Our Heritage

S. "Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the Lord." (Exodus 28: 11-12, NIV)

O. I really enjoyed reading this section today. It is filled with all the requirements to make the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons. There are very details instructions as to the material and style. God is a God of details and there is significance in what God instructs us to do at times in our lives. I especially like verse 11-12 of chapter 28. They describe the making of two stones containing the names of Jacob's sons. These stones were to be on the shoulders of the garment as a constant reminder of God's calling of the twelve tribes of Israel and His faithfulness to do all that He has said and promised he would do. It is so important to remember from where we have come. It is no mistake that God has given me the past that he has. He knew all that I needed as a child and as an adult to become the person he needs me to be. I can only imagine how the story of Israel was on the minds of the priests and some many who followed God. As I read today's reading in Acts 7, the rich heritage was also brought out. Stephen recounted the whole history of Israel from Abraham to Jesus. How sweet to know that our past informs our present. It shapes us and informs our present and future in God's hands.

A. Today, I chose to celebrate my heritage, godly grandparents, and parents. A father who has taught me so much about being a pastor, an uncle who prayer for me and has been a model of integrity and who has live out a life of faith in front of me.

P. Lord, allow my rich heritage to inform me today…most of all, allow my rich heritage in Jesus Christ to lead my life today as I lead your church today. Amen

Allowing Christ to Live in Me

S. (Speaking of Stephen) "but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke." Acts 6: 10 (NIV)

O. I want to be a man like Stephen. I want God's wisdom and spirit to be so present and evident in my life that people will be drawn to God and not me. I don't want people to follow me; I want people to follow Jesus. How is this type of evidence from one's life found…it is only found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Stephen was a devote follower of Jesus Christ, he was seen by his peers as one with an excellent attitude and devotion to service (he was selected in Acts 6 as serve the widows in the community). At the end of the chapter, when he was called before the Sanhedrin, this is recorded… "All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel" (Acts 6: 15, NIV). It seems that for Stephen, every aspect of his life…every word, action, thought was an opportunity for him to point people to Jesus. Again, I hope that my life and be even just a fraction like that of Stephen!

A. This type of life is only found in a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. So my action is to simply continue to pursue a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus. It is all about surrender!

P. Lord, my life is yours…you created me, redeemed me through the blood of Jesus Christ and have promised to guide me every day of my life. I am yours, Lord…my prayer is that through my life, people will be drawn to Jesus Christ. Amen

Doing Good to Our Enemy

S. "If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him.  If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it." Exodus 23: 4-5 (NIV)

O. These verse are found at the beginning of God's instruction for the people of Israel. The fact is, the instruction that God gives to the Israelites is very simple and straight forward. This particular teaching is also found in Jesus words in the New Testament. Jesus said,
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…"  Matthew 5:43-44(NIV). Perhaps this is a teaching that is extremely important. And it is…so many times our natural reaction is to not help or pay attention to those who are enemy…but be better to be around and share God's love with than them. This is a basic premise of Christianity. We must reach beyond those who are in our Christian "family" and take God's love and forgiveness to everyone.

A. I want to be a person who does the unexpected and make a person stop and say "Do that really just happen"?

P. Lord, I commitment my life to be a vessel of your love and forgiveness, not only to my family and church family, but to all those who stand with me and against me. Amen.

Ordinary People…Extraordinary God

S. "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."  Acts 4:13(NIV)

O. I have always loved this verse…it gives me great encouragement to know that God can us anyone for his work. There are times when I am totally amazed at the fact that God would choose to use me in building His kingdom! I don't always feel worthy to be in the place of ministry, but I am confident of one thing…God has place me here. I was really talking with another pastor here in town and he asked me how things were going at Pea Ridge. I talked about some of the current things that are going on at church, GROW groups, Get Fit series, the new Meet Jesus series…our youth ministry, etc. Then I made the statement, "It's not because of anything that I am doing, but what God is doing at PRBC!" I really mean that…there are times that I just don't know what to do, but being available to be used by God makes all the difference in the world. When I open my life to be used for God's glory, I must be ready for him to work through me. I am should not be surprised when great things begin to happen! That is God at work!

