This morning I was watching the news and they were talking about a deal with the Russians. One guy stepped up to the podium and told how the Russians can't be trusted.
Who can you trust these days? We have enemies around every corner. Even though we are a major provider of humanitarian aid, we still have everyone gunning for us. When can we just be at peace?
According to the scriptures, we were enemies of God. As a result, we had no peace with Him.
Read about it in Romans 5:1-11 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205:1-11&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
The Apostle Paul teaches that because of our sin, we had become enemies of God. Remember, sin is rebellion against God. It is like Pinocchio rebelling against his creator, Geppetto. Not willing to listen to him, despising him and at times intentionally doing things to hurt him. That is what our sin has done to our creator, God. As a result, we are enemies.
In war, it is better to kill than to be killed, right? Most Generals and Commanders understand loss but they don't go into battle desiring everyone of their men to die. Victory in battle is connected to life, not death. Since we are enemies of God, victory would be our death and His life. But God did the opposite. He died and let us live.
He died so that we could have peace with one another. His death brought reconciliation. His death brought about forgiveness for those who request it. His death brought life to our dead souls. He made peace between us.
That is good news this Christmas. God did something so extraordinary, that it won't ever be forgotten.
Are you will to let something go instead of getting revenge? Are you willing to take the hurt instead of hurting? Are you willing for peace instead of war?
As you close: Thank God for His brave act in dying for us when it should have been us dying. Thank God for forgiveness and mercy because of Jesus. Thank God that we are no longer enemies of God, but His children when we surrender our lives to His Son, Jesus.
God Bless!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
HOPE - Peace with God Day 2
If pleasing God was based upon works, how will you ever know if you have done enough? You can not find peace with God based upon works. You will never be able to do enough and you will never know if you have arrived at the required destination. So what is it that pleases God? How can I know that Him and I are at peace with one another?
One day a student of the "Law" approached Jesus with this very thought in mind.
Read about it in Matthew 22:34-40 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A34-40&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
What is the greatest commandment? What is it that I can do to make God happy with me? Those are the questions that are filling this guys mind. We have lived with those questions in mind too. We wonder at times if we did enough good things, would God make life easier for us. We wonder if we were nice enough, or gave enough, would he give us more than we could ever imagine. We all want God to be happy with us. But what does Jesus say to answer his questions?
Love! Love God. Love people. It's not in doing, it's in loving. Loving will be reflected in some sort of doing but loving and doing are two distinct things. If you do and have no love, it means nothing. If you love without doing, it means nothing. This love is a choice. It is a choice to love God and by choosing to love God, you are also choosing to listen/follow Him. If you choose to love others, you are choosing to do that through compassion, mercy and generousity.
What pleases the heart of God is love for Him. That means you have chosen to believe in Him and have chosen to surrender your life to Him. As a result, you experience a new start in life, forgiveness of sin and the willingness to listen/follow Him. This is the peace that you can find with God. This is what pleases the heart of God.
Do a little heart examination. Do you love God? Do you believe He is God, Creator of all things, Redeemer of mankind, and Guide for your life? Are you willing to follow Him to whatever end?
If you can say, "I love God. I have given Him my heart, mind, soul and all my strength," you have peace with God.
As you close: God is looking at your heart. Be honest with Him about your heart right now. Let Him know where you need His help in loving God to the fullest.
God Bless!
One day a student of the "Law" approached Jesus with this very thought in mind.
Read about it in Matthew 22:34-40 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A34-40&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
What is the greatest commandment? What is it that I can do to make God happy with me? Those are the questions that are filling this guys mind. We have lived with those questions in mind too. We wonder at times if we did enough good things, would God make life easier for us. We wonder if we were nice enough, or gave enough, would he give us more than we could ever imagine. We all want God to be happy with us. But what does Jesus say to answer his questions?
Love! Love God. Love people. It's not in doing, it's in loving. Loving will be reflected in some sort of doing but loving and doing are two distinct things. If you do and have no love, it means nothing. If you love without doing, it means nothing. This love is a choice. It is a choice to love God and by choosing to love God, you are also choosing to listen/follow Him. If you choose to love others, you are choosing to do that through compassion, mercy and generousity.
What pleases the heart of God is love for Him. That means you have chosen to believe in Him and have chosen to surrender your life to Him. As a result, you experience a new start in life, forgiveness of sin and the willingness to listen/follow Him. This is the peace that you can find with God. This is what pleases the heart of God.
Do a little heart examination. Do you love God? Do you believe He is God, Creator of all things, Redeemer of mankind, and Guide for your life? Are you willing to follow Him to whatever end?
If you can say, "I love God. I have given Him my heart, mind, soul and all my strength," you have peace with God.
As you close: God is looking at your heart. Be honest with Him about your heart right now. Let Him know where you need His help in loving God to the fullest.
God Bless!
Monday, December 20, 2010
HOPE - Peace with God Day 1
If there is ever a time that is void of peace, it seems like Christmas. Even though peace surrounds this little baby boy born in Bethlehem, we find ourselves without peace. With all the hustle and bustle to get things done, we feel exhausted and worn out. Mornings come too soon and the day is over too quickly.
This week we are going to be talking about peace with God and with those around us. We all need peace and we are going to find it in only one place, Jesus.
Read Isaiah 9:6-7 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A6-7&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Isaiah is a prophet of God. Prophets would receive word from the Lord and share it with the people. Sometimes these words were words of judgement. Sometimes they were words of encouragement and sometimes these words were words about the future. This is one of those futuristic passages, yet it should give them hope right then.
He will be called...Prince of Peace. He will be the one to usher in peace like a royal leader. Many times leadership brings peace. Why? Because people feel at peace when the leader is around.
For instance, think of Bret Favre of the Minnesota Vikings. If you don't have any idea what I'm talking about, google it. Anyway, the team appears apprehensive and weak without Bret as Quarterback. They don't score touchdowns, guys drop passes, and even the running game appears slow. (I attended the rescheduled game against the Giants because of their collapsed roof and w/o Favre as QB, that is exactly what they did.) But something happens to the team when he is in the game. They calm down, they focus and they play very competitively.
Jesus is that kind of leader and even more so. What Isaiah was saying about Jesus is that when He comes, He will bring peace to the people. They will find rest in their souls because of Him. Think about it. How many people describe the peaceful feeling they have when they surrender their lives to Him? Many, if not all. He brings peace. Even when it is difficult in life, we can rest in His secure hands.
Do you need to be reminded of that security? You are secure in His hands. He can bring peace to your soul. If you are anxious, pray. Ask Him for His peace and then trust Him in the moments ahead.
As you close: What worries you? Talk to the Lord about it and ask for His peace in those situations. And then trust Him!
God Bless!
This week we are going to be talking about peace with God and with those around us. We all need peace and we are going to find it in only one place, Jesus.
Read Isaiah 9:6-7 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A6-7&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Isaiah is a prophet of God. Prophets would receive word from the Lord and share it with the people. Sometimes these words were words of judgement. Sometimes they were words of encouragement and sometimes these words were words about the future. This is one of those futuristic passages, yet it should give them hope right then.
He will be called...Prince of Peace. He will be the one to usher in peace like a royal leader. Many times leadership brings peace. Why? Because people feel at peace when the leader is around.
For instance, think of Bret Favre of the Minnesota Vikings. If you don't have any idea what I'm talking about, google it. Anyway, the team appears apprehensive and weak without Bret as Quarterback. They don't score touchdowns, guys drop passes, and even the running game appears slow. (I attended the rescheduled game against the Giants because of their collapsed roof and w/o Favre as QB, that is exactly what they did.) But something happens to the team when he is in the game. They calm down, they focus and they play very competitively.
Jesus is that kind of leader and even more so. What Isaiah was saying about Jesus is that when He comes, He will bring peace to the people. They will find rest in their souls because of Him. Think about it. How many people describe the peaceful feeling they have when they surrender their lives to Him? Many, if not all. He brings peace. Even when it is difficult in life, we can rest in His secure hands.
Do you need to be reminded of that security? You are secure in His hands. He can bring peace to your soul. If you are anxious, pray. Ask Him for His peace and then trust Him in the moments ahead.
As you close: What worries you? Talk to the Lord about it and ask for His peace in those situations. And then trust Him!
God Bless!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
HOPE - Opportunity to start over Day 2
After I graduated from college, Tiffany and I began our journey into the ministry. I will never forget the churches we looked at. There was a church in Wyoming that was looking for a youth pastor. The pastor was great but I couldn't see myself falling in love with ranches and rodeos. So we passed on that church.
Then we started to look at another church. They invited us to visit and meet with their team. We didn't take the job. The main reason we turned away from that position was because the church people were struggling with racism. They asked me point blank, "How do you feel about ______ people?" There was a problem and they wanted to know what side we were on. We quickly learned that God was not calling us to that church.
Racism is a difficult thing in our country. We have overcome those obstacles but there are still traces of it. Traces of it in Lagrange County sorry to say. If there is anywhere for people to have the opportunity to start over, it would be in the church and it will be available for anyone, regardless of skin color. That is how God wants it.
Peter had a problem with racism. Peter was a Jewish man who was committed to reaching other Jews. Until God interrupted him and instructed him to let go of this superior attitude and reach the gentiles.
Read about in Acts 10 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+10&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Peter learned that God wanted to give the opportunity to start over with life in the gentile people. Gentiles are non Jews which is the rest of the population on the planet. And look what happened to Cornelius. He and his family gave their lives to Jesus Christ. Peter was amazed and I'm sure he thought to himself, "I could've missed this if I let racism rule my heart. God can change anyone and it is my job to make him known to all." Peter ended up in Rome, which was the epicenter of the earth at that time, preaching the gospel to all people.
God wants to give the opportunity to start over to anyone. Is there someone who needs this good news that you are holding back sharing with? Learn from Peter today.
As you close: Pray that all white, black, hispanic and whoever else lives in our county will surrender their lives to Jesus Christ and experience the opportunity to start over. Pray that our church will reach all people groups in our area.
God Bless!
Then we started to look at another church. They invited us to visit and meet with their team. We didn't take the job. The main reason we turned away from that position was because the church people were struggling with racism. They asked me point blank, "How do you feel about ______ people?" There was a problem and they wanted to know what side we were on. We quickly learned that God was not calling us to that church.
Racism is a difficult thing in our country. We have overcome those obstacles but there are still traces of it. Traces of it in Lagrange County sorry to say. If there is anywhere for people to have the opportunity to start over, it would be in the church and it will be available for anyone, regardless of skin color. That is how God wants it.
Peter had a problem with racism. Peter was a Jewish man who was committed to reaching other Jews. Until God interrupted him and instructed him to let go of this superior attitude and reach the gentiles.
Read about in Acts 10 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+10&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Peter learned that God wanted to give the opportunity to start over with life in the gentile people. Gentiles are non Jews which is the rest of the population on the planet. And look what happened to Cornelius. He and his family gave their lives to Jesus Christ. Peter was amazed and I'm sure he thought to himself, "I could've missed this if I let racism rule my heart. God can change anyone and it is my job to make him known to all." Peter ended up in Rome, which was the epicenter of the earth at that time, preaching the gospel to all people.
God wants to give the opportunity to start over to anyone. Is there someone who needs this good news that you are holding back sharing with? Learn from Peter today.
As you close: Pray that all white, black, hispanic and whoever else lives in our county will surrender their lives to Jesus Christ and experience the opportunity to start over. Pray that our church will reach all people groups in our area.
God Bless!
Monday, December 13, 2010
HOPE - Opportunity to start over Day 1
Something that is really great about celebrating Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ, is that we have hope of starting over. The message of the gospel is that we can hit the start over button and do things differently.
This week we are going to be looking at different people in the bible who, through Jesus were able to start their life over.
Let's start with the apostle Paul. Paul was committed to Judiasm. He was committed to the Law. As the early church began to form, Paul naturally was opposed to it and became a violent aggressor against it. Having people killed and having people thrown into prison were just a few of the violent actions he had taken against the church.
On his way to Damascus to arrest more of those who were following Jesus Christ, something happened that changed his life forever.
Read about it in Acts 9:1-31 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+9%3A1-31&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
"He is my chosen instrument." God said this about Paul. His name was actually Saul but it was changed to Paul. Acts 13:9 is the verse that signifies the change of name..."Then Saul, who was also called Paul..." Many believe this name change is because of the change in Paul's life. Others believe it was to protect his life from those who were trying to kill Saul. Regardless, his life was different because of Jesus.
God can give anyone an opportunity to start over. The past is the past. It can't be changed but our present can. That is God's gift to you.
This Christmas season, remember that God gives the gift of a new beginning. Is there anyone that you know that might need an opportunity to start over with God? Talk to them about it. Now is the time. Is there someone you need to show love to and/or forgive? Now is the time to start over.
As you close: Pray for those who are distant from Jesus. Pray for those who have never surrendered their life to Him.
God Bless!
This week we are going to be looking at different people in the bible who, through Jesus were able to start their life over.
Let's start with the apostle Paul. Paul was committed to Judiasm. He was committed to the Law. As the early church began to form, Paul naturally was opposed to it and became a violent aggressor against it. Having people killed and having people thrown into prison were just a few of the violent actions he had taken against the church.
On his way to Damascus to arrest more of those who were following Jesus Christ, something happened that changed his life forever.
Read about it in Acts 9:1-31 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+9%3A1-31&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
"He is my chosen instrument." God said this about Paul. His name was actually Saul but it was changed to Paul. Acts 13:9 is the verse that signifies the change of name..."Then Saul, who was also called Paul..." Many believe this name change is because of the change in Paul's life. Others believe it was to protect his life from those who were trying to kill Saul. Regardless, his life was different because of Jesus.
God can give anyone an opportunity to start over. The past is the past. It can't be changed but our present can. That is God's gift to you.
This Christmas season, remember that God gives the gift of a new beginning. Is there anyone that you know that might need an opportunity to start over with God? Talk to them about it. Now is the time. Is there someone you need to show love to and/or forgive? Now is the time to start over.
As you close: Pray for those who are distant from Jesus. Pray for those who have never surrendered their life to Him.
God Bless!
Friday, December 10, 2010
HOPE - Healing for the brokenhearted - Day 4
Having hope is like breathing oxygen. You can't live without it.
The world in which we live gives both hope and despair. Both are available. You can choose to live in despair and you can choose to live in hope. The choice is in your hands.
