace
Jesus, may you bring calm

GO FOR IT!

2009-04-26T15:51:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Matthew 14:28-31[ESV] And Peter answered him, Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.29 He said, Come. So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, Lord, save me.31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt
Matthew 14:28-31 [Message] Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus.30 But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”31 Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”

EXPLORATION
What a great passage. Here are some great name it and claim phrases:
"Master, save me!"
Jesus didn't hesitate
"Faint-heart, what got into you?"

APPLICATION
Master, save me! - When was the last time I stepped out in faith?
Jesus didn't hesitate - I CAN COUNT ON HIM! - REALLY!!!
"Faint-heart, what got into you?" - I don't know, make me bold!

PRAYER
Father,
Teach me to trust more,
Teach me to try more,
Teach me to tell the story that you are writing with my life

CHILD OF LIGHT!

2009-04-25T11:44:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Isaiah 60:2 [ESV] For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.
Isaiah 60:2 [NLT] Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you.

EXPLORATION
In a down economy, on a terrible, no good, rotten, horrible day, when I'm under a dark cloud
I've got to remember - his glory will be seen upon me. - child of God - let the light shine!

APPLICATION
CPR-
CLAIM THE LIGHT!
PURPOSE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
REFLECT JESUS!

PRAYER
Father,
In the name of your son, my savior - JESUS- let me reflect him today!
To those in my world that live in darkness, allow Jesus to shine through me.
To those around the world that live in darkness - use other "children of the Light" to bring SONSHINE - to bring Jesus!
Be glorified

SHINE!

2009-04-24T08:41:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
2 Corinthians 4:6 [ESV] For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6 [Message] It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.
2 Corinthians 4:6 [NLT] For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

EXPLORATION
Key Words: FOR GOD...HAS SHONE - FOR GOD...HAS MADE
The God who made light... revealed light to us, revealing Jesus!
GOD did that. A loving GOD did that. A gracious GOD is doing that. A merciful GOD will do that.
GOD!

APPLICATION
Lord the light or your love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness shining,
Jesus light of the world shine upon us,
Set us free by the truth you now bring us,
Shine on me. shine on me.

PRAYER
Shine Jesus shine
Fill this land with the fathers glory
Blaze, spirit blaze,
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord and let there be light.

LEAVING!

2009-04-23T19:36:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Romans 6:4 [ESV] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4,5 [Message] When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country.
Romans 6:4 [JB Phillips] We were dead and buried with him in baptism, so that just as he was raised from the dead by that splendid Revelation of the Father's power so we too might rise to life on a new plane altogether.

EXPLORATION
Every just feel silly? When I read the JB Phillips translation of this verse - this is where my mind went - an old song - "Im leavin on a jet plane - Dont know when Ill be back again" If you remember the song at all the lyrics overall don't work - but that phrase does.
I've been given "newness of life" - I live on a new level, in a grace filled environment -
So why do I choose to go back to "my old girlfriend" to "my flesh"?
I need to live in the power of Christ's resurrection.

APPLICATION
Claim the power of new life in Christ Jesus
Fly away from "self"
Fly into the arms of Jesus
Live in Him, Live through Him, Live for Him.
High and Lifted Up

PRAYER
Father,
Thank you for this verse
Thank you for the newness of life
Keep me from myself - from my flesh - from my sin
Lead me not into temptation and keep me from evil
For Thine is the glory and the honor and the power.
AMEN

PS: I know the Phillips translation wasn't talkikng about a plane, as in airplane.
But hey my mind went there - and I didn't turn back.
God used my silliness to speak to me, hope it spoke to you!

LIGHT OF THE WORLD

2009-04-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
John 8:12 [ESV] Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
John 8:12 [Message] Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.”

EXPLORATION
Don't miss the "again" - it gives the verse context - this is a continuation of the chapter 7 and Jesus being at the Feast of Tabernacles where he has already made this proclamation: John 7:37,38 [Message] 37 On the final and climactic day of the Feast, Jesus took his stand. He cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says.”
Picture this: On the first night of Tabernacles and apparently on each night of the feast except on Sabbath, the worshipers awaited the signal of the special lighting of the festive golden lamps of Tabernacles in the court of women. The lamps were intended to remind worshipers of God’s leading the people of Israel through the wilderness at night by a pillar of fire [New American Commentary]
And now with that backdrop - Jesus proclaims " I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

APPLICATION

PRAISE!

For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. [Ps. 56:13]
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? [Ps. 27:1]
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. [Is. 58:8]
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of ithe gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give othe light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. [2 Cor. 4:4-6]

PRAYER
Father,
Thank you for revealing Jesus to me -
Use me to reveal Him to others.
The "Light of the World"

THE BATTLE

2009-04-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Romans 5:8 [ESV] but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 [Message] But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.
Romans 5:8 [NLT] But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

EXPLORATION
I have such a hard time wrapping myself around this verse.
I'm good with the literal meaning, I believe God loves me that much.
I'm not so good with the implied meaning, that I should be like Him.
I love to love lovely people.
I love to love the unloved.
I love to hate the self-righteous.

APPLICATION
The line between righteous and self-righteous in pretty thin.
Truth be told on any given day I can fall on either side of that line.
I can be that which I hate the most - self-righteous.
I can name the names of people I am so disappointed with that I don't want to love them.
I can't help but wonder - how many people I've disappointed, they don't want to love me.

PRAYER
Father,
I've a friend that has been hurt and everything in me wants to "get even" for her.
I want to be like David and pray prayer of vengeance.
I want to be like Jesus and love losers.
Change my heart oh God, I don't want to be that which I hate the most - self righteous.
Teach me to forgive, forget, and find a way to love, the unlovely; sinners like me.

Redeemed

2009-04-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Isaiah 44:22 [ESV] I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.
Isaiah 44:22 [Message] I’ve wiped the slate of all your wrongdoings. There’s nothing left of your sins. Come back to me, come back. I’ve redeemed you.”

EXPLORATION
Redeemed: [Webster]
1 a : to buy back : repurchase
b : to get or win back
2 : to free from what distresses or harms: as
a : to free from captivity by payment of ransom
b : to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental
c : to release from blame or debt : clear
d : to free from the consequences of sin
3 : to change for the better : reform

APPLICATION
Changed for the better - I'm going to claim that today!

PRAYER
Father,
Let me just dwell on this great truth today, use it to strength me, encourage me, and challenge me!
FORGIVEN, FORGOTTEN, FREE
My sins forgiven
My sins forgotten.
Free from my sins.
Redeemed
Right with God
Right On!

WORSHIP! - taking His Name

2009-04-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Ps. 33:21 [ESV] For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Ps. 33:21 [Message] What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own his holy name.
Ps. 33:21 ]NLT] In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

EXPLORATION
Glad in him, brim with joy, rejoice - that is a heart that knows JC - and trust in Him.

APPLICATION
WORSHIP HIM!

PRAYER
Father,
Thank you for your love - they call Him - JESUS!
Thank you for your touch - they call Him - SPIRIT!
I claim the following verses in love and adoration for a God who out gives me day by day:
May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!” Ps. 70:4
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy Jude 1:24
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, Luke 1:47

GREAT GOD!

2009-04-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Psalm 147:4-6 [ESV] He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. 5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. 6 The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.
Psalm 147:4-6 [Message] He counts the stars and assigns each a name. 5 Our Lord is great, with limitless strength; we’ll never comprehend what he knows and does 6 God puts the fallen on their feet again and pushes the wicked into the ditch.

EXPLORATION
Great, powerful, beyond measure
Could I have picked any better words to describe God?
Do I believe them?

APPLICATION
Wait on God!

PRAYER
Father,
In the name of Jesus Christ your son, my Savior
OPEN MY EYES TO SEE
OPEN MY HEART TO FEEL
OPEN MY MIND TO KNOW
OPEN MY SOUL TO BELIEVE
Then use me to share, a great God who is powerful, and full of understanding.

P.S. I really like that last part of the verse that says: he casts the wicked to the ground.
You probably don't need me to name, names - but I'm willing.

PRAYER

2009-04-17T22:17:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Luke 5:16 [ESV] But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
Luke 5:16 [Message] As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer.
Luke 5:16 [NLT] But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

EXPLORATION
It's not where he did it that matters, it's the fact that he did it - he prayed - alone.
It's not when he did it that matters, it's why he did it - to be with the Father.
It's not what he prayed that mattered, it's that he did it consistently - often.

APPLICATION
Do I pray to be with God or to get something from God
Do I pray desiring to be in His presence, or looking for presents.
Do I pray to connect or to collect?

PRAYER
Father,
I'm not going to get better at this until you get bigger.
Amaze me! Often!!!
You're not going to get bigger until I get smaller.
Humble me! More often.

REVERENCE

2009-04-16T18:08:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Habakkuk 2:20 [ESV]
But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.

EXPLORATION
If you read the verses right before v.20 you'll find that Habakkuk is comparing the fact that man-made idol are silent, and the "for real" God demands silence.
It's great to have God as a friend, it's unbelievable to have God as a God.

APPLICATION
Reverence
Sit before Him in silence
Feel His presence
Spend some time in awe

PRAYER
Father,
Here I sit in wonder, silence, and awe.
God be God in my life.
God take away the gods in my life.
Teach me to worship you more often
Teach me to be amazed by you always
Teach me silence, respect, reverence, awe, and fear.
Teach me

WHAT IS GOOD?

