Read I Corinthians 9:24-27
This passage is written with the backdrop of the Isthmian games - the equivalent of our Olympics. This event was held every two years ten miles outside the city of Corinth. These games brought people from every part of the Mediterranean to compete or just watch. It was the sporting event of the year - drawing the empire’s best talent. Athletes would compete in foot races, broad jumping, discus throwing, wrestling, boxing, gymnastics, and equestrian contests. They would compete fiercely, each striving for the Isthmian crown - a wreath of wild celery.
Winners received a lifetime exemption from paying taxes and serving in the military. They would also receive free tuition at one of their universities. Statues of themselves would be erected along the road that led to the site of the games. But the real prize was the celery wreath, awarded to the winner at the end of the games.
We’ve talked this week about Proceeding, Pursuing and today we will deal with Preparing, or getting ready. Verse 25 states, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.”
An athlete who wants to win always goes into strict training. The key word to preparation or training is; temperance / self-control. This gives the idea of inner strength - strength not to indulge or act on impulse. The word ‘compete’ that Paul uses is the Greek is the word for agony. It points to the tremendous effort that was put forth to win. I remember when I started playing hockey. We would have to try out for the team and the first day we would only skate. People would be hanging over the boards losing lunch while others were cramping up. It was pure misery, but we all knew that if we endured, we would be on the team. Although the presence of our self-control is from the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), the practice of our self-control is our responsibility (2 Peter 1:4-7). The point here is not necessarily abstinence, but having a strong control of our appetites and passions.
If we want to win, we must prepare. Life is full of unexpected events and we must be ready at a moments notice. If you want to excel as an athlete you must go into training. The same is true of our walk with God. We need spiritual workouts – Time in prayer, time in the Word, time in worship. To win the race requires that we are ready. We must be in a state of constant readiness. We must be ready when God calls us to serve. We must be ready for when we cross the finish line. “The secret to success in life is for a man to be ready for his time when it comes.” – Benjamin Disraeli.
The key is “self-discipline.” The athletes that competed in this competition had to provide proof that they had been in training for at least 10 months before the contest. They had to prove that they had spent the last 30 days doing exercises in the gymnasium. In the Greek games - only one received the prize. But for the child of God, the prize is available to all who run the disciplined race. The child of God should run as the winner runs. Philippians 3:13 states, “brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” In the relay races, teammates would run up to the next runner and reach the baton forward to the next runner. They constantly move forward.
Hebrews 12:1 says, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience that race that is set before thee.” Revelation 3:11 states, “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”
In 1976 the University of Indiana won NCAA National Title. When interviewed about their success, coach Knight said, “The will to succeed is important but what is more important is the will to prepare”. We must prepare ourselves for the race.
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.”
- Arthur Ashe
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
August 4 & 5
Read I Corinthians 9:24-27
This passage is written with the backdrop of the Isthmian games - the equivalent of our Olympics. This event was held every two years ten miles outside the city of Corinth. These games brought people from every part of the Mediterranean to compete or just watch. It was the sporting event of the year - drawing the empire’s best talent. Athletes would compete in foot races, broad jumping, discus throwing, wrestling, boxing, gymnastics, and equestrian contests. They would compete fiercely, each striving for the Isthmian crown - a wreath of wild celery.
Winners received a lifetime exemption from paying taxes and serving in the military. They would also receive free tuition at one of their universities. Statues of themselves would be erected along the road that led to the site of the games. But the real prize was the celery wreath, awarded to the winner at the end of the games.
There are seven keys to running well, and over the next couple of days we will concentrate on this passage and those keys. Today, the first key is to PROCEED. We must be willing to get going. Notice verse 24 “know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?” It is important to notice that “All the runners run”.
In order to run the race we must first begin. The great Nike slogan fits here – “Just Do It”. There is no way to win a race if you aren’t running. To win the race requires that you get in the race. We cannot serve God from the starting blocks. Winning starts when we dare to begin. The more daring we are, the more glorious the victory. It is impossible to be victorious without doing something.
The last three days of elementary school was always the best. It was track and field week. We were never in the classroom, but everyone signed up for five events they would participate in. I would always do the 50 yard dash (the 100 was wayyyyy toooooo long!!). I would also do the high jump because I enjoyed landing on the big foam pads. I won in every event. I would walk away with medals that made my classmates drool (alright, they really didn’t care much). There was one event that I could never win as hard as I may have tried. It was the 400 meter relay. It wasn’t because I wasn’t asked to be on some of the teams, or because I wasn’t fast enough that I never won. The reason I could never win that race was that I never ran in it.
Likewise, until we get in the race for eternal life, we will never have the opportunity to win it. Remember these words, “We cannot expect God to say, ‘well done’ if we will not first ‘well do’.”
“I believe that every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don't intend to waste any of mine running around doing exercises.”
- Neil Armstrong
August 5
Read I Corinthians 9:24-27
This passage is written with the backdrop of the Isthmian games - the equivalent of our Olympics. This event was held every two years ten miles outside the city of Corinth. These games brought people from every part of the Mediterranean to compete or just watch. It was the sporting event of the year - drawing the empire’s best talent. Athletes would compete in foot races, broad jumping, discus throwing, wrestling, boxing, gymnastics, and equestrian contests. They would compete fiercely, each striving for the Isthmian crown - a wreath of wild celery.
Winners received a lifetime exemption from paying taxes and serving in the military. They would also receive free tuition at one of their universities. Statues of themselves would be erected along the road that led to the site of the games. But the real prize was the celery wreath, awarded to the winner at the end of the games.
As I said yesterday, we want to look at the keys to running the race well. Yesterday we mentioned that you have to proceed, or get going first in order to possibly win. Today we want to deal with the second key. It is to pursue, or to keep moving.
Again in verse 24 – “So run, that ye may obtain.” This race isn’t over until we cross the finish line. If we want to win the prize we must pursue excellence in everything that we do. Paul is telling us that we cannot settle to watch from the sidelines but that we must be involved. We must be willing to take action. We must be willing to change our attitude. We must be willing to keep moving – even when we feel like giving up.
When I was playing hockey, I always looked forward to the end of the year banquet. It was at the banquet that everyone that made it the whole year received some kind of trophy. We started something and the guys that played and the coaches that coached and the parents that raised funds and drove us everywhere were able to see that child receive a reward. In biblical terms it is “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11)
The value of the prize was not monetary but symbolic. The prize for Paul was a sense of satisfaction that God was using him in ministry. It was that he had used all his energies and talents and gifts for God’s glory, for the good of the kingdom. He described that prize in… Philippians 3:14 - “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
When we run our race …whatever it may be, let us put on our faith or our NIKE gear, the gear of victory, and strive for the prize. We run to receive a crown of righteousness. It is not a crown of riches, but a crown that will carry a message to all who see it.
“You get very tired, and there was a certain amount of pain and you slow up. Your legs are so tired that you are in fact slowing. If you don't keep running, keep your blood circulating, the muscles stop pumping the blood back and you get dizzy.”
- Roger Bannister
This passage is written with the backdrop of the Isthmian games - the equivalent of our Olympics. This event was held every two years ten miles outside the city of Corinth. These games brought people from every part of the Mediterranean to compete or just watch. It was the sporting event of the year - drawing the empire’s best talent. Athletes would compete in foot races, broad jumping, discus throwing, wrestling, boxing, gymnastics, and equestrian contests. They would compete fiercely, each striving for the Isthmian crown - a wreath of wild celery.
Winners received a lifetime exemption from paying taxes and serving in the military. They would also receive free tuition at one of their universities. Statues of themselves would be erected along the road that led to the site of the games. But the real prize was the celery wreath, awarded to the winner at the end of the games.
There are seven keys to running well, and over the next couple of days we will concentrate on this passage and those keys. Today, the first key is to PROCEED. We must be willing to get going. Notice verse 24 “know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?” It is important to notice that “All the runners run”.
In order to run the race we must first begin. The great Nike slogan fits here – “Just Do It”. There is no way to win a race if you aren’t running. To win the race requires that you get in the race. We cannot serve God from the starting blocks. Winning starts when we dare to begin. The more daring we are, the more glorious the victory. It is impossible to be victorious without doing something.
The last three days of elementary school was always the best. It was track and field week. We were never in the classroom, but everyone signed up for five events they would participate in. I would always do the 50 yard dash (the 100 was wayyyyy toooooo long!!). I would also do the high jump because I enjoyed landing on the big foam pads. I won in every event. I would walk away with medals that made my classmates drool (alright, they really didn’t care much). There was one event that I could never win as hard as I may have tried. It was the 400 meter relay. It wasn’t because I wasn’t asked to be on some of the teams, or because I wasn’t fast enough that I never won. The reason I could never win that race was that I never ran in it.
Likewise, until we get in the race for eternal life, we will never have the opportunity to win it. Remember these words, “We cannot expect God to say, ‘well done’ if we will not first ‘well do’.”
“I believe that every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don't intend to waste any of mine running around doing exercises.”
- Neil Armstrong
August 5
Read I Corinthians 9:24-27
This passage is written with the backdrop of the Isthmian games - the equivalent of our Olympics. This event was held every two years ten miles outside the city of Corinth. These games brought people from every part of the Mediterranean to compete or just watch. It was the sporting event of the year - drawing the empire’s best talent. Athletes would compete in foot races, broad jumping, discus throwing, wrestling, boxing, gymnastics, and equestrian contests. They would compete fiercely, each striving for the Isthmian crown - a wreath of wild celery.
Winners received a lifetime exemption from paying taxes and serving in the military. They would also receive free tuition at one of their universities. Statues of themselves would be erected along the road that led to the site of the games. But the real prize was the celery wreath, awarded to the winner at the end of the games.
As I said yesterday, we want to look at the keys to running the race well. Yesterday we mentioned that you have to proceed, or get going first in order to possibly win. Today we want to deal with the second key. It is to pursue, or to keep moving.
Again in verse 24 – “So run, that ye may obtain.” This race isn’t over until we cross the finish line. If we want to win the prize we must pursue excellence in everything that we do. Paul is telling us that we cannot settle to watch from the sidelines but that we must be involved. We must be willing to take action. We must be willing to change our attitude. We must be willing to keep moving – even when we feel like giving up.
When I was playing hockey, I always looked forward to the end of the year banquet. It was at the banquet that everyone that made it the whole year received some kind of trophy. We started something and the guys that played and the coaches that coached and the parents that raised funds and drove us everywhere were able to see that child receive a reward. In biblical terms it is “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11)
The value of the prize was not monetary but symbolic. The prize for Paul was a sense of satisfaction that God was using him in ministry. It was that he had used all his energies and talents and gifts for God’s glory, for the good of the kingdom. He described that prize in… Philippians 3:14 - “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
When we run our race …whatever it may be, let us put on our faith or our NIKE gear, the gear of victory, and strive for the prize. We run to receive a crown of righteousness. It is not a crown of riches, but a crown that will carry a message to all who see it.
“You get very tired, and there was a certain amount of pain and you slow up. Your legs are so tired that you are in fact slowing. If you don't keep running, keep your blood circulating, the muscles stop pumping the blood back and you get dizzy.”
- Roger Bannister
Sunday, August 2, 2009
You Don't Have To Go!!
Read Luke 16:19-31
As you can tell, my spirit feels an urgency to remind you that we are truly living in the last days. Hell has fallen on hard times. A recent George Barna survey found that 67% of Americans do not believe in hell. That means that only 33% of Americans believe in a literal hell. Couple that idea with a rapidly declining biblical knowledge and in just a few short years there will be no hell. . . . at least in the minds of Americans.
“There has been a shift in religion from focusing on what happens in the next life to asking, ‘What is the quality of this life we’re leading now?’” said Harvey Cox Jr., an author, religious historian and professor at the Harvard Divinity School. “You can go to a whole lot of churches week after week, and you’d be startled even to hear a mention of hell.”
