august 07
| What Are You Looking At Those have been words that have led to many fights! However, I don’t think Paul was trying to pick a fight with his audience when he wrote…Don’t look at the troubles you see now; rather, fix your gaze on the things that cannot be seen (2 Corinthians 4:18). Paul truly is pushing the reader to examine their focal point. What consumes you? If the temporal finite world in which you exist has devoured you, it’s time to reevaluate. The things you see now will soon be gone, yet the things we cannot see will last forever. The enemy works frivolously to entangle us with the worries of life. The enemy works effortlessly causing us to stumble and lose focus. This is why Paul wrote in the very next chapter (5:7), we live by believing and not by seeing. In other words, we walk by faith and not by sight. Our gaze should be set upon eternal matters, what lies ahead and is out of our natural sight. Eternity matters and it is eternity that is at stake. So, what are you looking at! ..............................................................................................................Friday, August 31, 2007 It’s What’s On The Inside That Counts We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:7 God helped Samuel to understand, as he was seeking to anoint the next king of Israel, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. We tend to look at the outward appearance instead of peering into the heart (as God does). Paul in the above passage was comparing us to clay jars. We are ordinary, fragile and breakable vessels. The outer shell is what humanity shares in common. We all have a similar exterior that in one moment is here and in the next can easily be translated into eternity. Paul’s point was taking a closer look at who is living and breathing on the inside of you. God chose to manifest Himself in us through likeness of His Son Jesus Christ (what an awesome opportunity He has afforded us). We, as Christians, have an overcoming and all victorious Savior living in the clay jar God has given us. We toil endlessly on polishing the outside when we so desperately need to realize and expose Christ who resides on the inside. It’s what’s on the inside that counts! ........................................................................................................Thursday, August 30, 2007 Take It Off Back in the days Moses kicked around and the old covenant was the only covenant, life was a bit more challenging. The people of God were not in the habit of seeing the glory of God. As a matter of fact, Moses would cover his face because the people were extremely uncomfortable with his countenance. The old covenant was a series of laws the people could not measure up to. Due to their deficiency, the people were terrified of the glory. Paul points out in 1 Corinthians 3:12-18 that we no longer live under the law. The law is a burden we no longer carry. Christ fulfilled what we could not; He satisfied the demands of the law. Because of Christ, we now live under a new covenant. We now have a confidence and boldness like never before. Whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (vs.16-17). We were meant to expose the glory of God. The Son of God resides in and lives through us. We are no longer measured against an unreachable standard. The church of the living God needs to remove the covering and expose the glory. We need to ‘take it off.’ .....................................................................................................Wednesday, August 29, 2007 Do You Smell That 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 give us great insight as to how those around us perceive the light that lives within us. Paul explains that our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. I understand we work hard at maintaining a high level of personal hygiene; ensuring ourselves against bad breath, covering ourselves with expensive perfumes /colognes and ultimately wanting all we encounter to detect a pleasing aroma anytime we are around. The greater importance though, is that people would sense Jesus when we are present. As a Christian, the odor that impacts the most is Christ living in you. Paul says to the ones who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. To those who reject Christ, our smell is likened to where they are heading (eternal damnation). Yet for those who are seeking (open and wanting of) Jesus, we are a life giving perfume. We are a light to those wanting to escape darkness. We are the scent of freedom the oppressed so desperately seek. We are the aroma of Christ! ..........................................................................................................Tuesday, August 28, 2007 Two Parts To A Promise 2 Corinthians 1:20 explains “all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.” All of God’s promises are yes and amen! The first part of the promise is quite simple, because it has already occurred. All of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ; this is an absolute certainty. Verse 22 of the same passage proclaims you, as a child of God, are identified as and guaranteed of everything God has promised. Christ has accomplished everything we could not, and Him in us and through us ensures the very same victory. The second part of the promise is reliant on us. For in Christ all has been fulfilled, and it is Christ in us and through us that make His promises a reality . It is our ‘amen’ that completes the promise. We must be receptive of and responding to what Christ has already accomplished. His yes and our ‘amen’ ensures the promises of God in our lives. Understand, it may not manifest