6-30-2010
Let Your Light Shine Bright
As a kid I recall singing the song, “Let your light shine bright through the night through the day…ye ha!” As we meditate on Ephesians 4:17-32, the song makes a lot more sense!
17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
I don’t know about you, but I have failed more times than I wish at obeying everything we just read in Ephesians. Bottom line: let’s do everything in our power to let our light shine bright. In good and bad times, are we glorifying our Heavenly Father? Its one thing to shine at church…how are you doing in the exact opposite environments and situations? It’s said, “Adversity reveals character.” Difficult environments and situations reveal our walk with the Lord. Do we give in to slander and negativity, or do we shine the light of Jesus in the worst of situations? In all things, let your light shine bright!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Ultimate Baptism
6-29-2010
The ultimate Baptism
Imagine baptizing the Savior of the world. Well, John the Baptist did just that!
In Matthew 3:13-15 it says:
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
Words cannot express the humility of Jesus Christ. Here he is, the Savior of the world, and he allows a mortal to baptize him. John is clearly blown away by the situation, and he gets the ultimate act of approval of his works, by Jesus Christ’s baptism.
As I think about all of the hard work and energy John the Baptist must have exerted, to get a response from the very one he has been serving has to be the ultimate feeling of accomplishment and reward. God gave John a mission, and he carried through. As you go about your life, think about all of the goals, aspirations, and benchmarks you want to reach. Are there going to be tough times, YES! As Zig Ziglar says, there’s no such thing as a smooth mountain. It’s the potholes and ridges that enable us to keep climbing. Stay focused on what you feel God has called you to do and you will be successful. There will be times where you may question what you are doing, but as long as you are doing what you feel God has called you to do, stick with it!
Application:
1.Read Matthew 3:13-17
2.Stay focused on the Godly missions you have been called to do.
The ultimate Baptism
Imagine baptizing the Savior of the world. Well, John the Baptist did just that!
In Matthew 3:13-15 it says:
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
Words cannot express the humility of Jesus Christ. Here he is, the Savior of the world, and he allows a mortal to baptize him. John is clearly blown away by the situation, and he gets the ultimate act of approval of his works, by Jesus Christ’s baptism.
As I think about all of the hard work and energy John the Baptist must have exerted, to get a response from the very one he has been serving has to be the ultimate feeling of accomplishment and reward. God gave John a mission, and he carried through. As you go about your life, think about all of the goals, aspirations, and benchmarks you want to reach. Are there going to be tough times, YES! As Zig Ziglar says, there’s no such thing as a smooth mountain. It’s the potholes and ridges that enable us to keep climbing. Stay focused on what you feel God has called you to do and you will be successful. There will be times where you may question what you are doing, but as long as you are doing what you feel God has called you to do, stick with it!
Application:
1.Read Matthew 3:13-17
2.Stay focused on the Godly missions you have been called to do.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
John The Baptist
6-28-2010
John the Baptist
John the Baptist was a Jesus type of leader. When I say he was a “Jesus type of leader,” I am alluding to the fact that he served people, and did not crave the spotlight like so many leaders do. As we’ve read in the Bible, Jesus was a humble, servant leader. He didn’t crave attention, and he certainly didn’t have the nicest things. When we read about the Kings and other leaders of the time, they all craved attention, and many would literally kill people if they felt threatened by their power. King Herod is a perfect example of a leader with some good qualities, but his jealousy, fear, and suspicious nature eventually led to his seeking the death of Jesus, thus destroying all the good he could have done.
John the Baptist was a prophet whose life mission was to announce the coming of the Savior of the world. He didn’t have any power in the political system at the time, but he simply relied upon the power of God. His ability to speak the bold truth of the coming of the Savior was enough to baptize hundreds of people. When John the Baptist spoke, people listened!
As we read Matthew 3:4 we see that John the Baptist was a bit interesting, “John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.” I think a great lesson we can learn from this is different is okay. Be who you are, and don’t try to be something you’re not. John was fearless and bold with his message, yet he kept his messages focused on the Savior. While most leaders would give themselves the glory, John delivered message after message about the coming of the One!
Application:
1.Read Matthew 3:4-10
2.Make sure to stay focused on the message of Christ at all times, and be bold.
3.Avoid giving yourself glory at ALL times
John the Baptist
John the Baptist was a Jesus type of leader. When I say he was a “Jesus type of leader,” I am alluding to the fact that he served people, and did not crave the spotlight like so many leaders do. As we’ve read in the Bible, Jesus was a humble, servant leader. He didn’t crave attention, and he certainly didn’t have the nicest things. When we read about the Kings and other leaders of the time, they all craved attention, and many would literally kill people if they felt threatened by their power. King Herod is a perfect example of a leader with some good qualities, but his jealousy, fear, and suspicious nature eventually led to his seeking the death of Jesus, thus destroying all the good he could have done.
John the Baptist was a prophet whose life mission was to announce the coming of the Savior of the world. He didn’t have any power in the political system at the time, but he simply relied upon the power of God. His ability to speak the bold truth of the coming of the Savior was enough to baptize hundreds of people. When John the Baptist spoke, people listened!
As we read Matthew 3:4 we see that John the Baptist was a bit interesting, “John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.” I think a great lesson we can learn from this is different is okay. Be who you are, and don’t try to be something you’re not. John was fearless and bold with his message, yet he kept his messages focused on the Savior. While most leaders would give themselves the glory, John delivered message after message about the coming of the One!
Application:
1.Read Matthew 3:4-10
2.Make sure to stay focused on the message of Christ at all times, and be bold.
3.Avoid giving yourself glory at ALL times
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Ignoring God
6-25-2010
Ignoring God by Boyd Bailey
Ignoring God…“The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention.” 2 Chronicles 33:10
No one likes to be ignored, especially God. When we ignore someone we communicate disrespect. Can you imagine the President of your country visiting your home? As he enters your foyer you escort him into the sitting room. There you have a long talk and really begin to get to know one another. Amazingly, he gives you permission for unlimited visits to his office or home over your lifetime.
Yet, after our initial start with Christ some of us have ignored His invitation to “get to know you and you get to know me” (Revelation 3:20). We have ignored God. Maybe your reasons are noble. You have been busy providing for your family, pursing your career or helping people. But where is God in the process? Love does not ignore.
If I love you, I want time with you. I listen to you and pray for you. I return your calls, write you encouraging e-mails and check on you. Indeed, bring ignored melts like butter under the hot light of love. Love and disregard cannot coexist. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will feed my sheep” (John 21:15). Love pays attention: it engages, teaches and shepherds.
Also—as you pay attention to God—you become passionate about His interests. People become precious, not a distraction. The international community becomes your congregation; you see their diverse cultures as sheep without a shepherd. Your heart bleeds for them, because the heart of God bleeds over their need for Him and His truth.
Take a spiritual audit of your Christianity. Better yet engage with an “outside auditor” to give you an objective opinion of your compliance to God’s standards for you. Will they discover you blasé, just running with the crowd or will they find you hard after God? Does your calendar and checkbook reflect what the Lord cannot ignore: injustice, poverty, abandoned children, the lost, the broken hearted, all who are ensnared by sin?
Enthusiastically connect with our Creator, pursue a friendship with Jesus. Take the time to be still, listen to the Lord and do His will. Intimacy does not ignore the agenda of Almighty God—it embraces eternity and ignores the diversions of this world.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Do I inadvertently ignore with my busy schedule or do I pursue intimacy with Christ?
Related Readings: 1 Chronicles 22:19; Psalm 63:1; Acts 24:16; 1 Timothy 4:10;
Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God
Ignoring God by Boyd Bailey
Ignoring God…“The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention.” 2 Chronicles 33:10
No one likes to be ignored, especially God. When we ignore someone we communicate disrespect. Can you imagine the President of your country visiting your home? As he enters your foyer you escort him into the sitting room. There you have a long talk and really begin to get to know one another. Amazingly, he gives you permission for unlimited visits to his office or home over your lifetime.
Yet, after our initial start with Christ some of us have ignored His invitation to “get to know you and you get to know me” (Revelation 3:20). We have ignored God. Maybe your reasons are noble. You have been busy providing for your family, pursing your career or helping people. But where is God in the process? Love does not ignore.
If I love you, I want time with you. I listen to you and pray for you. I return your calls, write you encouraging e-mails and check on you. Indeed, bring ignored melts like butter under the hot light of love. Love and disregard cannot coexist. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will feed my sheep” (John 21:15). Love pays attention: it engages, teaches and shepherds.
Also—as you pay attention to God—you become passionate about His interests. People become precious, not a distraction. The international community becomes your congregation; you see their diverse cultures as sheep without a shepherd. Your heart bleeds for them, because the heart of God bleeds over their need for Him and His truth.
