S. "I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me..." Psalms 86:12-13 (ESV)
O. I am overwhelmed by God's love for me. No matter what I do, God is always faithful to accept me and shower me with is love. What a joy to know this! I must say that I don't intentionally run from or do things that separate me from God, but being human, sometimes I fall and make mistakes. So when I think about God and His love for me and that He never gives up on me...I am overwhelmed. This kind of relentless love does not often happen between two individuals. Because we are prone to sin and error, we don't experience this kind of steadfast love in our lives...so when God pours over me, I am overwhelmed. I am guilty of not loving people the way that God loves them. For that I am truly sorry, but I have a responsibility and duty as a Christian to open my life and allow God to love through me. My prayer is that I can to that each and every day.
A. My prayer today is that I love with a steadfast, forgiving love...and that I can show that to as many people as I can...especially to my family.
P. "Lord Jesus, you have loved me with an everlasting, relentless, steadfast love for which I am eternally grateful. I come today to surrender my life to you once again and ask that you use my life to reach and love others today. Thanks for your love and your confidence in me...to use me as a vessel for your glory! Amen."
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
My Ministry
S. "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. " 2 Timothy 4:5 (NIV)
O. I have always loved this verse. It is so clear and straightforward. I have a ministry responsibility to present my life fit and ready for service. That means that I must be aware of what is happening around me. There will be times when ministry will to tough and hard...there will be times that I want to quit...there will be times with I are put down and persecuted. These are the hardships that I at some time or another endure. And I must keep in mind that I need to to the "work of an evangelist". That means that in everything I do, I must keep telling others about Jesus Christ. Everything I say and do must lead to the powerful and life changing truth of Jesus Christ. And I love the last phrase...I might translate it "Whatever it takes...get the job done"! That means that I must keep on moving and pushing ahead with God leading the way. I must keep focused on the high calling of God. Thanks for this reminder God!
A. I will walk ahead with God as my guide in my personal life and ministry...keeping the goal of sharing the love of Jesus Christ wherever I go.
P. "Lord Jesus, thanks for this verse and the reminder to keep focused on the ministry that to which I have been called. I will offer my faithful service to God in all aspects of my life. I love You , Lord"!
O. I have always loved this verse. It is so clear and straightforward. I have a ministry responsibility to present my life fit and ready for service. That means that I must be aware of what is happening around me. There will be times when ministry will to tough and hard...there will be times that I want to quit...there will be times with I are put down and persecuted. These are the hardships that I at some time or another endure. And I must keep in mind that I need to to the "work of an evangelist". That means that in everything I do, I must keep telling others about Jesus Christ. Everything I say and do must lead to the powerful and life changing truth of Jesus Christ. And I love the last phrase...I might translate it "Whatever it takes...get the job done"! That means that I must keep on moving and pushing ahead with God leading the way. I must keep focused on the high calling of God. Thanks for this reminder God!
A. I will walk ahead with God as my guide in my personal life and ministry...keeping the goal of sharing the love of Jesus Christ wherever I go.
P. "Lord Jesus, thanks for this verse and the reminder to keep focused on the ministry that to which I have been called. I will offer my faithful service to God in all aspects of my life. I love You , Lord"!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
No Room for the Enemy
S. "But a man of God came to him and said, “O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the Lord is not with Israel, with all these Ephraimites. But go, act, be strong for the battle. Why should you suppose that God will cast you down before the enemy? For God has power to help or to cast down.” 2 Chronicles 25:7-8 (ESV)
O. Amaziah was king of Judah and was trying to assemble the men of Judah and ready them for battle. He found 300,000 able men for battle, but in his mind it was not enough...so he paid 100,000 might men of valor from Israel (the enemy) and paid them to fight with the army of Judah. But God sent his messenger to put a stop to this. How easy it is for use to invite the enemy into our lives, all the while thinking that it is a good thing. The scripture tells us we need to "guard our hearts and minds" from any wrong or evil that might come our way. When God is on my side, I don't have to worry. Whether victory or defeat comes, my God knows what is best for me and will deliver me or sustain me...no matter what. My primary responsibility is to keep my relationship with God a priority. If I don't do this, I quickly move to trying to rely on my own intellect and resources. When God is at the helm, he supplies all my needs and gives me direction always.