immediately, but it is an inevitable certainty. God has already done His part, the rest is up to you! ...........................................................................................................Monday, August 27, 2007 Who Do You Rely On Life seems to be so much easier when we don’t have to rely on others. If only we could take care of everything on our own. Fortunately God has a different plan; as Paul learned in his opening remarks in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11. Paul and those with him in the province of Asia had been crushed and overwhelmed beyond their ability to endure. They faced what seemed to be imminent death. As a result of their experience they stopped relying on themselves and started relying only on God. It seems God reveals Himself in the uncomfortable places life offers. At any rate, Paul and his partners were rescued from their situation and they learned to place their complete confidence in Christ. In arriving to church this morning I found the overnight lightning storm had caused half of our building’s power to go out. I worked diligently to power the sound system and the water system. For nearly two hours I was consumed with trouble shooting and problem solving. Finally, about fifteen minutes before service, we had what we needed to have church. Instead of preparing for the morning’s service as I usually do, I was focused on getting the power on. Just minutes prior to service beginning, all the power came back on and all my attempts had only served to pull me away from what was more important. If only I had relied on God and not me. God had everything under control! I was relying on me, my resources, my ability and my solution. I learned a valuable lesson today. I must learn how to put my confidence in Christ, to rely only on God. Who do you rely on? ...........................................................................................................Sunday, August 26, 2007 Don’t Wait Putting things off to the last second typically turns out disastrous. It seems our culture has fostered a care free attitude as it relates to being responsible. I can recall so many times I worked through the entire night on a paper that I had known was due for weeks. When it comes to God’s business though, we cannot be the exception to the rule, rather the shining example. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2…”Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.” We can easily see a great a principle in giving. Waiting until the last second is not the prescribed manner to handle God’s finances. Each week we should be considering what we will bring to the house of God. There are a plethora of examples in tithing (giving God 10 percent of all the revenue that comes into your hands) and offerings in the Word of God. Instead of considering reasons to give later or not at all, we should be pursuing every opportunity to offer God the least He deserves (money). There are times we have missed out on a tremendous opportunity or blessing simply because we waited too long. The message is simple, too much is at stake, ‘don’t wait’. .........................................................................................................Saturday, August 25, 2007 The Blink Of An Eye As Paul wrote to the Corinthians in his first letter he reminded them of an incredible promise (15:51-53). Although death is imminent for many of us, it will certainly not sink its teeth into all of us. For there is coming day when the final trumpet will be blown; it will happen in a moment (suddenly! – in the twinkling of an eye). Those who have died (in Christ) will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will be transformed and caught up together in the clouds. This moment in time, that has yet to happen, is not a myth or fictional story. It is a reality and a promise to those whose hope is in Jesus Christ. We are going to be translated from this life into a new and eternal existence. There is a day rapidly approaching when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. I prefer to acknowledge Him and proclaim Him now! Jesus Christ is coming again, and it will happen in the blink of an eye. ..............................................................................................................Friday, August 25, 2007 A Dream Come True Job 9:32-35 explains…32>“God is not a mortal like me, so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial. 33>If only there were a mediator between us, someone who could bring us together. 34>The mediator could make God stop beating me, and I would no longer live in terror of his punishment. 35> Then I could speak to him without fear, but I cannot do that in my own strength.” The common thread found throughout the Old Testament is with out a doubt the message of Jesus Christ. The one thing each author longed for was none other than a Savior. God simply could not be reached or approached. What the world needed was a mediator; someone who could bring humankind into the presence of God Almighty. We were in need of a way in which we might commune with God. We were in need of a life by which we could live in freedom and not in fear. The fact of the matter is that Jesus Christ has fulfilled the requirement. What Job was longing for has become our reality. What Job so desperately needed we now have! If there is anything to be gleaned from the book of Job it is the one thing he lacked that we now have complete access to, Jesus Christ. It’ s like a dream come true! .........................................................................................................Thursday, August 23, 2007 Unreliable