7-31-2009
There are very few people in the world that will do what they say they will do. Unfortunately, we as Christians can be put into that category as well. As Christ followers, we are called to a higher standard of living, yet some of us tend to go through the motions, and at the end of the day documentation beats conversation. If you truly understand who Christ is, your actions and what you say will be different from those that don’t.
Matthew 7:15-20 says:
15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
If we live the life God calls us to live, we will bear good fruit! When you live life the way God calls us to live life you WILL BE DIFFERENT! Jesus Christ was different. Don’t contribute to the darkness in our dark world. Shine the light of Jesus in all situations all of the time. Don’t be one person when you are at church and a different person in other environments. Be consistent in conduct and conversation. The most powerful testimony to what God’s done in your life doesn’t need words. When you live like no one else, you will change the world like no one else. Be a difference maker, be a pioneer!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 7:15-20
2. Do you bear good fruit in all situations?
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Narrow Path
7-30-2009
Focus is a common characteristic amongst successful people. It makes sense. If you want to go from point A to point B, you need focus. Without focus you will go off track. Our spiritual success is exactly the same way. We must stay focused on the ultimate goal. The easy thing to do is get off track. The hard, right thing to do is stay focused on the narrow path of righteousness!
Matthew 7:13-14 says, 13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
A quote I love to live by and repeat says, “If you do what everyone else does, you will get what everyone else gets.” Be different. Go against the grain! Don’t follow the masses. When you read a history book, you read about pioneers. Pioneers are difference makers. Don’t be a settler! No one reads about the settlers. The masses stray off of the narrow path, and they try to take everyone with them. Be different, and do the hard right thing all of the time! Stay focused on the narrow path that leads to life. Remember, the majority of the people follow the wide path of destruction. Very few follow the narrow path to life!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 7:13-14
2. Which path are you on?
Focus is a common characteristic amongst successful people. It makes sense. If you want to go from point A to point B, you need focus. Without focus you will go off track. Our spiritual success is exactly the same way. We must stay focused on the ultimate goal. The easy thing to do is get off track. The hard, right thing to do is stay focused on the narrow path of righteousness!
Matthew 7:13-14 says, 13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
A quote I love to live by and repeat says, “If you do what everyone else does, you will get what everyone else gets.” Be different. Go against the grain! Don’t follow the masses. When you read a history book, you read about pioneers. Pioneers are difference makers. Don’t be a settler! No one reads about the settlers. The masses stray off of the narrow path, and they try to take everyone with them. Be different, and do the hard right thing all of the time! Stay focused on the narrow path that leads to life. Remember, the majority of the people follow the wide path of destruction. Very few follow the narrow path to life!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 7:13-14
2. Which path are you on?
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Do Unto Others
7-29-2009
Matthew 7:9-12 reads, 9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
It’s easy for most people to ask for help when they really need it, but how many of us go out of our way to help someone else. In other words, how many of us seek those needing help? We live in such a busy world, it seems we have our own “problems” to deal with, yet there are those that have MUCH bigger problems than we do. Our problems may consist of dropped calls, frozen computers, running late, etc. Others are simply trying to find a meal for the day. When we read verse 12 above, it’s very familiar. It’s known as the Golden Rule to many of us, yet we are all guilty to some extent about living this rule out on a daily basis. If you were homeless and desperate for a meal, wouldn’t it be great if someone went out of their way to help you? In other words, they would do for you as they would want done for them.
Think about all of the people in need. What can you do for them? Are your problems so big you can’t take time out of your day to make a difference? Let’s do unto others as we would have them do unto us!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 7:9-12
2. Follow the Golden Rule.
Matthew 7:9-12 reads, 9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
It’s easy for most people to ask for help when they really need it, but how many of us go out of our way to help someone else. In other words, how many of us seek those needing help? We live in such a busy world, it seems we have our own “problems” to deal with, yet there are those that have MUCH bigger problems than we do. Our problems may consist of dropped calls, frozen computers, running late, etc. Others are simply trying to find a meal for the day. When we read verse 12 above, it’s very familiar. It’s known as the Golden Rule to many of us, yet we are all guilty to some extent about living this rule out on a daily basis. If you were homeless and desperate for a meal, wouldn’t it be great if someone went out of their way to help you? In other words, they would do for you as they would want done for them.
Think about all of the people in need. What can you do for them? Are your problems so big you can’t take time out of your day to make a difference? Let’s do unto others as we would have them do unto us!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 7:9-12
2. Follow the Golden Rule.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Spiritual Persistence
7-28-2009
When you think of persistence, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? I picture an individual running the last leg of a race doing all he or she can to finish, or maybe an entrepreneur doing all they can to get their business started as capital starts to run thin. While reading today’s passage in Matthew, I thought of a different type of persistence that I shouldn’t ever forget.
Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
How persistent are you with your prayer life? Do you pray expectantly as you should? Do you daily pursue God with the persistence of a runner trying to finish the last leg of a race? To truly know something or someone, you must love them. If you want a solid, real relationship with Jesus Christ it takes persistence and focus. The more you pursue God the more you will understand and love God. In your prayer life, lift up your prayers daily. Be persistent with your prayers to God, and know that he will answer them when the timing is right.
Application:
1. Read Matthew 7:7-8
2. How is your spiritual persistence?
When you think of persistence, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? I picture an individual running the last leg of a race doing all he or she can to finish, or maybe an entrepreneur doing all they can to get their business started as capital starts to run thin. While reading today’s passage in Matthew, I thought of a different type of persistence that I shouldn’t ever forget.
Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
How persistent are you with your prayer life? Do you pray expectantly as you should? Do you daily pursue God with the persistence of a runner trying to finish the last leg of a race? To truly know something or someone, you must love them. If you want a solid, real relationship with Jesus Christ it takes persistence and focus. The more you pursue God the more you will understand and love God. In your prayer life, lift up your prayers daily. Be persistent with your prayers to God, and know that he will answer them when the timing is right.
Application:
1. Read Matthew 7:7-8
2. How is your spiritual persistence?
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Rebuke
7-27-2009
It can be easy to rebuke those that do wrong, and sometimes there’s good reason for leading someone out of sin. Next time you want to rebuke someone remember the following passage from Matthew 7:3-5.
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye’, when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
As I read this passage a few things come to mind. First, let’s make sure we have our act together before we begin to rebuke others for what they do. Secondly, when you do need to rebuke someone for wrong action, use the examples from your own mistakes that led you to want to rebuke them. In other words, if you are attempting to help someone that continues to drink too much, use a real life example of someone that has done the same thing. Moreover, try to use an example of when you did something wrong, and why you corrected the mistake. Anytime you rebuke someone, it makes sense to humble yourself in front of that person so they don’t feel you are speaking down to them. The “I know how you feel because I’ve been there before” lingo works a lot better than talking AT someone. Last, always remember the nature of sin. We are all born into the world with a sinful nature, and all of us are susceptible to sin. Do not judge people for wrong doing, but help them overcome their sin. Love people, don’t judge people.