Take a spiritual audit of your Christianity. Better yet engage with an “outside auditor” to give you an objective opinion of your compliance to God’s standards for you. Will they discover you blasé, just running with the crowd or will they find you hard after God? Does your calendar and checkbook reflect what the Lord cannot ignore: injustice, poverty, abandoned children, the lost, the broken hearted, all who are ensnared by sin?
Enthusiastically connect with our Creator, pursue a friendship with Jesus. Take the time to be still, listen to the Lord and do His will. Intimacy does not ignore the agenda of Almighty God—it embraces eternity and ignores the diversions of this world.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Do I inadvertently ignore with my busy schedule or do I pursue intimacy with Christ?
Related Readings: 1 Chronicles 22:19; Psalm 63:1; Acts 24:16; 1 Timothy 4:10;
Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Serve The One
6-23-2010
Serve The One
Matthew 6:22-24 says the following:
"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
We as human beings do a great job of complicating things. God calls us to keep things simple. It makes sense, “no one can serve two masters.” I know I’m guilty of trying to do everything, and I’ve really had to learn to delegate. I can’t run multiple companies all by myself. It’s important I do what I do best, and empower others to do what they do best. In pro baseball you are either a pitcher or a position player. Very rarely will you find someone that does both because, “no one can serve two masters.” As it relates to our Christian walk, we are called to serve GOD! When you allow ANYTHING other than God to impact your decision making process you are setting yourself up for failure.
There’s nothing wrong with being financially motivated. Earning money can be a great thing as long as we understand the role of money. Haley and I’ve been blessed to do things for people that we would never have been able to do had we not earned a good living. I pray regularly that God will bless me financially so I can give abundantly. When people spend their time and energy on making money, usually God drops down the priority list, and problems are soon arrive. Stay focused on the eternal and the things of this world will stay in their place…way behind our Lord and savior!
Application:
1.Read Matthew 6:22-24
2.Make sure God is your focus. You cannot focus on multiple things with the same energy and commitment.
Serve The One
Matthew 6:22-24 says the following:
"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
We as human beings do a great job of complicating things. God calls us to keep things simple. It makes sense, “no one can serve two masters.” I know I’m guilty of trying to do everything, and I’ve really had to learn to delegate. I can’t run multiple companies all by myself. It’s important I do what I do best, and empower others to do what they do best. In pro baseball you are either a pitcher or a position player. Very rarely will you find someone that does both because, “no one can serve two masters.” As it relates to our Christian walk, we are called to serve GOD! When you allow ANYTHING other than God to impact your decision making process you are setting yourself up for failure.
There’s nothing wrong with being financially motivated. Earning money can be a great thing as long as we understand the role of money. Haley and I’ve been blessed to do things for people that we would never have been able to do had we not earned a good living. I pray regularly that God will bless me financially so I can give abundantly. When people spend their time and energy on making money, usually God drops down the priority list, and problems are soon arrive. Stay focused on the eternal and the things of this world will stay in their place…way behind our Lord and savior!
Application:
1.Read Matthew 6:22-24
2.Make sure God is your focus. You cannot focus on multiple things with the same energy and commitment.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Money
6-23-2010
Money
Money can be a very controversial issue when dealing with the Christian faith. It’s extremely important to read the Bible in context so you can understand each verse for what it means. As we continue to study the book of Matthew, Jesus speaks about the role of money and the Christian faith.
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
We find a common theme when discussing the temporal (things of the world). We shouldn’t put our faith in anything of this world. Money comes and goes, and your material possessions mean NOTHING in the big picture. Our treasure needs to rest in the eternal where we will never be let down. Everything of this world will vanish eventually. The eternal is forever. Our time on this earth is just a blip on the radar screen, so make sure your focus is on the kingdom of God, and not on the size of your bank account.
God will bless certain individuals with financial success, but that doesn’t make you happy. Those that understand the role of money deal with financial success properly. Though Christ followers may have a lot of money, they do not put their hope, faith, or focus on money, but instead use the money they have to further the kingdom of God. Before you judge people for having nice things, remember, a person of wealth may donate 90% of what they make and only keep 10% for themselves. There are a lot of people that have a lot of money, and they are miserable. Money is important, as we have to have it in order to live, but it shouldn’t be a factor in what you do on this earth. In other words, follow your heart. If you make business decisions purely on financial gain, you will be miserable. When you follow your heart you will find peace and fulfillment. You will be excited about life. For example, if you want to be a coach, then be a coach. It may not pay a lot of money, but do what you feel God wants you to do. You won’t be able to have some of the material possessions others have, but you will live a life of fulfillment and happiness because you did what you were called to do.
The world needs generous people, and God wants generous people. If you have plenty of money, yet don’t support your church, then you don’t understand what God has called us to do. It’s not your money! Giving 10% SHOULDN’T BE AN OPTION. Blessing those in need shouldn’t be an option. God will bless you financially if you give abundantly.
Application:
1.Read Matthew 6:19-21
2.How do you view money? Are you giving as Christ has called you to give?
Money
Money can be a very controversial issue when dealing with the Christian faith. It’s extremely important to read the Bible in context so you can understand each verse for what it means. As we continue to study the book of Matthew, Jesus speaks about the role of money and the Christian faith.
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
We find a common theme when discussing the temporal (things of the world). We shouldn’t put our faith in anything of this world. Money comes and goes, and your material possessions mean NOTHING in the big picture. Our treasure needs to rest in the eternal where we will never be let down. Everything of this world will vanish eventually. The eternal is forever. Our time on this earth is just a blip on the radar screen, so make sure your focus is on the kingdom of God, and not on the size of your bank account.
God will bless certain individuals with financial success, but that doesn’t make you happy. Those that understand the role of money deal with financial success properly. Though Christ followers may have a lot of money, they do not put their hope, faith, or focus on money, but instead use the money they have to further the kingdom of God. Before you judge people for having nice things, remember, a person of wealth may donate 90% of what they make and only keep 10% for themselves. There are a lot of people that have a lot of money, and they are miserable. Money is important, as we have to have it in order to live, but it shouldn’t be a factor in what you do on this earth. In other words, follow your heart. If you make business decisions purely on financial gain, you will be miserable. When you follow your heart you will find peace and fulfillment. You will be excited about life. For example, if you want to be a coach, then be a coach. It may not pay a lot of money, but do what you feel God wants you to do. You won’t be able to have some of the material possessions others have, but you will live a life of fulfillment and happiness because you did what you were called to do.
The world needs generous people, and God wants generous people. If you have plenty of money, yet don’t support your church, then you don’t understand what God has called us to do. It’s not your money! Giving 10% SHOULDN’T BE AN OPTION. Blessing those in need shouldn’t be an option. God will bless you financially if you give abundantly.
Application:
1.Read Matthew 6:19-21
2.How do you view money? Are you giving as Christ has called you to give?
Monday, June 21, 2010
Join God By Widom Hunters
6-22-2010
Join God
“God is with us; he is our leader. His priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. Men of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.” 2 Chronicles 13:12
I am either for God or against God. There is no in between. If I ignore God I am against Him. If my words honor God, but my actions do no t follow then I am against Him. If I am against those whom God is with, I am against God. Resisting God is not a smart place to be. It is much wiser to join God than to resist God. Joining Jesus brings joy!
We prayerfully discover where God is working and join Him. We resign ourselves from resistance to God and instead align with His will. There is no better place than to be partnered with God and His people. He is the pilot and we are the co-pilots. He is the owner and we are the managers. He is the King and we are His servants. He is our heavenly Father and we are His children. He is with us, as He sends us out on His behalf.
“After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them” (Acts 16:12).
Join Him at church and worship Him with his people. Saints and sinners alike will welcome you. We are all fellow strugglers on a joint mission with Jesus. Join Him in your marriage. No marriage has ever regretted placing Christ as the focal point. He is the stabilizer and perspective needed for a husband, wife and child to flourish.
Join Him while you are stretching your mind in college. As you love Him with your mind, His wisdom will impregnate your thinking with good, pure and productive thoughts. You will be wise beyond your years for His purposes. Join Him in your business pursuits. You will be surprised how He can lead you to the right deals and help you craft and execute the perfect plans. Join Him in a vision much bigger than yourself. Pray for a vision that unless God pulls it off, it certainly will not happen. Joint venture with Jesus.
Stop meddling with mediocre projects that man can pull off without the Lord. Ask instead, where is He working? Join Him. By faith you can ride on the wave of His wonder. Wake up and do not waste His precious time. You may be fighting a battle He has already won. Or, you may be laboring in a field He has already left. Boldly go where no man has gone, but where God is gathering a critical mass of like-minded disciples.
Our prayer is not for God to be on our side, but for us to be on His. He is working in ways way beyond what we could envision, think up, or figure out. Through intense prayer and with His faithful followers, let’s join them and watch Him work. Otherwise we are sleeping with the enemy and just messing around biding our time. Seek out divine endeavors, then join Him and hang on for the ride. There is nothing like the Lord’s leverage, 100 fold, which can influence an entire world for Jesus Christ. So by faith, join Him today!
"Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you” (Zechariah 2:11).
Where is the Lord calling me to leave my comfort zone for Christ’s sake and join Him?
Related Readings: 1 Chronicles 16:10-11; Matthew 8:22; Acts 12:8; 1 Timothy 1:3
Join God
“God is with us; he is our leader. His priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. Men of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.” 2 Chronicles 13:12
I am either for God or against God. There is no in between. If I ignore God I am against Him. If my words honor God, but my actions do no t follow then I am against Him. If I am against those whom God is with, I am against God. Resisting God is not a smart place to be. It is much wiser to join God than to resist God. Joining Jesus brings joy!
We prayerfully discover where God is working and join Him. We resign ourselves from resistance to God and instead align with His will. There is no better place than to be partnered with God and His people. He is the pilot and we are the co-pilots. He is the owner and we are the managers. He is the King and we are His servants. He is our heavenly Father and we are His children. He is with us, as He sends us out on His behalf.
“After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them” (Acts 16:12).
Join Him at church and worship Him with his people. Saints and sinners alike will welcome you. We are all fellow strugglers on a joint mission with Jesus. Join Him in your marriage. No marriage has ever regretted placing Christ as the focal point. He is the stabilizer and perspective needed for a husband, wife and child to flourish.
Join Him while you are stretching your mind in college. As you love Him with your mind, His wisdom will impregnate your thinking with good, pure and productive thoughts. You will be wise beyond your years for His purposes. Join Him in your business pursuits. You will be surprised how He can lead you to the right deals and help you craft and execute the perfect plans. Join Him in a vision much bigger than yourself. Pray for a vision that unless God pulls it off, it certainly will not happen. Joint venture with Jesus.
Stop meddling with mediocre projects that man can pull off without the Lord. Ask instead, where is He working? Join Him. By faith you can ride on the wave of His wonder. Wake up and do not waste His precious time. You may be fighting a battle He has already won. Or, you may be laboring in a field He has already left. Boldly go where no man has gone, but where God is gathering a critical mass of like-minded disciples.
Our prayer is not for God to be on our side, but for us to be on His. He is working in ways way beyond what we could envision, think up, or figure out. Through intense prayer and with His faithful followers, let’s join them and watch Him work. Otherwise we are sleeping with the enemy and just messing around biding our time. Seek out divine endeavors, then join Him and hang on for the ride. There is nothing like the Lord’s leverage, 100 fold, which can influence an entire world for Jesus Christ. So by faith, join Him today!
"Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you” (Zechariah 2:11).
Where is the Lord calling me to leave my comfort zone for Christ’s sake and join Him?
Related Readings: 1 Chronicles 16:10-11; Matthew 8:22; Acts 12:8; 1 Timothy 1:3
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Repent
6-21-2010
Repent
We’ve all had experiences where we’ve felt wronged, and most of the times the feelings are just. My first emotional response is shock, followed by anger, and then I want to call everyone involved. As I’ve matured in my spiritual journey, I’ve learned to handle these situations differently. Where I might have called while my emotions were high, I’ve really learned to relax and not let it bother me as much because I now understand why people do things they shouldn’t do.
In Matthew 3:1-2 we have insight into John the Baptist’s major theme of repentance. “In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” John the Baptist’s preaching of repentance is exactly the way I like it, DIRECT AND TO THE POINT. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near,” is about as direct as you can be.
To repent is to understand wrongdoing, and to turn everything over to the Lord. Stop doing the things that lead to sinning. If you truly repent, the proper actions will follow. In other words, you will stop manipulating, stealing, cheating, gossiping, lying, etc. Will you sin in the future, yes, but you will realize what you’ve done immediately, ask for forgiveness and make things right. Those that continue to do wrong reveal everything about their lack of repentance. It’s obvious they haven’t truly turned their lives over to Christ. Its one thing to believe in God, but it’s another thing to be transformed by God and to live for Christ. Satan believes in God, but that doesn’t make Satan a Christ follower, just like I believe in baseball, but that doesn’t make me a baseball! Belief is not enough for a transformation of who you are today in to what Christ ultimately desires for you and I to be. Therefore, when people say or do wrong, understand they have problems, and what they say or do is a reflection of their lack of character, etcetera, and not a reflection of who you really are. At the end of the day, all we can do is show them the kindness Christ showed the world, and the mercy and grace God gives us daily.
When you come across those that do wrong on a consistent basis, please understand they need to be transformed by the love, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ. They do wrong, because they live a worldly life and not a Godly life. Do not judge those people, for God is the only judge, but instead love those people and find the good in them. I’m sure you will have many cases, so remember to respond in a loving way and do not react with emotion. Teach those folks what repentance is, just as God has done and will do for us. Remember, God will take care of the wrong; our job is to do right. Jesus came to the earth as a humble servant, to serve not be served, but he WILL COME AGAIN, and this time it’s for justice.
Application:
1.Read Matthew 3:1-3
2.Look deep into your soul and pick out any worldly motives you have, and fill that part of your soul with Godly motives.
Repent
We’ve all had experiences where we’ve felt wronged, and most of the times the feelings are just. My first emotional response is shock, followed by anger, and then I want to call everyone involved. As I’ve matured in my spiritual journey, I’ve learned to handle these situations differently. Where I might have called while my emotions were high, I’ve really learned to relax and not let it bother me as much because I now understand why people do things they shouldn’t do.
In Matthew 3:1-2 we have insight into John the Baptist’s major theme of repentance. “In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” John the Baptist’s preaching of repentance is exactly the way I like it, DIRECT AND TO THE POINT. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near,” is about as direct as you can be.
To repent is to understand wrongdoing, and to turn everything over to the Lord. Stop doing the things that lead to sinning. If you truly repent, the proper actions will follow. In other words, you will stop manipulating, stealing, cheating, gossiping, lying, etc. Will you sin in the future, yes, but you will realize what you’ve done immediately, ask for forgiveness and make things right. Those that continue to do wrong reveal everything about their lack of repentance. It’s obvious they haven’t truly turned their lives over to Christ. Its one thing to believe in God, but it’s another thing to be transformed by God and to live for Christ. Satan believes in God, but that doesn’t make Satan a Christ follower, just like I believe in baseball, but that doesn’t make me a baseball! Belief is not enough for a transformation of who you are today in to what Christ ultimately desires for you and I to be. Therefore, when people say or do wrong, understand they have problems, and what they say or do is a reflection of their lack of character, etcetera, and not a reflection of who you really are. At the end of the day, all we can do is show them the kindness Christ showed the world, and the mercy and grace God gives us daily.
When you come across those that do wrong on a consistent basis, please understand they need to be transformed by the love, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ. They do wrong, because they live a worldly life and not a Godly life. Do not judge those people, for God is the only judge, but instead love those people and find the good in them. I’m sure you will have many cases, so remember to respond in a loving way and do not react with emotion. Teach those folks what repentance is, just as God has done and will do for us. Remember, God will take care of the wrong; our job is to do right. Jesus came to the earth as a humble servant, to serve not be served, but he WILL COME AGAIN, and this time it’s for justice.
Application:
1.Read Matthew 3:1-3
2.Look deep into your soul and pick out any worldly motives you have, and fill that part of your soul with Godly motives.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Prophecy
6-18-2010
Prophecy
Matthew Chapter 2:22-23 says, “But when he [Joseph] heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
These versus of the bible reveal two important facts: Joseph continues his obedience by listening and responding to God’s will, and what was said would happen in the old testament (Micah 5:2). In Micah 5:2 it reads, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah (the district from which Bethlehem was located), though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will rule over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” The notes in the NIV for this passage read, “This ruler is Jesus the Messiah. Micah accurately predicted Christ’s birthplace hundreds of years before Jesus was born. The promised eternal King in David’s line, who would come to live as a man, had been alive forever-“from of old, from ancient times.” Although eternal, Christ entered human history as a man, Jesus of Nazareth.”
A prophecy can be defined as a prediction. What’s amazing is the prophecies of the Old Testament were amazingly accurate with regards to Christ’s birth. The example of Micah’s prophecy is one of many examples, thus giving us clarity in the validity of the Bible as a whole. When we dig deep into the word of God, it becomes abundantly clear that the Bible is not just some random collections of stories, and is in fact accurate accounts of what was, is, and will be. Some people appreciate the Old Testament more, and vice versa, and though one or the other maybe more enjoyable to read at times, it’s extremely important to understand the validity of both. Remember, you cannot escape your own perspectivity, thus we as human beings on earth will never understand the magnificence of God!