This scripture reinforces my thoughts and feelings…people were astonished and noticed Jesus…not the men. That is what I really want my life to do…not make people remember Greg, but to remember Jesus and be blown away by what God is doing!

A. I really need to continue my practice of giving God credit. I also need to live with more of an expectation of God's work in me and through me.

P. Lord, I am humbled to be your servant. Please accept my life as an offering to be used for your glory and honor…always!

Grumbling & Complaining

S. "The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.  2So they quarreled with Moses and said, "Give us water to drink." Moses replied, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?" 3But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?" Exodus 17: 1-3, NIV

O. It is so easy to start grumbling! At least it is for me. I don't get something that I want, something doesn't go my way, I get frustrated at times with others and with myself and I start to grumble. When I read this today, it struck me odd that the people who had complained about being in slavery in Egypt…the very ones the scripture says God heard and responded too…now having been delivered are now grumbling (complaining) about how much better they used to have it.

This sometimes is turn for those who give their lives to Jesus Christ. I have talked with people who say life was easier before they gave their life to Christ. To be honest it probably was easier! Follow Jesus Christ, maintaining a vibrate, meaning relationship with Jesus Christ is not an easy task. It requires time and effort and it will mean that some things will be different. Instead of complaining and grumbling about having no water and looking back on how much 'better' they had it in Egypt, the Israelites should have focused on their new freedom and been part of the solutions themselves. They could have look for water or dug a well or even said to Moses, "Let's figure out what we can do about finding a water supply." Moses was being led by God, being obedient to do all that God asked him to do and I believe the Israelites should have been helping him to be obedient to God and been part of God's continued work through Moses and the people of Israel.

I guess the bottom line is this…be content where you are, with what you have, knowing that God has brought you this far. Look around at how you can be obedient to God in your present life situation and be faithful to do all that you can for the Lord.

A. Whatever comes my way today I will not complain! This will be a true test as to how content can be with the situations that God places me in today.

P. Lord, I know that you offer to me everything in this life that I need…please continue to develop in me an attitude of contentment and joy in all that I encounter. Amen.

Awe and Fear

S. "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left." Exodus 14:21-22 (NIV)

O. Wow! What an incredible journey it must have been to travel through the river on dry land! I can't imagine what it would be like to walk with huge towers of water on each side of you. My guess is that there would have been a sense of awe among the people and as feeling of fear…wondering if the wall of water was going to fall in on them. Those two emotions, awe and fear, are often found together in our lives as Christians. I really need to be in awe as I look at the things that God is doing in my life…as I see His handy work in so many areas I need to be amazed and awestruck with all the He is doing in and around me. But so many times I just walk through each day and don't really notice.

As I walk through life, I wonder how many times God has parted the waters for me. How many times has He opened a path for me to walk and held the waters of discouragement and disappointment back…the waters of emotional or relational trouble? These verses have just reminded me of God's constant presence in my life…hiding my way and protecting me from not being or doing all that he wants!

A. Today, I will look for God's hand of protection to be with me. I will be attuned to God's awesome work in my life, noticing the hand of God guiding me in all ways.

P. Lord, I stand in awe and amazement today. Thank you for all you have done and for all that you will do in my life. May my life be filled with a holy "fear" for you and your goodness each and every day. Amen.

Hardened Hearts

S. "The LORD had said to Moses, "Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you—so that my wonders may be multiplied in Egypt."  ¹⁰Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let the Israelites go out of his country." Exodus 11:9-10 (NIV)

O. I have read about the plagues that were brought upon the Egyptians many times. As a young child in Sunday School, I imagined having gnats or flies or frog everywhere. I remember a few years ago we had an infestation of locust here. What a nuisance they were! But there all of these things, Pharaoh's heart was hardened…and the verses above tell us why…to bring glory to God!

I think this still happens today. I know people who have not turned their hearts to God…who have seen God's miraculous deeds in many ways, who have experienced his hand in their lives at some point, but still refuse to believe and surrender their lives to God. God continues to pursue a relationship with them and continues to love them and continues to offer new life to them…they just have to accept…as Paul said in Romans 'Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and Receive" Christ into your heart. God is still at work among us…we just need to acknowledge his wonders in our lives.