Application:
1. Read Matthew 7:3-5
2. Do you have your act together? Is threesome who needs to get their act together? Do you know how to communicate with love and not with criticism?
It can be easy to rebuke those that do wrong, and sometimes there’s good reason for leading someone out of sin. Next time you want to rebuke someone remember the following passage from Matthew 7:3-5.
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye’, when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
As I read this passage a few things come to mind. First, let’s make sure we have our act together before we begin to rebuke others for what they do. Secondly, when you do need to rebuke someone for wrong action, use the examples from your own mistakes that led you to want to rebuke them. In other words, if you are attempting to help someone that continues to drink too much, use a real life example of someone that has done the same thing. Moreover, try to use an example of when you did something wrong, and why you corrected the mistake. Anytime you rebuke someone, it makes sense to humble yourself in front of that person so they don’t feel you are speaking down to them. The “I know how you feel because I’ve been there before” lingo works a lot better than talking AT someone. Last, always remember the nature of sin. We are all born into the world with a sinful nature, and all of us are susceptible to sin. Do not judge people for wrong doing, but help them overcome their sin. Love people, don’t judge people.
Application:
1. Read Matthew 7:3-5
2. Do you have your act together? Is threesome who needs to get their act together? Do you know how to communicate with love and not with criticism?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Critical
7-24-2009
Isn’t easy to look at others and find fault. Do you see characteristics in others you can’t stand? How often do you find yourself wanting to correct the faults in others? Let’s take a look at Jesus’ teachings with regards to criticizing others.
In Matthew 7:1-2 is says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” WOW! Did you read that? “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” I don’t know about you, but I’m in trouble! I’m a tough guy to please, and according to the scripture, the same measuring stick I use is going to be used on me. This scripture teaches me a valuable lesson; be patient and understand human error is going to take place. I don’t want someone pointing out every mistake I make!
The lesson we need to learn from this passage of scripture is simple: DON’T JUDGE PEOPLE. Not only should we not judge people, but we need to refrain from finding faults in others. Let’s focus on the good qualities in all human beings. Granted, it can be tough at times, but we need to focus on finding the good. When someone repeatedly acts in ways that are ungodly, use your discernment and act accordingly. There are times when we need to hold people accountable and exercise Christian discipline. That’s another devotional for another day, but one thing we all need to do is treat people with the grace and forgiveness that our heavenly father treats us with!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 7:1-2
2. Are you overly critical to others? If so, forgive them, and ask that they forgive you.
Isn’t easy to look at others and find fault. Do you see characteristics in others you can’t stand? How often do you find yourself wanting to correct the faults in others? Let’s take a look at Jesus’ teachings with regards to criticizing others.
In Matthew 7:1-2 is says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” WOW! Did you read that? “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” I don’t know about you, but I’m in trouble! I’m a tough guy to please, and according to the scripture, the same measuring stick I use is going to be used on me. This scripture teaches me a valuable lesson; be patient and understand human error is going to take place. I don’t want someone pointing out every mistake I make!
The lesson we need to learn from this passage of scripture is simple: DON’T JUDGE PEOPLE. Not only should we not judge people, but we need to refrain from finding faults in others. Let’s focus on the good qualities in all human beings. Granted, it can be tough at times, but we need to focus on finding the good. When someone repeatedly acts in ways that are ungodly, use your discernment and act accordingly. There are times when we need to hold people accountable and exercise Christian discipline. That’s another devotional for another day, but one thing we all need to do is treat people with the grace and forgiveness that our heavenly father treats us with!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 7:1-2
2. Are you overly critical to others? If so, forgive them, and ask that they forgive you.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Here and Now
7-23-2009
Have you ever noticed the schedule heavy world we live in? We race from here to there, and a lot of what we do seems to center around what we plan to do tomorrow. The days of eating dinner together as a family AT THE KITCHEN TABLE seem to have vanished.
In sports, is easy to “look past” a weaker opponent. In other words, if you have a game against a poor team, and know you have a tough game next, it’s easy to “look past” the weaker opponent. What happens when we look past a weaker opponent…we get beat! How many times have we “looked past” days of our lives. Each and every second of breath is a blessing, and should be treated as such. Most importantly, God speaks all of the time, but we seem to “look past” so many moments of our lives that we miss the messages He’s trying to send.
We are in playoff mode right now with the baseball teams I coach, and the central goal turns to winning. If you lose you are eliminated, and if you win you keep playing. It’s easy to look past each and every second of the game if you only care about winning, and the reality is there are a lot of learning opportunities taking place each and every second of every game. Each and every year that goes by I seem to appreciate the little things more and more. Winning is still extremely important, but I’ve learned the most important lessons to teach throughout the course of a season have nothing to do with baseball. When I was younger, I know I’ve missed a lot of those learning/teaching opportunities. My focus now is to teach these kids to appreciate every second they have to even play the game of baseball. If we win great, if we lose, there’s still something to learn from the experience.
As we go about our daily lives, it’s important to understand that God doesn’t stop moving! Everything you do can be an opportunity to grow. I know it can be hard to find these opportunities sometimes, but they are there. If there’s one thing you can’t get back, it’s time. Stay focused on the here and now, and allow tomorrow to take care of itself. As Matthew 6:34 says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Application:
1. Read Matthew 6:28-34
2. Allow God to reach you at all times. Focus on the here and now!
Have you ever noticed the schedule heavy world we live in? We race from here to there, and a lot of what we do seems to center around what we plan to do tomorrow. The days of eating dinner together as a family AT THE KITCHEN TABLE seem to have vanished.
In sports, is easy to “look past” a weaker opponent. In other words, if you have a game against a poor team, and know you have a tough game next, it’s easy to “look past” the weaker opponent. What happens when we look past a weaker opponent…we get beat! How many times have we “looked past” days of our lives. Each and every second of breath is a blessing, and should be treated as such. Most importantly, God speaks all of the time, but we seem to “look past” so many moments of our lives that we miss the messages He’s trying to send.
We are in playoff mode right now with the baseball teams I coach, and the central goal turns to winning. If you lose you are eliminated, and if you win you keep playing. It’s easy to look past each and every second of the game if you only care about winning, and the reality is there are a lot of learning opportunities taking place each and every second of every game. Each and every year that goes by I seem to appreciate the little things more and more. Winning is still extremely important, but I’ve learned the most important lessons to teach throughout the course of a season have nothing to do with baseball. When I was younger, I know I’ve missed a lot of those learning/teaching opportunities. My focus now is to teach these kids to appreciate every second they have to even play the game of baseball. If we win great, if we lose, there’s still something to learn from the experience.