Despite what the popular preachers and theologians of our seminaries say about hell, they forget what the greatest preacher who ever lived had to say. The Lord Jesus Christ spoke about Hell twice as much as He did about Heaven. There was only one subject that He dealt with more and that was money. Suffice it to say, if the Lord thought it important enough to speak about hell then I too am bound by that same task.
There are four things that I would like to remind you about hell today. First, hell may be in your future even if you are prospering on earth. In biblical times, people believed that if a person was blessed with wealth, power, authority, etc. in this life that he would receive even more in the next life. How mistaken the rich man was. Second, hell is a place of eternal torment and agony. One of the torments that this passage deals with is that the rich man was able to remember his whole life. Those in hell will remember all the opportunities they had to love God. They will remember every Sunday school lesson, every sermon and song, and their memory will torment them for eternity. Third, hell is a place of unanswered prayers. You think that God is not listening sometimes in your present day; He will be even more silent in those days.
The fourth thing that I want you to know about hell is that you DO NOT HAVE TO GO. One day, when Vice President Calvin Coolidge was presiding over the Senate, one Senator angrily told another to go "straight to hell". The offended Senator complained to Coolidge as presiding officer, and Mr. Coolidge looked up from the book he had been leafing through while listening to the debate and wittily replied. "I’ve been looking through the rule book," he said. "You don’t have to go."
The same is true for everyone in this room today. You do not have to go to Hell. The rich man realizes that his fate is sealed but he also realizes that his brother’s, who are still alive, do not "have to come to this place of torment." He desires to warn them so that they will repent, which means acknowledge wrongdoing, listen to God and go in a different direction with God’s help. He understands that if a person will turn form his sinful ways and be baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in an unknown language they will not go to Hell.
I apologize for the length of this devotion today, but I do not apologize for its content. My prayer is that everyone that reads this today will find a place where everything is right between you and God so that we can rejoice together when we see Him face to face.
“It’s time we give hell a heaven of a day!”
- Stan Gleason
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Are You Ready to Meet Him?
Read John 3:16, I John 3:2
I have a dilemma. I am required by my relationship with Jesus Christ for you and I to establish an honest, genuine relationship before I discuss with you what I'm about to discuss. But it's a catch 22. I may never meet some of you. There are those I send these devotions to that I do not know, and there are those of you that are receiving these from people that are forwarding them to you. Yet I cannot bring myself to face my Creator unless I do my best to give you the opportunity I've been given.
So I'm going to assume that you, dear reader, do not believe the things I do and I'm going to tell you about my Lord. You see, someday I WILL face Him and I couldn't stand it if He said, "You say you cared about people, yet you didn't even try to tell them about My sacrifice for their sake?"
The thing is, someday you'll face Him, too. And you won't be able to point to my poor presentation of this message, my "pushiness," or any other way in which I may have been a bad example. I'll answer to Him for those things. At some point, you'll have to humble yourself, examine your own heart and admit your need of a Savior regardless of my bad example. You will not be able to look at some poor televangelist’s bad example of Christ. There will be no one that you will be able to blame for your choices today.
Someday it will be just you and Him and He'll say, "That messenger on the Internet? Oh yes, his interview is next week. The Televangelist? He may be a hypocrite but that's not your concern. He will answer to me if he was. Now I'm asking you why YOU rejected My sacrifice."
God so loved each one of that He did not send someone else to save the world, He came himself. I remember that statement hanging on either side of our sanctuary growing up. I think about it often. The great God of the universe, the one that spoke all things into existence, loved me so much that He became a man like me so that one day I might be like Him. I can’t wait to see Him.
The older we get, the more urgent it becomes to discuss this subject. So I cannot afford to mince words. You have a choice to make today. Will you bow to Him now or will you wait until later. The sound of His return is in the air. We are closer to the coming of the Lord than ever before. We MUST be ready to see Him.
The bottom line is a changed life can be yours if you want it. You say you want the one you have? Consider yourself fortunate for the time being. But it won't last forever. When you face the Master, you can do it with confidence.
“Men talk of killing time, while time quietly kills them.”
- Dion Boucicault
Monday, July 27, 2009
Some random thoughts...
*Sometimes God calls collect, but some have refused to accept the charges.
*It is hard to live for God easy, while it is easy to live for God hard.
*I was born in the fire of the Holy Ghost and I cannot just sit in the smoke.
*If we don't have a powerful present, we will have an anemic future.
*The cure of crime is not the electric chair, but the high chair.
*The stone at Jesus' tomb was just a pebble to the Rock of Ages inside.
*There is no traffic jams on the straight and narrow way.
May God richly bless you all today.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Walking with God
Read Genesis 5:18-24
I am not much for exercising? I know that surprises some of you, but it is true, exercise for exercise sake is not my cup of tea. I’ll exercise as long as I am playing a sport or something of that nature, but just to go take a walk is unheard of in my vocabulary. There is something unique about taking a walk, however, that you cannot get by playing a game of basketball. If you take a walk with someone it can become an intimate experience. Sharing dreams, absentmindedly making yourself vulnerable about your aspirations and contemplations and getting to know the person that you are walking with is something that could never happen when you’re getting run over by a power forward on the basketball court. Because it is important for me to have those times, and seeing that I don’t like to walk much, we drive around the city!! It is not the walking that is important (at least for this devotion), it is the time spent with another.
As we read through the Bible, Genesis 5 sounds like the records kept down at the county courthouse. Name, age at death and survivors leap from the pages. But in this terse list, we are suddenly confronted with a man who stands out from everyone else. "Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him" (v.24). For those people that just skim through these types of passages, they miss someone that should be a hero among us.
We don't know much else about Enoch. He probably took care of the herds, worked the land, cared for his family. Whatever his duties were, we know that he had an ongoing conversation with God. Enoch expressed his joys, his hurts, his confusions, and the responsibility he felt for his children. He walked with God. Somewhere in his life, whether he was literally walking or just spiritually walking, he came into contact with the Almighty. He would never be the same.
Enoch must have come to love what God loves and hate what God hates. More interesting, though, the Lord was pleased with Enoch (Heb. 11:5). It is one thing to be pleased by the blessings and direction given by the Lord, but it is entirely different when you begin to wonder if God is pleased with you. One day He must have said something like: "Enoch, we've come a long way together. Why don't you just come on home and stay with Me." The ancient writer simply reports, "And he was not, for God took him" (v.24).
I think the Lord sincerely misses men like Enoch. I believe He is looking for those of us that will desire to get so close to Him that He cannot help but yearn to bring us home. I wonder how many would really be able to say if He invited you home, let’s go, or would we think, I’ve got to let my family now, make sure the bills are together, the job, or whatever else that we have become attached to is taken care of. Enoch must have been so unattached to the things of this world that he was ready when the offer came to go to the Lord. The Lord still looks for those like Enoch who will walk with Him. What a privilege for us! The One who is the Creator of the cosmos, the Ruler of heaven, and the Redeemer of mankind seeks our friendship. As one author put it, “The closer you walk with God, the less room for anything to come between.”
“It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.”
-St. Francis of Assisi
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Patience?!?!
Read Luke 8:4-16
There is something that few of us possess but all need. It is the thing that gets us through the darkest hours of our life, and it is the thing that keeps our feet on the ground when it would be easier to fly on cloud nine. It is something that one has by personality and it is something that one can learn through practice. It is something that God has a lot of and wishes to share it with us. When answers seem far away, bills are piling up, the tire on the car has gone flat, friends have turned their backs, the kitchen sink starts to leak, the diaper on the baby didn’t hold it all (if you know what I mean!!) and you just wonder where God is in the midst of all your calamity. Are you getting the picture? This is what you and I need more than anything else.
A new resident at a drug rehabilitation center was given the task of planting runner-bean seeds. With no experience growing vegetables, Jim quickly became bored waiting for the seeds to sprout. Have I lost you yet? Just relax. I’ll get to my point. After weeks of seeing nothing happen, Jim finally noticed signs of life coming up. Before long, he had to put poles in the ground for the beans to climb. One day Jim ran excitedly into the kitchen with some freshly picked beans for dinner. "Wow! All this from tiny seeds!" he exclaimed. "I've sure learned a lot!"
Are you getting the point yet? It was clear that Jim learned more than how plants grow. He gained a new insight: If we willingly listen to God in His Word and do what's right for the right reasons and for the right length of time, our lives will be fruitful. That’s the point. That is what we need more than just about everything else. It’s patience. I know, it is not something that we equate with grace and salvation and all the other wonderful things of God, but we really do need patience. Most people that have had an experience with God believe that He is able to “do exceedingly abundantly”, but our biggest problen is when He doesn’t do it right now.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a farmer could plant a crop and the next day harvest that crop? It sure would send the prices down!! It is just impossible to do. Just like the farmer has to wait for the crop to mature, we must be willing to allow God to work in us and then reveal the answers to our needs in His time, not ours. After all, He is the master farmer and He more than anyone knows when the harvest of our lives is ready to bear fruit.
If your life is seemingly like the description I gave you in the paragraph above, just hold on, be patient for there is nothing that God starts that He does not finish. Thank God!!
“Patience and perseverance have a magical affect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.”
- John Quincy Adams
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
It's All About the Team!!
Read I Corinthians 12:12-27
When I was young I played the great sport of hockey. Through that experience I quickly found out that the only way to be a winner is to play a great team. We played against a team called Little Canada all the time. We never lost to them. They had a great player, number 5 (at least in the eyes of a fourth grader), but the rest of the team wasn’t very good. We always won because we had several people that may not have been great, but good, and yet, when you put all of us together we were always better than the other team.
Teamwork is essential in business and industry. To underscore this point, Co-op Magazine included this item: "You've heard of the corny Tate family. They pervade every organization. There is Dick Tate, who wants to run everything. Ro Tate tries to change everything. Agi Tate stirs up trouble whenever possible, and Irri Tate always lends him a hand. "Whenever new ideas are suggested, Hesi Tate and Vegi Tate pour cold water on them. Imi Tate tries to mimic everyone, Devas Tate loves to be disruptive, and Poten Tate wants to be a big shot. But its Facili Tate, Cogi Tate, and Medi Tate who always save the day and gets everyone pulling together."
Unless you are Jesus Christ, a one-man show doesn't get very far. He could obviously do anything on His own and be better than anyone else, but He wanted people around Him working with Him. It is why we were created. God wasn’t satisfied with doing everything on His own so He created us to share with Him in all things, including His image. That is why there is nowhere else that the truth of teamwork is brought to a higher and more powerful fulfillment than in the body of Christ. The Scriptures teach that by God's design all that is in Christ have been made dependent on one another. We may think we can go it on our own, but we can't. We can't fulfill our high calling as members of the body of Christ until we begin to realize that we all have a vital part to play. We are family. We need one another. The song that I love to hear when talking about others in the body of Christ is, “I need you, you need me, we’re all a part of the body.” Just imagine how different and empty our lives would be if we didn’t have one another with which to share this life.
“The best teamwork comes from men who are working independently toward one goal in unison.”
-James Cash Penney
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sorry AGAIN!! I'll get back on track.
July 1
Read John 8:36
The month of July carries into my heart a passion for Patriotism. The July 4th holiday is always one of my favorites because it reminds me of all that America stands for. I have never served in our military, but I have a passion for the soldier. I am fully aware of the price that was paid for my family to have everything that we enjoy. Daniel Webster said, “God grants liberty only to those who love it, and are always ready to defend it.”
This is a somber time in our nation’s history. With the events of September 11, 2001 still very much on our minds, we are sending our troops a world away to fight for freedom from tyranny. Generation after generation has faced challenges similar to ours, but that doesn’t make it any easier. John F. Kennedy stated, “In the long history of the world only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger.”
We live in such a generation. Whether it was the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, World Wars I & II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War to the war on terrorism today, adequate words of gratitude can never be uttered. Young men and women have defended the freedom of Americans and those abroad, but that doesn’t make the pain of the families who watch their loved ones leave any less real. Every generation in American history has stood to fight in some way for our freedom, but that doesn’t make our support for our fighting men and women in these difficult times any less important.
Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “There is a mysterious cycle in human events. To some generations much is given, of other generations much is expected.” Today, we live in both. We have been given so much, and yet so much is expected of us. That is why those who fight and guard our liberty is a story of bravery and sorrow, a story dedicated to country and love of family. It is a story of leaving those you love most behind so that they can live in safety and freedom.
America is an incredible nation. While we work to promote our freedoms here at home everyday, our young men and women have always been willing to step into the international scene to protect those who need it most. In doing so, we realize once again that freedom isn’t free. We can never, and will never, take our freedom for granted.
“Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country.”
- Calvin Coolidge
July 2
Read Isaiah 53
As a nation, we have set aside holidays such as Veterans Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July to remember and honor those who have sacrificed to fight and guard our liberty. After September 11, 2001, we realized that there is also a very important group of people that also step in harm’s way for the sake of our liberty. These are the people who maintain our freedom.
We honor all of our police and fire forces, our hospitals, doctors and nurses, our civic leaders and justice departments, who are brave men and women who work to keep the infrastructure of our liberty intact. Adlai Stevenson said, “Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” Those that maintain our liberty are men and women that have spent years in preparation for their particular field. Daily they prepared and now daily they perform the duties that protect the freedoms we possess.
From the blazing fire, the confronting of some criminal, legislating laws to fighting disease, these men and women place themselves in the way of harm for our lives to be better. Harm is defined as “Physical or psychological injury or damage or wrong; evil.” In harm’s way is defined as “a risky or dangerous position.” This defines the firefighter, the police force, the medical field, the utility worker. Those that step into risky situations so that we can be safe from that harm are those that maintain our liberty.
Firefighters protect us from the flames, police protect us from the criminal, the doctors and nurses care for our sickness and the utility worker makes sure we have the power necessary to live in our relative comforts.
When fire is cried and danger is nigh,
"God and the firemen" is the people's cry;
But when 'tis out and all things righted,
God is forgotten and the firemen slighted.
~Author unknown, from The Fireman's Journal, 18 Oct 1879
This little poem can be applied to all those that maintain our liberty. We often do not think of the medical field until we have some illness that needs to be righted. We often only think negatively of the police force because we usually only think of them as they write out that speeding ticket. Today, however, we come alongside the military personnel that we have honored, and we honor you. To the police, fire, medical, political and utility fields of labor, we thank you.
“The line of life is a ragged diagonal between duty and desire.”
- William R. Alger
July 3
Read Hebrews 11
A Texan was trying to impress on a Bostonian the valor of the heroes of the Alamo. “I’ll bet you never had anything so brave around Boston,” said the Texan.
“Did you ever hear of Paul Revere?” asked the Bostonian.
“Paul Revere?” said the Texan “Isn’t he the guy who ran for help?”
We cannot live fully without heroes, for they are the stars to guide us upward. They are the peaks on our human mountains. Not only do they personify what we can be, but they also urge us to become what we should be. Heroes are who we can become if we diligently pursue our ideas in the furnaces of our opportunities.
Heroes are those who have changed history for the better. They are not always the men and women of highest potential, but those who have exploited the potential on society’s behalf. Their deeds are done not for the honor but for the duty.
Heroes are the personification of our ideals, the embodiment of our highest values. A society writes its diary by naming its heroes. A diary writes its society by naming its heroes. We as individuals do the same. When Socrates said, “Talk, young man, that I might know you,” he may also have added, “Talk of your heroes that I might not only know who you are, but also who you will become.”
Our heroes tell us much about our value structure. Heroes do not possess a superior gift, but a superior spirit! All real heroes are real people. Heroes come from people that give us inner strength when we reflect on them. Heroes are sometimes people who spend their entire lives doing something for which they never receive rewards. Those that follow them receive plenty, but they usually do not. We usually want to be like the heroes. They make you want to develop into something greater.
Today, people like our 1st grade teacher, our t-ball coach and our trash collector need to be honored. We honor people like our banker, the grocery store clerk, the car wash attendant and the paper boy. We honor you, interpreter for the deaf, postal carrier, phone operator and hotel cashier. Plainly put, all people everywhere that live and work in this great country of America are our heroes.
Martin Luther King said, “Never allow it to be said that you are silent onlookers, detached spectators, but that you are involved participants in the struggle to make liberty a reality.” Today, we stand together as Americans. We stand together as defenders of liberty. We stand before God and lift our voices to God for our dear land. For truly, it is in God we trust.
“Our flag honors those who have fought to protect it, and is a reminder of the sacrifice of our nation's founders and heroes. As the ultimate icon of America's storied history, the Stars and Stripes represents the very best of this nation.”
-Joe Barton
July 4
Read Leviticus 25:1-13
“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive to these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such Principles and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
Thomas Jefferson - Declaration of Independence of the United States of America
Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army, and another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the revolutionary war. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants; nine were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well educated. However, they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers or both, looted the properties of Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. The owner quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." (Author Unknown)
When you read that, what emotions, as Americans, well up? In me, I am forever grateful for those men, women and children that sacrificed so that I could have what I have today. Still today, men, women and children sacrifice in our military forces to protect and serve our great country. At the same time, I remember June 16th, 1980 at Camp Galilee on Grey Cloud Island in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, when I had a personal day of Independence. The sacrifice that was paid came in the form of a betrayal by a friend, smiting upon the cheek, plucking of the beard, lashes upon the back, a crown of thorns upon the brow, nails in the hands and feet and forgiveness for all. Surely, whom “the Son sets free is free indeed.”
“Freedom is knowing what is right and wrong, and having the ability to do right.”
-David Norris
July 5
Read Hebrews 12:25-13:6
Have you ever had any worries in your life? We worry about house payments, car payments, credit card payments, doctors’ bills. We stress about which school to send our kids to, which grocery store to shop in, what kind of car we should have and which direction we should drive. We concern ourselves with the quality of our clothes, our yards and our neighbors. We get tangled up in the issues of the day such as, social insecurity, taxes, gas prices and the weather. Are you noticing a trend here? We get so consumed with here, we forget there!
Baseball pitcher Tug McGraw had a wonderful philosophy of pitching. He called it his “frozen snowball” theory. “If I come in to pitch with the bases loaded,” Tug explained, “and heavy hitter Willie Stargell is at bat, there’s no reason I want to throw the ball. But eventually I have to pitch. So I remind myself that in a few billion years the earth will become a frozen snowball hurtling through space, and nobody’s going to care what Willie Stargell did with the bases loaded!”
While we read in the Bible that the earth will someday “melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10), there is much validity to McGraw’s statement: We need to keep life in perspective. Most of the things we worry about have no eternal significance. We get so tied up with earthly things that we fail to see the blessings of the heavenly things. We are not designed for this earth – we are designed for His presence.
The writer of Hebrews was concerned about our perspective. Throughout the book, he keeps our eyes focused on heaven and away from earth. Unless our minds are on heaven, we will have little eternal influence on earth. I would rather influence someone to follow Him and gain eternity, than to lead someone into the right investment and make then a million dollars. While we all have to live in this world and deal with all of these issues, our perspective must remain on heaven. In fact, I am not sure how anyone can even survive the pressures of this earth without the hope of that heaven.
There will come a time when the earth will be shaken, and things that once seemed permanent will be gone (Hebrews 12:27). What you fear most today will be forgotten like yesterday’s headlines. What really matters is what you do today that has a touch of eternity about it. Remember, there is only one life to live for Christ, and if lived for Him, then eternity is your reward.
“The awful importance of this life is that it determines eternity.”
-William Barclay
July 6
Read I Corinthians 1:18-25
I love school. I love to learn. I have been going to school pretty much since I graduated. I was excited when my wife decided to go back to school. She is studying to become a Medical Transcriptionist. I have found very quickly an interest in all the functions of the medical world. Just opening the books peaked my interest to read and learn some things.
In 1692, Harvard College adopted as its motto Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae—“Truth for Christ and the Church.” Its crest showed three books, one face down to symbolize the limitation of human knowledge. But in recent decades that book has been turned face up to represent the unlimited capacity of the human mind. And the motto has been changed to Veritas-"Truth." It is truly a sad commentary on one of the leading Christian developed schools in our country. They have now taken the position that truth can be obtained without Christ and the Church.
The pursuit of knowledge is praiseworthy, yet learning can quickly lead to pride and a refusal to acknowledge any limits on our mental abilities. When that happens, biblical truth is ignored or rejected. It is even frustrating to have to write the phrase biblical truth (I do so for clarity) because without biblical truth, there is no truth.
What, then, is the truth about truth? A wise king wrote centuries ago, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). We must recognize the relationship between God and truth. Without the help of the Holy Spirit and the instruction of God’s Word, man will be ever “learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7). When we acknowledge and obey His truth, however, we will be set free from spiritual ignorance and error (John 8:32; 17:17). In John 18:38 Pilate asks the question, “What is truth?” Truth was standing right in front of him and he failed to see it.
That’s why we must be diligent in our study of the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15). It is the only book that tells us the truth about truth. In studying the written word of God, we see how many limits are in our own understanding, but we also see through the written Word, the Living Word or the Christ. I know Him today because I have been revealed truth from the bible and now all things are filtered, not through my own understanding but through the Word of God.
“Facts are many, but the truth is one.”
-Rabindranath Tagore
Read John 8:36
The month of July carries into my heart a passion for Patriotism. The July 4th holiday is always one of my favorites because it reminds me of all that America stands for. I have never served in our military, but I have a passion for the soldier. I am fully aware of the price that was paid for my family to have everything that we enjoy. Daniel Webster said, “God grants liberty only to those who love it, and are always ready to defend it.”
This is a somber time in our nation’s history. With the events of September 11, 2001 still very much on our minds, we are sending our troops a world away to fight for freedom from tyranny. Generation after generation has faced challenges similar to ours, but that doesn’t make it any easier. John F. Kennedy stated, “In the long history of the world only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger.”
We live in such a generation. Whether it was the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, World Wars I & II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War to the war on terrorism today, adequate words of gratitude can never be uttered. Young men and women have defended the freedom of Americans and those abroad, but that doesn’t make the pain of the families who watch their loved ones leave any less real. Every generation in American history has stood to fight in some way for our freedom, but that doesn’t make our support for our fighting men and women in these difficult times any less important.
Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “There is a mysterious cycle in human events. To some generations much is given, of other generations much is expected.” Today, we live in both. We have been given so much, and yet so much is expected of us. That is why those who fight and guard our liberty is a story of bravery and sorrow, a story dedicated to country and love of family. It is a story of leaving those you love most behind so that they can live in safety and freedom.
America is an incredible nation. While we work to promote our freedoms here at home everyday, our young men and women have always been willing to step into the international scene to protect those who need it most. In doing so, we realize once again that freedom isn’t free. We can never, and will never, take our freedom for granted.
“Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country.”
- Calvin Coolidge
July 2
Read Isaiah 53
As a nation, we have set aside holidays such as Veterans Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July to remember and honor those who have sacrificed to fight and guard our liberty. After September 11, 2001, we realized that there is also a very important group of people that also step in harm’s way for the sake of our liberty. These are the people who maintain our freedom.
We honor all of our police and fire forces, our hospitals, doctors and nurses, our civic leaders and justice departments, who are brave men and women who work to keep the infrastructure of our liberty intact. Adlai Stevenson said, “Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” Those that maintain our liberty are men and women that have spent years in preparation for their particular field. Daily they prepared and now daily they perform the duties that protect the freedoms we possess.
From the blazing fire, the confronting of some criminal, legislating laws to fighting disease, these men and women place themselves in the way of harm for our lives to be better. Harm is defined as “Physical or psychological injury or damage or wrong; evil.” In harm’s way is defined as “a risky or dangerous position.” This defines the firefighter, the police force, the medical field, the utility worker. Those that step into risky situations so that we can be safe from that harm are those that maintain our liberty.
Firefighters protect us from the flames, police protect us from the criminal, the doctors and nurses care for our sickness and the utility worker makes sure we have the power necessary to live in our relative comforts.