After seven days and seven nights of remorseful silence, Job finally begins to speak to his so called friends. As their conversation continues, Job notes (6:15) that his brothers had proved to be as unreliable as a seasonal brook that overflows its banks in the spring when it is swollen with ice and melting snow. When the hot weather arrives, and water is truly needed, the brook vanishes amidst the heat. There is nothing to drink and death is the result. Job’s friends had come and only served to put a few more nails in his coffin. When Job was utterly downcast, having lost nearly everything he had, even his friends kicked him to the curb. The message we cannot miss is quite simple. As Christians, the love we show must remain as consistent as the one who continually shows us love. As we approach friends and acquaintances we need to be encouraging and edifying. Despite their dilemma, whether or not they are blatantly at fault or obviously innocent, our position must be steadfast in love. When life heats up and hope has vanished is the exact time people need Jesus. When the water has run dry for those who are before us and ever around us, we need to offer them a drink. What this world needs to experience is a body of Christ that loves, not judges and condemns. We need to be more reliable! .....................................................................................................Wednesday, August 22, 2007 Speaking The Same Language The Apostle Paul gave us an incredible teaching in 1 Corinthians 12 concerning the body of Christ coming together to operate in unity. 1 Corinthians 13 then explains the type of fuel we run on, for the true church can only operate and exist in love. Once the body of Christ unifies and exemplifies love, we then need to start ‘speaking the same language’. In 1 Corinthians 14 Paul begins to urge the church (us) to not get hung up on self edification (for that is blatantly selfish). Those in the Corinthian body were consumed with speaking in tongues, yet with no interpretation. Speaking in tongues is obviously scriptural and very productive (prayer closet time and communion through the Spirit of God is critical and necessary). The problem is being consumed with something that only benefits you. It is as if you are speaking a language no one else can understand. The church needs the interpretation. The church needs strength, encouragement and comfort. The church needs fresh revelation, special knowledge, a prophetic word and a teaching that will be edifying. Verse 5 points out that prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues. If you speak to people in words they do not understand, how will they know what you are saying? The church must start seeking those things that uplift and edify the entire body. The church of the living God desperately needs to join together in love and allow Christ to manifest Himself through us! We need to start ‘speaking the same language’! ..........................................................................................................Tuesday, August 21, 2007 The Right Request So often in our lives we are so ever consumed with God answering our prayer and meeting the need we have carried to Him. That God would simply speak the words and change our situation. It seems that even though we are approaching God (in prayer), we tend to be driven by and seeking self. When self consumes our conversation with Christ we must reexamine our prayer life. Tucked into the book of Esther we find an awesome example of how we should approach prayer. Esther 8:5 reads…“If it please the king, and if I have found favor with him, and if he thinks it is right, and if I am pleasing to him, let there be a decree that reverses the orders of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, who ordered that Jews throughout all the king’s provinces should be destroyed.” Esther was first concerned with pleasing the King. It was not what pleased her or even pleased others. The request began with, will this make you happy – what will please you. Next Esther desires the favor of the King. Seek to please Him and then you will find His favor. Understand (as a Child of God), you are highly favored living in abundance and victory through the power of Jesus Christ. We then see Esther asking what the King thought was right. Seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness and then everything else falls into place. It’s not about our will; it has always been and will always be about His will. Finally Esther herself seeks to be pleasing. That is to say what can I do, what can I say – what difference can I make. How can I serve and ultimately glorify the King in all I do. After all this had been presented, Esther asks for a decree. Esther asks the King to speak, to respond and intervene. All He has to do is speak the words; He can just speak things into existence. I believe He desires and longs to hear from us and act on our behalf. He simply waits. For those who ask receive, those who seek find and those who knock (and keep knocking) the door will be opened. Evaluate your prayer life and consider a young lady’s request from a long time ago and make ‘the right request’. ...........................................................................................................Monday, August 20, 2007 In The Right The book of Esther reveals an incredible story concerning a lovely young lady who was the right person, at the right place, at the right time. She was in the right! Esther was shown tremendous favor, which only comes from God (all other forms are counterfeit and counterproductive). God could have chosen anyone, yet He decided on