As we go about our daily lives, it’s important to understand that God doesn’t stop moving! Everything you do can be an opportunity to grow. I know it can be hard to find these opportunities sometimes, but they are there. If there’s one thing you can’t get back, it’s time. Stay focused on the here and now, and allow tomorrow to take care of itself. As Matthew 6:34 says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Application:
1. Read Matthew 6:28-34
2. Allow God to reach you at all times. Focus on the here and now!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Worry
7-22-2009
I read a devotional by Charles Swindoll years ago, and in the devotional it described worry as one of the greatest wastes of time. After reading this I agreed, but then I thought about the fact that I can’t seem to help it. I try to stop worrying but it’s hard at times. There are some things you simply can’t get out of your mind. That being said, I still do everything I can to stop worrying. Let’s face it, worrying is HORRIBLE on our health, and it distracts me from doing things to the best of my ability. How do we keep from worrying so that we can keep a productive and positive mindset? Trust in your heavenly father.
In Matthew 6:27 it says, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:33-34 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” By seeking God’s kingdom first, we humble ourselves and admit we can’t do it on our own. We are seeking God’s council and protection to keep us from worrying. If you find yourself worrying a lot you may be leaning on your own understanding too much. If you truly trust God, then why worry all the time. Lift up your concerns and worries to him, and allow God to be God. Worrying will only make a situation worse. If you truly trust God, then your worrying should be limited. Now when I start to worry about something, I send a prayer up and know that God will take care of the situation.
Keep God at the top of the priority list, and remove worries from the list all together. As you grown in your relationship with God, your worries will be short lived. Allow God to take the stress off you back, and stay focused on lifting God up and not your worries!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 6:25-27
2. What are you worrying about? Turn it over to God and trust he will take care of you!
I read a devotional by Charles Swindoll years ago, and in the devotional it described worry as one of the greatest wastes of time. After reading this I agreed, but then I thought about the fact that I can’t seem to help it. I try to stop worrying but it’s hard at times. There are some things you simply can’t get out of your mind. That being said, I still do everything I can to stop worrying. Let’s face it, worrying is HORRIBLE on our health, and it distracts me from doing things to the best of my ability. How do we keep from worrying so that we can keep a productive and positive mindset? Trust in your heavenly father.
In Matthew 6:27 it says, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:33-34 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” By seeking God’s kingdom first, we humble ourselves and admit we can’t do it on our own. We are seeking God’s council and protection to keep us from worrying. If you find yourself worrying a lot you may be leaning on your own understanding too much. If you truly trust God, then why worry all the time. Lift up your concerns and worries to him, and allow God to be God. Worrying will only make a situation worse. If you truly trust God, then your worrying should be limited. Now when I start to worry about something, I send a prayer up and know that God will take care of the situation.
Keep God at the top of the priority list, and remove worries from the list all together. As you grown in your relationship with God, your worries will be short lived. Allow God to take the stress off you back, and stay focused on lifting God up and not your worries!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 6:25-27
2. What are you worrying about? Turn it over to God and trust he will take care of you!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Salvation
7-21-2009
From time to time I will post a previous devotional that may involve a requested topic. I've received a couple of emails asking for more depth about salvation and what a personal relationship with Christ means, so I am publishing a previous devotional about the topic of salvation. If there’s anyone who hasn’t accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, and would like to know more, please feel free to email me at lstout@loganstout.com and I will be happy to give you a call. Here’s a devotional written March, 30th, 2009.
My wife, Haley, and I visited another church on Sunday morning as it had come highly recommended by a couple of our friends, and we were happy we visited. The pastor at the church did an amazing job of simplifying salvation, and I will summarize in today’s devotional, as I truly believe the majority of “Christians” don’t truly understand what it means to be “saved.”
In Ephesians 2:8-10 it says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God –not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” There are a few key words that need to be addressed: grace, saved, faith, mercy, and workmanship.
Grace is the underserved love and attention of God. We are born sinners into this world, and it is through grace that we are saved. In other words, grace can be described as getting something we don’t deserve. To be saved is to be delivered from death. Faith is the bridge between believing in something and wholeheartedly trusting in something. True faith is belief plus trust. Mercy is not getting what you deserve to get. Workmanship is another way of saying masterpiece.
So, let’s put Ephesians 2:8-10 another way. It is by the complete undeserving love and attention of God that we have been delivered from death because you understood that you could believe in and wholeheartedly trust God as you yourself are nothing without Him who made you, His masterpiece to do the good works of Christ!
As a Christian, you understand that Christ walked the very earth we walk today as a sinless man. He then took the sin of the world on His shoulders and died a brutal death on the cross so that we could have life and have it abundantly. We don’t deserve grace and we cannot earn grace, it is a gift from God. It is through God’s grace that we can be saved by putting our faith and trust in Him, our maker. Our job on earth is to live a sanctified (Christ like) life where people will see God’s grace through us, and they won’t ask us who is that guy, but instead will ask, who made that guy? It is through our actions that we show the love of Christ, not win the love of Christ. Salvation in Christ cannot be earned it is a gift. God doesn’t keep tally marks for good and bad behavior. To enter the gates of Heaven, you don’t earn a “C” grade or better. You can be the nicest person in the world, but you cannot earn your way into God’s kingdom. There’s one way to heaven, accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior.
We are all sinners and we continue to make mistakes, and it is by the love and Grace of Jesus Christ that we may ask for forgiveness and be forgiven. We are all equal in the eyes of the Lord, and no matter what your past looks like, Christ will forgive you if you simply put your faith in Him and ask Him into your heart.
Application:
1. Read Ephesians chapter 2
2. Have you accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? We are here to help.
3. Who do you know that may need to hear the message? Take action as that is the most important gift you can give someone!
From time to time I will post a previous devotional that may involve a requested topic. I've received a couple of emails asking for more depth about salvation and what a personal relationship with Christ means, so I am publishing a previous devotional about the topic of salvation. If there’s anyone who hasn’t accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, and would like to know more, please feel free to email me at lstout@loganstout.com and I will be happy to give you a call. Here’s a devotional written March, 30th, 2009.
My wife, Haley, and I visited another church on Sunday morning as it had come highly recommended by a couple of our friends, and we were happy we visited. The pastor at the church did an amazing job of simplifying salvation, and I will summarize in today’s devotional, as I truly believe the majority of “Christians” don’t truly understand what it means to be “saved.”
In Ephesians 2:8-10 it says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God –not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” There are a few key words that need to be addressed: grace, saved, faith, mercy, and workmanship.
Grace is the underserved love and attention of God. We are born sinners into this world, and it is through grace that we are saved. In other words, grace can be described as getting something we don’t deserve. To be saved is to be delivered from death. Faith is the bridge between believing in something and wholeheartedly trusting in something. True faith is belief plus trust. Mercy is not getting what you deserve to get. Workmanship is another way of saying masterpiece.