A. I will look at all that you have done in my life and in the life of our church today and say "thank you God!" I will acknowledge the wonders that God has done in my life today and every day.

P. Lord, I know that you are doing great things in the world around me and even in my life. I want to make my life a vessel that you can use for your glory and honor. Please fill me with your spirit that I might not hardened my heart toward you at all. Thank you for working in my life! Amen

Proclaiming Christ

S. "The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man."  Luke 23:47(NIV)

O. The response of the centurion (and I am sure others) to the scene and the death of Jesus causes me to have two different reactions. I have always been "glad" the centurion made the statement and declaration that Jesus must have been who he said he was. His claim that he was a righteous man was in contrast to someone out for his own good and agenda.

But I am also saddened by the timing of the response. How many times had this soldier seen or heard about Jesus and yet he did not believe. Was it peer pressure that made him reject Jesus, or ignorance to more of who Jesus is.

I am afraid we have too many people today who are like this man. They have made excused after excuse as to why they have not proclaimed Christ as Lord…they are filled with knowledge and experiences that have open up truth and knowledge about Jesus, but have never taken a step toward accepting Jesus as Lord of their lives. We are afraid of what other might think of us or who they would react to us at school and work. Maybe it is not the popular thing to do…so we put it off even more. We will all come to a point when we will have to give account for our lives and who and what we belived…why not start now and let the belief impact your every move and step today!

I must also be reminded in these verses that I must put myself in a position to be able to hear and see the truth of Jesus. The centurion was watching and taking it all in…and I must be in a spot where I can see what is going on!

A. I will look for opportunities to knowledge the work of Jesus in my life today and will encourage others to do the same.

P. Lord Jesus, thank you for going to the cross and dying for me. I proclaim that you are the Christ…the Son of God who came to take away my sins. I accept your forgiveness and offer my life to you today. Amen.

Showing Remorse

S. Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.  The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."  And he went outside and wept bitterly. Luke 22:60-62(NIV)

O. I can't imagine how Peter felt when he realized that he had done exactly what Jesus said he would do. I can't imagine what it would be like for Jesus to look me in the face after I had denied him and followed in disobedience to his call and word for my life. I can't begin to imagine the remorse and guilt and pain that was part of Peter's life…I just can't imagine.

And maybe that is precisely the problem…in my own life and in the lives of so many people. We just can't ever visualize Jesus looking into our eyes with a look of disappointment and discouragement. He has poured out his life for us and we just don't care to live for him. He has given us everything! And we just go on denying he is in our life and choosing to live in disobedience to his commands to love and forgive and be patient and accepting of other…to be non-judgmental of others and look out after our relationship with Jesus. We done everything to make a mess of our lives…and Jesus has done everything to make it all right again…and disown the very one who have saved us.

Perhaps the problem is more that we don't feel the remorse for our sin. And when we don't have remorse, we really don't see the need to be forgiven. It is a cycle that needs to be broken. We need to have remorse for our wrong and repent (turn away) from our sin…now and in the future.

A. Perhaps I need to spend a little more time in prayer…focusing on my the confession of my sin and seeking God's forgiveness.

P. Lord Jesus, please forgive me when I have failed you, my heart breaks as I look at how I have treated you and your gifts for me. Please take my sin…I turn from my sinful and evil ways and look to you as the source of my life. Amen

Spiritual Growth That Will Last

S. "Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, "As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down."
Luke 21:5-6(NIV)

O. So many times I have read these verses and just focused on the gift of the widow who put all her money in the temple treasure. She was an example of sacrificial giving that the others were not participating in…they were giving, but not sacrificially. These verses popped out at me this morning…some of these who had been watching and the widow and hearing Jesus reaction to this scene and his teaching about giving spoke from a material mindset. They began to talk about the beauty of the temple and the elegance of the gifts that were presented. They were still enamored by the physical temple and not the temple that God was building in them…Jesus said, this temple will be destroyed, but continued to speak and teach of the kingdom of God that had come that would be in them. I have always believed that the church can get too caught up in the physical building we call the church…to the neglect of the real church, the people of God and the kingdom of God that is in the people and is waiting to grow and be completed in the people of God. This can be try of the physical body…we can get caught up in only keeping physically fit and neglect the more important spiritual fitness that will endure to the end. Keeping a focus on the spiritual in our church and personal lives is the most important thing we could do!

