Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Job 3-4
NT: Luke 20
W&W: Psalm 60
Today’s Reflection:
Today Lana and I begin our gypsy life. I decided that since I have been saying that for a few weeks now I should probably know what a gypsy is. I didn’t know it, but the term gypsy actually has it’s root in the word “Egypt” where the original gypsies of England were thought to have migrated from.
The Oxford dictionary defines gypsy as: “a member of a wandering race (by themselves called Romany), of Hindu origin, which first appeared in England about the beginning of the 16th c. and was then believed to have come from Egypt.” We’re not Hindus, but it may not be much of a stretch to trace our spiritual ancestry back to Moses and Israel coming out of Egypt. But we can definitely say that we are wandering!
It will be an exciting time for us! I'll try to keep you updated through my blog, but may not post every day. Please keep us in your prayers.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.10-11: Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thrive in the Midst of Frustration
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Job 1-2
NT: Luke 19
W&W: Psalm 59
Today’s Reflection:
Following are some thought-provoking excerpts from the book, When God Takes Too Long by Joseph Bentz:
7: Carl Honore – “The whole world is time-sick.”
8: Larry Dorsey – Time-sickness is the obsessive belief “that time is getting away, that there isn’t enough of it, and that you must pedal faster and faster to keep up.”
8: Honore – Time pressure is… “the chronic frustration that bubbles just below the surface of modern life … Anyone or anything that steps in our way, that slows us down, that stops us from getting exactly what we want when we want it, becomes the enemy. So the smallest setback, the slightest delay, the merest whiff of slowness, can now provoke vein-popping fury in otherwise ordinary people.”
8: As bothersome as those countless everyday incidents of waiting can be, the time sickness I have struggled with goes even deeper and is more disturbing. One of my greatest frustrations as a Christian is that I’m always waiting on God to act. This complaint – that God is too slow – is not one I have frequently stated out loud. It sounds too disrespectful, hints too much of a lack of faith.
10: In a time-obsessed culture, it’s easy to get so focused on what life will be like after some future event – once I get that promotion, once I graduate, once I get married, once I retire – that we lose the present with all its richness and joy and purpose.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.10-11: Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
OT: Job 1-2
NT: Luke 19
W&W: Psalm 59
Today’s Reflection:
Following are some thought-provoking excerpts from the book, When God Takes Too Long by Joseph Bentz:
7: Carl Honore – “The whole world is time-sick.”
8: Larry Dorsey – Time-sickness is the obsessive belief “that time is getting away, that there isn’t enough of it, and that you must pedal faster and faster to keep up.”
8: Honore – Time pressure is… “the chronic frustration that bubbles just below the surface of modern life … Anyone or anything that steps in our way, that slows us down, that stops us from getting exactly what we want when we want it, becomes the enemy. So the smallest setback, the slightest delay, the merest whiff of slowness, can now provoke vein-popping fury in otherwise ordinary people.”
8: As bothersome as those countless everyday incidents of waiting can be, the time sickness I have struggled with goes even deeper and is more disturbing. One of my greatest frustrations as a Christian is that I’m always waiting on God to act. This complaint – that God is too slow – is not one I have frequently stated out loud. It sounds too disrespectful, hints too much of a lack of faith.
10: In a time-obsessed culture, it’s easy to get so focused on what life will be like after some future event – once I get that promotion, once I graduate, once I get married, once I retire – that we lose the present with all its richness and joy and purpose.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.10-11: Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Sitting on the Couch in Obedience
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Esther 9-10
NT: Luke 18
W&W: Psalm 58
Today’s Reflection:
From: When God Takes too Long; Joseph Bentz; pp 76-78
Dan, a successful Christian businessman, has an MBA and is an energetic, take-charge person. When he was 31 years old, his career was thrown off-stride when he lost his job with a major corporation. After several months of demoralizing unemployment, he landed a job with a business he thought was run by a Christian, but he quickly realized the company was riddled with unethical practices. He quit after only one week.
Unemployed for a second time, in eligible for unemployment benefits because of having willingly resigned from the second company, and running out of money to pay his bills, Dan prayed hard for God’s direction. He had done all he knew to do to find a new job, but nothing worked out. His worry deepened, edging toward despair. He says, “I began to pray. I asked God to direct me. I told him I would do what he wanted me to do but that he would have to show me the way. Nothing happened. My prayers seemed to rise no higher than the ceiling.”
Knowing Dan was unemployed, some friends in his men’s Bible study urged him to take this opportunity to pursue his interest in teaching English in China for a mission organization. However he couldn’t afford the cost of the three months of training or the living expenses involved, so that idea was out. After attending a Bible study one day, Dan confided his frustrations to a friend, complaining there was something seriously wrong in his life.
“How do you know something is wrong?” his friend asked.
“Because I’m at the end of my rope and God isn’t saving me. I have no job, and my money is running out. I’ve asked God to direct me, but he isn’t doing anything.”
“How do you know he isn’t doing anything?”
“I’ll tell you how I know,” said Dan, losing patience. “Because yesterday I did nothing. Nothing! I woke up, went downstairs and sat on the couch. I feel like a bum and a failure. I’ve tried everything I know to try. If God was doing something, He wouldn’t have let me sit there all day, waiting.”
“Maybe you didn’t sit there long enough,” said his friend.
This sounded absurd. Dan didn’t want to sit there at all, let alone longer. He went home feeling desperate. He prayed to the Lord, “I know you’re real, and I know that you see me and care for me. I don’t know what to do. I’ve pursued all my opportunities. You seem silent and distant. Please show me what to do. I will wait until you make the next move.”
For Dan, this was the scariest prayer of all. He said, “I didn’t know if I’d have to wait an hour, a day, a week, or a year. But I knew I was committed to not making a move until God did something. Would an angel appear? Would someone come to the door and offer me the perfect job? Would I starve to death on the couch?
Dan sat on his couch for one day, then another, then another. His roommates came and went. The sun rose. The sun set. It rose again. It set again. He said, “I wish I could say it was a spiritual experience, but it wasn’t. At least not in the way you may be thinking. I didn’t fast and pray. I didn’t get on my knees and seek the face of God. I didn’t spend hours singing and praising God for his goodness. No, I just waited in quietness and stillness. I felt numb.”
When the breakthrough finally came, things moved quickly. One afternoon the telephone rang, and a friend who rarely called was on the line. He asked how Dan was doing. “I’ve been sitting on the couch for days,” said Dan.
“Would you be interested in a job?” asked his friend.
Dan was interested. The work was temporary, a project that would make good use of his degree. The pay was exactly the amount Dan needed to live on and, if he chose, to compete the training for the trip to China. The project would last for three months, which was (coincidentally?) exactly the length of time before the China training program started. He took the job. He went to China.
Dan said, “I went from sitting on the couch one day to having a job and preparing for a year in China. Who could have imagined that sitting on a couch and doing nothing would produce such a flurry of activity and opportunity? Don’t ask me to explain the theology of it all. I only know I learned a lesson about what it means to ‘wait on God’ that I’ve never heard preached in church.”
He had learned to take his station and let God do battle for him. He learned to truly trust the Lord. “At the core of my faith was a big fear that maybe God couldn’t make something out of nothing, even though I was taught that He’s the Author of creation. The answer to that fearful question never became clear for me until the world I had created – and was feverishly trying to maintain – fell apart and came to a halt.”