So, let’s put Ephesians 2:8-10 another way. It is by the complete undeserving love and attention of God that we have been delivered from death because you understood that you could believe in and wholeheartedly trust God as you yourself are nothing without Him who made you, His masterpiece to do the good works of Christ!
As a Christian, you understand that Christ walked the very earth we walk today as a sinless man. He then took the sin of the world on His shoulders and died a brutal death on the cross so that we could have life and have it abundantly. We don’t deserve grace and we cannot earn grace, it is a gift from God. It is through God’s grace that we can be saved by putting our faith and trust in Him, our maker. Our job on earth is to live a sanctified (Christ like) life where people will see God’s grace through us, and they won’t ask us who is that guy, but instead will ask, who made that guy? It is through our actions that we show the love of Christ, not win the love of Christ. Salvation in Christ cannot be earned it is a gift. God doesn’t keep tally marks for good and bad behavior. To enter the gates of Heaven, you don’t earn a “C” grade or better. You can be the nicest person in the world, but you cannot earn your way into God’s kingdom. There’s one way to heaven, accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior.
We are all sinners and we continue to make mistakes, and it is by the love and Grace of Jesus Christ that we may ask for forgiveness and be forgiven. We are all equal in the eyes of the Lord, and no matter what your past looks like, Christ will forgive you if you simply put your faith in Him and ask Him into your heart.
Application:
1. Read Ephesians chapter 2
2. Have you accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? We are here to help.
3. Who do you know that may need to hear the message? Take action as that is the most important gift you can give someone!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Serve The One
7-17-2009
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 and God drops down the priority list, problems are soon to 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.
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 and God drops down the priority list, problems are soon to 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.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Money
7-16-2009
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 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?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Fasting
7-15-2009
Fasting is the choice to abstain from something. Many Christians choose to fast as a way of remembering Christ. For instance, an individual that loves chocolate might fast from eating chocolate for a month. Therefore, every time he or she wishes to eat chocolate, they will be reminded of Christ. Moreover, fasting is a sign of humility and reverence of our Lord.
In Matthew 6:16-18 it says, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Once again, we are commanded to fast with a pure heart. God doesn’t want us to fast for the world to see. We fast to serve as a reminder of Christ, and to honor Christ.
Why do we try to impress the world? We are called to serve the Lord, and our efforts should be to serve and Glorify Jesus Christ. Any energy we use to impress the world is wasteful. We need to focus our energies on the eternal and not the temporal. I know I’m guilty of wanting to please the world at times, so I pray that I will find my self-esteem and self-worth on what God thinks and not what the world thinks. As you pray, serve, fast, and etcetera, make sure your motives are pure. When you catch yourself bragging, name dropping, or doing anything to please the world, STOP. Fix your eyes on the cross, and you will impress people without even saying a word!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 6:16-18
Fasting is the choice to abstain from something. Many Christians choose to fast as a way of remembering Christ. For instance, an individual that loves chocolate might fast from eating chocolate for a month. Therefore, every time he or she wishes to eat chocolate, they will be reminded of Christ. Moreover, fasting is a sign of humility and reverence of our Lord.
In Matthew 6:16-18 it says, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Once again, we are commanded to fast with a pure heart. God doesn’t want us to fast for the world to see. We fast to serve as a reminder of Christ, and to honor Christ.
Why do we try to impress the world? We are called to serve the Lord, and our efforts should be to serve and Glorify Jesus Christ. Any energy we use to impress the world is wasteful. We need to focus our energies on the eternal and not the temporal. I know I’m guilty of wanting to please the world at times, so I pray that I will find my self-esteem and self-worth on what God thinks and not what the world thinks. As you pray, serve, fast, and etcetera, make sure your motives are pure. When you catch yourself bragging, name dropping, or doing anything to please the world, STOP. Fix your eyes on the cross, and you will impress people without even saying a word!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 6:16-18
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Prayer
7-14-2009
Never underestimate the power of prayer. There’s not a single thing God can’t do when we pray with pure hearts. He will never leave you, and he desires a relationship with you. He wants you to call his name.
I believe some of us don’t know how to pray, or even where to begin. We are bombarded by false teachers and hypocrites who have these hyped up super prayers that are geared for humans, so I figured we should discuss what the Bible tells us about prayer. First and foremost, EVERY prayer should be focused on the only audience, GOD. Remember your audience when you pray. Though humans might hear your prayer, they are not the audience. All prayers should be a conversation you have with God.
Second, pray expectantly with a pure heart. If you have a pure heart, know that God will answer your prayers. There are many times our prayers seem to go unanswered or aren’t answered when we want them to be, but remember, there is only one place of salvation and eternal peace and that’s at the foot of the cross. Why do bad things happen to good people? This question is asked over and over again. I often ask, why do good things happen for bad people? Having asked this question over and over again, I feel I’ve come to the answer. The only reward we should fix our eyes on is that of the eternal. Let’s not get caught up in the temporal happenings of the world. In the big picture, the temporal means nothing! Eternity in heaven means everything. Going back to the question “why do bad things happen to good people,” I think it’s important to remember, God knows what he’s doing. God never says OOPS.
It’s in Matthew 6:9-13 we hear what’s referred to as the “Lord’s Prayer”. This is the prayer Jesus taught the disciples. I have a baseball organization called the Dallas Patriots, and we have our kids pray before and after every game. After a prayer is completed, the entire team prays the Lord’s Prayer. I’ve had to remind the players the Lord’s Prayer is not a ritual or good luck charm. Focus on the words you are saying and make sure you comprehend what Jesus taught us through this prayer. As you pray, simply spill your heart to God. There’s no need to hold anything back, as you already knows what you are thinking anyways! If you need to confess do so right now. If you need help, ask him. Bring everything to the one person who cares more than you or I will ever know!
Application:
1. Read the “Lord’s Prayer” in Matthew 6:9-13.
2. Make time to pray daily for forgiveness, daily needs, the world, relationships, struggles, others, and anything else you feel led to talk with God about.
Never underestimate the power of prayer. There’s not a single thing God can’t do when we pray with pure hearts. He will never leave you, and he desires a relationship with you. He wants you to call his name.
I believe some of us don’t know how to pray, or even where to begin. We are bombarded by false teachers and hypocrites who have these hyped up super prayers that are geared for humans, so I figured we should discuss what the Bible tells us about prayer. First and foremost, EVERY prayer should be focused on the only audience, GOD. Remember your audience when you pray. Though humans might hear your prayer, they are not the audience. All prayers should be a conversation you have with God.