Most of us would choose hope. Who really wants despair? Not many. But unfortunately we live as if we have chosen despair. We run ourselves into the ground with work. We hold on to bitterness and anger towards others. We have addictions to occupy our thoughts. It all seems pretty oblique. Why would we take this road in our lives? It doesn't make sense.
But when you have hope you have energy, emotional freedom and confidence that things will get better.
I was reading in John 8 about a woman who was caught in adultery. By the way, you would have to be in despair to commit adultery. Hope gives you joy for a better day. She had little hope. While in the arms of another man, she was caught and taken to Jesus. How would Jesus deal with her? Tell her that she is going to get what she deserves or offer her hope of a better day?
Read about it John 8:1-11 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A1-11&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
She was offered a chance to start over. To press the re-do button on life. That is the hope that Jesus offers. He offers a second chance. A chance to change the direction of your life. What she did was wrong and she would need to make things right. But at least she can start over.
Do you need to start over in life? That is what we are going to talk about next week. We will talk about how God provides an opportunity to start over.
As you close: Thank God for hope; thank him that life can get better than this. Thank him for his birth and life here on planet earth.
God bless!
The world in which we live gives both hope and despair. Both are available. You can choose to live in despair and you can choose to live in hope. The choice is in your hands.
Most of us would choose hope. Who really wants despair? Not many. But unfortunately we live as if we have chosen despair. We run ourselves into the ground with work. We hold on to bitterness and anger towards others. We have addictions to occupy our thoughts. It all seems pretty oblique. Why would we take this road in our lives? It doesn't make sense.
But when you have hope you have energy, emotional freedom and confidence that things will get better.
I was reading in John 8 about a woman who was caught in adultery. By the way, you would have to be in despair to commit adultery. Hope gives you joy for a better day. She had little hope. While in the arms of another man, she was caught and taken to Jesus. How would Jesus deal with her? Tell her that she is going to get what she deserves or offer her hope of a better day?
Read about it John 8:1-11 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A1-11&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
She was offered a chance to start over. To press the re-do button on life. That is the hope that Jesus offers. He offers a second chance. A chance to change the direction of your life. What she did was wrong and she would need to make things right. But at least she can start over.
Do you need to start over in life? That is what we are going to talk about next week. We will talk about how God provides an opportunity to start over.
As you close: Thank God for hope; thank him that life can get better than this. Thank him for his birth and life here on planet earth.
God bless!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
HOPE - Healing for the brokenhearted - Day 3
I like Jazz. Especially when Harry Conick Jr. is singing Christmas Songs. Jazz and Christmas songs go together like peanut butter and jam. I can sit by the tree, just listening for several moments. For me, that is a long time. Ahhhh.
But for others, Christmas isn't so cheery. Christmas remind us of the brokenness in life. We are reminded that we have loss. Loss of a job, loss of a loved one, loss of stability, etc. We wonder, "Does God even care?"
King David had a moment of depression. He was running for his life from his son. He was in a foreign country that he had attacked. He was all alone. I wonder if he thought to himself, "God, do you even care about me?"
Read about it in Ps 34 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Look at verse 18. "The lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
He is close. He is near. He is up close and personal. He knows exactly what is going on in your life. He knows about all the broken pieces of your life. He does care as the Apostle Paul tells us, "Cast all your care upon Him because he cares for you." He isn't far away. He isn't distant. He is right there with you. Weeping with you as you weep and rejoicing with you as you rejoice.
He is also going to restore your brokenness. He is going to save the day. We don't know how and we don't know when. We just know that He is going to save those who are crushed in spirit. He is working on putting the pieces back together again. Even those little slivers that many will not be aware of, He is putting those back into place.
I hope you realize that better days do await you and that is why we can hope in Him. Whatever the piece you are holding in your hand that reflects your brokenness, He cares deeply about it and is putting it back together. Some day you will be mended and whole. But until then our Hope is still in Him!
As you close: Tell God about all the broken pieces of your life. Weep with Him. He will weep with you.
God Bless!
But for others, Christmas isn't so cheery. Christmas remind us of the brokenness in life. We are reminded that we have loss. Loss of a job, loss of a loved one, loss of stability, etc. We wonder, "Does God even care?"
King David had a moment of depression. He was running for his life from his son. He was in a foreign country that he had attacked. He was all alone. I wonder if he thought to himself, "God, do you even care about me?"
Read about it in Ps 34 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Look at verse 18. "The lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
He is close. He is near. He is up close and personal. He knows exactly what is going on in your life. He knows about all the broken pieces of your life. He does care as the Apostle Paul tells us, "Cast all your care upon Him because he cares for you." He isn't far away. He isn't distant. He is right there with you. Weeping with you as you weep and rejoicing with you as you rejoice.
He is also going to restore your brokenness. He is going to save the day. We don't know how and we don't know when. We just know that He is going to save those who are crushed in spirit. He is working on putting the pieces back together again. Even those little slivers that many will not be aware of, He is putting those back into place.
I hope you realize that better days do await you and that is why we can hope in Him. Whatever the piece you are holding in your hand that reflects your brokenness, He cares deeply about it and is putting it back together. Some day you will be mended and whole. But until then our Hope is still in Him!
As you close: Tell God about all the broken pieces of your life. Weep with Him. He will weep with you.
God Bless!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
HOPE - Healing for the brokenhearted - Day 2
I've noticed something. Everyone is impacted by Christmas. They may celebrate differently than me, but this season, this time of year revolves around Hope. Everyone believes, to some degree, that life has got to get better than this. The question is who will make it, life, better?
I have a tendency to snap at my family. I don't know why. I'm not stressed out. I'm not under pressure. I just snap at them. I thought about it and realized that something needed to change. So I decided I needed to change. I needed to stop snapping at my family. So off I go on this grand adventure. Unfortunately, I drop the ball. I fail. I snap. Back to the drawing board.
If I think I am going to make life better, I will find myself constantly disappointed. It's not that I don't have a part to play in change, it's just that I, only me, can not make the changes necessary for life to be better. There is only one person I can hope in. His name is Jesus.
The people of Israel were in some pretty tough circumstances. They were an oppressed people for hundreds of years. They must have thought, "I need to have a positive attitude and things will get better." "I just need to be nicer to that Roman guard who is beating me up. That will make life better." No. They knew if life was going to be better, it would come from one person; the Messiah.
Read about two people who were overcome with joy at the appearing of Jesus in Luke 2:21-38 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A21-38&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Simeon and Anna were just thrilled to see the Savior of the World. He is going to make things better. He will make life more joyful. It will be because of Him.
Who do you hope in to make life better? We all hope better days are ahead. We all hope for something great in the days to come. We need to know who we Hope IN to see those good days. Do you find your hope in your job? Family? Money? or Jesus?
As you close: Take some time and tell Jesus that your hope for better days is in Him. Ask for strength each day to find your hope in Him.
God Bless!
I have a tendency to snap at my family. I don't know why. I'm not stressed out. I'm not under pressure. I just snap at them. I thought about it and realized that something needed to change. So I decided I needed to change. I needed to stop snapping at my family. So off I go on this grand adventure. Unfortunately, I drop the ball. I fail. I snap. Back to the drawing board.
If I think I am going to make life better, I will find myself constantly disappointed. It's not that I don't have a part to play in change, it's just that I, only me, can not make the changes necessary for life to be better. There is only one person I can hope in. His name is Jesus.
The people of Israel were in some pretty tough circumstances. They were an oppressed people for hundreds of years. They must have thought, "I need to have a positive attitude and things will get better." "I just need to be nicer to that Roman guard who is beating me up. That will make life better." No. They knew if life was going to be better, it would come from one person; the Messiah.
Read about two people who were overcome with joy at the appearing of Jesus in Luke 2:21-38 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A21-38&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Simeon and Anna were just thrilled to see the Savior of the World. He is going to make things better. He will make life more joyful. It will be because of Him.
Who do you hope in to make life better? We all hope better days are ahead. We all hope for something great in the days to come. We need to know who we Hope IN to see those good days. Do you find your hope in your job? Family? Money? or Jesus?
As you close: Take some time and tell Jesus that your hope for better days is in Him. Ask for strength each day to find your hope in Him.
God Bless!
Monday, December 6, 2010
HOPE - Healing for the brokenhearted - Day 1
The Christmas season is filled with much anticipation. Christmas day is within reach. It's like waiting for vacation to arrive. You know it's coming but it just won't get here soon enough. So let me be the first to say, "Merry Christmas." Enjoy the season.
While some are enjoying the moment, some, the holidays are a reminder of loneliness and isolation. Some are saying, "I just can't wait for the holidays to get over with." No anticipation, no excitement. If that is you, I've got some good news for you.
This month is all about hope. What is hope? Hope is believing that better days lie ahead. Hope is having confidence that it's got to get better than this. Maybe you've lost a loved one, a relationship is fractured, or a loss of a job, status or stability, better days lie ahead. It will get better than youur present circumstances.
Say this out loud, "Better days lie ahead." We have hope that better days lie ahead. And yes, even for you.
The Chicago Cubs have been living on hope for the past 100 years. They hope to return to the World Series. But 100 years is nothing compared to the Israelite people waiting for God to fulfill His promise of rescuing them with a Savior.
If you know anything about Israelite history, you will know that they were oppressed for around 700 years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Savior. They waiting through the Assyrians, Babylonians, Medo-Persians, Greeks, and Romans. They were taken advantage of by countless people. They paid enormous taxes, used as slaves, and used for self gratification. Bottom line, they were not allowed to be a free people. They waited, they cried out, to God for the promised Messiah. And then there was a baby's cry. Mary gave birth to a son, gave Him the name Jesus. He was the one the angels told Joseph and Mary about. He will save the day. Their Hope will be found in Him.
Read Matthew 1:18-25 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1%3A18-25&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
They had every reason to be depressed and anticipate nothing. But their hope was renewed. Hope had become a reality in a baby boy. They had every reason to be filled with anticipation and be filled with excitement. Better days lie ahead.
For today I want to renew your hope. Better days lie ahead. Not because of you or me. But because of Him. Jesus is our hope and He is here to give us better days ahead.
As you close: Thank God for the gift of His son Jesus. Thank Him for renewing our hope for better days. Thank God for this season and ask Him to fill your heart with joy and anticipation.
God bless!
While some are enjoying the moment, some, the holidays are a reminder of loneliness and isolation. Some are saying, "I just can't wait for the holidays to get over with." No anticipation, no excitement. If that is you, I've got some good news for you.
This month is all about hope. What is hope? Hope is believing that better days lie ahead. Hope is having confidence that it's got to get better than this. Maybe you've lost a loved one, a relationship is fractured, or a loss of a job, status or stability, better days lie ahead. It will get better than youur present circumstances.
Say this out loud, "Better days lie ahead." We have hope that better days lie ahead. And yes, even for you.
The Chicago Cubs have been living on hope for the past 100 years. They hope to return to the World Series. But 100 years is nothing compared to the Israelite people waiting for God to fulfill His promise of rescuing them with a Savior.
If you know anything about Israelite history, you will know that they were oppressed for around 700 years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Savior. They waiting through the Assyrians, Babylonians, Medo-Persians, Greeks, and Romans. They were taken advantage of by countless people. They paid enormous taxes, used as slaves, and used for self gratification. Bottom line, they were not allowed to be a free people. They waited, they cried out, to God for the promised Messiah. And then there was a baby's cry. Mary gave birth to a son, gave Him the name Jesus. He was the one the angels told Joseph and Mary about. He will save the day. Their Hope will be found in Him.
Read Matthew 1:18-25 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1%3A18-25&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
They had every reason to be depressed and anticipate nothing. But their hope was renewed. Hope had become a reality in a baby boy. They had every reason to be filled with anticipation and be filled with excitement. Better days lie ahead.
For today I want to renew your hope. Better days lie ahead. Not because of you or me. But because of Him. Jesus is our hope and He is here to give us better days ahead.
As you close: Thank God for the gift of His son Jesus. Thank Him for renewing our hope for better days. Thank God for this season and ask Him to fill your heart with joy and anticipation.
God bless!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Fully Surrender:Moses - Day 4
Do you have a favorite song? Perhaps it is one when you were building a relationship with a future spouse. Maybe it is a song during an intense time in your life. Or, it is a song that represents a change that occurred in your life.
Songs can be like markers in the brain. Whenever we sing it, hear it played or just remember it, it reminds us of a time in our lives when it meant something great.
For Moses, songs became a way to remember the stories of God's glory in his life.
Read about the song Miriam, Moses' sister, sang to recount the glory of God in Exodus 15 or click to view (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+15&version=NIV (Click Back Arrow on web browser to return)
What a way to remember what God did for the people of Israel. He revealed His glory and now they can sing songs about it. And singing songs of remembrance empower us to trust Him again. We remember and choose to fully surrender again and again. It's like a little child saying to their dad, "Do it again, daddy. Do it again."
What songs can you sing, of what God has done in your life? I realize that there probably isn't an exact song for your situation but maybe you can just put your story to music. Just sing the words back to Him for how He revealed His glory in your life.
As you close: Remember His works among you. Remember what He has done and praise Him for it.
God Bless!
Songs can be like markers in the brain. Whenever we sing it, hear it played or just remember it, it reminds us of a time in our lives when it meant something great.
For Moses, songs became a way to remember the stories of God's glory in his life.
Read about the song Miriam, Moses' sister, sang to recount the glory of God in Exodus 15 or click to view (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+15&version=NIV (Click Back Arrow on web browser to return)
What a way to remember what God did for the people of Israel. He revealed His glory and now they can sing songs about it. And singing songs of remembrance empower us to trust Him again. We remember and choose to fully surrender again and again. It's like a little child saying to their dad, "Do it again, daddy. Do it again."
What songs can you sing, of what God has done in your life? I realize that there probably isn't an exact song for your situation but maybe you can just put your story to music. Just sing the words back to Him for how He revealed His glory in your life.
As you close: Remember His works among you. Remember what He has done and praise Him for it.
God Bless!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Fully Surrender:Moses - Day 3
Sometimes loneliness is an awful thing. Have you ever felt alone? You may be surrounded by people and still feel alone.
