Nobility - Is It in You?

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 31-32
NT: Acts 18
W&W: Proverbs 26

Today’s Reflection:

Excerpted from New Webster’s Dictionary of the English Language; College Edition:

Nobility, n. The state or quality of being noble; noble birth or state; exalted moral excellence; admirable dignity; majesty or augustness.
Noble, a. Famous, illustrious or great; distinguished by birth, rank, or title; of an exalted moral character or excellence; admirable in dignity of conception, or in the manner of expression, execution, or composition; stately or magnificent; of an admirable high quality; fine; choice; notably superior.

Excerpted from the Bible; Isaiah 31.8, NIV:
“The noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands.”

Nobility – is it in you? For the follower of Jesus Christ, the above verse answers the question:

• It starts with the person, what you are: “The noble man [woman]…” You must be first. For nobility to be in you, you must be a noble person. Look at the definitions above, and rejoice that you have been distinguished by the new birth. You have been conceived through the Holy Spirit in dignity and rank. You get the idea.
• It then works into your manner of thinking as exhibited in your plans: “makes noble plans …” When you are made noble through the new birth, all things become new, even your way of thinking. This happens by discipline and focus on moral and excellent truths and by exposure and relationship to the noble family of God. The more you focus on God and walk with Jesus, the more noble your plans (thinking) become.
• Nobility then is expressed in actions: “by noble deeds…” The noble intentions that spring from the heart of a noble man or woman end up in noble behavior. Again, look at the descriptors found in the above definitions. You are behaving as a member of the nobility.
• Such a man /woman continues in his/her nobility: “he stands.” Being a part of nobility is not something you do for a while and then move on to something else. The truly noble person stands in his nobility. His or her final state is assured and certain.

Be. Plan. Do. Stand. Nobility – is it in you?

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.5-6: This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.

Rest

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 30
NT: Acts 17
W&W: Proverbs 25

Today’s Reflection:
Yesterday I mentioned my concern over the haste with which our jpresident is pushing great changes through our government. Everything seems to be in crisis mode. I'm sure he isn't looking for advice from me, but I would counsel him and others - who like me are prone to hurry - listen to the prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 30.15, 18 says, “In repentance and rest is your salvation; in quietness and trust is your strength… The Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him.”

Let these words soak into your soul today.

• Repentance
• Rest
• Quietness
• Trust
• Wait
• Strength
• Grace
• Compassion
• Justice
• Blessing

Don’t be in a hurry. Just have a great day!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.5-6: This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.

Come Help Us!

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 29
NT: Acts 16
W&W: Proverbs 24

Today’s Reflection:
Acts 16.6-10, the story of Paul’s vision and call to Macedonia, provides some interesting perspectives on leadership and vision:

1. The vision came while the ministry team was hard at work while seeing little results. First, we should not expect a new vision until we are doing our best to fulfill what we know to do. But also, we should not let closed doors and discouragement prevent us from believing that God has a plan.
2. Paul, the leader, saw the vision. I heard one person say it like this: “God does not give visions to committees.” Study the Bible carefully and you will find that God – more often than not – speaks to individuals who must then in obedience and by faith share with the group. A notable exception is Acts 13.1-3 when God spoke to the entire leadership team about a missionary endeavor. However, the narrative is not clear as to how God spoke to them. There is room in the biblical account to believe that God impressed each heart individually, and then as they began to share they realized that God was telling them all the same thing. (See #5 below.)
3. God called Paul through the vision to a specific place. Visions that are to general, grand ideas are nice, but do not generally result in action. God wanted the group to take specific action: “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
4. God called the rest of the ministry team through the leader. Paul had to be courageous and humble enough to share his dream with the group. The group had to be humble and courageous enough to realize that God was speaking to all of them through Paul. But, we need not read into this that the realization is automatic. Hence…
5. God used all of them in “concluding” that the vision was right. The Bible says to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4.1). Leaders should not be intimidated when the group wants to determine that this really is the right way to go. (By way of illustration, I have been alarmed by all the haste our current president is pressing on our other elected officials…) Yet, while God is not in a hurry, we should also be careful not to stonewall progress. Test the spirits and then take action! Do it now!
6. Not only did all of them conclude that the vision was the right one; all of them “included” themselves in the vision. “We got ready…” “God had called us…” Just because the vision comes through the leader or through others does not mean that you are not included! Remember what Paul wrote elsewhere: “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ…” (Ephesians 5.21). Surely this includes the idea of vision and direction from God. Rejoice that God includes you in the vision!

