july 07
| Aiming For Harmony Paul tells us in Romans 14:19…Let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. The one thing the enemy works aimlessly at is sewing division in the body of Christ. As a result, Christianity must pursue the cause of Christ like never before. We have been divided far too long on issues that do not have eternal value as Paul points out in Romans 14. First and foremost we have not been purposed to judge one another. I am unaware of an anointing to judge others, probably because it does not exist! Jesus said, do not judge or you will judged (Matthew 7:1), and as for Himself He explains - for I did not come to judge the world, but to save it (John 12:47). Let God do the judging and convicting, allow God to determine what has transpired and with God’s help others will do what is right and will receive God’s approval. Secondly, as opposed to judging and tearing down, let’s focus on building one another up. Let’s pursue avenues that humble ourselves and exalt others. We need to allow love to become the standard by which we approach any and every situation. And finally, we need to be obedient. If we feel convicted about something, we need to listen to the voice of God (for His sheep know His voice). If we have doubts about something, if there are red flags, we need to head back to the prayer closet until we get an answer. We must learn how to listen and do whatever He tells us to do. If we truly, as Christians, desire unity and maximum effectiveness we must ‘Aim For Harmony’! ..............................................................................................................Tuesday, July 31, 2007 Wake Up Romans 13 opens up with a familiar passage concerning authority. Paul explains that all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. For those who rebel against the existing authority are really rebelling against what God has instituted. Paul tells us to submit to authority. Then in verse 8 Paul starts dealing with love. As Christians (true Christians – not the impostors), love lives in us and through us. Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s laws. When Jesus Christ has set up residence in our lives (salvation has occurred), love is our response. One of the greatest dilemmas of the early church (Paul’s first audience) was an oppressive governing authority. Their failure to submit was evidence of their lack of love. True love is submissive. The fact of the matter is that God is not in the business of blessing rebellion. The most interesting part of Romans 13 is found in verses 11-14. Paul exclaims, “Wake Up!” Paul’s message was urgent and time was running short. As Paul saw it, it was getting sooner not later. We must get ourselves ready, for Christ’s return is eminent and very much upon us. We must rid ourselves of the things that are binding and hindering (like rebellion) and clothe ourselves with love. As Christians, one of our greatest struggles is being submissive and ultimately expressing the love of Christ that lives and breathes within us. The message has not changed, just the audience. We must submit to the authority God has placed in our lives. Our submission is a reflection of the love we claim to house. We need to “Wake Up.” ...............................................................................................................Monday, July 30, 2007 The Key To Worship Worshipping God encompasses much more than just the song services we partake of each week. Worshipping God is not just singing a song or playing an instrument. John 4: 23 tells us that the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for this is the worshipper the Father seeks. Worship is birthed out of our spirit and it is genuine and real – this is what God desires! In today’s OYB (Romans 12:1) Paul reveals the key to worship that builds on Christ’s teaching in John 4:23. We are to give ourselves (wholly and completely) to God. This is a response to all He has done for us. We are to give ourselves first as a living sacrifice. Meaning, we our physically alive, yet we are laying ourselves upon the altar (submitting ourselves entirely unto God – dying to self and living unto Christ) as a sacrifice unto God. Secondly we are to be a holy and pleasing offering unto God. Meaning we have devoted, prepared and consecrated ourselves unto Him. We are not acting on a whim or sporadically. We have thought this through, considered the cost, and are fully prepared and determined to worship God with our entire being. Worship is not an event or series of events we experience each week. Worship is a way of life. Pursuing God in worship encompasses every aspect of our lives. This is the key to worship! ...............................................................................................................Sunday, July 29, 2007 Remember Who You’re Not In Romans 11 we find God, through Paul, speaking to directly to us. Though we are not Abraham or one of his descendants, we were graciously (as Christians of course) grafted into the blessing God promised Abraham. We are able to share in the nourishment that comes from God, the eternal blessings that are ever before us. Paul explains some of the original branches, the Jews, were broken off. In light of what has transpired, Paul urges us to keep our lives in perspective. We must not brag about replacing the branches that have been broken off or even brag about being branches at all. It has nothing to do with what we have done