Esther. God placed and positioned her as queen of the Persian Empire. There were not any mistakes made and luck is much too presumptuous a possibility (considering it is nonexistent). God’s hand was upon Esther and He had perfectly and purposefully placed her. The clock was ticking and Haman’s plan to annihilate the Jews was quickly unfolding. Esther had to act, and she had to do it quickly. As 4:14 points out…she was made for such a time as this. She risked her life and stepped into her destiny as she unlocked the door for the salvation of the Jews. She seized a crucial moment and became a standard amidst a flood of terror. I encourage you today, as a child of God, that you are the right person, at the right place, at the right time. God has shown you great favor and through you He desires to reveal Himself. God has chosen you; no one can do it or say it like you can! You have been positioned and placed by God (right where you are at) to make a lasting impact on the world you live in. Your time is now! Your defining moment is just ahead of you. Don’t miss it, embrace the opportunity that is before you and initiate the change you have so longed to see. Don’t wait idly by and refuse to act. Doing nothing produces regrets you will burden through all your days to come. Understand without any doubt, you are the right person, you are at the right place and this is the right time. You are ‘in the right’. ...........................................................................................................Sunday, August 19, 2007 Favor The favor of God has been the topic of many sermons and discussions in recent times. It seems that everyone desires His favor, as they should. What seems problematic is the motive behind the request. It appears that we seek His favor selfishly, for personal gain. In reading today (OYB) I was reminded of a young lady that experienced the favor of God unlike any other. Her name was Esther. According to 2:7, Esther was very beautiful and lovely. Esther was chosen by Hegai, as he was very impressed with her, to be a candidate for queen. He treated her kindly and gave her special treatment. He assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king’s palace. He gave her the best room in the harem (2:9). Esther was admired by everyone who saw her (2:15). Esther was favored of God without any doubts or reservations. It is when we read the rest of the story we see the purpose of God’s favor. For it was favor that caused King Xerxes to love her more than any other and declare her queen. It was favor, in light of the plot to destroy all the Jews, that made Esther queen ‘for such a time as this’ (4:14). It was favor, as she risked her very life, which brought her into the inner courts of the king. It was favor that gave her words of wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to save her people. Favor was given not to be enjoyed by one, but rather to be shared by all. Favor is not shown for your glory; it is shown to reveal God’s glory. Favor has purpose and reason, it is deliberate and for a much greater intention than we can perceive. Favor is not by chance or coincidence. Favor comes from God and He uses us to reveal it. .........................................................................................................Saturday, August 18, 2007 A Leader’s Last Mark Nehemiah closes his thoughts in an incredible way in the final chapter of Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 13:30-31 we find the final words of one who is certainly among some of the greatest leaders in the Bible. Nehemiah lays out some great principles concerning effective and productive leadership. First we find the idea of purging everything that is foreign. The church must be a consecrated church, sanctified and holy before all people. Before the church can truly be effective, we must be cleansed, prepared and dedicated for God’s purpose. We must begin keeping the most important thing the most important thing. God is not impressed with a lukewarm church. As always, it starts at the top. God is speaking first and foremost to the leadership; we must clean things up! Next we find Nehemiah making sure the priests and the Levites had work to do. He was proactive in making sure the job got done. The church (leadership) must encourage the body to a life of ministry. We must help uncover possibilities and show them the way that leads to fulfillment. We must not only prompt them for purpose, but we must set an expectation. We must make certain they know what it is God expects of them. The church needs to become fruitful and start multiplying; we need to start advancing the Kingdom of God not maintaining it. Leaders need to communicate and cast the vision God has given them. Lastly, Nehemiah made sure that the finances and resources would be there at the proper times in order for the work to continue. He was taking measures to ensure the furthering of God’s work. He wasn’t just considering today, he was planning for tomorrow. He was preparing (purging) the church and the pushing the church (towards purpose), so that the church might perpetuate (be continually productive). These are a great leader’s last words, a leader’s last mark. ..............................................................................................................Friday, August 17, 2007 What Is Best Some who operate and live under the banner of Christianity would say “I am allowed to do anything.” Some would say the freedom Christ has bestowed upon them has given them liberty to do whatever they want to do. However, Paul in 1 Corinthians 10 has a slightly different view. For not everything is good for