Advent: A Time of Preparation

Scripture:

Matthew 24:36-44"But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven's angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.

37-39"The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah's. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing—until the flood hit and swept everything away.

39-44"The Son of Man's Arrival will be like that: Two men will be working in the field—one will be taken, one left behind; two women will be grinding at the mill—one will be taken, one left behind. So stay awake, alert. You have no idea what day your Master will show up. But you do know this: You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break-in. Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up.

Observation:

In this passage, Jesus is describing for his disciples what the second coming will be like. He is warning them that there are a great many people who will claim to know the date and time but no one does except for the Father. He is also urging them to stay vigilant and prepared for the time. You don't know when, but you do know that it is going to happen and here he is warning them and us to stay prepared.

Application:

As we enter into this time of Advent (a time of preparation for the birth of Christ), Christians should also be taking inventory of our lives and asking the question are we ready for the second coming of Christ. We don't know when it is and that not knowing leads to complacent living. It's not something we think about on a day to day basis. We go on with our lives and give very little thought to the Words of Christ.

So, this morning I am writing on my bathroom mirror in dry erase marker the following question: "What if Christ came back today, would I be ready?" By reminding myself of that question, I hope to become more aware of what I do, how I do it, and to make sure it brings glory to Christ.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me to live life to the fullest for your glory. All to often we get so self centered on what is best for us and we begin to make decisions and that are not the ones you would have us to make. We begin living our lives for ourselves and not for you. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon and give us the stength, passion and desire to be prepared for your return. In Christ. Amen

Evangelism

Tuesday night at The Bridge Bible Study (we call it a "Bridge Group"), I challenged the members of the group to pray a prayer every morning. I told them to pray that God would put someone in their path who they could talk to; witness to; share with; or pray with. I also told them they would be amazed at the people who would be placed on their path.

The next night, we had our first community event at a local coffeeshop. The coffeehouse is normally closed on Wednesday nights because the owner is a pastor at a small Baptist church, but he agreed to keep it open so we could have our event. His employee even placed a sign on the door that stated they were "Closed Due to a Private Party". When I noticed the sign, I asked the employee to take it down because "you never know who may just wander in" and she obliged my request.

As we began the presentation on the new church, a gentleman walks in and is greeted by one of our core team. He is polite but states he is not there for our meeting and just wanted a cup of coffee. Our Core Team Member was very gracious to him and invited him in. He sat right behind the screen and was approximately 6 feet from where I was speaking. I gave my testimony and told how I was raised in church, but there came a time when I kicked God out of my life completely. I wanted to do life on my on and from a worldly perspective, I did very well and yet I was completely empty inside. I continued to tell how the only way that I found to fill the hole in my life was to invite Christ back into it. All the time, this gentleman is sitting in the coffeehouse.

After the presentation, I was answering questions from the others who had come to the gathering in order to learn more about The Bridge and I noticed another one of our Core Team Members gathering some coffeecups that had the Bridge logo on them and were filled with candy and taking them to those who had come in (including the gentleman behind the screen). Our team member said, "We're a new church just starting in the area and we're glad you're here tonight. Everything you ordered is on the house, compliments of the Bridge and we also would like to give you this coffeemug." He politely slide the coffee mug back to the team member and said, "No thanks, I'm an Atheist." Our Core Team Member replied, "That's okay, we're still glad you're here and you can still have the coffee mug."

After everyone had left, the team member came and told our group what had happened and he said, "I prayed that prayer this morning and I didn't know God was going to place an Atheist in my path right off the bat!" Yet, one of his first experiences of sharing the grace of Christ was to an Atheist and he came away with all his fingers, toes, and no blood was spilled. As we aggressively reach out to people with the radical hospitality of Jesus Christ and as we sincerely pray that God will place people in our paths to share the Greatest Story Ever Told, we can expect to be reaching to those most people would not reach to. I believe with all my heart that there was a reason the Atheist was at a coffeehouse (that is normally closed) with a bunch of Jesus freaks! I believe that a seed was planted that night. We may never see the growth of that seed and it may not have been our seed that caused an openness of her heart to happen. It may take ten or twenty more seeds to be planted. Sometimes, we may be blessed to plant a seed, water it, nurture it and cultivate it as growth takes place and we can rejoice when that happens. However, there are going to be numerous occasions where we plant a seed and thats all we have the opportunity to do.

What Happens when we live God's Way?

Scripture: Galatians 5: 22-23But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Observation: Paul was writing this letter in an explanation of the faith to the church of Galatia. He was using these chapter to talk abou their individual lives and how to live in the faith. So many people today have a distorted view of what it means to live in faith. I have even known some people who believe if they go to church every Sunday, they are faithful people and yet the rest of the week is not taken into account. Paul goes on to talk about the freedom that is found in our faith. Not a freedom to do whatever we want to do, but a freedom from those things that keep distance between us and God. We are free from the sins of the world and they don't have control over us.

Application: The greatest gift that God gives us when we live God's way is true life itself. As we begin to follow the ways of God life explodes with affection for others and and excitement about life. Life truly is good even in the worst of times. Following God does not mean that there is not going to be tough times and that everything is going to be perfect from here own out, but it means that we are not alone and we will be given grace to help us through any situation. We become different people than we are today. We become someone who focuses on others more than ourselves. We become selfless instead of selfish. Its the most wonderful feeling in life. Try it, you'll like it.

Prayer; Most gracious God, you have changed my life in so many ways. Where I once was wandering aimlessly and living life solely for myself, you gave me direction and meaning. The things that I once thought were so important have lost their control on my life. I have found freedom and it is wonderful. I thank you for your love and grace and I thank you for your son who made all this possible, Jesus. It is in his name I pray...Amen

Scripture:

Mark 12:28-34 One of the religion scholars came up. Hearing the lively exchanges of question and answer and seeing how sharp Jesus was in his answers, he put in his question: "Which is most important of all the commandments?"
Jesus said, "The first in importance is, 'Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.' And here is the second: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' There is no other commandment that ranks with these."

The religion scholar said, "A wonderful answer, Teacher! So lucid and accurate—that God is one and there is no other. And loving him with all passion and intelligence and energy, and loving others as well as you love yourself. Why, that's better than all offerings and sacrifices put together!"

When Jesus realized how insightful he was, he said, "You're almost there, right on the border of God's kingdom." After that, no one else dared ask a question.

Observation:

Let's cut to the chase...What is the greatest commandment. I want to make sure I do that one. In the Jewish faith, there are many, many commandments. So for this scholar to come and ask which one was the most important says this was a man who was cutting through all the other stuff to focus on what was most important. In life, there are so many things that have importance placed upon them and the church and religion is no different. Is it important to go to church every Sunday? Yes! But is it the most important? No or else Jesus would have answered "Go to church every Sunday" What has happened is that we have empowered church attendance and many other things with being Christian and that's way off base. I heard someone say,(just this morning) that sitting in a church makes me no more a Christian than sitting in my garage makes me a car. So what sets us apart as Christians? 2 things: Love God and Love our Neighbor.

Application:

Although these two things seem to be extremely easy, they are not! They are extremely hard. To love God with all your heart mind and soul means placing God before all else in our lives and that's not easy. We so often want to place even ourselves ahead of God. In order to place God first that means sacrifice and as humans sacrifice does not come naturally. It's something that we have to work at. There's an old saying that it's a lot easier to say than to do and that is certainly true in this case.

Loving others as we love ourselves is equally as hard because this is calling us to love even those we don't like very much. It calls us to love those who are not like us, who dress differently, who look different, talk different, live in a different way than we do. It's those people whom we want to critize and to judge, yet we are not called to critize and to judge...we are called to love them as much as we love ourselves. This is a prime example of Jesus calling his disciples way out of the box. Why are we called to do this? Because it is what Christ has done.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, what you have called us to do is extremely hard and difficult. To love you in a sacrificial way does not come naturally to me and it's something that I have to work at. I have a desire to put myself first always and to do what is best for me according to the ways of the world. However, what is best for me is your will and that is almost always contrary to the ways of the world. Help me to remember that you are desiring for me to become more Christlike and showing me the way to love in a way that leads to perfection. Yet, I can't do that without your grace. Please continue to pour it upon me as I struggle to become more like your Son and my Savior in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Letting Go and Letting God

Scripture: Mark 8:16-21

Meanwhile, the disciples were finding fault with each other because they had forgotten to bring bread. Jesus overheard and said, "Why are you fussing because you forgot bread? Don't you see the point of all this? Don't you get it at all? Remember the five loaves I broke for the five thousand? How many baskets of leftovers did you pick up?" They said, "Twelve."

