Discipline

This post is not really connected to my Life Journal reading, but I felt I needed to post something that was on my mind. Part of the Life Journal experience for me has been the development of a more focused and disciplined lifestyle. I don't consider my day started until I have spent time in the word, in prayer and reflecting on God's Word for me. The daily discipline of the Life Journal has revolutionized my daily devotional life and my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And that discipline has effected other areas of my life.

Last June, I had back surgery and came out of that surgery ready and wanting to be physically stronger. I had 8 weeks of Physical Therapy after my surgery and started the process of building my strength back from surgery and began the process of become physically fit. In September, our family joined a local gym and I began working out about 3 times each week. As the weeks went on, I became stronger and stronger. I have always wanted to run, but just never seemed to be able to do it, but gaining strength slowly allow me the opportunity to start running.

On Thanksgiving day, I participated in the Turkey Trott run here in town and completed my first 5K. I had to walk a couple of portions of the race, but I finished. Two weeks later, I ran in the Jingle Bell Run and complete this 5K running. I was then set in my mind to do two more races in the winter...a 5 mile and 10k. After an ankle injury took me out of a race at the end of January, my mind set toward the 10K...which ended up being an 8k (4.7 miles). Yesterday, I participated and finished the 8k in 54 minutes 39 seconds. Two goals I had set for the day were to finished the race and finished in under an hour...both were accomplished. This would not have been possible without daily and week disciplines of regular workouts and good eating habits. These disciplines have made this all possible!

I guess this is one my mind because with discipline as part of our lives, we can accomplish much. The most important disciplines for me are the spiritual elements of my life and the relationships with my family and friends. I want to keep these in balance with my physical training as well. The apostle Paul wrote, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance" (1 Timothy 4: 8-9, NIV). As a disciple, we must be disciplined in every way. God will give me the strength to do all that he asked me to do...providing in every way.

It is my prayer that I can live as a disciplined disciple of Jesus Christ daily. Thank you God for creating me in your image and for your glory!

God’s Word!

May these words from God fill your heart today!

(Psalm 28: 6-9, NLT)

6 Praise the Lord !
  For he has heard my cry for mercy.

7 The Lord is my strength and shield.
  I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
  I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

8 The Lord gives his people strength.
  He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.

9 Save your people!
  Bless Israel, your special possession's
Lead them like a shepherd,
  and carry them in your arms forever.

Lord, you are my portion…you complete me today and everyday…you guide me and bring my hope and a sense of security. Thank you for being with me today and every day. Amen

God’s Peace and Strength

S. "The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace." (Psalm 29: 11, NIV)

O. If there were ever a time that I need your peace and your strength God it is today. My life over the past few months has been up and down and I have experienced you presence in many ways and at various times. You have been faithful for me and I love you for that…but today, once again I need your peace…I need your strength. Your peace comes to me through Jesus Christ…His very presence in me provides peace beyond measure. The apostle Paul said it this way… "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4: 6-7, NIV). God's peace is limitless and profound! That's all I can say! God strength comes to guide us and give us direction in our lives. It is the fuel we need to endurance situations and circumstances that don't make sense in our minds and not seem to be under our control.

The key is that we accept the gifts of strength and peace. This verses says that the Lord gives them…we must receive them a take ownership of them. No gift can be fully enjoyed and owned unless we receive it.

A. I am receiving God's gifts today and I will tell others about his awesome gift as well. I am resting in his peace and strength…

P. Lord, I am blown away by your gifts to me. I know that I don't deserve them, but you freely give them to me and to all who call upon your name. I accept them today and praise your name for caring for me today. Amen.