A. As much as I have been focusing on my physical body the past few months, I want to make sure that my spiritual growth is held in balance. I will continue to devote time every day to God and listening to His voice…I will continue to keep my spiritual life strong!

P. Lord, you have given everything! I am so grateful for this…Please accept my live and body to be used for your glory. I give my role as pastor to you and ask that you give me strength to lead with vision, integrity and joy in my life. Let me be an example of living a balance spiritual and physically fit life before my congregation. I offer my life to you today! Amen

God’s Purpose and Plan

S. "But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God?  You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them." Genesis 50:19-21 (NIV)

O. I must confess that I don't always understand why things happen the way they do. Things that are good and things that are bad. There have been tragedies and triumphs, job changes and moves, tension in relationships and more…but God has an ultimate plan in all the events of my life. I find it hard at times to understand the real reason or the ultimate purpose in God's plan when I am in the midst of things, but that is where faith comes in. I love that Joseph had faith in God to help him see that all that had be part of his life was for good. He could have reacted to bitterness and revenge toward his brothers, but he look beyond his selfish attitude and intentions and looked at God's purposes.

A. I want to look at things from an eternal perspective. I want to see God's good in my life as things come my way. I must respond with a positive attitude and with trust in a God who knows my life and what I need the most.

P. Lord, open my eyes to your eternal plan today and every day. I keep my eyes focused on Jesus Christ. Amen.

Use What God Gives You

S. "The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.'
"'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'
Luke 19:16-17(NIV)

O. I really believe that these verses are talking about what we do with what God has given us. Too many times I see people who have talents and gifts that they don't use for God. They use them in the marketplace or at home, but when it comes to using them at church they find that they are too busy. This is not always the case, but many times it seems that people are overwhelmed with doing things outside the church that they don't do for God. The parable that Jesus tells shows that when we honor God with what he has given us, he will increase our capacity to give and live for him. He we just hold onto our gifts and talents, Jesus says they will be taken away. I don't want any gifts that God has blessed me with to be taken away. I really want to use them for His glory.

A. What gifts and talents am I not giving to God? I want to examine my life this week to see how I am giving to the church beyond my role as pastor. I need to be an example to others in this.

P. Lord, thanks for all that you have given to me and how you have equipped to minister in your kingdom. May I be faithful to give you all that you deserve! Amen.

Calling Out to Jesus

S. ^"As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.  When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening.  They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Luke 18:35-39(NIV)

O. There are times when I feel like is blind man…sitting on the side of the road wondering that is going on…wanting to be part of something but not knowing how that would be possible. When he finds out it is Jesus of Nazareth (he must have heard about him from someone else), he calls out to him. I don't know if there was so much commotion that Jesus did not hear him or if Jesus was just too busy to acknowledge him at first…but the blind man shouts even louder! As I read this story, I thought about Jesus' awareness of this man's needs. He didn't have to shout at all, because I am certain that Jesus understood everything about this man and his immediate needs for that day. This is the same for us, Jesus knows our needs and knows everything about what we need in life. So why did the man have to shout louder? Perhaps it was more for the blind man than for Jesus. Maybe he really needed to confess his need for Jesus and to show that he was really read for the power and touch of Jesus in his life. He probably knew that Jesus could bring healing…maybe he just needed to be convinced that this could really happen to him. I have felt that way before. There have been times in my life when I cried out to God, knowing that he could work in my life, but all the same needing to call out for his name. There is a piece of surrender and humility in asking for God's help that comes with our calling out to Him. It shows our weakness and God's power, it shows our inability and God's awesome works.

A. I guess one of the things that I take from this passage is that it is never too late to call out to God. I must never fear that God is gone past me and won't respond to my call. But at the same time I must be humbled to the point of calling on the name of God for help.