"And the seven loaves for the four thousand—how many bags full of leftovers did you get?" "Seven."

He said, "Do you still not get it?"

Observation:

In the short passages leading up to this exchange, Jesus had cured a deaf and mute guy, cast a demon out of a girl, and fed a multitude of thousands with just 7 loaves. Yet, his disciples...those who were the closest to him...those who had seen it all still looked to their own resources and their own selves to provide what they needed. This caused them to be destracted and even to find fault with one another when every thing they needed was found in the Christ sitting right there with them.

Application:

How many times as Christians have we seen the work of the Lord. We have witnessed his greatness and placed our faith in him. Yet, we still want to do it ourselves. We try to "fix" things or manipulate things so they go our way and so often that takes our eyes, our attention off of whats important.

Christ asked the disciples that day, "Do you still not get it?" and I believe he is still asking that question today. We're in some pretty good company with the disciples, but I for one still don't get it most days. Christ is going to provide everything we need to be the disciples he has called us to be. He doesn't want us to "fix" or be self prepared for every situation. He wants us to rely on his strength to be able to deal with what ever may come our way. To be totally committed to him and relying on him for everything. That's hard to do, but Christ will not disappoint.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, it's so hard to "let go and let God". I have something inside me that tells me I am the master of my universe and if I want it done right, I've got to do it myself. But you tell me to put my faith in you. You are the great counselor, the great physician and the great creator and you love me more than anyone or anything. Give me the strength and the faith to be able to fully place my trust in you in all things. Help me to remember that you are God and that nothing happens without you knowing. Continue to guide me in the ways that you would have me to go.

In Christ,
Amen

"You're Interested in Religion, I'm Interested in People"

Scripture:

Zechariah 7:1 On the fourth day of the ninth month, in the fourth year of the reign of King Darius, God's Message again came to Zechariah. 2-3The town of Bethel had sent a delegation headed by Sarezer and Regem-Melech to pray for God's blessing and to confer with the priests of the Temple of God-of-the-Angel-Armies, and also with the prophets. They posed this question: "Should we plan for a day of mourning and abstinence next August, the seventieth anniversary of Jerusalem's fall, as we have been doing all these years?" 4-6God-of-the-Angel-Armies gave me this Message for them, for all the people and for the priests: "When you held days of fasting every fifth and seventh month all these seventy years, were you doing it for me? And when you held feasts, was that for me? Hardly. You're interested in religion, I'm interested in people.

Observation:

All through out Scripture, God makes religion personal. It's about relationship and here God is reinforcing that theme.

Application:

From the beginning of the Bible, God has desired a relationship with humanity. Yet, through our brokenness, we have worked to destroy that relationship. As a new church plant, I have had people tell me that we were not doing church right. I beleive they mean that we are not religious enough and if that is the case, I say "praise God". At my current church, our contemporary service has been referred to as "Christianity Lite". Is it different? YES! Does it have a different focus...Possibly. Our focus is to facilitate a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I have found that for many of the generations, we have to meet them where they are in life. Kinda like Jesus did. Jesus met people by the sea where they worked and offered to make them fishers of men. He hung out by the wells where people would come to gather their water and he offered them living water.
I heard a story of a church who started a Bible study at Hooters! Why did they do that...because that's where a great many men were gathering and they thought it would be a great place to share Jesus. I spend a great deal of my office time in Starbucks and other local coffeehouses. Why do I do this...because I have found very few people who don't go to the church where I pastor walking down the halls in the middle of the day. However, it's amazing how many people who don't go to church that I meet at the coffeehouse. I as in a local coffee house the other day when 5 ladies walked in with their Bibles and guess what? They began having a Bible study right there in the middle of the coffee house. I thought to myself what a witness that was! Then I asked myself, why aren't there more Bible studies being done in coffeehouses? They are after all the "wells" of he 21st century. What a way to reach people where they are. Where did we as a Church decide on he motto "if you build it they will come"? Somewhere along the line we have gotten the false notion that people who need Christ need to come to us instead of us going to them. I believe we will have to answer that question one day.

Don't Worry; Be Happy

Scripture:
Luke 12:25-28"Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can't even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?

29-32"What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.

Observation:

Jesus has told a parable about a farmer who has such a great year that his barn will not hold all the crop harvested and so in such great excitement, he builds multiple barns. He even goes as far as planning his retirement and living the good life from hear on out. Then God shows up and tells the man he is going to die that night. Then Christ turns his attention to his disciples and begins to talk to them about fussing before the mirror. Did the disciples worry about retirement? Were they preoccupied with storing up for a rainy day and missing out? I do.

Application:

It's part of human nature to be worried about tomorrow. There is something in us that makes us want to be in control and to be in control, we must have some sort of control over the future. Our control comes from our wallet. Do we have enough for retirement. What happens if I get sick? What if my child needs something? What if the car breaks down? I find myself worring about things such as that all the time and Jesus is right...God knows all these things. Certainly God wants us to prepare for our furture lives. However and most of all, God wants us to put our faith in Him. So many times we put too much faith in ourselves and our solutions and God ends up being a footnote.

For me, I have to ask myself really hard questions that go something like this..."Do I trust God enough to take care of me and do my action so it?" "Why do I spend so much time in worry about things that are really out of my control? Shouldn't I find relaxation in that our God is so big and powerful and has all the hairs on my head counted (no matter how many or few).

So the big question becomes, what am I going to do about it? I am going to give a big worry over to God. I'm going to do everything in my control to prepare, but then I'm giving it to God. No more worry. The worry is stealing my happiness.

Prayer:

O God, you are so great and I am so small. I do find great comfort in knowing that you are all powerful and there is nothing on this earth that you can't handle. So Lord, this morning I come bearing my baggage. The stuff that has been holding me back, stealing my joy and bringing me worrry and sleepless nights. I give it to you and I trust in you that you have a better grasp on the reality of my life than I do. Thank you. Amen

Popularity Contest

Scripture:
Luke: 6:26"There's trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular."

Observation:
Jesus had been on the mountain praying and as he came down, he was surrounded by his disciples and a crowd began to gather. Those who were looking to be healed, to hear him speak, to touch him. The words above are among the words he spoke to them that day. So man lived for the approval of someone in the higher class than they were in. Often times, their approval could be the difference between feeding a family or even life or death. At the very least, the approval of someone in a class higher than one's own meant some prestige or power. It still does today.

Application:
Even in ministry, it's very easy to fall into this trap. Most of us don't like conflict and want everyone to get along. But even more than that, if everyone can't get along with each other, we just want to be liked by all. Life seems easier when everyone likes you. It's a fact. However, it always comes to an end. You can't have the aproval of everyone all the time. I just did a Strength's Finder and one of my strengths is Belief. The strength assessment said that those with this strength have core values that set their direction. These beliefs have served me well in my life. They have set the course for and helped me not to live flattering and indulging others. I have also found that it is okay not to be popular and there are times when it seems no one likes you. The reality of the Christian faith is that it leads to a hill called Golgatha and a cross. If it was true for Jesus, why would we think it would be any different for us. However, it does not stop on that hill, but continues on Easter Sunday morning with the resurrection. So, live like there is no death and be true to your task of sharing the Gospel.

