LOOK BACK TO SEE AHEAD: I Thessalonians 1:9-10

Today is the last day of 2012. I think the following verses give us a few things we can think about to help us grow in Christ in 2012. I don't want to dwell in the past but sometimes when we think back just a bit it helps us remember the direction we should be going.

"They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven whom he rescued from the dead - Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath." I Thessalonians 1:9b-10

The first thing Paul reminds the Thessalonians about is that they turned to God from idols. There were many things we trusted in to bring us happiness and wholeness before we came to Christ. Remember, those did not bring you wholeness. Only Christ can fill that God shaped hole in you heart. Remember to turn to him.

The second reminder is that they began to serve the living and true God. I don't know what your god was before you came to Christ but you came to Christ because you realized it was not the answer. Remember that serving God is where you will find your place. If you are having trouble finding your place, ask God before you go to church (or anyplace) that he would give you one person to encourage or help. Go to serve, not be served. I hear a lot of people ask, "Are you being fed?" I want to know, are you serving? 

The last reminder is that we are waiting for the return of Christ. God raised Jesus from the dead and he sits at the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf. Remember, we are waiting for his second coming because he rescues us from the coming wrath. Salvation is now and salvation is then. Now we have a foretaste of the kingdom. Then we will sit at the banquet table of the king. 

As 2012 winds to an end remember the great things he as done in your life, serve him with your whole heart and wait for Jesus who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Father, thank you for bringing us through this year. We ask for your guidance, blessing, protection and prosperity for 2013. We wait for you, Lord Jesus Christ. Lord, we also lift up Lorraine  to you, whose brother died two days ago, (https://plus.google.com/u/0/117118145137155948677/posts/4ur2s2thZhD?cfem=1) please comfort her and her family and provide for their needs. Praise be to you in us today!

God's Eyes Are On You: Psalm 34:15

"The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
     and his ears are attentive to their cry."
 Psalm 34:15

God is looking out for you. His eyes are on you because you are his child. You are righteous because Jesus is your righteousness (I Corinthians 1:30).

Every parent knows what it means to keep your eye on you child. You could be at a park or the mall or a little league game. Anywhere. But, you always want to know where your son or daughter is and that they are all right. That is nothing compared to how God feels about us. The Father always knows where you are and how you are doing. 

The Father is attentive to your cry. In the parable of the prodigal son we often miss the real important detail of the story and that is that the father ran to the son. In middle eastern cultures men don't run. So, the people who heard Jesus tell that parable would of been blown away by a father who so loved his son that he ran to welcome him back. He had been waiting and hoping for that day. 

You are God's child. Look to him and cry out to him no matter what you are going through. He's waiting.

Father, thank you that your eyes are on me and you are attentive to my cry! I call out to you! Praise be to you in us today!

TASTE AND SEE THAT GOD IS GOOD: Psalm 33:8-10

I really enjoy the sampler people at Costco and Sam's. There's even a gentleman who sings calling you to come and taste whatever he his sampling.  The idea is of course if you like it, you'll buy it. That is what David is offering us; a taste of God. Once you see that he is good you will seek him the rest of your life.

"Taste and see that the LORD is good;     blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you his saints,     for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry,     but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." Psalm 34:8-10

David calls out to us and tells us that if we do three things what we can expect. We taste and see, fear the LORD and seek the Lord. 

Taste and see: If we taste the LORD we will see that the LORD is good. David was just delivered from two enemies (Saul and Abimelech). He took refuge in the LORD and he was delivered. David confidently challenges us to take refuge in the LORD. Take refuge in God and you will find that he delivers you. 

Fear the LORD: David in the midst of life or death circumstances realizes he must fear God more than he fears man. Think about it like this: When times get tough and we are confronted with a crisis we naturally seek a way out. There often is a way that is right but costly or difficult. On the other side is a way that may be a bit shady and a short cut. Something that if pressed you have to rationalize to explain why you did it that way. Fearing God is being more concerned with pleasing him, and trusting him to work all things out for your good (and the good of your family), than with immediate relief from a difficult situation. David reminds us that if we fear the LORD we will lack nothing. He doesn't say we will have everything, but that we will lack nothing. 