P. Lord, I need you in my life. I don't have all that it takes to make sense of my life, but you do. I call out to you for forgiveness and for your power of rest in and over my life each and every day. Amen

Watch Your Life

S. Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come." Luke 17:1(NIV)

O. This is one of my greatest fears in ministry and in my Christian life...doing something that would cause someone to sin. My life, my words and actions need to point people to Jesus Christ, not push them farther away in sin. I guess my fear comes in doing something that I am not aware of or something that might be okay to me and not to someone else. I have to be myself, but as a ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ I believe it is my responsibility to live in a way that will not cause people to stumble or fall into sin. We really all have this responsibility, but I just feel an even greater responsibility as a pastor.

A. I will watch my words and my actions when people see me and when they don't...that I might live a consistent live before God and man.

P. Lord, allow my life to reflect the truth of who you are each and every day! Amen.

Who Gets the Credit?

S. "Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” Genesis 41:15-16(NIV)

O. I love reading the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. His example of faithfulness to God, patience in trying circumstances and obedience in following God's plan are unparalleled in the scriptures. One thing that really stood out to me today was the credit he always gave to God. Joseph had incredible gifts from God and used them to do great things. He had great management skill, he was a planner and even was a good husband and father. But his success never got to his head. How easy it is to think that you are accomplishing things in life...how many times it is easier to take credit for what happens in and through your life, rather than give God the credit. But Joseph never forgot that God's hand was upon his life and he always wanted to point to God for the accomplishments in his life. This scripture is a great example of that kind of attitude that MUST be present in my life and really in the life of every Christian.

A. When encouraged with the way things are going at church or in my home and in my life...I will make a concerted effort to give God the glory and honor that is due his name.

P. Lord, help me to point others to you as you work in my life. Allow my life to reflect your glory and honor in every way.

Transparent Lives

S. "O righteous God,who searches minds and hearts,bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure." Psalms 7:9(NIV)

O. There is no hiding from God. God is omnipotent and knows all things...and he searches our hearts and minds to know the intent of our hearts each and every day. In in his sovereignty, God brings and end to the violence of the wicked and give strength and grace and peace to those who find their refuge in Him.

I have been a Christian all my life and I know that God is with me...but there are still times when I find myself thinking that I can hide things from God. This is an odd thing for me to write, but there are times I just think that I am in control and have the right and privilege to do whatever I want...but I don't and if I am a person who really wants to be controlled by the Spirit of God and to be used as God's servant.

A. How can I live transparent? Be honest with myself, put safe guards in place and continue to seek God's face daily!

P. Lord, I approach the throne of Grace with confidence today, asking for a heart that is pure and holy...I surrender my life to you, Lord and ask for your Spirit to be present in my body, becoming a pure and holy vessel for your use only. Amen.

A Simple Request

S. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:26(NIV)

O. There is a cost to following Jesus...there is a cost for being a disciple. Jesus gives us some very simple but complicated statement. The sacrifice for following Jesus is that we don't live our life for ourselves, but entirely for him. I don't think that means that we neglect our family or even don't take care of our own bodies...it means that we are to look to Jesus Christ first in all that we do. It means that we seek His ways of life above our own...it means we pray for God's will to come to our family and friends and into all the situations of our lives. In the Lord's prayer, Jesus taught is to pray "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (see Matthew 6: 10). That means I pray for God's will to manifest in my life, in my family and in my ministry. It is putting God first and allowing God to give me leadership in all that I do. Simple to understand, but sometimes difficult to do. I fight within myself all the time with surrendering to God's will and not my own. I struggle with giving up my desires at times so that God's will might be accomplished in my life. That is the human part of the struggle for me and it was the same for Jesus. But I know that the way to true happiness in my spiritual life...true fulfillment in my ministry come through surrendering to God's plan for me.

A. As I begin this day...I make a commitment to you God to seek your will. I choose to surrender my desires today.

P. Lord, I pray that today I might be fully and completely surrendered to your will for my life, my family, and my ministry. I give my life to you today and always. Amen.

Repentant Heart

S. "Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Luke 13:1-5(NIV)

O. I really found this passage interesting today. Here is what ran through my mind as I was reading this. These people are trying to get Jesus to say that are good...but really only on the merits (or lack there of) of other people. They thought they were doing pretty good since someone else has done worse or been punished more than them! This is just the opposite of a humble heart and attitude. Jesus quickly responds by reminding them they have a need to personally look at their lives and make certain they have a repentant heart before God. Jesus took their selfish attitude turned their action right back to them. How easy is it to have such an attitude toward others and never seem to look at your own life. On one other occasion, Jesus said it was like talking with someone about the speck of dust in their eye, all the while having a log sticking out of your own. We just look at our own hearts and make certain that we have dealt with our own sin and have repented and turned away from the wrong that we are not to do.

