Today’s Reflection:
In the devotion book On the Road – which I am reading with my two sons-in-law – Marshall Duke has an article, “Are You Hurricane Ready?” He concludes with “Better check your armor, for certainly a storm is brewing.” Wise counsel. I wrote the following (plus some other stuff) to Jon and Eric.
I remember something I read years ago when I was studying for the ministry. The author said something like this, and I paraphrase: Where you think you are the strongest you are the weakest. You need to be aware that Satan will attack you there because you don’t feel you need to defend that area. I didn’t believe it at first, but years of experience – both as a pastor and as a man trying to follow God – have shown me how right he is. I have learned that it is where I may feel safest that I need to pray most faithfully, “lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil.”
Several years ago I began praying – daily – that God would deliver me from certain things. The list started small – I think three things. Soon I added three more things. The funny thing was – I didn’t feel like I could stop praying about the first three. Over the past 5 or 6 years, I have added things occasionally. I actually have a list of them in my prayer book – just the first letters – so it maintains my privacy. I’ve prayed them so much, though, I have them memorized. It is humbling to know that I need so much grace! Today, I have 21 – that’s right 21! – things that I pray for victory over daily.
I use the Lord’s Prayer as my outline for prayer each day. When I get to the part where I pray, “and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil,” I pray, “God deliver me from the evils of…” and then I recount each of the 21 things before God. God is helping me, daily, but I continue to need his strength and deliverance. I am so weak, but Jesus is so strong!
I hope you have a wonderful day. And, don’t forget to pray as Jesus taught us: “Lead us not into temptation.”
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Ezekiel 36.25-27: I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
It’s Not My Job to Entertain You!
Today’s Reflection:
I am reading the devotion book On the Road with my sons-in-law, and we have entered into a thirty day prayer covenant. Today’s devotion on page 21: “Raging Against Wise Judgment” was certainly challenging for father-in-law to son-in-law covenanters! Though the author talks about sexual temptation in his article, the Apostle James certainly doesn’t limit his passage to that narrow focus:
James 1.13-15: When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
How hard it is to refuse to entertain the temptation! My natural desire says: I want to be angry! I want to keep that money I received by accident. I want to talk about my neighbor. But this passage does not let us off the hook ,does it? We, as Christian men and women, must refuse to even entertain the temptations that confront us every day due to our human desires. They become evil desires when we let them drag us away from our pure intentions and entice us to entertain the temptation. Even if I don’t act on the temptation, James says entertaining it is evil and it brings forth sin.
Before they ever become temptation, say to your desires: “It’s not my job to entertain you!” God, keep us pure!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Ezekiel 36.25-27: I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws
I am reading the devotion book On the Road with my sons-in-law, and we have entered into a thirty day prayer covenant. Today’s devotion on page 21: “Raging Against Wise Judgment” was certainly challenging for father-in-law to son-in-law covenanters! Though the author talks about sexual temptation in his article, the Apostle James certainly doesn’t limit his passage to that narrow focus:
James 1.13-15: When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
How hard it is to refuse to entertain the temptation! My natural desire says: I want to be angry! I want to keep that money I received by accident. I want to talk about my neighbor. But this passage does not let us off the hook ,does it? We, as Christian men and women, must refuse to even entertain the temptations that confront us every day due to our human desires. They become evil desires when we let them drag us away from our pure intentions and entice us to entertain the temptation. Even if I don’t act on the temptation, James says entertaining it is evil and it brings forth sin.
Before they ever become temptation, say to your desires: “It’s not my job to entertain you!” God, keep us pure!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Ezekiel 36.25-27: I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Don't Get Bogged Down in the Blame Game
Today’s Reflection:
John 9.3 says, “This happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.”
Jesus and his disciples were walking along and had come across a man born blind. The disciples were concerned with finding out who was responsible. “Who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?” Jesus told them they were looking at it all wrong.
We look at things all wrong so many times. Like the disciples, we try to assign blame and negative responsibility to “the man born blind” or to “his parents” for his condition. That is a
What a great lesson for us today. Wherever we are, we are. Wherever the blind man is, he is. From this moment forward we can concern ourselves not with judgment and criticism, but with seeing God do a new thing in our lives or in the lives of those around us who are “born blind.”
My prayer for today is that God’s work will be displayed and that his glory will be revealed in our lives. What a great perspective! What great hope!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 119.11: I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
John 9.3 says, “This happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.”
Jesus and his disciples were walking along and had come across a man born blind. The disciples were concerned with finding out who was responsible. “Who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?” Jesus told them they were looking at it all wrong.
We look at things all wrong so many times. Like the disciples, we try to assign blame and negative responsibility to “the man born blind” or to “his parents” for his condition. That is a
- Backward looking
- Blame seeking
- Burden bearing
- Forward looking
- Forgiveness granting
- Faith resting
What a great lesson for us today. Wherever we are, we are. Wherever the blind man is, he is. From this moment forward we can concern ourselves not with judgment and criticism, but with seeing God do a new thing in our lives or in the lives of those around us who are “born blind.”