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.8-9: By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
OT: Esther 9-10
NT: Luke 18
W&W: Psalm 58
Today’s Reflection:
From: When God Takes too Long; Joseph Bentz; pp 76-78
Dan, a successful Christian businessman, has an MBA and is an energetic, take-charge person. When he was 31 years old, his career was thrown off-stride when he lost his job with a major corporation. After several months of demoralizing unemployment, he landed a job with a business he thought was run by a Christian, but he quickly realized the company was riddled with unethical practices. He quit after only one week.
Unemployed for a second time, in eligible for unemployment benefits because of having willingly resigned from the second company, and running out of money to pay his bills, Dan prayed hard for God’s direction. He had done all he knew to do to find a new job, but nothing worked out. His worry deepened, edging toward despair. He says, “I began to pray. I asked God to direct me. I told him I would do what he wanted me to do but that he would have to show me the way. Nothing happened. My prayers seemed to rise no higher than the ceiling.”
Knowing Dan was unemployed, some friends in his men’s Bible study urged him to take this opportunity to pursue his interest in teaching English in China for a mission organization. However he couldn’t afford the cost of the three months of training or the living expenses involved, so that idea was out. After attending a Bible study one day, Dan confided his frustrations to a friend, complaining there was something seriously wrong in his life.
“How do you know something is wrong?” his friend asked.
“Because I’m at the end of my rope and God isn’t saving me. I have no job, and my money is running out. I’ve asked God to direct me, but he isn’t doing anything.”
“How do you know he isn’t doing anything?”
“I’ll tell you how I know,” said Dan, losing patience. “Because yesterday I did nothing. Nothing! I woke up, went downstairs and sat on the couch. I feel like a bum and a failure. I’ve tried everything I know to try. If God was doing something, He wouldn’t have let me sit there all day, waiting.”
“Maybe you didn’t sit there long enough,” said his friend.
This sounded absurd. Dan didn’t want to sit there at all, let alone longer. He went home feeling desperate. He prayed to the Lord, “I know you’re real, and I know that you see me and care for me. I don’t know what to do. I’ve pursued all my opportunities. You seem silent and distant. Please show me what to do. I will wait until you make the next move.”
For Dan, this was the scariest prayer of all. He said, “I didn’t know if I’d have to wait an hour, a day, a week, or a year. But I knew I was committed to not making a move until God did something. Would an angel appear? Would someone come to the door and offer me the perfect job? Would I starve to death on the couch?
Dan sat on his couch for one day, then another, then another. His roommates came and went. The sun rose. The sun set. It rose again. It set again. He said, “I wish I could say it was a spiritual experience, but it wasn’t. At least not in the way you may be thinking. I didn’t fast and pray. I didn’t get on my knees and seek the face of God. I didn’t spend hours singing and praising God for his goodness. No, I just waited in quietness and stillness. I felt numb.”
When the breakthrough finally came, things moved quickly. One afternoon the telephone rang, and a friend who rarely called was on the line. He asked how Dan was doing. “I’ve been sitting on the couch for days,” said Dan.
“Would you be interested in a job?” asked his friend.
Dan was interested. The work was temporary, a project that would make good use of his degree. The pay was exactly the amount Dan needed to live on and, if he chose, to compete the training for the trip to China. The project would last for three months, which was (coincidentally?) exactly the length of time before the China training program started. He took the job. He went to China.
Dan said, “I went from sitting on the couch one day to having a job and preparing for a year in China. Who could have imagined that sitting on a couch and doing nothing would produce such a flurry of activity and opportunity? Don’t ask me to explain the theology of it all. I only know I learned a lesson about what it means to ‘wait on God’ that I’ve never heard preached in church.”
He had learned to take his station and let God do battle for him. He learned to truly trust the Lord. “At the core of my faith was a big fear that maybe God couldn’t make something out of nothing, even though I was taught that He’s the Author of creation. The answer to that fearful question never became clear for me until the world I had created – and was feverishly trying to maintain – fell apart and came to a halt.”
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.8-9: By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
When God Takes Too Long
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Esther 8
NT: Luke 17
W&W: Psalm 57
Today’s Reflection:
Recently a friend loaned me the book When God Takes too Long by Joseph Bentz. I would recommend it. Over the next several weeks, I am planning on sharing some of Bentz’s insights with you. Today, I will just list the chapter headings, which are…
10 Principles of Waiting on God
1. Expect some frustrating detours if you’re going to follow God
2. Assume that God is at work – even when you don’t understand what he’s doing
3. Remember your identity in God during the long days of waiting
4. Trust God – even though you’re likely to feel his way is not the best way
5. Wait and obey – even as things seem to get worse
6. Have faith that in his good time God will sweep away the obstacles
7. Remind yourself of what the Lord did for you in the past
8. Wait when it’s time to wait and act when it’s time to act
9. Know your enemies – their names are Restlessness, Complaining, and Disobedience
10. Cling to God’s purposes – even if you have a quicker plan of your own
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.8-9: By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
OT: Esther 8
NT: Luke 17
W&W: Psalm 57
Today’s Reflection:
Recently a friend loaned me the book When God Takes too Long by Joseph Bentz. I would recommend it. Over the next several weeks, I am planning on sharing some of Bentz’s insights with you. Today, I will just list the chapter headings, which are…
10 Principles of Waiting on God
1. Expect some frustrating detours if you’re going to follow God
2. Assume that God is at work – even when you don’t understand what he’s doing
3. Remember your identity in God during the long days of waiting
4. Trust God – even though you’re likely to feel his way is not the best way
5. Wait and obey – even as things seem to get worse
6. Have faith that in his good time God will sweep away the obstacles
7. Remind yourself of what the Lord did for you in the past
8. Wait when it’s time to wait and act when it’s time to act
9. Know your enemies – their names are Restlessness, Complaining, and Disobedience
10. Cling to God’s purposes – even if you have a quicker plan of your own
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.8-9: By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Easy Button
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Esther 6-7
NT: Luke 16
W&W: Psalm 56
Today’s Reflection:
“I am under vows to you, O God.” These words of David in Psalm 56.12 are echoed in my own soul today. Lana and I are praying diligently about where we will next go in our ministry. Since there seems to be several choices on the horizon, my brother-in-law actually accused me of making it confusing! He said that even God had to give me several options to choose from because I’ve made it difficult. Can you believe that? My own brother-in-law!
Perhaps he is right… It seems that God’s road map for us is beginning to unfold. But which road do we take? Then I came across what David wrote: “I am under vows to you, O God.” That clears everything up! It’s like I hit the “easy button” from Staples. I don’t have to worry about choosing between complicated options. I only have to follow Jesus! And, I settled that question long ago. I will follow where he leads. The choice is not mine; it is his!
Are you in that position today? Have you gotten to a place in your surrender to Jesus Christ, that the choice is his? Jesus said that anyone who would come after him must deny himself, take up his cross and follow him. That’s the real choice. Once you’ve made that one, the others come “easy”! So, push the “easy button.” Make the decision to follow where he leads!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.8-9: By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
OT: Esther 6-7
NT: Luke 16
W&W: Psalm 56
Today’s Reflection:
“I am under vows to you, O God.” These words of David in Psalm 56.12 are echoed in my own soul today. Lana and I are praying diligently about where we will next go in our ministry. Since there seems to be several choices on the horizon, my brother-in-law actually accused me of making it confusing! He said that even God had to give me several options to choose from because I’ve made it difficult. Can you believe that? My own brother-in-law!
Perhaps he is right… It seems that God’s road map for us is beginning to unfold. But which road do we take? Then I came across what David wrote: “I am under vows to you, O God.” That clears everything up! It’s like I hit the “easy button” from Staples. I don’t have to worry about choosing between complicated options. I only have to follow Jesus! And, I settled that question long ago. I will follow where he leads. The choice is not mine; it is his!