you, nor is everything beneficial. The idea Paul is trying to get across is we need to be more consumed with the needs of others as compared to our own (v.23-24). We need to consider the well being of others as much, if not more than our own. In our humility we are to consider others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3). Whatever it is we find ourselves doing, we are to do it for the glory of God (v.31). Don’t offend anyone, but try to please everyone in all you do. Don’t just do what is best for you, but also do what is best for others. For when you do, it opens a door; when you seek what is best for others, we find that many (not just 1 or 2 – but many) may be saved. As Christians we do what we do so people will be saved. The Kingdom work is about other people getting saved. If you want to be exalted, then humble yourself. If you have want of anything, then give what you have away! Seek to glorify God, live a life that leads people to Jesus and put others first, and everything else will fall into place. Before you will ever experience what is best, you must first (and continually) give your best. .........................................................................................................Thursday, August 16, 2007 A Way Out So often we find ourselves in situations that seem to have no way out. We tend to maneuver ourselves into unthinkable circumstances. And that’s just it, we do it - we are responsible. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:12…if you are standing strong be careful not to fall. Don’t allow pride (you) to get in the way...pride comes before the fall. For as verse 13 explains, what you have encountered is no different than what anyone else has ever encountered. The more things change, the more things remain the same. Temptation is no respecter of person. Temptation has been around for a long time and will continue to live on. But do not fret, God is faithful. God can be trusted to bring you through. There is nothing we will ever face that Jesus has not already conquered. Temptation will never crush us (as children of God), we will be able to stand (take a stand). God will always reveal a way out. Anytime temptation rears its ugly head, an exit sign will appear. As long as we are attentive to and seeking God, He will make ‘a way out.’ .....................................................................................................Wednesday, August 15, 2007 The Joy Of The Lord Is Your Strength Nehemiah chapter eight details the events leading up to this well known and widely quoted verse in the latter part of verse ten. We find the people of God were determined to hear the Word of God. They were unified and hungry for a sole purpose, to eat! The Bible further explains they not only reverenced the Word of God, they also reverenced the men of God. The Levites clearly explained the Law of God and they helped the people to understand each passage. It was at this point (verse 9) we find the people weeping and mourning. The power of the Word of God (a convicting power) had produced a reality they could never measure up to. Yet we find at this juncture, Ezra tells the people to remember this a holy day, do not grieve or be depressed. For the joy of the Lord is your strength. The temple had been restored, the walls rebuilt and captivity had ended. This was a new era, a fresh start. Receive the Word of God (His revelation) and proceed forward. Consider all that has happened as a positive experience. Hardship may have endured for a season, but joy comes in the morning (a new season). It is a new season; it is morning time, so wake up! Ezra was saying wake up, your joy and strength is here. The joy of the Lord is your strength. They had to take themselves out of the equation and know that it was completely God who was in control. It will always be His joy and his strength. When we realize, as did those in Nehemiah’s day, true joy and conquering strength come from God, then the next piece to our puzzle can be gently positioned in. For the joy of the Lord is your strength, joy to get you through – strength to move on! ..........................................................................................................Tuesday, August 14, 2007 Knowledge vs. Love So many of us pursue knowledge as a means to acquire much of what we want in life. We spend at least twelve years, and as much as a lifetime, acquiring (formal) education. We spend so much time and so many resources on what many consider to be the most powerful tool in existence (knowledge is power, as some have claimed). Paul, however, has a different view. In 1 Corinthians 8 we find Paul responding to a question concerning eating food that has been offered to idols. Paul begins by recognizing we all have knowledge (thank God). He further explains that knowledge makes us feel important; thus, knowledge stimulates self (it is self seeking). In contrast, we see that love strengthens the church; thus love stimulates others (it seeks to benefit others). Immediately we can identify that knowledge, and the pursuit thereof, seems to pour more into self than others. The one God recognizes is the one who loves, or the one who seeks a full knowledge of love. Love draws the attention of God like nothing else! If anything, love opens the door to a greater knowledge. Knowledge is a byproduct of love. Knowledge in itself creates opportunities and gives God more to work with as it relates to His glory. It boils down to priorities and what it is we seek. Without a doubt, we need love. Love is supreme and love is synonymous with the one we serve. Knowledge is good, but love is always