Prayer:
Lord, our human nature desires for this life to be easy and to be liked by everyone. Yet, that leads to compromise and most often leads to a compromise of how you would have us to live. What ou have called us to do...the path that you lead us down is not an easy one and one that there is no way we could travel without you. So, continue to lead me and guide me. Continue to give me the strength that I need to do our will no matter what the cost. Amen

It's Your Life That Counts

Scripture: Luke 3:7-9

When crowds of people came out for baptism because it was the popular thing to do, John exploded: "Brood of snakes! What do you think you're doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to deflect God's judgment? It's your life that must change, not your skin. And don't think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as 'father.' Being a child of Abraham is neither here nor there—children of Abraham are a dime a dozen. God can make children from stones if he wants. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire."

Observation:

The people in this scripture were doing what everyone else was doing...getting baptized. Not because of a change in their heart or because the Holy Spirit touched them, but because it was the "in" thing to do. John blasted them by saying do you think a little water is going to help you? It's you life that must change, not you skin.

Application:

The comes a time in our lives that we realize that something is missing...that something is just not quite right. We realize that we are sinners, a broken people who live in a broken world and we can't change it. We don't have what it takes to be whole on our own. When we realize this and ask for the forgiveness of Christ, we receieve a grace that is justifing. We're not worthy on our own but through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are made worthy. At this time, our goal becomes to strive for Christian perfection. To be more like Jesus. To live a life like Jesus. To love others as we love ourselves and to love God with all our heart, mind and soul. That takes life change. It doesn't come over night and each day we work toward that goal. Often times changing ever so slightly but yet still changing

While the grace of Christ is free, unmerieted and undeserved...the grace flowing upon us changes us and allows us to be more like Christ. It does not allow us to sit back and watch tv. This grace allows us to be disciples and to love others in the ways that Christ loved them. It causes us to get out of our comfort zones and do things that we would not have normally done and go places we would not have normally gone. Christianity is not a spectator sport where we watch the game on the field in the comfort of the stands, but where we get into the mud and muck of peoples lives to share with them our story of how God has changed our life.

Prayer:

Most precious God, you have loved me in such grand style. Even before I knew of your love for me, it was poured out abundently upon my head. As I grew and became away of your Son Jesus and what he did for me, I asked for forgiveness and once again, grace was poured out abundently. Now, Lord, I am walking toward Christ. Each day trying to be more like Him. Some days, I stumble and fall way short, but I keep trying. Lord, grant me strenght and a passion to be more like Christ each and every day.

Knowing More Than God

Scripture
Jeremiah 42:1-3 All the army officers, led by Johanan son of Kareah and Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, accompanied by all the people, small and great, came to Jeremiah the prophet and said, "We have a request. Please listen. Pray to your God for us, what's left of us. You can see for yourself how few we are! Pray that your God will tell us the way we should go and what we should do."
4Jeremiah the prophet said, "I hear your request. And I will pray to your God as you have asked. Whatever God says, I'll pass on to you. I'll tell you everything, holding nothing back."

5-6They said to Jeremiah, "Let God be our witness, a true and faithful witness against us, if we don't do everything that your God directs you to tell us. Whether we like it or not, we'll do it. We'll obey whatever our God tells us. Yes, count on us. We'll do it."

7-8Ten days later God's Message came to Jeremiah. 9-12He then spoke: "This is the Message from God, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your prayer. He says, 'If you are ready to stick it out in this land, I will build you up and not drag you down, I will plant you and not pull you up like a weed. I feel deep compassion on account of the doom I have visited on you. You don't have to fear the king of Babylon. Your fears are for nothing. I'm on your side, ready to save and deliver you from anything he might do. I'll pour mercy on you. What's more, he will show you mercy! He'll let you come back to your very own land.'

13-17"But do not say, 'We're not staying around this place,' refusing to obey the command of your God and saying instead, 'No! We're off to Egypt, where things are peaceful—no wars, no attacking armies, plenty of food. We're going to live there.' If what's left of Judah is headed down that road, then listen to God's Message. This is what God-of-the-Angel-Armies says: 'If you have determined to go to Egypt and make that your home, then the very wars you fear will catch up with you in Egypt and the starvation you dread will track you down in Egypt. You'll die there! Every last one of you who is determined to go to Egypt and make it your home will either be killed, starve, or get sick and die. No survivors, not one! No one will escape the doom that I'll bring upon you.'

Observation:

The people found themselves in a situation that was not good and the had asked Jeremiah to pray and get some answers. Just get us some answers and we will do what ever God tells us to do. God heard the prayers of Jeremiah and he asnwered those prayers with some pretty specific advice. "Stick it out in this land, I will build you up." God told them, you don't have anything to worry about. I'm on your side and will save and deliver you. But you can't go back to Egypt. Stay here in the midst of turmoil and I've got your back. Go to Egypt where things are peaceful and you will die there.

Application:

God gave some pretty specific instructions in this prayer. He didn't beat around the bush, cut corners and leave anyone guessing as to what was meant. God wanted these people to stay where they were and depend upon Him. Yet they thought they knew better than God...especially when God's Word was not what they wanted to hear. That is so often the case with humanity. We seek the guidance of God as long as God leads us in the direction we want to go. As long as everything is pleasant, we enjoy following and desire to follow God. Yet, when things go extremely bad (the times we need to depend on God the most) we want to handle them our own way; we want control of the situation. I believe some of this comes from our wanting to be in control, but I think more of it comes from a lack of trust that God will do what is best for us. Of course, we often times have a difference of opinion with God in what is best for ourselves and we often choose to do it our way.

In our relationship with God, we are going to find ourselves in situations where we have to trust in God and it's probably not going to make sense to the rest of the world (it may not make sense to you). I can't help but to think about Noah building this great big boat in the middle of the desert and the ridicule, torment, laughter and doubt that must have crept into his mind. Yet he trusted God, suffered through the laughter and continued building. Time and time again, there are instances in the Bible of people who have been put out there and all they had was their trust in God and God NEVER failed them.

Prayer:

Gracious and loving God. You have so much in store for our lives and so many adventures to take us on. Some will be hard and test our trust in you. Some will not make any sense and we will have an urge to do things our own way...the way that makes sense to us, usually the easist least painful way. But through those tough, hard times, we find ourselves being drawn closer to you. We find our relationship growing closer and stronger. So Lord, I ask that you help me resist the urge to do things my own way and to think that I know more than You. Help my trust to deepen in you. In Christ. Amen

Love

SCRIPTURE: 1 John 4: 7-10My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can't know him if you don't love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God.

OBSERVATION: Here we see the reference to loving neighbor and loving God. A theme that is repeated throughout the New Testament. Love is the greatest gift ever given to humanity. It is through Gods love that He sent Jesus. It is through God's love that we have prevenient, justifying, and sanctifing grace. And it is through love that we expereince a relationship with God.

APPLICATION: As Christians we are called to love each other and it is through that love for others that our love for God is made real. To perfectly love God, we have to perfectly love others and yet...we are not perfect. We are far from it. So, how do we love others in a way that would be pleasing to God? Day by Day, little by little. It is a process and we are not going to get there overnight. It's called santification and it takes time. It also takes us putting forth some effort. I believe that while we do nothing to earn God's love; God's prevenient and Justifying grace and these onl come through his love...we do have a role to play in the growing to be Christ like. The role includes Bible study, prayer, fasting, and all the other means of grace. It also includes building of relationships. It means growing in our love toward one another and it is through that love for others in which our love for God manifest itself.

PRAYER: O God, help me to love and to grow in my love for others today and each day this week. Help me to focus specifically on ways that I can demonstrate my love for others. In Christ, Amen

Doom to the Shepherds

Scripture Jeremiah 23:1-4 "Doom to the shepherd-leaders who butcher and scatter my sheep!" God's Decree. "So here is what I, God, Israel's God, say to the shepherd-leaders who misled my people: 'You've scattered my sheep. You've driven them off. You haven't kept your eye on them. Well, let me tell you, I'm keeping my eye on you, keeping track of your criminal behavior. I'll take over and gather what's left of my sheep, gather them in from all the lands where I've driven them. I'll bring them back where they belong, and they'll recover and flourish. I'll set shepherd-leaders over them who will take good care of them. They won't live in fear or panic anymore. All the lost sheep rounded up!' God's Decree." The Message

Observation: Those who have been chose to be the shepherds of the sheep of God have an incredible responsibility to take care of those sheep. Misleading, scatering and driving them off is not what God has called them to do. He even ranks this as criminal behavior. God cares so much for his sheep that he will bring them back where they belong and nurse them back to health and recovery. All the lost sheep rounded up!