People in leadership may have power and influence, but believe me, they feel terribly lonely. It's not that people don't like them, often times leadership means that you will be alone. For example, the president of your company has to look at facts and figures and make tough decisions. Sometimes employees don't like what they hear. Many people have experienced lay offs. What a terrible experience. Not knowing what is next, not knowing if they will have enough money to pay the bills. Often employees attack owners saying, "They just want more money for themselves." That may be true, but often times the owners I know can't sleep because they know what damage it might cause. It is at those times a leader feels alone.
Moses felt alone. The people of Israel were mad at him. "Leave well enough alone Moses..." Read about it in Exodus 5 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+5&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Loneliness is a part of leadership. Leaders never get used to it but they learn to accept it. For Moses, it seems like he is ready to call it quits. He was ready to throw in the towel. So what does Moses do? He talks to God about it. Chapter 6 is God's response. To sum it up; God told Moses that He will accomplish what He has set out to do. He will rescue His people Israel through the leadership of Moses. Moses needed to simply stay the course.
When you are fully surrendered to God, He may ask you to do something that causes you to be very alone. Everyone has an opinion and they are ready to share it with you. People may question you and try to raise doubts in your mind. Examine the doubts and deal with them.
Here are three things you should do when feeling alone regarding what God is having you to do:
1. Pray. Ask God for His help. We need His strength.
2. Contemplate opinions - Do they have a point that I haven't considered?
3. Pray. Ask God to make things clear.
Why? Because we want to do the very thing God wants us to do. We want to consider that God will make
it very clear if it is just simply our idea or that it is in fact His.
As you close: What is it that is tugging at your heart? Is it from God? Have you asked other people about? Have you considered other's advice? Have you prayed? Do that now.
God bless!
People in leadership may have power and influence, but believe me, they feel terribly lonely. It's not that people don't like them, often times leadership means that you will be alone. For example, the president of your company has to look at facts and figures and make tough decisions. Sometimes employees don't like what they hear. Many people have experienced lay offs. What a terrible experience. Not knowing what is next, not knowing if they will have enough money to pay the bills. Often employees attack owners saying, "They just want more money for themselves." That may be true, but often times the owners I know can't sleep because they know what damage it might cause. It is at those times a leader feels alone.
Moses felt alone. The people of Israel were mad at him. "Leave well enough alone Moses..." Read about it in Exodus 5 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+5&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Loneliness is a part of leadership. Leaders never get used to it but they learn to accept it. For Moses, it seems like he is ready to call it quits. He was ready to throw in the towel. So what does Moses do? He talks to God about it. Chapter 6 is God's response. To sum it up; God told Moses that He will accomplish what He has set out to do. He will rescue His people Israel through the leadership of Moses. Moses needed to simply stay the course.
When you are fully surrendered to God, He may ask you to do something that causes you to be very alone. Everyone has an opinion and they are ready to share it with you. People may question you and try to raise doubts in your mind. Examine the doubts and deal with them.
Here are three things you should do when feeling alone regarding what God is having you to do:
1. Pray. Ask God for His help. We need His strength.
2. Contemplate opinions - Do they have a point that I haven't considered?
3. Pray. Ask God to make things clear.
Why? Because we want to do the very thing God wants us to do. We want to consider that God will make
it very clear if it is just simply our idea or that it is in fact His.
As you close: What is it that is tugging at your heart? Is it from God? Have you asked other people about? Have you considered other's advice? Have you prayed? Do that now.
God bless!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Fully Surrender:Moses - Day 2
Something I really enjoy as a pastor is when parents dedicate their children to the Lord. During a child dedication service, parents put together photographs of the child who is being dedicated. After the picture presentation, I have the privilege of speaking with the parents. They tell the rest of us what this child means to them and then promise to raise this child to hear about God's love through Jesus. Then I get to pray for them. I really love those moments.
But one thing is true, that child will still have to make a decision to fully surrender to Jesus on their own. Even though they are being dedicated to the Lord, doesn't mean they automatically surrender to Jesus. There will come a time when the decision to fully surrender will sit before them and they will have to make a decision.
Moses was dedicated to the Lord but Moses would still have to make a choice in fully surrendering to Him.
Read about Moses' personal surrender in Exodus 3 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+3&version=NIV (Click on back arrow on web browser to return)
God wanted to reveal His glory through Moses and Moses would have to make a decision on being fully surrendered or not. It was up to him. Moses does come to the place where he fully surrenders. He still has his doubts. He's afraid that he's not much use to the Lord. He doesn't talk well enough. Not smart enough. But God tells Him that He will be with him. Moses will not be alone. God will be there right beside him. He even has Aaron join him on the adventure.
You see, you have nothing to be afraid of. God will be with you wherever He leads you. He even provides a friend to help. How many times do we count on our friends to help us get through something? Many times.
I pray that I won't let the doubts in my mind distract me from being used by God to reveal His glory. I hope you won't let those doubts do the same to you.
Plus, I pray that my heart is fully surrendered, each and every day. I hope my children, though they have been dedicated to the Lord, will fully surrender too.
You have nothing to lose when you fully surrender to Jesus. Actually, you have much to gain. We would be fools not to take this offer. Surrender today.
As you close: Pray that everyday, you can be used by God if He desires to reveal His glory through you that day. If not, okay. We wait for Him. And Pray that your children, whom I'm sure you dedicated to the Lord, will daily fully surrender to Him.
God Bless!
But one thing is true, that child will still have to make a decision to fully surrender to Jesus on their own. Even though they are being dedicated to the Lord, doesn't mean they automatically surrender to Jesus. There will come a time when the decision to fully surrender will sit before them and they will have to make a decision.
Moses was dedicated to the Lord but Moses would still have to make a choice in fully surrendering to Him.
Read about Moses' personal surrender in Exodus 3 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+3&version=NIV (Click on back arrow on web browser to return)
God wanted to reveal His glory through Moses and Moses would have to make a decision on being fully surrendered or not. It was up to him. Moses does come to the place where he fully surrenders. He still has his doubts. He's afraid that he's not much use to the Lord. He doesn't talk well enough. Not smart enough. But God tells Him that He will be with him. Moses will not be alone. God will be there right beside him. He even has Aaron join him on the adventure.
You see, you have nothing to be afraid of. God will be with you wherever He leads you. He even provides a friend to help. How many times do we count on our friends to help us get through something? Many times.
I pray that I won't let the doubts in my mind distract me from being used by God to reveal His glory. I hope you won't let those doubts do the same to you.
Plus, I pray that my heart is fully surrendered, each and every day. I hope my children, though they have been dedicated to the Lord, will fully surrender too.
You have nothing to lose when you fully surrender to Jesus. Actually, you have much to gain. We would be fools not to take this offer. Surrender today.
As you close: Pray that everyday, you can be used by God if He desires to reveal His glory through you that day. If not, okay. We wait for Him. And Pray that your children, whom I'm sure you dedicated to the Lord, will daily fully surrender to Him.
God Bless!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Fully Surrender:Moses - Day 1
This week we wrap up our fully surrendered series. I have enjoyed these inspiring people who had given their lives over to God. Through them, God's glory was revealed and their stories are still with us today.
This week we will be discussing the life of Moses. As a baby, Moses was surrendered to God.
Amram and Jochebed, Moses' parents, were experiencing the joys of parenthood. They had a daughter, Miriam and now Miriam was going to be a big sister. Soon, their joys became sorrows as Jochebed delivered a boy. Why is that a sorrow?
Read Exodus 1 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+1&version=NIV (Click on back arrow of web browser to return)
The Pharoah, wanting to reduce the Israelite population, was having all boys thrown into the Nile River to be killed. When Amram and Jochebed delivered a boy, their worst fears became real. Not towards the child, but towards the possibility of the death of their child. So they hid the boy. They covered their tracks as best as they could until one day they could hide him no longer. There was nothing more they could do. What would they do now?
What do you do when you have no other option in a difficult situation? I have a tendency to panic. My heart starts to race and I begin to be overwhelmed with worry. It takes me a while, because of my pride, when I turn to God. I know I should turn to Him first but often times, I depend on my own understanding and exhaust all the options for me to do. Then I pray. I should pray and then do all that I can and leave the rest to Him.
Amram and Jochebed did everything they could and now the only thing left to do was to surrender this child into the hands of God. They built a basket and put him inside and let go of him on the Nile River. I bet Jochebed had trouble letting go of the basket; wondering if she would ever see him again. But then God did something Jochebed had no idea He was about to do. He had Pharoah's daughter go into the water of the Nile to bathe, and while she was there washing, heard a baby crying. Compassion filled her heart, instead of having the boy killed, she took him into her home and raised him. Gave him the name Moses. Jochebed even had the opportunity to see him grow up and become a man.
What a story of surrender. Amram and Jochebed saw the glory of God because they surrendered their child over to his care. We don't know what would've happened if they hadn't. All we know is what they did and as result, God rescued His people from the evil Pharoah and led them to the Promised land. All through this man, Moses.
Is there a basket in your hand that God is calling you to let go of and give over to Him? It could be your career. "God, I have no idea what you want to do through me, but you can have my career. Keep it where it is or change it. I want your plan for my life." It could be your children. "God here are my kids. I will raise them as best as I can but they are dedicated to you. Show your glory through them." It could be your health. "God, I have no idea what I will go through physically, but if there is something you want me to go through to show your glory, then do it."
Often times we want to hold onto the basket for fear of the unknown. God wants us to simply trust Him. He is trustworthy.
As you close: Thank God a new day, life, health and family. Tell God that you are willing to let go of the basket and whatever it is inside of it. All you want is for His glory to be revealed through you.
God Bless!
This week we will be discussing the life of Moses. As a baby, Moses was surrendered to God.
Amram and Jochebed, Moses' parents, were experiencing the joys of parenthood. They had a daughter, Miriam and now Miriam was going to be a big sister. Soon, their joys became sorrows as Jochebed delivered a boy. Why is that a sorrow?
Read Exodus 1 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+1&version=NIV (Click on back arrow of web browser to return)
The Pharoah, wanting to reduce the Israelite population, was having all boys thrown into the Nile River to be killed. When Amram and Jochebed delivered a boy, their worst fears became real. Not towards the child, but towards the possibility of the death of their child. So they hid the boy. They covered their tracks as best as they could until one day they could hide him no longer. There was nothing more they could do. What would they do now?
What do you do when you have no other option in a difficult situation? I have a tendency to panic. My heart starts to race and I begin to be overwhelmed with worry. It takes me a while, because of my pride, when I turn to God. I know I should turn to Him first but often times, I depend on my own understanding and exhaust all the options for me to do. Then I pray. I should pray and then do all that I can and leave the rest to Him.
Amram and Jochebed did everything they could and now the only thing left to do was to surrender this child into the hands of God. They built a basket and put him inside and let go of him on the Nile River. I bet Jochebed had trouble letting go of the basket; wondering if she would ever see him again. But then God did something Jochebed had no idea He was about to do. He had Pharoah's daughter go into the water of the Nile to bathe, and while she was there washing, heard a baby crying. Compassion filled her heart, instead of having the boy killed, she took him into her home and raised him. Gave him the name Moses. Jochebed even had the opportunity to see him grow up and become a man.
What a story of surrender. Amram and Jochebed saw the glory of God because they surrendered their child over to his care. We don't know what would've happened if they hadn't. All we know is what they did and as result, God rescued His people from the evil Pharoah and led them to the Promised land. All through this man, Moses.
Is there a basket in your hand that God is calling you to let go of and give over to Him? It could be your career. "God, I have no idea what you want to do through me, but you can have my career. Keep it where it is or change it. I want your plan for my life." It could be your children. "God here are my kids. I will raise them as best as I can but they are dedicated to you. Show your glory through them." It could be your health. "God, I have no idea what I will go through physically, but if there is something you want me to go through to show your glory, then do it."
Often times we want to hold onto the basket for fear of the unknown. God wants us to simply trust Him. He is trustworthy.
As you close: Thank God a new day, life, health and family. Tell God that you are willing to let go of the basket and whatever it is inside of it. All you want is for His glory to be revealed through you.
God Bless!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Fully Surrendered: Missionaries Day 2
We're talking about missionaries this week. Yesterday we talked about Jim Elliot. What a terrific story.
Today you will learn about David Livingstone. Who's that?
David Livingstone was born in 1813 and lived until 1873. Growing up in a christian home, David believed that science and the study of God could mix. He believed that medical study could help advance religious ends. He got connected to a book written by Karl Gutzlaff that requested the need for medical missionaires to China. With every intention to leave for China, war broke out which closed to the door in that direction. While continuing his education, David then met a man from South Africa. A new fire began to build in David's heart to go to Africa and reach people who have never heard of Jesus, was now his new focus.
Livingstone was not only a missionary, but he was also an explorer. Soon he found himself discovering Africa. In his travels, he discovered a water fall that took his breathe away. It's recorded that he said, " "Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight." He called the waterfalls, Victoria Falls after Queen Victoria.
David took the gospel to a place that was off the beaten path and could cost him his life. He is remembered saying, "If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all."
Are you the kind of person who is a pioneer? Who loves to make a road instead of finding one?
Much of this world has been explored but many people in this world still need to hear the gospel. Will we be the kind of people who are willing to go anywhere for Jesus?
Be fully surrendered to Jesus.
As you close: Thank God for missionaries who have gone before us to reach a people group who were unreachable. Thank God for their example and their dedication to Him.
God bless!
Today you will learn about David Livingstone. Who's that?
David Livingstone was born in 1813 and lived until 1873. Growing up in a christian home, David believed that science and the study of God could mix. He believed that medical study could help advance religious ends. He got connected to a book written by Karl Gutzlaff that requested the need for medical missionaires to China. With every intention to leave for China, war broke out which closed to the door in that direction. While continuing his education, David then met a man from South Africa. A new fire began to build in David's heart to go to Africa and reach people who have never heard of Jesus, was now his new focus.
Livingstone was not only a missionary, but he was also an explorer. Soon he found himself discovering Africa. In his travels, he discovered a water fall that took his breathe away. It's recorded that he said, " "Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight." He called the waterfalls, Victoria Falls after Queen Victoria.
David took the gospel to a place that was off the beaten path and could cost him his life. He is remembered saying, "If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all."
Are you the kind of person who is a pioneer? Who loves to make a road instead of finding one?
Much of this world has been explored but many people in this world still need to hear the gospel. Will we be the kind of people who are willing to go anywhere for Jesus?
Be fully surrendered to Jesus.
As you close: Thank God for missionaries who have gone before us to reach a people group who were unreachable. Thank God for their example and their dedication to Him.