Application:
1.Read Matthew 2:19-23
2.Take note of the prophecies (predictions) that are divinely inspired in Bible…how great would it be if you were divinely inspired? Stop, Pray, and Listen
Prophecy
Matthew Chapter 2:22-23 says, “But when he [Joseph] heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
These versus of the bible reveal two important facts: Joseph continues his obedience by listening and responding to God’s will, and what was said would happen in the old testament (Micah 5:2). In Micah 5:2 it reads, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah (the district from which Bethlehem was located), though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will rule over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” The notes in the NIV for this passage read, “This ruler is Jesus the Messiah. Micah accurately predicted Christ’s birthplace hundreds of years before Jesus was born. The promised eternal King in David’s line, who would come to live as a man, had been alive forever-“from of old, from ancient times.” Although eternal, Christ entered human history as a man, Jesus of Nazareth.”
A prophecy can be defined as a prediction. What’s amazing is the prophecies of the Old Testament were amazingly accurate with regards to Christ’s birth. The example of Micah’s prophecy is one of many examples, thus giving us clarity in the validity of the Bible as a whole. When we dig deep into the word of God, it becomes abundantly clear that the Bible is not just some random collections of stories, and is in fact accurate accounts of what was, is, and will be. Some people appreciate the Old Testament more, and vice versa, and though one or the other maybe more enjoyable to read at times, it’s extremely important to understand the validity of both. Remember, you cannot escape your own perspectivity, thus we as human beings on earth will never understand the magnificence of God!
Application:
1.Read Matthew 2:19-23
2.Take note of the prophecies (predictions) that are divinely inspired in Bible…how great would it be if you were divinely inspired? Stop, Pray, and Listen
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Are You Listening
6-17-2010
Are you listening?
The title for this devotional is based upon the obedience of being still. As we dive into Joseph’s role in the birth of Jesus, we first read about his obedience to listen to the angel as Joseph was given clarity about the purity of Mary. In Matthew chapter 2:13 Joseph hears from the angel a second time.
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up, “he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” Here’s the background of what’s taking place. King Herod wants to be the man, therefore, when he hears that this “Jesus” is being born, Herod takes this as a threat to his power. King Herod then uses the Magi, also known as wise men, to find Jesus so Herod could have him killed. Once they realized what Herod was up to, the Magi avoided Herod at all cost. The Magi were good and worshiped Jesus, Herod is the bad guy here. Getting back to the scripture we read at the beginning of this paragraph, Joseph hears from the angel for a second time. This time the angels warn Joseph that Herod wants to kill Jesus, so they should flee to Egypt, and that’s exactly what they did.
Due to the fact King Herod was outwitted by the Magi, he chose to have every boy under the age of two to be killed hoping one of them would be Jesus. The sad reality is all of this would have been avoided if Herod wasn’t so concerned with power. He literally wanted to kill Jesus because he was afraid of what could be.
The reality is Herod missed the entire reason for the birth of Christ because he was too absorbed in selfish and prideful motives. Think about this situation for a second…things go terribly wrong because someone abuses their power for selfish and prideful motives. Imagine how amazing the world would be if we could rid ourselves of such thinking. After all, Christ has taught us well. He came to SERVE not be served.
Application:
1.Read Matthew 2:13-18
2.Do you allow selfish and prideful motives to run any aspects of your life? If so, what needs to take place so that Christ can be the focal point of everything you do?
Are you listening?
The title for this devotional is based upon the obedience of being still. As we dive into Joseph’s role in the birth of Jesus, we first read about his obedience to listen to the angel as Joseph was given clarity about the purity of Mary. In Matthew chapter 2:13 Joseph hears from the angel a second time.
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up, “he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” Here’s the background of what’s taking place. King Herod wants to be the man, therefore, when he hears that this “Jesus” is being born, Herod takes this as a threat to his power. King Herod then uses the Magi, also known as wise men, to find Jesus so Herod could have him killed. Once they realized what Herod was up to, the Magi avoided Herod at all cost. The Magi were good and worshiped Jesus, Herod is the bad guy here. Getting back to the scripture we read at the beginning of this paragraph, Joseph hears from the angel for a second time. This time the angels warn Joseph that Herod wants to kill Jesus, so they should flee to Egypt, and that’s exactly what they did.
Due to the fact King Herod was outwitted by the Magi, he chose to have every boy under the age of two to be killed hoping one of them would be Jesus. The sad reality is all of this would have been avoided if Herod wasn’t so concerned with power. He literally wanted to kill Jesus because he was afraid of what could be.
The reality is Herod missed the entire reason for the birth of Christ because he was too absorbed in selfish and prideful motives. Think about this situation for a second…things go terribly wrong because someone abuses their power for selfish and prideful motives. Imagine how amazing the world would be if we could rid ourselves of such thinking. After all, Christ has taught us well. He came to SERVE not be served.
Application:
1.Read Matthew 2:13-18
2.Do you allow selfish and prideful motives to run any aspects of your life? If so, what needs to take place so that Christ can be the focal point of everything you do?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Humble Yourself
6-16-2010
Humble Yourself by Wisdom Hunters
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1Peter 5:6
Christ’s command is clear to His children: “Humble yourselves”. What He requires is a volitional and willful act of humility. Just like I choose to love, I choose to humble myself. I can be humble, just like I can be compassionate, forgiving and gentle. Humility is not an outside force waiting to have its way; it indwells the believer waiting for action.
So, how do we humble ourselves? It is the submission to God and others that unleashes humility. Humility will lie dormant and be a doormat to pride unless we surrender to our Savior Jesus. We give up our right to be right, so that we can walk in humility. It’s taking the low position that gains the high ground of grace. Humility is the preserver of peace, while pride is the disturber of peace. We first humble ourselves and then trust God to do what’s right.
Are you at enmity with the Lord? If so, humble yourself. Are you at odds with an individual? If so, humble yourself. Did you mess up at work? If so, humble yourself and take responsibility for your poor performance. Did you speak harsh and hurtful words? If so, humble yourself and ask for forgiveness. Humility heals, while pride prolongs pain.
It’s the proactive process of humbling ourselves that keeps power from feeding our pride and fame from deflating our faith. Success is an enemy to humility because it tries to move us from submission to self-sufficiency. Leaders don’t let the accolades of man soften their submission to God. If you act like you do not need the Almighty, He will allow you to fall on your face in forced submission. Better to voluntarily submit to authorities in heaven and on earth than to be made to surrender and humiliated.
Grace is the gift you receive from God when you humble yourself. Grace is the gasoline that runs the engine of an eternal and abundant life. Humble yourself and watch the Lord lift you up in His timing. Self-exaltation is not sustainable, but eternity’s exaltation is forever. Submit under His mighty hand and you’ll decrease, while He increases.
“He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).
Do I daily humble myself by submitting to Almighty God and to the authorities in my life?
Humble Yourself by Wisdom Hunters
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1Peter 5:6
Christ’s command is clear to His children: “Humble yourselves”. What He requires is a volitional and willful act of humility. Just like I choose to love, I choose to humble myself. I can be humble, just like I can be compassionate, forgiving and gentle. Humility is not an outside force waiting to have its way; it indwells the believer waiting for action.
So, how do we humble ourselves? It is the submission to God and others that unleashes humility. Humility will lie dormant and be a doormat to pride unless we surrender to our Savior Jesus. We give up our right to be right, so that we can walk in humility. It’s taking the low position that gains the high ground of grace. Humility is the preserver of peace, while pride is the disturber of peace. We first humble ourselves and then trust God to do what’s right.
Are you at enmity with the Lord? If so, humble yourself. Are you at odds with an individual? If so, humble yourself. Did you mess up at work? If so, humble yourself and take responsibility for your poor performance. Did you speak harsh and hurtful words? If so, humble yourself and ask for forgiveness. Humility heals, while pride prolongs pain.
It’s the proactive process of humbling ourselves that keeps power from feeding our pride and fame from deflating our faith. Success is an enemy to humility because it tries to move us from submission to self-sufficiency. Leaders don’t let the accolades of man soften their submission to God. If you act like you do not need the Almighty, He will allow you to fall on your face in forced submission. Better to voluntarily submit to authorities in heaven and on earth than to be made to surrender and humiliated.
Grace is the gift you receive from God when you humble yourself. Grace is the gasoline that runs the engine of an eternal and abundant life. Humble yourself and watch the Lord lift you up in His timing. Self-exaltation is not sustainable, but eternity’s exaltation is forever. Submit under His mighty hand and you’ll decrease, while He increases.
“He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).
Do I daily humble myself by submitting to Almighty God and to the authorities in my life?
Monday, June 14, 2010
Great Story
6-15-2010
His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans,
and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college.
He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a
Christian while attending college.
Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how
to go about it.
One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his
T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts
down the aisle looking for a seat.
The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are
really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.
Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes
there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.
By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.
About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the
church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill.
Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece
suit.. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks
with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to
themselves that you can't blame him for what
he's going to do.
How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some
college kid on the floor?
It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly
silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on
him.. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach
the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.
And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great
difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with
him so he won't be alone.
Everyone chokes up with emotion.
When the minister gains control, he says,
'What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen,
you will never forget.'
'Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever
read!'
His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans,
and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college.
He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a
Christian while attending college.
Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how
to go about it.
One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his
T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts
down the aisle looking for a seat.
The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are
really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.
Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes
there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.
By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.
About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the
church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill.
Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece
suit.. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks
with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to
themselves that you can't blame him for what
he's going to do.
How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some
college kid on the floor?
It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly
silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on
him.. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach
the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.
And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great
difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with
him so he won't be alone.
Everyone chokes up with emotion.
When the minister gains control, he says,
'What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen,
you will never forget.'
'Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever
read!'
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Shepherd To Lead
6-14-2010
Shepherd and Lead by Wisdom Hunters
“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” Psalm 78:72
Leadership requires the gentle touch of a shepherd and the persistent persuasion of a leader. Both traits are needed to lead effectively and efficiently. The wise leader pays attention to how and when to apply each. When the troops are weary and worried there is a need to slow down and love them through their time of challenge.
However, as they are licking their personal and/or professional wounds, keep them focused on the mission, and ultimately keep them connected with their heavenly Father. A person freed up and accountable to God has more potential for productivity.
Shepherding moves people beyond their own needs, to their ability to serve others. This is their best therapy. Help people discover a need, and then encourage them to engage in its fulfillment.
Moreover, good shepherding requires awareness. You are aware of people’s limitations of capacity and capabilities. Be careful not to overload them and burn out your best people. You are aware of the training required to get people up to speed in their performance and productivity. You are aware of what motivates certain individuals but not others. You are aware of how to best communicate with, and hold accountable, people according to their style and expectations.
You are aware if people around you are happy, sad, discontented, or grateful. You are aware when they hurt and when they cry. You are aware because you care. Shepherding is caring, so take the time to shepherd, and you will increase the probability of retaining your people. If you drive them instead of shepherding them, you will eventually drive them away, so skillfully shepherd and lead the team.
An effective leader must also lead. Leadership is being unafraid to mark a course, then setting the pace, as the team embarks upon the goal. Yes, you collaborate and define a process, but then you move forward prayerfully and productively. Leadership is anticipating the next step and adapting as needed. It understands the big picture and then communicates this grander vision in a compelling and consistent fashion. Leading implies progress toward a destination. It requires right results. Leaders feel a mandate and a calling from God to lead. They are good leaders because they are good followers of Christ.
Leaders also give attention to detail and understand its value. However, detail does not derail them from reaching the goal. The analysis of data is necessary to make the wisest decisions possible. But leaders avoid paralysis from analysis, and move forward, testing the waters as they go. Leaders lead, whether they are liked or not. Their motivation is to execute the plan, not to appease the people. Leaders may be branded as insensitive because of their untiring focus on progress, excellence, and execution.
But this is the role of the leader. There is no need for leaders to apologize for leading. Leaders shepherd and lead. If you shepherd with a heart of integrity and lead with your God-given skills, then you are a leader worth following. Aspire to this level of leadership. This is the leadership style of David and Jesus.
Taken from the June 12th reading from Boyd Bailey’s Seeking Daily the Heart of God. This 365 day devotional book is a compilation of the reader’s favorites from the daily email devotional “Wisdom Hunters”. Andy Stanley says, “I have walked with Boyd for over 20 years and I am definitely wiser for it. You are going to love this book!”
Shepherd and Lead by Wisdom Hunters
“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” Psalm 78:72
Leadership requires the gentle touch of a shepherd and the persistent persuasion of a leader. Both traits are needed to lead effectively and efficiently. The wise leader pays attention to how and when to apply each. When the troops are weary and worried there is a need to slow down and love them through their time of challenge.
However, as they are licking their personal and/or professional wounds, keep them focused on the mission, and ultimately keep them connected with their heavenly Father. A person freed up and accountable to God has more potential for productivity.
Shepherding moves people beyond their own needs, to their ability to serve others. This is their best therapy. Help people discover a need, and then encourage them to engage in its fulfillment.
Moreover, good shepherding requires awareness. You are aware of people’s limitations of capacity and capabilities. Be careful not to overload them and burn out your best people. You are aware of the training required to get people up to speed in their performance and productivity. You are aware of what motivates certain individuals but not others. You are aware of how to best communicate with, and hold accountable, people according to their style and expectations.
You are aware if people around you are happy, sad, discontented, or grateful. You are aware when they hurt and when they cry. You are aware because you care. Shepherding is caring, so take the time to shepherd, and you will increase the probability of retaining your people. If you drive them instead of shepherding them, you will eventually drive them away, so skillfully shepherd and lead the team.
An effective leader must also lead. Leadership is being unafraid to mark a course, then setting the pace, as the team embarks upon the goal. Yes, you collaborate and define a process, but then you move forward prayerfully and productively. Leadership is anticipating the next step and adapting as needed. It understands the big picture and then communicates this grander vision in a compelling and consistent fashion. Leading implies progress toward a destination. It requires right results. Leaders feel a mandate and a calling from God to lead. They are good leaders because they are good followers of Christ.
Leaders also give attention to detail and understand its value. However, detail does not derail them from reaching the goal. The analysis of data is necessary to make the wisest decisions possible. But leaders avoid paralysis from analysis, and move forward, testing the waters as they go. Leaders lead, whether they are liked or not. Their motivation is to execute the plan, not to appease the people. Leaders may be branded as insensitive because of their untiring focus on progress, excellence, and execution.
But this is the role of the leader. There is no need for leaders to apologize for leading. Leaders shepherd and lead. If you shepherd with a heart of integrity and lead with your God-given skills, then you are a leader worth following. Aspire to this level of leadership. This is the leadership style of David and Jesus.
Taken from the June 12th reading from Boyd Bailey’s Seeking Daily the Heart of God. This 365 day devotional book is a compilation of the reader’s favorites from the daily email devotional “Wisdom Hunters”. Andy Stanley says, “I have walked with Boyd for over 20 years and I am definitely wiser for it. You are going to love this book!”
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Love Forgives
6-11-2010
Another great one from Wisdom Hunters!
Love Forgives
“It keeps no record of wrongs”. 1 Corinthians 13:5
Love forgives continually and it forgives comprehensively. Forgiveness wipes clean the slate of offense, hence it is freeing for everyone. Indeed, forgiveness was the heartbeat of Jesus. Some of His last words requested forgiveness from God for the ignorant acts of His offenders (Luke 23:34). Christ’s greatest act of love was the forgiveness He extended by His voluntary death on the cross (Colossians 2:13-15).
Jesus described His own act of love when He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus was the epitome of love and forgiveness; He owns the trademark.
Forgiveness is the fuel for living a life free from the clutter of cutting words or unjust acts. A life without forgiveness is a lonely life locked up in the solitary confinement of sin. Forgiveness flows when you have been authentically and thoroughly forgiven. Half-hearted forgiveness is the destiny of those who have not tasted the tender touch of forgiveness from their heavenly Father. Unless the forgiveness of God has graced your heart and soul, your capacity for forgiveness will be foreign and futile.
It is the grace of God and faith in Him that fuels forgiveness in followers of Christ. The job description of Christians is to love with forgiveness because we have been forgiven (Colossians 3:13). Think about the depth and breadth of your forgiveness. Ignorant acts, they are forgiven; drunkenness, it’s forgiven; lust, it’s forgiven; immorality, it’s forgiven; hate, it’s forgiven; ignoring God, it’s forgiven; unbelief, it’s forgiven. Love forgives because it has been forgiven.
Remember where you were BC (before Christ), and reflect on where you would be today without His love and forgiveness. Recall what it was like to be lost and bound up in your sin, and celebrate how far God has brought you. Love is extremely grateful for God’s goodness and redeeming power. Forgiveness is second nature and somewhat automatic for followers of Jesus who are consumed with Christ’s love. They are enamored with God’s love for them and others.
When you have been forgiven much, you love much (Luke 7:47). Your capacity to love is directly tied to your willingness to receive Christ’s forgiveness. Accept the Almighty’s forgiveness so you can extend forgiveness. Let go of unforgiveness and replace it with His unconditional love. Love looks for excuses to eliminate hard feelings, as it replaces resentment and bitterness with love and forgiveness.
Love by forgiving your family member who may not even know they hurt your heart. Love by forgiving your friend who volitionally violated your confidence. Love by forgiving your father and mother who are preoccupied parents. Love by forgiving your child who is ungrateful and selfish. Love by forgiving yourself for your stupid decisions.