and everything to do with what He has done! Furthermore Paul tells us, you are just the branch, not the root. It is completely and entirely by the grace and mercy of God that you live, move and have your very being. Proverbs 16:18 warns, pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. We have not arrived; we are still in process as Paul enlightens us further in Philippians 3: 12-14, 12>I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13>No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14>I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Sometimes, you must consider who you are not! You are not the root, the source or the power by which all things perpetuate. For everything comes from God and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. Remember who you’re not! ..............................................................................................................Saturday, July 28, 2007 There’s Power When You Praise Him 2 Chronicles 20 gives us an outstanding example of how there is power when you praise Him. King Jehoshaphat and the children of Israel found themselves in a very desperate situation. A vast army was marching out against them. They were outnumbered and facing total destruction. Jehoshaphat was terrified and called everyone together to fast and pray. As you might expect, God answered with a promise of victory. God instructed them to take their positions, stand still and watch as He did His thing. In verse 21, Jehoshaphat appointed the praise team to go out ahead of the troops, praising and worshipping God. They sang a very catchy tune, “Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!” Verse 22 explains that at that very moment God caused confusion to infiltrate the enemy’s camp, and the enemy began destroying themselves. Before Jehoshaphat and the people could even get there, victory had been won. The principle we find is quite simple. When the people of God would absolutely determine to lift up the name of Jesus, praising Him and worshipping Him; we would find our situation changing in a dynamic way. Any time I have pursued God in praising and worshipping Him, my situation has always changed. As children of God, we need to accept the promises of God and understand the righteous will never be forsaken. We need to receive in all things God is working for our good. We need not be discouraged or dismayed and hold to God’s unchanging hand. Our response must be as consistent as the one we are responding to. We need to press through with praise and with worship, for there is power when you praise Him! ..................................................................................................................Friday, July 27, 2007 Misdirected Zeal In Romans 10:2 Paul tells us of a serious problem we face today. Misdirected zeal (as the NLT puts it) is what often stands in the way of a true revelation of Jesus Christ. Paul sees the great enthusiasm of the Jews and their many efforts at making themselves right with God. However, they were blinded by their own religion, refusing to accept God’s way through Jesus. They were entangled in keeping the law as God had commanded through Moses. They were not receiving Christ’s accomplishing the purpose for which the law was given. Understanding Christ came to fulfill the law, not abolish the law. It is our faith in Christ that makes us right with God. Our gift (one element of) is righteousness. Our response then is doing what is pleasing in God’s sight. We can not earn or work for salvation. Salvation is faith based. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, and if you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, then you will be saved. Everyone who calls upon the Lord will be saved! The gift of Jesus Christ is free. All of your efforts and exertion add up to nothing as compared to your faith in Christ; they are simply misdirected zeal. .............................................................................................................Thursday, July 26, 2007 Take It Back 2 Chronicles 16:6 explains, “Then King Asa called out all the men of Judah to carry away the building stones and timbers that Baasha had been using to fortify Ramah. Asa used these materials to fortify the towns of Geba and Mizpah.” King Baasha invaded Israel and was fortifying Ramah in order to prevent anyone from leaving Asa’s territory in Judah. After Baasha’s retreat, we find Asa retrieving and making use of the materials Baasha was employing to destroy him. Asa used these very same items to fortify his own towns. He took what the enemy was using to destroy and used them for himself. Much like David taking the sword of Goliath, the tool forged to destroy him, and using it for his own victory. The Bible promises us in Isaiah 54:17…”No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD.” What the enemy has devised to destroy is what God has purposed for your power. This is our heritage, for God is determined to give us victory! Take it back! ..........................................................................................................Wednesday, July 25, 2007 It’s All Good Romans 8:28 explains, we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. I find myself needing to be reminded of the sovereignty of God, today! God has a plan for each of us. According to Jeremiah 29:11, it’s a plan to prosper you, to give you a hope and a future. God is certain of His plan for you; we are the ones who