2009-04-15T16:26:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Lamentation 3:25-28 [ESV] The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. 26 It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. 27 It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. 28 Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him;

EXPLORATION
God expects to be sought after.
God's salvation is more than something that happened, it is happening; we are saved and being saved.
These verses reveal some qualities of genuine faith: (1) belief in God’s goodness to those who trust in him; (2) confidently and without complaint waiting for God’s help; and (3) willingness to accept hardship and testing, knowing that they strengthen faith. Those who truly trust in the Lord do not complain or despair even when in trouble (cf. Ps 34:9; 86:5; Isa 30:15; Matt 11:28–30). Those who learn in youth to bear suffering are better prepared for the hardships that may come in old age.

APPLICATION
Seek Him
Wait for Him
Accept the bad with the good.

PRAYER
Father,
To believe in a God that only blesses is to believe in a lie.
To believe in a God that always loves is the truth.
Sometimes love is tough.
Help me to deal with it!

WHISPER

2009-04-14T18:55:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
1 Kings 19:11-13 [ESV] And he said, Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, What are you doing here, Elijah?

EXPLORATION
Although the text does not explicitly say so, it implies that God was at last passing by in the silence which followed the storm.
God proves He is God with might
God purposes with a whisper.
I love going to the ocean, it is perhaps my favorite place on earth.
I love to listen to the waves crash, and for years thought the thunder of crashing waves was God's voice.
Then on one occasion not so many years ago, God revealed to be that He doesn't speak in the crash; but rather in the silence following the crashing wave.
My world is filled with it's own chaos, with it's own storms, and earthquakes, and fire.
And when I turn to God who uses those very things to get my attention like Elijah, I too hear Him whisper.
"What are you doing here, Joe?"

APPLICATION
"What are you doing here, Joe?"
Hiding from chaos?
or Hearing Christ?
Listen to the Whisper!

PRAYER
Father,
You continue to show your grace and mercy.
Teach me to show your grace and mercy too.
I see injustice and I want to scream - How is that Christ like?
Whisper to me, Calm me, teach me to care
Teach me to whisper

I want to be like them: Cute and Skinny - TIME FOR CHANGE

2009-04-13T11:52:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
1 Corinthians 6:19,20 [ESV] Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19,20 [MESSAGE] Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. 20 God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.

EXPLORATION
Two phrases stick out like a 2 x 4 board banging against my brain.
You are not your own - & - So let people see God in and through your body.

APPLICATION
Get healthy!
Lose some weight!
Get in shape!
Learn moderation in all things!

PRAYER
Father,
This is so easy to say; and for me next to impossible to do.
I've failed at doing it for my family.
I've failed at doing it for me.
In Jesus' name and with help from the Holy Spirit.
Thy will be done, in my body, for your glory.

TURNING

2009-04-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Matthew 3:8 [ESV] Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
Matthew 3:8 [NLT] Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.
Matthew 3:8 [Message] It’s your life that must change, not your skin!

EXPLORATION
Repentance requires renewal

APPLICATION
Change

PRAYER
Father,
Have mercy on me,O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and a cleanse me from my sin! Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
[from Psalm 51]

PRAYER

2009-04-02T20:26:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Psalm 5:1-3 [ESV] Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning. 2 Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. 3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.
Psalm 5:1-3 [Message] Listen, God! Please, pay attention! Can you make sense of these ramblings, 2 my groans and cries? King-God, I need your help. 3 Every morning you’ll hear me at it again. Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar and watch for fire to descend.

EXPLORATION
The psalmist is calling on the Lord and there are four things to learn from him.
He called earnestly,
He called early,
He called with a sense of expectation.
And perhaps most importantly, the prayer was an experience.
It wasn't just words, it was worship.
David prayed in anticipation of the coming Messiah, the Savior.
I pray in acknowledgment of that same Messiah, Savior.

APPLICATION
When I pray, am I consumed with me, or with God?
When I pray, is it usually before or after any given situation.
When I pray, is it because I want to, or because I think I have to?
When I pray, am I really praying to my King, and my God?
When I pray, does it cost me anything?
When I pray, do I really expect answers?
When I pray, what is my heart breaking for?

PRAYER
Father,
May my prayers always be more about you, than they are about me.
May my prayers always be more about others, than about myself.
May my prayers always reflect your will and not my own.
May my prayers be often.
May my prayers be sincere.
May my prayers be answered because of the love of Christ Jesus, and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
May my prayers please you.
Hear my prayers.

GET SMART

2009-04-01T08:17:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Proverbs 2:1-5 [ESV] My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:1-5 [Message] Good friend, take to heart what I’m telling you; collect my counsels and guard them with your life. 2 Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding. 3 That’s right—if you make Insight your priority, and won’t take no for an answer, 4 Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold, like an adventurer on a treasure hunt, 5 Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours; you’ll have come upon the Knowledge of God.

EXPLORATION
Eight imperatives in this paragraph reveal our responsibilities toward God’s truth:
1] receive (accept) God’s words 2] and treasure up (store them up) in our minds and hearts; 3] incline the ear 4] apply the heart; 5] cry after knowledge and 6] lift up the voice for understanding; 7] seek for wisdom and 8] search after it.

APPLICATION
If I want wisdom, I must:
listen to God attentively (Matt. 13:9) He who has ears,let him hear.”
obey Him humbly (John 7:17) l If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.
ask Him sincerely (James 1:5) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, l who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him
and seek Him diligently (Isa. 55:6–7) “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; 7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

PRAYER
Father,
In the name of Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. teach me to listen attentively, humbly obey, sincerely ask and diligently seek YOU!

FAITH

2009-03-31T13:27:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Daniel 3:16-18 [ESV] Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.
Daniel 3:16-18 [MESSAGE] Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “Your threat means nothing to us. 17 If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. 18 But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”

EXPLORATION

Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. 18 But even if he doesn’t ...

APPLICATION

My faith, is it based on what God can do for me, or what I can be used by God to do?

PRAYER

Father,
Give me the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

RELATIONSHIP

2009-03-30T19:58:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
2 Peter 1:3,4 [ESV] 3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
2 Peter 1:3,4 [MESSAGE] Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! 4 We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust.

EXPLORATION
Someone smarter than me can unpack these verses much better than I can.
I've been stuck trying to figure out a list of "all things that pertain to life and godliness,"
or a list of "precious and very great promises"
BOTTOM LINE - it appears that there are more resources than we can imagine.
So how do we access them?
"by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God"

APPLICATION
Get to know Him!
Get to know Him more!

PRAYER
Father,
In the name of Jesus, your Son, my Savior, and by the power of the Holy Spirit
Draw me close
Reveal yourself to me
Reveal yourself through me
AMEN

HEART

2009-03-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
1 Samuel 16:7 [ESV]
But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7 [Message] But God told Samuel, “Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.”

EXPLORATION
What does God see when He looks at my heart?

APPLICATION
Romans 12:1 [ESV]
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

PRAYER
God,
Get me there!
A heart that gives you pleasure!

NO FEAR

2009-03-28T16:18:00.001-07:00

God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: “The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives.”

REFERENCE
2 Timothy 1:6,7[ESV] For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:6,7 [MESSAGE] And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! 7 God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
2 Timothy 1:6,7 [NLT] his is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

EXPLORATION
The power of the Holy Spirit, the love of God Almighty = self-discipline.

APPLICATION
Grab the power, grab the love, through a life of self-discipline, be a giving person.
BE BOLD
BE LOVING
BE SENSIBLE

PRAYER
Father,
You have so richly blessed me, allow me to be a blessing to others.

STORMS

2009-03-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE

Isaiah 30:19-22 [ESV]

¹⁹For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. ²⁰And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. ²¹ And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. ²²Then you will defile your carved idols overlaid with silver and your gold-plated metal images. You will scatter them as unclean things. You will say to them, "Be gone!"

Isaiah 30:19-22 [Message]

Oh yes, people of Zion, citizens of Jerusalem, your time of tears is over. Cry for help and you'll find it's grace and more grace. The moment he hears, he'll answer. Just as the Master kept you alive during the hard times, he'll keep your teacher alive and present among you. Your teacher will be right there, local and on the job, urging you on whenever you wander left or right: "This is the right road. Walk down this road." You'll scrap your expensive and fashionable god-images. You'll throw them in the trash as so much garbage, saying, "Good riddance!"

EXPLORATION

When I read “people of Zion, citizens of Jerusalem” I think of it as a euphuism for children of God, the called, the saved.

As a child of God, I can trust that God hears my cries and that he answers them.

As a child of God, I know bad times will come my way that is life, I also know that the Holy Spirit [teacher] will teach me and direct me, and that in the end my greatest desire will be God, and God alone.

APPLICATION

To see conflict and adversity as opportunity.

To remember that not only am I heard by God, but that I need to listen to God.

To trust in myself less, and to trust in God more.

PRAYER

Father,

When I read these verses, I am mindful of your great love for me.

I am also mindful that I strive to do a lot of “life” w/o you.

Use whatever you may to draw me closer to you.

Teach me, Mold me, Make me; in the image of Christ Jesus.

TRAINING!

2009-03-26T22:35:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Hebrews 12:4-13 [Message]
4-11In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don't feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?
My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline,
but don't be crushed by it either.
It's the child he loves that he disciplines;
the child he embraces, he also corrects.
God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best. At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.
12-13So don't sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!

EXPLORATION
Highlights:
All-out match against sin
Don’t shrug off God’s discipline
God is educating you
God is doing what’s best for us
… Mature in their relationship with God.
Help each other out.
And run for it!