My prayer for today is that God’s work will be displayed and that his glory will be revealed in our lives. What a great perspective! What great hope!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 119.11: I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Monday, January 4, 2010
A New Format for a New Year
Today's Reflection:
I have decided to make a change to my blog in 2010 to reflect a change in my personal reflection time. This year, I am not attempting to read the Bible through as I normally do. Instead, I have committed to the Lord to read the New Testament through each month: 12 times through Matthew-Revelation in 2010. I’ve done that once before, and while it is a challenge, it is very rewarding. With that in mind, I have decided not to publish daily scripture readings. I will continue to post a scripture to memorize.
If you would like to join me in the challenge to read the NT through monthly, here is the schedule I have laid out for it:
God bless you as you read his Word!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 119.11: I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
I have decided to make a change to my blog in 2010 to reflect a change in my personal reflection time. This year, I am not attempting to read the Bible through as I normally do. Instead, I have committed to the Lord to read the New Testament through each month: 12 times through Matthew-Revelation in 2010. I’ve done that once before, and while it is a challenge, it is very rewarding. With that in mind, I have decided not to publish daily scripture readings. I will continue to post a scripture to memorize.
If you would like to join me in the challenge to read the NT through monthly, here is the schedule I have laid out for it:
- Week 1: John and Matthew
- Week 2: Mark and Luke
- Week 3: Acts through 2 Corinthians
- Week 4: Galatians through Jude
- Week 5: Revelation (Have to squeeze it into week 4 in February, as there are exactly 4 weeks in that month!)
God bless you as you read his Word!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 119.11: I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Avwee Boo’ful
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Malachi 1-2
NT: Revelation 21
W&W:
Today’s Reflection:
Along with our three daughters and two sons-in-law, we had our two grand-daughters home for Christmas – Avery and Annabelle. On Sunday morning, their parents – Jenny and Eric – dedicated little Annabelle to the Lord in a wonderful service here at Bethel Naz. Avery was the big sister, and she got to stand on the platform with Mom and Dad and Bella during the dedication rite. So, Avery had on a pretty dress that she just loved wearing. As a matter of fact, she wouldn’t take it off all day long! She would say, “Avwee boo’ful!” (Avery beautiful!) Of course, Nana and Pahpooh agreed with her!
The next morning, while she was getting ready to pack up and go to her other grandparents’ home, she caught site of that dress again and wanted to put it back on: “Avwee boo’ful!” But, it wasn’t what a little two-year-old needed to wear during a car trip, so Momma had to say no. Avery just wasn’t too happy about that! She wanted to be beautiful!
I got to thinking about the verse in Revelation that talks about the bride of Christ being given new clothes to wear. (See memory verse below.) When Jesus calls us all to heaven, we are going to be dressed in his righteousness! We are going to be beautiful because of the new clothes with which Christ has clothed us. I’m glad we don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to wear those new clothes, but that we can put on the righteousness of Christ right now! I want to be able to say, like Avery, “Boo’ful! Jesus makes me beautiful!”
The Bible says to be “dressed and ready.” The wedding of the Lamb is coming!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Revelation 19.6b-8a: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."
OT: Malachi 1-2
NT: Revelation 21
W&W:
Today’s Reflection:
Along with our three daughters and two sons-in-law, we had our two grand-daughters home for Christmas – Avery and Annabelle. On Sunday morning, their parents – Jenny and Eric – dedicated little Annabelle to the Lord in a wonderful service here at Bethel Naz. Avery was the big sister, and she got to stand on the platform with Mom and Dad and Bella during the dedication rite. So, Avery had on a pretty dress that she just loved wearing. As a matter of fact, she wouldn’t take it off all day long! She would say, “Avwee boo’ful!” (Avery beautiful!) Of course, Nana and Pahpooh agreed with her!
The next morning, while she was getting ready to pack up and go to her other grandparents’ home, she caught site of that dress again and wanted to put it back on: “Avwee boo’ful!” But, it wasn’t what a little two-year-old needed to wear during a car trip, so Momma had to say no. Avery just wasn’t too happy about that! She wanted to be beautiful!
I got to thinking about the verse in Revelation that talks about the bride of Christ being given new clothes to wear. (See memory verse below.) When Jesus calls us all to heaven, we are going to be dressed in his righteousness! We are going to be beautiful because of the new clothes with which Christ has clothed us. I’m glad we don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to wear those new clothes, but that we can put on the righteousness of Christ right now! I want to be able to say, like Avery, “Boo’ful! Jesus makes me beautiful!”