Application: I can't help but to think of the current situation in our denomination when I read this. In our conference there are 863 and it is my understanding that over 200 of those churches have less than 20 people. I believe there are 3 kinds of people. 1. Those who are on the discipleship path. They are growing in their faith, have a group of people who love and care for them and are being trained, encouraged, and empowered to reach others for Christ. These people go through tough trials of life and suffer but they have an excellent foundation of faith and also of faithful people who love, care and hold them accountable.

2. There are those who go to church, sit on the pew every Sunday, but are not growing. Those who will tell you they have faith, but you can't see it anywhere. Some have no passion for any growth and some have a desire for more, but in their faith infancy, they don't know how to get it and the church they are attending is not teaching them in a way that impacts their life. There is little accountablity, caring as long as it doesn't involve more than a covered dish, and belonging as long as it is never gets beyond social.

3. There are those who don't go to church at all or at the most on Christmas and Easter. Most have a somewhat elementary understanding of the Gospel, but have not made it applicable to their life. The are wandering and struggling through this life often times wondering if this is all there is. In many cases, these people have been hurt by organized religion and washed their hands of it. Often, they have at one time in their life truly been on the path to discovering what God had in store for them but were turned away by a "mature Christian".

In this passage, there is a warning to those of us how are shepherds (pastor's, laity, and all those in between). We have a responsibility to take care of our sheep. Taking care of our sheep means helping them to get closer to God as they travel down this road of life. It means giving them the tools they need, encouragment, accountablility, mentorship, be an example so that they can become all they can be (sanctification). It also means reaching out to those who don't know God and even harder to those who have been hurt by the Church.

Our membership in the United Methodist Church has been on the decline for way too many years. Why? The sheep are not being taken care of. We have been more worried about keeping our members happy and liking us than we have their spiritual growth. Thus we have church full of people who live in "fear" and/or "panic" because they are not prepared to deal with the stuggles of the world with God and God's people.

Prayer: Almighty God, we have not done a good job of being shepherds. We have allowed our own agendas, our own pleasures our own desires to be liked to over rule what you would have us to do. I ask for your forgiveness and I ask that you place in me and other shepherds a passionate desire to re-create churches that are more than just social clubs but disciple making factories. Amen

Blind

Scripture: John 9:1-2 Walking down the street, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked, "Rabbi, who sinned: this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?" 3-5Jesus said, "You're asking the wrong question. You're looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do.

Observation: This Gospel tells the story of Jesus making a paste, rubbing it on a man's eyes who had been blind from birth. As the approached the man, the disciples asked who was the blame for this man's blindness and Jesus said they were asking the wrong question. They were asking who sinned or "who did it" when they should have been asking..."What can God do?"

Application: A great miracle is about to be performed here b Christ...making the blind to see and yet, the disciples would have missed it had Christ not been physically present. They were more worried with who caused the blindness than they were the cure. So many times in life, we are faced with situations that seem unsolvable, incurable, and utterly hopeless. We tend to start searching for the cause of our situation. How did I get into this mess instead of asking what God can do. Our God is such an incredibly powerful and loving God that there is not a situation we can find ourselves in that He cannot deliverus from. Loneleness, despair, desparation...the list goes on and on as to what God can do.

Prayer: O lord, you have created the heavens and the earth. You have formed the sky and the seas and birthed all the life on earth and yet too often we don't think you can handle the turmoil in our lives. Lord, help us to realize that you are God and you love each of us. No matter what we've done, road we've traveled, depth we've been to...you still long for us. Lord, allow us to call on you to clear the path for us and to the one who gives us sight. Amen

What God Wants

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-9
"Shout! A full-throated shout! Hold nothing back—a trumpet-blast shout!
Tell my people what's wrong with their lives,
face my family Jacob with their sins!
They're busy, busy, busy at worship,
and love studying all about me.
To all appearances they're a nation of right-living people—
law-abiding, God-honoring.
They ask me, 'What's the right thing to do?'
and love having me on their side.
But they also complain,
'Why do we fast and you don't look our way?
Why do we humble ourselves and you don't even notice?'
"Well, here's why:
"The bottom line on your 'fast days' is profit.
You drive your employees much too hard.
You fast, but at the same time you bicker and fight.
You fast, but you swing a mean fist.
The kind of fasting you do
won't get your prayers off the ground.
Do you think this is the kind of fast day I'm after:
a day to show off humility?
To put on a pious long face
and parade around solemnly in black?
Do you call that fasting,
a fast day that I, God, would like?
"This is the kind of fast day I'm after:
to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
free the oppressed,
cancel debts.
What I'm interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
being available to your own families.
Do this and the lights will turn on,
and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
The God of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, God will answer.
You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.'

Observation: Looking the part but not living the part. It's so easy to pretend to be a Christian. To try and look the part and do what others think should be done. But having Christ in one's life brings about life change and that is what the Prophet Isaiah is talking about here. Life change...doing things different from the rest of the world. God is not as concerned about being busy with worship or fasting or praying...if they are not backed up by life change. In this passage, we are given what kind of fast God desires...it involves loving others. Helping those out in need. Feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. This brings honor and glory to God much more than parading around telling everyone that you're fasting and how much it hurts.

Application: There's something in me that wants, desires and seeks recognition. I want people to know that I am fasting and to make a big deal about it. I want to realize and to remember that bringing attention to those things that are between me and God cheapens them. The way that I treat others is a direct reflection upon my relationship with God. There's an old camp song that says, "They'll know we are Christians by our love" and there is not a truer statement which can be made.

Prayer: Almighty God, create in me a desire to bring you glory...not by telling people I'm fasting but by the love that I have for others. Help me to put self aside adn to love even those who it is so hard to love...those who make me angry, upset. Help me to see them as one of your children whom you love with all your heart so that I can love them with all of my heart.

Role of More Mature Christians

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-3 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Observation: The author is talking directly to those who have been put in leadership positions. Those who are in a place to have other Christians looking to them for their care and protection and how leading should be done. Being willing and eager to serve because God wants you to...not for money nor to lord over someone but only for the glory of God.

Application: This is a great scripture to keep in mind for me as a pastor, but also to pass on to the core team as we build The Bridge. Our model is one of servanthood. Through that servanthood, we will grow spiritually but we will also be helping someone else grow closer to God.

Prayer: Almighty Lord and Savior, as I begin this journey, constantly remind me of the honor and the responsibility that has been given to me. Help me to always seek to do your will, being eager to serve those who are entrusted to my care and not lord over them. In Christ.

Scripture 1 Peter 4:7- 11: The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Observation: As the author of this letter wrote, it was his belief that the end was near and the expectation was that Christ would be returning soon. There was and stil should be an urgency in these words of advice. In this letter the author writes, "Above all" do he following and all of his advice is directed at loving others and loving God.
1. Above all, love each other deeply.
2. Use your gift to serve others.
3. Speak as one speaking the very words of God
4. Serve with the strength God provides so that God is praised.

Application: This scripture as with most does not refer to self glory nor self gratification. In our world today, self is what life is all about. Yet, Christ flipped this world upside down and expects the opposite from the world. Christians are called to lead a different life A life that brings glory to God but also showers others in love and service.

Prayer: Almighty God, it's so difficult to live in an unselfish way, but that is what you expect of us. We can only do it with your help. Please fill us with your Holy Spirit so that I may live a life tat will cause you to say "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Tough Times

Scripture: Isaiah 42: 16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.

Observation: The Lord is acknowledging that people are not perfect in the reference to the blind. (We are all blind in different ways) We all find ourselves on paths that we do not know and places that are unfamiliar to us. These places are scary, intimidating and overwhelming. However, we have a promise from God of His presence and His action. He will turn the lights on and smooth out the rough spots. We are promised that He wil not forget us.