I hope you have a great Wednesday!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.5-6: This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.

Let God Choose

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 27-28
NT: Acts 15
W&W: Proverbs 23

Today’s Reflection:
In the early days of The Church, there arose a disagreement as to how Christians ought to live. There were some Jewish Christians who were teaching that Gentile Christians had to observe the Law in order to be saved. The early church met to decide the issue. The “minutes” of that meeting are found in Acts 15, and embedded in that story is the testimony of the Apostle Peter: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe” (Acts 15.7b).

As I read that I thought why we might have chosen Paul to be the first to take the gospel to the Gentiles. After all, Paul was:

• Known as the apostle to the Gentiles
• Clearly called of God to go to the Gentiles

But, how wise is our God in choosing Peter to open the door of the gospel to the Gentiles. Peter was:

• Recognized as the apostle to the Jews
• Zealous for the heritage of Judaism
• Respected by the Jerusalem church
• Validated as an eye-witness of Jesus’ ministry
• Accepted as a natural leader of the fledgling movement

Looking again at Paul, at the time the first Gentiles came to faith, he was:

• Probably viewed with skepticism or even suspicion
• Not “ready” to preach to the Gentiles when Cornelius sent for Peter (see Acts 10).
• Not yet recognized as the apostle to the Gentiles.
• Would need the “weight” of Peter’s apostleship to sway later Jewish Christians. (“Yes,” they might say, “that is what Paul thinks about how Christians ought to live, but he didn’t spend three years with Jesus!”)

There are at least three lessons to Christian workers in this story of God choosing Peter rather than Paul to open the door to the Gentiles:

1. Do not be dismayed or discouraged when the work proceeds along a different route from what makes immediate sense to you. (We would have chosen Paul).
2. Look for the threads of God’s wisdom and sovereignty and grace when things go differently from what you planned.
3. Celebrate and give glory to God for the mysteries of his grace!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.5-6: This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.

Neither a Borrower nor a Lender Be

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 25-26
NT: Acts 14
W&W: Proverbs 22

Today’s Reflection:

Though at the time I didn’t know where it was from, I remember my mother quoting the line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “Neither a borrower nor a lender be.” Mom quoted it to me at times I would complain to her that one of my siblings either broke something I loaned them or wouldn’t return it. She was teaching me: “Don’t lend something you can’t afford to lose.” That’s a hard lesson to learn when you’re a kid.

The converse of that lesson is also true: Don’t borrow something you can’t afford to buy! The Wise Man in Proverbs teaches us something about borrowing and lending: “The borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22.7). How true that is! We are a nation of debtors, and we are working longer and longer to serve the debt. I’m afraid it is going to get worse.

Our politicians want to have it both ways. They are offering consumers easier, less responsible debt by making the creditors “give back” money to irresponsible debtors. The problem is that credit will get easier and borrowers will be less responsible in repaying their debts. Good debtors will be forced to pay for the spending habits of poor debtors (not monetarily poor, but poor in the sense of being unskilled at handling debt). President Obama and Congress feel compelled to offer this incentive to would-be debtors because they want us all to become even more consumeristic. But to whom are we becoming servants with all this debt?

We need to be very careful when we borrow. We will be servants to those we borrow from. Do we wish to serve:

• Banks and big business?
• China or other foreign governments?
• Our own over-sized government?
• A future of interest payments?

When we borrow, we open ourselves up to trouble. I read a church marquis this week that highlights our responsibility in debt-control: “Stay out of trouble: act your wage!”

So, thanks, Mom! Lord Polonius’ advice in Hamlet is sound: Neither a borrower nor a lender be. As much as possible, I intend to heed the admonition of the New Testament: “Let no debt remain outstanding but the continuing debt to love” (Romans 13.8a).

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.5-6: This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.

Get Ready and Relax!