Second, pray expectantly with a pure heart. If you have a pure heart, know that God will answer your prayers. There are many times our prayers seem to go unanswered or aren’t answered when we want them to be, but remember, there is only one place of salvation and eternal peace and that’s at the foot of the cross. Why do bad things happen to good people? This question is asked over and over again. I often ask, why do good things happen for bad people? Having asked this question over and over again, I feel I’ve come to the answer. The only reward we should fix our eyes on is that of the eternal. Let’s not get caught up in the temporal happenings of the world. In the big picture, the temporal means nothing! Eternity in heaven means everything. Going back to the question “why do bad things happen to good people,” I think it’s important to remember, God knows what he’s doing. God never says OOPS.
It’s in Matthew 6:9-13 we hear what’s referred to as the “Lord’s Prayer”. This is the prayer Jesus taught the disciples. I have a baseball organization called the Dallas Patriots, and we have our kids pray before and after every game. After a prayer is completed, the entire team prays the Lord’s Prayer. I’ve had to remind the players the Lord’s Prayer is not a ritual or good luck charm. Focus on the words you are saying and make sure you comprehend what Jesus taught us through this prayer. As you pray, simply spill your heart to God. There’s no need to hold anything back, as you already knows what you are thinking anyways! If you need to confess do so right now. If you need help, ask him. Bring everything to the one person who cares more than you or I will ever know!
Application:
1. Read the “Lord’s Prayer” in Matthew 6:9-13.
2. Make time to pray daily for forgiveness, daily needs, the world, relationships, struggles, others, and anything else you feel led to talk with God about.
Authenticity
7-13-2009
In our last message, we discussed the term “hypocrisy” at length, and it’s interesting as we continue through the book of Matthew how Jesus uses this term again. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 5:5-6). Jesus’ message is clear; BE REAL!
As we strive for an authentic relationship with Christ, it’s extremely important to make sure you are striving for an AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST. I apologize for repeating myself, but we all need to be aware that Christ can’t stand hypocrisy. He knows and sees everything! He is all knowing. We are all born with a sinful nature, so it’s important to be aware of this weakness we have. This doesn’t give us the right to be something or someone we aren’t. God wants you to be you. We need to stop living to please the world, and focus on pleasing the only one that matters, GOD.
Application:
1. Read Matthew 6:5-7
2. Are you 100% authentic and real all of the time, with everyone you know? If not, why? Do you understand you should be?
In our last message, we discussed the term “hypocrisy” at length, and it’s interesting as we continue through the book of Matthew how Jesus uses this term again. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 5:5-6). Jesus’ message is clear; BE REAL!
As we strive for an authentic relationship with Christ, it’s extremely important to make sure you are striving for an AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST. I apologize for repeating myself, but we all need to be aware that Christ can’t stand hypocrisy. He knows and sees everything! He is all knowing. We are all born with a sinful nature, so it’s important to be aware of this weakness we have. This doesn’t give us the right to be something or someone we aren’t. God wants you to be you. We need to stop living to please the world, and focus on pleasing the only one that matters, GOD.
Application:
1. Read Matthew 6:5-7
2. Are you 100% authentic and real all of the time, with everyone you know? If not, why? Do you understand you should be?
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Hypocrisy
7-10-2009
I know many individuals who won’t go to church because they feel many of the “active church goers” are hypocrites. It’s unfortunate that people allow something outside of their control to affect their communal worship within a church setting. Christ calls us to community, and calling others hypocrites doesn’t make it right to skip church. People are people, and we are born into this earth with a sinful nature. We will never be able to change this fact. What we are called to do is show God’s love to all people. To know Christ, yet not go to church because you feel the church is full of hypocrites is being hypocritical.
A hypocrite describes someone who does something for the way it makes them look versus doing something with good motives. Hypocrite can also be defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion; a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings. In Matthew 6:2-4 it says, “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” God wants us to do things with pure motives. We are called to serve others without expecting anything in return.
We aren’t called to do things for our personal attention or recognition. We are to give God all of the glory in all we do. It’s easy to do things when you know you are going to be recognized, but that honors YOU. It glorifies Christ to do things for the sole purpose of serving and/or bringing Christ glory. I’ve always been amazed at the power of recognition. I’ve witnessed people spend thousands of dollars for the sole purpose of being recognized. They didn’t spend the money for a good cause. They simply wanted to stand on stage in front of a group and be given credit. If you truly understand our role on earth as a Christ follower, you will learn how shallow personal recognition is. In fact, individuals who always need to be recognized generally have a lack of self-confidence and struggle with insecurities. Don’t misunderstand me, being recognized for doing something well is deserved. We all want to feel appreciated for doing a job well done. The key application we need to grasp in Matthew 6 is the eternal reward for having pure motives in all we do. Christ wants a selfless person. He was a selfless person. Let’s take out all hypocrisy in our lives, and live to serve our maker!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 6:1-4
2. Evaluate what you do, and ask yourself why you do it?
3. If you feel the need to be recognized, why do you feel this way? (Underappreciated, insecure, etc.?)
I know many individuals who won’t go to church because they feel many of the “active church goers” are hypocrites. It’s unfortunate that people allow something outside of their control to affect their communal worship within a church setting. Christ calls us to community, and calling others hypocrites doesn’t make it right to skip church. People are people, and we are born into this earth with a sinful nature. We will never be able to change this fact. What we are called to do is show God’s love to all people. To know Christ, yet not go to church because you feel the church is full of hypocrites is being hypocritical.
A hypocrite describes someone who does something for the way it makes them look versus doing something with good motives. Hypocrite can also be defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion; a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings. In Matthew 6:2-4 it says, “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” God wants us to do things with pure motives. We are called to serve others without expecting anything in return.
We aren’t called to do things for our personal attention or recognition. We are to give God all of the glory in all we do. It’s easy to do things when you know you are going to be recognized, but that honors YOU. It glorifies Christ to do things for the sole purpose of serving and/or bringing Christ glory. I’ve always been amazed at the power of recognition. I’ve witnessed people spend thousands of dollars for the sole purpose of being recognized. They didn’t spend the money for a good cause. They simply wanted to stand on stage in front of a group and be given credit. If you truly understand our role on earth as a Christ follower, you will learn how shallow personal recognition is. In fact, individuals who always need to be recognized generally have a lack of self-confidence and struggle with insecurities. Don’t misunderstand me, being recognized for doing something well is deserved. We all want to feel appreciated for doing a job well done. The key application we need to grasp in Matthew 6 is the eternal reward for having pure motives in all we do. Christ wants a selfless person. He was a selfless person. Let’s take out all hypocrisy in our lives, and live to serve our maker!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 6:1-4
2. Evaluate what you do, and ask yourself why you do it?
3. If you feel the need to be recognized, why do you feel this way? (Underappreciated, insecure, etc.?)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Generosity
7-9-2008
As we continue into the book of Matthew, I wanted to take a devotional and reflect on the tragic death of Michael Jackson. Despite how you may feel towards him (good, bad, or indifferent), you cannot deny the impact he had on the world. For those of you that listened/watched the funeral, there was no doubt that he was a Christ follower. Yes, he had some downfalls and weaknesses, but he also changed the world for the better.