greater. ...........................................................................................................Monday, August 13, 2007 Detachment Paul explains in his first letter to the Corinthians, “those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them (7:31).” We are not to be absorbed by what makes us happy and what makes us sad. We certainly cannot allow possessions to possess us. Whether it be emotionally, physically, financially or otherwise; we cannot allow anything to attach itself to us. We cannot allow anything to master us (1 Corinthians 6: 12). We need to be free from the concerns of this life so we can focus on what contributes to the life that is to come. Paul wanted us to do whatever will help us serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible (7:35). If something even seems to be in the way, we must immediately take measures to remove it. The purpose of Christ in us and through us and the advancement of His Kingdom must always remain a priority. Don’t let stuff (although stuff differs for each of us, what we have in common is this - it exists!) get in the way. Jesus said it best in Matthew 5:29-30…”If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” .........................................................................................................Sunday, August 12, 2007 An Instrument Of Change In the opening paragraphs of Nehemiah we find an awesome example of what it means to pray. In the first three verses of Nehemiah, Nehemiah received a bad report from his brother and others who had first hand seen the shape Jerusalem was in. Nehemiah’s response was that of a remorseful one. He wept, he mourned, he fasted and he prayed. It was his prayer that caught my attention. He begins with recognizing who God is (using the present tense makes more sense to me); He is all powerful, all loving and unfailing in keeping His promises. Nehemiah then recognized what many of us miss. He identified sin! He admitted the great guilt the people (including himself mind you) carried. He asked God for mercy and to remember the promises He had given. Nehemiah reminded God of God’s promises (an initiative we need to exercise more often than not). Lastly, and what seems to be most important, Nehemiah asked to be the instrument of change. He asked God for favor in the presence of King Artaxerxes. He approached in worship, bowed in guilt, declared a promise and said ‘send me’. He did not just identify a problem; he admitted the shame and sought to be a part of the solution. Nehemiah’s shining quality, the element of pray we cannot miss, on that day in chapter one was his willingness to be an instrument of change! .........................................................................................................Saturday, August 11, 2007 HIS In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 we uncover great depth in understanding who we really are. We are (as children of God) vessels that house the presence of God. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. He once dwelled and lived among people, but now we understand He lives and dwells in us. What an incredible guest we house! God has given us; He has afforded us such an awesome gift. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Living Savior now resides within us. There is no greater gift we can receive, no greater experience, no greater miracle than that of Jesus living and breathing on the inside of us. Understand, you belong to God, you are His property. He paid a price for you. He forsook all of heaven, depositing part of Himself on earth. He came as a sacrifice, becoming the High Priest, so that He might conquer as our King. He bled, He died and He defeated death for you. He covered your cost and now you can freely enter into His presence. Realize who you are and may your response be one and the same as Paul’s. May you glorify God in all you do. For you are ‘HIS.’ ..............................................................................................................Friday, August 10, 2007 A Brief Moment Of Grace In Ezra chapter 9 we discover a prayer offered to God in light of great rebellion. The Jews had forsaken what God had demanded and were openly living in sin. Even though the turmoil of sin surrounded, Ezra noted a brief moment of grace. The Jews had been given an opportunity. They were a group of survivors, a remnant. God had granted them relief and securely given them a place of peace. This was ordained by God so their eyes could be opened, that they might be attentive to what was before them. For, as Ezra continues, they were once slaves. Yet God had not abandoned them in their slavery. They had, at that time, been shown great favor. They had been revived, revived for the purpose of rebuilding, restoring and renewing. God has given us a brief moment of grace in light of our great rebellion towards His Word. We are a remnant (Romans 11:5), granted relief and given a place of peace. In the midst of our sin, God has not abandoned us. He continually reaches out to us with an everlasting love. He has positioned us so our eyes might be opened and we might recognize what so desperately needs to be trimmed away. We have an opportunity for revival. The favor of God is real and available. We have before us an opportunity to rebuild, restore and renew all that is before us. We have, ‘a brief moment of grace.’ ...........................................................................................................Thursday, August 9, 2007 Just A Lot Of Talk In 1 Corinthians 4:18-20 we find Paul addressing some very arrogant Corinthians. Paul had obviously come and established the church in Corinth, but in his absence pride and conceit had drifted in. Back in verse 7, it is easy to see why. It seems that some were thinking that they were responsible for what they had in life as opposed to God being the responsible one. The result of being blessed was a result of their own efforts, not God’s. And so they had become puffy and pompous. They had a lot to say, but the words and motives that produced them were shallow. They had a form of godliness, yet there was no power. It was just a lot of talk. We must conclude as Paul points out, the kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk, it is living by God’s power. My ability to speak and the words that roll off the tip of my tongue are extremely insignificant in themselves. It is when I am denied and Christ is exalted, it is when the power and the anointing of the Holy Spirit take over that my words become commanding and effective. The Word of God is living and active, exposing anything and everything. Anything else is just a lot of talk! .....................................................................................................Wednesday, August 08, 2007 Getting The Job Done Ezra chapter 6 offers great principles as it relates to one’s work ethic, or better put – ‘Getting The Job Done.’ In verses 6-12 we find King Darius’s reply concerning the rebuilding of God’s temple. We first find that we must be supportive if the work before us is ever to be accomplished. Darius was obviously addressing the opposition, but the principle does not change. Either you lead, follow or get out of the way. If you can not be a part of the way, then get out of the way. Be supportive! Next we find that there is a price to pay, and we must be willing to pay it. We must not only consider the cost, we must be prepared to cover it. The task before you is going to cost you something, are you willing to pay it? Moving on we find that provision must be made. Whatever is needed must be supplied. Time and resources are always necessary. In verse 11, we can easily see that the alternative is not really an alternative at all. Being beat and having my house tore down is not really a consideration as far as I am concerned. And lastly, Darius says to be diligent. As it relates to every process of the task, we must be hard- working, industrious, conscientious, attentive and thorough. Build it like you were going to live in it! This is how the job gets done. ..........................................................................................................Tuesday, August 07, 2007 What Lies Ahead In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul continues his discourse concerning wisdom. Paul cared nothing for human wisdom; for true wisdom comes only from God (all others are counterfeit). Paul explains in verse 2 that the wisdom he speaks of is the mystery of God – His plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. He was speaking to the promise and the fulfillment of Jesus Christ. For by God’s Spirit these things were revealed…for it is God’s Spirit that searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets (verse 10). The wisdom of God is a deep ocean; it is like an infinite universe very much undiscovered. And it is only by His Spirit that we can perceive and understand his plan, our future. He tells us in Isaiah 42:16, I will lead you down a new path, guiding you along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before you and smooth out the road ahead of you. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake you (God is determined). He further tells us He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him (Daniel 2:21-22). God’s wisdom contains the steps by which we are ordered. Our future rests in is immeasurable understanding. It is by His Spirit and through His Spirit we can recognize and begin to understand what the future holds. He desires to reveal these things to us (new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you…Isaiah 42:9). Seek His wisdom and seek His Spirit to guide you in the way that is everlasting so you might see ‘what lies ahead.’ ...........................................................................................................Monday, August 06, 2007 Chosen Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 Just a word of encouragement to serve as a reminder of who you are, and the responsibility you have as a child of God. Just in a case you have forgotten, you are ‘Chosen.’ .............................................................................................................Sunday, August 5, 2007 Too Big For Your Britches In 2 Chronicles 35 we find a story an extraordinary story concerning an extraordinary king. King Josiah came to the throne at age 8 and ruled for 31 years. According to 2 Kings 23:25, neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses. The preceding verses in 2 Kings 23 give great insight into all that Josiah accomplished. He worked tirelessly to restore the temple, restore temple worship and to ultimately set the kingdom in order. 