A. When do I invite he enemy into my life? This is a question that I need to consider always. And with the answer to that question, I must make a commitment to rid my life of the enemy and never allow Satan to have a foothold in my life.
P. "Lord Jesus, thanks for your constant presence and power in my life. To many times I try to rely on my own strength to make it through this life. I give you control and ask for your power to be displayed through me. I give you my life, today and always...Amen"
O. Amaziah was king of Judah and was trying to assemble the men of Judah and ready them for battle. He found 300,000 able men for battle, but in his mind it was not enough...so he paid 100,000 might men of valor from Israel (the enemy) and paid them to fight with the army of Judah. But God sent his messenger to put a stop to this. How easy it is for use to invite the enemy into our lives, all the while thinking that it is a good thing. The scripture tells us we need to "guard our hearts and minds" from any wrong or evil that might come our way. When God is on my side, I don't have to worry. Whether victory or defeat comes, my God knows what is best for me and will deliver me or sustain me...no matter what. My primary responsibility is to keep my relationship with God a priority. If I don't do this, I quickly move to trying to rely on my own intellect and resources. When God is at the helm, he supplies all my needs and gives me direction always.
A. When do I invite he enemy into my life? This is a question that I need to consider always. And with the answer to that question, I must make a commitment to rid my life of the enemy and never allow Satan to have a foothold in my life.
P. "Lord Jesus, thanks for your constant presence and power in my life. To many times I try to rely on my own strength to make it through this life. I give you control and ask for your power to be displayed through me. I give you my life, today and always...Amen"
Monday, June 22, 2009
God's Relentless Love
S. "And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.
Yet the Lord was not willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of David his servant, since he promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever." 2 Kings 8:18-19 (ESV)
O. The stories of the kings of Judah and Israel are very interesting. They all were very unique in what they did, how they acted, etc. The thing that distinguishes each of them is the truth of whether they follow the ways to God or not. Jehoram, king of Judah is the subject of the scripture above. They did evil in the sight of God, called upon other gods and lead the people of Judah to do the same. What really struck me about this very and this story is God's relentless love. God had made a promise that that a light would continue through the line of David, so even when the people of Judah did evil in God's sight, God would not total destroy them.
On this side of the story, we know that the light of David's line was Jesus and because of God's great love for us, expressed through Jesus is the love that is offered to each and everyone of us today. I know the same relentless love that God had for the people of Judah is the same love that he has for me. Even when I chose to do the wrong thing...when I mess up and turn my back on God, when I disobey or wander from the truth, God will loves me and is ready for me to come back to him in repentance.
A. I must make a choice to live in the ways of God. It is not fair of me to fully rely on the relentless love of God. Just because I know he will love me no matter what, does not give me the right to disobey and expect his loving return. I will chose obedience and walking in the ways of God.
P. "Lord Jesus, thank you for your relentless love for me and everyone around me. May I also exhibit this love to those in my family, church and community. My I love them with the love that has been given to me. I offer my life to you today and everyday. I love you. Amen"
Yet the Lord was not willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of David his servant, since he promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever." 2 Kings 8:18-19 (ESV)
O. The stories of the kings of Judah and Israel are very interesting. They all were very unique in what they did, how they acted, etc. The thing that distinguishes each of them is the truth of whether they follow the ways to God or not. Jehoram, king of Judah is the subject of the scripture above. They did evil in the sight of God, called upon other gods and lead the people of Judah to do the same. What really struck me about this very and this story is God's relentless love. God had made a promise that that a light would continue through the line of David, so even when the people of Judah did evil in God's sight, God would not total destroy them.
On this side of the story, we know that the light of David's line was Jesus and because of God's great love for us, expressed through Jesus is the love that is offered to each and everyone of us today. I know the same relentless love that God had for the people of Judah is the same love that he has for me. Even when I chose to do the wrong thing...when I mess up and turn my back on God, when I disobey or wander from the truth, God will loves me and is ready for me to come back to him in repentance.