Forgiveness forgets the past, engages in the present, and hopes in the future. Extend forgiveness indiscriminately and receive it graciously. Delete any record of wrongs from the hard drive of your heart. Call, write, or initiate a freeing conversation of forgiveness. Reject the temptation for indignation and humbly receive God’s grace instead. Love liberally by regularly relying on forgiveness. Love forgives.
How much does God love and forgive me? How much do I love and forgive others?
Related Readings: Numbers 14:19; Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 6:37; Ephesians 4:32
Another great one from Wisdom Hunters!
Love Forgives
“It keeps no record of wrongs”. 1 Corinthians 13:5
Love forgives continually and it forgives comprehensively. Forgiveness wipes clean the slate of offense, hence it is freeing for everyone. Indeed, forgiveness was the heartbeat of Jesus. Some of His last words requested forgiveness from God for the ignorant acts of His offenders (Luke 23:34). Christ’s greatest act of love was the forgiveness He extended by His voluntary death on the cross (Colossians 2:13-15).
Jesus described His own act of love when He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus was the epitome of love and forgiveness; He owns the trademark.
Forgiveness is the fuel for living a life free from the clutter of cutting words or unjust acts. A life without forgiveness is a lonely life locked up in the solitary confinement of sin. Forgiveness flows when you have been authentically and thoroughly forgiven. Half-hearted forgiveness is the destiny of those who have not tasted the tender touch of forgiveness from their heavenly Father. Unless the forgiveness of God has graced your heart and soul, your capacity for forgiveness will be foreign and futile.
It is the grace of God and faith in Him that fuels forgiveness in followers of Christ. The job description of Christians is to love with forgiveness because we have been forgiven (Colossians 3:13). Think about the depth and breadth of your forgiveness. Ignorant acts, they are forgiven; drunkenness, it’s forgiven; lust, it’s forgiven; immorality, it’s forgiven; hate, it’s forgiven; ignoring God, it’s forgiven; unbelief, it’s forgiven. Love forgives because it has been forgiven.
Remember where you were BC (before Christ), and reflect on where you would be today without His love and forgiveness. Recall what it was like to be lost and bound up in your sin, and celebrate how far God has brought you. Love is extremely grateful for God’s goodness and redeeming power. Forgiveness is second nature and somewhat automatic for followers of Jesus who are consumed with Christ’s love. They are enamored with God’s love for them and others.
When you have been forgiven much, you love much (Luke 7:47). Your capacity to love is directly tied to your willingness to receive Christ’s forgiveness. Accept the Almighty’s forgiveness so you can extend forgiveness. Let go of unforgiveness and replace it with His unconditional love. Love looks for excuses to eliminate hard feelings, as it replaces resentment and bitterness with love and forgiveness.
Love by forgiving your family member who may not even know they hurt your heart. Love by forgiving your friend who volitionally violated your confidence. Love by forgiving your father and mother who are preoccupied parents. Love by forgiving your child who is ungrateful and selfish. Love by forgiving yourself for your stupid decisions.
Forgiveness forgets the past, engages in the present, and hopes in the future. Extend forgiveness indiscriminately and receive it graciously. Delete any record of wrongs from the hard drive of your heart. Call, write, or initiate a freeing conversation of forgiveness. Reject the temptation for indignation and humbly receive God’s grace instead. Love liberally by regularly relying on forgiveness. Love forgives.
How much does God love and forgive me? How much do I love and forgive others?
Related Readings: Numbers 14:19; Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 6:37; Ephesians 4:32
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Stop, Pray, Listen
6-9-2010
Stop, Pray, and Listen
I choose not to believe in coincidence, as I feel we take God out of the picture if we think things just randomly happen. I believe those of us in tune with God’s will in our lives view the events of our lives as having meaning. In other words, everything happens for a reason. We don’t know the reason, but we should do our best to listen and take notice of what’s going on.
Yesterday we read in Matthew 1:18-25 about Joseph’s shocking news that his soon to be wife was pregnant even though they hadn’t made love. Jesus was placed in Mary by God, and Joseph’s obedience to God eventually allowed for their marriage. One of the keys we discussed in yesterday’s devotional was the act of listening. We tend to get caught up in the business of the world, and we don’t take the necessary time to stop, pray, and listen for the will of God in our lives. Interesting enough, I had three of my former youth contact me today! They were seventh graders in my youth group in Richardson, Texas when I first started working at the church. I don’t know exactly why God had all three of them contact me on the same day, but what I do know is there must be something behind it. My job is to stop, pray, and listen for what God may want me to do. It may be something as simple as reconnecting and giving them some advice. Who knows! The point is, take notice of the events and people in your life. I can assure you God is in the midst, you simply have to stop, pray and listen.
Joseph did an amazing job of following God’s will and listening to what God had in store for him. In Chapter 2 in the book of Matthew, Jesus is born in Bethlehem, and we read about King Herod’s evil plan to kill Jesus. King Herod, hungry for power, prestige, and all of the glory, was anxious to do anything and everything to keep Jesus from taking any of his glory from him. We will continue this topic tomorrow…
Application:
1.Read Matthew Chapters 2:1-12
2.Stop, Pray, and always be listening for the will of God!
Stop, Pray, and Listen
I choose not to believe in coincidence, as I feel we take God out of the picture if we think things just randomly happen. I believe those of us in tune with God’s will in our lives view the events of our lives as having meaning. In other words, everything happens for a reason. We don’t know the reason, but we should do our best to listen and take notice of what’s going on.
Yesterday we read in Matthew 1:18-25 about Joseph’s shocking news that his soon to be wife was pregnant even though they hadn’t made love. Jesus was placed in Mary by God, and Joseph’s obedience to God eventually allowed for their marriage. One of the keys we discussed in yesterday’s devotional was the act of listening. We tend to get caught up in the business of the world, and we don’t take the necessary time to stop, pray, and listen for the will of God in our lives. Interesting enough, I had three of my former youth contact me today! They were seventh graders in my youth group in Richardson, Texas when I first started working at the church. I don’t know exactly why God had all three of them contact me on the same day, but what I do know is there must be something behind it. My job is to stop, pray, and listen for what God may want me to do. It may be something as simple as reconnecting and giving them some advice. Who knows! The point is, take notice of the events and people in your life. I can assure you God is in the midst, you simply have to stop, pray and listen.
Joseph did an amazing job of following God’s will and listening to what God had in store for him. In Chapter 2 in the book of Matthew, Jesus is born in Bethlehem, and we read about King Herod’s evil plan to kill Jesus. King Herod, hungry for power, prestige, and all of the glory, was anxious to do anything and everything to keep Jesus from taking any of his glory from him. We will continue this topic tomorrow…
Application:
1.Read Matthew Chapters 2:1-12
2.Stop, Pray, and always be listening for the will of God!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Lovingly Leave Them
6-8-2010
Lovingly Leave Them
There are many times where we struggle to leave a certain business, relationship, group, etcetera. Here’s another great one from Wisdom Hunters to aid those of you that may be in that place in your life.
“Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit." Matthew 15:14
There comes a time that an individual Christian is led by the Lord to leave their church, because their church has left their convictions in Christ’s teachings. Sadly, there are times that a Christian congregation is led by the Lord to leave their denomination, because their denomination has left their belief in the Bible. Staying is a sin, if the Lord leads to leave.
Why is it important for us to separate ourselves from false teachers who are offended by the truth of Jesus’ teaching? One major reason is this path of apostasy leads to spiritual death. Do you want to follow a shepherd who denies the deity of the Great Shepherd Jesus? Do you want to associate with a church that denies that Jesus is coming back for His bride the church? Spiritual life comes from embracing all of Christ’s commands.
“The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the LORD; so they do not prosper and all their flock is scattered” (Jeremiah 10:21).
Christianity is not a menu of beliefs that is itemized and selected, only as it fits into the mainstream acceptance of the culture. On the contrary, Christianity is meant to transform the culture with its conviction in Christ’s death for our sins and His resurrection to give us His life—all by grace through faith. Spiritual guides that define God in their trivial terms are blind and lead other blind followers into a pit of pride and eternal entrapment.
If you are hiking rough terrain is it be wise and responsible to follow a knowledgeable, well spoken, but blind folded guide? Of course not, neither do you blindly follow a spiritual leader, church or denomination that can’t see spiritually, because of their blind-fold of unbelief. You leave them because you love them too much to stay, and you pray by leaving that you can one day lead them into the light of spiritual sight.
Lastly—leave well—not maliciously but motivated by loving malcontent. Transition out in the Holy Spirit’s strength seasoned with a life of grace and humility. Make your leaving an illustration of why you are not staying—faith and obedience to Christ’s commands. Leaving is not easy, but leaving as the Lord leads opens up eternal opportunities.
“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15).
How will my leaving affect the faith of my family and friends? Is love my motivation?