Are you in that position today? Have you gotten to a place in your surrender to Jesus Christ, that the choice is his? Jesus said that anyone who would come after him must deny himself, take up his cross and follow him. That’s the real choice. Once you’ve made that one, the others come “easy”! So, push the “easy button.” Make the decision to follow where he leads!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.8-9: By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Amazing Grace!
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Esther 4-5
NT: Luke 15
W&W: Psalm 55
Today’s Reflection:
Luke 15 contains the stories of three lost things: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. The lost son is often known as the prodigal son. This son rebelled and demanded from his father all that he had coming from his father’s estate. The father gave it to him, and the son went off to chase his dreams. His dreams, however, were elusive and the harder he chased them, the further away from him they got. Eventually, he had spent all his wealth and was left with nothing from all his father had given him. He was also without family or friends in his time of need.
Luke 15.14 says, “After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine.”
That is how it is with sin. It costs us everything and leaves us with nothing. In Luke 15, the lost sheep was found; the lost coin was found; even the lost son was found. But, for him, the lost opportunities were squandered forever. The lost son had spent everything. There was nothing left. There was only famine in his soul.
Then he remembered his father’s mercy. He remembered his father’s abundance. He remembered his father’s generosity. The famine in his soul was over! He returned to his father and was restored as a son. Sin had cost him everything and left him with nothing. But, grace – which cost him nothing – gave him everything!
What the Bible says really is true: where sin increases, grace increases all the more! (Romans 5.20) Thank God for his Amazing Grace!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.8-9: By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
OT: Esther 4-5
NT: Luke 15
W&W: Psalm 55
Today’s Reflection:
Luke 15 contains the stories of three lost things: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. The lost son is often known as the prodigal son. This son rebelled and demanded from his father all that he had coming from his father’s estate. The father gave it to him, and the son went off to chase his dreams. His dreams, however, were elusive and the harder he chased them, the further away from him they got. Eventually, he had spent all his wealth and was left with nothing from all his father had given him. He was also without family or friends in his time of need.
Luke 15.14 says, “After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine.”
That is how it is with sin. It costs us everything and leaves us with nothing. In Luke 15, the lost sheep was found; the lost coin was found; even the lost son was found. But, for him, the lost opportunities were squandered forever. The lost son had spent everything. There was nothing left. There was only famine in his soul.
Then he remembered his father’s mercy. He remembered his father’s abundance. He remembered his father’s generosity. The famine in his soul was over! He returned to his father and was restored as a son. Sin had cost him everything and left him with nothing. But, grace – which cost him nothing – gave him everything!
What the Bible says really is true: where sin increases, grace increases all the more! (Romans 5.20) Thank God for his Amazing Grace!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.8-9: By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Keep the Romance Alive
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Esther 3
NT: Luke 14
W&W: Psalm 54
OT: Esther 3
NT: Luke 14
W&W: Psalm 54
Today’s Reflection:
Yesterday I began preaching revival at Obetz Nazarene. God has led me to preach on “Sharing the Hope of Jesus” for this revival. Last night’s message was “Sharing Hope at Home.” I would like to share a portion of that message with you today.
What are the things that dash our hopes at home? One of them is Dying Romance. I came across the following quote that I feel captures our desperation for love:
“All our lives we search for someone who makes us complete. We choose partners and change partners. We dance the song of heartbreak and hope, all the while wondering if somewhere, somehow there is someone searching for us.”
And the following poem, The Hope of Loving, by Daniel Ladinsky:
Yesterday I began preaching revival at Obetz Nazarene. God has led me to preach on “Sharing the Hope of Jesus” for this revival. Last night’s message was “Sharing Hope at Home.” I would like to share a portion of that message with you today.
What are the things that dash our hopes at home? One of them is Dying Romance. I came across the following quote that I feel captures our desperation for love:
“All our lives we search for someone who makes us complete. We choose partners and change partners. We dance the song of heartbreak and hope, all the while wondering if somewhere, somehow there is someone searching for us.”
And the following poem, The Hope of Loving, by Daniel Ladinsky:
What keeps us alive, what allows us to endure?
I think it is the hope of loving,
or being loved.
I heard a fable once about the sun going on a journey
I heard a fable once about the sun going on a journey
to find its source, and how the moon wept
without her lover’s
warm gaze.
We weep when light does not reach our hearts. We wither
We weep when light does not reach our hearts. We wither
like fields if someone close
does not rain their
kindness
upon
us.
I heard this joke this week: “What's the difference between a boyfriend and a husband? About 30#!” At first I didn’t get it, then I remembered Lana’s boyfriend in college weighed about 145 pounds. As a matter of fact, he weighed that much on their wedding day. After he became her husband, though, he topped out at about 180#! The difference between Lana’s boyfriend and husband was 35#! Like our bodies, if we let it go, romance can become flabby and unattractive. We begin to neglect all the nice things we did for her or him But we don’t need to.
How long does it take for romance to die? Or how old do you have to be? I don’t know. I’m not that old yet! One fella down in NC told me, “We were sittin’ out on the front porch one day and my wife came out. She looked so purty to me, my pacemaker opened the garage door across the street!” I can’t attest to how pacemakers work, but I do know that God will put a love in your heart that will never die!
What can we do to keep romance alive? Beware of and guard against these immorality attractions:
- Persistently thinking of someone other than your spouse
- Disengaged from intimate conversations and activity with your spouse
- Discussing things normally reserved for your spouse with others
- Visiting explicit sites
The Bible is a champion of marital love. Go to it for help in keeping romance alive. Live according to Ephesians 5. Or, try reading the Song of Solomon together to add a spark to your lives! Go to the book of Ruth to read one of the greatest love stories I’ve ever read.
Like anything else that’s alive, love has to be taken care of. Nurture it and it will bear much fruit – the fruit of joy!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.8-9: By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wisdom, Knowledge, and Loyalty
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Esther 1-2
NT: Luke 13
W&W: Psalm 53
Today’s Reflection:
In Esther 1.13-14, we read the following about King Xerxes of Persia: “Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times and were closest to the king … who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom.”
It should be customary for a leader to consult with advisors. King Xerxes chose to speak with men who:
First of all, every Christian leader should desire to be such a man or woman to our King. Pray that God would grant you 1) wisdom from heaven, 2) knowledge of the position you work in, and 3) an intimate relationship with Jesus… so that you may faithfully complete your duties.
Also important for Christian leaders, however, is that you choose your advisors as Xerxes chose his. Choose those who have wisdom from God, who have needed understanding for the job, and whose hearts are with you fully. Only then should you grant them “special access” and influence. These three things – spiritual depth, mental acuity, and personal loyalty – are absolutely essential qualities for those who make up your leadership team.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.6-7: We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
OT: Esther 1-2
NT: Luke 13
W&W: Psalm 53
Today’s Reflection:
In Esther 1.13-14, we read the following about King Xerxes of Persia: “Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times and were closest to the king … who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom.”
It should be customary for a leader to consult with advisors. King Xerxes chose to speak with men who:
- Were wise
- Understood the times
- Were closest to him
First of all, every Christian leader should desire to be such a man or woman to our King. Pray that God would grant you 1) wisdom from heaven, 2) knowledge of the position you work in, and 3) an intimate relationship with Jesus… so that you may faithfully complete your duties.