God bless!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Fully Surrendered: Missionaries Day 1
The week I am going to be high lighting some people who have fully surrendered their lives to Jesus and heard His call to take the gospel overseas. I hope these stories will inspire you to fully surrender to Jesus too.
The first person is Jim Elliot. Jim was born in 1927 and died in 1956. He only lived 28 years, but in those 28 years, countless lives were impacted. People still talk about his story to this day.
Jim surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and attended Wheaton College in Wheaton Illinois. There during his junior year he met a girl, Elisabeth Howard and fell in love. They both committed to serving the Lord in Central America, more specifically, the Auca Indians in Ecuador.
While in Ecuador, Jim and 4 other couples did everything they could to reach the Auca Indians. First contact was made and relationship had been built. Until one fateful day, the five missionary men went to be with the Lord when the Auca Indians attacked and killed all five men.
The wives were back at base camp waiting for word. They had never heard from them again.
Picking up the pieces, Elisabeth Elliot returned to the work of reaching the Auca Indians with the gospel and as a result the whole village was turned upside down for Jesus. Elisabeth had even met the men who had killed her husband and the four other men. What a moment of reconciliation that must have been.
Today their story is so powerful of men and women fully surrendered to God that they have a movie made. "End of the Spear" tells the story of their journey in reaching the Auca Indians with the gospel. If you haven't watched it, take some time and do so.
One famous quote that Jim Elliot wrote in one of his journals said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."
As you close: Thank God for missionaries like Jim Elliot who have fully surrendered their lives to the Kingdom and ask God to help you be a story for Him right here where you live.
God Bless!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Fully Surrender:Esther - Day 5
I like happy endings, don't you? My wife and I were watching a movie the other night and I thought, "I hope this has a happy ending." The way things were going, it needed to have a happy ending.
The Book of Esther is an action story. Will the Jews be saved in the end? They were facing an impossible situation. How will God get them out of this? He did and He did it through Esther.
Esther did a brave thing by going to the King unrequested. In those days, a person could be killed just by showing up. It puts pastoral visitation in a new light. I will call before I come. I don't need a killer dog or a 12 gauge shotgun as a hello. Well anyway, she approached the King on behalf of the Jews and to make a long story short, the Jews were saved.
This moment in history is actually remembered every year for the Jewish community. It is called, "Purim." Purim is a celebration when they fast/pray, like Esther did, and come together as a community to celebrate life and God's blessings. They still celebrate it today. That Celebration is directly from Esther's moment in history. She was and is still being used by God to reveal His glory.
I don't know about you, but I want to be used by God to reveal His glory. Whether it be for a moment in time and forgotten or remembered forever. It's not about me, it's about Him. So whatever He decides to do through me, all glory goes to Him anyway.
By now, you should be feeling a tugging on your heart. Are you fully surrendered to Him? Can God use you to reveal His glory to the world? What is holding you back? Let go, and give your entire life to Him. You won't regret it.
As you close this week: Thank God for Esther's story. Ask God to help you be ready to be used by Him to reveal His glory. And then just keep your eyes open to what He is doing. He works in mysterious ways.
God Bless!
The Book of Esther is an action story. Will the Jews be saved in the end? They were facing an impossible situation. How will God get them out of this? He did and He did it through Esther.
Esther did a brave thing by going to the King unrequested. In those days, a person could be killed just by showing up. It puts pastoral visitation in a new light. I will call before I come. I don't need a killer dog or a 12 gauge shotgun as a hello. Well anyway, she approached the King on behalf of the Jews and to make a long story short, the Jews were saved.
This moment in history is actually remembered every year for the Jewish community. It is called, "Purim." Purim is a celebration when they fast/pray, like Esther did, and come together as a community to celebrate life and God's blessings. They still celebrate it today. That Celebration is directly from Esther's moment in history. She was and is still being used by God to reveal His glory.
I don't know about you, but I want to be used by God to reveal His glory. Whether it be for a moment in time and forgotten or remembered forever. It's not about me, it's about Him. So whatever He decides to do through me, all glory goes to Him anyway.
By now, you should be feeling a tugging on your heart. Are you fully surrendered to Him? Can God use you to reveal His glory to the world? What is holding you back? Let go, and give your entire life to Him. You won't regret it.
As you close this week: Thank God for Esther's story. Ask God to help you be ready to be used by Him to reveal His glory. And then just keep your eyes open to what He is doing. He works in mysterious ways.
God Bless!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Fully Surrender:Esther - Day 4
Defining moments. These are moments that are locked into our brains that we will never forget. It may be the day/moment that we realized that that was the person we wanted to spend the rest of our lives with. It may be a trial or challenge that we learned a valuable truth that we have applied to our lives. Defining moments.
Esther was having one of those moments. From a poor young foreign girl to a queen is staggering. This was going to be a defining moment for her. Not just being queen but why she was made queen.
In the book of Daniel, God communicates that He establishes kings and removes kings. Or even queens for that matter. God strategically puts people in places to use to reveal His glory. The thing to remember though is they may be in a position to reveal God's glory, but they still have to decide on fully surrendering or not.
God put Esther in a position of influence and her defining moment is about to happen. She had just heard from her uncle about their sorrow and he pleads with her to do something about it. What will she do? How will she respond to her uncle?
Read about it in Esther 4:9-17 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther%204:9-17&version=NIV (Click on back arrow on web browser to return)
If I perish, I perish. Those are powerful words. Those are words of surrender. Those are words that speak, "I will do what I can and whatever happens, happens. It will be in God's hands then." And that is exactly what happens when we fully surrender. Our lives along with the situation become God's matter. It's in God's hands and He will do with it what He wants.
The point: the cost to oneself doesn't determine the outcome of fully surrendering to God. If we allow the possibilities to dictate, we will never fully surrender. If it costs us our lives, so be it. If it doesn't, so be it. I will do something because God wants to show His glory through me.
How far are you willing to fully surrender? Only if He doesn't make me look foolish. Only if He doesn't make me move away from my home. Only if He doesn't let anything bad happen to me. Only, only, only.
I hope that we take all those only's and flush them down the drain. He is King of a Kingdom that will never end. He decides what needs to happen and who He will show His glory through. He know's your only's. But are your only's holding Him back from showing His glory through you?
You will see God's glory in a wonderful way when you fully surrender to Him. What do you choose?
As you close: Tell God right now that you fully surrender to Him. You don't care what happens to your body, your home, or material possessions. Tell Him that your life is in His hands and you couldn't be in any better hands than His.
God bless!
Esther was having one of those moments. From a poor young foreign girl to a queen is staggering. This was going to be a defining moment for her. Not just being queen but why she was made queen.
In the book of Daniel, God communicates that He establishes kings and removes kings. Or even queens for that matter. God strategically puts people in places to use to reveal His glory. The thing to remember though is they may be in a position to reveal God's glory, but they still have to decide on fully surrendering or not.
God put Esther in a position of influence and her defining moment is about to happen. She had just heard from her uncle about their sorrow and he pleads with her to do something about it. What will she do? How will she respond to her uncle?
Read about it in Esther 4:9-17 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther%204:9-17&version=NIV (Click on back arrow on web browser to return)
If I perish, I perish. Those are powerful words. Those are words of surrender. Those are words that speak, "I will do what I can and whatever happens, happens. It will be in God's hands then." And that is exactly what happens when we fully surrender. Our lives along with the situation become God's matter. It's in God's hands and He will do with it what He wants.
The point: the cost to oneself doesn't determine the outcome of fully surrendering to God. If we allow the possibilities to dictate, we will never fully surrender. If it costs us our lives, so be it. If it doesn't, so be it. I will do something because God wants to show His glory through me.
How far are you willing to fully surrender? Only if He doesn't make me look foolish. Only if He doesn't make me move away from my home. Only if He doesn't let anything bad happen to me. Only, only, only.
I hope that we take all those only's and flush them down the drain. He is King of a Kingdom that will never end. He decides what needs to happen and who He will show His glory through. He know's your only's. But are your only's holding Him back from showing His glory through you?
You will see God's glory in a wonderful way when you fully surrender to Him. What do you choose?
As you close: Tell God right now that you fully surrender to Him. You don't care what happens to your body, your home, or material possessions. Tell Him that your life is in His hands and you couldn't be in any better hands than His.
God bless!
Fully Surrender:Esther - Day 3
Have you ever experienced an absent from reality moment? What do I mean? When you are staring at the computer and a child is talking to you and you had no idea that they were talking to you? When your driving and you didn't notice the flashing lighting in your rear view mirror? When you are reading your bible and you have no idea what you just read?
Everyone at some point or another has had an absent from reality moment. Something or someone wakes us up to reality and we scramble to get our equilibrium of the situation. Esther was in such a moment.
What does a Queen do all day? From the Official Website of the British Monarchy, a day in the life of a Queen is rather diverse. This is what they have to say, "Some are public duties, such as ceremonies, receptions and visits within the United Kingdom or abroad. Other duties are carried out away from the cameras, but they are no less important. These include reading letters from the public, official papers and briefing notes; audiences with political ministers or ambassadors; and meetings with her Private Secretaries to discuss daily business and her future diary plans. Even when she is away from London, in residence at Balmoral or Sandringham, she receives official papers nearly every day of every year and remains fully briefed on matters affecting her realms. In front of the camera or away from it, The Queen's duties go on, and no two days in her life are ever the same." Interesting huh?
Esther was enjoying her life as a Queen. We don't know exactly what that entailed. But unfornately she was experiencing an absent from reality moment.
Read about it in Esther 3 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+3&version=NIV (Click on back arrow of web browser to return)
Esther had no idea what was happening. She was seeing her uncle/father figure in sackcloth and ashes. This is a demonstration of sorrow and she had no idea what he, and many of the Jews were upset about. She sent a servant to inquire and Mordecai told her all about it. She had no idea her people were in danger.
Sometimes we have those moments as well. We have moments when we have no idea what is going on outside our little bubble. In order for us to be fully used by God, we should have some idea what is happening in the world around us. The Book of Esther gives us no indication that God is displeased with her not knowing. He was still going to do a great thing to reveal His glory through her. But I think it is worth mentioning that she was lost in her Queenliness that she forgot that there is a bigger picture going on here.
We can easily get caught up in the moments of life that we are absent to the reality of what God is doing and wants to do. Scripture teaches us to be in the world but not of it. We live in a world that is being redeemed and God is using you and me to reach this world. But if we stay in the palace, the bubble of our own reality, we may miss the very moment that God has been preparing us for.
I for one don't want to miss that moment because I'm absent from His reality. How about you?
Do this: When you think about it, take a moment and look around you. God has placed you where you are and when you are to build His Kingdom and to be used to reveal His glory. Are you aware of your surroundings and watching what God is doing? Take a moment and look. Who does He have in mind to reach through you? What situation needs to be dealt with that He has put you in a position to deal with?
As you close: Ask God, "God, do you have me in a position and a place to reveal your glory? Help me not to get caught up in palace living. Help me to keep in touch with your reality and live fully surrendered to You!"
God bless!
Everyone at some point or another has had an absent from reality moment. Something or someone wakes us up to reality and we scramble to get our equilibrium of the situation. Esther was in such a moment.
What does a Queen do all day? From the Official Website of the British Monarchy, a day in the life of a Queen is rather diverse. This is what they have to say, "Some are public duties, such as ceremonies, receptions and visits within the United Kingdom or abroad. Other duties are carried out away from the cameras, but they are no less important. These include reading letters from the public, official papers and briefing notes; audiences with political ministers or ambassadors; and meetings with her Private Secretaries to discuss daily business and her future diary plans. Even when she is away from London, in residence at Balmoral or Sandringham, she receives official papers nearly every day of every year and remains fully briefed on matters affecting her realms. In front of the camera or away from it, The Queen's duties go on, and no two days in her life are ever the same." Interesting huh?
Esther was enjoying her life as a Queen. We don't know exactly what that entailed. But unfornately she was experiencing an absent from reality moment.
Read about it in Esther 3 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+3&version=NIV (Click on back arrow of web browser to return)
Esther had no idea what was happening. She was seeing her uncle/father figure in sackcloth and ashes. This is a demonstration of sorrow and she had no idea what he, and many of the Jews were upset about. She sent a servant to inquire and Mordecai told her all about it. She had no idea her people were in danger.
Sometimes we have those moments as well. We have moments when we have no idea what is going on outside our little bubble. In order for us to be fully used by God, we should have some idea what is happening in the world around us. The Book of Esther gives us no indication that God is displeased with her not knowing. He was still going to do a great thing to reveal His glory through her. But I think it is worth mentioning that she was lost in her Queenliness that she forgot that there is a bigger picture going on here.
We can easily get caught up in the moments of life that we are absent to the reality of what God is doing and wants to do. Scripture teaches us to be in the world but not of it. We live in a world that is being redeemed and God is using you and me to reach this world. But if we stay in the palace, the bubble of our own reality, we may miss the very moment that God has been preparing us for.
I for one don't want to miss that moment because I'm absent from His reality. How about you?
Do this: When you think about it, take a moment and look around you. God has placed you where you are and when you are to build His Kingdom and to be used to reveal His glory. Are you aware of your surroundings and watching what God is doing? Take a moment and look. Who does He have in mind to reach through you? What situation needs to be dealt with that He has put you in a position to deal with?
As you close: Ask God, "God, do you have me in a position and a place to reveal your glory? Help me not to get caught up in palace living. Help me to keep in touch with your reality and live fully surrendered to You!"
God bless!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Fully Surrender:Esther - Day 2
Do you ever watch the Miss USA Pageant or something like it? I don't because I really don't need to be looking at some other woman. Are they beautiful? Yes. Are they intelligent? Yes. Do they want world peace? Yes; who doesn't? You may find those pageants enjoyable and that's fine to feel that way. Some find it degrading. Everyone is entitled to an opinion.
For Esther, she found herself in a pageant. The King wanted a new queen and wanted to have some options. "I liked her answer to the third question, I choose her." I don't know how it exactly took place but in the end the King chose Esther.