doubt. Every detail, every experience (good or bad), everything is working together as a finely orchestrated masterpiece for your good. God says that you have to know this! You must be assured of this and keep pressing on in light of this fact. He has a greater purpose that we almost never can see until we have gone through it (even then we fail to see His hand). All the complexities of life are under absolute submission to God Almighty, this you can be certain of. Realize and carry on with the full understanding that it’s all good! ..............................................................................................................Tuesday, July 24, 2007 The Servant’s Heart In a time of transition many find themselves holding onto and retrieving all they can so that nothing will be lost and much might be gained. Following Solomon’s death we find such a transition taking place. His son, Rehoboam, has taken the kingdom and is seeking advice. The people of Israel had summoned him and asked that he would lighten their load, for Solomon had imposed heavy labor and had levied weighty taxes upon them. The older men, who had counseled Solomon, instructed Rehoboam to please the people and give them a favorable answer and they would always remain loyal. We find that Rehoboam was not pleased with the older men’s response and so he went to the younger men, those he had grown up with. They responded with increasing the burden of labor and becoming even more oppressive than that of his father. Rehoboam went the younger advisors and reported back his plan of leadership to the people. The Bible explains in 2 Chronicles 10:15, Rehoboam paid no attention to the people. The people, of course, rejected him and nearly killed him. He was there to be served, not to be a servant. Jesus said, if you desire to be a leader you must first be a servant. The servant’ s heart seeks to provide for the needs that surround. The servant’s heart desires to take advantage of the opportunity a time of great transition offers by giving, not receiving. Our approach to life reveals the attitude of our heart. Out of the abundance of our heart, our life speaks. The servant’s heart is one that is always paying attention to the needs of others, the true servant’s heart is always looking for the opportunity to give. ...............................................................................................................Monday, July 23, 2007 Hearing, Forgiving And Restoring Their will be times of trouble in this life we all share. Jesus said, “In this life you will have trouble.” However there is always a promise we can take hold of when circumstances come crushing down on us. God tells us that if we, as children of God-a people belonging to Him, would call out to Him. If we would seek Him, not just in prayer, but in every faculty. If we would seek His face and not his hands. Looking to the thoughts and desires of God as opposed to giving God our list of what needs to be done in our lives. If we would humble ourselves and break the pride that exists in all our lives. If we would repent, completely die so that He might completely live. If we would turn from what we want and return to what He wants. Then, following our reaction, will God take action. He lays down a promise in which He has bound Himself to. He will hear from heaven. He will forgive our sin. He will restore our land. Despite your situation in life, God has a promise that will not fail! He is constantly and consistently in the business of hearing, forgiving and restoring. ................................................................................................................Sunday, July 22, 2007 When God Shows Up 2 Chronicles 5:11-14 gives us great insight as to when God will show up. This story finds its place tucked in right after Solomon built the Temple. We find that all the priests showed up for this event. Whether they were supposed to or not. Whether it was their job (that day) or not. We find that they have purified themselves and have taken all precautions to make themselves absolutely ready. They showed up wearing their best, clothed with the most excellent garments. They were functioning together in harmony. Each part of the body was working as one. They lifted their voices jointly in unison. One voice was heard that day. And something incredible took place. God took notice and at that moment the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God. As children of God we are, according to 1 Peter 2:9, a royal priesthood. We now have the great responsibility of ushering in the presence of God (wherever we may find ourselves). And the principles outlined in 2 Chronicles 5:11-14 have not changed. When the body of Christ will get together and function as one with its various parts. When the children of God will set aside their differences, consecrate themselves and give God their absolute best, God will respond. This is when God shows up! ..............................................................................................................Saturday, July 21, 2007 Why Leaders Worship 2 Chronicles 1 gives such a great example of why leaders should worship. First and foremost verse 1 explains that Solomon took firm control of the kingdom. Leaders who are not in control are simply not leaders. If no one is following you, then you are just taking a walk! Next we find Solomon assembling everyone together for the purpose of leading them to the place of worship. The