Application: We face such turmoil in our lives. The death of a loved one; the struggle to pay bills; the foreclosure on a house; receiving the word from the doctor that it is cancer; the loss of a job; and the list goes on and on. Often times we wonder how we can go on to the next moment in life. How am I going to get through this time? The Lord has promised and we find hope in knowing that He is leading us by was we have now known. He is our guide in life that will light the path and make the rough places smooth. It is through His love and grace that we can endure and prevail in whatever life may throw at us. He is God! There is nothing as powerfule and yet wonderful in the universe.

Prayer: Loving God, we find comfort in your words of encouragement. There is a strength found in the knowledge that you are with us as we walk down the path of life. We thank you for that assurance and ask that we be constantly reminded of your love and our need for it. Aen.

Being an Example

Scripture: 1 Peter: :11-12 "Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

Observation: Live a life that will be an example even to the pagens. God will work through you life to change their view, belief and trust in God.

Application: There are going to be those how accuse ou of doing wrong, those who try and persuade you to join them in things you know you shouldn't do. Scripture tells us to resist. To live a life that is good even among those who are accusing you of doing wrong. They want you to get on their level. Their desire is for you to get into the mud with them. Peter tells us not to do that...to be above it adn through our good life, we will be an example that God can work with.

That's is an extremely easy thing to say and an incredible hard thing to put into practice. Especially when there are those who are a part of your life and are not going anywhere. Those who hae an impact on someone you love and care for. Our natural tendency is to rip them to shreds but here the Lord is guiding us as Christians down a path that does not make sense according to worldly standards. Peter is telling us to abstain from those sinful desires...I believe this means showing grace even to those who have hurt/damaged you and the people loved. It's hard and it goes contrary to my feelings inside, but I know it is what Christ would do. Turn the other cheek.

Religion

Scripture: James 1:26-27 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Observation: James (who might be the brother of Jesus) is writing in this verse on religion. He in 2 verses tells what religion is and what it is not. James says that someone that does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, dceives himself and his religion is worthless. Someone who wears their religion on their sleeve but lies in a way that does not mirror what they say. James says that action speak louder han words. Religious people have two duties: 1. Help those in need. In James' day the people most in need were widows and orphans. They were the outcast and thus they needed the most help. Part of being a disciple is reaching out to the outcast. 2. Keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Don't allow the world to determine your religion.

Application: It's so easy to get caught up in the ways of the world and to almost desire the praise from others of being a Christian. And so we begin to tell people how religious we are and yet live lives that do not reflect what has come out of our mouths. James says to put your money where your mouth is. There have been long struggles between the writings of James and Paul. Paul says faith is all you need and James puts an emphasis on works. However, I believe it is a mixture of the two. I believe when you have an encounter with the love and the grace of God there is something that calls you to reach out to others.

Prayer: Almighty God, help me to walk each day with the love for others that you have for me. Guide me in the direction of those who need to hear about you and give me the words to say. You have called us to something greater than the place we are at today, yet we cannot get there without you. Lord, light the path, grasp my hand and lead on. Amen

Finding Strength in Each Other (Small Groups)

Scripture: "So Brothers and sisters, be careful that none of you has an unbelieving heart that will turn you away form the Living God. But encourage each other everyday while it is toda. Help each other so none of you will become hardened becuas sin has tricked you. We all share in Christ if we keep till the end the sure faith we had in the beginning.

Observation: In this letter the author is encouragin the Hebrew church to keep the faith. there are 3 points in this Scripture:

1. We have to encourage each other. To hold one another accountable. To be there for them and help them out along the way. Christianity is not a spectator sport.

2. sin is at work and will trick you and harden your heart.

3. Faith is something that can be lost.

Application: The importane of finding and being a part of a small group is demonstrated in this passage. It is vitally important in our walk to walk with others along the way. This allows us to help them but also allows them to be there for us. there will be low points in life and its extremely hard and difficult to navigate life as a Lone Ranger. That's not what God has called us to do. We are called to be a family supporting one another.

Prayer: Almighty God, its so easy to want to do things my own way. To go it alone. Yet I realize I need others. Thank you for blessings my life with those who love and care for me. Amen.

The Power of Scripture

Scripture: "Since you've been a child you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise. And that wisdom leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given b God and is useful for teaching, for showing peopel what is wrong with their lives, for correcting fauls and for teacing how to live right. Using the scriptures, the person, who serves God will be capable of having all that is needed to do every good work." 2 Timothy 3:15-17

Observation: Scripture is the road map to life. It contains all the answers to all the questions ever asked. It can be painful and uncomfortable to read becuase it will show plaes in life that need to be turned around. It is also like a tool box given to the person reading it. All the tools they will need to do God's work.

Application: "The Bible says..." The Scripture is able to make you wise and that wisdom leads to salvation. The imporance of Scripture can never be denied or taken for granted. I will be different as I continue to dele into the Scriptures every day. As I follow this plan and journal so that I can experience spiritual growth.

Prayer: Almighty God. I know the answers lie in the Scripture. I know that my life will be blessd by reading them everyday, but days get so hectic. Give me strength and a burning desire to read scripture. Make me so hungry for your word that I can't do anything else. In Christ...Amen.

Ruined by Pride

Scripture: "But when Uzzah became powerful, his pride led to his ruin. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God." 2 Chron. 26:16

Observation: U. was a powerful king of Judah and became King at 16 years of age and ruled 52 years. He was aught by Zecheriah how to respect adn obey the Lord and as long as he obeed God, he was ver successful with many victories adn conquest. Yet his power brought pride and he was going to do the right things the wrong way. He went into the temple and insisted on burning incense to the Lord. 81 brave preiset went to him to get him to stop but he didn't and as he was stading there a skin disease broke out on his head and he carried this disease ntil he died . He had to live in a separate house and could no longer enter the temle of the Lord.

Application: How many timesdo I "get too big for my britches?" Too man. It's very difficult to keep pride in check when things are going well. No matter how much we know, we still desire to do things our way and often that leads to trouble. I'm on a mission trip right now and the them is "It's not about us...It's about Him (Christ) and yet so often the good things we do become "bad" because they become inwardly focusd. Instead being about God. This happens to the best of us and each day, I will work to put aside myself and focus on being a true servant of God.

Prayer: Almighty God. Its so easy to put self first. To allow pride to come into our life and begin to put ourselves first instead of being the servant you have called us to be. Oh Lord, place in mea humble heart so that I can be more like Christ. Amen.

Partnering with God

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7 One day the wife of a man from the guild of prophets called out to Elisha, "Your servant my husband is dead. You well know what a good man he was, devoted to God. And now the man to whom he was in debt is on his way to collect by taking my two children as slaves."
2 Elisha said, "I wonder how I can be of help. Tell me, what do you have in your house?"
"Nothing," she said. "Well, I do have a little oil."
3-4 "Here's what you do," said Elisha. "Go up and down the street and borrow jugs and bowls from all your neighbors. And not just a few—all you can get. Then come home and lock the door behind you, you and your sons. Pour oil into each container; when each is full, set it aside."
5-6 She did what he said. She locked the door behind her and her sons; as they brought the containers to her, she filled them. When all the jugs and bowls were full, she said to one of her sons, "Another jug, please."
He said, "That's it. There are no more jugs."
Then the oil stopped.
7 She went and told the story to the man of God. He said, "Go sell the oil and make good on your debts. Live, both you and your sons, on what's left."

Observation: God cares about our everyday needs. No matter is too small and no person too insignificant for God's attention. There is no limit to the incredibleness of God in a hopeless situation.

In this day, a woman had virtually no chance of making money. Women were less than second hand people and she saw no way of being able to pay back the debt that her family owed now that her husband had died. The only solution presented to her was to sell her children into slavery. It is obvious that they were not at an age of being able to go and work for the money needed. This woman must have been distraught at what must have seemed to be a hopeless situation.