Read about in Esther 2:1-18 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+2%3A1-18&version=NIV (Click on back arrow of web browser to return)
Think about the scenario. Esther is being raised by an uncle. They are living in a foreign land. Probably poor. They may have something but probably not like what they could've had in Jerusalem. Is there a mother figure in the home? We don't know. She isn't recognized. Most women in that culture weren't even educated. Poor and uneducated, she is picked to be the next queen of the most powerful empire on the planet. Life was looking up. It would have been so easy to get lost in the pomp and circumstance of the day. She might have even forgotten her previous circumstances and the people in her life. The only question that begs to be asked is, "Why? Why her? Why now?"
God works in mysterious ways. Would you agree? There are times when everything you touch turns to gold. There are times that everything is going your way. When I'm in moments like these, I ask myself, "God what are you prepping me for? What are you about to do? When is the other shoe going to drop?"
God is working on something great by putting a poor, uneducated girl, Esther, in a position of influence. God doesn't care about gold and perfume. He cares about you and me. He cares about the heart. He cares about what we will become. God strategically does things, works in mysterious ways, to do a great work in and through us. All to show His glory.
Esther could've take this pridefully. She could've said, "I am beautiful. It's about time someone figured that out." She didn't do that. We really don't know how she felt about it all. Probably very overwhelmed. But in that moment God whispers, "I about to do something great. My glory is about to be revealed. Can I reveal my glory through you?"
That is the question. Can He reveal His glory through you? Don't be mistaken. You are where you are at, you have what you have, you know what you know as God intends. All He wants to know is, "Can I reveal my glory through you? Are you fully surrendered?"
As you close: Do a gut check today. Is your heart fully surrendered? Or, are you so caught up in your own little pomp and circumstance to notice that God desires to show His glory through you? Evaluate your heart and talk to God about your fully surrendering to Him today.
God Bless!
For Esther, she found herself in a pageant. The King wanted a new queen and wanted to have some options. "I liked her answer to the third question, I choose her." I don't know how it exactly took place but in the end the King chose Esther.
Read about in Esther 2:1-18 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+2%3A1-18&version=NIV (Click on back arrow of web browser to return)
Think about the scenario. Esther is being raised by an uncle. They are living in a foreign land. Probably poor. They may have something but probably not like what they could've had in Jerusalem. Is there a mother figure in the home? We don't know. She isn't recognized. Most women in that culture weren't even educated. Poor and uneducated, she is picked to be the next queen of the most powerful empire on the planet. Life was looking up. It would have been so easy to get lost in the pomp and circumstance of the day. She might have even forgotten her previous circumstances and the people in her life. The only question that begs to be asked is, "Why? Why her? Why now?"
God works in mysterious ways. Would you agree? There are times when everything you touch turns to gold. There are times that everything is going your way. When I'm in moments like these, I ask myself, "God what are you prepping me for? What are you about to do? When is the other shoe going to drop?"
God is working on something great by putting a poor, uneducated girl, Esther, in a position of influence. God doesn't care about gold and perfume. He cares about you and me. He cares about the heart. He cares about what we will become. God strategically does things, works in mysterious ways, to do a great work in and through us. All to show His glory.
Esther could've take this pridefully. She could've said, "I am beautiful. It's about time someone figured that out." She didn't do that. We really don't know how she felt about it all. Probably very overwhelmed. But in that moment God whispers, "I about to do something great. My glory is about to be revealed. Can I reveal my glory through you?"
That is the question. Can He reveal His glory through you? Don't be mistaken. You are where you are at, you have what you have, you know what you know as God intends. All He wants to know is, "Can I reveal my glory through you? Are you fully surrendered?"
As you close: Do a gut check today. Is your heart fully surrendered? Or, are you so caught up in your own little pomp and circumstance to notice that God desires to show His glory through you? Evaluate your heart and talk to God about your fully surrendering to Him today.
God Bless!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Fully Surrender:Esther - Day 1
How old are you? My second born, Grace is 10 years old today. To her, she has lived a long time. To me, it seems like she was born just yesterday. Age is all a matter of perspective. As a 10 year old, I'm sure my daughter believes that she can do a lot but not like an adult. She has told me that when she gets older, she is going to do this and do that.
My daughter has no idea that God wants to show His glory through her, even at 10 years old.
Esther is a young girl who lived a long time ago, about 2500 years ago. We don't know how young but she wasn't married and most girls are looking to be married in the late teens. I would assume that she was in her middle to late teens and God was going to use her to reveal His glory.
The story of Esther's life is found in 483 BC in the city called Susa. Susa is the capital city of the Mede/Persian Empire. It is about a 150 miles north of the Persian Gulf. It was a beautiful city and this is where we find Esther. Her Hebrew name is Hadassah and her Persian name is Esther and her name means "star." God was going to make her shine for His glory.
The King was upset with the Queen and wanted a new one. This is how Esther is brought onto the scene. Read about it in Esther 1 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+1&version=NIV (Click on back arrow of web browser to return)
Do you find yourself too young, too uneducated, too unqualified to be used by God to reveal His glory? Unfortunately, many people do. God wants to use you. He wants to reveal His glory through you regardless of what you have or what you don't have. He chooses you. Will you choose Him?
You and I have to choose to be used by Him to reveal His glory. What is your choice for today?
As you close: Open your heart up to Him. Ask God to reveal His glory through you today or tomorrow or next year. Just tell Him that you are willing to be used by Him to reveal His glory whenever He wants to.
God bless!
My daughter has no idea that God wants to show His glory through her, even at 10 years old.
Esther is a young girl who lived a long time ago, about 2500 years ago. We don't know how young but she wasn't married and most girls are looking to be married in the late teens. I would assume that she was in her middle to late teens and God was going to use her to reveal His glory.
The story of Esther's life is found in 483 BC in the city called Susa. Susa is the capital city of the Mede/Persian Empire. It is about a 150 miles north of the Persian Gulf. It was a beautiful city and this is where we find Esther. Her Hebrew name is Hadassah and her Persian name is Esther and her name means "star." God was going to make her shine for His glory.
The King was upset with the Queen and wanted a new one. This is how Esther is brought onto the scene. Read about it in Esther 1 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+1&version=NIV (Click on back arrow of web browser to return)
Do you find yourself too young, too uneducated, too unqualified to be used by God to reveal His glory? Unfortunately, many people do. God wants to use you. He wants to reveal His glory through you regardless of what you have or what you don't have. He chooses you. Will you choose Him?
You and I have to choose to be used by Him to reveal His glory. What is your choice for today?
As you close: Open your heart up to Him. Ask God to reveal His glory through you today or tomorrow or next year. Just tell Him that you are willing to be used by Him to reveal His glory whenever He wants to.
God bless!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Fully Surrender:Daniel - Day 5
I am tempted everyday to follow the pattern of this world or follow God. Each day I wake up to a world of decisions. What will I do? Sometimes I follow the world. I fit right in and nobody notices anything different. Then there are days that I follow God. I fully surrender and choose to do the things He desires for me to do. People notice something different because it isn't with the flow. Each day I have this battle.
The same is true for you too. If you choose to fully surrender your life to Jesus Christ, you will have to reaffirm that choice throughout your day, every day. The world will tempt you to follow it instead of God. The devil will tempt you to listen to him instead of listening to God. You will have this battle every day.
Daniel was a fully surrendered kind of guy. He stood up to foreign kings and told them exactly what God wanted them to know which could have cost him his life. He made the choice to live for God's kingdom. But just like you and me, he too was faced with moments of just fitting in and following the flow of the world around him or staying fully surrendered to God and standing up for it.
King Darius had been king over the entire empire of the Medes and Persians. These two peoples had conquered Babylon and now benefitted from Daniel's services. Greed and jealousy can be found in any era and that is exactly what was going on with Daniel chapter 6.
Why not read Daniel chapter 6 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+6&version=NIV (Click on Back Arrow on web browser to return) So what was the problem? Don't pray to your God Daniel. If he did, he would be thrown into the lions den.
Daniel had a decision to make. Would he stand up for his biblical/godly values or would he go along with the rest of the world? He chose to keep his values and as a result he was thrown into the lions den.
You know the end of the story. Daniel was kept safe by God. As a result, God's glory was revealed through him to another foreign king who recognized the God over all and the kingdom that is over all. All because one man was fully surrendered to God. One man who was living for another kindgom. He saw God's glory in a powerful way.
That is exactly what I want for my life. I want to be fully surrendered to Jesus and see His glory revealed through me. What a blessing that is.
Will I surrender, every day to God's plan and trust Him to do what is necessary to take care of me, my family in order to see His glory? The same goes for you.
As you close: Pray about your current level of surrender. Are you afraid to fully surrender? Pray about that fear. Are you unsure of what He is going to do through you? Pray about that as well. Talk to Him about fully surrendering everyday and strength to keep that commitment.
God Bless!
The same is true for you too. If you choose to fully surrender your life to Jesus Christ, you will have to reaffirm that choice throughout your day, every day. The world will tempt you to follow it instead of God. The devil will tempt you to listen to him instead of listening to God. You will have this battle every day.
Daniel was a fully surrendered kind of guy. He stood up to foreign kings and told them exactly what God wanted them to know which could have cost him his life. He made the choice to live for God's kingdom. But just like you and me, he too was faced with moments of just fitting in and following the flow of the world around him or staying fully surrendered to God and standing up for it.
King Darius had been king over the entire empire of the Medes and Persians. These two peoples had conquered Babylon and now benefitted from Daniel's services. Greed and jealousy can be found in any era and that is exactly what was going on with Daniel chapter 6.
Why not read Daniel chapter 6 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+6&version=NIV (Click on Back Arrow on web browser to return) So what was the problem? Don't pray to your God Daniel. If he did, he would be thrown into the lions den.
Daniel had a decision to make. Would he stand up for his biblical/godly values or would he go along with the rest of the world? He chose to keep his values and as a result he was thrown into the lions den.
You know the end of the story. Daniel was kept safe by God. As a result, God's glory was revealed through him to another foreign king who recognized the God over all and the kingdom that is over all. All because one man was fully surrendered to God. One man who was living for another kindgom. He saw God's glory in a powerful way.
That is exactly what I want for my life. I want to be fully surrendered to Jesus and see His glory revealed through me. What a blessing that is.
Will I surrender, every day to God's plan and trust Him to do what is necessary to take care of me, my family in order to see His glory? The same goes for you.
As you close: Pray about your current level of surrender. Are you afraid to fully surrender? Pray about that fear. Are you unsure of what He is going to do through you? Pray about that as well. Talk to Him about fully surrendering everyday and strength to keep that commitment.
God Bless!
Fully Surrender:Daniel - Day 4
One day while my wife was cooking, one of my children reached for the pan of food she was using on the stove. She quickly told them, "Don't touch that, it's hot." They touch it and yelped. My wife promptly reacted, "I told you it was hot."
I watched the same situation, and I followed suit. I know, but I'm dumb sometimes. I went over to the same pan and touched it. I knew it was hot and I knew I could get hurt. I just watched my child do it. My wife looked at me with that dumbfounded look and said, "What are you doing?" For some reason I just couldn't learn the lesson through my child, I had to learn it myself.
That is exactly what happened to Belshazzar, King Neby's son. The kingdom had transfered from Neby to Belshazzar. Belshazzar had watched his dad go insane and eat grass like cattle for seven years. Belshazzar watched his dad repent and humble himself before the God of the universe. But did Belshazzar learn from his father's mistakes?
Read what happened in Daniel 5 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+5&version=NIV (Click on back arrow on web browser to return)
Daniel had the tough assignment; to confront Belshazzar with the news of his immediate end. Why? Belshazzar was proud of his work and his kingdom. There was no place for God in his world. So, he would be killed and a new power would arise, the Mede's and Persians. He wasn't on the throne for long. Why was that? God gave King Neby some time to change, why not Belshazzar? We don't know how long he sat on the throne but there is something to be said about learning lessons through other people. We learn life lessons through other people's stories. He should've learned through his dad's story but he didn't. So the patience of God appears a little shorter with Belshazzar.
How are you in learning life lessons through other people? In my earlier story, I have had moments where I didn't learn what I should've learned. Sometimes I have to learn the hard way. I hope I am a little wiser in my older age.
God has things for us to learn and sometimes it is not personal but through the easier way of others. Watch and learn. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way, but I opt for the easy way. How about you?
As you close: Ask God to give you wisdom to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Ask Him to help you learn through the experiences of others. And then ask Him for patience as we at times need to learn it the hard way.
God Bless!
I watched the same situation, and I followed suit. I know, but I'm dumb sometimes. I went over to the same pan and touched it. I knew it was hot and I knew I could get hurt. I just watched my child do it. My wife looked at me with that dumbfounded look and said, "What are you doing?" For some reason I just couldn't learn the lesson through my child, I had to learn it myself.
That is exactly what happened to Belshazzar, King Neby's son. The kingdom had transfered from Neby to Belshazzar. Belshazzar had watched his dad go insane and eat grass like cattle for seven years. Belshazzar watched his dad repent and humble himself before the God of the universe. But did Belshazzar learn from his father's mistakes?
Read what happened in Daniel 5 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+5&version=NIV (Click on back arrow on web browser to return)
Daniel had the tough assignment; to confront Belshazzar with the news of his immediate end. Why? Belshazzar was proud of his work and his kingdom. There was no place for God in his world. So, he would be killed and a new power would arise, the Mede's and Persians. He wasn't on the throne for long. Why was that? God gave King Neby some time to change, why not Belshazzar? We don't know how long he sat on the throne but there is something to be said about learning lessons through other people. We learn life lessons through other people's stories. He should've learned through his dad's story but he didn't. So the patience of God appears a little shorter with Belshazzar.
How are you in learning life lessons through other people? In my earlier story, I have had moments where I didn't learn what I should've learned. Sometimes I have to learn the hard way. I hope I am a little wiser in my older age.
God has things for us to learn and sometimes it is not personal but through the easier way of others. Watch and learn. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way, but I opt for the easy way. How about you?
As you close: Ask God to give you wisdom to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Ask Him to help you learn through the experiences of others. And then ask Him for patience as we at times need to learn it the hard way.
God Bless!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Fully Surrender:Daniel - Day 3
I enjoy looking at trees in the fall when they change their color. Our peak season for leaves has come and gone and now everything looks bare. Leaves are brown and on the ground ready to be hauled away. What's left? The branches. But even then the tree is amazing. When the leaves are gone, you truly find out how massive it really is.