key is that Solomon led them to worship and led them in worship (verses 5 & 6). Worship is such a critical part of leadership. David explains that we enter His gates with thanksgiving in our hearts and we enter His courts with praise. Worship brings people into the presence of God. Long before I was a pastor, I was a worshipper. I started my journey as a member in the church choir. I learned to worship just following my salvation experience. This is not to say that worship is limited to the song service. Rather it is to say that worship is very much at the core of what the song service should produce. Solomon led the people to a place of worship and stood before the people as an example of what it means to worship. Then, in verse 7, the Bible explains God appeared to Solomon that night and asked him, “What do you want – ask and I will give it to you!” What an incredible response to the leader who shows the way to worship. As many know, Solomon asked for wisdom in leading God’s people and God gave him what he asked for along with much, much more (verse 12). Leaders may not be a lot of things (which is a good thing), yet we must be willing to lead our followers into His presence, for this is why leaders worship! .................................................................................................................Friday, July 20, 2007 Who May Worship John 4:23 tells us a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. Real worship is birthed from our spirit. Genuine worship is not a show or a façade. Authentic worship is a full expression of self in light of all God has done and will continue to do in our lives. So then, who may worship? David tells us there are some worship guidelines (Psalm 15). If your desire is to worship and enter in the presence of God, there are some thoughts we need to be in tune too. We must lead blameless lives and do what is right. We must speak truth from sincere hearts. We must refuse to gossip about, harm or speak evil of those around us. We must despise sin, honor those in the body of Christ (even the seemingly insignificant parts) and keep our word (even when it hurts). We should never expect a return or a response as it relates to what we give. We should always accept individuals for who they are and not for what anyone else would offer. This describes the true people of God. This describes those who will stand firm forever. This describes those who may worship! .............................................................................................................Thursday, July 19, 2007 No Reason For Hope Romans 4:18 explains that even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping! Abraham kept believing, he kept the faith. Abraham was well advanced in years, Sarah was well past conceiving a child! Yet Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his circumstance caused his faith to grow stronger. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises. And for his faith in God he was counted (by God) as righteous! Beyond righteousness, which is enough in itself, Abraham’ s faith benefits us. Abraham’s story serves as assurance that our faith will prompt God to count us as righteous as well. I encourage you to keep the faith. Even when there is no reason for hope, don’t relent, don’t give up, don’t let go! Stand firm and do not waver. Instead of allowing your situation to cause you grief and unbelief, may your struggle produce confidence and strength. May God count you as righteous and may every life you encounter be impacted by the power of God in and through your life! Have faith, even when there is no reason for hope! ........................................................................................................Wednesday, July 18, 20007 Focus On Your Faith In our culture we have been nurtured and poured into through every possible means that nothing is free and you must work for everything. Nothing in life comes easy; we must labor if we want to see fruit. This is how many of us perceive and live life. This is however, an understanding that cannot be applied to who we are in Christ. The fact that we have experienced Salvation, Regeneration, Justification and are declared Righteous is only possible through faith. Romans 4:4 explains we work for an income we have earned. Although, verse 5 clarifies we stand righteous before God not through what we have earned or worked for, but through faith. Faith in Jesus Christ confirms our identity and eternal security in God. Despite our efforts and untiring pains, faith is the determining factor. Without faith it is impossible to please to God. Faith always comes first. Work is simply a byproduct of faith. Work follows faith. As James puts it, faith without works is dead. Focus on your faith! ..............................................................................................................Tuesday, July 17, 2007 Someone Else’s Success In I Chronicles 22 we find that David is making preparations for a temple he will not build. What an exquisite thought! We can see one of the greatest principles in leadership happening before our very eyes. David has the stones prepared and he gathers vast amounts of building supplies. He provides the necessary iron, bronze and lumber. He prepares Solomon, he encourages Solomon and he ensures Solomon’s success. David knew this would never be known as the temple David built. He knew this temple would always be known as the temple Solomon built. David