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 24
NT: Acts 13
W&W: Proverbs 21

Today’s Reflection:
Earlier this week I was speaking with a new friend. She told me about the exercises that she is doing with her husband who suffered a stroke last fall. Daily she and he work together to move the limbs affected by the stroke. As she was telling me about the routine, she said something very interesting. I won’t get it exactly right, but I think I can get close: “We are doing our part, and we are trusting the Lord to do his part in healing my husband according to his will.”

That reminded me of the scripture that is part of today’s Worship and Wisdom reading: “The horse is made ready for the day of the battle, but victory rests with the Lord” (Proverbs 21.31). We must do our part, but then leave the results in God’s hands. If we don’t get ready for the “battle,” are we really trusting God to work? I heard one district superintendent explain it like this: “You say you want to have a hundred in service next Sunday. Good. How many chairs do you have? 50? You can pray all you want, but God won’t give you a hundred people in the service if you don’t prepare. He’s not the author of confusion and if 100 people show up and try to sit in 50 chairs, that would be confusion!”

As I begin my new ministry, God is urging me to prepare. Please pray with me and for me that God will help me have faith enough to get ready and then relax in him.

To what battle has God called you? Are you ready? If so, then you can relax!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.1-4: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

Deep Waters

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 23
NT: Acts 12
W&W: Proverbs 20

Today’s Reflection:
Proverbs 20.5 says, “The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.” There are three observations I make from this truth:

1. It is my privilege – and even calling – to be a man of understanding to draw out the purposes of others’ hearts. As I get older (and I hope wiser!) I realize how important it is to give back to others what has been given to me through the wisdom and influence of godly men. As God has used many people to help me find my way, I want to be used of God to help others find their way. That does not need to be done in a formal way, but can often be accomplished in day-to-day conversation.
2. I need to have a man of understanding do the same for me. I have blind spots. I sometimes neglect the gifts I have been given. I desire to have Christian relationships that provide feedback, counsel, and encouragement.
3. I should seek to understand myself in order to know the purpose for which God created me. As I meditate and read scripture and pray, God will give me understanding into his purposes for me. Also, I have discovered a great instrument that has helped me become more self-aware – in a God-honoring way. It is called Strengthsfinders©, and it has been developed by Gallup. I would urge you to investigate Strengthsfinders© for yourself.

On one occasion, Jesus told Peter to head out into the deep waters where he would catch some fish. We discover our created purpose in the deep waters of understanding. Take time to do that for yourself and for others.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.1-4: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

Knowledge + Zeal

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 22
NT: Acts 11
W&W: Proverbs 19

Today’s Reflection:

Zeal, [from the Greek stem zeo – to boil]: Passionate ardor in the pursuit of anything; eagerness in any cause or behalf; earnestness; fervency, enthusiasm. (New Webster’s Dictionary)

In the world, we can have zeal for many things:

1. finances (security, profits, etc.)
2. sports teams (Go bucks!)
3. pleasure (let your mind go here…)
4. individual freedom (not so much individual responsibility, though! We want big brother to take care of us…),
5. political ideologies (the environment, tolerance, choice defense, etc.)
6. morality (as we define it, of course!)
7. and many others…

The ancient wise man said in Proverbs 19.2, “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.” As I read that scripture this morning, the Holy Spirit seems to be telling me to give heed to what I am zealous for. The KJV translation of 2 Timothy 2.15 comes to mind: “Study to show thyself approved.” I need to apply myself to understand what I get excited about and to get excited about the right things.

I like the order of Proverbs 19.2: start with knowledge and then add zeal. We need to keep the order right. First, know:

1. The Lord
2. People
3. The Word of God
4. The will of God
5. Yourself
6. Your World

Then allow the Holy Spirit to birth zeal in your soul for the things you know.

The Apostle Paul wrote, in Galatians 4.18, “It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good.” Are you zealous for the right things?

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.1-4: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

Starting in a New Place

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 21
NT: Acts 10
W&W: Proverbs 18

Today’s Reflection:
This is Tuesday's blog. Sorry I didn't get this posted yesterday!

