Shoulder to Shoulder

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zephaniah 2-3
NT: Revelation 11
W&W:

Today’s Reflection:

Christmas is the season we celebrate God’s coming to earth in the form of humanity – in his Son, Jesus Christ. But, we must always remember why Jesus took on flesh and blood: so that he might become a sacrifice for sins. The Bible says: “And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood” (Hebrews 13.12). Had he not come in the flesh, he would have no blood with which to make us holy. The cradle points to the cross.

Today’s Old Testament reading reminds us that God will one day “purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder” (Zephaniah 3.9). That verse reveals a good ordering of life’s interests:

1. Purity first – be right with God. Get right with God. Set your heart on God. Let Jesus make you holy. This is why he came.
2. Prayer next – get to know God. Commune with God. Understand God’s will and Word. Worship God.
3. Then service – serve God. Serve him by serving others.
4. Finally fellowship and partnership – we are to be shoulder to shoulder with God’s people in doing the work of the Kingdom. God didn’t create us, he doesn’t save us, he doesn’t call us for us to fly solo. He calls us into fellowship with him and others, to partner in the work of God.

Purity... Prayer... Service... Fellowship... Follow that order and be amazed at the effectiveness of your life!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
John 1.14a: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…

Where Do You Buy Your Gold?

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 9-10
NT: 1 Peter 4
W&W: Psalm 137

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 11-12
NT: 1 Peter 5
W&W: Psalm 138

Today’s Reflection:

Have you seen those commercials: “Where do you buy your gold? I buy mine at Rosalind Capital…” Well, I’ve got a better place to get a more stable investment.

All week I’ve been anxious to get to this entry because it is so important to me. You see, life is not always easy, and faith (true faith) is never automatic. Our faith is tested and in the testing we discover that it is of greater worth than gold! Good news in today’s economic climate!

Each morning as I pray, I “put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes” (Ephesians 6.11). One piece of the armor is “the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (v. 16). As I put on this “faith as a breastplate” (1 Thessalonians 5.8), I often recite a passage that has come to be one of my favorites:

1 Peter 5.6-11: “6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Yes, the devil is busy throwing flaming arrows at God’s children, but as long as I put on the shield of faith, as long as I stand firm in the faith, those arrows will never mortally wound me, will never pierce my heart.

Take heart, my friend. You are God’s child.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 Peter 5.10-11: And the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Go Your Way

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 11-12
NT: James 4
W&W: Psalm 132

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 1-2
NT: James 5
W&W: Psalm 133

Today’s Reflection:

The book of Daniel ends with an interesting verse: "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance" (Daniel 12.13).

Daniel – an Old Testament prophet – had been given much insight into the future, but God made it plain to him that the future was God’s not Daniels. Daniel would die; he would “rest.” But he also made it clear that Daniel could look forward to that rest.

We, too, can look forward to that rest. And, that prospect gives us peace in our days on earth. We can leave the future in God’s hands – we must leave it in his hands – for we will not be around to “fix” all that needs fixed!

It would be good for you (and me!) to heed the instructions given Daniel:

• Go your way: Live your life. Follow God. Stay the course he has given you.
• Till the end: The way you are walking, the life you are living will come to an end.
• You will rest: You will sleep in death.
• And then: Death is not the final ending, but points forward to another end.
• At the end of the days: All days will end.
• You will rise: There is coming a certain resurrection!
• To receive: It will be given to you. You can neither buy it nor deny it.
• Your allotted inheritance: It is yours personally. Yours by the decisions you have made and the life you have lived.

So, friend, “Go your way.”

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
James 1.22: Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

What an Honor!

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 45
NT: Hebrews 5
W&W: Psalm 120

Today’s Reflection:

In speaking of the Old Testament high priests, the writer of Hebrews says, “No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was” (Hebrews 5.4). The writer goes on to say that even Christ himself did not take the honor of high priest upon himself. He, too, was appointed by God.