2 Chronicles 35:18 explains never since the time of Samuel had there been such a Passover as Josiah did. Josiah was not only driven, but he was successful. God’s hand was upon him and he was undoubtedly blessed. Things couldn’t be going better! Yet in 2 Chronicles 20:20 we find that after Josiah had enjoyed such great accomplishment, he gets a little too big for his britches. King Neco, who was an ungodly man-sent by God (a combination we have a hard time grasping) has marched out to fight another nation. Josiah felt he needed to enter the arena of international politics, even though Jeremiah was warning against it, and fight King Neco. This wasn’t something we find Josiah seeking God for. This was something Josiah wanted, not God. He was wanting too much, too soon, when he didn’t need anything at all! Josiah’s success had clouded his vision, and he ultimately lost sight of what God wanted. Proverbs 20:21 (today’s OYB reading oddly enough) explains an inheritance too early in life is not a blessing in the end. Allow God to bring the increase. Seek what He wants, and lay what you want down. Josiah’s aspirations led his demise. He got a little too big for his britches! .........................................................................................................Saturday, August 04, 2007 One More Appeal In the closing lines of Paul’s letter to the Romans, he makes one last appeal. There was something critical he wanted to bring attention to one more time. If he could have a final and lasting word to his audience, we can certainly see it chapter 16:17-18. He says for us to watch out. We must continually be on the lookout for what the enemy is up to. Ignorance is not always bliss! We are to watch out for those who cause division. The best predictor of the future is past behavior. If someone (or a group of someone’s) has been sewing and reaping division, then know the tree by the fruit it bears. We are to watch out for those who upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to the Word of God. Instead of building other’s faith, these individuals tear it down. If someone is not feeding you the Word of God, then spit it out. There is only one way to accomplish this great task, and it is accomplished by YOU getting in the Word for yourself! Ask God to give you understanding and revelation, and He will. Paul urges us to stay away from these people. Run as fast as you can! They are not seeking Christ. They are only seeking self. By their smooth talk and their glowing words they deceive innocent people. They are predators. Because of a lack of fulfillment existing their lives, they prey on innocent (the unsuspecting and the undeserving) to fill the void only Christ is able to fill. One of the greatest dilemmas Christianity faces are the wolves in sheep’s clothing. The enemy’s plan has not changed, his vision statement is just real today as it ever was; he seeks to kill, steal and destroy. So as far as last thoughts are concerned, we are given a glimpse of what lies ahead as Paul offers us ‘One More Appeal.’ ..............................................................................................................Friday, August 03, 2007 Pray, Pray, Pray In the OYB today I found a reoccurring theme that needs to transpire in our lives each and every day. As you might guess from such a catchy title, prayer is the theme. First, in 2 Chronicles 32:20-21 we find Hezekiah and Isaiah praying because an opposing force (that surely outnumbers them) has come to destroy them. God hears, responds and the people of God are ultimately victorious. In 2 Chronicles 33:12-13, we find Manasseh sincerely humbling himself in prayer because of his terrible rebellion. Again, God hears, responds and restores Manasseh’s throne. In Romans 15:30, Paul asks of his audience to join him in his struggle by praying to God. Paul desired to be rescued from those who refuse to obey God, and that the gift he brings would be accepted. In Psalm 25:16-22, we find David once again calling out to God. He seeks Him for mercy, salvation, forgiveness, protection and hope. Finally, Proverbs 20:18 speaks of seeking good counsel and wise advice. I have found that the best counsel and the wisest advice have always come from God. I simply see a common thread of prayer holding these passages together in today’s OYB reading. If you find the odds are against you. If pride has swelled and produced rebellion in your life. If you need help to accomplish the task that is before you. If your like David and you need all of the above. Then the answer has never changed; Pray, Pray, Pray! .........................................................................................................Thursday, August 02, 2007 The Leader’s Prayer 2 Chronicles 30:18-20 reveals to us the power of prayer that resides in the leader’s life. We find that the people were not ready for the Passover meal. They had not prepared and consecrated themselves. They were not ready, yet they were willing. They were willing to partake of a very important meal, the Passover Feast, they just were not ready. This was a very significant meal. The Passover was a remembrance of the death angel passing over their homes while in Egypt, bringing life and sparing death. This was the final push in thrusting the Hebrew children into their destiny. They were putting bondage behind them and setting the promise before them. Yet we find in 2 Chronicles 30:18 they were ill prepared. As a result, Hezekiah prayed. Their leader prayed! Contrary to what the law dictated, the leader’s prayer prevailed and the Lord listened and healed the people. Hezekiah’s thoughts were centered on those who desired to follow the Lord and he was determined to lead them into His presence. The leader’s prayer is committed to pray for those who are hungry, despite their situation in life. The leader’s prayer is a prayer that goes against all odds and perceives that anything is possible. The leader’s prayer is determined to bring anyone and everyone to a place they can eat (John 21: 17). The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. The one noteworthy occurrence, the defining moment on that day in 2 Chronicles was none other than ‘the leader’s prayer’. Wednesday, August 01, 2007 |