Following Jesus

S. "When they heard all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon.9 Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him.10 For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. " (Mark 3: 8-10, NIV)

O. This section has a subtitle that reads "Crowds Follow Jesus". I don't know how many times that I have talked about following Jesus or coming after Jesus or the cost of following Jesus, but today I was struck by a very disturbing thought. Here it is…Many people follow Jesus on for what they can get out of Jesus! That may not be a profound thought but it is one that struck me in a huge way this morning. The context of the story is that people were following Jesus to be healed, to listen his teaching, to get in on the "in" action of the community. They were literally walking around trying to stay close to Jesus or get close to him. But I don't think that is what following Jesus is all about. Another time, Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Mark 8: 34b). I truly believe that following = giving and sacrifice on our part. It is not about getting, but serving and loving and offering our lives to be a conduit of God's love and grace.

Too many people are just in the habit of getting from Jesus and the church. They come to church with an attitude of "what can I GET out of the service or Bible study, instead of "what can I give to God and others around me today". When we place focus and emphasis on this attitude and get it in the right, I believe that God will begin to God do so many good things. It will result in moving our eyes outward in thought and focus rather than inward. It will put us in a position to not only receive from God, but also we will be able to GIVE to the work of God in people's lives.

A. Today I will receive and then give God away. I will continue to preach and teach that following Jesus is more than just receiving from Him.

P. Lord, help me to truly follow you in all that I do…with all my life…and all my heart. Amen

A Humble Heart

S. "Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth." (Numbers 12: 3, NIV)

O. What a statement! I could only hope that this could be said about me someday. I don't always see Moses as a humble leader. I view him more as a strong, authoritative leader. I think that there many people who don't understand that the best leadership comes from those who are humble at heart. With a humble heart comes service, acceptance, patients, love and forgiveness. With a humble heart comes strength that is dependent on a source of other then oneself. Spiritual leaders need to look to God for their ultimate strength. And that is what Moses did. His relationship with God was very unique. God spoke to him personally, face to face…

Listen to my words:
"When a prophet of the Lord is among you,
I reveal myself to him in visions,
I speak to him in dreams.

But this is not true of my servant Moses;
he is faithful in all my house.

With him I speak face to face,
clearly and not in riddles;
he sees the form of the Lord.
Why then were you not afraid
to speak against my servant Moses? (Numbers 12: 6-8, NIV)

A humble heart will lead to much spiritual success and will lead other people to a relationship with God. That is the kind of leader that I want to be. One who looks to God for all guidance, wisdom and strength. One who serves and gives of myself to others. And one that ultimately leads people to Jesus Christ.

A. As I consider the true of God's Word and his example of a humble lead in Moses, I will evaluate my own life and the context of humility. I will continue to play my life under the mighty hand of God.

P. Lord, you know my heart and my desire to serve you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Please accept the offering of my life today and every day. Use my life to bring God glory and to bring others into a relationship with you. I love you. Amen.

Power and Authority

S.  "The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching–and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him." (Mark 1:27, NIV)

O. I love this story. Jesus is walking out of the temple and a demon who is lodged in a man cries out to Jesus. Even the demons understand who Jesus is and are filled with fear for what will happen to them. Jesus throws the demon out and draws attention to his ministry and his authority as the Son of God. Obviously, Jesus is the Son of God and the fullness of God is present in him…and as a result the demon…the evil one is scared. I got to thinking about this whole scene and how it applies to my life today. I guess the main thing for me in this passage is that I have the same power in my life that Jesus had in his life. If Jesus is in me and then, God's presence and power are in me. And it would seem logical that I could do things with the same authority and power in my life. That people would see a difference in my teaching and speaking and very life…a difference that would draw them to Jesus himself.

A. This only will happen in my live as I allow God to have full reign in my life. It will only come about as I live my life with less concern for me and more for the things of God. Today, I tune my heart to God.

P. Lord Jesus, I want so much for your power to be evident in my life. I want to be used as you servant each and every day. Amen.