APPLICATION

Train
Train together
Run!

PRAYER

Father,
Keep me mindful of the contest
Keep me motivated to train
Keep me moving toward a mature relationship with you.
Keep me running!

FEW DO!

2009-03-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Matthew 7:13,14 [ESV] Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matthew 7:13,14 [NLT] "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell* is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
Matthew 7:13,14 [MESSAGE] “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. 14 The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.

EXPLORATION
This verse is so different from the message of grace that we hear. And we know that we can't earn salvation so what is the verse talking about working so hard for, so vigorously, with total attention.
I think it's talking about choices. The choice to trust, to obey, to follow, to believe, to desire.

APPLICATION
Talks cheap!
Where's the fruit?

Father,
May my life reflect my beliefs.
May my actions bring you honor and glory
May my attitude reflect Jesus.
Few do!

WHERE'S THE BEEF

2009-03-24T20:12:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Proverbs 15:17-20
[ESV] Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it. 18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. 19 The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. 20 A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
[NASB] Better is a dish of vegetables where love is Than a fattened ox served with hatred.
18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But the slow to anger calms a dispute.
19 The way of the lazy is as a hedge of thorns, But the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother.
[NLT] A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.
18 A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.
19 A lazy person's way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway.
20 Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother.
[MESSAGE] Better a bread crust shared in love than a slab of prime rib served in hate.
18 Hot tempers start fights; a calm, cool spirit keeps the peace.
19 The path of lazy people is overgrown with briers; the diligent walk down a smooth road.
20 Intelligent children make their parents proud; lazy students embarrass their parents.

EXPLORATION
These verses in Proverbs make me mindful of this verse in the gospels: His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

APPLICATION

Joy of your master, I'll give up the beef!

PRAYER
Father,
Teach me to get the simple things right and to trust you with the tough things.

"Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success". -Henry Ford

2009-03-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Proverbs 16:9 [ESV] The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps
Proverbs 16:9 [NLT] We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
Proverbs 16:9 [Message] We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.

EXPLORATION
The rabbis did not see this as a declaration of sovereignty, but a call to purification. If you choose to live God’s way, God will direct your steps to your desired godliness. - The Bible Reader's Companion
ESV gets this verse really right, it's "plans" it is a verb, not a noun. With some thought and care I plan what I'm going to do today, but ultimately it rests on God whether my day goes that way or not.

APPLICATION
Know where I'm headed
Be encouraged by the audibles.
That's teamwork
That's a game worth playing.

PRAYER
Father,
I've got a good sense of what today will bring.
But I'm never surprised when you call an audible and I switch directions.
I look with great anticipation to your Holy interruptions.
Thy will be done, in my life and the lives of those you place in my path.

LISTENING TO GOD!

2009-03-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Proverbs 19:21 [NASB] Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.
Proverbs 19:21 [ESV] Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21 [Message] We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.

EXPLORATION
Plan, Plan, Plan but ask myself is it God's purpose, purpose, purpose.

APPLICATION
Let God Reign, Listen to Him! Listen

PRAYER
Father,
In the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit,
SHOW ME!
LEAD ME!
HELP ME FOLLOW!

THE FIRST AND THE LAST!

2009-03-21T12:35:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Proverbs 22:17-22 [Message]
17 Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.
18 It’s stupid to try to get something for nothing, or run up huge bills you can never pay.
19 The person who courts sin, marries trouble; build a wall, invite a burglar.
20 A bad motive can’t achieve a good end; double-talk brings you double trouble.
21 Having a fool for a child is misery; it’s no fun being the parent of a dolt.
22 A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.
Proverbs 22:17-22 [ESV] 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 18 One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor. 19 Whoever loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction. 20 A man of crooked heart does not discover good, and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity. 21 He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy. 22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

EXPLORATION
There is good advise in the Scriptures and there is great advise in the Scriptures.
Today I'm going to meditate on and thank God for the great advise in the first and the last verses quoted here in Proverbs 22:17-22.
The first: v.17 Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.
The last: v.22 A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.

APPLICATION
Own it!
Friends and family are important
Attitude is everything

PRAYER
Father,
Thank you for the friends and family you have put in my life.
May I always be there for them and may they always be there for me.
Holy Spirit,
Give me a right attitude in all situations.
Lord Jesus,
Make me more and more like you.

It's Friday, Thank God

2009-03-20T08:58:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Isaiah 40:21-29 [ESV] 21 Do you not know? Do you not hear? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; 23 who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.
24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble. 25 To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Isaiah 40:21-29 [MESSAGE] 21 Have you not been paying attention? Have you not been listening?
Haven’t you heard these stories all your life?
Don’t you understand the foundation of all things?
22 God sits high above the round ball of earth. The people look like mere ants.
He stretches out the skies like a canvas—
yes, like a tent canvas to live under.
23 He ignores what all the princes say and do. The rulers of the earth count for nothing.
24 Princes and rulers don’t amount to much. Like seeds barely rooted, just sprouted,
They shrivel when God blows on them.
Like flecks of chaff, they’re gone with the wind.
25 “So—who is like me? Who holds a candle to me?” says The Holy.
26 Look at the night skies: Who do you think made all this?
Who marches this army of stars out each night,
counts them off, calls each by name
—so magnificent! so powerful!—
and never overlooks a single one?
27 Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying,
“God has lost track of me.
He doesn’t care what happens to me”?
28 Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
29 He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.

EXPLORATION

SOME TEXT NEEDS NO DISCUSSION - IT JUST NEEDS TO BE HEARD

APPLICATION

vv.28,29 [MSG] Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. 29 He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.

I'm going to spend time meditate on these verses, owning them, claiming them. Trusting them.

PRAYER,

It's Friday, Thanks God
Thanks for Your Word
Thanks for the encouragement
Thanks for always being there.
Thanks for knowing me better than I know myself.
It's Friday, Thanks God!

CALLING

2009-03-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
1 Corinthians 3:9-14 [MESSAGE] What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God’s field in which we are working. Or, to put it another way, you are God’s house. 10 Using the gift God gave me as a good architect, I designed blueprints; Apollos is putting up the walls. Let each carpenter who comes on the job take care to build on the foundation! 11 Remember, there is only one foundation, the one already laid: Jesus Christ. 12 Take particular care in picking out your building materials. 13 Eventually there is going to be an inspection. If you use cheap or inferior materials, you’ll be found out. The inspection will be thorough and rigorous. You won’t get by with a thing. 14 If your work passes inspection, fine;

1 Corinthians 3:9-14[ESV] For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. 10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw-- 13 each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.

EXPLORATION
v. 11 Remember, there is only one foundation, the one already laid: Jesus Christ.
Who's life am I working in?
Who's working in my life?
What am I investing in others?
What are others investing in me?
Jesus, am I sharing him with others?
Am I allowing others to share Jesus with me?

APPLICATION

Share what I have of Jesus with others.
Receive what others are willing to share with me.

PRAYER

Father,
According to the grace of God given to me, allow me to share Jesus with the people you place in my path.
According to the grace of God given to me, allow me to receive Jesus from the people you place in my path.
Allow me to grow in community with others.
Allow me to grow in community with you.

ALL IN A DAY!

2009-03-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
1 Corinthians 15:57, 58 [Message] But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God! 58 With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.
1 Corinthians 15:57,58 [ESV] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

EXPLORATION
What does steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord look like.
Ponder these thoughts from Gail Goodwin:
Our time here is finite and life is a precious gift. Each day we have 86,400 seconds to use in any way we’d like. We can’t save the ones we don’t use. We can’t bank them for a rainy day. Money won’t buy more. Use them, or lose them. When I get quiet and think of how to best use my time, this is what I hear….

Celebrate life!
Be grateful.
Tell those you love that you love them.
Focus on what matters and let go of what doesn’t.
Dream big and live life!
Play full out.
Be happy.
Play and don’t take yourself or the world so seriously.
Laugh with others and at yourself.
Follow your heart, not the voice of your fears.
Love yourself so you can love others.
Be the best friend you can be.
Share hugs.
Choose to love with all your heart.
Set high goals and take action daily.
Be generous and give back.
Be healthy and remember to breathe.
Forgive others and yourself.
Live with no regrets.
Connect to the Divine in your own way.
Go deep and know that the answers are within.
You are a part of something so much great that will live forever.
Spread your wings and fly!

As time marches on, the one thing that I know for sure….
The only thing we have is time.
How will you use your 86,400 seconds today?

APPLICATION
I'm going to work on the list

PRAYER
Father,
Help me!

WHATEVER, WHEREVER, WHENEVER

2009-03-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Philippians 4:12,13 [Message] I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. 13 Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.
Philippians 4:12,13 [ESV] I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

EXPLORATION
v. 13 [Message] Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.
v. 13 [ESV] I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
I love how it says it when you combine the two translations:
the One who makes me who I am, strengthens me.
We don't know what today is going to bring our way, let alone tomorrow
But whatever, wherever, whenever - is a great way to live life in Christ Jesus!

APPLICATION
TRUST in God, DEPENDENCE on God, LOVE for God

St. Patrick understood it: CLICK HERE

PRAYER
Father,
With each new day, teach me, help me, enable me to "know and follow hard after you."
WHATEVER, WHEREVER, WHENEVER WITH YOU!

CHEER OR CHALLENGE?