Also important for Christian leaders, however, is that you choose your advisors as Xerxes chose his. Choose those who have wisdom from God, who have needed understanding for the job, and whose hearts are with you fully. Only then should you grant them “special access” and influence. These three things – spiritual depth, mental acuity, and personal loyalty – are absolutely essential qualities for those who make up your leadership team.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.6-7: We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The Ripple Effect
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nehemiah 13
NT: Luke 12
W&W: Psalm 52
Today’s Reflection:
“Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services” (Nehemiah 13.14). Nehemiah was concerned that his work would outlive him. At the end of his illustrious leadership career, he wanted to know that he had made a difference that would extend beyond his life.
Like Nehemiah, I am concerned that my work lives beyond me. I want my work to last…
Although the book is filled with great practical truth, chapter 14, “Casting off the Boundaries of Time” was – as I like to say – “worth the price of admission.” The intent of the chapter is to help you see that your life does not cease to have impact after you die. You do not need to hurry to accomplish everything you can before you die because your life has a “ripple effect.” If we take the time for others, if we invest rightly in others’ lives, others will complete the work we have started. Conversely, if we view our lives rightly we will see that we have been given the privilege to complete the work of others.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.6-7: We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
OT: Nehemiah 13
NT: Luke 12
W&W: Psalm 52
Today’s Reflection:
“Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services” (Nehemiah 13.14). Nehemiah was concerned that his work would outlive him. At the end of his illustrious leadership career, he wanted to know that he had made a difference that would extend beyond his life.
Like Nehemiah, I am concerned that my work lives beyond me. I want my work to last…
- Before God. It is a gift to him.
- Before men. To have lasting impact on people’s lives.
- After I’m gone. To be significant in usefulness to the house of God.
- So it can take root. God needs to plant it in fertile souls of the people I have served.
Although the book is filled with great practical truth, chapter 14, “Casting off the Boundaries of Time” was – as I like to say – “worth the price of admission.” The intent of the chapter is to help you see that your life does not cease to have impact after you die. You do not need to hurry to accomplish everything you can before you die because your life has a “ripple effect.” If we take the time for others, if we invest rightly in others’ lives, others will complete the work we have started. Conversely, if we view our lives rightly we will see that we have been given the privilege to complete the work of others.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.6-7: We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Choose ABLE Men and Women
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nehemiah 12
NT: Luke 11
W&W: Psalm 51
Today’s Reflection:
I wanted to share something real quick with you this morning. It is actually from yesterday’s Old Testament reading: Nehemiah 11. That chapter lists the people who were chosen to settle in Jerusalem and to lead the returned exiles from the capital city. Verse 14 of that chapter describes the “associates” of Immer – one of those leaders in Jerusalem – as able men. They were able.
I thought about how leaders need to surround themselves with ABLE associates. Men and women who are chosen for their:
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.6-7: We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
OT: Nehemiah 12
NT: Luke 11
W&W: Psalm 51
Today’s Reflection:
I wanted to share something real quick with you this morning. It is actually from yesterday’s Old Testament reading: Nehemiah 11. That chapter lists the people who were chosen to settle in Jerusalem and to lead the returned exiles from the capital city. Verse 14 of that chapter describes the “associates” of Immer – one of those leaders in Jerusalem – as able men. They were able.
I thought about how leaders need to surround themselves with ABLE associates. Men and women who are chosen for their:
- Abilities to perform in their needed areas
- Belief in the leader and his vision
- Loyalty to the leader
- Enthusiasm for the work of God
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.6-7: We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Choose What Is Better
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nehemiah 11
NT: Luke 10
W&W: Psalm 50
Today’s Reflection:
In Luke 10 we read the story of two sisters entertaining Jesus in their home. Martha chose to busy herself with dinner preparations and the details of hosting while Mary chose instead to sit “at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he said.” Martha didn’t think that was fair, so she had a little whine before dinner, complaining to Jesus. Jesus told Martha that she was wrong, that Mary had chosen what was better.
How about you? Do you choose what is better? We all can – we all must – make choices about what we do. The simple fact is that we can’t do everything, no matter if we think we are superhuman. Martha tried to do it all and ended up worried and upset, and she missed the presence of Jesus. Mary chose what was better – the one thing that was needed.
If you choose the wrong things – or too many right things – you will be worried and upset and end up losing the right thing. Narrow your focus; limit your choices. Choose what is better.
Have a great Tuesday! As God brings us to your mind throughout the day, please remember to pray for Lana and me as there are some things in the works tonight concerning a possible ministry assignment. We want to choose what is better!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.6-7: We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
OT: Nehemiah 11
NT: Luke 10
W&W: Psalm 50
Today’s Reflection:
In Luke 10 we read the story of two sisters entertaining Jesus in their home. Martha chose to busy herself with dinner preparations and the details of hosting while Mary chose instead to sit “at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he said.” Martha didn’t think that was fair, so she had a little whine before dinner, complaining to Jesus. Jesus told Martha that she was wrong, that Mary had chosen what was better.
How about you? Do you choose what is better? We all can – we all must – make choices about what we do. The simple fact is that we can’t do everything, no matter if we think we are superhuman. Martha tried to do it all and ended up worried and upset, and she missed the presence of Jesus. Mary chose what was better – the one thing that was needed.
If you choose the wrong things – or too many right things – you will be worried and upset and end up losing the right thing. Narrow your focus; limit your choices. Choose what is better.
Have a great Tuesday! As God brings us to your mind throughout the day, please remember to pray for Lana and me as there are some things in the works tonight concerning a possible ministry assignment. We want to choose what is better!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.6-7: We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Do You Dance with Your Bible?
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nehemiah 10
NT: Luke 9
W&W: Psalm 49
Today’s Reflection:
Yesterday I preached at Mount Sterling (Ohio) Church of the Nazarene. My first preaching in several months. I was worried that I wouldn’t remember how to preach. (Lana was worried that I wouldn’t know how to stop preaching!) Since that church has two services (8:30 and 10:30), I got back into it in a big way. What an enjoyable day! The people at Mt. Sterling really enjoy their worship. I felt comfortable in the presence of God’s people, praising Him!
I preached yesterday from Nehemiah 8, the account of a great day in the history of the people of God. As you read this chapter, you will notice how the people of God responded to God’s Word:
Do we, friends, as Christians dance with our Bibles? Shouldn’t we?
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.6-7: We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
OT: Nehemiah 10
NT: Luke 9
W&W: Psalm 49
Today’s Reflection:
Yesterday I preached at Mount Sterling (Ohio) Church of the Nazarene. My first preaching in several months. I was worried that I wouldn’t remember how to preach. (Lana was worried that I wouldn’t know how to stop preaching!) Since that church has two services (8:30 and 10:30), I got back into it in a big way. What an enjoyable day! The people at Mt. Sterling really enjoy their worship. I felt comfortable in the presence of God’s people, praising Him!
I preached yesterday from Nehemiah 8, the account of a great day in the history of the people of God. As you read this chapter, you will notice how the people of God responded to God’s Word:
- They were ready and receptive to hear the Word (8.1-3).
- They responded with respect and reverence to the Word (8.5-6).
- They repented over their sins but returned to rejoicing (8.9-12).
- They reacted to regulations with obedience (8.14-18).
- They returned to remember the grace of God (9.1 ff).
Do we, friends, as Christians dance with our Bibles? Shouldn’t we?
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.6-7: We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Water + Wind = Waves
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nehemiah 8-9
NT: Luke 8
W&W: Psalm 48
Today’s Reflection:
There is a story in Luke 8 in which Jesus and his disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee on a small boat. Jesus fell asleep as they sailed, and while he was sleeping a storm came up causing the disciples to fear for their lives. They wakened Jesus and he – with a simple word – calmed the storm. As the disciples witnessed this, they asked, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
As I thought about this story, I wondered about the winds and the water in your life. To me, the water represents just the “stuff” of life – family, job, health, responsibilities, relationships, etc. As long as things are going smoothly, the stuff of life is not threatening. There are times, however, when storms arise, and the wind starts to blow across our lives. The wind represents problems that come – divorce, lay-offs, sickness, heavy burdens, estrangement, etc. When problems come, even the stuff of life can become threatening. You see, water plus wind equals waves, and it’s the waves that undo us.