Speak with Boldness

S. "Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. " (Acts 28: 31, NIV)

O. There was nothing that could stop Paul from preaching the truth of Jesus Christ. And his preaching and teaching was not done in secret, but boldly as he faced persecution and ridicule and more. I believe that when we face adversity we are stronger because of it and that is exactly where Paul finds himself. What is good to realize is this…we don't have to be persecuted in order to speak boldly about Jesus Christ. Paul said "I am not ashamed of the gospel…it is the power of God…" (see Romans 1: 16). As a Christian, we are called, compelled, commanded to speak boldly the name of Jesus Christ.

A. Today, I stand in the power of God to proclaim his truth to the church. But it does not end there…I need to be bold Monday thru Saturday as well.

P. God, I am your messenger…use me to accomplish YOUR will as I join in the work of the Kingdom of God. Amen.

God's Provided Strength

S. "Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food–you haven't eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board." (Acts 27: 33-37, NIV)

O. I am amazed at the amount of respect shown to Paul by the sailors and other prisoners on this ship. What an incredible witness that Paul is to them. I love the imagine of Paul, in the midst of the storm, stopping to offer a meal and to pray. I see this as a sensitivity to the physical and spiritual needs of those on board the church. They needed physical strength to make it to shore alive and they needed to see the miracle of God working through Paul. Do you think that maybe there was a miracle of loaves here. Luke records they ate, and most likely ate til they were full. The miracle of their lives being preserved is incredible! Paul could now give glory to God for their safety exodus from the storm...giving God the praise for their lives being saved.

How often in the midst of a storm do I quickly rely on my own strength...when I really need to be dependent on the strength only God can give to me? I need to see that God offers me His presence and strength daily for the tasks that are before me. His strength has no limits and know no boundaries...it is for us to use freely and unconditionally. What a joy to know our God give to us all that we need?

A. There are things in my life that I am trying to accomplish without the Lord's help. Today, I choose to open my life and heart to the Lord's will and strength for me.

P. Lord, thank you for all that you do for me. Thank you for giving me the strength to face the ups and downs of today. I love you! Amen.

God Knows My Name

S. "The total number of Levites counted at the Lord's command by Moses and Aaron according to their clans, including every male a month old or more, was 22,000." (Numbers 3: 39, NIV)

O. Every person counts…that is one of the main messages of the book of Numbers. God told Moses and Aaron to count the clans of Israel and they set out to accomplish this task. This particular chapter is about the clans of Moses and Aaron and specifically the Levites who were to be in charge of the Tent of Meeting, the tabernacle of God. It is just overwhelming to me to know that I count…that every person in this word counts…every person is important to God and his kingdom. There have been times in my life when I didn't think my life was worth very much…when I didn't seem to make a difference in the world around me. But when I see these verses about the counting of God's people I am reminded of God's purpose for each and every person in this world. The song "He Knows My Name" by Tommy Walker is a beautiful representation of this truth.

I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands

I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call

God knows the name of every person in this word…you knows me name and has a very specific purpose for my life every day!

A. I will live this day with an understanding that God knows me and has a specific plan and purpose for my every step…What a joy!

P. Lord, thanks for calling me to do your work…to fulfill your plan and purpose for my life. Amen

Receiving God’s Righteousness

S. "As Paul discoursed on righteousness, selfcontrol and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." (Acts 24: 25, NIV)

O. I think it is interesting that Felix says that he has had enough of Paul testimony. Paul speaks on righteousness, what is means to life a holy, blameless life that is not lived apart from our relationship with God. He speak about self-control…the discipline of doing what is right and pure. And he speaks about the judgment to come…what will happen as a result to your righteous and self-controlled living. Felix stops Paul. Paul is speaking all the right things, but Felix stops him. We might say that Paul's words placed Felix under conviction. He began to see his life in comparison to the holiness of Jesus Christ and the righteousness of God and it scared him. The only problem, his fear caused him to shut off the very hope that he had…a relationship with Jesus Christ.