Michael Jackson not only wrote songs about peace, love, and acceptance, but he carried out his passions by the way he lived. He was a very generous individual that truly put people ahead of himself. Most importantly, most of his generosity went completely unnoticed by the public. He didn’t give to receive recognition. He gave because there were those that were in need. Speaker after speaker reminded us of the impact he made. The sad reality is the majority of the stories we read or heard about Michael Jackson were negative. The Reverend Al Sharpton mentioned the public made Michael out to be strange, yet the only thing that was strange was the way people treated him. He was a world changer. Yes, he was different, and he did some odd things at times. However, he did some amazing things for our country, the world, and the people. One of the many things we should learn from Michael Jackson is his selfless giving.
In Matthew 6:1 it says, “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Jesus wants selfless givers. Give because it’s the right thing to do. You may not have a lot of money to give, but you do have talents that you could use to make an impact. You can serve, support, and pray for people, and when you do, never bring attention to yourself. The only person you should try in to impress is God. Find your purpose in pleasing God, not man.
One of my favorite stories about Michael Jackson was his visits to Iraq. He wouldn’t tell a sole, yet he would visit the injured soldiers. Where many people would tell the media they were flying to Iraq to help the troops, Michael simply went! That’s what Jesus wants us to do, just do! In all you do, bring all the glory to God, and never bring glory to yourself. Be a servant leader and a selfless giver. Find someone that needs your time, service, resources, and make an impact.
Application:
1. Read Matthew 6:1-4
2. Do you find the good in people, or simply look for the bad?
As we continue into the book of Matthew, I wanted to take a devotional and reflect on the tragic death of Michael Jackson. Despite how you may feel towards him (good, bad, or indifferent), you cannot deny the impact he had on the world. For those of you that listened/watched the funeral, there was no doubt that he was a Christ follower. Yes, he had some downfalls and weaknesses, but he also changed the world for the better.
Michael Jackson not only wrote songs about peace, love, and acceptance, but he carried out his passions by the way he lived. He was a very generous individual that truly put people ahead of himself. Most importantly, most of his generosity went completely unnoticed by the public. He didn’t give to receive recognition. He gave because there were those that were in need. Speaker after speaker reminded us of the impact he made. The sad reality is the majority of the stories we read or heard about Michael Jackson were negative. The Reverend Al Sharpton mentioned the public made Michael out to be strange, yet the only thing that was strange was the way people treated him. He was a world changer. Yes, he was different, and he did some odd things at times. However, he did some amazing things for our country, the world, and the people. One of the many things we should learn from Michael Jackson is his selfless giving.
In Matthew 6:1 it says, “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Jesus wants selfless givers. Give because it’s the right thing to do. You may not have a lot of money to give, but you do have talents that you could use to make an impact. You can serve, support, and pray for people, and when you do, never bring attention to yourself. The only person you should try in to impress is God. Find your purpose in pleasing God, not man.
One of my favorite stories about Michael Jackson was his visits to Iraq. He wouldn’t tell a sole, yet he would visit the injured soldiers. Where many people would tell the media they were flying to Iraq to help the troops, Michael simply went! That’s what Jesus wants us to do, just do! In all you do, bring all the glory to God, and never bring glory to yourself. Be a servant leader and a selfless giver. Find someone that needs your time, service, resources, and make an impact.
Application:
1. Read Matthew 6:1-4
2. Do you find the good in people, or simply look for the bad?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
A Simple Prayer
7-8-2009
I was forwarded an email today from my uncle, and I thought I would share it with everyone for today's devotional. I feel we can all appreciate, relate, and feel moved by this prayer. Most importantly, I feel this prayer embodies what we should be praying every day.
"Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.
Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing and receive the forgiveness of God.
And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray.. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak.. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.
I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.
I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly..."
This is my prayer.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
I was forwarded an email today from my uncle, and I thought I would share it with everyone for today's devotional. I feel we can all appreciate, relate, and feel moved by this prayer. Most importantly, I feel this prayer embodies what we should be praying every day.
"Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.
Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing and receive the forgiveness of God.
And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray.. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak.. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.
I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.
I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly..."
This is my prayer.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Monday, July 6, 2009
All You Need Is Love
7-7-2009
I’m a big believer in being real, as there are way too many individuals who live life as some adopted being. In yesterday’s devotional we discussed the importance of showing people’s God’s love even if they wrong you. We all want to get revenge or retaliate, but Christ’s calls us to show God’s love. Some of you may be wondering why you should act as if you love someone when you really don’t. After all, wouldn’t that be hypocritical? Let’s clarify what Christ calls us to do. We are to SHOW God’s love even if we don’t feel as if we love them. We aren’t going to like everything about everyone, but we are to show God’s love to everyone, just as Christ did.
I’m pretty sure God doesn’t like everything about me. For example, he probably wants me to get rid of the pride, impatience, and all of the other ungodly characteristics I need to work on. If God can love me and show me mercy despite all of my downfalls, doesn’t it make sense to do the same for others! Finding faults in human beings is EASY, so stop looking through the negative lenses. Let’s start finding the good in people. I’ll admit, it can be hard sometimes to find the good in your enemies, but it sure makes life a lot more enjoyable than finding the bad in people. In Matthew 5:46 is says, “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
The point is simple, do the HARD RIGHT thing. I’m a big believer that adversity and tough times reveal character. People are great when things are going just the way they want them to go. It’s amazing how a different person comes out when adversity strikes. In the same way, it’s easy to love people that love you, but the hard right thing to do is love those that persecute you. Love those that say false things about you. Love people that are out to get you. It’s not easy, but it’s the HARD RIGHT thing to do. Christ did it, and we are called to show Christ’s love. Again, all you need is love!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 5:43-48
2. Who do you need to show God’s love to?
I’m a big believer in being real, as there are way too many individuals who live life as some adopted being. In yesterday’s devotional we discussed the importance of showing people’s God’s love even if they wrong you. We all want to get revenge or retaliate, but Christ’s calls us to show God’s love. Some of you may be wondering why you should act as if you love someone when you really don’t. After all, wouldn’t that be hypocritical? Let’s clarify what Christ calls us to do. We are to SHOW God’s love even if we don’t feel as if we love them. We aren’t going to like everything about everyone, but we are to show God’s love to everyone, just as Christ did.