2009-03-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Philippians 4:8,9 [Message] Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. 9 Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Content Whatever the Circumstances
Philippians 4:8,9 [ESV] Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

EXPLORATION
CHEER or CHALLENGE?
to fill your mind and meditate on things:
true
honorable / noble
just / reputable
pure / authentic
lovely / compelling
commendable / gracious
excellence - the best, not the worst
worthy of praise - the beautiful not the ugly

practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

APPLICATION
I'm going to camp out here today. I've written the verses out on 3x5 cards and am going to meditate on:
what it means to be true, honorable, noble, just, reputable, pure, authentic, lovely, compelling, commendable, & gracious
what it means to strive for excellence - the best, not the worst
what it means to praise; dwelling on the the beautiful not the ugly
How will I practice these things, that I might attain the God of peace.

PRAYER
Father,
In the name of Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit;
join me today -
show me, teach me, help me learn.
Give me your eyes, your heart, and your desires.

Challenge: Winner’s must have two things; definite goals and the burning desire to achieve them. [Poster]

In Jesus' Name

2009-03-15T07:32:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Philippians 4:6,7 [Message] 6 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. 7 Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Philippians 4:6,7 [ESV] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

EXPLORATION
Surely we have to depend on wisdom greater than our own when we pray. Something in us whispers that it is not right to treat our God like a celestial vending machine into which we place faith nickels to get the jackpot we want. Somehow proper prayer must put more trust in God's will than in human wants. Our belief must be in God. He, not our desire, is the object of our faith. Specific prayer is an act of worship demonstrating that we are willing to submit everyting in our lives to God - our smallest desires and greatest aspirations. [1]

APPLICATION
PRAY

PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
I pray to you today in Jesus' name.
Focus my heart on the priorities of my Savior, whom you have provided out of your great love.
Please do in me and through me whatever will bring glory to Jesus.
And so listen to each petition I make, please help me offer it; claiming Christ's merit more than my own, seeking Christ's purposes more than my own, loving Christ's glory more than my own.
These are the petition I offer: [Offer your petitions here.]
By the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit transform my requests into instruments for accomplishing your will to have Christ honored everywhere - especially in my heart.
Make my greatest desire, highest joy, and deepest fulfillment Jesus' glory.
I can attempt all you require of my life, face all you design for my path, rejoice in all you will for my eternity, when I know all is for Jesus' name.
Do all that you know is best for Him, for this most blesses me.
Forgive my readiness to forget and my tendency to doubt that when he is most glorified, I am most satisfied.
When my mind shrinks from these truths, enlarge my heart for Christ's purposes.
For Christ's sake and for mine, help me always to pray In Jesus' name, amen. [2]

[1] selects notes from: Praying Backwards - transform your prayer life by beginning in Jesus' name. - Bryan Chapell
[2] closing prayer chapter one of the same book.

* let me encourage you to order this book

PARTY TIME!

2009-03-14T10:06:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Philippians 4:4,5 [Message] Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! 5 Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
Philippians 4:4,5 [ESV] Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

EXPLORATION
What would it be like to party with Jesus?
What would it be like to party because of Jesus?
Celebrate God, all day, every day.
What does that look like?

APPLICATION
There is part of me that just wants to put the earphones on, crank up the volume on the IPod and listen to Praise music. And then there is part of me that wants to take the party to other people.
That part of me wants to visit some people that no matter who has already been there, they'd like one more visit.
It's not a celebration if I'm doing it alone.
PARTY TIME! Is sharing my time.
That will make Jesus dance.

PRAYER
JC,
let's take it to the road.
touch lives - it's the best music.
You lead!

PRAY PURPOSEFULLY

2009-03-13T12:18:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Philippians 4:1 [Message] My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God. Pray About Everything
Philippians 4:1 [ESV] Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

EXPLORATION
Paul in writing to the church at Philippi, claims them as dear friends, friends he loves, friends that he wishes the best for, friends that he wants to encourage; stand firm, pray about everything!
I find the verse not only encouraging, I find it convicting. In reflecting on my own church family and other Christians in my life: Who do I get excited about? Who do I look around for? Who to I wish the best for? Who do I encourage? Who do I pray for?

APPLICATION
Make a mental list. Continually add to the list. Make it a point to make my prayers more about other people than about myself.
Develop a short list, seven fellow Christians that I'd intentionally pray for - one of them each day of the week.
Develop a perpetual list, adding to it daily. Every time I pray, pray for someone else that God as placed in my path.
Make prayer about God, God's children and Godly intentions

PRAYER
Father,
Thank you for the people you've placed in my life.
In the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit, when I'm reminded to pray; let my prayers be to you and for others.
Help me to develop the lists with purpose and may You work powerfully through me and those I pray for.
Be praised!

STARTING BACKWARDS

2009-03-12T22:24:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 [NASB] But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

EXPLORATION
This is a long list of what Christian Living looks like.
1] Appreciate and look up to your pastor, ;and or group leader
2] Live at peace with one another
3] Let the jerks, know they are jerks
4] Encourage the discouraged
5] Help the weak
6] Be patient with everyone
7] No getting even, no payback, nobody
8] Seek good for everybody, all people
9] Rejoice always
10] Pray continually
11] Give thanks in everything
12] Don't break community with the Spirit
13] Listen to counsel, test it, and take the good
14] Abstain from evil
15] Pray
16] Kiss

APPLICATION
That's a big list! I'm starting backwards
I'm going to kiss and embrace brothers and sisters in Christ, I'm going to pray my heart out for those that speak into my life, and I'm betting that that doing the first two will keep me from the third. For to abstain from evil and not do good - that is the greatest sin of all.
Truth is I need to work on the whole list. Just reading it made me ashamed of how bad I am at some of the things listed. I need to mediate on it, probably memorize it, and with the Holy Spirit's help - own it.

PRAYER
Father,
Enable me to love
Encourage me to pray
Eliminate evil every day
Echo Paul's prayer in my life; "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

31 FLAVORS

2009-03-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
Proverbs 16:25 [Message] There’s a way that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell.
Proverbs 16:25 [ESV] There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Proverbs 16:25 [NLT] There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
Proverbs 16:25 [NASB] There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

EXPLORATION
If I was looking for drama - you've got to love the "message" - pick wrong and burn in hell.
Don't drink, Don't smoke, Don't chew and don't date women that do!
But I'm looking for the practical not the dramatic

APPLICATION
Practical insights:
Donuts kill!
Exercise extends life
Kindness trumps arrogance
Selfishness ends up as loneliness
If you're not praying your paying.

PRAYER
Father,
The choices I have before me today come in more than 31 flavors.
I can choose wrong and be satisfied in the moment
or I can choose right and be satisfied for life.
I choose, Jesus
I choose, Life
Help me make good practical choices, alright.

SEEK FIRST = JUST DO IT

2009-03-10T20:46:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Matthew 6:33,34 [ESV] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:33,34 [Message] Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. 34 “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

EXPLORATION
This is why I so love to read Scripture in different translations and paraphrases.
Check out v. 34 [ESV] therefore do not be anxious...
Check out v. 34 [Message] Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now.
Are they saying two different things, or are they saying the same thing?
I propose that they are saying the same thing. For if you give your entire [let me repeat that, your entire] attention to what God is doing right now, you will not be anxious.

APPLICATION
I'm not sure you can purposefully "not be anxious" - you don't wish anxiety away.
I'm quite sure that you can learn to give your entire attention to God, and in doing so - not become anxious.
TRAINING PROGRAM - ENTIRE ATTENTION TO GOD - that's a marathon.
I'm going to continue with the baby steps and spend some intentional time with God each waking hour.

PRAYER
Holy Spirit, may I call you "Coach"
In Jesus' name and according to the Father's will -
teach me, train me, and take me to Jesus.
Only by your power in and through me can I get to "entire attention to God"
I'm wanting to go there.

DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY

2009-03-09T22:59:00.001-07:00

REFERENCE
Ps. 46:10 [Message] “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God,
above politics, above everything.”
Ps. 46:10 [ESV] Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Ps. 46:10 [NASB] “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

EXPLORATION
I like the NASB translation the best, "Cease striving and know that I am God"
The 46th chapter starts out: "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble."
Build on God's attributes, trust in His presence, and quit with the strive.

APPLICATION
Easier said than done!
What if I give it a try and meet God half way.

PRAYER
Father,
I claim this truth, a truth that doesn't say you will keep me out of trouble, a truth that says: your my refuge and strength during the trouble.
Enable me to quit worrying, and do the same for those near and dear to me that worry too.

TIME OF MY LIFE

2009-03-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE
John 1:1-4 [Message] 1 The Word was first, the Word present to God, God present to the Word.
The Word was God, 2 in readiness for God from day one. 3 Everything was created through him; nothing—not one thing! - came into being without him. 4 What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by.
John 1:1-4 [ESV] 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

EXPLORATION
There is a progression through the verses that reach beyond the metaphors.
The verses first speak about "the Word" Then the verses speak of "him" and last of all they speak of "Life"
Jesus at one point was information "the Word" somewhere along the way Jesus became a person "him" and He desires to be "Life" - that which we'd can't do without!

APPLICATION
More often than I'd really like to admit it - Jesus, "the Word" is more like "US News and World Report" - "there, available, a resource, something you pick up now and then, information on right living.
Sometimes He becomes Him - Jesus - flesh and blood, real but somewhat distant.
Once in a while He is "Life" - consuming - the bright spot in any given day.