As I think about that, I realize a couple things:

First of all, I realize that serving God and his people is an honor! What greater honor could one have than to serve in the courts of the king of kings and Lord of Lords? What greater trust and confidence could be shown than to entrust the welfare of the King’s family to a servant? Thank God for the honor of his call!

Then, I realize that it is not only me as a pastor – but all of us who are called by God to serve his people as priests. I firmly believe that God has made us all to be priests together in the household of God. We are to serve God and his people in ways that he calls. No one skates by without serving. God calls us all. If you think that you have nothing to offer God and his people in service, go to the scripture that I often think of: “By the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder!” (1 Corinthians 15.10) God has made you what you are to serve him!

What honor to serve the King! What freedom to be what he has made us to be!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 121: 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Help Me!

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 44
NT: Hebrews 4
W&W: Psalm 119.169-176

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 45
NT: Hebrews 5
W&W: Psalm 120

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 46
NT: Hebrews 6
W&W: Psalm 121

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 47
NT: Hebrews 7
W&W: Psalm 122

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 48
NT: Hebrews 8
W&W: Psalm 123

Today’s Reflection:

The Psalmist said, “May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts” (Psalm 119.173). What a comfort when you can pray that prayer! When I read that scripture, I realized that I have chosen God’s precepts, so I can ask for God’s help.

Today, I need God to help me, prepare messages, minister to people, recover from a long trip, keep things in perspective and get over this lousy cold. I believe he will do it because I have chosen to live according to his precepts.

Several years ago, I committed Psalm 121 to memory. Look at it below. I think you will agree that it is a good Psalm for today and every day!

What help do you need? Turn to God and his precepts! He will be your constant help.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 121: 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

The Lord Is My Portion

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 20
NT: 2 Thessalonians 2
W&W: Psalm 119.17-24

Today’s Reflection:

In the devotional book Moring and Evening, Charles Spurgeon shares the following thoughts from “The Lord is my portion” (Psalm 119:57):

• Look at your possessions, believer, and compare your portion with the circumstances of your friends.
• Some of them have their portion in the field; they are rich, and their harvests yield them a golden increase; but what are harvests compared with your God, who is the God of harvests? What are bursting granaries compared with Him who feeds you with the bread of heaven?
• Some have their portion in the city; their wealth is abundant and flows to them in constant streams until they become a very reservoir of gold; but what is gold compared with your God? You could not live on it; your spiritual life could not be sustained by it. Could it grant peace to a troubled conscience? Apply it to a sad heart, and see if it could prevent a single groan or minimize one grief. But you have God, and in Him you have more than gold or riches could ever buy.
• Some have their portion in something most men love – applause and fame; but ask yourself, is not your God more to you than that? Do you think that human accolades or thunderous applause could prepare you to face death or encourage you in the prospect of judgement? No! There are sorrows in life that wealth cannot alleviate, and there is the deep need of a dying hour, for which no riches can provide.
• But when you have God for your portion, you have more than everything else put together. In Him every need is met, whether in life or in death. With God for your portion you are rich indeed, for He will supply your need, comfort your heart, relieve your grief, guide your steps, walk with you in the dark valley, and then take you home to enjoy Him as your portion forever. “I have enough,” said Esau; this is the best thing a worldly man can say, but Jacob replied in essence, “I have everything,” which is a note too high for carnal minds.

The Lord is my portion! Is he yours?

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 16.26: What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Thankful for Me?

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 18-19
NT: 2 Thessalonians 1
W&W: Psalm 119.9-16

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 20
NT: 2 Thessalonians 2
W&W: Psalm 119.17-24

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 21
NT: 2 Thessalonians 3
W&W: Psalm 119.25-32

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 22
NT: 1 Timothy 1
W&W: Psalm 119.33-40

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 23-24
NT: 1 Timothy 2
W&W: Psalm 119.41-48

Today’s Reflection:

Have you ever had someone say to you, “I’m thankful for you”? How did it make you feel? Appreciated? No doubt. Valued? Of course. But, have you ever stopped to consider what it is that would make someone else thankful for you? The Apostle Paul wrote to the church of the Thessalonians that he was thankful for them because “your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing” (2 Thessalonians 1.3).