But, I have good news for you. Even the winds and the water obey Jesus! He is Lord over the wind – the storms of life. These storms can come to you only as they pass through his permissive will, and he knows what you can bear. He is Lord over the water – the stuff of life. He sees all the details of your life and knows just how it all fits together. As a matter of fact, the Bible says that in everything (all the stuff and storms of life) he is working for your good (Romans 8.28)! Finally, if you are facing waves right now remember that they are simply the combined ingredients of wind and water. And, since Jesus is Lord over both wind and water, he is Lord over the waves.
Be encouraged, dear friend! I know I am! The waves need not overwhelm us, for Jesus commands the waves!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.4-5: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
OT: Nehemiah 8-9
NT: Luke 8
W&W: Psalm 48
Today’s Reflection:
There is a story in Luke 8 in which Jesus and his disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee on a small boat. Jesus fell asleep as they sailed, and while he was sleeping a storm came up causing the disciples to fear for their lives. They wakened Jesus and he – with a simple word – calmed the storm. As the disciples witnessed this, they asked, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
As I thought about this story, I wondered about the winds and the water in your life. To me, the water represents just the “stuff” of life – family, job, health, responsibilities, relationships, etc. As long as things are going smoothly, the stuff of life is not threatening. There are times, however, when storms arise, and the wind starts to blow across our lives. The wind represents problems that come – divorce, lay-offs, sickness, heavy burdens, estrangement, etc. When problems come, even the stuff of life can become threatening. You see, water plus wind equals waves, and it’s the waves that undo us.
But, I have good news for you. Even the winds and the water obey Jesus! He is Lord over the wind – the storms of life. These storms can come to you only as they pass through his permissive will, and he knows what you can bear. He is Lord over the water – the stuff of life. He sees all the details of your life and knows just how it all fits together. As a matter of fact, the Bible says that in everything (all the stuff and storms of life) he is working for your good (Romans 8.28)! Finally, if you are facing waves right now remember that they are simply the combined ingredients of wind and water. And, since Jesus is Lord over both wind and water, he is Lord over the waves.
Be encouraged, dear friend! I know I am! The waves need not overwhelm us, for Jesus commands the waves!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.4-5: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Large and Spacious
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nehemiah 7
NT: Luke 7
W&W: Psalm 47
Today’s Reflection:
The following statements in today’s Old Testament and Wisdom and Worship readings stirred my soul:
May God take me – take you – to a place “large and spacious” with room to gather and grow the family of God. Of course, I am praying that he do that for me in a very real way geographically, calling me to a place to serve. But, may he take each of us to a “large and spacious” place – emotionally, mentally, spiritually – where we have room in our hearts and thinking and faith to build up the community of God’s people.
In the Psalm, we read that God is calling “the nobles of the nations” to assemble as his people, as the people of Abraham, the people of faith. Those on the “outside” need to come in. They belong on the “inside.” They are nobles, and it is not fitting that nobles remain outside when the royal family is within praising the King.
Isn’t that exciting? God sees the “lost” as royal rulers! He saw me that way. He sees those in my “new community” that way. He is telling me – telling us – “Bring in my sons and daughters of royal blood. Do not let them perish alone and rejected.”
God help us to see the sons and daughters of the kingdom who are on the outside and then to bring them into the city. May God put it in our hearts to bring them in to grow and rebuild their houses. Then, as we gather them, may he build them as “living stones” into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2.5).
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.4-5: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
OT: Nehemiah 7
NT: Luke 7
W&W: Psalm 47
Today’s Reflection:
The following statements in today’s Old Testament and Wisdom and Worship readings stirred my soul:
- Now the city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and the houses had not yet been rebuilt. So my God put it into my heart… (Nehemiah 7.4-5a).
- The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted (Psalm 47.9).
May God take me – take you – to a place “large and spacious” with room to gather and grow the family of God. Of course, I am praying that he do that for me in a very real way geographically, calling me to a place to serve. But, may he take each of us to a “large and spacious” place – emotionally, mentally, spiritually – where we have room in our hearts and thinking and faith to build up the community of God’s people.
In the Psalm, we read that God is calling “the nobles of the nations” to assemble as his people, as the people of Abraham, the people of faith. Those on the “outside” need to come in. They belong on the “inside.” They are nobles, and it is not fitting that nobles remain outside when the royal family is within praising the King.
Isn’t that exciting? God sees the “lost” as royal rulers! He saw me that way. He sees those in my “new community” that way. He is telling me – telling us – “Bring in my sons and daughters of royal blood. Do not let them perish alone and rejected.”
God help us to see the sons and daughters of the kingdom who are on the outside and then to bring them into the city. May God put it in our hearts to bring them in to grow and rebuild their houses. Then, as we gather them, may he build them as “living stones” into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2.5).
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.4-5: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Ezra Fast
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nehemiah 6
NT: Luke 6
W&W: Psalm 46
Today’s Reflection:
Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “We are not unaware of the devil’s schemes” (2 Corinthians 2.11).
Nehemiah recognized the schemes of Satan in trying to prevent the program of God from moving forward. Through Sanballat, Tobiah, and false prophets, Satan tried to intimidate, discourage, wear down, distract, divide, and ridicule God’s leaders and workers. Nehemiah didn’t fall for any of it: “But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands’” (Nehemiah 6.9b). Too often we try to face down the enemy on his terms when what we need to do is pray.
Many years ago a dear friend and retired minister warned me about discouragement. For years, I thought that he was mistaken and that I was impervious to Satan’s scheme of discouragement. But eventually I learned to pray daily: “Give me victory over discouragement.” Over the course of years, that simple prayer has done more to help me overcome discouragement than all my denials and defenses. But first, I had to recognize the scheme of the enemy and begin to pray about it.
Speaking of prayer, many of my readers know that I have been praying and fasting for God to open a door of ministry for me. I’ve shared with some folks who are praying for me (many of you readers) of a fast that I am observing today. It is called the Ezra Fast and is taken from Elmer Towns’ book Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough. (An excellent guide for fasting, by the way. I recommend it as a simple, understandable approach to fasting for different things.) I would like to share a few insights from Towns’ book. If you are not interested, skip to the bottom of this posting for today’s Bible readings.
The Ezra Fast is for those facing problems in their physical life or carrying burdens that hinder their Christian progress. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? … To undo the heavy burdens? (Isaiah 58.6, KJV) Ezra called all the Jews traveling through a dangerous wilderness (the problem) to fast for protection from their enemies along the journey. The key verse for this fast is: “So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer” (Ezra 8.23).
There are at least three wrong attitudes we can take toward problems:
Prescription for the Ezra Fast:
1) Recruit those involved to fast with you (see Ezra 8.21).
2) Define and share the problem (v. 21).
3) Put yourself on the spot.
4) Fast seriously to God (v. 21).
5) Fast before attempting a solution (v. 15).
6) Fast facing the problem – or on site with insight (v. 21).
7) Fast for step-by-step guidance (v. 21).
8) Take practical steps after your fast to solve the problem (v. 24).
Hope this is helpful to you in days ahead!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.4-5: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
OT: Nehemiah 6
NT: Luke 6
W&W: Psalm 46
Today’s Reflection:
Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “We are not unaware of the devil’s schemes” (2 Corinthians 2.11).
