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!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
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
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
Saturday, January 2, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, January 1, 2010
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."
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."
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Journaling Daily Devotions
Here are some tips on journaling your thoughts from God’s word:
As we read God’s words, we begin to see how God responds to things. Doing daily devotions re-patterns the way we think and transforms the spirit of the mind. Then when we face similar situations as Jesus did, we begin to respond in the same way.
Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us. It’s also a useful tool to use at a later time, to reflect on and review some of the ‘gems’ that you have received. Without writing them down, you may forget those blessings and some very important lessons! And while journaling is a very personal time with the Lord, you may want to share some of your daily journaling with your small group or mentors. Through discussion, you may be able to look deeper into what God is speaking to you, gain new insight and even encourage others.
S for Scripture
Open your Bible to the reading found under today’s date of your Bible bookmark. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.
O for Observation
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words, in your journal.
A for Application
Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.
P for Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.
If this seems a little overwhelming, take it slow and keep it simple. No matter how you decide to do your devotions, the important thing is to show up for your daily appointment, because God is always waiting for you!
Life Journal in 2010
It has been a while since I have posted on this blog. I have not stopped reading God's Word...I have just not been posting my reflections on the blog. Beginning tomorrow, I will resume my blogging using the reading from the Life Journal. If you would like to read the scriptures with me, you can follow the reading by using a Life Journal (I have some copies that I would be glad to give you) or by using this link to the readings (New Hope Church in Hawaii) http://www.lifejournal.cc/
I am looking forward to learning about my God and how I can best serve Him through my daily life. My prayer is for a new year in following the Lord with my every step.
Pastor Greg
I am looking forward to learning about my God and how I can best serve Him through my daily life. My prayer is for a new year in following the Lord with my every step.
Pastor Greg
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