Growing faith and increasing love. Those things bring gratitude to the hearts of those who are responsible for your spiritual development. As a father, I am thankful for my kids – and I boast about them – when I see them growing in faith and increasing in love. It has been such a joy to see them – as adults – to develop their own faith and relationships. I just stand back and say, “Yeah. They got it.”

I believe that we bring gratitude to the heart of Jesus when he sees our faith in him growing and our love for each other increasing. Think about it – Jesus himself thankful for your growth and love! Makes you want to grow and increase a little more, doesn’t it?

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 16.26: What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Zeal and Knowledge

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 58
NT: Romans 10
W&W: Psalm 83

Today’s Reflection:

In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul wrote, “For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge” (Romans 10.2). He said elsewhere, “It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good” (Galatians 4.18).

People today are zealous for many things. As I watched the news last night, I witnessed the reaction of people who were zealous for the entertaining ability of Michael Jackson. Stunned by his sudden death, people were scrambling to express their support of and appreciation for his musical talent. But often their zeal was only able to thinly cover concerns about his past. Isn’t it sad that his legacy is tainted by eratic, and eccentric, and quite dubious behavior. That zeal for his music must be tempered by the knowledge of his past?

But that is a fact of life. We need to be aware of what we are zealous for. And, when our zealousness proves to be misplaced, we should not be surprised. I know that I have been disappointed by the recent behavior of conservative leaders, and I’ve been burned more than once by placing hope and trust and public confidence in people…

But, when we are zealous for Christ, the risen Son of God, our zeal will never be misplaced. Such zeal is based on the knowledge of God’s Word and the goodness of God’s purpose. It will never be misplaced! Is your zeal based on knowledge? Is it for a good purpose? Know what you are zealous for!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Put 1 John 1.5-10 together: 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

God's Call

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 41
NT: Acts 24
W&W: Psalm 73

Today’s Reflection:

How did the day get away so fast? Sorry I didn’t get this posted this morning. I was waiting on a transcript of the installation service and when that didn’t come, I just forgot about it.

Isaiah 41.2 says that God has called me “in righteousness to his service… [He] hands nations over to [me] and subdues kings before [me].” Meditate on these thoughts for your own life:

• God calls you from his righteousness.
• God calls you into his righteousness.
• God calls you to serve him.
• God calls you to serve his purpose.
• God gives you your nation.
• God subdues leaders before you.

I hope you have (had) a great Tuesday in the Lord!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.7-8: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

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.

Out of Your Storms

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Job 40-41
NT: John 18
W&W: Proverbs 5

Today’s Reflection:
Job 40.6 says, “The Lord spoke to Job out of the storm.”

Thank God for his voice out of the storm! God comes to us and speaks to us in the trials of life. Jesus comes and calms our storms!

Do you remember the song “Through It All”? It was written and made popular 30 years ago by Andre Crouch, but it is only recently that I have come to appreciate its message:

• I've had many tears and sorrows; I've had questions for tomorrow.There's been times I didn't know right from wrong.But in every situation, God gave me blessed consolation,that my trials come to only make me strong.
• I've been to lots of places; I've seen a lot of faces.There's been times I felt so all alone.But in my lonely hours, yes, those precious lonely hours,Jesus lets me know that I was His own.
• I thank God for the mountains, and I thank Him for the valleys.I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.For if I'd never had a problem, I wouldn't know God could solve them.I'd never know what faith in God could do.
• Through it all, through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God.Through it all, through it all, I've learned to depend upon His Word.