Seek the LORD: I don't imagine David had a lot of time to seek God while on the run. But, seek the LORD he did. Whether he was evading Saul or pretending to be insane before Abimelech, David was calling on God in his heart. I am sure he called out loud too. The point is that David was guided by his desire to seek the LORD.   We need to cultivate that desire to seek the LORD at all times, not just during a crisis. What is the pay off? David proclaims that if we seek the LORD we will lack no good thing. Matthew 6:25-34 admonishes us to seek first his kingdom and he will take care of the needs of our lives. 

As a parent I have told my children, "Try it, you'll like it!" Our Father in heaven, in his word to us, calls out to us to taste and see that he is good. Fearing and seeking God is how we taste the LORD. Faith is how we see that he is good. 

Taste and see that the LORD is good. Try is, you'll like it.

Father, help us to taste and see that you are good. Teach us to fear and seek you every day. Open our eyes to see your goodness in our lives. Praise be to you in us today!

THE MESSAGE IN YOU RINGS OUT - I Thessalonians 1:8

Sometimes our decisions and choices are so different from the norm that we stand out like a sore thumb. Last month the 1/2 of the popular TV sitcom 2 1/2 Men, Angus T. Jones, came out asked people to stop watching his TV show. After becoming a Seventh Day Adventist he now recognizes the series doesn't have anything to do with God and doesn't want to have anything to do with God and is just filling peoples heads with filth. Contrast that to Charlie Sheen who was ousted from the show for moral turpitude. Angus has asked people not to watch the show while Sheen just wants people to watch him (doing immoral things). When you decide to live a godly life the very choices can ring out like a bell on a silent night. 

"The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia - your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it."  I Thessalonians 1:8

You may not immediately see it or feel it but the choices that you make to live by faith in Christ ring out in this dark and evil world. When the whole office wants to go party and you don't because you know God doesn't want you to get drunk. Your choice rings out. When everyone else is telling and laughing at off-color jokes and you don't and walk away. Your message rings out. When others choose to fudge the numbers and you don't, your message ring's out. 

Do you ever get asked what you are going to do this weekend? Do you ever say, "and on Sunday we're going to church"? Don't you think that kind of makes your faith known? It does. Paul commends the Thessalonians because their faith has become know everywhere. Think about it this way: Your faith has become known in every part of your life. 

I try to be a good dad and be involved in my children's lives as much as I can. I help with his Cub Scout Pack, manage and coach their sports teams and just do what I can. Here's the deal: how I act demonstrates what I believe. What I truly believe. How I treat people will show what I really think about them. I am a teacher. Kids know if you really care about them or not. What I believe I live out. By the grace of God, my faith becomes known everywhere. 

One of the best things about being a Christian is we have Jesus and how he treats us as the example of what we are supposed to live like. He died for us. He ever lives to intercede on our behalf. He is preparing a place for us in heaven. He sent the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth. He washed his disciples feet. Do you get it? We love because he first loved us. 

Father, thank you for showing us the way. Thank you that we can shine like stars in this dark and evil world. Praise be to you in us today!

IMITATE CHRIST

Larry Csonka about to crash the line!

Who do you imitate? As a kid I remember playing football at school and everybody would say the name of the player they were attempting to play like. At the time the Miami Dolphins were the best team and when I got the ball I would put my head down, charge into the line and scream, "Larry Csonka!" The Thessalonians imitated the Apostle Paul's team and the Lord.

"You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." I Thessalonians 1:6 

Paul told the Corinthians, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (I Corinthians 11:1) Do you know godly people? That is who you are to emulate. During my junior and senior years in high school the Lord really got a hold of my life. The high school youth pastor had a big influence in my life; Pastor Jim. One day I was at his house and his daughter (maybe 4 years old at the time) disobeyed him. He gave her a little swat on the fanny. She grabbed her little behind, began to cry, spun around and jumped into her daddy's arms. Now, when I was punished by my dad I never felt like I could go to him because rejection was part of the punishment. So, I saw what godly discipline looked like and when I was entrusted with a family of my own that was what I tried to imitate.  