Related Readings: Jeremiah 50:6; Ezekiel 34:1-23; Matthew 23:16-24; 1 Peter 5:2-4
Lovingly Leave Them
There are many times where we struggle to leave a certain business, relationship, group, etcetera. Here’s another great one from Wisdom Hunters to aid those of you that may be in that place in your life.
“Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit." Matthew 15:14
There comes a time that an individual Christian is led by the Lord to leave their church, because their church has left their convictions in Christ’s teachings. Sadly, there are times that a Christian congregation is led by the Lord to leave their denomination, because their denomination has left their belief in the Bible. Staying is a sin, if the Lord leads to leave.
Why is it important for us to separate ourselves from false teachers who are offended by the truth of Jesus’ teaching? One major reason is this path of apostasy leads to spiritual death. Do you want to follow a shepherd who denies the deity of the Great Shepherd Jesus? Do you want to associate with a church that denies that Jesus is coming back for His bride the church? Spiritual life comes from embracing all of Christ’s commands.
“The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the LORD; so they do not prosper and all their flock is scattered” (Jeremiah 10:21).
Christianity is not a menu of beliefs that is itemized and selected, only as it fits into the mainstream acceptance of the culture. On the contrary, Christianity is meant to transform the culture with its conviction in Christ’s death for our sins and His resurrection to give us His life—all by grace through faith. Spiritual guides that define God in their trivial terms are blind and lead other blind followers into a pit of pride and eternal entrapment.
If you are hiking rough terrain is it be wise and responsible to follow a knowledgeable, well spoken, but blind folded guide? Of course not, neither do you blindly follow a spiritual leader, church or denomination that can’t see spiritually, because of their blind-fold of unbelief. You leave them because you love them too much to stay, and you pray by leaving that you can one day lead them into the light of spiritual sight.
Lastly—leave well—not maliciously but motivated by loving malcontent. Transition out in the Holy Spirit’s strength seasoned with a life of grace and humility. Make your leaving an illustration of why you are not staying—faith and obedience to Christ’s commands. Leaving is not easy, but leaving as the Lord leads opens up eternal opportunities.
“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15).
How will my leaving affect the faith of my family and friends? Is love my motivation?
Related Readings: Jeremiah 50:6; Ezekiel 34:1-23; Matthew 23:16-24; 1 Peter 5:2-4
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Walk on Water
6-4-2010
Walk On Water
Another great one from Wisdom Hunters:
“Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” Matthew 14:28-29
Sometimes Jesus sends us ahead in our boat of faith, while He prays for us from a distance. We feel alone at times, because He is not physically beside us to provide reassurance that we are on the right course. Then storms of sickness and/or global uncertainty strike our core beliefs and we become fearful. In our crisis of faith we can get out of our boat of fear and walk on the water toward Jesus, or we can sink in unbelief.
“Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:24-25).
Where does the Lord have you? Are you waiting to launch out in faith? Are you in the middle of a storm anticipating any minute His reassurance? Or has He asked you to get out of the boat toward a major faith-stretching goal? Wherever you are in your continuum of faith in Christ trust Him in the transition. If you are on the shore of starting—get in the boat of belief. If you are in the middle a fearful storm of life—look for Christ coming toward you. If He is asking you to get out of the boat and walk on water—trust Him.
What seems unnatural or impossible to you may be reasonable to Him. It is not a blind leap of faith, for you are fixing your eyes on Jesus. Keep your eyes on Jesus, do not look to the left at the storm, to the right at the still shore, or down at the uncertain water. Look straight ahead into the confident eyes of Christ. Watch Him as you walk on water in faith.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2-3).
We walk on water not to be seen, but to see Him. There is a depth of trust and love for the Lord that only comes from walking toward Him with virgin legs. Like a child learning to walk looks toward their loving parent with outstretched arms, so we wobble toward our smiling Savior. Go with God and experience great gain, or stay where you are and suffer great loss. Move out of your comfort zone, so Christ can be your sole comforter. Stay in the boat and see your limited work or walk on water and watch His unlimited work.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Where is the Lord asking me to get out of my comfort zone and to go with Him?
Related Readings: Genesis 12:4; Numbers 14:8; Acts 9:17; Revelation 17:14
Walk On Water
Another great one from Wisdom Hunters:
“Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” Matthew 14:28-29
Sometimes Jesus sends us ahead in our boat of faith, while He prays for us from a distance. We feel alone at times, because He is not physically beside us to provide reassurance that we are on the right course. Then storms of sickness and/or global uncertainty strike our core beliefs and we become fearful. In our crisis of faith we can get out of our boat of fear and walk on the water toward Jesus, or we can sink in unbelief.
“Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:24-25).
Where does the Lord have you? Are you waiting to launch out in faith? Are you in the middle of a storm anticipating any minute His reassurance? Or has He asked you to get out of the boat toward a major faith-stretching goal? Wherever you are in your continuum of faith in Christ trust Him in the transition. If you are on the shore of starting—get in the boat of belief. If you are in the middle a fearful storm of life—look for Christ coming toward you. If He is asking you to get out of the boat and walk on water—trust Him.
What seems unnatural or impossible to you may be reasonable to Him. It is not a blind leap of faith, for you are fixing your eyes on Jesus. Keep your eyes on Jesus, do not look to the left at the storm, to the right at the still shore, or down at the uncertain water. Look straight ahead into the confident eyes of Christ. Watch Him as you walk on water in faith.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2-3).
We walk on water not to be seen, but to see Him. There is a depth of trust and love for the Lord that only comes from walking toward Him with virgin legs. Like a child learning to walk looks toward their loving parent with outstretched arms, so we wobble toward our smiling Savior. Go with God and experience great gain, or stay where you are and suffer great loss. Move out of your comfort zone, so Christ can be your sole comforter. Stay in the boat and see your limited work or walk on water and watch His unlimited work.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Where is the Lord asking me to get out of my comfort zone and to go with Him?
Related Readings: Genesis 12:4; Numbers 14:8; Acts 9:17; Revelation 17:14
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Birth
6-3-2010
The Birth
The birth of Christ has been a heavily debated event amongst both Christians and nonbelievers. The fact that Jesus’ birth was completely abnormal in that Mary, his mother, was a virgin, leads many to believe it couldn’t be. Humans often struggle with the biblical account of Jesus’ birth because humans do what humans do best; we forget that GOD IS GOD. Even “Christians” argue that the bible is full of stories and is meant for illustrative purposes, and say the bible isn’t completely true. I’m not going to argue with the folks that take the bible as absolute truth, and I am not going to argue with the others that say the bible isn’t true at all. What I am going to say is this: STOP TRYING TO LIMIT THE CREATOR OF THE WORLD! We cannot fathom what he can and can’t do, so let’s stop trying, and instead focus on God’s word.
As you can probably imagine, Joseph, the soon to be husband of Mary, was a bit shocked at the events God chose to take place. Remember, Joseph and Mary weren’t married yet, but during this time period, to give birth before marriage was humiliating. Joseph didn’t know what to do. In Matthew 1:19 it says, “Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” During this time period, it was common to have a women stoned to death if she was found cheating on her husband. Put yourself in Joseph’s shoes. If you’ve never made love to your soon to be wife, and then you found out she was pregnant, what conclusion would you come to? In verse 20 it says, “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
If you are Joseph, now what do you do! He just found out the lady is he “pledged” to wed, Mary, is now pregnant, and all assume she slept with someone else. He is doing all he can to avoid humiliation, and do to the love he has for Mary, he doesn’t want her stoned to death, and now he gets this dream from God telling him to marry Mary and name the baby Jesus. We all know what Joseph does, he marries her and they name the baby Jesus. The angel declared to Joseph that Mary’s child was of the Holy Spirit, and Joseph not only heard the dream, but he followed through. He never slept with Mary until after the birth of Christ.
You may have heard people say something like, “God is speaking to me,” and you may not really understand what this means. The bible tells us that God speaks to us through his written word, the bible, and through others on earth and our life experiences. I’m not saying that God can’t literally speak to you, because he can do whatever he wants. What I am saying is, don’t wait up for God’s voice because you may be waiting for a long time. You probably won’t hear a voice, but God speaks to us every day through the events in our lives. Here’s the problem; most of us are “too busy” to hear him, or we don’t do what we know we should. Very few people actively listen for God, and then do what God’s called them to do. What we can learn from Joseph’s situation is simple; he was in need, he listened for God, and then he followed God’s will in his life. If you look even deeper, you see the obedience of Joseph led to the Savior of the world, Jesus’ birth! We all have times of happiness, grief, and other emotional states. Let’s not call on God when we are desperate, but instead call on him daily, and most importantly listen for the answer, because he will answer every time. The answer may not be what you are looking for, and it certainly may not come as fast as you would like, but he will answer you. Remember, God’s timing is perfect, and he’s never running late.