Nehemiah recognized the schemes of Satan in trying to prevent the program of God from moving forward. Through Sanballat, Tobiah, and false prophets, Satan tried to intimidate, discourage, wear down, distract, divide, and ridicule God’s leaders and workers. Nehemiah didn’t fall for any of it: “But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands’” (Nehemiah 6.9b). Too often we try to face down the enemy on his terms when what we need to do is pray.
Many years ago a dear friend and retired minister warned me about discouragement. For years, I thought that he was mistaken and that I was impervious to Satan’s scheme of discouragement. But eventually I learned to pray daily: “Give me victory over discouragement.” Over the course of years, that simple prayer has done more to help me overcome discouragement than all my denials and defenses. But first, I had to recognize the scheme of the enemy and begin to pray about it.
Speaking of prayer, many of my readers know that I have been praying and fasting for God to open a door of ministry for me. I’ve shared with some folks who are praying for me (many of you readers) of a fast that I am observing today. It is called the Ezra Fast and is taken from Elmer Towns’ book Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough. (An excellent guide for fasting, by the way. I recommend it as a simple, understandable approach to fasting for different things.) I would like to share a few insights from Towns’ book. If you are not interested, skip to the bottom of this posting for today’s Bible readings.
The Ezra Fast is for those facing problems in their physical life or carrying burdens that hinder their Christian progress. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? … To undo the heavy burdens? (Isaiah 58.6, KJV) Ezra called all the Jews traveling through a dangerous wilderness (the problem) to fast for protection from their enemies along the journey. The key verse for this fast is: “So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer” (Ezra 8.23).
There are at least three wrong attitudes we can take toward problems:
- I am unusual.
- I am unspiritual.
- God has forsaken me.
- I cannot run from my problems.
- I cannot keep problems from happening.
- I can solve my problems!
- Eyes to see the positive: You are praying for victory! Know the outcome you want and ask God to give it to you. Do not be problem-centered, but God-centered. God is giving you a new vision of what he can do. Seize it!
- Eyes to see the people: Who is affected? Who is influential? Who is “with” you in spirit? Who are your praying and fasting partners? Who are resistant or critical?
- Eyes to see the principles: What does the Bible say about the problem you are facing? How have others I know solved a similar situation?
Prescription for the Ezra Fast:
1) Recruit those involved to fast with you (see Ezra 8.21).
2) Define and share the problem (v. 21).
3) Put yourself on the spot.
4) Fast seriously to God (v. 21).
5) Fast before attempting a solution (v. 15).
6) Fast facing the problem – or on site with insight (v. 21).
7) Fast for step-by-step guidance (v. 21).
8) Take practical steps after your fast to solve the problem (v. 24).
Hope this is helpful to you in days ahead!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.4-5: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Sold Out!
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nehemiah 5
NT: Luke 5
W&W: Psalm 45
Today’s Reflection:
Nehemiah 5 describes how many of the people of God were under financial strain and some others were taking advantage of them. When Nehemiah heard of this, he made an interesting demand: “You are exacting usury from your own countrymen… As far as possible, we have bought back our Jewish brothers who were sold to the Gentiles. Now you are selling your brothers, only for them to be sold back to us… What you are doing is not right. Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies? I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let the exacting of usury stop! Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the usury you are charging them—the hundredth part of the money, grain, new wine and oil."
The “church” was buying back the people of God sold into slavery. That was good! The bad thing was that they often had to buy back those who were sold out by members of the “church.” The sad thing was that they were often being sold out over a difference in values of 1% – a miniscule amount! (Can you imagine paying 1% interest on a loan today? Wouldn't that be great!) And, all this was happening in front of the “un-churched,” causing reproach on the “church.”
Do we not do the same today? Do we not divide over minor differences? When we disagree, do we then sell out our brothers and their families – those whom Jesus died to redeem?
Also, do we – through judgmental legalism – sell out and discourage those who have started with Jesus? Do we do this when they do not make it up to our standards of understanding and behavior? And, by our attitudes are we consigning them to spiritual defeat?
Finally, do we sell out the watching world? Jesus died, paying the price for their redemption from slavery to sin. When the church divides and sells out, are we casing such reproach on Christ that they refuse to be saved?
Friends, let us not sell out our brothers and sisters over miniscule amounts. Let us not consign new believers to defeat by expecting them to be where we are. And finally, let’s not sell out the world through division in the body of Christ. After all, didn’t Jesus say, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”?
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.4-5: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
OT: Nehemiah 5
NT: Luke 5
W&W: Psalm 45
Today’s Reflection:
Nehemiah 5 describes how many of the people of God were under financial strain and some others were taking advantage of them. When Nehemiah heard of this, he made an interesting demand: “You are exacting usury from your own countrymen… As far as possible, we have bought back our Jewish brothers who were sold to the Gentiles. Now you are selling your brothers, only for them to be sold back to us… What you are doing is not right. Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies? I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let the exacting of usury stop! Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the usury you are charging them—the hundredth part of the money, grain, new wine and oil."
The “church” was buying back the people of God sold into slavery. That was good! The bad thing was that they often had to buy back those who were sold out by members of the “church.” The sad thing was that they were often being sold out over a difference in values of 1% – a miniscule amount! (Can you imagine paying 1% interest on a loan today? Wouldn't that be great!) And, all this was happening in front of the “un-churched,” causing reproach on the “church.”
Do we not do the same today? Do we not divide over minor differences? When we disagree, do we then sell out our brothers and their families – those whom Jesus died to redeem?
Also, do we – through judgmental legalism – sell out and discourage those who have started with Jesus? Do we do this when they do not make it up to our standards of understanding and behavior? And, by our attitudes are we consigning them to spiritual defeat?
Finally, do we sell out the watching world? Jesus died, paying the price for their redemption from slavery to sin. When the church divides and sells out, are we casing such reproach on Christ that they refuse to be saved?
Friends, let us not sell out our brothers and sisters over miniscule amounts. Let us not consign new believers to defeat by expecting them to be where we are. And finally, let’s not sell out the world through division in the body of Christ. After all, didn’t Jesus say, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”?
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.4-5: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Monday, March 9, 2009
No Shortcuts
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nehemiah 4
NT: Luke 4
W&W: Psalm 44
Today’s Reflection:
In Luke’s account of Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness (Luke 4.1-13) something jumped out at me from verse 2: “where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” That was “new” to me. I don’t know why I’ve missed it all these years, but I have usually pictured the fasting and temptation differently from this description. I have thought more along the lines of Jesus fasting and then at the end of the fast the devil coming to him to tempt him (as seen in the second part of verse 2 and beginning of verse 3: “at the end of them [the forty days] he was hungry. The devil said to him…”)
But, the first part of verse 2 makes it clear that during the entire time of fasting the devil was tempting our Savior: “for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” I think we can safely assume that the temptations summarized in vv. 3-13 had been at least a part of the temptations Jesus faced in the preceding 40 days.
As I considered all this, I thought of how many of you are in the wilderness and may be fasting even now. In the wilderness there are temptations. You have entered an unseen battlefield for the coming of the Kingdom of God. It is a warfare that is taking place in high places, at spiritual levels. I again tell you, do not be surprised at any temptations that the devil will throw at you. I don’t know what they might be, but I do know that they are coming – as part of your spiritual warfare.
Let me share with you what I saw in the temptations of Jesus as recorded in my biblical journal. I hope it is of help to you in those times you are engaged in spiritual battles.
Jesus was tempted by the devil to take shortcuts. He refused to take the shortcuts:
· Bread (the first temptation) is to be earned by hard work.