was concerned with someone else’s success. As leaders we must work tirelessly to guarantee the success of those around us. Jesus said if any among you desire to be a leader, you must first become a servant. We will never be fulfilled as leaders until we begin to concern ourselves with someone else’s success. ...............................................................................................................Monday, July 16, 2007 It’s Time To Fight If there was ever a time to fight it would certainly be right now! In I Chronicles 20:1 we find that it was the time when kings normally go out to war…however, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. Now is not the time to relax, get comfortable and let someone else get the job done. The fact of the matter is that somebody else will never get the job done! We are in a season of warfare and we cannot relent. David stayed back in Jerusalem and as we all know, he fell to eventual temptation as it concerned Bathsheba. We must learn the valuable lesson David gains from experience. For it was David, in I Chronicles 21:24, that noted he would not present an offering that cost him nothing. A true offering has a price tag. True victory means we must truly fight. So I encourage you to stand up, step out and fight. It’s time to fight! ................................................................................................................Sunday, July 15, 2007 Shedding A Little Light A question I am frequently asked is what happens to the people who were never told about Jesus Christ. Furthermore, why would God allow something like this to happen. Well, as usual, God has a much better way of saying it than I do. Romans 1:18-25 & Romans 2:12-15 18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. 21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. 24 So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. 25 They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. 12 When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. 13 For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. 14 Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. 15 They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. I hope this is helpful in your pursuit of answers! .............................................................................................................Saturday, July 14, 2007 Preparing For The Presence Whenever we are planning a special event, we always make preparations. If it is truly something that is important to us and something that is to be lasting, we will take the necessary measures to make sure the event happens. David, in I Chronicles 13, made a very serious mistake by not preparing for the presence of God. He mishandled (or had two unsuspecting individuals mishandle) the presence of God. It was a tragic outcome, and Uzzah lost his life that day. Although, David learned a great lesson as we find in I Chronicles 15. He made the necessary preparations and had the Ark of the Covenant brought back home the right way. If we truly desire God’s presence in our lives, our homes and our churches we will make the arrangements a priority and take all the right steps. We will certainly be in a continual process of consecration and anticipation of His presence. We pray for God to intervene, we seek His wisdom and long for His companionship. The question is, are we preparing for His presence? ..................................................................................................................Friday, July 13, 2007 What Everyone Else Can See There have often been times in my life when I was absolutely unable to see something in myself that was obvious to everyone else. It was not long ago that God had sent us to Baltimore, MD. They were two very life changing years! I believe one of the primary reasons God sent us there was to help me recognize the calling on my life to be a senior pastor. For years I had been unable to see it. For years I had been in process and preparation as an associate pastor. Finally, I was at a place where others were helping me see something I could not. I Chronicles 14:1-2 shares a very similar experience. David had just been through a traumatic experience and his perception of himself was cloudy. He doubted what he knew to be true. It was when Hiram, King of Tyre, sent him some messengers along with materials and ultimately a gift (a reminder as such), that David could finally see clearly. Hiram’s response confirmed in David’s life that God had made him king and had greatly blessed his kingdom. God will position us to encounter individuals to see and even declare things over our lives that we are absolutely unwilling and unable to see. There are times when what we see is insignificant in comparison to what everyone else can see! .............................................................................................................Thursday, July 12, 2007 Stand Your Ground I Chronicles 11:14 explains how two individuals one day decided to stand their ground. Apparently, the battle on that occasion became a little too intense and all of the Israelite army had fled. David and Eleazar found themselves caught in the middle of a barley field. Instead of running (like everybody else), they fought! And because they stood their ground and fought, God saved them by giving them a great victory. We need to consider this idea of standing our ground and fighting! Paul tells us in I Corinthians 15: 