I find that many people pull away from church and from a relationship with God because them "feel" uneasy…they seem to think that their lives will never measure up to God's righteousness and they pull way. What we need to do is love them and encouragement them. We all have a choice to make with our lives. We will spend eternity with God in heaven or in hell. We need to help people see the need to turn to God and accept his forgiveness and love. God is the only one who can offer forgiveness and the only one who can complete us and make us righteous and holy.

A. It is time to stop being judgmental and negative toward people for sin and wrong choices…we need to be found as accepting and loving just as Jesus was with so many people.

P. Lord, thank you for making me righteous…I am complete in you and only you. Help me to daily accept and live in your righteousness alone. Amen

Prioritize

S. "Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the Lord your God." (Leviticus 26:1, NIV)

O. The instructions that God gave to the people of Israel were very clear…they were to only worship God. But through their existence they struggled to keep this simple rule. Even when they had been removed from the captivity of the Egyptians…watching God do miraculous things to bring about their freedom…they made idols and began to worship them. Most of the time I don't think that make idols, but when I closely examine my life, there are times that I do see that I put other things before God. For instance, it would be easy for me to put my physical body and physical training before God…to pay more attention and give my allegiance to training my body over training my mind. But I must keep my relationship with God as top priority in my life. I have struggled with this for years, but I can say with some confidence that I am in a better place of prioritizing my life spiritually than in the past. I still struggle, but I think that I am at least on the right track.

A. My life will only be in balance if I give my total allegiance to God. I will begin my days spending time with God…I will set to prioritize my life with God at the top…I will surrender to God daily!

P. God, I want to only put you first in my life. Give me eyes to see the idols that I am making that stand in the way of my relationship with you. Give me the strength and power to overcome the pull of other idols and allow me to place you at the front/top of my life. Amen.

Teach me, Lord

S. " Show me your ways, O Lord,
teach me your paths;

 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long."

Psalm 25: 4-5, NIV

O. I can come before you, oh God, with great confidence and joy. I don't have to worry about what will happen when my life is hidden in you. I don't have to be anxious about my life and the circumstances when I am guided by your truth and your purpose. But God, I must be open to learning from you the truth by which I must live. I must open my life to you and allow my heart and mind to be transformed by your truth. Jesus said at one point, "The truth shall make you free" (see John 8: 32) and with the truth that only he can give to us, we can have freedom from the bondage of sin and be offered a full life. But the truth itself is not enough. I must yield my life to the truth and allow that truth to be my guide and to teach me the right way to live. This involved the surrender of our will and life to Jesus Christ. This involves becoming less in our lives and allowing Jesus to become more. This means that we place our trust and hope in God…and in God alone.

A. Once again I come to a place of full surrender. The life I live as a follower of Jesus is one that requires I surrender my will and replace it with God's will. My application is simple but extremely important today…surrender!

P. Lord Jesus, I offer my life to you today and ask that you accept my simple sacrifice today. Be my guide and wisdom as I travel through this day. Amen.

Standing Up for Jesus

S. "I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 21: 13b)

O. I just don't know that I could say that…that I would be willing to die for the sake of Jesus Christ. I am ashamed of feeling that way…but when faced with the possibility of dying for Jesus, most people would choose to live. Why is that? It really does trouble me. First of all, most of time I am relatively safe environments. I don't think that I have ever been in a place where I was persecuted for my faith. Therefore, I really don't know what I would do if faced with a punishment for being a Christian. My travels to Russia have afforded me many stories of Christian persecution. Individuals who were put in prison and beaten for their faith in Jesus Christ. They stood strong in their faith, because they believed in the greatness of our God. They fully lived for Him. I guess that is what I need to do everyday and it is what I have been trying to do every day this year…put Christ first…order my live accordingly and face whatever consequences may come.

A. So how can this verse be made practice for the normal Christian? Are there ways that I am bond for the sake of the gospel? By living with a desire to glorify God in everything and in every way.