Application: So many times in life, we find ourselves in situations that seem hopeless. We only see one way out and it's not a good way. It's easy to get distraught and wallow in hopelessness. The hardest thing to do is to trust in God during these times. God provides solutions/alternatives. Yet this woman had to "do something". God didn't swosh in and fill the jars for her. Instead, she had to gather and pour. God partnered with her to use what she had to get her out of debt.

Prayer: Almighty God. Help me to always trust in you. To partner with you and to allow you to work in my life even when the situation seems hopeless. Amen

Grace

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:15-17 Here's a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I'm proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now he shows me off—evidence of his endless patience—to those who are right on the edge of trusting him forever.

Observation: The purpose of Christ was one thing and one thing only...to save sinners. Paul writes to Timothy that he was the worst of the worst and he was probably right. If there was any one who was unworthy of the love of Christ it was Paul and yet the mercy of Christ was shown to even Paul. The explaination Paul gives for this mercy is so that Christ can use him to demonstrate his mercy and grace.

Application: There has only been one person who was sinless and that was Christ. We have all fallen short of the glory of God and there are a great many people in the world including myself who can say they were/are "Public Sinner Number One". We can also say (rightly so) that we are undeserving of the grace of Christ, and yet the grace of Christ is not about us deserving it or earning it. We can't. The mercy of Christ flows and is available to everyone. All we have to do is accept it. Then we can be "shown off" and the greatest testimony is from "public sinner number one" who is able to sing..."Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me."

Prayer: Almighty God, you love has washed over me and I thank you. I have done so much in my past that did anything but bring you glory. However, you can use even those things for your Kingdom. Use me as an example..."show me off" and I will give you the praise. In Christ, Amen.

Growing Up

Scripture: Ephesians 4:14-16No prolonged infancies among us, please. We'll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.

Observation: God desires for us to grow in spiritual maturity. He wants us to grow, to know and to tell it in love. The example he gave us for this is Jesus Christ. He is our example, our model, our source of everything we do and our nourishment.

Application: We must grow up. One of the places I believe the Church has failed is that it has produced a great many infants in life and never taught them how to grow. They are stil being spoon fed their spiritual nourishment. There comes a day when the mother stops nursing the child. It is a process adn it does not happen overnight, but Christians must realize that growth is change and change does not come by accident. We must work with God to grow ourselves through Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Almighty God, give me the strength and desire to continually want to grow closer to you. Even when it's hard to take time to pray or to read the Bible, or to journal...place a passion in me to be as excited about growing closer to you as anything else in my life. I love you Lord and only want to make you happy. In Christ.

Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)

Scripture: Ecc.9:7-10 Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning. Don't skimp on colors and scarves. Relish life with the spouse you love Each and every day of your precarious life. Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange For the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it, For there's neither work to do nor thoughts to think In the company of the dead, where you're most certainly headed.

Observation: This writer is saying something very simple. We don't get much time here on earth...in this life. Don't wait to life, do it now because we are all headed for death. We are marching closer and closer to the day when people are gathering at the funeral home looking at us in the casket. Seize Life! Eat, drink, dress with pleasure. The days we spend are a gift from God and the writer states that it is all we get in exchange for the hard work of staying alive...so enjoy life.

Application: I once was asked the question, what would you do if you knew tomorrow was the day you were going to die? Here is the list of things that I think I would want to do...
1.Spend it holding hands with my wife.
2. Teaching my kids something about life that they will need.
3. Call my mom and all the people I love.

There is a Tim McGraw song entitled "Live Like You Were Dying." This is what the writer of this Scripture is telling us. We dont' have long and everyday we have is a gift from God to be enjoyed. Enjoy your life...thats why God gave it to us.

Prayer: Almighty God, thanks for this beautiful day. Even though it is cloudy...I will enjoy it for you have given it to me to be enjoyed. So many times we get caught up in the downside of life. Help me to always look for the upside and relish in it. For it may be the last time that I have the opportunity to do so. May those at my casket on visitation night be talking about how I lived life to the fullest! In your glory...Amen

Trusting in God

Scripture: Ephesians 3:7-8This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God's way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities.

Observation: God has a plan for your life work and you probably don't feel qualified to do it. There are always more people around who are more qualified or have better skills...yet, God never let's us down and makes sure that we are equipped to do what He wants us to do. It does not matter if we have the natural abilities or not...all we need is a willingness to go where God has called and He will handle all the details.

Application: As we start this new church, I feel so under qualified. I've been through numerous course/workshops/conferences. I've read all the books on new church development. I've met with so many new church pastors and yet, I'm still scared to death. Through this Scripture, I hear God saying that the way I'm feeling is okay and to have confidence in Him. He is the Master, the Creator and He will see to it that all who are involved in this will be equipped to do whatever it is He has called them to do. Peace is found there.

Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for this call and I trust in you to give whatever is needed to accomplish your mission. In Christ. Amen

God Has Us Where He Wants Us

Scripture: Ephesians 2: 7-10Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.

Observation: Once we have accepted His offer of salvation. Accepted the cross and resurrection was payment for our sins, we find ourselves in the place that God wants us to be. A place where He can shower us with his grace and love. We must remember that we play a very, very little role in our salvation. God does all the work. It is a gift and in which all we do is accept it and enjoy it. Why did God do this, because we are created to join Him in His Holy Work.

Application: God created us with gifts, and a purpose to fulfill. He gave us everything we need including saving us from ourselves and this world. It was not just so we could "live the good life" and it was not so that we would have a life of ease. It was so that we could/would join Christ in the work he started. That of making disciples. That is our design...its what we were created to do and if we don't we will never find the satisfaction and joy in life that all of us are so desperately looking for.

So, each day I am going to remember that I am a child of God and I am created with gifts and graces that only I have. I am going to make the effort each day to join God in whatever great task He calls me to so that I can share his love with others.

Prayer: Great God, you are so wonderful and you love me so much. I thank you for your grace and kindness and I ask that your Spirit give me strength to follow where ever you may lead.

Designed with a Purpose

Scripture Ephesians 1:11-12 (The Message) It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.

Observation: There is a plan! Long before we even became Christians, God has his eyes on us and designed us. He has a purpose for us and we all have a purpose in life. It's not for us, but for God and it's only through Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.

Application: There was a time in my life when I was struggling. Knowing there was more for me than I was achieving. Even though I was achieving a great deal by the worlds standards, I was empty and could not figure out how to fill that hole. I realized it one night as I fell to my knees and and asked Christ back into my life. I have never been empty again. As I began to search for what God desired for my life, I began to hear the call to the ministry. It is there that I have found my purpose that God designed for me.

Every person created has been designed with a purpose. It is in God's great and wonderful plan. Each of us have different gifts and passions that are given by God and his desire is for us to use them for him. That is where true happiness lies, true satisfaction.

How Can I Help?

Scripture: Romans 15: 1-2 Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?"

Observation: Paul uses this verse to reiterate that Christians are supposed to be there for each other. Helping in the needs of those around us and seeking to find a place to help.

Application: What would the church look like if people took on the attitude of "How can I help?" instead of the most common, "What's in it for me?" Somewhere along the lines, most Christians have forgotten or (even worse) never been taught about the selfless nature of our faith. We worry too much about is the time of the service convenient for ME? Is the church offering programs that will benefit ME? MY Sunday school should take priority! I don't like this or that!
Our faith is contrary to what the world views as normal...The world says that it's all about ME! Christianity flips that and says the "last shall be first and the first shall be last." That makes little sense to the world and so we have a very hard time with doing it in the church (much less demonstrating it in our lives outside the walls of the church.)

I wonder what the Church would look like if all Christians; if all of my church; if my Sunday school; if I asked the question..."How Can I Help?"

Opinions

Scripture: 1 Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently. Romans 14:1

Observation: We are to welcome all of God's family with open arms...even those who don't see things like I do. Even when you KNOW their opinions are not from their faith but still are very strong. I am to treat them gently.