58…Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. He charges us again in Ephesians 6:13…When you have done all you know to do, then simply stand. The battle may rage on, everyone else may scatter and the odds may be stacked against you, but I encourage you to stand your ground. Let nothing move you, give everything to God and He will give you victory! ..........................................................................................................Wednesday, July 11, 2007 Getting It Together 2 Chronicles 9:22-34 gives us a great picture of God’s intention for how the ‘church’ is to operate. We can easily find that the running of God’s house took a lot of dedicated individuals. Some guarded the entrance to the house of the Lord. Some were positioned on all four corners of God’s house, and they came regularly to share in their duty. Some were responsible for the rooms and treasuries of God’s house. They would spend the night and make sure that in the morning the gates were open. Some cared for the various articles used in worship. Some cared for the furnishings. Some worked in the supply area making sure there was flour, wine, olive oil, spices and frankincense. Some would blend the spices. One individual in particular would bake the bread used in the offerings. Others were in charge of preparing the bread to be set on the table each Sabbath. Finally (as it relates to this passage), some were musicians and they dedicated themselves entirely to this ministry. What a great example of various people joining themselves together for a single purpose. What an awesome illustration of the body coming together to accomplish the work God had before them (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). As I continued to read my OYB (One Year Bible) I encountered Acts 27:30-32. The sailors wanted to abandon ship. There plan was one of deception as they lowered the lifeboats. But Paul realized a critical situation and addressed the commanding officer and the soldiers. Paul noted that everyone would die if the sailors jumped ship. The message each of these passages is trying to convey is that we need to get it together. It’s not time to jump ship. There is too much at stake, too many lives are hanging in the balance. Despite our position and purpose we each are an intricate part of the body of Christ. Despite the storm and detrimental circumstance that surrounds us, we must get it together, stay plugged in and see the work of God done right where we are at. ..............................................................................................................Tuesday, July 10, 2007 You’d Better Know What You’re Getting Into As I was reading today’s OYB (One Year Bible) I had to take a closer look at what seemed to be one of those not so significant passages (Acts 27:1-20). At first glance I considered the thought, wisdom vs. experience. Wisdom was saying that this trip entailed a loss of cargo, a loss of the ship and even the possibility of a loss of lives. Wisdom was saying the season and all the weather signs indicated this was going to be a tough trip. Experience, through that of the Captain and the owner of the ship, said we don’t like where we are at and we want to get where we are going. It seemed that Paul’s wisdom had greater insight than the professional’s experience. It was as I reread and even read a little further in Acts 27, that I realized this trip was supposed to happen. Paul wasn’t saying don’t go, he was really saying, in my opinion, ‘you’d better know what you are getting into’. This was not going to be a walk through the park or a record setting voyage. It was almost as if Paul were describing his life experience as a Christian. From the road to Damascus to where he found himself in this passage seems to draw quite a parallel to the voyage that lied ahead. He truly understood the complexities and the severity of all that lied ahead. Everything might be lost on this voyage. This trip had a lofty price and anyone setting sail had to be willing to consider its cost. The destination is typically a very exciting and much anticipated place. It’s the traveling experience (which is unavoidable) that can be quite uncomfortable! ‘You’d better know what you are getting into’. ..............................................................................................................Monday, July 09, 2007 Your Words Are What Others Eat Proverbs 18:20 explains that wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. Some would say the pen is mightier than the sword; I suggest the tongue is mightiest of all. As verse 21 of the same chapter further enlightens, there is the power of life and death in the tongue. We have a God given ability to speak life! To speak life over and into those around us is a responsibility we all share as Christians. The world we inhabit is horribly hungry. Those who do not know Christ are desperate to fill a void, starving for the words God has given us (Christians). The words of wisdom, the Word of life that you house await any and every opportunity to satisfy the evident hunger surrounding you each day of your life. Whether you are aware of it or not, you have been chosen to satisfy the appetite of the lost. Your words are what others eat! .................................................................................................................Sunday, July 8, 2007 Pressing For The Blessing Some years ago ‘Jabez’s Prayer’ (I Chronicles 4:9-10) created