What is really important is that godly examples lead us to imitate Christ. God does not reject us. He may discipline us, but, he does not reject us. Remember we love because he first loved us. As a husband Paul exhorts me to love my wife like Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25-26). Christ loved us and still loves us when we are, to be blunt, unlovable. We are to do likewise. 

Imitate the Lord and be an imitator of those who best imitate the Lord. There will be plenty of opportunities to be Christlike. Remember Christ washed his disciples feet and told them to do likewise. The fruit that we get to enjoy from imitating Christ is very good. When I am godly and Christlike in my relationships there is always, at the very least, an opening of grace for God to work through. 

Father, help us to not only imitate godly people but to be godly examples to our children, family,friends and co-workers. Praise be to you in us today!

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE BE CHOSEN!

One of the great things about Christmas is spending time with your family. I am so blessed because I know I am loved by my family. In particular, my two oldest sons hold a special place in my heart. I married their mother when they were in elementary school. Both are now in their twenties and living on their own. That they choose to call me dad is, to me, a testimony of God's grace and sovereignty in my life.  Knowing that God loves us and has chosen us is at the heart of our faith. 

"For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you." I Thessalonians 1:4

These two fundamental truths set us solidly in Christ. Knowing that God loves us and that he chose us assures us that he will keep us.

It is not just the truth that "For God so loved the world"(John 3:16), which is wonderful enough. He died for you. Your sins. God loves you. God sent his one and only Son to die on your behalf so that he could have a relationship with you. Sin separated you from God and Christ paid the penalty, taking away the separation, so that you could have a relationship with God as his child. 

Sometimes I like to watch "Storage Wars". It is entertaining to observe the buyers choose a unit and then rummage through it, hoping to find something of worth. That is pretty much opposite of how God chose you and me. We are told that, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus said, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other." (John 15:16-17). God didn't just randomly pick a group of sinners and hope that a few would sort of work out. No. He specifically chose you to make righteous and holy in Christ.

Father, thank you for choosing me before the foundations of the world. Thank you that you choose to redeem me and make me holy and righteous in Christ (I Corinthians 1:30). Thank you that I can be confident that you began a good work in me and will bring it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Open my eyes to see you at work in me. Praise be to you in us today!

Merry Christmas (a suggested reading)

Merry Christmas! I love to read this with my family before we eat breakfast, before we open any presents, just to remember that we love because he first loved us. May God richly bless you and your families as we celebrate the birth of Christ our Savior! 

The Birth of Jesus

    ¹ In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.)³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

   ⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

   ⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

   ¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

   ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

   ¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

   ¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

FEAR, FAITH AND SALVATION AT CHRISTMAS

"But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared in him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."" Matthew 1:20-21 

Last night, my son and I went with our Cub Scout Pack and walked the local "Christmas Lights" neighborhood. It was pretty cool.  There was a lot of reminders that this is the season of giving and peace on earth. I was reminded of the verses in Matthew that describe the message to Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. Three important realities are dealt with; fear, faith and salvation.

Joseph is told by the angel "do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife". Joseph didn't have a fear of commitment. He just wanted to do the right thing. But, he was afraid that whatever he did it would in the end turn out bad. How often are we afraid to trust God? God, knows our fears. He simply says, "Do not be afraid". 

Joseph is told to take a step of faith. He is told to take Mary as his wife and then to name the son Jesus. I deal with middle schoolers at work. I guess I am sort of a contrarian because for the most part I believe that the more stubborn the student the less I need to explain, I just tell them what I want done. I seem to get better results than some who feel they need to explain everything. The point is these kids are still children and at some point they just need to be told. We are sometimes like children and we will not be able to see the end from the beginning and so, God just needs to tell us and we just need to, by faith, obey. 