I’m pretty sure God doesn’t like everything about me. For example, he probably wants me to get rid of the pride, impatience, and all of the other ungodly characteristics I need to work on. If God can love me and show me mercy despite all of my downfalls, doesn’t it make sense to do the same for others! Finding faults in human beings is EASY, so stop looking through the negative lenses. Let’s start finding the good in people. I’ll admit, it can be hard sometimes to find the good in your enemies, but it sure makes life a lot more enjoyable than finding the bad in people. In Matthew 5:46 is says, “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
The point is simple, do the HARD RIGHT thing. I’m a big believer that adversity and tough times reveal character. People are great when things are going just the way they want them to go. It’s amazing how a different person comes out when adversity strikes. In the same way, it’s easy to love people that love you, but the hard right thing to do is love those that persecute you. Love those that say false things about you. Love people that are out to get you. It’s not easy, but it’s the HARD RIGHT thing to do. Christ did it, and we are called to show Christ’s love. Again, all you need is love!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 5:43-48
2. Who do you need to show God’s love to?
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Retaliation
7-6-2009
One of my biggest pet peeves is injustice. As with most people, anytime I feel wronged my first instinct is to get even. For those of you that have been wronged, listen to what Jesus calls us to do in Matthew 5:38-42.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for and eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
The moral of Jesus’ words is simple: Do not retaliate! In fact, kill them with kindness. Love them and forgive them. This is SO hard to do when people wrong you, but it’s a way to show God’s love during a very difficult time. Every part of you wants to seek justice, and there are times to do so, but at all times, treat your enemy with love and forgiveness. One of our roles as a Christ follower is to show people who Christ is through our actions. If we can show Christ’s love during the most difficult times in our lives, just imagine the impact that will have on all parties involved!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 5:38-42
2. Pray for those that have wronged you, and pray that you may show them God’s love and not retaliation.
One of my biggest pet peeves is injustice. As with most people, anytime I feel wronged my first instinct is to get even. For those of you that have been wronged, listen to what Jesus calls us to do in Matthew 5:38-42.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for and eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
The moral of Jesus’ words is simple: Do not retaliate! In fact, kill them with kindness. Love them and forgive them. This is SO hard to do when people wrong you, but it’s a way to show God’s love during a very difficult time. Every part of you wants to seek justice, and there are times to do so, but at all times, treat your enemy with love and forgiveness. One of our roles as a Christ follower is to show people who Christ is through our actions. If we can show Christ’s love during the most difficult times in our lives, just imagine the impact that will have on all parties involved!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 5:38-42
2. Pray for those that have wronged you, and pray that you may show them God’s love and not retaliation.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Yes be Yes, No be No
7-3-2009
I heard a very successful businessman say there’s only one person in the world you should trust, and that’s yourself. I don’t agree with this statement, but I certainly take the words to heart. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the business world, it’s you can’t trust anyone. People will lie to your face, say one thing and do another and it makes doing business very difficult. As a result, I have one rule that must be met before I will do any business deal: is there a level of trust with the person asking me to do business with them? The deal could look like the best deal in the world, but if I don’t trust the people in the deal, I’m out!
In Matthew 5:37 it reads, “simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’, anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Our world is so crooked; we have to exaggerate a point to prove we are telling the truth. People start off sentences with, “In all honesty,” “Seriously,” “I promise” and other statements that represent honesty. Jesus says it very simply, say the truth at all times and you won’t have to use the statements in the previous sentence.
Start to listen to the words you say when trying to prove a point, and if you have to use phrases such as, “In all honesty,” or “I promise” that might be the sign of a problem. Do you always tell the truth, or do you tend to stretch the truth at times? What might you do or not do, say or not say, that leads you to need to support your statements? Focus on telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth just as Jesus encourages us to do.
Application:
1. Read Matthew 5:33-37Does your “Yes” mean “Yes” and your “No” mean “No”?
I heard a very successful businessman say there’s only one person in the world you should trust, and that’s yourself. I don’t agree with this statement, but I certainly take the words to heart. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the business world, it’s you can’t trust anyone. People will lie to your face, say one thing and do another and it makes doing business very difficult. As a result, I have one rule that must be met before I will do any business deal: is there a level of trust with the person asking me to do business with them? The deal could look like the best deal in the world, but if I don’t trust the people in the deal, I’m out!
In Matthew 5:37 it reads, “simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’, anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Our world is so crooked; we have to exaggerate a point to prove we are telling the truth. People start off sentences with, “In all honesty,” “Seriously,” “I promise” and other statements that represent honesty. Jesus says it very simply, say the truth at all times and you won’t have to use the statements in the previous sentence.
Start to listen to the words you say when trying to prove a point, and if you have to use phrases such as, “In all honesty,” or “I promise” that might be the sign of a problem. Do you always tell the truth, or do you tend to stretch the truth at times? What might you do or not do, say or not say, that leads you to need to support your statements? Focus on telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth just as Jesus encourages us to do.
Application:
1. Read Matthew 5:33-37Does your “Yes” mean “Yes” and your “No” mean “No”?
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Divorce
7-2-2009
This is not the most enjoyable subject to speak about, but I do believe there’s a lot we can learn from these verses in Matthew that can help our everyday lives whether we are married or not. Divorce is not a random act; it’s usually a collection of events over a period of time that leads to the separation between a husband and a wife. Divorce is sort of the icing on the horrible tasting cake of messed up ingredients that we allow into the marriage. Marriage starts off great, and as time goes on, we can become complacent to what the marriage represents. Moreover, we become complacent with the very ones we marry.
Success happens by design. A successful marriage happens by design as well. Success doesn’t happen by accident but instead is the result of taking the proper actions over an extended period of time. If you want to be a great golfer, you have to play golf consistently for an extended period of time. In order to be the best dancer you can be, you must practice dancing consistently for an extended period of time. To be a happily married couple, you must work on your marriage consistently for FOREVER! If you stop working on your marriage, the evil ingredients of divorce start to make their way into your relationship. The same hold true for just about anything. If you stop practicing golf, you will become a bad golfer.
What are some of the steps to maintaining a healthy marriage? First, I would suggest you never lose sight of why you married the person you are with. It’s easy to find the bad in people, as we all have flaws. Instead, stay focused on why you married them. Second, never stop courting your spouse. My wife and I take a date every week. We don’t find time for a date night, we MAKE TIME for a date night. I turn the phone off, and give Haley 100% of my time. Third, be a selfless spouse. In other words, focus you energies on helping each other. If you do everything you can for her, and she does everything she can for you, you are going to be fulfilled. Also, understand that what makes you feel loved doesn’t necessarily make your spouse feel loved. I highly recommend the book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. This is an easy read, and could literally save your marriage. I’ve got a lot to learn about being the best husband I can be, so I surely don’t claim to be an expert, but hopefully the items I’ve listed above will help.