A. Today, I really don't want to judge others. I really want to make sure I am not intentionally criticizing someone else...and that I am dealing with my own life.

P. Lord, Make this a day when I can stand before you pure and holy...I am ready to serve you and offer my life for you. Amen

What to Say?

S. “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” (Luke 12: 11-12, NIV)

O. For anyone who has every feared what they would say in defense of their faith, this verse takes away every excuse. The disciples had been sent out to spread the news of the kingdom of God and they were empowered to take this message. Jesus tells them that "when" they are brought before others...he doesn't say "maybe" or "if"...but "when". It was an inevitable fact that they would be brought before people that would have more education, more public speaking experience, more wealth, more prestige, etc. But Jesus was telling them that it did not matter...they would be given the words to say through the power of the Holy Spirit. Some people use this as an excuse to NOT be prepared...but I don't think we can use the presence and provision of the Holy Spirit for our word and arguments as an excuse to NOT be prepared. We still have to know what we believe. I recently received a letter from a person who had questions about faith in Christ. I have been praying for the right answer, but I have also been reading and studying to prepare an answer. It begins with my commitment to know what I believe and my commitment to be prepared to articulate that believe. We use the power of the Holy Spirit to strength us and guide us in our conversation. I think what really matters is that we actually stand up and articulate what we believe. The surrender of doing that will make all the difference in our witness and as we give of ourselves, God will surely work through us in the power of the Holy Spirit.

A. I guess the most practical application for me today is to be aware of what I know and they be bold enough to share the knowledge with as many people as I can.

P. Lord, I don't know that I have all the answers, but I do know that you can provide everything I need. I place myself, my logic and my story in your hands today and ask they you use me for your glory. Amen.

The Light of Christ

S. " "Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is bad, your body is filled with darkness. Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light." (Luke 11: 34-36, NLT)

O. It is common knowledge the where there is light, there is no darkness. But there are times when we might be illuminating with the wrong kind of light. It should be the goal of every Christian and it should be my goal to always make certain that I am leading people into God's light and not the kind of life that leads to deception and wrong. My life will produce some type of light, so I must guard all that is put into my body, knowing that what I put in will produce a light that will lead others.

I really want my life to grasp the truth of Jesus Christ and God's Word to me daily. That is way I am so commitment to doing these reading and interacting with others in the God's Word. If I am putting this in...then I will be glowing with God's truth and nothing else.

A. While this is such an elementary concept for our lives, it is sometimes the most difficult to live out. There is so much more that we can put into our minds and heats...I want my eyes to see the fullness of God's love, so I choose to put Christ and his Word into my life.

P. Lord, accept my life as a vessel to be used by you. Let my light shine before men, that they might see yours good deeds and glory your Father in heaven. Amen

Sitting at the Feet of Jesus

S. “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42,NIV)

O. I have read this story many times and at times I feel like I am reading my story. It seems that my life and get so "busy" with doing things for the ministry. In this story, Martha is busy getting things ready for Jesus visit...even when he arrives, she is still busy with preparations...wanting everything to be just right. Martha, on the other hand, is sitting in at the feet of Jesus, talking, soaking up all that is happening, hanging on every word and every moment with Jesus. Martha complains that Mary needs to help her...then Jesus replies (see above Scripture).

I guess what really hits home to me in that Jesus is really just wanting to have a relationship with me. He wants me to take the time to listen to him and love him all the time. I guess when I think about how small my life is in the scope of eternity, some things just don't seem important. I put alot of pressure on myself at times to do all the right things and sometimes I think I might be missing one of the most important things there is...a deep, intimate, real relationship with Jesus

A. I want to continue to give God the First part of my day...I really enjoy reading and blogging in the AM...it seems to set the tone for my day ahead, so I guess I will keep doing that.