· Influence (the second temptation) is to be gained by integrity and humility.
· Results (the third temptation) are achieved by faithfully trusting in God’s plan.
The devil will tempt you and me to take shortcuts also. But we must stay true.
There is no shortcut to hard work:
· Pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the harvest…
· “Prayer is the work…” (Oswald Chambers)
· Labor in prayer…
· Zion will not bring forth children until she travails as in labor…
· We worked night and day, laboring and toiling…
· They have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it…
There is no short cut to integrity and humility:
· Worship God
· Be true to yourself
There is no short cut to God’s plan:
· Stay in step with the Savior
· Do not test God presumptuously – especially in times of spiritual endeavors such as fasting
· Wait on God to work, then join him in the battle for souls
· We must point to Jesus, not our work
Be encouraged and strengthened in the battle! The impact of your fasting will be seen for years to come – even generations!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.4-5: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
OT: Nehemiah 4
NT: Luke 4
W&W: Psalm 44
Today’s Reflection:
In Luke’s account of Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness (Luke 4.1-13) something jumped out at me from verse 2: “where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” That was “new” to me. I don’t know why I’ve missed it all these years, but I have usually pictured the fasting and temptation differently from this description. I have thought more along the lines of Jesus fasting and then at the end of the fast the devil coming to him to tempt him (as seen in the second part of verse 2 and beginning of verse 3: “at the end of them [the forty days] he was hungry. The devil said to him…”)
But, the first part of verse 2 makes it clear that during the entire time of fasting the devil was tempting our Savior: “for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” I think we can safely assume that the temptations summarized in vv. 3-13 had been at least a part of the temptations Jesus faced in the preceding 40 days.
As I considered all this, I thought of how many of you are in the wilderness and may be fasting even now. In the wilderness there are temptations. You have entered an unseen battlefield for the coming of the Kingdom of God. It is a warfare that is taking place in high places, at spiritual levels. I again tell you, do not be surprised at any temptations that the devil will throw at you. I don’t know what they might be, but I do know that they are coming – as part of your spiritual warfare.
Let me share with you what I saw in the temptations of Jesus as recorded in my biblical journal. I hope it is of help to you in those times you are engaged in spiritual battles.
Jesus was tempted by the devil to take shortcuts. He refused to take the shortcuts:
· Bread (the first temptation) is to be earned by hard work.
· Influence (the second temptation) is to be gained by integrity and humility.
· Results (the third temptation) are achieved by faithfully trusting in God’s plan.
The devil will tempt you and me to take shortcuts also. But we must stay true.
There is no shortcut to hard work:
· Pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the harvest…
· “Prayer is the work…” (Oswald Chambers)
· Labor in prayer…
· Zion will not bring forth children until she travails as in labor…
· We worked night and day, laboring and toiling…
· They have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it…
There is no short cut to integrity and humility:
· Worship God
· Be true to yourself
There is no short cut to God’s plan:
· Stay in step with the Savior
· Do not test God presumptuously – especially in times of spiritual endeavors such as fasting
· Wait on God to work, then join him in the battle for souls
· We must point to Jesus, not our work
Be encouraged and strengthened in the battle! The impact of your fasting will be seen for years to come – even generations!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.4-5: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Stand in the Gap
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nehemiah 1-3
NT: Luke 3
W&W: Psalm 43
Today’s Reflection:
In the Bible and in the lives of people we know, we often find that the sin of individuals negatively impact the whole people. In today’s Old Testament reading, we understand the sin of the people can afflict one righteous man. But, we find that the repentance of that one man can have positive impact on the whole people.
If you read today’s scripture, you will see that Nehemiah – when told about the trouble and disgrace of the remnant who had returned to Jerusalem – sat down and wept, mourned and fasted. He prayed, “I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against you” (Nehemiah 1.6).
Once again, we see a leader truly – not just ceremonially – identifying with the sin of the whole people. Nehemiah had not been part of the cause of the exile (He hadn’t been born yet.), but he did acknowledge that he was part of the people who had acted wickedly toward God. He was guilty for they were guilty. He meant it.
Having recognized his guilt, however, he threw himself upon the mercy of God. He called upon god to remember his promises for a people who would return to God. Since he repented, representing all the people, he could return, representing all the people. Thus in the return of one man all were returning to God. Through this one man’s faith, all would participate in the gathering.
God has said in another place, “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall stand before me in the gap,… but, I found none” (Ezekiel 22.30). Two generations later, God found Nehemiah and sent him to gather the people to build up the wall and stand in the gap.
We know that God has appointed Jesus to stand in the gap on behalf of the sins of the whole world. Yet today, God is looking for men and women who will build up the wall and stand in the gap in their own communities and churches, as did Nehemiah. Will you be one who – like Nehemiah – will identify completely with the sins of the people? Will you then repent and plead for God’s mercy? Will you then go and gather the redeemed people? If you will, God will use you to bring about great revival in your land.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
OT: Nehemiah 1-3
NT: Luke 3
W&W: Psalm 43
Today’s Reflection:
In the Bible and in the lives of people we know, we often find that the sin of individuals negatively impact the whole people. In today’s Old Testament reading, we understand the sin of the people can afflict one righteous man. But, we find that the repentance of that one man can have positive impact on the whole people.
If you read today’s scripture, you will see that Nehemiah – when told about the trouble and disgrace of the remnant who had returned to Jerusalem – sat down and wept, mourned and fasted. He prayed, “I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against you” (Nehemiah 1.6).
Once again, we see a leader truly – not just ceremonially – identifying with the sin of the whole people. Nehemiah had not been part of the cause of the exile (He hadn’t been born yet.), but he did acknowledge that he was part of the people who had acted wickedly toward God. He was guilty for they were guilty. He meant it.
Having recognized his guilt, however, he threw himself upon the mercy of God. He called upon god to remember his promises for a people who would return to God. Since he repented, representing all the people, he could return, representing all the people. Thus in the return of one man all were returning to God. Through this one man’s faith, all would participate in the gathering.
God has said in another place, “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall stand before me in the gap,… but, I found none” (Ezekiel 22.30). Two generations later, God found Nehemiah and sent him to gather the people to build up the wall and stand in the gap.
We know that God has appointed Jesus to stand in the gap on behalf of the sins of the whole world. Yet today, God is looking for men and women who will build up the wall and stand in the gap in their own communities and churches, as did Nehemiah. Will you be one who – like Nehemiah – will identify completely with the sins of the people? Will you then repent and plead for God’s mercy? Will you then go and gather the redeemed people? If you will, God will use you to bring about great revival in your land.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Be That Leader!
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezra 10
NT: Luke 2
W&W: Psalm 42
Today’s Reflection:
When a leaders leads the way in repentance and humility as did Ezra in the Old Testament, when he – like Jesus – takes the sin and guilt of his people as his own, when she throws herself and her people on the mercy of God, then something amazing happens: “A large crowd of Israelites – men, women, and children – gathered around him [Ezra]. They too wept bitterly” (Ezra 10.1).
When the people saw their leader identifying with them (chapter 9), they wanted to identify themselves with him. Their identification with their leader, however, did not end in weeping. Not only did they “own” the problem; the “owned” the solution. Looking through chapter 10 you see the following responses:
OT: Ezra 10
NT: Luke 2
W&W: Psalm 42
Today’s Reflection:
When a leaders leads the way in repentance and humility as did Ezra in the Old Testament, when he – like Jesus – takes the sin and guilt of his people as his own, when she throws herself and her people on the mercy of God, then something amazing happens: “A large crowd of Israelites – men, women, and children – gathered around him [Ezra]. They too wept bitterly” (Ezra 10.1).