The Bible says to be “dressed and ready.” The wedding of the Lamb is coming!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Revelation 19.6b-8a: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Slow Down on Government Interference in Health Care!
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 13-14
NT: Revelation 20
W&W:
Today’s Reflection:
How thankful I am for the medical care I receive in America! Today I am healing from carpal tunnel surgery I had yesterday. The surgery went well, and we were able to get it done before the end of the year. (That was an answer to prayer, as I had asked many to pray about that since we had met our deductible – we carry a large deductible – for 2009. Thanks for your prayers!)
Having the privilege of getting surgery through insurance – even if it is a high deductible – is not something we should take lightly. Not everyone has that opportunity. Some don’t have it because of calculated choice. Others don’t have it because they are citizens – and presumably are responsible enough to pay taxes to their homeland – of another nation. Some don’t have it because they are here illegally. And there are others who don’t have it because they refuse to work. Yet we know that there are those who don’t have that privilege because they can’t afford insurance.
It is the latter group that concerns me. What are we to do as a nation to help those truly in need? I’m quite confident that the course the Obama administration – along with the Senate and Congress – is taking will not only not help, but will actually make the situation worse. My gut tells me that the government cannot do a better job than the private sector in health care. Experience teaches us that politicizing medical benefits leads to corruption. The recent actions of the Senate confirm that politicians will not hesitate to be greedy in doling out health benefits.
Is private American health care perfect? No, but we need to slow down – even back up – before we do irreversible harm to the best health care system in existence on the planet.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Revelation 19.6b-8a: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."
OT: Zechariah 13-14
NT: Revelation 20
W&W:
Today’s Reflection:
How thankful I am for the medical care I receive in America! Today I am healing from carpal tunnel surgery I had yesterday. The surgery went well, and we were able to get it done before the end of the year. (That was an answer to prayer, as I had asked many to pray about that since we had met our deductible – we carry a large deductible – for 2009. Thanks for your prayers!)
Having the privilege of getting surgery through insurance – even if it is a high deductible – is not something we should take lightly. Not everyone has that opportunity. Some don’t have it because of calculated choice. Others don’t have it because they are citizens – and presumably are responsible enough to pay taxes to their homeland – of another nation. Some don’t have it because they are here illegally. And there are others who don’t have it because they refuse to work. Yet we know that there are those who don’t have that privilege because they can’t afford insurance.
It is the latter group that concerns me. What are we to do as a nation to help those truly in need? I’m quite confident that the course the Obama administration – along with the Senate and Congress – is taking will not only not help, but will actually make the situation worse. My gut tells me that the government cannot do a better job than the private sector in health care. Experience teaches us that politicizing medical benefits leads to corruption. The recent actions of the Senate confirm that politicians will not hesitate to be greedy in doling out health benefits.
Is private American health care perfect? No, but we need to slow down – even back up – before we do irreversible harm to the best health care system in existence on the planet.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Revelation 19.6b-8a: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."
Monday, December 28, 2009
Feeling Feeble? You're Not!
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 11-12
NT: Revelation 19
W&W:
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 13-14
NT: Revelation 20
W&W:
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Malachi 1-2
NT: Revelation 21
W&W:
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Malachi 3-4
NT: Revelation 22
W&W:
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Genesis 1-2
NT: Matthew 1
W&W: Psalm 1
Today’s Reflection:
On that day the LORD will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the Angel of the LORD going before them… And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication (Zechariah 12.8, 10).
The golden age of The Church holds such glorious promise! The feeblest of The Church will be like David – a mighty warrior and outstanding leader, a man with a heart for God and worship.
And, the leaders of The Church will be like God – like the Angel of the Lord. What a wonderful prospect! Are we living up to our privileges as the people of God?
In 2010, may God pour out on us a spirit of grace and supplication: showing us favor, helping us pray. May he grant us faith as a gift, faith in the One we look to, faith in the One who was pierced!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Revelation 19.6b-8a: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."
OT: Zechariah 11-12
NT: Revelation 19
W&W:
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 13-14
NT: Revelation 20
W&W:
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Malachi 1-2
NT: Revelation 21
W&W:
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Malachi 3-4
NT: Revelation 22
W&W:
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Genesis 1-2
NT: Matthew 1
W&W: Psalm 1
Today’s Reflection:
On that day the LORD will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the Angel of the LORD going before them… And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication (Zechariah 12.8, 10).
The golden age of The Church holds such glorious promise! The feeblest of The Church will be like David – a mighty warrior and outstanding leader, a man with a heart for God and worship.
And, the leaders of The Church will be like God – like the Angel of the Lord. What a wonderful prospect! Are we living up to our privileges as the people of God?
In 2010, may God pour out on us a spirit of grace and supplication: showing us favor, helping us pray. May he grant us faith as a gift, faith in the One we look to, faith in the One who was pierced!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Revelation 19.6b-8a: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."
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