King Neby had a dream of a tree. The tree was in full bloom and in its splendor. Read about it in Daniel 4:1-18 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+4%3A1-18&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
King Neby had no idea what the dream meant. He trusts Daniel. He needs to know what it means. Here is another opportunity for Daniel to be used by God in a glorious way. Unfortunately, the dream was a warning. Daniel would have to say what was necessary to King Neby and King Neby may not like what he has to say.
Have you ever had to be the one to say something to another that was going to be difficult to say? None of us like it. Their reaction may affect our decision to be that person. But if we love the other person, we will endure the scorn and compassionately speak the truth in love. Daniel cared about Neby and was fully surrendered to God so there was no other option but to speak the truth in love.
Read what the Daniel's interpretation was in Daniel 4:19-27 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%204:19-27&version=NIV (Click on Back Arrow of web browser to return)
How did King Neby respond? He didn't listen to Daniel's advice of fully surrendering to God and he paid for his. God allowed him to go insane for seven years until he came back to his senses. And when he did, he glorified God and gave Him His rightful place.
Scripture teaches us that we need to speak the truth in love and sometimes it may be painful. Will that hinder you from seeing God use you in glorious ways? Daniel was fully surrendered to God and witnessed His glory, now it's your turn.
As you close: Pray that God will give you a compassionate heart towards those around you and a listening ear to the voice of the Holy Spirit. He may have some wise words that He would like to speak through you into the heart of a loved one. Those words may very well be the exact thing they needed to hear when they heard to turn things around.
God bless!
King Neby had a dream of a tree. The tree was in full bloom and in its splendor. Read about it in Daniel 4:1-18 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+4%3A1-18&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
King Neby had no idea what the dream meant. He trusts Daniel. He needs to know what it means. Here is another opportunity for Daniel to be used by God in a glorious way. Unfortunately, the dream was a warning. Daniel would have to say what was necessary to King Neby and King Neby may not like what he has to say.
Have you ever had to be the one to say something to another that was going to be difficult to say? None of us like it. Their reaction may affect our decision to be that person. But if we love the other person, we will endure the scorn and compassionately speak the truth in love. Daniel cared about Neby and was fully surrendered to God so there was no other option but to speak the truth in love.
Read what the Daniel's interpretation was in Daniel 4:19-27 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%204:19-27&version=NIV (Click on Back Arrow of web browser to return)
How did King Neby respond? He didn't listen to Daniel's advice of fully surrendering to God and he paid for his. God allowed him to go insane for seven years until he came back to his senses. And when he did, he glorified God and gave Him His rightful place.
Scripture teaches us that we need to speak the truth in love and sometimes it may be painful. Will that hinder you from seeing God use you in glorious ways? Daniel was fully surrendered to God and witnessed His glory, now it's your turn.
As you close: Pray that God will give you a compassionate heart towards those around you and a listening ear to the voice of the Holy Spirit. He may have some wise words that He would like to speak through you into the heart of a loved one. Those words may very well be the exact thing they needed to hear when they heard to turn things around.
God bless!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Fully Surrender:Daniel - Day 2
Do you like puzzles or riddles? Well, try this one on for size. A man makes it and sells it. A man buys it and let's someone use it. The person using it doesn't know that they are using it. What is it? (Answer at the end)
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a dream one night. It puzzled him. He had no idea what it meant. But he could do nothing until the puzzle was solved or the riddle was answered. What was the dream? Read about it Daniel 2:31-35 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+2%3A31-35&version=NIV (Click the back arrow on on web browser to return)
The dream was about a statue. Head, Chest and Arms, Belly and Thighs, Legs, and Feet. Each area was made of a kind of precious metal. But what did it mean?
Now the King had asked his advisors to tell him the dream and it's interpretation. No one could do that but one person, Daniel. God had given him a new direction in life. He wasn't going to be a priest, he was going to be the dream doctor for God. But there was one problem. Daniel didn't know the dream and dream doctors require that piece to the puzzle. Charles McPhee, Host of Nationally Syndicated Radio Program 'The Dream Doctor,' interprets dreams for a living. But there is one thing he needs to accomplish his task. He needs to hear about the dream. Then he can give its meaning.
For King Neby, he wanted someone to tell him what his dream was and then to interpret. No one can do that. But then there is Daniel. Daniel has been given the job to interpret dreams. But in this situation, He was would need God to tell him what the dream was. As a result, Daniel was able to witness to King Neby about the greatest of God and the greatness of His Kingdom. After Daniel told him the dream and its meaning, King Neby said, "Surely your God is the God of gods and Lord of kings..." King Neby's life was forever impacted because one man was fully surrendered to God and used by God to impact an entire empire for God's glory.
None of that would have happened unless Daniel had accepted God's plan for his life. God may be taking you on a journey that you don't get. You may even be angry with Him. Don't be. He has every step of the way planned out, prepared and is preparing you to be used by Him for His glory. It may not make sense right now and you may want answers to the puzzles and riddles in your life. Know this, He will make Himself abundantly clear in His time. Just follow Him. Fully surrender to Him. And in time the answers will come and you will be amazed how God displayed His glory through you.
By the way the answer to the riddle is...................a coffin.
Have a great day today and remember, fully surrender to Him. You won't regret it.
As you close: As God for wisdom with the riddles in your life. And then wait. Watch what He is doing and will be doing. It will amaze you.
God bless!
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a dream one night. It puzzled him. He had no idea what it meant. But he could do nothing until the puzzle was solved or the riddle was answered. What was the dream? Read about it Daniel 2:31-35 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+2%3A31-35&version=NIV (Click the back arrow on on web browser to return)
The dream was about a statue. Head, Chest and Arms, Belly and Thighs, Legs, and Feet. Each area was made of a kind of precious metal. But what did it mean?
Now the King had asked his advisors to tell him the dream and it's interpretation. No one could do that but one person, Daniel. God had given him a new direction in life. He wasn't going to be a priest, he was going to be the dream doctor for God. But there was one problem. Daniel didn't know the dream and dream doctors require that piece to the puzzle. Charles McPhee, Host of Nationally Syndicated Radio Program 'The Dream Doctor,' interprets dreams for a living. But there is one thing he needs to accomplish his task. He needs to hear about the dream. Then he can give its meaning.
For King Neby, he wanted someone to tell him what his dream was and then to interpret. No one can do that. But then there is Daniel. Daniel has been given the job to interpret dreams. But in this situation, He was would need God to tell him what the dream was. As a result, Daniel was able to witness to King Neby about the greatest of God and the greatness of His Kingdom. After Daniel told him the dream and its meaning, King Neby said, "Surely your God is the God of gods and Lord of kings..." King Neby's life was forever impacted because one man was fully surrendered to God and used by God to impact an entire empire for God's glory.
None of that would have happened unless Daniel had accepted God's plan for his life. God may be taking you on a journey that you don't get. You may even be angry with Him. Don't be. He has every step of the way planned out, prepared and is preparing you to be used by Him for His glory. It may not make sense right now and you may want answers to the puzzles and riddles in your life. Know this, He will make Himself abundantly clear in His time. Just follow Him. Fully surrender to Him. And in time the answers will come and you will be amazed how God displayed His glory through you.
By the way the answer to the riddle is...................a coffin.
Have a great day today and remember, fully surrender to Him. You won't regret it.
As you close: As God for wisdom with the riddles in your life. And then wait. Watch what He is doing and will be doing. It will amaze you.
God bless!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Fully Surrender:Daniel - Day 1
When you were a child, what did you most want to be or do when you grew up? Take a minute and think back and try to remember.
I loved baseball. I lived it everyday. I couldn't wait to wake up in the morning and put on the glove. I've noticed my son is the same way. It must be a boy thing. That love for baseball gave me dreams of being a Major Leaguer for the LA Dodgers. I know, you may not be a fan, but they were my favorite team. I was in little league, travel leagues and High School. Mid way through my High School career, my passion for baseball faded. What? Yes it did. There went all my dreams of making it to the big show. But I had a different passion at that time. As soon as baseball faded, another one sprang to life; being a pastor.
Did this happen to you too? Many people have had similar experiences. They grew up with one passion and ended up doing something else. Why does that happen?
It happens because our dream was truly childish. We grow up and realize that it was just a childs' dream. Another reason is that we just got burned out by it. We gave it all of our lives early and when the time came for it to be a career, we had nothing left to give. Many potential sports heros tell their story of quiting because they burned out on it. I'm sure that is true in many areas.
I also think that our passions change because we wanted to do what we were gifted to do but not what we were made to do. That is where God enters the picture.
For Daniel, he probably had dreams of getting a job and raising a family in a suburb of Jerusalem and found himself in Babylonia as a servant in the kings court. Ezra 8:2 we find that Daniel is a descendant of Ithamar. Who's Ithamar? He is the son of Aaron. Aaron is Moses' bother and the head of the priestly line. The priestly line took care of the temple and the services inside. If you were a descendant in the priestly line, your job was set before you. So possibly, Daniel was getting ready to start his duties as a priest.
But things changed in the blink of eye and God had other plans for him. Read Daniel 1 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+1&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
Daniels new job is found in verse 17: He could understand visions and dreams. That was his new job and in a foriegn country too.
How did Daniel respond? We don't know those fine details but as you read his book, he followed God's plan for his life instead of resenting it.
What career does God want you to have? Are you doing it? Are you willing to follow Him no matter what?
Don't misunderstand. I don't want you to quit your job right now. Especially when jobs are hard to come by. Just stop and pray. Ask God, "Am I doing what you want me to do?" And then just listen and wait.
As you close: Thank God for His plan for your life. Thank Him in advance for showing His glory through you as a fully surrendered follower of Christ.
God bless!
I loved baseball. I lived it everyday. I couldn't wait to wake up in the morning and put on the glove. I've noticed my son is the same way. It must be a boy thing. That love for baseball gave me dreams of being a Major Leaguer for the LA Dodgers. I know, you may not be a fan, but they were my favorite team. I was in little league, travel leagues and High School. Mid way through my High School career, my passion for baseball faded. What? Yes it did. There went all my dreams of making it to the big show. But I had a different passion at that time. As soon as baseball faded, another one sprang to life; being a pastor.
Did this happen to you too? Many people have had similar experiences. They grew up with one passion and ended up doing something else. Why does that happen?
It happens because our dream was truly childish. We grow up and realize that it was just a childs' dream. Another reason is that we just got burned out by it. We gave it all of our lives early and when the time came for it to be a career, we had nothing left to give. Many potential sports heros tell their story of quiting because they burned out on it. I'm sure that is true in many areas.
I also think that our passions change because we wanted to do what we were gifted to do but not what we were made to do. That is where God enters the picture.
For Daniel, he probably had dreams of getting a job and raising a family in a suburb of Jerusalem and found himself in Babylonia as a servant in the kings court. Ezra 8:2 we find that Daniel is a descendant of Ithamar. Who's Ithamar? He is the son of Aaron. Aaron is Moses' bother and the head of the priestly line. The priestly line took care of the temple and the services inside. If you were a descendant in the priestly line, your job was set before you. So possibly, Daniel was getting ready to start his duties as a priest.
But things changed in the blink of eye and God had other plans for him. Read Daniel 1 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+1&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
Daniels new job is found in verse 17: He could understand visions and dreams. That was his new job and in a foriegn country too.
How did Daniel respond? We don't know those fine details but as you read his book, he followed God's plan for his life instead of resenting it.
What career does God want you to have? Are you doing it? Are you willing to follow Him no matter what?
Don't misunderstand. I don't want you to quit your job right now. Especially when jobs are hard to come by. Just stop and pray. Ask God, "Am I doing what you want me to do?" And then just listen and wait.
As you close: Thank God for His plan for your life. Thank Him in advance for showing His glory through you as a fully surrendered follower of Christ.
God bless!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Glorification Day 5
Wow, where did the week go? I'm sure you are too busy with activities, kleenex, and sleep to notice that the week is almost over. The weekend is coming. Yay! It is when our hearts say, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh. Life is good."
There are times in my life when I just stop and look out the window and meditate on my life. I think about where I am and where I've been. I think about my wife and kids and what life might have been like without them. Then I thank God for my wife and kids because they have made so much of my life worth living, second to Jesus. I have so much because of them. It's in that moment I find my soul saying, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Life is good." Then the phone rings and I'm back to reality.
Have you had moments like that? For me, I want more moments where my soul says, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Life is good." It helps me during the tough times to keep moving forward.
Some day we will say every day, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, life is good." That day is the day we leave this earth and spend eternity with the Savior.
We've talked all week about Glorification. It is God's gift to you and me when we get to heaven. It is when we will say everyday, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Life is good."
But we are not there yet. Every week we work hard and take a breath every weekend. The week builds up excitement for what is to come on the weekend.
We live this life everyday and we can't wait for the moment we get to heaven where we say, "Ahhhhhhhhhhh. Life is good." In the here and now, that is what the week does for us. This life is a build up of anticipation of what is to come. We live in the here and now, in view of over there. How are you living in the here and now?
Read what Jesus has to say about living today in light of what is to come in Luke 21:5-36 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+21%3A5-36&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
The Time is coming of His return but until then we are to live with a watchful heart and a praying heart. What is He trying say? We should do our work in light of His return. We should live with our bags packed because we don't know if it is today or tomorrow.
As you walk this earth, keep looking up.
As you close: Pray for God to keep your eyes open to His return. Pray for God to help you work hard and to do your best but always be looking up.
God bless!
There are times in my life when I just stop and look out the window and meditate on my life. I think about where I am and where I've been. I think about my wife and kids and what life might have been like without them. Then I thank God for my wife and kids because they have made so much of my life worth living, second to Jesus. I have so much because of them. It's in that moment I find my soul saying, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Life is good." Then the phone rings and I'm back to reality.
Have you had moments like that? For me, I want more moments where my soul says, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Life is good." It helps me during the tough times to keep moving forward.
Some day we will say every day, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, life is good." That day is the day we leave this earth and spend eternity with the Savior.
We've talked all week about Glorification. It is God's gift to you and me when we get to heaven. It is when we will say everyday, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Life is good."
But we are not there yet. Every week we work hard and take a breath every weekend. The week builds up excitement for what is to come on the weekend.
We live this life everyday and we can't wait for the moment we get to heaven where we say, "Ahhhhhhhhhhh. Life is good." In the here and now, that is what the week does for us. This life is a build up of anticipation of what is to come. We live in the here and now, in view of over there. How are you living in the here and now?