A. I must make a choice to live in the ways of God. It is not fair of me to fully rely on the relentless love of God. Just because I know he will love me no matter what, does not give me the right to disobey and expect his loving return. I will chose obedience and walking in the ways of God.
P. "Lord Jesus, thank you for your relentless love for me and everyone around me. May I also exhibit this love to those in my family, church and community. My I love them with the love that has been given to me. I offer my life to you today and everyday. I love you. Amen"
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Stealing God's Glory
S. "So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage." 2 Kings 5:9-12 (NIV)
O. I am so convicted at times when I read God's Word. This story of Naaman is a great story that I have read many times. Naaman wants to be cleansed of his leprosy, so he goes to see Elisha. Elisha tells him exactly what to do, but Naaman doest like what he hears. I think want really stood out to me was his attitude today. This was not the way the he though things should go...he seemed to feel that there was a better way for his leprosy to be healed. I am so guilty of this. I get in my head what I think should happen and/or needs to happen and if it doesn't go that way I don't like it...and sometimes I get a little bent out of shape (maybe I should write angry). That is not the way I should respond to things in my world. If I trust in God who is bigger than me and who has divinely ordained all my days...why would I question the way certain things would unfold. This world is not about me...it is about God. The end result was Naaman's healing, but at what expenses. Follow the plan God laid before him from the beginnng would have left people with a better picture of Naaman. Unstead, people probably left the situation with a tarnished view of Naaman. Maybe they would remember his anger more than the healing, when I'm sure that God's purpose in the healing was to bring him glory and honor.
A. I really don't want to draw attention away from God. I really want people not see me or recognize me, but see God at work in my life. I realize that my position as pastor is very visible, is I will be on my guard daily to represent the Lord Jesus Christ and allow my life to be a beacon of light for Him.
P. "Lord Jesus, I am humbled to be your servant. I really desire to direct people to you alone. I come to you humbly and ask that you accept my life and service render in your name. I love you Lord. Amen."
O. I am so convicted at times when I read God's Word. This story of Naaman is a great story that I have read many times. Naaman wants to be cleansed of his leprosy, so he goes to see Elisha. Elisha tells him exactly what to do, but Naaman doest like what he hears. I think want really stood out to me was his attitude today. This was not the way the he though things should go...he seemed to feel that there was a better way for his leprosy to be healed. I am so guilty of this. I get in my head what I think should happen and/or needs to happen and if it doesn't go that way I don't like it...and sometimes I get a little bent out of shape (maybe I should write angry). That is not the way I should respond to things in my world. If I trust in God who is bigger than me and who has divinely ordained all my days...why would I question the way certain things would unfold. This world is not about me...it is about God. The end result was Naaman's healing, but at what expenses. Follow the plan God laid before him from the beginnng would have left people with a better picture of Naaman. Unstead, people probably left the situation with a tarnished view of Naaman. Maybe they would remember his anger more than the healing, when I'm sure that God's purpose in the healing was to bring him glory and honor.
A. I really don't want to draw attention away from God. I really want people not see me or recognize me, but see God at work in my life. I realize that my position as pastor is very visible, is I will be on my guard daily to represent the Lord Jesus Christ and allow my life to be a beacon of light for Him.
P. "Lord Jesus, I am humbled to be your servant. I really desire to direct people to you alone. I come to you humbly and ask that you accept my life and service render in your name. I love you Lord. Amen."
Friday, June 19, 2009
Confronting in Love
S. "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." 1 Timothy 1: 5
O. Timothy has a difficult "charge" from the apostle Paul. It was to face head on those who were teaching other doctrines than that of Jesus Christ. They were into all kinds of false teaching and he was to stop them. I am not one that likes any kind of confrontation. I would rather that everyone get along and agree. But we are humans and there will be time when I must confront another about something that is wrong. I love Paul's advice. Don't be abrasive and rude...don't let anger get the best of you...don't water down the truth of what the need to do...no, his advice is centered on the core response of that the gospels teach about...LOVE. The goal of confrontation is LOVE and needs to remain the goal even when things get rough and tough. This is agape love...not just a love that feels right or is on the surface...this is a love that is sacrifice and sees through tough times...it is pure and from the heart.