P. God, help me to face what every persecution comes my way with grace and humility. I pray for the Holy Spirit to give me boldness in all that I do! Amen

Living on Purpose

S. "But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." (Acts 20: 24, NLT)

O. This verse really sums up my life right now. I have been praying and thinking much about my life and my work for the Lord. I just received a phone call from a young man who had been praying for me and our church…he kept saying that "God is going to put a fire in you and your church to do his work". That is exactly what I want to do. My most important task in life to know Jesus Christ and surrender my life daily to Him! Jesus' presence in me always for me to be the best husband, family and pastor that I can be…but it does not happen apart from Jesus. My work is to love Jesus and through my life to love the people in the world around me. I want to fulfill my life's purpose and mission today and everyday.

A. What an awesome responsibility we have a Christians…it is not just pastor's who have to live their lives on purpose for Jesus. I will choose to do God's work in my life in every way.

P. God, thank you for giving my life purpose and meaning through Jesus Christ. I am yours Lord! Amen.

Rejoicing in All God Gives to Me

S.
"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me." (Psalm 13: 5-6, NIV)

O. There is nothing in this world that I can trust in but God alone! Everything I have has been given to me by God. I look at my life and I realize how incredibly blessed I am. I have a blessed life and for that I am extremely grateful…but sometimes, I find myself trying to find peace and contentment in my things and in relationship around me. I need to constantly be reminded that I need to trust in God and not myself or my accomplishments…I need to follow wholeheartedly as a believer in Jesus Christ. Then I am really live out this verse. I will rejoice in the Lord…I will find joy in the simple things of life…in my salvation and God's constant love for me. On the valentine's weekend…I what to not only celebrate my relationship and love for my wife and children…I want more than anything to celebrate my relationship with Jesus Christ! He has loved me unconditionally and completely! Not that is something the makes me rejoice!

A. Today I choose to bask in the truth of my relationship with Jesus Christ. I choose to be found in him and to rejoice in his unfailing love.

P. Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me…I don't deserve your love, but you pour it out freely to me at all times in all places…what joy fills my heart today!

Discipleship

S. "Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.
 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately." (Acts 18: 24-26, NIV)

O. Apollos had a great heart. He had been changed by the power of God and he understood who Jesus was, but his ministry and message was lacking something…a full understanding of who Jesus was and what Jesus had done and a completeness in his experience with Jesus. I love that he was bold…he told people what he knew and was excited to have them grasp the same truth that he had come to believe. But the best part of this passage is not his boldness…it is the action and love of Priscilla and Aquila. They were followers of Jesus and had heard Apollos speak, but where concerned enough that the whole truth be told about Jesus that they pulled him aside and taught him. This is simple discipleship…one on one sitting together and grasping a better understanding of Jesus and the whole and complete truth about him. I hope that this was not a onetime conversation…this is a process and relationship that is meant to keep enriching the lives of both the disciple and the teacher. I would love to see more of this one and one happening in my life and the lives of others in the church. As a follower of Jesus, I am called to love and give myself to others to help them in their relationship with Jesus Christ…to help them understand completely who Christ is and how their lives can be changed by his presence. I also want to help people understand and grasp the truth of Jesus. There is no room for false teaching in the church and we need to help all people have a deep understanding of the basic truths of the Christian faith.

A. I have been praying about opportunities to see this type of ministry developed in a fuller way at PRBC. It will start with me. I will first make a commitment to living for Jesus Christ daily and then look for opportunities to give myself away to others. This has to be a priority in my life and ministry.

P. Lord, I give myself to you today and every today. Help me to fully understand your ways and then to invest this truth and understanding into others with whom I will come in contact through my ministry. Amen.