As you may know, I am about to embark on a new ministry assignment as pastor of the Bethel Church of the Nazarene. So, as I read Acts 10, my mind was predisposed to read the passage within the context of start-up. The story is about the Apostle Peter going into the house of Cornelius, preaching the gospel, and seeing God save him and his household.

I noted that Peter:

1. Obediently and without hesitation went to the place God called
2. Affirmed the people of that place
3. Went into the house
4. Found a large group waiting to hear words of hope
5. Sought their purpose in calling him
6. Preached the gospel (God’s purpose in sending him!)
7. Witnessed an outpouring of God’s Spirit
8. Administered baptism to new believers

As I look over that list, I am impressed with its application to a pastor starting in a new assignment. Particularly as I begin my ministry at Bethel, I must:

1. Respond with obedience to God’s call and follow God without reservation and no thoughts of turning back.
2. Affirm the people to whom God has called me.
3. Enter fully into the house of God (Bethel), pouring myself into the work and becoming a part of the lives of those I serve.
4. See a large group ready for hope and encourage them to bring others to hear the words of life.
5. Remain open as to why I am here, asking questions, listening to people, studying the context, and seeking the Lord.
6. Preach the gospel. That’s the calling!
7. Expect to witness the power of God in changing lives.
8. Superintend the worship, membership, discipleship and citizenship of the church.

This may not be an exhaustive list, but you must agree it is not a bad outline for any pastor starting in a new assignment. Giving attention to these things would keep any new pastor busy!

One other thing as I finish today’s blog: another of today’s scriptures deserves mention. Proverbs 18.22 says, “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” Lana and I will soon celebrate 30 years of marriage. As I read that verse, I realized that I indeed have found what is good and the Lord has favored me with a beautiful and enchanting wife!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.1-4: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

Changed In An Instant

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 19-20
NT: Acts 9
W&W: Proverbs 17

Today’s Reflection:
The first verse of Acts 9 informs us that Saul, a young Jewish scholar, was “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.” Saul hated Christians. He rejected the message of Christ. Undoubtedly he scoffed at the thought of the resurrection. But something happened to Saul and his life was changed forever.

As Saul traveled to Damascus to persecute the followers of Jesus Christ, the risen Savior himself appeared to Saul and called him to become a follower, too. Although his circumstances did not change immediately and his acceptance by The Church was longer in coming, Saul was changed nonetheless. He knew it, and he began to live differently at once. In that instant Saul was changed from persecutor of the gospel to preacher of the gospel.

God’s grace is just as effective in your life and mine today as it was in Saul’s life then. Jesus can change us in an instant. Our circumstances may not immediately change, and it may take others longer to realize it, but we are changed nonetheless. No matter where you are, no matter what you have done, no matter how far you may feel from God, do not despair! God changes who and what you are at once. Then he invites you, like Saul, to become who and what he has changed you to. Oh glorious mystery of God’s grace!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Let’s put the first 4 verses of 1 John together. 1 John 1.1-4: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

How Hungry Are You?

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 17-18
NT: Acts 8
W&W: Proverbs 16

Today’s Reflection:
In today’s Worship and Wisdom section of scripture reading, we find Proverbs 16.26: “The laborer’s appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.” Pray with me today for a holy hunger:

“O Holy Hunger, stir in my soul! God, make me hungry for…

1. You. Draw me to your presence in worship, prayer, holiness and love. As the deer pants for water, so my soul pants for you, O God!
2. Souls. Send me to the harvest – with seed and tears – that I may return to you with songs of joy carrying sheaves with me.
3. Righteousness. May I know the blessed fullness that comes from hungering and thirsting for your righteousness. I have faith in your mercy, in your blood. I want to live the Christ-life.
4. Your Word. Fill me with the Bread of heaven! Speak to me through the Bible and grant me knowledge and obedience.

May our spiritual appetites work for us, driving us on! Have a great weekend!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.4-5: We write this to make our joy complete. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

The Message Unloosed!

Today’s, Yesterday’s and Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 11-16
NT: Acts 5-7
W&W: Proverbs 13-15

Today’s Reflection:
Sorry I have been unable to post my blog the last couple of days. Contrary to the commercials – for a guy who is technologically challenged and impoverished, the internet is not always findable! I hope you have kept up – or will catch up with the readings.