Actually, Joseph is told the reason. The reason is because the son is to be named Jesus "because he will save his people from their sins". I sure to Joseph this just didn't sound like the way he thought God was going to send the Messiah, because from his perspective at that moment things just looked like a Roman sized mess. But, from the Eternal God, this was the perfect way to send his Son into the world and save us from our sins. A helpless baby would grow up and become the Savior of the world.

Remember then, as we celebrate with family and friends that God knows your fears, he calls you to take a step of faith and he will save you from your sins.

Father, thank you. Help us to overcome our fear, step out in faith and work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Praise be to you in us today!

CALL ON THE LORD, HE WILL DELIVER YOU!

"This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
     he saved him out of all his troubles.
 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
     and he delivers them." 
         Psalm 34:6-7

I can not tell you how or when I can only tell you that the Bible, which is God's speaking to us says that if you fear him he delivers you. 

Call upon the Lord and he will hear you. Now I will caution that David says "out of" not "from" all his troubles. Sometimes we are simply surrounded by troubles. I don't know if you are like me, but, sometimes trouble seems to find me. I don't need to go looking for it. That's not to say I can't find it all by myself, but, sometimes...

The truth is that God hears you and he will deliver you when you fear him and call upon him. That is faith. God is faithful. 

So, where are you? What are the troubles that surround you? Do you fear God?

Father, thank you that you hear us when we call to you. That is amazing! Deliver us from all our troubles. Thank you for you faithfulness! Praise be to you in us today!

WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? LOOK TO GOD AND HE WILL DELIVER YOU!

"I sought the LORD, and he answered me;

     he delivered me form all my fears.

 Those who look to him are radiant;

     their faces are never covered with shame."

           Psalm 34:4-5 

David knew that God had called him to be the king of Israel. Yet, he spent quite awhile running for his life from the man he was to replace. God delivered him because he actually did need to be delivered. He lived through spears being thrown at him to entire armies chasing him. Yet, in the end he said he was radiant and had no shame. 

I assume you are seeking the Lord. That is probably why you are reading this blog post. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that you are facing some serious fears. God hears. God knows. God is working.  

The truth that we are promised is that if we look to him, we will not be covered with shame. God is only looking for us to look to him and seek him. The rest is up to him. 

Father, we seek you and look to you. We give you all our fears. You know the deliverance we need. Do not let our faces be covered with shame. Praise be to you in us today!

FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE: THE HIGH OCTANE FUEL EVERY CHRISTIAN NEEDS

The first vehicle I bought brand new was a very basic Toyota truck. I took very good car of it. I would even use high octane gasoline. It was expensive, but, I got better milage, needed to tune it less often and it ran stronger (quicker and faster) than on that regular stuff. Putting in the good stuff spiritually produces good spiritual fruit. 

"We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor promoted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." I Thessalonians 1:3

Faith, hope and love are the high octane fuels of our Christian faith. You might call them the main ingredients of the good soil we need to grow as Christians. 

We work, as Christians, by faith that God rewards us when we diligently seek him. What are you "working at" as a Christian? Remember, whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord. 

We labor, as Christians, because Christ first loved us. May God grant us eyes to see others as he sees them (and us). The eyes of Christ who sees people he died for. Imagine coming to Christ with your sins and he says, pointing to a scare on his shoulder, "That was for you." Now, who do you know who needs to hear about that love?

We endure, as Christians, inspired by the hope we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. Our hope, as the hymn says, is "built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus' Name." 

May your faith, love and hope strengthen you today. 

Father, thank you for your love toward us. Strengthen our faith, love and hope to bear the fruit of righteousness. Praise be to you in us today!

"Git-R-done!"

"Git-R-done!" is one of the best known quotes of Redneck comedian Daniel Whitney aka Larry the Cable Guy. Sometimes I'll use it with my students when they are getting off task and looking to avoid completing an assignment. For us as Christians sometimes we just need to remember to "Git-R-done!" 