Being Like God

S. "I am the Lord who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy." (Leviticus 11: 45, NIV)

O. I must constantly be reminded that I am to follow God as I live my life here on earth. The same God who led the Israelites out of Egypt is the same God who is with us every day to guide and lead us. He leads us and gives to us because of His love for us…because he desires that we inter into a relationship with Him…The told the Israelites that He wanted to be their God…and he wants the same from us today. He wants us to pursue a holy life…and the only way that can even begin to happen is when we allow God to lead us and inform us in all areas of our lives.

A. I want so much to live a Godly life! I want so much to see my life being led by God, but so many times I find that I am wrapped up in myself and not in God. This is a constant battle for me and I can only surrender to God's will and plan for my life. So my application is to intentionally put myself aside and all God to inform my every step.

P. Almighty God, you have created me and redeemed me through the blood of your son Jesus Christ. Thanks for believing in me and for offering me your presence and guidance in my life. Today I choose to follow you…keep me focused on your will and not my own. I love you. Amen.

Listening!

S. "The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them." Acts 15: 12

O. There is something wonderful about hearing what God has done. We are fascinated by stories in so many ways. Last night, I watched the Super Bowl with friends in our GROW group…there was lots of talking and laughter (and good food), but what was interesting to me was the commercials. When they came on the room got silent. We are fascinated by the story the commercials were going to tell and so we listened. I must admit that there are time when I don't listen well…it is usually when I have so many things on my mind. But when I mind is clear and focused on one thing I can listen. The people were taken captive to the words and stories of Paul and Barnabas. They listened at the story of God's work through the Gentiles was being told. So why don't we listen more intently more of the time. A simple word…distractions, business and not knowing how to stop the whirlwind of life. Somehow, we must be more conscience of when and where we can settle our minds before God. We have to open our hearts and lives to receive what God has for us and we have to open our ears to hear him each and every day.

A. Today, I want to be in a place where I can hear the voice of God. Today, I want to rest my heart and mind before God.

P. Lord, I value time with you daily. Make my heart receptive to your word and your truth in my life today and everyday.

Sin Sacrifice

S.  " 'If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the Lord a young bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed.4 He is to present the bull at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the Lord. He is to lay his hand on its head and slaughter it before the Lord.5 Then the anointed priest shall take some of the bull's blood and carry it into the Tent of Meeting.6 He is to dip his finger into the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the Lord, in front of the curtain of the sanctuary.7 The priest shall then put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of fragrant incense that is before the Lord in the Tent of Meeting. The rest of the bull's blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.8 He shall remove all the fat from the bull of the sin offering—the fat that covers the inner parts or is connected to them,9 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the covering of the liver, which he will remove with the kidneys—10 just as the fat is removed from the ox sacrificed as a fellowship offering. Then the priest shall burn them on the altar of burnt offering.11 But the hide of the bull and all its flesh, as well as the head and legs, the inner parts and offal—12 that is, all the rest of the bull—he must take outside the camp to a place ceremonially clean, where the ashes are thrown, and burn it in a wood fire on the ash heap." (Leviticus 4: 3-12, NIV)

O. I don't normally use a scripture this long, but I was so taken by the procedure for offering a sacrifice for individual sin. There are so many steps and some much blood and guts. The first thing that came to my mind was the length of time it would take. I can image that the priest was either "doing his duty" or offering prayers for the sin for which he is making atonement. Each step has significance…and was essential for the sacrifice to be acceptable. I also thought about how gruesome the act of sacrifice is to complete. I for one would not like all the blood! But there was an innocent life taken to make restitution for sin.

Reading this made me think of the sacrifice that Jesus made for me. It made me think of how brutal Jesus' death was and how he was the innocent life that was broken for me. It made me realize how much I appreciate the sacrifice the Jesus made for me! Wow! He was broken for me. And then it hit me…how many times do I not take the time to think about Jesus' sacrifice? How many times does my sin just slip away and I never come to the place where I realize the price that was paid for my life…for my forgiveness…for my healing! Oh God, for forgive me when I take for granted the sacrifice you made through your Son Jesus for me.