When fire is cried and danger is nigh,
"God and the firemen" is the people's cry;
But when 'tis out and all things righted,
God is forgotten and the firemen slighted.
~Author unknown, from The Fireman's Journal, 18 Oct 1879
This little poem can be applied to all those that maintain our liberty. We often do not think of the medical field until we have some illness that needs to be righted. We often only think negatively of the police force because we usually only think of them as they write out that speeding ticket. Today, however, we come alongside the military personnel that we have honored, and we honor you. To the police, fire, medical, political and utility fields of labor, we thank you.
“The line of life is a ragged diagonal between duty and desire.”
- William R. Alger
July 3
Read Hebrews 11
A Texan was trying to impress on a Bostonian the valor of the heroes of the Alamo. “I’ll bet you never had anything so brave around Boston,” said the Texan.
“Did you ever hear of Paul Revere?” asked the Bostonian.
“Paul Revere?” said the Texan “Isn’t he the guy who ran for help?”
We cannot live fully without heroes, for they are the stars to guide us upward. They are the peaks on our human mountains. Not only do they personify what we can be, but they also urge us to become what we should be. Heroes are who we can become if we diligently pursue our ideas in the furnaces of our opportunities.
Heroes are those who have changed history for the better. They are not always the men and women of highest potential, but those who have exploited the potential on society’s behalf. Their deeds are done not for the honor but for the duty.
Heroes are the personification of our ideals, the embodiment of our highest values. A society writes its diary by naming its heroes. A diary writes its society by naming its heroes. We as individuals do the same. When Socrates said, “Talk, young man, that I might know you,” he may also have added, “Talk of your heroes that I might not only know who you are, but also who you will become.”
Our heroes tell us much about our value structure. Heroes do not possess a superior gift, but a superior spirit! All real heroes are real people. Heroes come from people that give us inner strength when we reflect on them. Heroes are sometimes people who spend their entire lives doing something for which they never receive rewards. Those that follow them receive plenty, but they usually do not. We usually want to be like the heroes. They make you want to develop into something greater.
Today, people like our 1st grade teacher, our t-ball coach and our trash collector need to be honored. We honor people like our banker, the grocery store clerk, the car wash attendant and the paper boy. We honor you, interpreter for the deaf, postal carrier, phone operator and hotel cashier. Plainly put, all people everywhere that live and work in this great country of America are our heroes.
Martin Luther King said, “Never allow it to be said that you are silent onlookers, detached spectators, but that you are involved participants in the struggle to make liberty a reality.” Today, we stand together as Americans. We stand together as defenders of liberty. We stand before God and lift our voices to God for our dear land. For truly, it is in God we trust.
“Our flag honors those who have fought to protect it, and is a reminder of the sacrifice of our nation's founders and heroes. As the ultimate icon of America's storied history, the Stars and Stripes represents the very best of this nation.”
-Joe Barton
July 4
Read Leviticus 25:1-13
“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive to these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such Principles and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
Thomas Jefferson - Declaration of Independence of the United States of America
Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army, and another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the revolutionary war. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants; nine were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well educated. However, they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers or both, looted the properties of Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. The owner quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." (Author Unknown)
When you read that, what emotions, as Americans, well up? In me, I am forever grateful for those men, women and children that sacrificed so that I could have what I have today. Still today, men, women and children sacrifice in our military forces to protect and serve our great country. At the same time, I remember June 16th, 1980 at Camp Galilee on Grey Cloud Island in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, when I had a personal day of Independence. The sacrifice that was paid came in the form of a betrayal by a friend, smiting upon the cheek, plucking of the beard, lashes upon the back, a crown of thorns upon the brow, nails in the hands and feet and forgiveness for all. Surely, whom “the Son sets free is free indeed.”
“Freedom is knowing what is right and wrong, and having the ability to do right.”
-David Norris
July 5
Read Hebrews 12:25-13:6
Have you ever had any worries in your life? We worry about house payments, car payments, credit card payments, doctors’ bills. We stress about which school to send our kids to, which grocery store to shop in, what kind of car we should have and which direction we should drive. We concern ourselves with the quality of our clothes, our yards and our neighbors. We get tangled up in the issues of the day such as, social insecurity, taxes, gas prices and the weather. Are you noticing a trend here? We get so consumed with here, we forget there!
Baseball pitcher Tug McGraw had a wonderful philosophy of pitching. He called it his “frozen snowball” theory. “If I come in to pitch with the bases loaded,” Tug explained, “and heavy hitter Willie Stargell is at bat, there’s no reason I want to throw the ball. But eventually I have to pitch. So I remind myself that in a few billion years the earth will become a frozen snowball hurtling through space, and nobody’s going to care what Willie Stargell did with the bases loaded!”
While we read in the Bible that the earth will someday “melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10), there is much validity to McGraw’s statement: We need to keep life in perspective. Most of the things we worry about have no eternal significance. We get so tied up with earthly things that we fail to see the blessings of the heavenly things. We are not designed for this earth – we are designed for His presence.
The writer of Hebrews was concerned about our perspective. Throughout the book, he keeps our eyes focused on heaven and away from earth. Unless our minds are on heaven, we will have little eternal influence on earth. I would rather influence someone to follow Him and gain eternity, than to lead someone into the right investment and make then a million dollars. While we all have to live in this world and deal with all of these issues, our perspective must remain on heaven. In fact, I am not sure how anyone can even survive the pressures of this earth without the hope of that heaven.
There will come a time when the earth will be shaken, and things that once seemed permanent will be gone (Hebrews 12:27). What you fear most today will be forgotten like yesterday’s headlines. What really matters is what you do today that has a touch of eternity about it. Remember, there is only one life to live for Christ, and if lived for Him, then eternity is your reward.
“The awful importance of this life is that it determines eternity.”
-William Barclay
July 6
Read I Corinthians 1:18-25
I love school. I love to learn. I have been going to school pretty much since I graduated. I was excited when my wife decided to go back to school. She is studying to become a Medical Transcriptionist. I have found very quickly an interest in all the functions of the medical world. Just opening the books peaked my interest to read and learn some things.
In 1692, Harvard College adopted as its motto Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae—“Truth for Christ and the Church.” Its crest showed three books, one face down to symbolize the limitation of human knowledge. But in recent decades that book has been turned face up to represent the unlimited capacity of the human mind. And the motto has been changed to Veritas-"Truth." It is truly a sad commentary on one of the leading Christian developed schools in our country. They have now taken the position that truth can be obtained without Christ and the Church.
The pursuit of knowledge is praiseworthy, yet learning can quickly lead to pride and a refusal to acknowledge any limits on our mental abilities. When that happens, biblical truth is ignored or rejected. It is even frustrating to have to write the phrase biblical truth (I do so for clarity) because without biblical truth, there is no truth.
What, then, is the truth about truth? A wise king wrote centuries ago, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). We must recognize the relationship between God and truth. Without the help of the Holy Spirit and the instruction of God’s Word, man will be ever “learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7). When we acknowledge and obey His truth, however, we will be set free from spiritual ignorance and error (John 8:32; 17:17). In John 18:38 Pilate asks the question, “What is truth?” Truth was standing right in front of him and he failed to see it.
That’s why we must be diligent in our study of the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15). It is the only book that tells us the truth about truth. In studying the written word of God, we see how many limits are in our own understanding, but we also see through the written Word, the Living Word or the Christ. I know Him today because I have been revealed truth from the bible and now all things are filtered, not through my own understanding but through the Word of God.
“Facts are many, but the truth is one.”
-Rabindranath Tagore
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sorry...Closing out June!
Read John 14:6
My uncle and I did not show each other much mercy when it came to pulling each other on the tube behind our speed boat at the cabin. For those that do not know what I am writing about, you attach an inner tube to a long rope and lay on top of the tube while someone drove the boat fast and in circles so that the person on the tube would fly over the waves that you created. My uncle and I did our best to see who could cause the other to fly the highest. It amazes me today that we never broke any bones considering how high, fast and hard we hit the water.
The key to making it on the tube was very simply; you had to hold on for dear life. You learned after awhile how to maneuver yourself around back there until you started bouncing out of control.
Who is driving your boat today? You see, when my wife got behind the boat, my uncle was so sweet and kind, and then the devil possessed him when I would get behind the boat and he would try to torture me.
In life, is the kind uncle or the not so kind uncle driving the boat? Life has a tendency to take you on the ride of terror. You must hold on for dear life, lest you crash into the waves below. Life is not always so kind. It tries to beat you down, batter your brains and destroy your dexterity. However, there is a kind driver, named Jesus, who said that He was the life that desires you to enjoy the ride, have fun, sense the excitement, but in the end, find rest.
The easiest way to get off the ride of terror was to just let go. Likewise, in life sometimes we need to just let go and let God. He is a kind driver, and wants to see us face to face and full of life.
My uncle and I are probably both too old to treat each other that way behind the boat...oh, who am I kidding; I’d still drive him that fast!
“The man who says his evening prayer is a captain posting his sentinels. He can sleep.”
- Charles Baudelaire
June 27
Read Psalm 13
It was September 13, 1992. My wife and I entered Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN for our honeymoon. Our old car could barely make it to the top of the mountain where our chalet was located. I remember on our way up that the fog or mist was so incredibly thick that is was often difficult to see very far. The mountain was beautiful, but the view at times was less than desired.
Yesterday, I was walking through a store and noticed a rack of postcards. On each was the best picture of the Twin Cities that you could imagine. Why anyone would not want to visit based on those cards is beyond me. Then I remembered some of the postcards that we looked at in our preparation for our honeymoon. Perfect pictures and perfect scenery is what the postcards indicated.
Our vacation and the postcards of the Twin Cities that I saw in the store caused me to question the way I portray my faith to people around me. Do I present a "postcard" view of my life with Jesus Christ? Do I give the false impression that my life is always sunny—that my view of God is always clear?
That's not what David did. In the passion-filled poetry of Psalm 13, he admitted that he couldn't see God and didn't understand what He was doing (v.1). But by the end of his prayer, he was certain that what he couldn't see was nevertheless there because he had seen it before in God's bountiful care (vv.5-6).
I do not know about you, but my life is more like the weather outside of the store where I saw those beautiful postcards; thunderstorms. I am like the person at the top of our “honeymoon” mountain. I’ve seen the mountain before, so I know it exists even when clouds are covering it.
When suffering or confusion obscures our view of God, we can be honest with others about our doubts. But we can also express our confidence that the Lord is still there by recalling times we've witnessed His grandeur and goodness. That's better than postcard Christianity. Jesus is the light of the world so when living under clouds of adversity, remember that the sun is still shining above them.
“It was a September afternoon, with a broad expanse of pure sky across which large clouds, like mountains of silver, moved in majestic slowness.”
- Francois Coppee
June 28
Read Luke 6:46-49
For the most part I believe that people have good intentions. After all, we were created in God’s image. However, since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, our actions usually speak something entirely different from our intentions.
I read in Readers’ Digest about Robert Ginnett, a researcher at the Center for Creative Leadership in Colorado Springs, who has found that the values we claim to have are not as closely linked to our actual behavior as we might like to believe.
One business executive, who said his 5-year-old daughter was the most important part of his life, realized that he usually went to work before she got up in the morning and often returned home after she was in bed at night. So to spend time with her, he took her to work with him one Saturday. After looking around his office, she asked, "Daddy, is this where you live?" He may have acknowledged that his daughter was important, but his behavior revealed what he truly valued.
In our relationship with Christ, He asks for our obedience, not a warm feeling or a statement of belief. He asked those following Him, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). Jesus illustrated His point with the parable of the wise and foolish builders (vv.47-49). The rock-solid foundation of the wise builder's house illustrates the result of our obedience to God. This honors Christ and enables us to withstand the storms of life.
The old saying, “Actions speak louder than words” is accurate. What we do, more than anything we say, reveals what we truly value the most. If that is the case, and I believe that most people think so, and then to show that you value eternity, make good use of your time today.