I also know that this love and any kind of confrontation must be done with a clear conscience. It must be done with the best for the other person on mind and not out of selfish motives. This kind of love is hard, but with a sincere faith in Jesus Christ, I know that anything is possible and doable because of the strength he gives.
A. I need to approach some people in love and sincerity about some things that I am involved with at church. Nothing major...just coming from my heart about the truth of God's Word.
P. "Lord Jesus, give me the faith to step out in the midst of your presence and do all that I must do. Let me do it all in love and in your might name. Amen"
O. Timothy has a difficult "charge" from the apostle Paul. It was to face head on those who were teaching other doctrines than that of Jesus Christ. They were into all kinds of false teaching and he was to stop them. I am not one that likes any kind of confrontation. I would rather that everyone get along and agree. But we are humans and there will be time when I must confront another about something that is wrong. I love Paul's advice. Don't be abrasive and rude...don't let anger get the best of you...don't water down the truth of what the need to do...no, his advice is centered on the core response of that the gospels teach about...LOVE. The goal of confrontation is LOVE and needs to remain the goal even when things get rough and tough. This is agape love...not just a love that feels right or is on the surface...this is a love that is sacrifice and sees through tough times...it is pure and from the heart.
I also know that this love and any kind of confrontation must be done with a clear conscience. It must be done with the best for the other person on mind and not out of selfish motives. This kind of love is hard, but with a sincere faith in Jesus Christ, I know that anything is possible and doable because of the strength he gives.
A. I need to approach some people in love and sincerity about some things that I am involved with at church. Nothing major...just coming from my heart about the truth of God's Word.
P. "Lord Jesus, give me the faith to step out in the midst of your presence and do all that I must do. Let me do it all in love and in your might name. Amen"
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Speaking God's Word
S. "And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.” But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what my God says, that I will speak.” 2 Chronicles 18:12-13 (ESV)
O. One of the things that I have been challenged with as a pastor and Christians is to speak God's word to people and not just tell them what they want to hear. I think that everyone as some point has to deal with this. In the scripture, Micaiah the prophet was summons to speak a word to the kings of Israel and Judah. And when he came, the messengers told him, we have already heard from the others prophets and they all agree, so your word should also match theirs. Don't upset the apple cart here...we want your words to match their words. But Micaiah rightly said, only as the Lord gives me words will I speak them.
Paul warns in 2 Timothy 4 that there will be teachers who teach what they want to us to hear and not the truth of God's word. I must continue to remember and speak with boldness the Word of God. There is no substitue for God's word. I am God's mouthpiece to the people of Pea Ridge Baptist and my responsibility of to share God's truth and nothing more.
A. As I preach and teach, I must constantly be reminded that I must speak ONLY God's truth. I will boldly to this as God gives me words to speak!
P. "Loving God, you are a God of truth and uprightness. I have surrendered my life to be your servant and mouthpiece to those under my ministry. Please guide my words each and every day! Amen"
O. One of the things that I have been challenged with as a pastor and Christians is to speak God's word to people and not just tell them what they want to hear. I think that everyone as some point has to deal with this. In the scripture, Micaiah the prophet was summons to speak a word to the kings of Israel and Judah. And when he came, the messengers told him, we have already heard from the others prophets and they all agree, so your word should also match theirs. Don't upset the apple cart here...we want your words to match their words. But Micaiah rightly said, only as the Lord gives me words will I speak them.
Paul warns in 2 Timothy 4 that there will be teachers who teach what they want to us to hear and not the truth of God's word. I must continue to remember and speak with boldness the Word of God. There is no substitue for God's word. I am God's mouthpiece to the people of Pea Ridge Baptist and my responsibility of to share God's truth and nothing more.
A. As I preach and teach, I must constantly be reminded that I must speak ONLY God's truth. I will boldly to this as God gives me words to speak!
P. "Loving God, you are a God of truth and uprightness. I have surrendered my life to be your servant and mouthpiece to those under my ministry. Please guide my words each and every day! Amen"
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