A. Today, I am just filled with awe and wonder at all that Jesus did for me. I will life my life today in the shadow of the cross and be filled with love and gratitude to Jesus for his indescribable gift to me.

P. Lord Jesus, you gave your life for me…I offer my life to you today. Thank you for the sacrifice of your life…I came in humble gratitude for the forgivness that you offer me today. Amen.

Darkness to Light

S. "Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun."
Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand." Acts 13: 11, NIV

O. The reality of spiritual blindness is all around us. This verse describes Paul's encounter with Elymas the sorcerer. Paul confronts him with the truth of his spiritual blindness…his life stood against God and was filled with evil…and Paul calls him out. Then Elymas is blinded and looks for guidance. You see, sin is want blinds me…sin causes me to walk around in black darkness and looking of purpose and meaning in life…direction that is right and good.

I don't know about you, but I have found myself in this type of situation before. When my sin causes confusion in my life and I am wondering around and nothing is making sense. But Paul as the truth as part of his message! He doesn't leave people in darkness, but gives them hope. The remainder of chapter 13 is a description of Israel's history which leads to Jesus…the light of the world. It is Jesus who gives me hope and purpose and allows my life to make sense out of the darkness.

A. Today, I really want to see God's purpose in my life. I want to relax in the light of Jesus and not in the darkness of sin. Confession of my sin to the Lord, allowing him to reign in my life is where I want to be today.

P. Lord Jesus, thank you for being my all in all…Thank you for making sense out of the darkness of my life, for forgiving my sin. Amen

    

The Church in Prayer

S. "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him." Acts 12: 5, NIV

O. I love this verse...Peter was in trouble and the church prayed. I have this image of them gathering for the entire night, earnestly pleading to God for Peter's safety and deliverance from the hand of evil...but also praying that God's will would be done in the midst of the situation. I think Peter would have been pleased with whatever outcome...just as long as the Word of the Lord went forth and God was glorified.

So when we get into trouble...when we have difficulty in life...when sickness weighs us down or when relationship go bad or when we have financial woes, we need to turn to our church family asking them to pray...asking them to stand in the gap for us...making sure our needs are placed before the throne of God and making sure our hearts are honoring God and that our life will honor God in the process.

A. Call on our church to be a church that prays...that offers our lives for God's glory and not our own!

S. Lord, thank you for your constant presence in my life. I offer my life to you today for your glory...I offer my prayers on behalf of the church today, for individuals and for all who need to feel your presence. Amen

God’s Word

S. "⁸The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.   The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. ⁹The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward."
Psalms 19:8-11 (NIV)

O. I love the Word of God…I am just at a point in my life when I cannot do without it. I crave reading God's Word every morning. My morning it just not complete without it…I feel out of sync when I miss that time…I just love it! But I must admit I have not always felt that way. There have been times in my Christian life…even as a Pastor when I did not read God's Word for my personal growth (by the way, this is not something I am very proud of…in fact for me it is/was hypocrisy)! Anyway, today it is different. I have found that when my personal relationship with Jesus Christ is right, then my life is more in balance…notice I didn't say everything was perfect…it is far from perfect, but it is more in balance! I believe it is in balance because God's word and his precepts (truth) give this journey of life more meaning and clear focus and vision. God's Word illuminates the right and good path God has planned for me. More than that, God's Word gives my life instruction to say on the right path. The best about God's Word is the reward…the peace I feel in facing each day with God and on his path. That is the best.

So, I keep reading and writing about God's word. I keep applying all the truth that I learn and I keep focused on my relationship with Jesus Christ, making Him take a more prominent role in my life. The Apostle John said, "He must increase, I must decrease" (my paraphrase of John 3: 30).