You can go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvIxwc90BEI and listen to Andrae testify and sing this song at a Billy Graham Crusade back in 1975! (His comments about his preacher dad speaking directly to him during a service reminded me of my early ministry and my kids… I’m so proud of all of them for following Jesus!)

When you face sorrow and loss, do so with an ear to God. He will speak; your storm will be stilled; you will learn from his words and grow in his presence.

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.

Beauty Marks

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Job 39
NT: John 17
W&W: Proverbs 4

Today’s Reflection:
Many of you who read this blog also receive my prayer email, so please excuse the repetition. The following quote spoke to me: "No one can understand that mysterious thing we call 'influence' . . . yet everyone of us continually exerts influence, either to heal, to bless, to leave marks of beauty; or to wound, to hurt, to poison, to stain other lives." — J.B. Miller

I believe that Jesus leaves his mark on others. Sin stains and hurts. But Jesus brings beauty, healing, and blessing. His is a positive influence.

I remember an old sign that used to be posted in parks in attempt to keep people from littering. It read something like this: “Don’t leave anything behind but your footprints.” To me, the message was clear: Your presence will of necessity leave behind some evidence; make it as positive as possible.

That is true in our encounters with others, too. We leave no one the same as when we found them. We leave a mark. Every encounter we have is an opportunity to spread light or darkness, hope or despair, joy or sorrow.

When you enter a room, is your influence positive? Do you smile? Is your demeanor welcoming? Do people feel wanted and valued? Are you leaving marks of beauty?

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.

Lead Me to the Rock

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Job 29-30
NT: John 10
W&W: Psalm 70

Today’s Reflection:
Last night I shared the following devotion with the congregation at Bethel Nazarene as Lana and I met the congregation:
Psalm 61.2b says, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” As I read that scripture a few weeks ago, I thought about what it means for Jesus to be “the Rock that is higher than I.” I jotted down the following prayer:
"Lord, I want Someone who has… a stronger position, a better perspective, a higher plane, a firmer foundation, a weightier argument … to me my refuge. Take me where you are…"
In our world today, there is lots of despair about lots of things… Lots of talk about hope and change… Our president was elected in a landslide because people are looking for hope. Our nation wants something/Someone to believe in! We want heroes!
How fast we latched on to Captain Sully Sullenberger of USAir flight 1549…
And Captain Richard Phillips and the Maersk Alabama…
But there is a Hero even greater. It is the One whom the Bible calls the Captain of Our Salvation…
The only lasting hope we can ever have is Jesus Christ! I’m reading a book called A Brief History of Time (Stephen Hawking). Earlier this year I read one entitled The Last Three Minutes (Paul Davies). These books by renowned physicists and mathematicians (both secular scholars…) come to the same basic conclusion: The universe as we know it is finite and will come to an end. Surprisingly, they both unabashedly seemed to yearn for something that would establish our eternity.
Jesus is our lasting hope! That’s why I want to go to the Rock that is higher than I! Standing outside history and above all creation, Jesus is the Rock higher than any other rock! If I can just get beside him, I can enjoy the benefits of…
· A stronger position whereby I can gain spiritual and eternal victory!
· A better perspective by which I can see God’s long-term view of history.
· A higher plane from which to operate with better, purer motives.
· A firmer foundation that cannot be moved in the storms of life.
· A weightier argument for my eternal salvation.
You, too can pray with me: “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I!” See you at the Rock!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.1: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ezra Proclaimed a Fast

Today’s Scripture Readings:

• 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

So that they would have:

• Strength and provision for the journey
• Hope and expectation of God’s favor
• Something to present to God upon their arrival

Are you, like Lana and me, ready to set out on a journey to God’s promised spiritual blessings? Or, are you a leader who seeks the protection of God on your work and ministry and people? We would do well to imitate Ezra and those pilgrims of old, humbling ourselves in prayer and fasting, seeking God’s protection, interceding for our children, desiring God to be glorified in our lives of victory, and trusting God to keep us.

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.