I’m in Bethel, OH now, preparing for my start-up on June 7 as pastor of the Bethel Nazarene Church. Through the generosity and kindness of a sister in the Lord, Lana and I have been able find a house to rent without a lease and at a very reasonable price. God is helping us! We thank HIM for his faithfulness.

In Acts 5, we read of the story of the apostles being arrested – again – for preaching in the name of Jesus, but “during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. ‘Go, stand in the temple courts,’ he said, ‘and tell the people the full message of this new life’” (Acts 5.19-20).

The apostles did as they had been instructed, entering the temple courts and teaching the people. The high priest and his associates were in for a surprise the next morning when they sent for them in the jail: “On arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, ‘We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside’” (Acts 5.22-23).

Once again, the Sanhedrin sent guards and made the apostles appear before the high priest. And, once again, they told them not to preach or teach in the name of Jesus. “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men’” (Acts 5.29).

The message was unloosed! When Jesus came forth from the grave, the message of the gospel was set free! Now, Peter and the other apostles confessed: We have to tell the good news! God told us to!

In this season of my life, I feel a particular connection to the message being unloosed. I have received a call to pastor again, and I must obey God! In reality, however, I am thankful that the message never was bound! Yes, I did not have a current assignment in the pulpit of a church, but, God continued to proclaim hope and light through me – mostly without words!

Is the message unloosed in your life? Circumstances need not bind the message of Jesus. The jail, the beatings, even the martyrdom of the apostles could not silence the message of hope. Nor need it silence you and me. “Oh God, unloose the message!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.4-5: We write this to make our joy complete. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

Boldly Preach Jesus

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 9-10
NT: Acts 4
W&W: Proverbs 12

Today’s Reflection:
In Acts 4, we find Peter and John boldly preaching Jesus. They had been arrested and then called to give an account before the Jewish rulers “for an act of kindness shown to a cripple…” Without apology, without hesitation, without shame, they proclaimed, “Know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed” (Acts 4.10).

At the end of the proceedings, Peter and John were commanded “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” To which they replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (vv. 18-20).

When I read that, the Holy Spirit seemed to challenge me, saying, “Preach Jesus! Boldly preach Jesus!”

Following the lead of Peter and John, those who would preach Jesus, who would boldly witness to Jesus’ resurrection and power, must be:

1. Filled with the Spirit
2. Courageous
3. Plain and straightforward
4. Firm and unapologetic
5. Prayerful and dependent
6. Willing to face needs with grace (see blog from May 8)

Let’s get out there and preach Jesus! Boldly preach Jesus!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.4-5: We write this to make our joy complete. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

Face With Grace!

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 8
NT: Acts 3
W&W: Proverbs 11

Today’s Reflection:
When Peter and John were confronted by a crippled beggar on their way into the temple, the Bible says, “Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, ‘Look at us’” (Acts 3.4).

Usually, when we are admonished to look straight at the problem, we think about our own difficulties. But this scripture confronts us with the needs of those around us. I think it is significant that Peter and John looked straight at the man who needed grace because experience tells us that it is so easy to look away. The temptation is to not get involved, to think, “I can’t do anything about it.” But the truth of the matter is, God sends us out every day into a need-filled world, and he wants us to look straight at the needs!

As I read this scripture, it seemed as if God spoke to me: “Be courageous, Scott! Face those who need grace! My grace is sufficient! Do not shy away from needs. I will give you: power; the right words; an anointing of my Holy Spirit; the results I want (It’s my name that’s on the line!).
It’s in my hands, Scott, but I want you to look square on the need at hand!”

I challenge you to hear the same words today. Yes, you have to face your own problems, but also face the world with the grace it needs! God will use you!

Have a great Friday!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.3: We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 6-7
NT: Acts 2
W&W: Proverbs 10

Today’s Reflection:
Today is my mother’s birthday. She would have turned 80 today, but instead, she is celebrating her birthday in heaven for the 4th time. Mom was an amazing lady. Life dealt her some impossible hands, but she always seemed to make something of them, and – using a euchre analogy – take quite a few “tricks” along the way.