A. There are two applications from today…keep reading and keep applying!

P. God, thank you for your life giving Word. May my life be filled and lead each day by your Word. Amen

Seeing Through Jesus’ Eyes

S. "Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right." (Acts 10: 34-35, NIV)

O. This verse brings to mind a sad commentary on some churches…we think that church is just for the Christians in that church. I don't think that we think this way on purpose, it is comfortable to be in a setting where there are familiar faces and relationships…were we know people's names and where we are like minded in our actions and beliefs. I enjoy that as well…however, we have been called to be witnesses to ALL people and to open our arms to all who need Christ. Peter was in unfamiliar territory. He was with a group of gentiles and for a devote Jew, this was unheard of. But Peter followed in obedience to God and went to the Gentiles and bring the truth of Jesus Christ to them. God prepared Peter and Cornelius and today, God prepares us and those we minister to each day…making us ready to go and others read to hear and receive the message we have for them.

I have been working hard at this as a Christian and as a pastor…to remove stereotypes and labels and just see people for who they are…people who need Jesus. I am commanded to love ALL people!

A. Today, I have a visit that I need to make and I am going to pursue this relationship once again. I am going to put myself out there and trust that God will use me to reach them once again with the gospel message.

P. Lord, I go today in your name and proclaim your truth and love. May my life reflect your love and grace to all who are in my path today. Help me to see people through your eyes and not my own. Amen

Presence and Rest

S. "Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.'  13If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people." 14The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
Exodus 33:12-14 (NIV)

O. I really needed to hear these words today. I have felt like Moses sometimes in my life…knowing that I am called by God to lead and do, but feeling somewhat alone in the process. Sometimes being in the lead can be lonely…not because it is designed that way, it is just a byproduct of being in the front. But I find great comfort in the response that the Lord gives to Moses and I accept these same words for myself today. "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." I am so comforted that God has my back…that his presence will be before me and behind me and work in all areas of my life. For me today, this is the Holy Spirit at work in my life. And rest…who doesn't need this.

Both of these promises are confirmed in the chapters after this encounter with the Lord. The people of Israel never would have made it had it not been for God's presence with them…they faced fierce battles as they crossed into the promised land. They had physical and emotional challenges in the days of wondering in the wilderness…and the presence of God had impact on their lives. And the same is true for me today. I am confident that the Lord has paved the way ahead of me…I just need to trust in him and rely on his hand in my life.

A. Once again it is all about surrender. I have to surrender my life to the will of the Father. It is about trusting in the faithfulness of God to be my protection and guide. It is about allowing my weary body to fall into the arms of a loving father and receive HIS rest. Today, I choose to accept God's offer!

P. Lord, I run into your arms today, asking that you lead and guide me and give me strength to do your work! Amen

Bold Witness

S. "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." (Acts 8:4, NIV)

O. Even persecution did not stop the church from preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. They took advantage of every opportunity that was placed in front of them. There was no shame, no timidity, no hesitation at all…they preached. They are been scattered because of their boldness and their boldness would not be stymied. When I read this today, I wondered what I would do if I were put in this situation. Would I put myself out there and go all out for the Jesus or would I hide in fear of what might happen to me if I got caught. I heard the story once of a groups of Christians in Communist Russia. They were meeting in a home, praising God, reading the Bible, etc. when all of a sudden a group of Russian soldiers broke into the house and held them at gun point. As being a Christians was not tolerated by the Communist party, these soldiers were carrying out their duty. The soldiers told the Christians to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ or be shot. They were determined to honor Jesus Christ and not deny him, so they remained silent. The soldiers then dropped their guns and rejoiced. They too were Christians and were looking for people of like faith to join in worship!

The point is this; we must be bold and steadfast in our commitment to follow Jesus Christ. I don't think that God wants any lukewarm Christians.

A. I have personally been committed to being a bolder witness for Jesus. This comes in many ways, but I must be a consistent example for Christ and be a bold voice for the truth of Jesus.

P. Lord, I begin this day asking for your wisdom to be in me and for your power to work through me in this day. I ask for the strength to be bold in my witness for you today and the days to come. Amen.