Application: Most of the people in our society have the idea that we are always right. I told some seminary friends one time (as a joke) that their life would be so much better when they realized that I was always right. Even though I said that as a joke, so many times, Christians have a tendency to impose what we think is right on others. They have their opinions, I have mine...mine are the correct opinions and why can't they see it. Maybe if I shout a little louder they will understand and then a wedge is introduced into the relationship.

We must remember it's not the opinion that is most important...it's the relationship.

Prayer: Lord, one of the hardest things to do is to put self aside. To realize that we are not better than the other person. I pray for a spirit of humbleness and ask that you give me the wisdom to not put myself first. Give me the compassion to treat others as Jesus treated them...gently. Amen

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 29

15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom,
but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace;
he will bring delight to your soul.

19 A servant cannot be corrected by mere words;
though he understands, he will not respond.

20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

23 A man's pride brings him low,
but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 28

11 A rich man may be wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.

13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

25 A greedy man stirs up dissension,
but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 27

1 Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
someone else, and not your own lips.

5 Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.

10 Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father,
and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you—
better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

17 As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another.

19 As water reflects a face,
so a man's heart reflects the man.

21 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
but man is tested by the praise he receives.

23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
give careful attention to your herds;24 for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.25 When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in,26 the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field.27 You will have plenty of goats' milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 26

4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
or you will be like him yourself.

18 Like a madman shooting
firebrands or deadly arrows

19 is a man who deceives his neighbor
and says, "I was only joking!"

22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 25

5 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the LORD will reward you.

27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 24

3 By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;

4 through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.

11 Rescue those being led away to death;
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

14 Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul;
if you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.

29 Do not say, "I'll do to him as he has done to me;
I'll pay that man back for what he did."

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 23

4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
have the wisdom to show restraint.

5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

12 Apply your heart to instruction
and your ears to words of knowledge.

13 Do not withhold discipline from a child;
if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.

14 Punish him with the rod
and save his soul from death.

23 Buy the truth and do not sell it;
get wisdom, discipline and understanding.

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 22

6 Train ^[a] a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.

11 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious
will have the king for his friend.

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

Seeing the Fingerprints

Scripture: Romans 11-14 (The Message) But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!

Observation: It is easy to get caught up in the day to day activities of life. We are constantly pulled in a million different directions and it's so very easy to become oblivious to God. However, God is still at work in the world and if we are not paying attention, we will miss it. Every moment is a gift, every sunrise a blessing and if we sleep through them or are worried about everything everyone else is doing, we will miss some incredible blessings.

Application: Each and every day, the Lord is doing some mighty incredible things. Every where we look, a miracle of God is present. However, we so often miss them because we are not paying attention; we are pre-occupied with our own life; or we have become so accoustomed to the great things we forget to look for them any longer. It's a challenge to see great things of God when my day has gone to pot. It's hard to recognize the fingerprints of God when I've had a bad day. Sometimes, I don't even want to see them...I just want to wallow in my grief. What a shame at what I am missing.

So how am I going to be different from this passage? I want to look for the things in life that are the handy work of God Almighty. Even when my day is going bad.

Prayer: Gracious and giving God. I thank you for the wonderful profession you have called me to. I thank you for my wife and my kids. I praise you for my incredible in-laws...the brothers and the sisters I never had

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 21

13 If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,
he too will cry out and not be answered.

23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself from calamity.

30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that can succeed against the LORD.

31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the LORD.

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 20

13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
stay awake and you will have food to spare.

19 A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid a man who talks too much.

22 Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!"
Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 19

2 It is not good to have zeal without knowledge,
nor to be hasty and miss the way.

11 A man's wisdom gives him patience;
it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents,
but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD,
and he will reward him for what he has done.

18 Discipline your son, for in that there is hope;
do not be a willing party to his death.

My Wife

Scripture: "A man's greatest treasure is his wife-- she is a gift from the Lord." Proverbs 18:22

Observation: A wife is a gift from God and the greatest treasure a man could ever have.

Application: My wife has been the greatest gift I have ever received. I don't know how I would have made it through the hardest times of my life (at least in the last 2 years) without her being by my side. She provides a strength that can only be from God. She loves me unconditionally and even when I do something stupid...(which is pretty often). She is the one who pushes me along when I think I can go no further and she is the one who tells me to be kind, or to calm down or to slow down when I begin to get the cart ahead of the horse. She is the one whom I trust the most and who I know will give me the advice I need to hear, not neccessarily the advice I want to hear. She is my partner but most of all she is my friend.

She is the one that I want to be with when I don't want to be with anyone else. She is the one who I want to be alone with on a Saturday afternoon exploring antique shops. She is the one who I want to run away with and spend the weekend in the most beautiful places in the world. She is the one that I want to grow old with and she is the one whom I want holding my hand when I go home. (We made a deal that I would go first)

I love her, want to honor her and I thank God every day that He blessed us with each other to make this journey through life together.

Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for Jill. A friend, a partner, a lover, a confidant, a source of strength and the mother of my children. You are such a great God and I know that your grace abounds when it makes no sense. This is evident in you blessing me with Jill. I thank you and priase your holy name for her.

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 18

It's selfish and stuptid to think only of yourself and to sneer at people who have sense. 1

Fools have no desire to learn; they would much rather give their own opinion. 2

Being lazy is no different from being a troublemaker. 9

It's stupid and embarrassing to give an answer before you listen. 13

Being cheerful helps when we are sick, but nothing helps when we give up. 14

A man's greatest treasure is his wife--she is a gift from the Lord. 22

Some friends don't help, but a true friend is closer than your own family. 24

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 17

A dry crust of bread eaten in peace and quiet is better than a feast eaten where everyone argues. 1

You will keep your friends if you forgive them, but you will lose your friends if you keep talking about what they did wrong. 9

A sensible person accpets correction, but you can't beat sense into a fool. 10

You will always have trouble if you are mean to those who are good to you. 13

A friend is always a friend and relatives are born to share our troubles. 17

It makes a lot of sense to be a person of few words and to stay calm. 27

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 16

We humans make plans, but the Lord has the final word. 1

We may think we know what is right, but th eLord is the judge of our motives. 2

When we please the Lord, even our enemies make friends with us. 7

We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go. 9

Too much pride will destroy you. 18

You can persuade others if you are wise and speak sensibly. 23

Kind words are like honey; they cheer you up and make you feel strong. 24

Sometimes what seems right is a road to death. 25

We make our own decisions, but the Lord alone determines what happens. 33

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 15

A kind answer soothes angry feelings, but harsh words stir them up. 1

The Lord sees everything, whether good or bad. 3

Kind words are good medicine, but decietful words can really hurt. 4

If the Lord can see everything in the world of the dead, he can see whats in our hearts. 11

A simple meal with love is better than a feast where there is hatred. 17

Losing your temper causes a lot of trouble, but staying calm settles arguments. 18

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 14

No one else can really know how happy or sad you are. 10

You may think you are on the right road and still end up dead. 12

Don't be stupid and believe all you hear; be smart and know where you are headed.15

Hard work is worthwhile, but empty talk will make you poor.23

If you mistreat the poor, you insult your Creator; if you are kind to them, you show Him respect. 31

In times of trouble the wicked are destroyed, but even at death the innocent have faith. 32

Favorite Proverbs Chapter 13

I'm reading the book of Proverbs and I am compelled to change my journaling form just a little to list some of my favorite Proverbs.

Chapter 13

Children with good sense accept correction form their parents, but stubborn children ignore it completely. 1

You will be well rewarded for saying something kind, but all some people think about is how to be cruel and mean. 2

No matter how much you want, laziness won't help a bit, but hard work will reward you with more than enough. 4

Whoever delivers your message can make things worse or better for you.17

Wise friends make you wise, but you hurt yourself by going around with fools. 20

If you love your children, you will correct them; if you don't love them, you won't correct them. 24.