Read what Jesus has to say about living today in light of what is to come in Luke 21:5-36 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+21%3A5-36&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
The Time is coming of His return but until then we are to live with a watchful heart and a praying heart. What is He trying say? We should do our work in light of His return. We should live with our bags packed because we don't know if it is today or tomorrow.
As you walk this earth, keep looking up.
As you close: Pray for God to keep your eyes open to His return. Pray for God to help you work hard and to do your best but always be looking up.
God bless!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Glorification Day 4
How are you today? Did you sleep well? Did you eat your breakfast? Did you vote yesterday?
I voted and I am glad I did. I watched the results and at the conclusion, I looked to God and said, "Okay, I did my part. Now you do yours." I know He will do His part. He always does. I have no idea what will happen tomorrow or even today. I will have to trust Him. All I know is that I long for a better place.
That is what we are talking about today. A perfect place awaits us.
We've talked about a perfect spirit that won't struggle with sin and a perfect body that will never break down and die. The final part of this gift of glorification is a perfect place.
Jesus said in John 14:1-3 that He is going to prepare a place for us. Once He's completed it, He will come and get us and take us home. But what will this place be like?
There are three thoughts that I would like for you to think about:
1. God will be there. Revelation 21:3 says that God will dwell with His people. We get to look forward to being with God forever.
2. Others will be there. Revelation 22:3-4 says that we will serve Him with many others. The others are those who have given their hearts to Jesus. We will see family and friends that have given their hearts to Jesus in this perfect place.
3. It will be here on earth, remade of course, forever. Revelation 21:2 says that this city that Jesus is preparing will come down to earth and we will live with Him forever. It will be Eden all over again.
Can you imagine that? A perfect place awaits us. Like the garden of Eden. Take a minute and reread Genesis 2:4-25 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2%3A4-25&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
No more weeds. No more rotten food. No more flowers wilting. No more homes breaking down. Everything is peaceful, beautiful and something to be enjoyed. I can't wait can you?
God will give us a perfect spirit, a perfect body and now a perfect place to be with Him and other family and friends forever.
As you close: Take a minute and thank God for the perfect place that is waiting for us in heaven. It is a beauty that is unimaginable at this moment but someday we will realize it.
God Bless!
I voted and I am glad I did. I watched the results and at the conclusion, I looked to God and said, "Okay, I did my part. Now you do yours." I know He will do His part. He always does. I have no idea what will happen tomorrow or even today. I will have to trust Him. All I know is that I long for a better place.
That is what we are talking about today. A perfect place awaits us.
We've talked about a perfect spirit that won't struggle with sin and a perfect body that will never break down and die. The final part of this gift of glorification is a perfect place.
Jesus said in John 14:1-3 that He is going to prepare a place for us. Once He's completed it, He will come and get us and take us home. But what will this place be like?
There are three thoughts that I would like for you to think about:
1. God will be there. Revelation 21:3 says that God will dwell with His people. We get to look forward to being with God forever.
2. Others will be there. Revelation 22:3-4 says that we will serve Him with many others. The others are those who have given their hearts to Jesus. We will see family and friends that have given their hearts to Jesus in this perfect place.
3. It will be here on earth, remade of course, forever. Revelation 21:2 says that this city that Jesus is preparing will come down to earth and we will live with Him forever. It will be Eden all over again.
Can you imagine that? A perfect place awaits us. Like the garden of Eden. Take a minute and reread Genesis 2:4-25 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2%3A4-25&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
No more weeds. No more rotten food. No more flowers wilting. No more homes breaking down. Everything is peaceful, beautiful and something to be enjoyed. I can't wait can you?
God will give us a perfect spirit, a perfect body and now a perfect place to be with Him and other family and friends forever.
As you close: Take a minute and thank God for the perfect place that is waiting for us in heaven. It is a beauty that is unimaginable at this moment but someday we will realize it.
God Bless!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Glorification Day 3
Did you wake up this morning with aches and pains in parts or through out your body? I do almost every morning. My back hurts or shoulders are sore and I wonder if sleep is worth the pain. I thought sleep was supposed to help you not hurt you. Some would say, "You need a new mattress." What I need is a new body.
And I will get it as soon as I get to heaven. We've been talking about this gift called "Glorification" and it is God's gift to those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ. Day 2 we talked about part of the gift and that is a perfect spirit. We will not struggle with sin for the rest of eternity when we reach heaven.
Today we are talking about the second part of the gift and that is a perfect body.
Read what Paul says about this perfect body in I Corinthians 15 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
Paul tells us that we will receive a new body in heaven. It will be a heavenly body. It will be imperishable. It will be immortal. Can you imagine that? It will be a body like Adam and Eve prior to "the fall". One that is perfect in every way and will never break down and die.
In our day and age of botox and plastic surgery, we are doing what we can to keep this body together. We have hospitals and doctors who are doing their best to keep us alive and healthy. We have people living longer these days, but unfortunately everyone's body still breaks down, decays and dies. Sad news, I know, but it's true.
Can you imagine a day when there will be no longer a need for doctors and nurses. By the way, I thank God for them. But there will be a day when we don't need their services anymore because we have a perfect body. We won't need nursing homes either because people won't grow old. They won't grow weak and frail. We won't need cemetaries either because no one will die. We won't need the Center for Disease Control because there won't be any more diseases. Can you imagine that?
But we are back to reality because that part of the gift is later. We will have a perfect spirit and we will have a perfect body.
Tomorrow we will talk about the third part of this gift and that is a perfect place.
As you close: Thank God for making you, your body. Thank God for watching over your health and being with you when you are battling something. Thank God for the gift someday, that a perfect body is waiting for us.
God Bless!
And I will get it as soon as I get to heaven. We've been talking about this gift called "Glorification" and it is God's gift to those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ. Day 2 we talked about part of the gift and that is a perfect spirit. We will not struggle with sin for the rest of eternity when we reach heaven.
Today we are talking about the second part of the gift and that is a perfect body.
Read what Paul says about this perfect body in I Corinthians 15 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
Paul tells us that we will receive a new body in heaven. It will be a heavenly body. It will be imperishable. It will be immortal. Can you imagine that? It will be a body like Adam and Eve prior to "the fall". One that is perfect in every way and will never break down and die.
In our day and age of botox and plastic surgery, we are doing what we can to keep this body together. We have hospitals and doctors who are doing their best to keep us alive and healthy. We have people living longer these days, but unfortunately everyone's body still breaks down, decays and dies. Sad news, I know, but it's true.
Can you imagine a day when there will be no longer a need for doctors and nurses. By the way, I thank God for them. But there will be a day when we don't need their services anymore because we have a perfect body. We won't need nursing homes either because people won't grow old. They won't grow weak and frail. We won't need cemetaries either because no one will die. We won't need the Center for Disease Control because there won't be any more diseases. Can you imagine that?
But we are back to reality because that part of the gift is later. We will have a perfect spirit and we will have a perfect body.
Tomorrow we will talk about the third part of this gift and that is a perfect place.
As you close: Thank God for making you, your body. Thank God for watching over your health and being with you when you are battling something. Thank God for the gift someday, that a perfect body is waiting for us.
God Bless!
Glorification Day 2
What a beautiful day today. Today is voting day. I hope you got out and voted. I know that many people are discouraged with our government these days. But if you don't vote, you have no voice and really no right to complain. So make sure to get out and vote.
Glorification: A wonderful gift that God has for us in heaven. We just have to wait for it.
What exactly does this gift include? There are three specific parts to this gift.
1. A perfect Spirit
2. A perfect Body
3. A perfect Place
Today we will look at the first one: A perfect Spirit.
Paul explains in the book of Romans that you and I have a sinful nature. It is a rebellious spirit towards God. We don't want to listen. We don't want to obey. We simply don't care for God or the things He desires.
When we get to heaven, the bible explains that you and I will no longer struggle with this sinful nature. We won't rebel against God, we will want to obey. There will be no crime, no prisons, no law enforcement. People will live in righteousness.
John writes in Revelation 22:1-6, read it or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22%3A1-6&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
John says that there will no longer be any curse. The curse of sin and death will be removed. All of us will be his people and live righteously. What a great gift.
That is what we get to look forward to. We get to be free from our sinful struggles and desire to live right and please God. I can't wait for that day.
Unfortunately, that is not how it is yet. We still have crime. We still have people looking over their shoulders hoping that danger isn't lurking in the shadows. We still lock our doors and keep guns in our basements. Why? Because we are not free from this sinful nature.
So what am I to do until then?
1. Pray: For God's help to do the right things.
2. Observe: Watch how you live and be held accountable.
3. Be wise: Know that crime and evil still happen around us. Be wise how you live in light of it.
As you close: Pray for God's help right now in living a righteous life. Ask for wisdom in how to live in a fallen world and seek advice for how to live in this kind of environment.
God Bless!
Glorification: A wonderful gift that God has for us in heaven. We just have to wait for it.
What exactly does this gift include? There are three specific parts to this gift.
1. A perfect Spirit
2. A perfect Body
3. A perfect Place
Today we will look at the first one: A perfect Spirit.
Paul explains in the book of Romans that you and I have a sinful nature. It is a rebellious spirit towards God. We don't want to listen. We don't want to obey. We simply don't care for God or the things He desires.
When we get to heaven, the bible explains that you and I will no longer struggle with this sinful nature. We won't rebel against God, we will want to obey. There will be no crime, no prisons, no law enforcement. People will live in righteousness.
John writes in Revelation 22:1-6, read it or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22%3A1-6&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
John says that there will no longer be any curse. The curse of sin and death will be removed. All of us will be his people and live righteously. What a great gift.
That is what we get to look forward to. We get to be free from our sinful struggles and desire to live right and please God. I can't wait for that day.
Unfortunately, that is not how it is yet. We still have crime. We still have people looking over their shoulders hoping that danger isn't lurking in the shadows. We still lock our doors and keep guns in our basements. Why? Because we are not free from this sinful nature.
So what am I to do until then?
1. Pray: For God's help to do the right things.
2. Observe: Watch how you live and be held accountable.
3. Be wise: Know that crime and evil still happen around us. Be wise how you live in light of it.
As you close: Pray for God's help right now in living a righteous life. Ask for wisdom in how to live in a fallen world and seek advice for how to live in this kind of environment.
God Bless!
Glorification Day 1
Good morning all. I'm sorry I am a day late for this day one of glorification. Our family was traveling back from Iowa and I couldn't make it to the computer.
If you were unable to attend Brighton Chapel on Sunday, you missed a great talk about glorification. So this week will help make that up for you.
These five words, Condemnation, Reconciliation, Justification, and Sanctification all lead up to this last word Glorification.
What does it mean? The word means, to be glorified or to be like Jesus. God has an end goal for our lives and that is to be conformed into the likeness of Jesus.
Paul writes in Romans 8 that we are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus. That is what awaits us in heaven. It is like a gift that God has prepared for us.
Do you like Christmas? I do. I like to give gifts to those I love most dearly. As a pastor I love you dearly, but I don't have the resources to get you all gifts so suffice it to say, my family are the ones I give gifts to. Sorry. LOL. Anywho, I love to give gifts to my family and put their names on it. I have a gift for each one and it is especially for them. They receive the gift because their name is on it. They don't put it there, I do.
However, glorification is like a gift that God has wrapped especially for you. Truth be told, He doesn't put your name on it, you do. The Bible tells us that when we surrender to Jesus, our names are written in the Lambs book of life and all the names written in that book have the gift of glorificaiton waiting for them. So, you are the determining factor if you receive this gift or not. And it all hinges on you surrendering your life to Jesus Christ and letting him lead your life. Have you done that? If you have, this gift called glorification has your name written on the tag and it awaits you in heaven. If you haven't surrendered your life to Christ, then there is no gift with your name on it.
So, maybe you're thinking, "I want this gift. How do I surrender to Jesus?"
Good question. Jesus asks a question to his disciples and he asks you the same thing. It is a question about belief. "Who do you say that I am?" Jesus wants to know what they really think. Do they believe he's the Savior of the world or do they think he is just a regular guy who is not who he claims to be. Peter said to Jesus, "You are the Christ (meaning the savior of the world)."
Who do you say that Jesus is? If you believe he is the savior of the world, just whisper this prayer to him: Jesus, I believe you are the Savior of the world and I want you to be my savior.
If you said that prayer and meant it, there is a gift called glorification that awaits you. Your name is written on a tag on a gift in Heaven waiting for you. Heaven is celebrating right now because of your decision.
What will heaven be like? Read Revelation 4 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+4&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
Now that you have this gift "glorification", what exactly is in the box? How exactly will he conform me to be like Jesus?
That is what we will talk about for the next few days.
As you close: Pray and thank God for the gift of glorification. Thank God for his grace that he even allowed you to even have a gift waiting for you. He is good and we need to thank him for his goodness.
God Bless!
If you were unable to attend Brighton Chapel on Sunday, you missed a great talk about glorification. So this week will help make that up for you.
These five words, Condemnation, Reconciliation, Justification, and Sanctification all lead up to this last word Glorification.
What does it mean? The word means, to be glorified or to be like Jesus. God has an end goal for our lives and that is to be conformed into the likeness of Jesus.
Paul writes in Romans 8 that we are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus. That is what awaits us in heaven. It is like a gift that God has prepared for us.
Do you like Christmas? I do. I like to give gifts to those I love most dearly. As a pastor I love you dearly, but I don't have the resources to get you all gifts so suffice it to say, my family are the ones I give gifts to. Sorry. LOL. Anywho, I love to give gifts to my family and put their names on it. I have a gift for each one and it is especially for them. They receive the gift because their name is on it. They don't put it there, I do.
However, glorification is like a gift that God has wrapped especially for you. Truth be told, He doesn't put your name on it, you do. The Bible tells us that when we surrender to Jesus, our names are written in the Lambs book of life and all the names written in that book have the gift of glorificaiton waiting for them. So, you are the determining factor if you receive this gift or not. And it all hinges on you surrendering your life to Jesus Christ and letting him lead your life. Have you done that? If you have, this gift called glorification has your name written on the tag and it awaits you in heaven. If you haven't surrendered your life to Christ, then there is no gift with your name on it.
So, maybe you're thinking, "I want this gift. How do I surrender to Jesus?"
Good question. Jesus asks a question to his disciples and he asks you the same thing. It is a question about belief. "Who do you say that I am?" Jesus wants to know what they really think. Do they believe he's the Savior of the world or do they think he is just a regular guy who is not who he claims to be. Peter said to Jesus, "You are the Christ (meaning the savior of the world)."