P. Lord, thanks for a gentle reminder that what is really important in life is not all the stuff we do are get ourselves into, but what is really important is our relationship with you! Amen

Surrender

S. "Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" (Luke 9:23-25,NIV)

O. These verse are so cruel to my Christian life. This life I live is all about surrendering my will and living for God's will in all that I do. It is about following Jesus and his example to love, give and sacrifice. It is about losing my life to follow his plan and not be so concerned about me. But it is one thing to understand this in my mind...grasping the reality of doing it is still so very difficult. Why is it so hard for me to give up what I want? This still perplexes me daily. I still have so much selfishness in me...I still struggle with wanting to do what I want to do...not yielding myself to the way of Christ. This is the human struggle that every person faces.

A. So what application to I pull from this? Perhaps it is being aware of this once again with bring a heighten awareness in some aspect of my life today. I want to give up some practical area of my life today and give in to God's plan.

P. God, help me to listen to you and be obedient to your way for my life today. Amen.

Statement of Faith

S. “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” (Genesus 22: 8)

O. This is the most awesome statement of faith in the Bible. Abraham finally has a son and God asks for the ultimate sacrifice...that Abraham would give his son as a sacrifice for God. I can't imagine want was going through Abraham's mind when he and Isaac were walking up the hill. Confusion, grief, bewilderment, and escape plan! I know I would be pleading with God to save my child. But Abraham's faith and confidence in God is just overwhelming. He trusted that God had the best plan for his life. After all, God had given he and Sarah a child in their advanced years. God had told him and he trust Him then...so why not now?

A. How much will I trust you God? How many times will you direct me to do something and I will just turn my back on you and do my own thing? Faith and the obedient steps to live out my faith is one of the most important aspects of my life. I just need to trust God more for every area of my life.

P. Lord, I put my hope in your. I trust in you for all that I am doing today and everyday. I trust in your plan for my life and not my own. I surrender to you of God!

Who Sustains Me?

S. "I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. (Psalms 3:5, NIV)

O. I love this verse...it is so simple but speaks so much...I sleep and I rise all because the Lord sustains me. It is not me that gets things accomplished in this life...it is the Lord. It is God who gives me rest and refreshment each night...even when I don't sleep well. It is the Lord who sustains me now and always!
What more can I say. I must take care of my body and honor God with all that I do, but I must also trust in His provision and will for my life.

A. Tonight when I lay down to sleep I will remember God's faithfulness to sustain my life. I will rest in His care and ask him to clear my heart and mind to receive His grace and strength for my life.

P. Lord, thank you for being my all in all. Thanks for all that you give to me, today and always! Amen

My Heart

S. "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45, NIV)

O. I put a big heart beside this passage in my Bible several years ago. The heart, my heart is what really matters in this life. I am called to give my heart to Jesus, to believe in him and trust in him for all that I do. I am called to love the Lord with all my heart...I am called to love others with this same conviction and compassion. I am called to guard my heart in Christ Jesus. The heart is important. I must take special care of my physical and spiritual heart every day.

Want really hits home to me is that my heart will be evident in all that I do. My actions and words will come from my heart. When I protect and give my heart to God, it will be evident in all that I do.

A. God, you have been working on my with regard to my physical heart over the past few months. I am also committed to keeping my spiritual heart healthy by spending time with you daily and living with you at the center and core of my life.

P. Lord, I give you my heart...take it and make it yours...that I might grow in your and that others will be drawn closer to you. Amen

God's Direction

S. "Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” (Luke 5:5,NIV)

O. I have always loved this verse. And once again, God used this verse to remind me of the importance of listening to Him and following his plan. Peter and his friends had been out in the boat all night fishing and caught nothing. Frustrating I am sure. This was their livelihood and to not catch any fish was not good. They were tired, weary and ready for a break. And Jesus comes on the scene. We know that God is always with us, especially evident in the times with our needs are most urgent. Jesus instructs them to put their nets on the other side of the boat. I am hear the conversation in their minds..."is he crazy...we have tried that side and nothing" or "who is he to tell us what to do...we are the one's out here fishing". Then the verse above...because you say so...that was enough for them. Jesus said it and they believed him and trusted him enough to do what seems ridiculous...and it worked. They couldn't bring the fish in...they had to call for help and then two boats were so full that they nearly sank!