PRAYER
Father,
The gospel of John is an introduction to Jesus. An introduction to who He is and who He can be..
In my life, my the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus; get me beyond the introductions.
My desire is for Jesus to be the time of my life and for me to be the time of His.
I want to dance with Jesus
I want to be enthralled with Him.
I want Life to be more about Him than it is about Me.
I want to let Jesus lead.

MARCH MADNESS

2009-03-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

REFERENCE
Colossians 2:6-7 [Message] My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. 7 You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7 [ESV] Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

EXPLORATION
Joe's shorthand: You know Jesus, - that has been established.
SO! From the Message - "go ahead" - "now live" - "now do" - "start living" - "spill over"

APPLICATION
QUIZ TIME
1] "go ahead" - Am I the same Christian I was yesterday, or the day before? If I'm not growing in Christ, am I in Christ?
2] "now live" - What rocks my world more [be honest] - Jesus or distractions?
3] "now do" - pick half a dozen of the 30+ "one anothers" in the New Testament - how am I doing with that?
4] "start living" - It's like Jesus trained us to play basketball and we go to the game and act like cheerleaders.
Is my best act of worship singing praise songs, or spending time with someone that needs someone?
5] "spill over" Ephesians 1:12 says; "so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory." Is Jesus spilling over?

PRAYER
Father,
I am not what I can be!
I am more than I was.
Jesus,
It is not enough that you are my salvation.
I want you to be my life!
"Go ahead" make me more like you each day.
"Now live" in me.
"Now do" [Colossians 3:12-15 in my life] Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
"Start living" - make these verses be more than words on a page, make them my life.
"Spill over" - let me touch others with "Christ in me the hope of glory"

MISSING THE POINT

2009-03-06T06:49:00.000-08:00

REFERENCE
Jeremiah 17:7-8 [ESV] 7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.

EXPLORATION
Only in America is this one of those "name it and claim it" verses. Americans read this verse and think, "if I trust in God I won't get hot, and I'll never get thirsty, God provides" Some how we make blessed mean taken care of, protected, provided for. We make the verse about being blessed, being happy, when the verse is about trust. Trust "WHEN THE HEAT COMES" trust WHEN THE DROUGHT COMES.

APPLICATION
I desire to move from "trust in the Lord" to "trust is the Lord"
I desire to trust during tough times
I desire to keep Blessed a verb, an action instead of making it into a noun, an object.
I desire the Lord, in good weather and in bad
I desire the Lord, in good times and in bad
I desire to make the verse about Him, and not about me.

PRAYER
Father,
I have a habit of making things say what I want them to say. Keep me true to your Word.
When I read and study your Word, help me remember that it is a whole lot more about You than it is about Me.
Make trust and Lord one word in my vocabulary, in my life.
Keep me from missing the point, life is about trusting You with whatever comes my way.
Life is about You.

THREE'S COMPANY

2009-03-05T06:05:00.001-08:00

REFERENCE
Psalm 37:4,5 [Message] Keep company with God, get in on the best. 5 Open up before God, keep nothing back; he’ll do whatever needs to be done:
Psalm 37:4,5 [ESV] Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

EXPLORATION
Keep company with God, is there a greater delight?
Open up, he will act.

APPLICATION
GO THERE, GO THERE OFTEN

PRAYER
Father,
It's when I'm not with you that I find myself in trouble.
Holy Spirit,
draw me to Jesus
Jesus,
make me more like you
Three is great company!

SOMETIMES WE GET IT BACKWARDS

2009-03-04T08:46:00.001-08:00

REFERENCE
Isaiah 40:31 [Message] But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.
Isaiah 40:31[ESV] but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

EXPLORATION
So what is: "wait upon God" - is it waiting on God to show up or is it showing up and waiting on God?
Is it waiting for God to do something or is it doing something for God?
I think we get it backwards. We think God is going to show up and give us superpowers.
The truth is He is waiting for us to show up to wait on Him. Serve Him.
When that happens, if that happens - He'll give us the strength to do it well.

APPLICATION
I'm not waiting for God, I'm going to wait on God.
This day may I bring Him glory and honor
I want to make today about what I can do for Him, not what He can do for me.

PRAYER
God,
BE GLORIFIED

MORE THAN WORDS

2009-03-03T10:05:00.000-08:00

REFERENCE
1 Timothy 6:11 [ESV] 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness
1 Timothy 6:11 [Message] 11 But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy

EXPLORATION
Righteousness = acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin
godliness = The one true God, as creator and redeemer, requires an active obedience to his revealed will and a personal devotion that surpasses lip-service, mere trepidation, or bare admiration
faith = belief and trust in, reliance on and loyalty to God
love = warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion
steadfastness = firm in belief, determination, or adherence
gentleness = the quality or state of being gentle : mildness of manners or disposition

APPLICATION
Why do I read verses like 1 Tim. 6:11 and assume in the back of my mind that I've arrived, that "I'm all that!"
When I take the time to reflect on the words, and look up their meaning, I find myself on a journey. I'm not anywhere close to home.

righteousness - free from guilt or sin - way down the road.
godliness - way beyond bare admiration and well short of personal devotion
faith - belief in absolutely, trust in most of the time, reliance on happens later rather than first and loyalty to God - when it's convenient
love - way past warm attachment, quite often there is enthusiasm, but not near enough devotion
steadfastness - firm in belief, lacking in adherence - to get there its going to take more than determination
gentleness - 98% there - mildness of manners or disposition - till I'm pushed

This isn't been there, done that, got the T-Shirt.
This is headed there, looking for the crown.

PRAYER
Father,
No one knows me like you know me, and there is a good chance I've painted myself better than I look.
But by the power of the Holy Spirit as least today I've stopped and did a little self-evaluation
Now by that same power, draw me close to Thee
Never let me go,
Make me more like Jesus,
Please, please; help me grow.

Tribute to Paul Harvey: THE REST OF THE STORY

2009-03-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

REFERENCE
Matthew 19:24 [ESV] Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.

EXPLORATION
The well-to-do will more likely think that they don’t need Christ or at least not in every area of life. But if he is not “Lord of all,” then he is not “Lord at all.”
- The New American Commentary: Matthew

APPLICATION
"Lord of all or not Lord at all"

PRAYER
Father,

I mindful of "the rest of the story" - Matthew 19:25,26 [ESV] When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, Who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible

Make Jesus "Lord of all" in my life.

It's A Little More Than Just Singing KUMBAYA

2009-03-01T22:13:00.000-08:00

REFERENCE
Hebrews 12:1-2 [Message] 1 Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. 2 Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.

EXPLORATION
5 Lessons from Hebrews 12:1-2
1] We all need cheerleaders and mentors in our life
2] Work out spiritually and physically
3] FOCUS on Jesus
4] STUDY about Jesus
5] LEARN from Jesus

APPLICATION
I've just got to believe that if I help other people; other people will help me
Need to be more consistent with the workouts. [disciplines]
WWJD needs to be more than a cliche

PRAYER
Father,
I just want to be like Jesus.
I want to finish well.

aside:[had to look this one up]
parasitic sins: habitually relying on or exploiting others.

FAITHFULNESS

2009-02-28T21:10:00.001-08:00

REFERENCE
Psalm 13
1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, 4 lest my enemy say, I have prevailed over him, lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

EXPLORATION
I noticed an interesting progression. From "O Lord" to "O Lord my God" to "the Lord"
How often do I start by questioning Him?
How often do I end up satisfied in Him?

APPLICATION
Trust in His steadfast love
Rejoice in my salvation

PRAYER
Father,
Oh how often I wonder if you hear my prayers
Oh how often I am reminded that you do
"the Lord" reigns. Great is thy faithfulness

TRUST AND OBEY

2009-02-27T08:28:00.000-08:00

REFERENCE
Luke 12:4-6 [Message] “I’m speaking to you as dear friends. Don’t be bluffed into silence or insincerity by the threats of religious bullies. True, they can kill you, but then what can they do? There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. 5 Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands. 6 “What’s the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one.
Luke 12:4-6 [ESV] 4 I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

EXPLORATION
Words from a friend, "FEAR GOD" - "TRUST GOD"

APPLICATION
Fear God through obedience
Trust God through sacrifice
Can I give more than I take today?

PRAYER
Father,
You are always worthy of praise, and perhaps of the the greatest expression of praise is service.
This day, "Give me your eyes for just one moment" and allow me to praise you by servicing others.
This day, may I give more than I take; and bring honor and glory to your name

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRACE

2009-02-26T21:18:00.000-08:00

REFERENCE
Isaiah 2:22 [TNIV] Stop trusting in human beings, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?
Isaiah 2:22 [Message] Quit scraping and fawning over mere humans, so full of themselves, so full of hot air! Can’t you see there’s nothing to them?
Isaiah 2:22 [NLT] Don't put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they?

EXPLORATION
Don't put someone on pedestal that I can't keep them on! God knows they would not be able to keep themselves up there.

APPLICATION
It's not about not trusting people, it's about not setting people up for failure.
It's about lowering expectations
It's about grace.
God doesn't trust me, but He loves me, I need to be more like Him.

PRAYER
Father,
In Jesus' name and by the power of the Holy Spirit, teach me to give people a break.
They are just people, they aren't you, Lord.
We all fail, teach me to give the grace that I would want others to give to me.
When others fail me, let me see the opportunity for grace!

WHO KILLED HIM? WHO IS KILLING HIM?

2009-02-25T07:52:00.000-08:00

REFERENCE
Mark 15:16-20 [ESV] And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.