As was the case with my brothers and sisters, all my friends loved Mom. They loved to be around her because she always was cheerful and picked up our spirits. And Mom loved to be with us and our friends, too. I remember how we would make go home from college and make Mom stay up late at night and play euchre. I remember one night my brother Al and I were playing against Mom and Kim, a college roommate. They were winning, so we wouldn’t let them go to bed. Neither Mom nor Kim could keep their eyes open, but they still kept on winning. Finally – about 4:00 a.m. – my dad yelled in something I can’t remember. I’m sure even if I did remember I’m sure I couldn’t repeat it!

Nothing seemed to get her down, but she always had something positive to share with those around her. She lived what she taught me when I was a young teen with a temper and a tendency to lash out at people: “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” I never knew why anyone wanted to catch flies, but I know that Mom was always spreading honey! That’s why Mom had lots of friends. I remember how overwhelming it was on the day of her memorial service in Montpelier – how many people came. Even after being gone from her home town for 25 years, Mom still was drawing – not flies but friends! If Mom had any enemies in her life, I don’t know who they were.

I didn’t realize it so much at the time, but it was Mom who taught me to love life and love people. One of the things I do well is to be an “Includer.” That means I try to make sure everybody is included in the group – that no one is left out. As I look back on my Mom’s life I know where I learned that. Mom included everybody in her love. She made sure nobody was on the outside looking in but instead that everybody was on the inside. And because of that we are all better, “richer” people.

Happy birthday, Mom!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.3: We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

Don’t Try This at Home

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 5
NT: Acts 1
W&W: Proverbs 9

Today’s Reflection:
If you are following the scripture readings, you will read Acts 1 today. Acts reports the story of the early years of the Church’s life and mission. Chapter 1 opens with the following paragraph:

1In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

This opening statement provides a great paradigm for Christians who are workers in Kingdom. (And all Christians are workers in the Kingdom!) After his suffering and resurrection, Jesus:

1. Showed himself to the leaders he had chosen. Christian worker, seek to “see” Jesus! Invest in seeing Jesus before you attempt to represent him!
2. Gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. We have been given the awesome privilege of having Jesus live through us! Make sure your behavior and words and attitudes convince others of the life and love of Jesus!
3. Spoke about the Kingdom of God. This is a good one for me to be reminded of. I tend to speak of everything else. May our conversations always be full of grace!
4. Gave them this command: Wait for the gift of Holy Spirit baptism. This admonition extends beyond the Day of Pentecost which we read about in Acts 2. I will repeat to you the words that Paul asked the church in Ephesus years later: “Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?” (Acts 19.2) You’ve heard the disclaimer: “Don’t try this at home.” I would paraphrase that and say, “Don’t try to be a worker in the kingdom on your own. Be filled with the Spirit!”

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.3: We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

And, It’s Morning!

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 3-4
NT: John 21
W&W: Proverbs 8

Today’s Reflection:
John 21 reports a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to some of his disciples at the Sea of Galilee. They – following the lead of Simon Peter – had gone there to fish. They had fished all night but had come up empty. Verse 4 says, “Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.”

It was understandable that the disciples did not recognize Jesus. After all, it was early in the morning, and the day was not yet clear and bright. Also, they were about 100 yards from the shore. Having worked all night without results, they were tired, discouraged and distracted. It was difficult to focus. Jesus did not come to them in the “usual” way, the way that he had in the past on the Sea of Galilee – walking on the water. They were distracted by their labors and not ready to see Jesus. As we consider all this, we understand why they did not realize it was Jesus on the shore.

I remember an occasion when my dear friend Aaron tried to give me a Christmas gift in the midst of a time like this. Lana and I were trying to get the family ready to be out of town for a few days. I had worked long, hard hours at the church the several days before we were to leave. On the day we were leaving town, I had gone by the office for just a brief moment to take care of things and it had – as always! – taken longer than I wanted it to. I was frustrated and distracted. As I hurried out of the office into the parking lot, Aaron tried to give me a wonderfully thoughtful gift. As I remember the incident, I remember how unappreciative I was. (I hope Aaron doesn’t remember!) I was not ready to receive my friend, much less the gift he was giving me.