When the people saw their leader identifying with them (chapter 9), they wanted to identify themselves with him. Their identification with their leader, however, did not end in weeping. Not only did they “own” the problem; the “owned” the solution. Looking through chapter 10 you see the following responses:
- We have been unfaithful…
- There is still hope…
- Let’s make a covenant to correct this problem…
- Let’s follow the input of this man of God who has led us to humility and repentance…
- Let’s do it “by the book” (the Law)…
- We pledge our support to the solution…
- We encourage our leader…
- We will help complete the solution…
“God, though I am unworthy, your work demands and deserves a leader who is contrite and humble, one who is willing to identify with the weaknesses of the people. Your work demands and deserves a people who will gather around a leader in this manner. God, may I be that leader! Give me that place!”
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
True Leaders Lead to and through Repentance
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezra 9
NT: Luke 1
W&W: Psalm 41
Today’s Reflection:
Ezra 9 shares an alarming development among God’s people after the great victory that the Lord had brought about in bringing the people back to Jerusalem:
1 After these things had been done, the leaders came to me and said, "The people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices, like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians and Amorites. 2 They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness."
As we often see in the Bible, tragedy results when people don’t follow God-ordained leadership. But how much more tragic when “the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness!” (v. 2)
Man / Woman of God – leader of the people of God – give careful attention to your life. You call yourself a leader, and thus it is clear that you expect people to follow you. Know where you are leading them!
The leader Ezra led the people out of their sin. He repented and humbled himself on behalf of the sin of the people and leaders. He himself was not the least guilty of engaging in this sinful behavior of which he repented. But, he took the guilt of the others as his own. This is evident in his actions, revealing genuine repentance:
OT: Ezra 9
NT: Luke 1
W&W: Psalm 41
Today’s Reflection:
Ezra 9 shares an alarming development among God’s people after the great victory that the Lord had brought about in bringing the people back to Jerusalem:
1 After these things had been done, the leaders came to me and said, "The people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices, like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians and Amorites. 2 They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness."
As we often see in the Bible, tragedy results when people don’t follow God-ordained leadership. But how much more tragic when “the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness!” (v. 2)
Man / Woman of God – leader of the people of God – give careful attention to your life. You call yourself a leader, and thus it is clear that you expect people to follow you. Know where you are leading them!
The leader Ezra led the people out of their sin. He repented and humbled himself on behalf of the sin of the people and leaders. He himself was not the least guilty of engaging in this sinful behavior of which he repented. But, he took the guilt of the others as his own. This is evident in his actions, revealing genuine repentance:
- He tore his clothes.
- He pulled out his hair and beard.
- He sat down appalled.
- He fell on his knees.
- He spread out his hands to heaven.
- He prayed.
- He fasted (Ezra 10.6).
Leader, are you willing to pay such a price? Will you identify with the sin of your people as did Ezra? As did Moses? As did Paul? As did Jesus?
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Ezra Proclaimed a Fast
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Today’s Reflection:
In Ezra 8, we read that Ezra led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem. Before, they set out on their journey, Ezra proclaimed a fast. The purpose of the fast was so…
That the pilgrims might humble themselves before God.
That they would then be in a position to ask God for a safe journey.
That they could also ask God for a safe journey for their children.
That God would honor their trust and their testimony of his faithfulness.
That God would keep their possessions intact:
Join me in prayer and fasting for God to bless you on your journey to spiritual blessings and renewal!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
- OT: Ezra 8
- NT: Mark 16
- W&W: Psalm 40
Today’s Reflection:
In Ezra 8, we read that Ezra led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem. Before, they set out on their journey, Ezra proclaimed a fast. The purpose of the fast was so…
That the pilgrims might humble themselves before God.
That they would then be in a position to ask God for a safe journey.
That they could also ask God for a safe journey for their children.
That God would honor their trust and their testimony of his faithfulness.
That God would keep their possessions intact:
- Household goods – things of life
- Articles for worship
- Sacrificial offerings
- Strength and provision for the journey
- Hope and expectation of God’s favor
- Something to present to God upon their arrival
Join me in prayer and fasting for God to bless you on your journey to spiritual blessings and renewal!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Praying the Words of Jesus
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Today’s Reflection:
When I read Mark 15, two statements from Jesus stood out to me: “Yes, it is as you say” (Mark 15.2), and “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15.34). I invite you to “listen in” on my conversation with the Lord…
First of all, I know, Lord, it is as you say. I wait for you to speak in my future, for you have spoken in my past. All you have decreed is, and all you shall decree will be. Speak, Lord:
Also, Lord, I see that Pilate said more than he understood when he called you the King of the Jews. May the same be the case for those involved in calling me and for those praying for me. Would it be possible that a “word of prophesy” – a word that goes beyond human understanding and calculation – might be spoken by them? May it be so obviously from God that it would be said of all those involved, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” So may it be as they say!
To that end, Lord, may I speak words that will bring about your will. By faith may my words – “Be removed and thrown into the sea” – move all mountains and bring about the Kingdom of God. Do this in my preaching (revivals and pulpit supply coming up) and in my situation with job and ministry. May I be discerning and courageous enough so that it will be as I say!
Lord Jesus, your next statement recorded in Mark 15 arose from the depth of your identifying with my sinfulness. I could never understand what you experienced as the Son of God to feel forsaken by your Father. Yet, there is a cry that arises from my heart. I feel afraid, at times overwhelmed. Alone. Hearing your cry from the cross, I know, Lord, that you understand me. As a matter of fact your understanding of my situation goes deeper than my own understanding of it. In that I am comforted.
My Jesus, may I never “feel sorry for myself,” but may I always look to your example and find courage in your courage, faith in your faith, and obedience in your obedience.
Amen.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
- OT: Ezra 7
- NT: Mark 15
- W&W: Psalm 39
Today’s Reflection:
When I read Mark 15, two statements from Jesus stood out to me: “Yes, it is as you say” (Mark 15.2), and “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15.34). I invite you to “listen in” on my conversation with the Lord…
First of all, I know, Lord, it is as you say. I wait for you to speak in my future, for you have spoken in my past. All you have decreed is, and all you shall decree will be. Speak, Lord:
- To me so that I can know your will
- To Lana so that she can know your will
- To those involved in calling me to my next assignment so they can know your will
- To my children so they can help us discover your will
Also, Lord, I see that Pilate said more than he understood when he called you the King of the Jews. May the same be the case for those involved in calling me and for those praying for me. Would it be possible that a “word of prophesy” – a word that goes beyond human understanding and calculation – might be spoken by them? May it be so obviously from God that it would be said of all those involved, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” So may it be as they say!
To that end, Lord, may I speak words that will bring about your will. By faith may my words – “Be removed and thrown into the sea” – move all mountains and bring about the Kingdom of God. Do this in my preaching (revivals and pulpit supply coming up) and in my situation with job and ministry. May I be discerning and courageous enough so that it will be as I say!
Lord Jesus, your next statement recorded in Mark 15 arose from the depth of your identifying with my sinfulness. I could never understand what you experienced as the Son of God to feel forsaken by your Father. Yet, there is a cry that arises from my heart. I feel afraid, at times overwhelmed. Alone. Hearing your cry from the cross, I know, Lord, that you understand me. As a matter of fact your understanding of my situation goes deeper than my own understanding of it. In that I am comforted.
My Jesus, may I never “feel sorry for myself,” but may I always look to your example and find courage in your courage, faith in your faith, and obedience in your obedience.
Amen.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
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