Who do you say that Jesus is? If you believe he is the savior of the world, just whisper this prayer to him: Jesus, I believe you are the Savior of the world and I want you to be my savior.
If you said that prayer and meant it, there is a gift called glorification that awaits you. Your name is written on a tag on a gift in Heaven waiting for you. Heaven is celebrating right now because of your decision.
What will heaven be like? Read Revelation 4 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+4&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
Now that you have this gift "glorification", what exactly is in the box? How exactly will he conform me to be like Jesus?
That is what we will talk about for the next few days.
As you close: Pray and thank God for the gift of glorification. Thank God for his grace that he even allowed you to even have a gift waiting for you. He is good and we need to thank him for his goodness.
God Bless!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Sanctification - Day 5
As we bring this week to a close, I want to take a moment and talk about your part in the sanctification process. God has his part to play and if He doesn't do His part, we up a creek without a paddle. We desperately need Him to do His part of leading us and guiding us to do the things that please Him.
What is our part?
Ephesians 4:30 says, "and do not grieve the Holy Spirit..." We grieve the Holy Spirit when we choose to listen to ourselves instead of Him. His job is to guide us, teach us, etc.
Read about the role of the Holy Spirit in John 14:15-26 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A15-26&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
We read that the Holy Spirit is to lead and guide. He will even remind us what we've learned. As the Holy Spirit is doing His job, we have a choice to listen or reject Him. When we reject Him, we are grieving Him. It's like we are pushing Him away. God doesn't want us to do that. He wants us to listen.
Have you ever had to yield to someone when you were driving your car? There was a road in Plymouth that always confused people. They weren't sure if the other person was to yield or if they were to yield. Sometimes, it would cause such a confusion that there would be a near accident. I don't recall anyone getting into an actual accident but there may have been. Often times we don't want to be the one to yield. We've got things to do, places to be. We think, "That person doesn't understand where I am going and what I need to get done. They should yield to me."
What the Holy Spirit wants you and I to do is yield to Him. Let Him lead our lives and let Him tell us what to do. That is exactly what He wants and when we do, we do the right thing and please our Heavenly Father.
How's your yielding been lately?
As you close: Take time to pray and tell God that you desire to yield more to His Holy Spirit. Sometimes you choose not to. Pray that you will have the strength to yield the next time.
God Bless!
What is our part?
Ephesians 4:30 says, "and do not grieve the Holy Spirit..." We grieve the Holy Spirit when we choose to listen to ourselves instead of Him. His job is to guide us, teach us, etc.
Read about the role of the Holy Spirit in John 14:15-26 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A15-26&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
We read that the Holy Spirit is to lead and guide. He will even remind us what we've learned. As the Holy Spirit is doing His job, we have a choice to listen or reject Him. When we reject Him, we are grieving Him. It's like we are pushing Him away. God doesn't want us to do that. He wants us to listen.
Have you ever had to yield to someone when you were driving your car? There was a road in Plymouth that always confused people. They weren't sure if the other person was to yield or if they were to yield. Sometimes, it would cause such a confusion that there would be a near accident. I don't recall anyone getting into an actual accident but there may have been. Often times we don't want to be the one to yield. We've got things to do, places to be. We think, "That person doesn't understand where I am going and what I need to get done. They should yield to me."
What the Holy Spirit wants you and I to do is yield to Him. Let Him lead our lives and let Him tell us what to do. That is exactly what He wants and when we do, we do the right thing and please our Heavenly Father.
How's your yielding been lately?
As you close: Take time to pray and tell God that you desire to yield more to His Holy Spirit. Sometimes you choose not to. Pray that you will have the strength to yield the next time.
God Bless!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sanctification - Day 4
Do you remember this song, "God is so good, God is so good. God is so good. He's so good to me." I used to sing that song when I was younger. A very simple song but the point is quite clear. And just think, the author has us repeat it over and over. Why is that? The repetition is so that we would never forget it. We have a tendency to forget important truths in the midst of life. We shouldn't forget this. God is so good to us.
Moses recounted God's goodness after they left Egypt. Read Exodus 15:1-18 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+15%3A1-18&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
The reason I remind you of that song is so that you will remember it while God is doing His work in you. You may get frustrated with God. You may even get angry with him. Just remember, everything that you are experiencing is going to be used for good in your life. God takes every moment and uses it to change us into the masterpiece He has in mind. So when you are tempted to get agrivated with God or even depressed, remember that God is good and he has a good reason in mind.
What is He trying to do in us as His children? What's the end goal?
Romans 8:29, "to be conformed to the likeness of his Son." The word "conformed" is like a potter with clay. He is shaping us up to be like Jesus. God is changing us in three particular areas.
1. God is changing our minds. He is teaching us how to think like Jesus. When Jesus was living here on earth, he had a choice, just like you and me. He chose to live a righteous life. Now Jesus is God and He will always do the right thing, but like Hebrews says, he understands the pressures and temptations, yet did not sin. God is helping us to do the right thing and the more we do the righteous things in this life, at times the easier it will be.
2. God is changing our hearts. He is transforming our heart from being self-centered to being others-centered. He had compassion on people and loved people. He longed to be their shepherd and lead their lives. When we look at people, we may at times think how we can benefit from them. We may think about what we can get instead of give. God is changing our hearts to feel like Jesus and love people like Jesus.
3. God is changing our lives. He is leading us on a path that is right. That is good. When He is finished, and we've followed Him, we will look back and be amazed at what He's done through us.
That is His end goal. That is the purpose of sanctification, to set us apart and make us holy. We've talked alot about God's part. Is there a part we play in the process of sanctification?
If God is going to change us, and conform us to His Son, Jesus, is there anything we can do to help the process? Yes. We will finish this week with exactly that. See you tomorrow.
As you close: Pray for God's good work to be done in your life. Pray for all the areas He wants to change in you. Watch and see God work.
God Bless!
Moses recounted God's goodness after they left Egypt. Read Exodus 15:1-18 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+15%3A1-18&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
The reason I remind you of that song is so that you will remember it while God is doing His work in you. You may get frustrated with God. You may even get angry with him. Just remember, everything that you are experiencing is going to be used for good in your life. God takes every moment and uses it to change us into the masterpiece He has in mind. So when you are tempted to get agrivated with God or even depressed, remember that God is good and he has a good reason in mind.
What is He trying to do in us as His children? What's the end goal?
Romans 8:29, "to be conformed to the likeness of his Son." The word "conformed" is like a potter with clay. He is shaping us up to be like Jesus. God is changing us in three particular areas.
1. God is changing our minds. He is teaching us how to think like Jesus. When Jesus was living here on earth, he had a choice, just like you and me. He chose to live a righteous life. Now Jesus is God and He will always do the right thing, but like Hebrews says, he understands the pressures and temptations, yet did not sin. God is helping us to do the right thing and the more we do the righteous things in this life, at times the easier it will be.
2. God is changing our hearts. He is transforming our heart from being self-centered to being others-centered. He had compassion on people and loved people. He longed to be their shepherd and lead their lives. When we look at people, we may at times think how we can benefit from them. We may think about what we can get instead of give. God is changing our hearts to feel like Jesus and love people like Jesus.
3. God is changing our lives. He is leading us on a path that is right. That is good. When He is finished, and we've followed Him, we will look back and be amazed at what He's done through us.
That is His end goal. That is the purpose of sanctification, to set us apart and make us holy. We've talked alot about God's part. Is there a part we play in the process of sanctification?
If God is going to change us, and conform us to His Son, Jesus, is there anything we can do to help the process? Yes. We will finish this week with exactly that. See you tomorrow.
As you close: Pray for God's good work to be done in your life. Pray for all the areas He wants to change in you. Watch and see God work.
God Bless!
Sanctification - Day 3
Good day to you!
Where are these verses found in the Scriptures? "Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been been his counselor? Who has ever given to God that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."
The answer to that question will be at the end of this segment. If you have a concordance, look it up. Find it. Meditate on it. Why? Because God is at work in your life.
Day 2 I told you that you are his workmanship. He is at work in you. I Thess. 4:3 says that it is His will that you be sanctified; something of value that is set apart as holy and sacred. He is working in you on purpose. What kind of work is he doing in you?
Romans 6:18 says, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."
He has set you free from sin, but the problem is, you still battle with sin. You still struggle with sin. You still do things you don't want to do; things that displease the Lord. You sometimes do the things that please the Lord. So, what is going on inside of you that is causing this disturbance?
You are still tempted to sin, to rebel against God. You have a choice to obey or disobey. That is the position you are in when you surrendered your life to Christ. Before that, you instinctively rebelled against God. Now Jesus gives you an alternative. You have a choice now. You can choose to sin and rebel againsts God or you can choose to obey and listen to God. What will you choose to do? And this choice thing, happens everyday, all the time. How exhausting, right?
God wants you to listen to his leading, his word, because God is always right. It will always be the best thing to obey him. No one needs to give him counsel or instruction. He is the only one who is capable of giving us sound wisdom and counsel. And, everytime you listen to him, you are changed. You grow. You become more like him. Some day you will be free from sins influence, but until then, you have to make the choice to listen.
Read Jesus' words about obedience in Matthew 7:24-27 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A24-27&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
Take notice of your choices today. Are your choices in obedience to God's Word? If not, change. If so, keep up the good work. If you are not sure, pray.
As you close: Take a moment and thank God for His guidance today and ask Him to guide you in making decisions that are in obedience to Him.
God bless!
Where are these verses found in the Scriptures? "Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been been his counselor? Who has ever given to God that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."
The answer to that question will be at the end of this segment. If you have a concordance, look it up. Find it. Meditate on it. Why? Because God is at work in your life.
Day 2 I told you that you are his workmanship. He is at work in you. I Thess. 4:3 says that it is His will that you be sanctified; something of value that is set apart as holy and sacred. He is working in you on purpose. What kind of work is he doing in you?
Romans 6:18 says, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."
He has set you free from sin, but the problem is, you still battle with sin. You still struggle with sin. You still do things you don't want to do; things that displease the Lord. You sometimes do the things that please the Lord. So, what is going on inside of you that is causing this disturbance?
You are still tempted to sin, to rebel against God. You have a choice to obey or disobey. That is the position you are in when you surrendered your life to Christ. Before that, you instinctively rebelled against God. Now Jesus gives you an alternative. You have a choice now. You can choose to sin and rebel againsts God or you can choose to obey and listen to God. What will you choose to do? And this choice thing, happens everyday, all the time. How exhausting, right?
God wants you to listen to his leading, his word, because God is always right. It will always be the best thing to obey him. No one needs to give him counsel or instruction. He is the only one who is capable of giving us sound wisdom and counsel. And, everytime you listen to him, you are changed. You grow. You become more like him. Some day you will be free from sins influence, but until then, you have to make the choice to listen.
Read Jesus' words about obedience in Matthew 7:24-27 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A24-27&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
Take notice of your choices today. Are your choices in obedience to God's Word? If not, change. If so, keep up the good work. If you are not sure, pray.
As you close: Take a moment and thank God for His guidance today and ask Him to guide you in making decisions that are in obedience to Him.
God bless!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sanctification - Day 2
Think about these words today written from the Apostle Paul. "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."
Remember, God sees immeasurable value in you. Not for what you can do for Him. But for what He can do for you. He loves you and has a wonderful plan to do great and awesome things in and through you. What He is capable of doing will blow your socks off. Anticipate a great day today.
Today I want to point out that the Father starts His work right where you are. You don't have to straighten out your life in order for the Father to do His work. He starts right where you are.
There is a friend of mine who stopped by my office in my previous church. He was visibly upset. As he sat on my couch, I found out that he was in trouble with the law. The possibility of going to jail was around the corner and he didn't want to go. I didn't blame him. I wouldn't want to go to. We talked about the situation he was involved in and about God's forgiveness. God's forgiveness doesn't mean that you won't have to deal with the consequences of your actions. It means that you have the peace of God to go through anything. That day this man, my friend to this day, gave his life to Jesus Christ. He didn't have to straighten out his life in order to feel the love and mercy of the Savior.
You may be a person who has been in trouble with the law. That doesn't stop Him. You may be a person who is struggling in your marriage. That doesn't stop Him. You may be a person who is stable and life is good. That doesn't stop Him.
God invites you to come to Him.
Read Matthew 11:25-30 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A25-30&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
All Jesus tells us to do is to come to Him. He waits for us to turn to Him. When we do, we will find rest. We will find exactly what our heart has been longing to find. When we turn to Him, that is when He begins His workmanship.
Tomorrow we will talk more about His workmanship in our lives.
As you close: Pray for the people in your life that believe that God couldn't love them until they get their lives straightened out first. Pray that they would see that all God wants is for them to just come to Him. Wherever they are and at any time.
God Bless!
Remember, God sees immeasurable value in you. Not for what you can do for Him. But for what He can do for you. He loves you and has a wonderful plan to do great and awesome things in and through you. What He is capable of doing will blow your socks off. Anticipate a great day today.
Today I want to point out that the Father starts His work right where you are. You don't have to straighten out your life in order for the Father to do His work. He starts right where you are.
There is a friend of mine who stopped by my office in my previous church. He was visibly upset. As he sat on my couch, I found out that he was in trouble with the law. The possibility of going to jail was around the corner and he didn't want to go. I didn't blame him. I wouldn't want to go to. We talked about the situation he was involved in and about God's forgiveness. God's forgiveness doesn't mean that you won't have to deal with the consequences of your actions. It means that you have the peace of God to go through anything. That day this man, my friend to this day, gave his life to Jesus Christ. He didn't have to straighten out his life in order to feel the love and mercy of the Savior.
You may be a person who has been in trouble with the law. That doesn't stop Him. You may be a person who is struggling in your marriage. That doesn't stop Him. You may be a person who is stable and life is good. That doesn't stop Him.
God invites you to come to Him.
Read Matthew 11:25-30 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A25-30&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
All Jesus tells us to do is to come to Him. He waits for us to turn to Him. When we do, we will find rest. We will find exactly what our heart has been longing to find. When we turn to Him, that is when He begins His workmanship.
Tomorrow we will talk more about His workmanship in our lives.
As you close: Pray for the people in your life that believe that God couldn't love them until they get their lives straightened out first. Pray that they would see that all God wants is for them to just come to Him. Wherever they are and at any time.
God Bless!
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