"Tell Archippus:"See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord."" Colossians 4:17

At the end of the letter to the Colossians Paul sends a very clear message to Archippus reminding him to finish what he started. I believe that the message is for all of us. An arm around the shoulder, finger in the chest exhortation to "Get-R-done"!

Each of us has been given a special gift as a member of the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12) and we are to actively use that gift. Sometimes we are give very specific assignments and we are supposed to finish them. 

Todays message (if you haven't got it yet) is to know your work in the Lord and to complete it. Frankly, that may take a lifetime. But, you will never complete what you don't start. I have no idea what the work you been given is, but I am confident the the Spirit of God is prompting you as you wait upon the Lord. My pastor reminds us to pay attention to the passion within us. What is it that sparks you? What is the need you see that you just can't believe is left undone? That is the Holy Spirit working in you. 

What is it the you need to do? In the power and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, "Get-R-done"!

Father, thank you that you have given each of us opportunities to serve you and others. Help us to finish the work. Praise be to you in us today!

The Challenge is the Opportunity!

I love that Paul refers to interactions with people who are not Christians as opportunities. Opportunities are situations where the results could go either way. What God chooses to do, that's his business. We just need to be wise.

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:5-6 

Everyday we deal with people. How we deal with people is what matters. Our interactions with others, particularly with "outsiders" is to be marked with grace.  I once saw a guy preaching away on a box and when my friend and I said, "God bless you brother!" he turned, gave us the middle finger, and told us to go to hell. I think he had been out there a bit too long. I understand the zeal of people who stand on street corners calling people to repent, but, I don't know if their conversation is generally "full of grace". 

Let's get back to "every opportunity". What will be the connections you make with people today? Remember the grace of God in your life as you listen and speak with others. What you do and the attitude you do it with can be just as important as what you say. Look for the grace of God sprinkled like salt in you life and in conversation throughout the day. 

When Paul tells the Colossians (and us) to act graciously so that we may "know how to answer everyone" he is telling us to be prepared. Do you know someone who is more of a challenge than what you might term an opportunity? Think about how to respond to challenging "outsiders" with grace. Be ready and remember what you call a challenge God sees as an opportunity to show his grace through you. 

Father, help us to know how to answer everyone with grace. Remind us of your grace to us. Praise be to you in us today!

How To Be a Prayer Pilgrim

Are you devoted to prayer? I'm not trying to throw out a guilt trip, I'm just asking you to think about the place of prayer in your life. 

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

Devotion is a wonderful picture of what our attitude toward prayer should be. I am not necessarily thinking about a romantic, Hollywood drama type devotion. It is more about the choice to follow as a devotee. Be a person of prayer. Just pray.

A time of prayer is like daily pilgrimage into the presence of God. In this sentence prayer is a noun, not a verb. The picture I get is that of people at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. So, the lesson here is that we need to be devoted to times of prayer. Remember that we have a relationship with God in Christ. Setting aside a time to converse with God is what the goal is. You read the Bible to listen to him and you pray to talk to him. I heard someone say that God gave us two ears and one mouth, so do the math and listen more than you talk. (That is actually good advice for marriage also.)

There are two things we should focus on in our prayers. One is being watchful and the other is being thankful. When I drive I am always watching out for other drivers, hoping for the best but anticipating the worst. Everyday I pray for my children that God would protect them from crazy and evil people. I also am thankful for my wife and children and my job. Being thankful reminds us that God is supplying us with our daily bread and usually more. Being thankful reminds us that God is at work in our lives.

Father, help us to be devoted to prayer and to be watchful and thankful. Praise be to you in us today!

HAVE THE CHRISTIAN WORK ETHIC

The work ethic. I have worked with a lot of different people. I put them in two camps. People who do things for show and people who  do just do.  As Christians, are motivation is to do everything for God.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

I think it is very important to note that the passage says, "Whatever you do". This means that everything in our lives should be under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. There is no separation of "church and state" so to speak in Christianity. Every part of our lives is considered the Kingdom of God. Everything is spiritual. 