A. Obedience to the voice of God is so vitally important in our lives. But obedience demands listening and attentiveness to God's voice and direction for our lives. We have to put ourselves in a position to here God's direction for our lives. This will require regular time in God's word and prayer. I commit myself to discipline my life in a way to be open to your direction.

P. Lord, I am all ears...speak to me today and everyday so that I might follow in your will...ALWAYS!

Getting Alone

S. "At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place." (Luke 4:42a, NIV)

O. Sometimes it is just nice to be alone. There are times that I feel this way in ministry. I love my calling as a pastor, but every once in a while I just need to be quiet and alone...to pray, to recharge, to reflect. These times may seem selfish to others, but I have learned that they only make me stronger and ready to face whatever might come my way in the future. Jesus took these times and cherished the opportunity to be with his Father, to draw from God's strength and wisdom. If I have learned anything as a pastor, it is the simple fact that I can't do what I do on my own strength. I just feed on my relationship with God and allow Him to fill me. That will require times of solitude and reflection.

A. I want to make a special point of getting away from things at least once a week, even if just for an hour.

P. Thank you Father for your love for me. I open my heart and life to you to be filled by you and strengthen with all of YOUR wisdom in my life and ministry.

Do What I Can!

S. "John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” (Luke 3:11, NIV)

O. This verse is part of John the Baptist's early ministry. He was being asked about his preaching and the practical aspects of what he was teaching. He gives some simple instructions. Basically he says, "If you have something someone else needs, give it too them." Later in this passage is gives instruction to take only what is rightfully yours and not to coerce other to give you more than what you are entitled. Even more simply put...just be content with all that you have. This is a great teaching for our material society. We have so much and we need to realize just how much was have been given by our gracious God. And we ought to share with others.

A. God, when I see a need that I can meet, please move my heart and spirit and do what I can do!

P. Thank you God for the blessings of this life. Help me to be mindful of others who have great needs that I can meet. Amen

What Will I Tell?

S. "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." (Luke 2:17-18, NIV)

O. The shepherds were filled with joy as they told others about the birth of Jesus. I understood that Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecies from years before, and that he would had come to redeem the people of God. Notice that they obediently told the story...they were not in charge of what the reaction might have been...they were just to take the message. They response was great...people were amazed at what they heard, but it was because of the obedience of the shepherds.

A: I have talked about our obedient act of telling others about Jesus. Maybe we have not had angels coming to tell us about Jesus, but we have had personal encounters with him and can share these stories with others. This year, I really want to be bolder in my witness for Christ. I want to just tell my story with others and allow the Holy Spirit to work in them.

P. Lord, thanks for a story to tell. Thanks for working in my life and making my life full and rich and beautiful. Thanks for you loving me and sending me on a mission for you daily.

First Response

S. "When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear...Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be." Luke 1:12, 29 (NIV)

O. Over the past few weeks, I have read these verses several times. It is always interesting to reread the story of people and events around the time of Jesus' birth. In these two scriptures, the angel Gabriel came to Zechariah and Mary (respectively) to introduce God's work in and through their lives. Zechariah and Elizabeth would be the parents of John the Baptist, a prophet who would prepare the way for the ministry of Jesus and Mary, who would birth the savior of the world, Jesus. What really stood out to me today was the react that both had to the announcement of the angel...they were fearful and troubled by the word of God for them. They both finally did accept their role in God's plan, but their immediate response was troubling to them. As I thought about this, I asked why they responded like they did. Was it because the angel just catch them off guard? Did the task seem impossible in their eyes? Was their a lack of faith on their part in response to the message of the angel? Maybe you could answer yes to all of these...they all could have been part of their reaction. But the more I thought about this, the more I wondered if it really mattered what their initial reaction was...because they eventually followed in obedience. Just some food for thought!

A. I know that I have responded in a negative or fearful way when God has called for me to do something, and I am sure that it will happen in the future. So what do I do? First, I work on accepting God's plan for my life...no matter what! I work on my first reaction to God's call in my life and do not question him. Second...I keep close tabs on the obedience factor in my life. All in all, I must be one who walks daily in obedience as I follow God.

P. "Lord, please be my guide and direction my life in your ways. Give me the strength to walk in obedience daily and not question your plan for me."