EXPLORATION
Today is Ash Wednesday, it's 40 days from now to Palm Sunday.
How Jesus was treated in this account is very sad.
How I treat Jesus sometimes is very bad.
On any given day, do I hail Him as King, or do my actions shout, Crucify Him, Crucify Him?
Is it the things I do that mock him or it is the things I fail to do?

APPLICATION
Don't just be disgusted with what others did to Jesus, be appalled at what I do to Him?
My selfishness makes me King and mocks my Lord.

PRAYER
Change my heart oh God, make it ever new.
Change my heart oh God, make me more like you.

DEAD MAN LISTENING

2009-02-24T22:47:00.001-08:00

REFERENCE
John 5:24-30 [Message] 24 “It’s urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father, who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider. This person has taken a giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living. 25 “It’s urgent that you get this right: The time has arrived—I mean right now!—when dead men and women will hear the voice of the Son of God and, hearing, will come alive. 26 Just as the Father has life in himself, he has conferred on the Son life in himself. 27 And he has given him the authority, simply because he is the Son of Man, to decide and carry out matters of Judgment. 28 “Don’t act so surprised at all this. The time is coming when everyone dead and buried will hear his voice. 29 Those who have lived the right way will walk out into a resurrection Life; those who have lived the wrong way, into a resurrection Judgment. 30 “I can’t do a solitary thing on my own: I listen, then I decide. You can trust my decision because I’m not out to get my own way but only to carry out orders.

EXPLORATION
I'm caught up in the urgency, Jesus wants us to "get it" - He's God, He's Saviour, He is our Hope. In Him there is eternal life! And everything in me screams back, "I get it, I get it" - REALLY?
If I really "get it" - shouldn't I be sharing it?

APPLICATION
Dead man walking - straight to hell!
Dead man listening - straight to life - life eternally!

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live - Deuteronomy 30:19

PRAYER
Jesus,
I choose You
I choose Life
I choose to Listen
Use me to help others hear

WAITING

2009-02-23T05:39:00.001-08:00

REFERENCE
2 Peter 3:8-9 [Mesage] Don’t overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. 9 God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change.

EXPLORE
It's not often that I open the Bible and begin my day with a laugh, but when Peter started talking about lateness, I started laughing. I've got friends that don't even understand what "late" means. It's so good that they aren't God or JC would never return! OK! I'm done with the laugh - I think - I am smirking though.
Catch this! "He is restraining himself on account of you" ... "He’s giving everyone space and time to change."
That's love, that's grace, that is mercy!

APPLICATION
What does He want to change in me?

PRAYER
Father,
Hear my prayer, in the name of Jesus, and your will be done in my future according to your good purpose.
I don't want too be to quick to answer the question.
I want to dwell on it.
I want to hear what you want to change about me, not what I think you'd change.
I want to wait on you for the answer to the question.
I'm trusting you wouldn't take a thousand years to tell me.
I'm trusting you won't make me wait very long at all.

The Future Starts Now!

2009-02-22T07:54:00.000-08:00

SCRIPTURE
1 Peter 1:3-5 [JB Phillips] Thank God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that in his great mercy we men have been born again into a life full of hope, through Christ's rising again from the dead! You can now hope for a perfect inheritance beyond the reach of change and decay, "reserved" in Heaven for you. And in the meantime you are guarded by the power of God operating through your faith, till you enter fully into the salvation which is all ready for the dénouement of the last day.
1 Peter 1:3-5 [Message] What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, 4 including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! 5 God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.

OBSERVATION
What a God!
What a Day!

APPLICATION
Short of Jesus returning for us today, today will pale compared to that great tomorrow.
Yet it is today that we have in front of us, and today, I will proclaim; "What a God!"

PRAYER
Father,
I claim the truth of Scripture for this Sunday morning; "Thank God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that in his great mercy we men have been born again into a life full of hope, through Christ's rising again from the dead! You can now hope for a perfect inheritance beyond the reach of change and decay, "reserved" in Heaven for you."

I'm not suggesting today will be without it's sorrows, just that I have a Savior.
I'm not suggesting that today won't be "messed up"; just that I will experience your mercy.
I'm not suggesting that today won't be without life's heaviness, just that I have hope.
I'm not suggesting that today will be "all that!" - just believing that tomorrow is so much more.

LISTENING

2009-02-21T06:01:00.000-08:00

SCRIPTURE
Esther 4:12-16 [Message] When Hathach told Mordecai what Esther had said, 13 Mordecai sent her this message: “Don’t think that just because you live in the king’s house you’re the one Jew who will get out of this alive. 14 If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.” 15 Esther sent back her answer to Mordecai: 16 “Go and get all the Jews living in Susa together. Fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, either day or night. I and my maids will fast with you. If you will do this, I’ll go to the king, even though it’s forbidden. If I die, I die.”

OBSERVATION
If I die, I die; it not what you want to wakeup to on a Saturday morning - any morning.
There is nothing in me that believes God's going to ask me too. Not a physical death anyway.
But what if other parts of this particular Scripture where to ring true in my life.
What if God created me for "just such a time as this"?
Would I be willing to give up my wants and desires, to do is will?
Would I be willing to die to self and live to bring Him glory and honor?

APPLICATION
God probably isn't going to call on me today to save a nation.
But I can bet that there will be a time today when He'll give me a notion.
The notion to lift someone up in prayer.
The notion to lend a hand to someone else.
The notion to just "be there" for someone.
The notion to do something I might not normally do.
The notion to bring Him glory and honor.

PRAYER
Father,
This day allow me to hear Your voice, Your will, Your direction.
Notion me to be other minded
Notion me to You.

steadfastly “determined”

2009-02-20T10:58:00.000-08:00

SCRIPTURE
Ruth 1:16-18 [Message] But Ruth said, “Don’t force me to leave you; don’t make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I’ll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; 17 where you die, I’ll die, and that’s where I’ll be buried, so help me God—not even death itself is going to come between us!” 18 When Naomi saw that Ruth had her heart set on going with her, she gave in.
Ruth 1:16-18 [ESV] But Ruth said, Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you. 18 And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.

OBSERVATION
What do I have my heart set on doing?
Where do I have my heart set on going?
When?
How?
Why?

APPLICATION
I have my heart set on growing to be more like Jesus.
I have my heart set on being at His feet.
I will go there often.
I will go there through prayer, reading of His Word, and reflecting on Him and all that He has made.
I will go to HIm, because I'm left empty, unfulfilled and lonely without Him.
I go to Him, because it gives Him pleasure and it brings me, peace.

PRAYER
Father,
May the love Ruth expressed for Naomi pale in comparison to my desire to be with you.
This day let me experience, your grace, your mercy, and your love.
This day use me to allow others to experience you too.
Psalm 63:3,4 [ESV] Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will a lift up my hands.

Unforced Rhythms of Grace

2009-02-19T08:56:00.000-08:00

SCRIPTURE
Matthew 10:28-30 [Message] “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. 29 Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. 30 Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” In Charge of the Sabbath
Matthew 10:28-30 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

OBSERVATION
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace
Walk with me and work with me
Get away with me
Come to me

APPLICATION
Experience the unforced rhythms of grace
Experience His presence
Experience Rest

PRAYER
Father,
You know how easily I could fill today with busyness.
In Jesus' name and by the power of the Holy Spirit allow me to fill my day with You.
Allow me to experience the unforced rhythms of grace
Experience Your presence
Experience Rest

KEEP ON KEEPING ON

2009-02-18T08:56:00.001-08:00

Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second.
- William James

SCRIPTURE
1 Thess. 4:1-8 [Message] One final word, friends. We ask you—urge is more like it—that you keep on doing what we told you to do to please God, not in a dogged religious plod, but in a living, spirited dance. 2 You know the guidelines we laid out for you from the Master Jesus. 3 God wants you to live a pure life. Keep yourselves from sexual promiscuity. 4 Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body, 5 not abusing it, as is so common among those who know nothing of God. 6 Don’t run roughshod over the concerns of your brothers and sisters. Their concerns are God’s concerns, and he will take care of them. We’ve warned you about this before. 7 God hasn’t invited us into a disorderly, unkempt life but into something holy and beautiful—as beautiful on the inside as the outside. 8 If you disregard this advice, you’re not offending your neighbors; you’re rejecting God, who is making you a gift of his Holy Spirit.
1 Thess. 4:1-8 [ESV] Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

OBSERVATION
Do what you are doing - just do it better - It's a cheer
For this is God's will, your sanctification- It's a challenge!
Control your own body - It's a command!

APPLICATION
sanctification - To do God’s will involves, among other things, being sanctified. This peculiarly Christian word refers to the ongoing process of becoming increasingly free from sin and filled with love. To be sanctified means to belong to God and to show the same character as God. - [New Bible Commentary]

PRAYER
Father,
In the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit, enable me to become increasingly free from sin and filled with love.