So, I understand the disciples unawareness of who it was on the shore. They weren’t ready for their friend. Jesus came, none-the-less. And may I personally testify that he has come to me as well? With the events of the past year and a half, the night has seemed long. Although the sun is rising, the day is not yet clear; I am still a good distance from “shore”; it’s never been like this before; and I’m distracted.

But here he is! And it’s morning! Hallelujah!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.3: We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

Revival Report

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 1-2
NT: John 20
W&W: Proverbs 7

Today’s Reflection:
We started revival services yesterday at the Lynn Church of the Nazarene. It was great to be back in the pulpit, preaching the Word of God. I am so grateful to Pastor Tom and the people of the church for this opportunity. I also appreciate the fact that Lana is helping Darlene with the music. The ladies and the praise team are doing a wonderful job!

The New Testament reading for today is perfect for me as I begin a revival. In John 20.21-22, we find the following words of Jesus: “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you… Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” As I read that, I realized anew that Jesus is sending me! I have a tendency to struggle with confidence, and it has been even harder in recent months. These words of Jesus, however, renew my assurance and my excitement about preaching the gospel. Jesus has commissioned me! I go in his power and authority!

Yesterday morning I preached about being Red Hot for Jesus. How is your spiritual temperature? I shared a quote from an old hymn during the message: “Lord it is my chief complaint that my love is weak and faint. Yet I love you and adore. Oh for grace to love you more!” Are you on fire for Jesus? Remember, “You have not because you ask not.” God’s grace will give you that love if you ask for it. John the Baptist said of Jesus, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire…” Ask the Holy Spirit to ignite a flaming love in your heart for Christ!

Last night we examined the condition of our hearts. I told the congregation of a man (let’s call him Joe) who inherited ten million dollars. The problem was he had a heart condition that was so bad that his family thought he might have a heart attack and die when he got the good news. They asked his pastor if he could help them. The pastor agreed to do so and went to Joe’s house. He came up with a method to break it to him gently. In the course of the conversation, he nonchalantly said, “Joe, what would you do if you inherited ten million dollars?” Joe said, “Pastor, I think I would give half of it to the church.” At that the pastor promptly had a heart attack and died!

We all have a heart condition of some sort. From the story of King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant back into Jerusalem found in 2 Samuel 6. I asked the people to consider three heart conditions: a careless heart (Uzzah), a callused heart (Michal), and a constant heart (David). Once again, we arrived at the conclusion that we need God’s grace to give us a constant heart. God, in his sanctifying grace, will give us a constant heart that will help us even in our failures and mistakes.

Dear friend, as the following verse says, I urge you to join me in finding help and assurance in the Word of God.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.3: We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

Weather the Storm

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Job 42
NT: John 19
W&W: Proverbs 6

Today’s Reflection:
Lana and I have done a lot of traveling in the last month, but have enjoyed it. Today we are taking off toward the North. There is a line of storms between us and Cincinnati where we are headed. We will not like traveling through the storms, but we will come out of them and arrive at our destination.

Yesterday we read how “The Lord spoke to Job out of the storm.” Throughout the book that bears his name, we hear Job speaking out of his storm as well. At the end he confesses that he spoke of things he did not understand, things too wonderful for him to know (Job 42.3).

Yet in it all, he never surrendered his claim on integrity nor did he question God’s righteousness and wisdom. What he had said about God he said rightly (42.7, 8). In the storm, however, Job spoke of things he did not understand about his own life. He spoke of sorrow and regret and anguish and even at times of despair. He could not see beyond his storm. But God could! And after the storm, the end of Job’s life was more blessed than the beginning.

Lana and I have recently come through a couple storms of a different kind than the one we are traveling through today. In those storms, we have admittedly spoken of things we did not understand. When you are in the midst of the storm it is hard to understand and speak correctly, isn’t it? For us it is… but not for God! Through the times of our daughter’s divorce and my change in ministry, God has blessed us more than at the beginning.

Yes, this life has storms, but after our storms we enter into a whole new world. It is different from what we could ever understand in the midst of the storm. It is more wonderful than we can imagine. The New Testament assures us, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2.9).

Weather the storm, traveler! Hold on to your integrity and trust in God’s goodness. Remember, your word in the storm is not final. Let God speak things too wonderful for you to know!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.2: The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.