“The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
- Stephen Covey
June 29
Read Philippians 1:3-6
I am not very good at jigsaw puzzles. I am more the word game kind of guy. It is difficult for me so see the different shapes and colors and then match them up together. I would rather just look at the box cover than to open it and try to recreate that picture.
Our lives are like jigsaw puzzles. From the moment we took our first breath we were creating pieces of the puzzle that is called our life. I cannot imagine what God must think as He is trying to put the shattered pieces of my life back together, but somehow He always seems to come through.
As I look over my life, I see so many places, eras and endeavors that seem so foolish. For those that know me well, I hate to lose. When I was a boy growing up there was four of us that hung out in the neighborhood. It was Doug, myself, Brian and Wayne. Wayne was the youngest and Doug was the oldest so they always formed one team and Brian and I were the other team. We played every sport imaginable, and it was always those teams. In football, we were even because Brian and I were slightly bigger. In hockey, we always won because the other three couldn’t really skate. In basketball we were even because Brian knew how to play. Baseball was our shortcoming. To this day, I don’t know why.
It was after one of the baseball beatings that Brian and I decided that we would practice and then try to beat them. We hit balls to the outfield so that we could catch and hit. It was after some practice that we became fairly even in this sport as well.
I said all of that to say this, “If Brian and I had not taken the time to pick up the pieces of our failures; we would never have raised our game to the level of Doug and Wayne’s.”
Our lives are like jigsaw puzzles and baseball games; the only way that we will be successful is to pick up and fit together all of our failures and mold them into success. Jesus came to reconcile, or put together the broken pieces of failure of our lives to form a beautiful masterpiece. Will you allow God to put in some time on your life to bless the broken pieces because if you do, very shortly you will see a tapestry of failures rolled up together in success?
“The problems of puzzles are very near the problems of life.”
- Erno Rubik
June 30
Read II Timothy 4:1-5
I received an interesting call the other day. It was from someone who claimed to be a “Torah Observant” Jew. This simply meant that the New Testament is not the holy writ of God. He believed that all of the Old Testament is what dictated salvation. Today, he is still looking for the Messiah.
The recently discovered manuscript The Gospel of Judas alleges that Jesus asked Judas to betray Him. Supposedly, Jesus hoped that His death would free Him from this world of matter to become a pure spirit again.
There is a big problem with this ancient text. Judas could not have written this manuscript that bears his name, since it was written long after the time of Jesus. But because The Gospel of Judas has been newly discovered, it provides a novelty for those who like to speculate.
Proposing a fake story to replace the New Testament account is not new. Paul wrote, “The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (II Tim. 4:3-4).
There’s a trend today to look for new theories to undermine the Bible. In I Thessalonians 5, Paul told us to “test all things; hold fast what is good” (v.21). Based on the questionable content and authorship of The Gospel of Judas, we know that it’s a fable. The real gospel (good news) lies with the apostles, who walked with Jesus and wrote down His life-saving message in the New Testament.
To trust God is to trust in His holy Word. Those that would attempt to distort the gospel and the New Testament are only solidifying it by proving what the apostles wrote in admonition was accurate. Paul wrote that no one was to add or take away from the Word of God and that heaven and earth would pass, but God’s Word will never pass away. I am glad that I know His Word and that I know Him. In these last days, remember to balance all of the “new” philosophies off the Word of God because it is when the Word becomes clouded in our lives that those philosophies can take a hold of us. Remember, His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths.
“Because the New Testament provides the primary historical source for information on the resurrection, many critics during the 19th century attacked the reliability of these biblical documents... By the end of the 19th century, however, archaeological discoveries had confirmed the accuracy of the New Testament manuscripts.”
- Josh McDowell
My uncle and I did not show each other much mercy when it came to pulling each other on the tube behind our speed boat at the cabin. For those that do not know what I am writing about, you attach an inner tube to a long rope and lay on top of the tube while someone drove the boat fast and in circles so that the person on the tube would fly over the waves that you created. My uncle and I did our best to see who could cause the other to fly the highest. It amazes me today that we never broke any bones considering how high, fast and hard we hit the water.
The key to making it on the tube was very simply; you had to hold on for dear life. You learned after awhile how to maneuver yourself around back there until you started bouncing out of control.
Who is driving your boat today? You see, when my wife got behind the boat, my uncle was so sweet and kind, and then the devil possessed him when I would get behind the boat and he would try to torture me.
In life, is the kind uncle or the not so kind uncle driving the boat? Life has a tendency to take you on the ride of terror. You must hold on for dear life, lest you crash into the waves below. Life is not always so kind. It tries to beat you down, batter your brains and destroy your dexterity. However, there is a kind driver, named Jesus, who said that He was the life that desires you to enjoy the ride, have fun, sense the excitement, but in the end, find rest.
The easiest way to get off the ride of terror was to just let go. Likewise, in life sometimes we need to just let go and let God. He is a kind driver, and wants to see us face to face and full of life.
My uncle and I are probably both too old to treat each other that way behind the boat...oh, who am I kidding; I’d still drive him that fast!
“The man who says his evening prayer is a captain posting his sentinels. He can sleep.”
- Charles Baudelaire
June 27
Read Psalm 13
It was September 13, 1992. My wife and I entered Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN for our honeymoon. Our old car could barely make it to the top of the mountain where our chalet was located. I remember on our way up that the fog or mist was so incredibly thick that is was often difficult to see very far. The mountain was beautiful, but the view at times was less than desired.
Yesterday, I was walking through a store and noticed a rack of postcards. On each was the best picture of the Twin Cities that you could imagine. Why anyone would not want to visit based on those cards is beyond me. Then I remembered some of the postcards that we looked at in our preparation for our honeymoon. Perfect pictures and perfect scenery is what the postcards indicated.
Our vacation and the postcards of the Twin Cities that I saw in the store caused me to question the way I portray my faith to people around me. Do I present a "postcard" view of my life with Jesus Christ? Do I give the false impression that my life is always sunny—that my view of God is always clear?
That's not what David did. In the passion-filled poetry of Psalm 13, he admitted that he couldn't see God and didn't understand what He was doing (v.1). But by the end of his prayer, he was certain that what he couldn't see was nevertheless there because he had seen it before in God's bountiful care (vv.5-6).
I do not know about you, but my life is more like the weather outside of the store where I saw those beautiful postcards; thunderstorms. I am like the person at the top of our “honeymoon” mountain. I’ve seen the mountain before, so I know it exists even when clouds are covering it.
When suffering or confusion obscures our view of God, we can be honest with others about our doubts. But we can also express our confidence that the Lord is still there by recalling times we've witnessed His grandeur and goodness. That's better than postcard Christianity. Jesus is the light of the world so when living under clouds of adversity, remember that the sun is still shining above them.
“It was a September afternoon, with a broad expanse of pure sky across which large clouds, like mountains of silver, moved in majestic slowness.”
- Francois Coppee
June 28
Read Luke 6:46-49
For the most part I believe that people have good intentions. After all, we were created in God’s image. However, since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, our actions usually speak something entirely different from our intentions.
I read in Readers’ Digest about Robert Ginnett, a researcher at the Center for Creative Leadership in Colorado Springs, who has found that the values we claim to have are not as closely linked to our actual behavior as we might like to believe.
One business executive, who said his 5-year-old daughter was the most important part of his life, realized that he usually went to work before she got up in the morning and often returned home after she was in bed at night. So to spend time with her, he took her to work with him one Saturday. After looking around his office, she asked, "Daddy, is this where you live?" He may have acknowledged that his daughter was important, but his behavior revealed what he truly valued.
In our relationship with Christ, He asks for our obedience, not a warm feeling or a statement of belief. He asked those following Him, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). Jesus illustrated His point with the parable of the wise and foolish builders (vv.47-49). The rock-solid foundation of the wise builder's house illustrates the result of our obedience to God. This honors Christ and enables us to withstand the storms of life.
The old saying, “Actions speak louder than words” is accurate. What we do, more than anything we say, reveals what we truly value the most. If that is the case, and I believe that most people think so, and then to show that you value eternity, make good use of your time today.
“The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
- Stephen Covey
June 29
Read Philippians 1:3-6
I am not very good at jigsaw puzzles. I am more the word game kind of guy. It is difficult for me so see the different shapes and colors and then match them up together. I would rather just look at the box cover than to open it and try to recreate that picture.
Our lives are like jigsaw puzzles. From the moment we took our first breath we were creating pieces of the puzzle that is called our life. I cannot imagine what God must think as He is trying to put the shattered pieces of my life back together, but somehow He always seems to come through.
As I look over my life, I see so many places, eras and endeavors that seem so foolish. For those that know me well, I hate to lose. When I was a boy growing up there was four of us that hung out in the neighborhood. It was Doug, myself, Brian and Wayne. Wayne was the youngest and Doug was the oldest so they always formed one team and Brian and I were the other team. We played every sport imaginable, and it was always those teams. In football, we were even because Brian and I were slightly bigger. In hockey, we always won because the other three couldn’t really skate. In basketball we were even because Brian knew how to play. Baseball was our shortcoming. To this day, I don’t know why.
It was after one of the baseball beatings that Brian and I decided that we would practice and then try to beat them. We hit balls to the outfield so that we could catch and hit. It was after some practice that we became fairly even in this sport as well.
I said all of that to say this, “If Brian and I had not taken the time to pick up the pieces of our failures; we would never have raised our game to the level of Doug and Wayne’s.”
Our lives are like jigsaw puzzles and baseball games; the only way that we will be successful is to pick up and fit together all of our failures and mold them into success. Jesus came to reconcile, or put together the broken pieces of failure of our lives to form a beautiful masterpiece. Will you allow God to put in some time on your life to bless the broken pieces because if you do, very shortly you will see a tapestry of failures rolled up together in success?
“The problems of puzzles are very near the problems of life.”
- Erno Rubik
June 30
Read II Timothy 4:1-5
I received an interesting call the other day. It was from someone who claimed to be a “Torah Observant” Jew. This simply meant that the New Testament is not the holy writ of God. He believed that all of the Old Testament is what dictated salvation. Today, he is still looking for the Messiah.
The recently discovered manuscript The Gospel of Judas alleges that Jesus asked Judas to betray Him. Supposedly, Jesus hoped that His death would free Him from this world of matter to become a pure spirit again.
There is a big problem with this ancient text. Judas could not have written this manuscript that bears his name, since it was written long after the time of Jesus. But because The Gospel of Judas has been newly discovered, it provides a novelty for those who like to speculate.
Proposing a fake story to replace the New Testament account is not new. Paul wrote, “The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (II Tim. 4:3-4).
There’s a trend today to look for new theories to undermine the Bible. In I Thessalonians 5, Paul told us to “test all things; hold fast what is good” (v.21). Based on the questionable content and authorship of The Gospel of Judas, we know that it’s a fable. The real gospel (good news) lies with the apostles, who walked with Jesus and wrote down His life-saving message in the New Testament.
To trust God is to trust in His holy Word. Those that would attempt to distort the gospel and the New Testament are only solidifying it by proving what the apostles wrote in admonition was accurate. Paul wrote that no one was to add or take away from the Word of God and that heaven and earth would pass, but God’s Word will never pass away. I am glad that I know His Word and that I know Him. In these last days, remember to balance all of the “new” philosophies off the Word of God because it is when the Word becomes clouded in our lives that those philosophies can take a hold of us. Remember, His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths.
“Because the New Testament provides the primary historical source for information on the resurrection, many critics during the 19th century attacked the reliability of these biblical documents... By the end of the 19th century, however, archaeological discoveries had confirmed the accuracy of the New Testament manuscripts.”
- Josh McDowell
Thursday, June 25, 2009
June 24 and 25
Read Exodus 31:1-11
A bricklayer whose brother was a famous violinist was talking with the head of the construction company where he worked. "It must be great to have a brother who is known around the world," said the executive. He quickly added, "Of course, we must accept the fact that talent isn't equally distributed—even in the same family."
"That's right," replied the bricklayer. "Why, my brother doesn't know the first thing about bricklaying. It's a good thing he can afford to pay others to build a house for him."