I have worked with a lot of different people. When I first began teaching I noticed that some veteran teachers would just smile and shut their door and out came students who learned. It did not matter what policy change or which administrator came and went, they just did what they knew worked and worked hard at doing it. You know, it does not matter what people think or do around us, "as working for the Lord" is to be our motivation and standard. 

The end that we seek is the inheritance we will receive in heaven. This is our reward. Yes, I believe that sometimes our hard work will be rewarded and we will receive some promotions and blessings here on earth. But, I also know that sometimes things don't go the way I think they should and at least where I work, occasionally "no good deed goes unpunished". But, I know that because my work ethic is based upon serving Christ, I have the respect of my co-workers. Most importantly, I know that I am honoring and pleasing God. 

I encourage you to not give up. Do all you do as unto the Lord. If you know you are doing your best to please him, the rest is up to him. 

Father, help us to do everything with all our hearts and honor you. Praise be to you in us today!

REMEMBER, JESUS IS OUR HOPE!

"We wait in hope for the LORD;

     he is our help and our shield.

 In him our hearts rejoice,

     for we trust in his holy name.

 May your unfailing love rest upon us, 

O LORD,

     even as we put our hope in you." 

          Psalm 33:20-22

Christmas is the season of hope. We hope in Christ who entered this world as a baby. He lived as a man, died as our sacrifice, conquered death by his resurrection and now sits at the right had of the Father, ever living to intercede for us. 

Father, help us to remember and thank you for sending you One and Only Son to come into our world and save us from our sins. Praise be to you in us today!

TALK THE TALK, WALK THE WALK

You can't just talk the talk, you need to walk the walk. The peace and word of Christ ruling and dwelling in our lives (verses 15-16) affects whatever we do. 

"And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17 

I work in education and I have been in and out of the classroom at different times of my career. There is a type of teacher who "sounds" like an awesome educator but, when you actually see them in action in their classroom... not really. Their actions don't match up with their self perception. As Christians we constantly seek to live up to what we have already attained in Christ. Our goal is to live out what we know is true. 

"Do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus" means what it says. Every part of our lives is to be governed by the peace and word of Christ. I am a fairly passionate man. Usually if I believe in something I'm all in. It is often necessary for me to take a step back and ask myself if I am acting in a godly manner or just a deeply passionate manner. You see, I know that God loves everyone. Jesus died for me, you and each person we will come into contact with today.

The idea that everything we encounter today is an opportunity to see the peace and word of Christ activated in our lives is a very good thing. Thank God that he has chosen us. Thank God that he desires to use us. Thank God that he does give us peace and his word does dwell within us. 

So, let God work. Don't be afraid to speak about God and don't be afraid to act in a godly manner. 

Father, thank you for your peace and your Word. Thank you, Lord Jesus for dying for us. Help us to, in word and deed, do all things in  your name, Lord Jesus. Praise be to you in us today!

COMMUNICATE LIKE CHRIST

Growing up, my mom used to say, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." The basic idea was that we should communicate in a positive manner. In the family of Christ, our communication is to be Christlike.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16 

In verse 15 Paul encourages us to be peaceful in our dealings with each  other. Here in verse 16 he zooms in on our communication with each other and God. 

With each other Paul exhorts us to speak the word of Christ. Remember a few years ago when the "What Would Jesus Do?" bracelets became popular? The idea was that you would look at the bracelet and remember to be loving, to be Christlike in your actions. However it is that you are trying to communicate, be Christlike, be wise. A friend of mine once told me that people aren't ready to hear you until they are ready to hear you. I know that sounds redundant, but, unless someone is willing to listen and hear what you want to say, it will just go in one ear and out the other. Remember, love is patient. 

Besides our dealings with each other we also communicate with God. Worship is a vital element of our relationship with God. The word for worship comes from a word that means to turn and face as to kiss. Worship is about facing God. Paul stresses gratitude. Psalm 50:23 says, "He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God." Thankfulness keeps us centered on Christ. 

Father, thank you that Jesus died for us. Thank you that you are so patient with us. Help us to communicate in Christlike ways with each other. Praise be to you in us today!