quite a stir. It seemed as though everyone, Christian and non-Christian alike, were excited about the blessings of GOD. As I was reading this very same passage today, I recognized the labor involved long before Jabez enjoyed his blessing. His mom experienced enormous pain in the birthing process, not to mention the preceding nine months of all that pregnancy offers. Her experience was so traumatic, she named him Jabez, which means ‘sorrow maker’. It dawned on me at that point, there are times we have to press and push for the blessings of GOD, even when we are not the recipient. Jabez’s mom probably had no idea what lied ahead for Jabez, but she was willing to toil and labor for a benefit not yet realized, a benefit not her own. Many like to focus on the prayer Jabez offered. Yet the prayer would have never been offered had it not been for all the prior effort. The prayer would have never been realized had it not been for the previous struggle. We must take a more balanced look at the scripture. The planting, the nurturing and the harvesting all offer great insight as it relates to the blessings of GOD. The planting (pressing), in this case, can not be diminished or side stepped. There are times we find ourselves pressing for the blessing. As the psalmist puts it…weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning! ................................................................................................................Saturday, July 7, 2007 Give Today’s Proverbs reading (18:16) explains how giving can open doors. Giving gives us access otherwise denied. I firmly believe that giving (in its various forms) is one element ‘the church’ has simply not been taking advantage of. The stigma attached to the church has typically been one of, ‘on the receiving end’. It truly is time we understand the scripture and start serving instead of being served. The end result (whether it be your motive or not) is beautiful. Giving opens doors, it creates a way and makes more room. This principle in giving gives us great insight. So often we find ourselves praying for doors to open and seeking God’s direction and guidance. I am confident His response is that we give. Giving gives us access. Because God gave His Son, Jesus Christ, we now have access to Him (Hebrews 5:1-2). Otherwise, we were denied. The example before us implores us to give. If you want to live you must die. If you want to be exalted you must be humbled. If you want (have want of anything – yes anything), then you must give. “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38) .....................................................................................................................Friday, July 6 2007 Legacy As I was reading the OT passage in today’s One Year Bible (I Chronicles 1-2:17) the thought of legacy impacted me. For the most part the entire passage deals with lineage, and like so many other times I tend to read a bit more quickly as it relates to so many names. Although, today’s read caused me to consider what kind of legacy I am leaving. Not what kind of name I can make for myself, how famous I will be or what mark will I leave. Rather, what kind of steward am I with what God has given me? Will the seed I have sown be lasting and fruitful? As I read through the genealogies, I recognized great families nurturing great men and women: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David to name a few. I also noticed the less than great as well: Ishmael, Achan and Er. As a father and a leader, the legacy I leave will be very significant and decisive. The here and now is vital, however the future is just as critical. I want to be the ten talent guy, not the one talent guy. I desire to see a return on my investment, even if I’ll never see it! What will the writer’s pen down after your name is mentioned? What kind of legacy are you leaving? ................................................................................................................Thursday, July 5 2007 Let People Know Who You Are Considering how forward and brash so many of us can be (and have been in times past concerning so many areas of our lives), I have come to the conclusion that Christians simply must ‘let people know who they are’. We have been too evasive and in some cases undercover far too long. As I was reading today’s One Year Bible, Paul’s response to the Roman centurion caught my eye in Acts 22:25, “Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been tried?” The officer immediately went to the commander and the commander immediately investigated (sometimes we want immediate results- sometimes we just need to immediately respond). The result, Paul was not beaten and he was given immense respect. Traveling back to Acts 21:37-40 Paul is misidentified as an Egyptian who led a rebellion some time ago by the very same commander. Paul had to clarify who he was! When Paul did, the commander allowed him to speak. In both cases timing was essential. Proverbs 18:13 explains we should listen before we speak. James gives great clarity in suggesting we be slow to speak and quick to listen. As Christians we need to seek Wisdom as to the opportunities before us each day of our lives. I propose you are the right person, so seek the right place and God will provide the right time. We must ‘let people know who we are’! ...........................................................................................................Wednesday, July 4, 2007 |