This story reminds us that we've each been given unique abilities by God. We have been taught a definition of the word “minister” that is incorrect. We picture one of a couple things at the church that is ministry, but being a doctor, lawyer, firemen, bricklayer, and any other career is just as much ministry as the preacher is a minister. If our motive is to glorify God and benefit others, we have no reason to be ashamed of what we do for a living. Exodus 31 tells us that God gave certain people special skills to work in gold, in silver, in cutting jewels, and in all kinds of workmanship to help build the tabernacle.
If you are a construction worker, a teacher, a trash hauler, a plumber, a doctor, a carpenter, a writer, a mechanic, a scientist, an assembly-line worker, a secretary, or any other kind of worker whose occupation contributes to the welfare of others, you have a God-honoring job. Do your job like souls depended on it because they do. The preacher will never have an effect on people if everyone didn’t touch and influence their coworkers and friends. In His sight it is an opportunity to serve Him in the place He has provided—just for you. Remember, you are one of a kind, and no one else can do the work God has for you.
“There are two kinds of talent, man-made talent and God-given talent. With man-made talent you have to work very hard. With God-given talent, you just touch it up once in a while.”
-Pearl Bailey
June 25Read Galatians 5:15-26
I read a humorous story about a man who strolled out of a hardware store with a smile on his face and a brand-new chainsaw in his hands. He was told it could cut down five big oak trees in an hour. Twenty-four hours later, however, his smile was gone. Frustrated, he was back at the store complaining that the saw would never cut five trees in an hour. "It took me all day to cut down five trees," he said.
Puzzled, the store owner stepped outside with the saw, gave the cord a swift pull, and fired up the steel-toothed beast. Its deafening roar sent the customer stumbling to get away. "What's that noise?" he gasped. Just wait, you'll get it!
It's ridiculous for someone to try to cut down trees with a chainsaw without starting it up. But that's how foolish we are as Christians when we try to live for Christ in our own strength. We get frustrated and spiritually exhausted when we try to work things out on our own terms and according to our own schedule. We fail to draw on the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us (Romans 8:9-11).
True power only comes when we are plugged into the right outlet. We are in the right outlet when our worship and praise ushers His presence to where we are and that presence is turned to pure power when we rely on Him. The source of power is always stronger at the source, rather than several circuits.
Where is your life plugged in today? Have you taken the time to plug into His desires, or are you dwelling in your own agenda? When you place yourself in the flow of His dreams for you, there is nothing in this world that can stand up to the power that will envelop you.
“Every man builds his world in his own image. He has the power to choose, but no power to escape the necessity of choice.”
- Ayn Rand
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Two for One
Read Colossians 1:9-14
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “Lamps make oil-spots and candles need snuffing; it is only the light of heaven that shines pure and leaves no stain.”
Some people may not especially enjoy poetry. But often a few lines of verse will grip our imagination, as do the following by Francis Thompson: "The innocent moon that nothing does but shine, moves all the laboring surges of the world." Here are some interesting facts in regard to the moon. The moon is nearly 240,000 miles from Earth and is only 1/400th the size of the sun. With no light or heat of its own, it reflects the radiance of that greater heavenly body. It appears to be relatively insignificant. Yet, the moon quietly and almost imperceptibly moves the oceans of the world by its gravitational pull.
Does that sound like you? Do you often feel insignificant and unimportant? Most of us may not seem all that influential or well known. We do not have the giftedness, the wealth, or the position to make much of an impact on our society. Our names do not appear in Who’s Who of America, nor is it mentioned in the newspaper, nor are they mentioned on the radio. We may clench the thought that all we can do is practice our faith in the humdrum routines of everyday life. Perhaps, though, unnoticed by us, we are having an influence on the people around us by our Christ-like attitudes and actions.
I remember a time when we stopped to pick up some food following a church service. My wife went in to pay for the food and to pick it up while I sat in the car (I know, it should have been the other way around, but then this story would not be able to be written). A man that she had never met began asking her questions. The bottom line of the conversation was that this man saw a glowing from her. It was the glory of the Lord. I do not know where that man is today, but he probably has not forgotten a young wife that was dwelling in the reflection of the Son. Like the moon, my wife at that moment in time especially was radiating a glory that was not hers, but it was the glory of the Lord reflecting from her.
You never know whom you will influence by acting like the moon and reflecting Him. Let's not be concerned, then, about our seeming lack of influence. Instead, do what Jesus commanded: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Go, enter your prayer closet and shut the door and see if even the smallest light can make a difference in the darkest night.
“The hero is one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by.”
- Felix Adler
June 23
Read John 10:28-30
The pencil. A simple, and yet, powerful instrument. I like pencils. The pencil maker spoke to the pencil just before the pencil was to be released into the world. The maker said, “There are 5 things you need to know, he told the pencil, before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.”
“First, you will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s hand. Second, you will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you will need it to become a better pencil. Third, you will be able to correct mistakes you will make. Fourth, the most important part of you will always be what is inside. Fifth, on every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.” The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.
Just like a pencil, in the hand of the right person, can do some amazing things, you too can do amazing things if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand. A pencil can make beautiful drawings in the hand of an artist. A pencil can craft amazing stories in the hand of a writer. A pencil can solve the most complex algebraic equations in the hand of a mathematician. A pencil can sketch the most perfect blueprint in the hand of an architect. A pencil can write the most touching note in the hands of a loved one.
In the hand of the Master, anything is possible. Just like a pencil has to be sharpened to become better, you can be sharpened by going through various problems and trials, but it will indeed make you a stronger person. Just like a pencil has an eraser to be able to correct mistakes, you, through the grace of God, can correct mistakes and grow through them. The blood that is applied at repentance acts as the great eraser of your life. Just like a pencil’s most important part is the lead that is inside, it is what is on the inside of you that is important. The part of you that makes you who you are is what is on the inside. Just like a pencil’s purpose is to leave its mark, you are to leave your mark wherever you go. No matter what the situation, you must continue to serve God in everything. Then you too will be ready to go out into the world and make your mark for the cause of Christ.
“We are all pencils in the hand of God.”
- Mother Teresa
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sorry, Just Catching Up!!
Read Philippians 2
To all of you fathers and men desiring to be fathers and to our spiritual fathers, Happy Father’s Day! I find it very interesting to watch my sons grow up. He takes on more and more traits of his parents. His expressions have mirrored ours, and his vocabulary has taken on many of our words. Amazingly, he even understands most of them.
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be just like my Dad. I watched the way he dealt with people, the way he played sports, and especially the way he preached. Something inside of me began to form my idea of who I was by who my father was. When I was bullied my first response was, “You don’t know my dad, do you? He used to beat people up on the ice like it was nobody’s business so you may not want to mess with me!” Needless to say, that did not impress too many people.
When I grew a little older, I realized that, as good as my father was, I needed to find my own place in this world, and more importantly, in God’s Kingdom. I began to look at what God desired for my life, and began to question and search for the example of my heavenly Father. It took me to Philippians chapter two. When Jesus was born, He wasn’t born to royalty, although He deserved to be. When He was a young boy, He did not have servants waiting on Him, although all of heaven was at His beckoned call. When He was a young man, He built furniture with His adopted father, Joseph, with the wood that He created. When His ministry began, He chose some fishermen, tax collectors and zealots for His companions. These men were hardly the ones that most others would have chosen, but Jesus saw something different in them.
That brings us to Philippians 2 where we see the man with all of heaven and earth at His disposal become a servant to you and I so that we one day would be able to reign with Him. Notice that He did not pick-and-choose whom He would serve, He served all mankind. It is very easy to serve people that we deem worthy of servitude, but it is entirely Christ-like to serve all. When I realized that Jesus was calling me to serve, I began to focus my life choices to attempt to fulfill that call. The call to serve is not only to the preacher or the teacher, but it is a call for all that want to call Jesus their heavenly Father. If you want to be like Christ, you must begin to do the things that Christ did.
Are you willing to serve the neighbor that constantly has music blaring from his home? Would you serve that family that never cleans their yard? Would you be willing to serve your employee? Your spouse? Your children? Would you be willing to serve that friend that slapped you in the face, talked about you behind your back and betrayed you to others? If not, then you will never achieve the goal of being like your daddy. The good news is that this is our aim—to be like Him. Each family can make the decision this week to try harder, and not only try, but also in the mindset of the Spirit, become more like Christ.
“My childhood should have taught me lessons for my own fatherhood, but it didn't because parenting can only be learned by people who have no children.”
- Bill Cosby
Read Genesis 11:1-9
Imagination. It is a powerful thing. It makes hot-wheels fly down the corridors of our homes. It makes little plastic elephants fill the largest of living rooms. My son even has imaginary friends. He will spend several hours playing with friends and his animals, and everything that he plays with comes to life with imagination. He rides the horse at the grocery store like he is in the Kentucky Derby.
Have you ever imagined things for God? You know, when the clouds are thick, and the tempest is strong, do you ever imagine what it would be like to have Jesus physically step into your situation? I may be an oddball, but I have to believe that everyone at one time or another must have imagined accomplishing some great feat in life, whether it is a personal business or a ministry. Have you ever imagined where you and your family would be in the future? What kind of house, job or car would you own?
There is something unique in the passage of Genesis that gives you the secret to have your imagination come to life. Notice that God had to step on the scene because the people could do whatever they imagined to do. What is it that gave them the power to accomplish a task that was actually contrary to the things of God? They wanted to make a name for themselves, and they wanted to do it on their own. God saw that they would accomplish the task without any aid from Him, and so, He confounded the tongue and the people failed to finish because of the confusion of the tongues. It is interesting to note in this passage that it is because they all spoke the same language, desired the same thing, or in our modern day vernacular, they were all on the same page.
Is that where your family is? How about your church? Are you adding to the unity of your surrounding or are you just on a different page? Everything is available to you and your family as long as you dwell in unity. What can you imagine together? What new heights can you attain together spiritually? Use your imagination and unity in Christ to bring some of those toy elephant goals and hot-wheel dreams to life.
“A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.”
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Read I Peter 1
I have used a chiropractor several times in my life. The best part of that trip is the opportunity to lie down on the table that totally massages your muscles. You lie there about 5 minutes or so, and invariably I struggle to stay awake. Well, yesterday, I was put in a room on that table and the lights were turned low so as not to be in my eyes. This room was different from the normal room I am in because there were no windows. It became dark, and when they came back into the room and turned the lights on I was blinded by the brightness.
The brightness that day must have been incredible. It was so bright that the strongest sunglasses would not have prohibited the penetration of the light’s rays. It causes man to fall to his face and bury his eyes in the ground. When Moses saw the brightness of God’s glory, he could not physically bear the brightness thereof. The most exciting part is that Moses did not see all of His glory, but only the hind parts, or the leftover parts of His glory.
Peter lets man know that there is an inheritance that is free from corruption. It is the full aspect of the brightness of the glory of God. It goes beyond our very imagination and comprehension of things that are eternal. In this life, everything has an ending. From the time of day to the end of physical life, all things bear a conclusion. Our finite minds only comprehend things that end. However, we know of three things that never end, and often, it is impossible to grasp.
God, His Word and our inheritance are the only things that will never end. What a promise. Someday soon, everything that we know will be gone, and everything will be new. All hurt, sorrow, stress and heartache will end and be replaced by a joy that we really do not even understand yet. With all of our imperfection, it goes beyond reason that we should be able to dwell with a Holy God, but through the blood of Christ, we receive our inheritance; we are able to dwell with God.
However, we often look at this passage as referring to some future event, and that is correct, for it is the primary purpose of this writing. However, we have received the earnest of our inheritance when we were born of the water and the Spirit. Therefore, we have the opportunity to dwell in the spiritual realm with God Almighty. We can boldly enter His throne room, and we can lay our petitions at His feet. What needs or desires have you refrained from asking God for because you felt unworthy to receive it? What would you ask God if you would receive it without question? Well, our inheritance allows us to ask our heavenly Father anything, and whether He says, “Yes, no, maybe or we’ll see,” we know He has heard. All of Heaven is at your beckoned call because you are a part of His family.