Application:
1.Read Matthew 1:18-25
2.How’s your prayer life? Do you listen for the answers? Do you take action once God puts something on your heart?
The Birth
The birth of Christ has been a heavily debated event amongst both Christians and nonbelievers. The fact that Jesus’ birth was completely abnormal in that Mary, his mother, was a virgin, leads many to believe it couldn’t be. Humans often struggle with the biblical account of Jesus’ birth because humans do what humans do best; we forget that GOD IS GOD. Even “Christians” argue that the bible is full of stories and is meant for illustrative purposes, and say the bible isn’t completely true. I’m not going to argue with the folks that take the bible as absolute truth, and I am not going to argue with the others that say the bible isn’t true at all. What I am going to say is this: STOP TRYING TO LIMIT THE CREATOR OF THE WORLD! We cannot fathom what he can and can’t do, so let’s stop trying, and instead focus on God’s word.
As you can probably imagine, Joseph, the soon to be husband of Mary, was a bit shocked at the events God chose to take place. Remember, Joseph and Mary weren’t married yet, but during this time period, to give birth before marriage was humiliating. Joseph didn’t know what to do. In Matthew 1:19 it says, “Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” During this time period, it was common to have a women stoned to death if she was found cheating on her husband. Put yourself in Joseph’s shoes. If you’ve never made love to your soon to be wife, and then you found out she was pregnant, what conclusion would you come to? In verse 20 it says, “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
If you are Joseph, now what do you do! He just found out the lady is he “pledged” to wed, Mary, is now pregnant, and all assume she slept with someone else. He is doing all he can to avoid humiliation, and do to the love he has for Mary, he doesn’t want her stoned to death, and now he gets this dream from God telling him to marry Mary and name the baby Jesus. We all know what Joseph does, he marries her and they name the baby Jesus. The angel declared to Joseph that Mary’s child was of the Holy Spirit, and Joseph not only heard the dream, but he followed through. He never slept with Mary until after the birth of Christ.
You may have heard people say something like, “God is speaking to me,” and you may not really understand what this means. The bible tells us that God speaks to us through his written word, the bible, and through others on earth and our life experiences. I’m not saying that God can’t literally speak to you, because he can do whatever he wants. What I am saying is, don’t wait up for God’s voice because you may be waiting for a long time. You probably won’t hear a voice, but God speaks to us every day through the events in our lives. Here’s the problem; most of us are “too busy” to hear him, or we don’t do what we know we should. Very few people actively listen for God, and then do what God’s called them to do. What we can learn from Joseph’s situation is simple; he was in need, he listened for God, and then he followed God’s will in his life. If you look even deeper, you see the obedience of Joseph led to the Savior of the world, Jesus’ birth! We all have times of happiness, grief, and other emotional states. Let’s not call on God when we are desperate, but instead call on him daily, and most importantly listen for the answer, because he will answer every time. The answer may not be what you are looking for, and it certainly may not come as fast as you would like, but he will answer you. Remember, God’s timing is perfect, and he’s never running late.
Application:
1.Read Matthew 1:18-25
2.How’s your prayer life? Do you listen for the answers? Do you take action once God puts something on your heart?
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Genealogy
6-2-2010
Genealogy
One of my favorite books in the bible is the book of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament. The central purpose of the book is to prove that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Imagine writing that book! The author is Matthew, a Jewish tax collector, who became one of Jesus’ disciples. One of the keys of the gospels, especially the book of Matthew, is to understand what Jesus said would happen, did in fact happen. In other words, look at what Jesus predicted would take place, and notice how he has been right 100% of the time. Moreover, when we look at what was said of the coming Messiah in the Old Testament, Jesus Christ is described perfectly, yet some people still didn’t believe!
The people of Israel were waiting for the Messiah, their king. Little did they know he would come in the form of a carpenter, born of the Virgin Mary. When we think of the coming Messiah or King, we don’t picture a humble servant that washes people’s feet. Instead, our world depicts a king as someone to be served, who dresses in fancy jewelry and a crown, and dines with the wealthy. Not Jesus! He did the exact opposite. Jesus came as a humble servant, to serve not be served. He dines with the lowest of the low…isn’t that a message we ought to take notice of? As we read the book of Mathew together, let’s focus on the character of Jesus Christ, not only the words and guidance. Focus on his humility. If you had the power and knowledge he had, would you respond as patiently and kind as he did? Let’s recognize who Christ is, so we can understand who we are called to be.
As we read Matthew 1: 1-14, it may not mean a whole lot to most. It’s simply a genealogy to prove that Jesus is the descendant of both King David and Abraham, just as the Old Testament predicted. Understand the importance of this genealogy: this proves Jesus is one of the chosen one to all of the Jewish people of the time. Because of Jesus family line, being the descendants of kings, he was special, thus being called a “chosen one.” In Isaiah 11:1-5, it was written more than 400 years earlier, it informs us of the prophecy of the coming King. What’s even more interesting about the genealogy of Jesus is many of the people were from ordinary people. In other words, Jesus is the descendant of King David and Abraham, but in between the kings and Jesus were a bunch of “no-names.” It would be like looking at a famous athlete and saying that his great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great………..grandfathers, grandfather was a great athlete also! While that may sound like I am downplaying the importance of all of the “no-names,” I’m not. Without all of those descendants, we would have never had the great athlete of today. Going back to the bible, without all of those doing their part, where would Mary and Joseph come from? By the way, they were both direct descendants of David as well! The important concept to grasp here is simple; never underestimate the power of your actions. What you do today, leads to exponential results years and years later for your families, family, etc. Make an impact in your family, and it will be passed down from generation to generation. If you come from a tough family background, accept the challenge and be a part of changing the way your family sees the world. Be the one that your family says, “thanks to that servant leader of a person, the ________ family has been forever changed!”
Application:
1.Read Matthew 1:1-14
2.What would you like to see your families do better? Be the one that fixes that family problem. If you come from a financially poor family, be the one that changes the way your family operates. Brainstorm, and see if you notice any generational similarities between family members. Of those, what needs to change?
Genealogy
One of my favorite books in the bible is the book of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament. The central purpose of the book is to prove that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Imagine writing that book! The author is Matthew, a Jewish tax collector, who became one of Jesus’ disciples. One of the keys of the gospels, especially the book of Matthew, is to understand what Jesus said would happen, did in fact happen. In other words, look at what Jesus predicted would take place, and notice how he has been right 100% of the time. Moreover, when we look at what was said of the coming Messiah in the Old Testament, Jesus Christ is described perfectly, yet some people still didn’t believe!
The people of Israel were waiting for the Messiah, their king. Little did they know he would come in the form of a carpenter, born of the Virgin Mary. When we think of the coming Messiah or King, we don’t picture a humble servant that washes people’s feet. Instead, our world depicts a king as someone to be served, who dresses in fancy jewelry and a crown, and dines with the wealthy. Not Jesus! He did the exact opposite. Jesus came as a humble servant, to serve not be served. He dines with the lowest of the low…isn’t that a message we ought to take notice of? As we read the book of Mathew together, let’s focus on the character of Jesus Christ, not only the words and guidance. Focus on his humility. If you had the power and knowledge he had, would you respond as patiently and kind as he did? Let’s recognize who Christ is, so we can understand who we are called to be.
As we read Matthew 1: 1-14, it may not mean a whole lot to most. It’s simply a genealogy to prove that Jesus is the descendant of both King David and Abraham, just as the Old Testament predicted. Understand the importance of this genealogy: this proves Jesus is one of the chosen one to all of the Jewish people of the time. Because of Jesus family line, being the descendants of kings, he was special, thus being called a “chosen one.” In Isaiah 11:1-5, it was written more than 400 years earlier, it informs us of the prophecy of the coming King. What’s even more interesting about the genealogy of Jesus is many of the people were from ordinary people. In other words, Jesus is the descendant of King David and Abraham, but in between the kings and Jesus were a bunch of “no-names.” It would be like looking at a famous athlete and saying that his great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great………..grandfathers, grandfather was a great athlete also! While that may sound like I am downplaying the importance of all of the “no-names,” I’m not. Without all of those descendants, we would have never had the great athlete of today. Going back to the bible, without all of those doing their part, where would Mary and Joseph come from? By the way, they were both direct descendants of David as well! The important concept to grasp here is simple; never underestimate the power of your actions. What you do today, leads to exponential results years and years later for your families, family, etc. Make an impact in your family, and it will be passed down from generation to generation. If you come from a tough family background, accept the challenge and be a part of changing the way your family sees the world. Be the one that your family says, “thanks to that servant leader of a person, the ________ family has been forever changed!”
Application:
1.Read Matthew 1:1-14
2.What would you like to see your families do better? Be the one that fixes that family problem. If you come from a financially poor family, be the one that changes the way your family operates. Brainstorm, and see if you notice any generational similarities between family members. Of those, what needs to change?
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