THE GREAT COMPASS

2009-02-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 28:16-20 [Message] Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. 17 The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. 18 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: 19 Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 20 Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

OBSERVATION
Most people call these verses, "the great commission" - I like to think of them as the "great compass"
I read this text with this question, "WHERE AM I?"
1] v.16 - on my way to a mountaintop experience?
2] v.17- seeing Jesus and worshiping Him?
3] v.17 - seeing Jesus and holding back - not quite sure about "all in"?
4] v.18 - hearing Jesus
5] v.19 - obeying Jesus
6] v.20 - learning from Jesus, [instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you] - ["all" I have commanded you- is there a list?]
7] v.20 - trusting Jesus - "I will be with you as you do this"

APPLICATION
I find myself trusting Jesus - He is with me
I find myself learning from Jesus - ever so slowly - there is no list of "all" that he commanded.
I find myself obeying somewhat - I take in more than I share with others or more then I train them
I find myself hearing and at times - in my selfishness holding back.
I find myself worshiping - but not nearly as often as He deserves.
I find myself heading up to the mountain - for the final reunion

PRAYER
Father,
Be my great compass, let me live out the great commission; let these verses ring true in my mind, heart and soul
...but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. [2 Cor. 16-18 NASB]

WHAT DID IT SAY?

2009-02-16T09:54:00.000-08:00

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 1:1-3 [Message] How well God must like you— you don’t hang out at Sin Saloon, you don’t slink along Dead-End Road, you don’t go to Smart-Mouth College. 2 Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.3 You’re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.
Psalm 1:1-3 [ESV] Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.]

OBSERVATION
"How well God must like you-" in a cool way to say, "Blessed is the man who..." - that was nice to wake up too.
Then I kept reading and got convicted:
"you don't hang out at Sin Saloon,"- well, I don't spend lots of time there, but to be honest - yeah I sin - some days more than others.
"you don’t slink along Dead-End Road," - not intentionally - but man can I waste time on the INTERNET
" you don’t go to Smart-Mouth College" - truth be told I've audited a class or two - not really proud of that.
"Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. - here's the reality, I got out of bed and the first thing I wanted to do was read the Bible and do my life journal - the first thing I did was reply to about six emails and spend a half hour on facebook -
I got here - but if was eventually - not right away - and the whole "chew on Scripture day and night" - yeah - I need more of that in my life - I do Scripture like a sprinter, I want to do Scripture like a marathoner - spending hours at it.
So let's finish out the reflections:
"bearing fruit every month" - don't know - hope so;
"never dropping a leaf" - no there is some habitual sin in my life that when visited - kills growth;
"always in blossom" - NO! - but desiring to get there!
"How well God must like you-" in a cool way to say, "Blessed is the man who..." - that is nice to aspire too!

APPLICATION
God loves an honest heart.
Psalm 1 isn't someplace that I've arrived too. It is someplace that I am headed!

PRAYER
Father,
There is nothing in me that believes that your love for me is based on the time I spend with you.
Everything in me believes that from time to time in Scripture a loving Father, reminds his children - "Yeah let's hang around together more often"
That's what I've heard today. Not, "Shame on you" but rather "Draw near"
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Ps.19:14

GREAT WORDS!

2009-02-15T07:36:00.001-08:00

SCRIPTURE
Galatians 1:3-5 [Message] So I greet you with the great words, grace and peace! 4 We know the meaning of those words because Jesus Christ rescued us from this evil world we’re in by offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins. God’s plan is that we all experience that rescue. 5 Glory to God forever! Oh, yes! The Message
Galatians 1:3-5 [ESV] 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

OBSERVATION
I cannot think of a better greeting as I awake on a Sunday Morning. "Grace and Peace"
It's enough too make me want to head into town and worship Him with others.
"Glory to God forever!"

APPLICATION
v. 4 "God’s plan is that we all experience that rescue."
Jesus, rescue me again today, from this evil age.

PRAYER
Father,
I'm not sure that I comprehend just how much you love me.
But this day, let me, bear my soul and praise My God, who loved me first, loves me now, will love me forever.
Grace - getting what I don't deserve - Jesus
Mercy - not getting what I do deserve - death and Hell
Peace - experiencing Grace and Mercy

GOD KNOWS BEST

2009-02-14T11:20:00.000-08:00

SCRIPTURE
Jonah 1 [Message] 1 One day long ago, God’s Word came to Jonah, Amittai’s son: 2 “Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They’re in a bad way and I can’t ignore it any longer.” 3 But Jonah got up and went the other direction to Tarshish, running away from God. He went down to the port of Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went on board, joining those going to Tarshish—as far away from God as he could get. 4 But God sent a huge storm at sea, the waves towering. The ship was about to break into pieces. 5 The sailors were terrified. They called out in desperation to their gods. They threw everything they were carrying overboard to lighten the ship. Meanwhile, Jonah had gone down into the hold of the ship to take a nap. He was sound asleep. 6 The captain came to him and said, “What’s this? Sleeping! Get up! Pray to your god! Maybe your god will see we’re in trouble and rescue us.” 7 Then the sailors said to one another, “Let’s get to the bottom of this. Let’s draw straws to identify the culprit on this ship who’s responsible for this disaster.” So they drew straws. Jonah got the short straw. 8 Then they grilled him: “Confess. Why this disaster? What is your work? Where do you come from? What country? What family?” 9 He told them, “I’m a Hebrew. I worship God, the God of heaven who made sea and land.” 10 At that, the men were frightened, really frightened, and said, “What on earth have you done!” As Jonah talked, the sailors realized that he was running away from God. 11 They said to him, “What are we going to do with you—to get rid of this storm?” By this time the sea was wild, totally out of control. 12 Jonah said, “Throw me overboard, into the sea. Then the storm will stop. It’s all my fault. I’m the cause of the storm. Get rid of me and you’ll get rid of the storm.” 13 But no. The men tried rowing back to shore. They made no headway. The storm only got worse and worse, wild and raging. 14 Then they prayed to God, “O God! Don’t let us drown because of this man’s life, and don’t blame us for his death. You are God. Do what you think is best.” 15 They took Jonah and threw him overboard. Immediately the sea was quieted down. 16 The sailors were impressed, no longer terrified by the sea, but in awe of God. They worshiped God, offered a sacrifice, and made vows. 17 Then God assigned a huge fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah was in the fish’s belly three days and nights. At the Bottom of the Sea

OBSERVATIONS
1] What might seem like, "One day long ago..." is really any given day; when I'm given God's Word and choose to run from it rather than embrace it.
2] There is always someone "in a bad way and God can't ignore it any longer"; am I going to let Him use me to make a difference in someone else's life?
3] Do I even recognize "storms of disobedience" in my life?
4] When I see the ungodly worshiping God shouldn't I think twice about how I'm going to spend today?
5] If the ungodly are bold enough to cry out: "You are God. Do what you think is best"; shouldn't that cry be my mantra?

APPLICATION
BOTTOM LINE: YOU ARE GOD. DO WHAT YOU THINK IS BEST!"

PRAYER
Father,
Give me your eyes this day, eyes to see those that are in a bad way, those you can't ignore any longer
Give me the boldest, to point them to you as their answer
Give me the power to trust in, "God, knows best!"

WHEN JESUS SHOWS UP!

2009-02-13T12:11:00.001-08:00

SCRIPTURE
Luke 4:14 [Message] Jesus returned to Galilee powerful in the Spirit. News that he was back spread through the countryside. 15 He taught in their meeting places to everyone’s acclaim and pleasure. 16 He came to Nazareth where he had been reared. As he always did on the Sabbath, he went to the meeting place. When he stood up to read, 17 he was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written, 18 God’s Spirit is on me; he’s chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the burdened and battered free, 19 to announce, “This is God’s year to act!” 20 He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the place was on him, intent. 21 Then he started in, “You’ve just heard Scripture make history. It came true just now in this place.”

OBSERVATION
I love passages like this one in the Bible because of the nuances: "Jesus returning to Galilee, is like Jesus returning to my harden heart - and in the power of the Spirit. The "News that he was back spread through the countryside."- and people notice when He is back in my life. He taught then, He still teaches now. He read, "God’s Spirit is on me; he’s chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the burdened and battered free, 19 to announce, “This is God’s year to act!” - and that which He read He acts out in my life today.

APPLICATION
Just as:
1] God's Spirit is on Him, so God's Spirit is in me.
2] He chose to preach the Message of good news to the poor, through me He choses to share Jesus with the poor, especially the poor in spirit.
3] Just as He came to announce pardon to the prisoners, so He uses me to help people get beyond their preferences to their purpose.
4] Just as He gave sight to the blind, through studying His word and spending time with Him, I see!
5] Just as He set the burdened and the battered free, today, He does the same thing and sometimes uses me to help.
6] Just as it was "...God’s year to act!” - So it is: God's year to act!

PRAYER
Father,
In the precious name of Jesus, continue the work you once began in Him.
Continue it in my life, and the lives of those you allow me to influence.
Just as you've allow me to experience Jesus, allow other to experience Him
Just as you helped others in the past to see and to be set free
So may this be once again, "God's year to act!"
And since you've showed up in my life, - use me - act through me - be glorified!

GOING TO THE MOUNTAIN

2009-02-12T19:02:00.001-08:00

SCRIPTURE
Exodus 3:1-6 [Message] Moses was shepherding the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the west end of the wilderness and came to the mountain of God, Horeb. 2 The angel of God appeared to him in flames of fire blazing out of the middle of a bush. He looked. The bush was blazing away but it didn’t burn up. 3 Moses said, “What’s going on here? I can’t believe this! Amazing! Why doesn’t the bush burn up?”4 God saw that he had stopped to look. God called to him from out of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” He said, “Yes? I’m right here!” 5 God said, “Don’t come any closer. Remove your sandals from your feet. You’re standing on holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father: The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face, afraid to look at God.