“Every action in our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.”
- Edwin Hubbel Chapin
Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-22
I know it is June right now. Again, I have not lost my mind. However, I am writing this in November, and the leaves are falling and the sun is setting earlier every day. I love the seasons.
Depending on where you are reading this, there are actually four distinct seasons. I grew up in the great state of Minnesota where people think that it is always cold. I beg to differ. Minnesota is one of the states that have a definite four seasons.
Growing up, I always knew that the first of March is when the snow would begin to melt and the trees would again get ready to blossom. The beginning of June is when it would begin to get warm enough to make the lake refreshing to swim in. The end of August signified that the water temperature, as well as the air temperature, was getting pretty cold, and fall would begin. November first is when you knew that winter was on its way and it would not be too long for the lake that you swam in a few months earlier would be ready to skate upon for the next few months.
Then, I lived in Missouri, and the season goes from unbearably hot to cold dampness, to ice storms, to temporary springtime air and back to hot summers. It can be hot or cold during any of those “seasons” in Missouri. Just now, the day of this writing, in November, it was 75 degrees. How can a lake ever be ready to skate on???
God created the seasons, and when He spoke, He often used natural principles to reveal spiritual reality. Just as there are four seasons in nature, there are seasons in our spiritual walk with Him. Spiritual Spring carries new blossoms and new fruit into our walk with God. This leads to the hot summers where you are “on fire” for God. Something happens and you “cool down” and then the dying of the spiritual winter.
The great Creator of the Universe designed this concept of seasons. He understands the season of our lives because He created our lives. Think of Jesus. When he was born in Bethlehem, everything was new. It was a new day in the history of mankind. Not everyone noticed, but nevertheless, it is true. Then Jesus started His ministry and everything began to “heat up”. Miracles were performed, lives were changed and disciples were formed. Then things began to “cool down”, and those that seemed to love Him began to call for His crucifixion. From the cooling of the followers, came the winter of the cross, and death followed shortly. Here is the exciting thing; winter only lasts for a short time. Christ’s winter only lasted three days, and the resurrection of the springtime happened. Then the disciples caught the summer of the spirit, and the cycle has continued to this day. What season of spiritual living are you in today?
“Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.”
- Sarah Ban Breathnach
Read I Timothy 1:1-7, 3:14-15
Daniel Webster said, “If we work upon marble it will perish. If we work upon brass time will efface it. If we rear temples, they will crumble to dust. But if we work upon men's immortal minds, if we imbue them with high principles, with the just fear of God and love of their fellow men, we engrave on those tablets something which no time can efface, and which will brighten and brighten to all eternity.”
I read a conversation a few days back. It went something like this. "My great-grandfather owned this rifle," the man said proudly. In his hand was a mint-condition rifle from the days when the pioneers were moving across the American West. I admired its beautiful walnut stock and shiny brass fittings. He said, "It came down to my grandfather, who passed it on to my father, who gave it to me. It has been in the family more than 100 years. I'm going to give it to my son when he turns 25."
Every parent wants to leave something for their children to hold onto long after they are gone. I began thinking about this because just over the desk where I am writing this is a picture that has been given to me from my grandmother. My grandmother was a very interesting woman. She could cook better than anyone I have ever known, and yet she could work in the garden all day as well. She could take care of my grandfather, their five children and then their sixteen grandchildren. I have two things of hers that I treasure. They are the picture that I referred to earlier, and a porcelain train that will forever be in my possession (at least until I can give it to my son). Heirlooms are important to us.
However, the greatest treasure she gave to me was not an object. It is something that no one can put a price tag on. In fact, if these devotions have somehow blessed you, it is due in large part to her. She gave me Jesus. More than anyone else in my life, my grandma Cele displayed Jesus Christ to me. She was my nursery Sunday School teacher. She stayed on my Dad to make sure that I was raised in the family of God. She was always checking on me, making me kiss her on the cheek every time I saw her. She crossed her finish line on September 12, 1998, my sixth wedding anniversary. At her funeral, everyone present gave her a standing ovation. It is something I will never forget.
I look at my son today, and I know that what she gave me; I can now give to him. He is a sixth generation believer. I read this passage, and I think Paul wrote to the Timothy whose last name is Sanders. Just replace Lois’ name with Cele and Eunice with Kathy, and the scripture is talking directly to me. Timothy's grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice trusted in Christ and taught Timothy to do the same. Mine did also. As you think about what you will pass on to your children and grandchildren, do not forget the example of your faith in Jesus. It's the most valuable "heirloom" of all.
“This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed.”
- Patrick Henry
To all of you fathers and men desiring to be fathers and to our spiritual fathers, Happy Father’s Day! I find it very interesting to watch my sons grow up. He takes on more and more traits of his parents. His expressions have mirrored ours, and his vocabulary has taken on many of our words. Amazingly, he even understands most of them.
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be just like my Dad. I watched the way he dealt with people, the way he played sports, and especially the way he preached. Something inside of me began to form my idea of who I was by who my father was. When I was bullied my first response was, “You don’t know my dad, do you? He used to beat people up on the ice like it was nobody’s business so you may not want to mess with me!” Needless to say, that did not impress too many people.
When I grew a little older, I realized that, as good as my father was, I needed to find my own place in this world, and more importantly, in God’s Kingdom. I began to look at what God desired for my life, and began to question and search for the example of my heavenly Father. It took me to Philippians chapter two. When Jesus was born, He wasn’t born to royalty, although He deserved to be. When He was a young boy, He did not have servants waiting on Him, although all of heaven was at His beckoned call. When He was a young man, He built furniture with His adopted father, Joseph, with the wood that He created. When His ministry began, He chose some fishermen, tax collectors and zealots for His companions. These men were hardly the ones that most others would have chosen, but Jesus saw something different in them.
That brings us to Philippians 2 where we see the man with all of heaven and earth at His disposal become a servant to you and I so that we one day would be able to reign with Him. Notice that He did not pick-and-choose whom He would serve, He served all mankind. It is very easy to serve people that we deem worthy of servitude, but it is entirely Christ-like to serve all. When I realized that Jesus was calling me to serve, I began to focus my life choices to attempt to fulfill that call. The call to serve is not only to the preacher or the teacher, but it is a call for all that want to call Jesus their heavenly Father. If you want to be like Christ, you must begin to do the things that Christ did.
Are you willing to serve the neighbor that constantly has music blaring from his home? Would you serve that family that never cleans their yard? Would you be willing to serve your employee? Your spouse? Your children? Would you be willing to serve that friend that slapped you in the face, talked about you behind your back and betrayed you to others? If not, then you will never achieve the goal of being like your daddy. The good news is that this is our aim—to be like Him. Each family can make the decision this week to try harder, and not only try, but also in the mindset of the Spirit, become more like Christ.
“My childhood should have taught me lessons for my own fatherhood, but it didn't because parenting can only be learned by people who have no children.”
- Bill Cosby
Read Genesis 11:1-9
Imagination. It is a powerful thing. It makes hot-wheels fly down the corridors of our homes. It makes little plastic elephants fill the largest of living rooms. My son even has imaginary friends. He will spend several hours playing with friends and his animals, and everything that he plays with comes to life with imagination. He rides the horse at the grocery store like he is in the Kentucky Derby.
Have you ever imagined things for God? You know, when the clouds are thick, and the tempest is strong, do you ever imagine what it would be like to have Jesus physically step into your situation? I may be an oddball, but I have to believe that everyone at one time or another must have imagined accomplishing some great feat in life, whether it is a personal business or a ministry. Have you ever imagined where you and your family would be in the future? What kind of house, job or car would you own?
There is something unique in the passage of Genesis that gives you the secret to have your imagination come to life. Notice that God had to step on the scene because the people could do whatever they imagined to do. What is it that gave them the power to accomplish a task that was actually contrary to the things of God? They wanted to make a name for themselves, and they wanted to do it on their own. God saw that they would accomplish the task without any aid from Him, and so, He confounded the tongue and the people failed to finish because of the confusion of the tongues. It is interesting to note in this passage that it is because they all spoke the same language, desired the same thing, or in our modern day vernacular, they were all on the same page.
Is that where your family is? How about your church? Are you adding to the unity of your surrounding or are you just on a different page? Everything is available to you and your family as long as you dwell in unity. What can you imagine together? What new heights can you attain together spiritually? Use your imagination and unity in Christ to bring some of those toy elephant goals and hot-wheel dreams to life.
“A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.”
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Read I Peter 1
I have used a chiropractor several times in my life. The best part of that trip is the opportunity to lie down on the table that totally massages your muscles. You lie there about 5 minutes or so, and invariably I struggle to stay awake. Well, yesterday, I was put in a room on that table and the lights were turned low so as not to be in my eyes. This room was different from the normal room I am in because there were no windows. It became dark, and when they came back into the room and turned the lights on I was blinded by the brightness.
The brightness that day must have been incredible. It was so bright that the strongest sunglasses would not have prohibited the penetration of the light’s rays. It causes man to fall to his face and bury his eyes in the ground. When Moses saw the brightness of God’s glory, he could not physically bear the brightness thereof. The most exciting part is that Moses did not see all of His glory, but only the hind parts, or the leftover parts of His glory.
Peter lets man know that there is an inheritance that is free from corruption. It is the full aspect of the brightness of the glory of God. It goes beyond our very imagination and comprehension of things that are eternal. In this life, everything has an ending. From the time of day to the end of physical life, all things bear a conclusion. Our finite minds only comprehend things that end. However, we know of three things that never end, and often, it is impossible to grasp.
God, His Word and our inheritance are the only things that will never end. What a promise. Someday soon, everything that we know will be gone, and everything will be new. All hurt, sorrow, stress and heartache will end and be replaced by a joy that we really do not even understand yet. With all of our imperfection, it goes beyond reason that we should be able to dwell with a Holy God, but through the blood of Christ, we receive our inheritance; we are able to dwell with God.
However, we often look at this passage as referring to some future event, and that is correct, for it is the primary purpose of this writing. However, we have received the earnest of our inheritance when we were born of the water and the Spirit. Therefore, we have the opportunity to dwell in the spiritual realm with God Almighty. We can boldly enter His throne room, and we can lay our petitions at His feet. What needs or desires have you refrained from asking God for because you felt unworthy to receive it? What would you ask God if you would receive it without question? Well, our inheritance allows us to ask our heavenly Father anything, and whether He says, “Yes, no, maybe or we’ll see,” we know He has heard. All of Heaven is at your beckoned call because you are a part of His family.
“Every action in our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.”
- Edwin Hubbel Chapin
Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-22
I know it is June right now. Again, I have not lost my mind. However, I am writing this in November, and the leaves are falling and the sun is setting earlier every day. I love the seasons.
Depending on where you are reading this, there are actually four distinct seasons. I grew up in the great state of Minnesota where people think that it is always cold. I beg to differ. Minnesota is one of the states that have a definite four seasons.
Growing up, I always knew that the first of March is when the snow would begin to melt and the trees would again get ready to blossom. The beginning of June is when it would begin to get warm enough to make the lake refreshing to swim in. The end of August signified that the water temperature, as well as the air temperature, was getting pretty cold, and fall would begin. November first is when you knew that winter was on its way and it would not be too long for the lake that you swam in a few months earlier would be ready to skate upon for the next few months.
Then, I lived in Missouri, and the season goes from unbearably hot to cold dampness, to ice storms, to temporary springtime air and back to hot summers. It can be hot or cold during any of those “seasons” in Missouri. Just now, the day of this writing, in November, it was 75 degrees. How can a lake ever be ready to skate on???
God created the seasons, and when He spoke, He often used natural principles to reveal spiritual reality. Just as there are four seasons in nature, there are seasons in our spiritual walk with Him. Spiritual Spring carries new blossoms and new fruit into our walk with God. This leads to the hot summers where you are “on fire” for God. Something happens and you “cool down” and then the dying of the spiritual winter.