There is one key to a successful marriage that I’ve saved for the end because it’s the most important item on the list. PRAY OVER YOUR MARRIAGE. I pray every day that I can be the best husband in the world, and Haley will be the best wife in the world. I pray that we will be more and more in love as we grow older and we always keep Christ at the center of our marriage. Divorce can be avoided if you take the proper steps early and often. The divorce rate in the US is over 50%! My suggestion to everyone in the world is to treat their marriage as the second most important thing they have next to their relationship with Christ. I feel too many of us give our spouse our left over time. We allow everything else to be the priority, and we allow problems in the marriage to occur and then we try to fix them. Let’s do the opposite. Let’s focus on creating an incredible marriage first, so we don’t have to try to clean up the mess. Prevent the mess!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 5:31-32
2. If you don’t have a date night on the calendar, schedule one now for every week.
3. Make your significant other a priority.
This is not the most enjoyable subject to speak about, but I do believe there’s a lot we can learn from these verses in Matthew that can help our everyday lives whether we are married or not. Divorce is not a random act; it’s usually a collection of events over a period of time that leads to the separation between a husband and a wife. Divorce is sort of the icing on the horrible tasting cake of messed up ingredients that we allow into the marriage. Marriage starts off great, and as time goes on, we can become complacent to what the marriage represents. Moreover, we become complacent with the very ones we marry.
Success happens by design. A successful marriage happens by design as well. Success doesn’t happen by accident but instead is the result of taking the proper actions over an extended period of time. If you want to be a great golfer, you have to play golf consistently for an extended period of time. In order to be the best dancer you can be, you must practice dancing consistently for an extended period of time. To be a happily married couple, you must work on your marriage consistently for FOREVER! If you stop working on your marriage, the evil ingredients of divorce start to make their way into your relationship. The same hold true for just about anything. If you stop practicing golf, you will become a bad golfer.
What are some of the steps to maintaining a healthy marriage? First, I would suggest you never lose sight of why you married the person you are with. It’s easy to find the bad in people, as we all have flaws. Instead, stay focused on why you married them. Second, never stop courting your spouse. My wife and I take a date every week. We don’t find time for a date night, we MAKE TIME for a date night. I turn the phone off, and give Haley 100% of my time. Third, be a selfless spouse. In other words, focus you energies on helping each other. If you do everything you can for her, and she does everything she can for you, you are going to be fulfilled. Also, understand that what makes you feel loved doesn’t necessarily make your spouse feel loved. I highly recommend the book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. This is an easy read, and could literally save your marriage. I’ve got a lot to learn about being the best husband I can be, so I surely don’t claim to be an expert, but hopefully the items I’ve listed above will help.
There is one key to a successful marriage that I’ve saved for the end because it’s the most important item on the list. PRAY OVER YOUR MARRIAGE. I pray every day that I can be the best husband in the world, and Haley will be the best wife in the world. I pray that we will be more and more in love as we grow older and we always keep Christ at the center of our marriage. Divorce can be avoided if you take the proper steps early and often. The divorce rate in the US is over 50%! My suggestion to everyone in the world is to treat their marriage as the second most important thing they have next to their relationship with Christ. I feel too many of us give our spouse our left over time. We allow everything else to be the priority, and we allow problems in the marriage to occur and then we try to fix them. Let’s do the opposite. Let’s focus on creating an incredible marriage first, so we don’t have to try to clean up the mess. Prevent the mess!
Application:
1. Read Matthew 5:31-32
2. If you don’t have a date night on the calendar, schedule one now for every week.
3. Make your significant other a priority.
Lust
7-1-2009
I can’t begin to think of the number of times people’s lives have been ruined due to the power of lust. We live in a world where the grass can seem greener on the other side, when in fact it rarely is. People leave certain jobs for what they feel will be a better opportunity, yet they find out the hard way it’s not. In sports, loyalty has been thrown out the window. Years ago you would never see a player leave his team for their arch rival, yet it happens every season now. People chase whatever they feel can bring them the desire they crave at THAT MOMENT.
It’s in THAT MOMENT that we must run from the lust that seems to chase us. The lust Jesus speaks against in Matthew chapter 5 is the lust of the flesh. God creates beautiful people, and the world does all it can to throw those people in our faces. It’s nearly impossible to watch television these days without seeing a scantily dressed individual. What you allow yourself to see, hear, and experience does in fact influence the way you think.
When someone commits adultery, they do so twice. First, they commit adultery in their minds. They picture themselves doing something before they actually do it. Then, the actual physical act of adultery takes place. The key is stopping the mental picture before it takes place. If we control our thoughts, then we will control our actions. Matthew 5:28 says, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Jesus warns us about the danger of simply thinking about another person. It’s perfectly normal to have a natural interest in the opposite sex; the key is to control your thoughts. As you grow in your relationship with Christ, you will learn to see every girl as a sister in Christ, and every man as a brother in Christ. If you see people as an object of your affection, understand the implications that can have if not controlled.
Lust in a very dangerous sin and it’s extremely important to understand the life altering events that can and will occur if lust isn’t treated as a serious issue in your life. Never forget why you fell in love with your partner in the first place. Love them for who they are, and understand that God put you and your spouse (assuming you are married) in each other’s lives for a reason. Find the beauty in each other and never forget the bonds of marriage.
Application:
1. Read Matthew 5:27-30
2. Do you need to change the way you think about someone? Is your significant other the only object of your affection?
I can’t begin to think of the number of times people’s lives have been ruined due to the power of lust. We live in a world where the grass can seem greener on the other side, when in fact it rarely is. People leave certain jobs for what they feel will be a better opportunity, yet they find out the hard way it’s not. In sports, loyalty has been thrown out the window. Years ago you would never see a player leave his team for their arch rival, yet it happens every season now. People chase whatever they feel can bring them the desire they crave at THAT MOMENT.
It’s in THAT MOMENT that we must run from the lust that seems to chase us. The lust Jesus speaks against in Matthew chapter 5 is the lust of the flesh. God creates beautiful people, and the world does all it can to throw those people in our faces. It’s nearly impossible to watch television these days without seeing a scantily dressed individual. What you allow yourself to see, hear, and experience does in fact influence the way you think.
When someone commits adultery, they do so twice. First, they commit adultery in their minds. They picture themselves doing something before they actually do it. Then, the actual physical act of adultery takes place. The key is stopping the mental picture before it takes place. If we control our thoughts, then we will control our actions. Matthew 5:28 says, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Jesus warns us about the danger of simply thinking about another person. It’s perfectly normal to have a natural interest in the opposite sex; the key is to control your thoughts. As you grow in your relationship with Christ, you will learn to see every girl as a sister in Christ, and every man as a brother in Christ. If you see people as an object of your affection, understand the implications that can have if not controlled.
Lust in a very dangerous sin and it’s extremely important to understand the life altering events that can and will occur if lust isn’t treated as a serious issue in your life. Never forget why you fell in love with your partner in the first place. Love them for who they are, and understand that God put you and your spouse (assuming you are married) in each other’s lives for a reason. Find the beauty in each other and never forget the bonds of marriage.
Application:
1. Read Matthew 5:27-30
2. Do you need to change the way you think about someone? Is your significant other the only object of your affection?
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