OBSERVATION
1] Moses was doing life - shepherding in his case - oh yeah, shepherding in my case too.
2] He was at the end of the wilderness, and came to the mountain of God. I've come to believe that is just how life is, you have to go through the wilderness to get to the mountain.
3] He discovered something amazing, for Him it was a burning bush. For me it's this experiment our church is doing called 60/60, where every waking hour I spend a little time with God for 60 days.
4] God noticed Moses was looking at the bush. God notices that I've been coming around more often than normal.
5] God called to Moses and said, don't come any closer, take off your sandals, you are standing on holy ground. I haven't gotten that close yet.
6] Moses hid his face, afraid to look at God, I've been praying, Jesus, show me you as you really are! Now I'm wondering how much of Jesus can I really bear to see. If I keep praying the same prayer, what if He were to reveal Himself in His glory like at Mount of Transfiguration - I'd turn like Moses, afraid to look at God.

APPLICATION
1] I need to think about what I'm praying perhaps a little bit more than I do. I'm asking Jesus to show up, what if He does, am I ready?
While I've been through the wilderness and I believe that 60/60 is taking be to "the mountain of God."
Yeah, I'm ready to see Jesus, and I hope I am afraid!

PRAYER
Father,
There are times when I wrongfully think of you as Santa Claus and Jesus as buddy.
Forgive me, for you are God - you are beyond my comprehension and Jesus is so much more than friend. He is Savior, He is Lord.
As I spend time with You, you are showing up - to be honest, I think you've been there all along - I just hadn't noticed.
And at this point, knowing that over the next 58 days I'm going to be drawn closer and closer to you. I'm afraid that perhaps I'm just not humbling myself in front of you enough.
Thanks for your patience with me as I draw near.

GOOD NEWS / SAD NEWS

2009-02-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

SCRIPTURE
2 John 1:4-6 [Message] I can’t tell you how happy I am to learn that many members of your congregation are diligent in living out the Truth, exactly as commanded by the Father. 5 But permit me a reminder, friends, and this is not a new commandment but simply a repetition of our original and basic charter: that we love each other. 6 Love means following his commandments, and his unifying commandment is that you conduct your lives in love. This is the first thing you heard, and nothing has changed. Don’t Walk Out on God
2 John 1:4-6 [ESV] 4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask you, dear lady--not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning--that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.

OBSERVATION
So I'm imagining getting this letter coming in the mail, in the [MESSAGE] it comes off optimistic -" how happy I am to learn that many members of your congregation are diligent in living out the Truth," [GOOD NEWS] in the ESV it comes off kind of depressing - "rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth," [SAD NEWS] - there is a big difference between "many" and "some" - MANY of the people are getting it! - SOME of the people are getting it! But before I get too caught up in the numbers - there's a bigger question - "What are they getting, what are they doing?" - I love the language from the message: "conduct your lives in love" - whether it's "MANY" doing it or "SOME" doing it in your local church, the really question is: "AM I DOING IT?" Then perhaps even that question is putting the cart in front of the horse - Because the real question to meditate on is this, "What does conducting your life in love, look like for you?"

APPLICATION
For me conducting myself in love, is putting other first.
Putting God first - spending time with Him today.
Putting Family first - thinking abut them, praying for them, talking with them, and spending some time being with them.
Putting Friends first - who needs a word of encouragement today, a laugh, a hug, a cup of coffee?
Putting Community first - being there for others, visits, conversations, shared experiences
Having something left for the unexpected person God puts in my path today?

PRAYER
Father,
In Jesus' name, and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Today, enable me to love, to serve, and to share.
To do that, that would be Good News!

TIME w/GOD!

2009-02-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

SCRIPTURE
Mark 1:35 [Message] While it was still night, way before dawn, he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed.
Mark 1:35 [ESV] And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Mark 1:35 [NLT] Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
Mark 1:35 [TNIV] Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Mark 1:35 [AMP] And in the morning, long before daylight, He got up and went out to a deserted place, and there He prayed.
Mark 1:35 [CEV] Very early the next morning, Jesus got up and went to a place where he could be alone and pray.

OBSERVATION
I read this passage in lots of different translations just to see how differently it was handled.
I love how Eugene Peterson paraphrased it in the Message: "While it was still night" - honestly - that is what very early in the morning is: STILL NIGHT!
Then I noticed the common denominators in all most all of the translations, "He got up and went..." this describes something more than "good intentions" - he did it, he got up and went... He went and PRAYED!
And perhaps the most interesting observation to me is how the different translations have Jesus going to so many different places.
to a secluded spot, to a desolate place, to an isolated place, solitary place, a deserted place, and last - just to a place.
One last observation, what the text didn't say - It didn't say that Jesus did this EVERY morning, or always ALONE.

APPLICATION
There are times, not all the time, but there are times when my spiritual life requires some let's call it extra effort.
And in those times I need to get up, get going, and get alone and with God.
And in those times, I need to listen a whole lot more than talk.
I've got two favorite places to get alone with God, a porch at a cabin in Shaver, or the beach, any beach where I can hear the waves and know I'm with God.
All is right with the world, when I'm like Jesus, seeking the Father.

PRAYER
Father,
I know you are available all the time and anywhere.
But I so appreciate the time we spent alone and together.
As much as I enjoy doing life with you every day, I really enjoy when we disconnect and spend time alone and together.
Let's do it again real soon.

GIFT!

2009-02-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

SCRIPTURE
Acts 1:8 [Message] 8 What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.”
Acts 1:8 [ESV] 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

OBSERVATION
You believe in JC and He gives you HS, and with HS comes power. Power to be a witness about JC.
For me the question than becomes; "So who do I share Jesus with, not where do I share Jesus"
Who is my Jerusalem? Those closest too me. FAMILY
Who is my Judea? Those close too me. FRIENDS
Who is my Samaria? Church and Community
Who is my "ends of the earth"? Those people I'd never imagine God placing in my life, or placing me in theirs.

APPLICATION
Witness with intent.
Share Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, with family, friends, church, community and the unexpected, perhaps the unaccepted!

PRAYER
I've a gift, His name is Jesus
He is not mine to keep, He is mine to share.
I've a gift, His name is Holy Spirit,
He is the power that enables me to declare:
I've a gift, Love too spare.

MY GOD!

2009-02-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

SCRIPTURE
Hosea 2:23 [NLT] I will show love to those I called `Not loved.'* And to those I called `Not my people,' I will say, `Now you are my people.' And they will reply, `You are our God!'"
Hosea 2:23 [Message] I’ll plant her in the good earth. I’ll have mercy on No-Mercy. I’ll say to Nobody, ‘You’re my dear Somebody,’ and he’ll say ‘You’re my God!’” In Time They’ll Come Back
Hosea 2:23 [ESV] and I will sow her for myself in the land. And I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not My People, ‘You are my people’;
and he shall say, ‘You are my God.

OBSERVATION
God is reminding us that when we disgust Him, He still loves us.
When I do something so selfish that He'd like to deny knowing me, He claims me.
He loves me, because when I'm weak, when I'm self-centered, when I'm self consumed, when I'm not a lovely person, HE LOVES ME,
and He is waiting and trusting that I'll change from my selfishness and say, "You are my God." That's "I love you too"

APPLICATION
YOU ARE MY GOD

PRAYER
Father,
I don't fall often, but I fall.
I don't completely forget about you, but I do tend to think more about myself.
Life is best when you are God, but just like little girls enjoy playing house. I enjoy playing "Heaven" and when I play I'm in charge.
So here's the $100 question; "How's that working for me?"
Life is best when you are God.
Be God in my life today.

GETTING THERE!

2009-02-07T09:54:00.000-08:00

SCRIPTURE
Titus 2:11-14 [Message] God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! 12 We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, 13 and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. 14 He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.
Titus 2:11-14[ESV] 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

OBSERVATION
the grace of God ... training me to renounce ungodliness [sin] and worldly passions [lusts] and to live self-controlled [get my stuff together] life - "whew..."
I've spent the better part of two weeks now working through what it means to "be surrendered" - "all in" for Jesus.
And this verse helps reaffirm what I've come to believe. That surrender is not a point in time, draw a line in the sand event. Surrender is a process, and the grace of God... is getting me there and it begins with just saying "NO" to somethings that I am doing and saying "YES" to somethings that I am not doing.

APPLICATION
Although surrender is a process, - a lifetime process, I do believe that there is that moment when you say, "I WANT to be all-in" - I WANT to be different than I am, I WANT to be like Jesus. I think that point is when you name Him Savior and accept Him to become Lord.
Today, because I'm in love with my Savior, I want to be drawn nearer to my LORD. Today I want to move toward a pure life, making me a person, he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
If today ends up being more about you, than it is about me, -- be glorified!

WORTHY

2009-02-06T16:51:00.001-08:00

SCRIPTURE
Psalm 113:1-4 [ESV] Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord! 2 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! 3 From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! 4 The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!
Psalm 113:1-4 [Message]
1 Hallelujah! You who serve God, praise God! Just to speak his name is praise!
2 Just to remember God is a blessing— now and tomorrow and always.
3 From east to west, from dawn to dusk, keep lifting all your praises to God!
4 God is higher than anything and anyone, outshining everything you can see in the skies.

OBSERVATION
For a number of days now I've been asking Jesus to help me see Him as He really is.
THIS IT IS - right here is Scripture. He is the One - worthy of Praise - He is higher than anything and anyone, outshining everything you can see in the skies.

APPLICATION
That's my Jesus - Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

PRAYER
You are worthy
Worthy of praise
Worthy of love
Worthy of my allegiance
Worthy of my obedience
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!