People the Lord Doesn't Like

Scripture: There are six or seven kinds of people the LORD doesn't like: (1) Those who are too proud or (2) tell lies or (3) murder, (4) those who make evil plans or (5) are quick to do wrong, (6) those who tell lies in court or (7) stir up trouble in a family. Proverbs 6:16-19 (numbers added)

Observation: Here is a good list from Proverbs of actions and choices people make that God doesn't like. I don't believe that God doesn't like a single person. We are all children on God, but our choices and our actions become very descriptive of what kind of person we are. When we make these choices, we become this type of person and this is the kind of persons that God doesn't like.

Application: How will I be different... (1)I will be aware. Sometimes we do things and don't think about the consequences or don't even really care how they will affect others. Here is a pretty blunt indication of some triats that God doesn't care for and by being aware of what they are, I will make a choice not to do them. (2) I will CHOOSE not to do these things that the Lord doen't like. I have been given free will. I make the choices in most everything I do. Most of the time, I choose to do what is best for my side of the situation . (3) I will seek forgiveness whenever I fall short. Forgivness from God but also the other person (if one is involved)

Prayer: Almighty God, Thank you for being so great and wonderful. You created the world and everything in it including me. I am yours and I want and desire to lead a life that is pleasing to you and to you alone. Give me the strength and wisdom to go where you call, to live as you desire, and to love as You have loved me. In Christ, Amen.

The Law, The Kindness and The Life

Scripture: The Law came, so that the full power of sin could be seen. Yet where sin was powerful, God's kindness was even more powerful. Sin ruled by means of death. But God's kindness now rules, and God has accepted us because of Jesus Christ our Lord. This means that we will have eternal life. Romans 5:20-21

Oberservation: Sin came into the world with one action...Adam taking a bite. Before this happened, there was no law, but God sent the Law so the full power of sin might be realized, so that it might be seen for what it really is...death. However, God has so much love for us, he was not satisfiedthat his children were being lost to death and thus came Jesus. Through this act of kindness God accepted us and defeated death through eternal life.

Application: When I was a little boy, I would do something wrong and usually get away with it. I was a pretty sneaky fellow. Yet, as I would lay down and try to go to sleep whatever I had done woudl grate upon my soul. I couldn't sleep, I couldn' forget about it and I knew what I had to do. I had to get up and share what I had done with my mom. Even when it hadn't been done directly to her, it was her that i went to. She was the one who loved me the most. So, I would go and sit on her bed and tell her what I had done. She always had good advice as to what I should do but she always forgave me and a release woudl come over me. I could go back to my room and go to sleep without any trouble.

I believe that most of us know right from wrong. I know that I do, but I don't always follow that and I will even make excuses such as I didn't know that was wrong...but deep inside, I really did. I'm guilty and even though I am trying now to get closer to God on a more intimate level...I still stumble. But through God's kindness and love...there is grace. A forgiving grace that allows me to cast aside those things that I have done and start over. He has also given me power to overcome so many things that held me captive at one time or another. Through His Son a bridge has been build to cross that gap between us and God. There is hope, there is peace, there is joy unimaginable.

Prayer: Almight God, I've had so much thrown at me lately. Some I have handled well and in ways that you woudl be proud. Some I have not handled so much in a way that you would be excited about. I'm sorry. However, I know that the place that I have gotten too is a place that you have lead me to. A place that I could not have achieved if you were not in my life. So, I keep moving along...trying to get close to you.

Not By Doing

Scripture: "Money paid to workers isn't a gift. It is something they earn by working. But you cannot make God accept you becuase of something you do. God accepts sinners only because they have faith in him." Romans 4:4-5

Oberservation: This verse gives the answer to the ultimate question...How can I be accepted by God. I am unworthy. I am a sinner and I haven't done what I am supposed to. I have broken the rules (Laws). The acceptance in God's eyes is not payment for a job well done. That would be as if a child being paid for being your child.

Application: So how can I be accepted by God? Only by faith. It has nothing to do with how good you are or by how well you obey the law. Because we are human and there is NO way to obey the law well enough or be good enough to be accepted by God. It can't happen. My children have lost their computer privelidges for 2 weeks. (by the way, it's been a tough two weeks on me and Jill). It's been amazing to watch them "be good" to get an hour here or an hour there as a reward for being good. "If I can just get my room cleaned up well enough or if I do my own laundry or if I load and unload the dishwasher without being asked...maybe I can get some computer time." Jill and I are softee's when it comes to dealing out discipline and we give in...probably too much but that's another journal entry. Their good actions may restore some of their privledges, but that is not the basis for our relationship. That basis is built on love. We know they love us and they know we love them.

Our relationship with God is not based upon our actions...its based upon our love for God. In order to be accepted by God, Paul writes, that "God accepts sinners only becuase they have faith in him." They love him, they rely on him, they know that without Him we are nothing and they know that He loves them back.

It's a funny thing (or maybe I should say a God thing) when the faith you have in God grows and builds. As you "work" on your faith...a desire, a passion is revealed in you to obey God's commands. Not because they will bring you acceptance from God but because they are instructions on how to live a Godly life. Even then, we are going to fall short, but God accepts even our shortcoming when we are devoted to Him.

O Lord, help me to remember that I can't buy your love and it's only through my faith in you will I find acceptance in your Kingdom. Lord, help me to grow my faith more day by day. Amen

Listening and Doing

Scripture: God accepts those who obey his Law, but not those who simply hear it.

Observation: It is one thing to know or to hear and quite another to obey and do.

Application: Scripture says that even the demons know that Christ is the son of God. It's not enough just to know that information (although it is very good info to be aware of). We must walk the way not only talk the talk and that is where the rubber meets the road. (I wonder how many cliche's I can put in here). So how do I obey the Law of God.

1. The way that I live must be glorifing to God. All too often, I forget this and do things/say/think things that are far from bringing glory to God. It may be the way I react to someone who has hurt me. It may be my aggressive style in dealing with a situation. It may be my lack of compassion for someone that I don't care too much for. I really can't imagine God saying "Good job my faithful servant...way to get your revenge by making that person pay for their mistakes. You did my job well." That's probably not what God is going to say.

2. By growing closer to Christ everyday. Each and every day I have to make a intentitional effort to feed myself spiritually. It is through this spiritual nourishment that I grow in my faith and in my relationships with Christ. I have fallen into the trap of believing that my growth is going to take place automatically and it does not need my assistance but that only can go so far. It is through this growth that I am able to have the strength, passion and desire to attempt to fulfill the law of God.

Prayer: Almighty God, Continue to put in me the passion for growing closer to you.

Don't Point That Finger

Scripture: Some of you accuse others of doing wrong. But there is no excuse for what you do. When you judge others, you condemn yourselves, because you are guilty of doing the very same things. We know that God is right to judge everyone who behaves in this way. Do you really think God won't punish you, when you behave exactly like the people you accuse? You surely don't think much of God's wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Romans 2:1.

Observation: There are some people who are quick to point a finger. To point out the sins and faults of others in a condemning way. This scripture says that we have no right to do such a thing because we have behaved in the same way. Sometimes even worse. The consequence is there...God will judge everyone who behaves in this way and punishment is listed.

Application: Lately someone has been telling me how wrong the decisions are that I have made in regards to my mom (mom sustained a brain injury in 2005 due to a car accident and I have been one of her Power's of Attorney). She has been using Bible Scripture like swords to tear me apart and to "show" me that not only does she think I am wrong, but so does God. This Scripture is speaking directly too me this morning.

We are not the judges of others. We cannot and should not see their sins and be condemning nor judgemental. We should love them anyway. That is not to say that we shouldn't call it to their attention. However, to talk with someone about sin that is hurting them with Christian love is extremely difficult to do without it becoming judgemental. Yet if you find you cannot do that...I believe it is in our best interest not to because Paul says that we are condemning ourselves when we do that. It's not worth it.

It takes a great amount of spiritual growth to be able to correct someone in love and not condemnation. But that it is what pray, believe and hope that Christ will do for us.

Prayer: O God, it is so easy to see the fault in others without seeing our own shortcomings. Please help me to turn that pointing finger within and worry more about my own sins that those of others. I'm sure that will give me plenty to be concerned with, without bringing someone elses into the picture. I love you and I thank you for loving me.