The great Creator of the Universe designed this concept of seasons. He understands the season of our lives because He created our lives. Think of Jesus. When he was born in Bethlehem, everything was new. It was a new day in the history of mankind. Not everyone noticed, but nevertheless, it is true. Then Jesus started His ministry and everything began to “heat up”. Miracles were performed, lives were changed and disciples were formed. Then things began to “cool down”, and those that seemed to love Him began to call for His crucifixion. From the cooling of the followers, came the winter of the cross, and death followed shortly. Here is the exciting thing; winter only lasts for a short time. Christ’s winter only lasted three days, and the resurrection of the springtime happened. Then the disciples caught the summer of the spirit, and the cycle has continued to this day. What season of spiritual living are you in today?
“Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.”
- Sarah Ban Breathnach
Read I Timothy 1:1-7, 3:14-15
Daniel Webster said, “If we work upon marble it will perish. If we work upon brass time will efface it. If we rear temples, they will crumble to dust. But if we work upon men's immortal minds, if we imbue them with high principles, with the just fear of God and love of their fellow men, we engrave on those tablets something which no time can efface, and which will brighten and brighten to all eternity.”
I read a conversation a few days back. It went something like this. "My great-grandfather owned this rifle," the man said proudly. In his hand was a mint-condition rifle from the days when the pioneers were moving across the American West. I admired its beautiful walnut stock and shiny brass fittings. He said, "It came down to my grandfather, who passed it on to my father, who gave it to me. It has been in the family more than 100 years. I'm going to give it to my son when he turns 25."
Every parent wants to leave something for their children to hold onto long after they are gone. I began thinking about this because just over the desk where I am writing this is a picture that has been given to me from my grandmother. My grandmother was a very interesting woman. She could cook better than anyone I have ever known, and yet she could work in the garden all day as well. She could take care of my grandfather, their five children and then their sixteen grandchildren. I have two things of hers that I treasure. They are the picture that I referred to earlier, and a porcelain train that will forever be in my possession (at least until I can give it to my son). Heirlooms are important to us.
However, the greatest treasure she gave to me was not an object. It is something that no one can put a price tag on. In fact, if these devotions have somehow blessed you, it is due in large part to her. She gave me Jesus. More than anyone else in my life, my grandma Cele displayed Jesus Christ to me. She was my nursery Sunday School teacher. She stayed on my Dad to make sure that I was raised in the family of God. She was always checking on me, making me kiss her on the cheek every time I saw her. She crossed her finish line on September 12, 1998, my sixth wedding anniversary. At her funeral, everyone present gave her a standing ovation. It is something I will never forget.
I look at my son today, and I know that what she gave me; I can now give to him. He is a sixth generation believer. I read this passage, and I think Paul wrote to the Timothy whose last name is Sanders. Just replace Lois’ name with Cele and Eunice with Kathy, and the scripture is talking directly to me. Timothy's grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice trusted in Christ and taught Timothy to do the same. Mine did also. As you think about what you will pass on to your children and grandchildren, do not forget the example of your faith in Jesus. It's the most valuable "heirloom" of all.
“This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed.”
- Patrick Henry
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Recipe for an Anointing
Read Exodus 30:22-30
I do not like to cook. I am not very good at cooking (unless macaroni and cheese out of a box counts). However, I do like to eat. In fact, I LOVE to eat. I eat just about any kind of food with the exception of spicy food. I have found out in all of my years that food that is not cooked according to a certain recipe (unless it was mom’s) was not consistently good. Certainly, if you leave out the sugar, and the right amount at that, the sugar cookie does not taste quite right.
Well, there is a recipe for an anointing, and it is found in the oil that was used to anoint the things of the tabernacle in the Old Testament. If we are willing to “cook” our lives with this recipe we can be saturated with God’s anointing.
The first ingredient was Liquid Myrrh. Myrrh was used to prepare bodies for burial. In order to get its beautiful sweetness it had to be crushed. Myrrh speaks of death. There is no anointing without death. If we want to know God’s anointing, we have to die to ourselves. Die to the old person that we once were. Die to our own agenda - our own desires and dreams, anything not born of God. If we are going to depend on God, we have to die to our own abilities and resources. If we do not come to this place of dying to ourselves on our own, then God may have to bring "crushing" circumstances into our lives to bring us to the place where we will die. Do not despise the crushing that God allows into your life.
The second ingredient was Sweet Cinnamon. Cinnamon was used for flavor, and it gave off a very pleasant smell. Its fragrance was beautiful in the Tabernacle because it counteracted the stench of the animal sacrifices. Cinnamon speaks of sweetness. If you want God to pick you up and anoint you to use you, there has to be sweetness about your life.
The third ingredient was Sweet-smelling Cane (or calamus). The Calamus plant grows in miry soil. To get this plant to smell you had to beat it. The more you beat it the better the aroma. Again, God’s anointing is able to increase in your life the more you pass through the school of hard knocks, and God is able to fashion your character.
The fourth ingredient was Cassia. This spice grows only at elevations above 8000 feet. You have got to get up on the mountain to get it. If you desire God’s anointing you have have to reach up to the heights. Get on the mountain with God. There is no shortcut to the anointing - we have got to pray, seek God, study, love and work. Jesus lived in the anointing of the Spirit - and for that He maintained a close walk with the Father in prayer at all times.
Finally, all the ingredients were mixed with olive oil. Now look at the picture we have here. All these ingredients mingled together with a bottle of oil produced the anointing compound that was called “holy”. Watch now … the Lord will combine all the good and difficult things in your life with the oil of His Holy Spirit. A sweet anointing will form in you, and He will be able to use you in incredible ways. Are you ready for an anointing?
“The human body experiences a powerful gravitational pull in the direction of hope. That is why the patient's hopes are the physician's secret weapon. They are the hidden ingredients in any prescription.”
- Norman Cousins
Monday, June 15, 2009
Happy New Year's Day!!
Read Genesis 1:1-31
It is the only night of the year that I stayed up all night. Most of the church people were going to be at our house by noon and would not leave until very late. The kitchen would have the aroma of all kinds of food, and mom would be busy making sure everyone had enough to eat. New Year’s Day was that way at the Sanders’ home. Dad would have me outside the week before making sure the hockey rink was all ready for everybody. There was one particular man (who will go unmentioned here) that always seemed to show up several hours before everyone else (and before he was supposed to), but it was perfect for me because I could start the day right away.
I love January 1. It is probably the most exciting day of the year for me. The reason is because it is a New Year. New dreams. New ideas. New goals. New interests. There is something about the turning of a calendar that intrigues even the most stoic person. There just seems to be a breath of fresh air that enters the lungs and fills the soul with new hope for the New Year. We hold to this annual song of hope that things will not only be different than the previous year, but also better.
Genesis 1:1 states that “In the beginning God created…” and there is something that excites the spirit of man that before all circumstance and worldly entities, God had a hand in their creation. Although man has perverted the use of the things that God created, there was nothing until God did create. God created all that there is and so it is vital for everyone to realize that if God created everything, He can fix anything. If your life was filled with chaos last year, He can calm the New Year. If your life was filled with heartache last year, He is able to speak from creation and heal, from the smallest to the greatest of hurts. If your family seemed detached or dysfunctional last year, He is able to pull together the frayed pieces into a cohesive family unit. No matter what took place last year, God is standing at your door knocking, and if you allow Him, He will enter and make all things new.
Does this devotion seem to be out of place? I probably should have had this one for January 1, not June 15. I thought the same thing until I thought of Lamentations 3:22-23, “[It is of] the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. [They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness.” Did you catch that? Mercy and compassion are new everyday. Today is New Year’s Day. What is even more exciting is tomorrow is New Year’s Day. When I think about it, my favorite day of the year happens every morning. What happened yesterday is over and you have the opportunity for a brand new start today.
So the question becomes, “What will you do for God if you know you can try all over again tomorrow?” Bill Cosby said it this way, “In order to succeed, your desire for success must be greater than your fear of failure.” Give it a shot today because tomorrow is a brand new day.
“Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day.”
- Dalai Lama
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Involved or Committed?
Read John 1:38-51
“The difference between "involvement" and "commitment" is like an eggs-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was "involved"--the pig was "committed".” This saying by an unknown source seems to understand very well what is required of you and me as Christians.
The silence could have had several sources: hesitation, fear, confusion or caution. “Will you marry me?” Bobby had asked and then his heart stopped as he searched her eyes for a clue.
Terri knew the answer but still paused. You see, for the rest of their lives, people would ask how he had proposed and what she had said…Terri wanted her line to be memorable, witty and unique. Since nothing clever came to mind, she opted for something committal: She said, “Yes.”
I remember my proposal. It was going to be powerful. I had everything planned. It was going to be perfect. Then my wife-to-be did not show up for work. A wrench was quickly thrown into all of my plans. She missed out. Instead, I took her to dinner, and tried to surprise her, and failed miserably. I ended up simply asking her in the front seat of the Jeep Cherokee we happened to be driving that night. THANK GOD, she said yes. I was certain of the answer, and yet, there was that anxiousness for her to say yes.
We often respond to God with the same silence. He issues to us a personal invitation, “Follow Me. I promise to give you My all. Will you simply give Me your life?” We feel His invitation echo in our souls. Still, we pause. Our silence can have several sources: hesitation, fear, confusion, and caution. Our pause often reflects a desire for more information, more answers or more time. “I am not ready yet. Or, later, but not now. Are You entirely trustworthy?” “I am afraid I could not live up to Your expectations. Will You take things away from me or send me where I do not want to go?” The truth is God has a better record of faithfulness, gentleness, care, and commitment than any human we have ever said, “Yes” to! Yet, we still pause.
I would like to think God had the same thoughts that I had when I proposed. I think when he called me, He knew what my answer would be, but that excitement to hear me say yes welled up in Him. Like a gentleman, God waits for our response, knowing that the sooner we say, “Yes” the sooner He can begin to bring us new life. Pausing may seem to buy us more time. In reality, pausing only delays healing and deepens pain. God’s invitation gently echoes in our souls. He invites us to follow, to forgive, to release, to risk and to believe. His pierced heart patiently longs to hear us say, “Yes.”
“Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”
- Mario Andretti
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Will You Yield?
Read Romans 8:1-11
Have you ever been around a “control freak”? You know who I’m talking about. That person that has to have his/her hands in everything and nothing can be accomplished without it being their idea. The one that believes it is all in their power, intellect and good looks that they have arrived where they have landed. There was a lady named Sally (not her really name) that suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease. She was asked what lessons God was teaching her as she dealt with this difficult and debilitating disease. Her immediate response was, "Loss of control."
Sally had always been a highly organized, independent person whose corporate job involved long hours and frequent travel. Now she had to depend on others for everything from getting dressed to brushing her teeth. Unable to move her arms or legs, she had control over only what she thought and what she said. She knew that soon she would even lose her power of speech. "I used to stress over my job," she said, "and never really gave it to the Lord. Now, with almost all control gone, I can stress about my physical limitations or surrender it to Christ."
What would it take for God to teach some of us about losing control? Would it take what Sally dealt with, or are we more yielding to God than that? The question facing each of us is, "Will I retain control of my life or yield it to the Lord today?" To live only for what I want is to be controlled by the sinful nature. Paul said that this leads to death, "but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:6). We need to be yielded to Him because He will not force His will upon you. He will use any means necessary to teach you and draw you to Him, but He will never force you to yield. There are people that just cannot let go of their life because they cannot or will not trust that He will take care of them. My question is, “Is it better to yield now or later?”
There will come a day in everyone’s life where they will yield their life. I pray today that you will yield yours today. Please do not wait until your life is taken from you to yield, but “crucify yourself” with Christ and just watch how wonderful your yielded life will become. To one degree or another, we will all lose control of our lives as we grow older. Yielding control to God is a choice we can make every day—starting today. True freedom comes not from choosing our way, but from yielding to God's way.
“Mine are the deep-seated fears established when we are children, and they never quite go away: the fear of being helpless, the fear of being trapped, the fear of being out of control.”
- Virginia C. Andrews
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