NO DRAMA, JUST PEACE

When I think of the Oakland Raiders I used to think of a team that played hard on and off the field. They weren't known as a peaceful team. When I think of the New England Patriots I think of their coach Bill Belichick well coached, no drama team. The focus of the team guides them. As Christians, the peace of Christ guides us. 

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15 

Life is not in a vacuum. The interactions of life are opportunities for us as Christians to live out our faith. We are called to peace. So often we think we are called to be right, and to be dominantly right. Do you see where I'm going here with this? Sometimes we get so caught up in being a "correct" Christian that we forget to be a loving peaceful Christian. 

I once read a story about Francis Schaeffer where he debated an atheist. His wife, Edith, asked him if he won the debate and he told he he did but he would never debate someone like that again because he said he beat the guy up so bad that he doubted the atheist would ever want to talk to a Christian again. Schaeffer believed he was not their to win the debate but to win over the atheist. 

We are called to peace. We have peace with God and each other because Christ died for us. Sometimes that means we need to die to ourselves to have peace with others. It is not about fighting to be right, it is about living to be loving which in the end is peaceful.

Father, may your love produce your peace within and outside of our lives. Praise be to you in us today!

LOVE, THE PERFECT BINDER

God has created us and we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Ligaments and skin are two amazing features we have that bind us together, enabling us to function in perfect unity. Spiritually, love does the same thing. 

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:14 

In I Corinthians 13:1-3 we are reminded that spirituality without love is nothing. Like feeding the poor with a judgmental attitude about why they are poor, would not be in love and would be nothing. But, here in Colossians Paul emphasizes the need to unite all the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience with love. 

Many moons ago when I was in college I separated my right shoulder playing soccer. I was told it was a "minor" separation. The separation was really a ligament from the bone. The ligament helps the bones and the muscles work together in perfect unity. I couldn't fully use my arm for quite awhile.  It was very difficult taking finals with a separated shoulder since I write with my right hand. As it healed I was able to use my arm pretty much as normal. I needed everything to work together. 

Love, agape (in the Greek), shown through forgiveness and demonstrated with the virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience is spiritual maturity and completeness. Just like the reminder that we forgive because the Lord forgave us, we are compassionate because the Lord was and is compassionate toward us. 

Think of your spouse. Think of your children. Think of your co-workers. How can you show any of these virtues today? 

Father, thank you that you first loved us. Thank you for your forgiveness and compassion toward us. Help us to love as you have loved us. Praise be to you in us today!

THE KEY TO ALL GOOD RELATIONSHIPS: FORGIVENESS

You might of heard that it was said that love makes the world go around. Well, I say that forgiveness is the center of our everyday life as Christians. Forgiveness it what makes a Christians life go around.

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against each other. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13

Forgiveness is at the center of all godly and healthy relationships. If you have been married for any length of time, you know the reality of what I am saying. If you can't forgive, it is for tough to remain married. Forgiveness makes all relationships work. Notice the Bible says to forgive whatever grievances. The idea of bearing with each other conveys the picture of standing firm to take a hit. Take the hit and forgive. 

Forgiveness is where our relationship with God (from our perspective) begins. Realizing that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, produces thankfulness, humility and forgiveness for others. Problems occur when we are not thankful, humble or forgiving. I really believe that humility is the attitude that allows forgiveness to flow through ones life. 

Remembering that Christ forgave us reminds us to forgive others. Forgetting that we need forgiveness makes us unforgiving. Then we center on someone else's "sins" and problems begin to build. Be very careful with the need to see someone else's repentance. Especially when it is in regards to a sin against you. I say this because when someone demands to see evidence they forget that they are a finite sinful being. (By-the-way, something like unfaithfulness in marriage is not an exception, but, you can't just say, "Forgive me, now get over it." So, don't think forgiveness is a license to sin.) The danger is when you don't forgive, you don't allow someone a way back to a godly relationship with you. My experience is that when you don't forgive and demand to see evidence you tend to get mighty picky and then it is just a power trip of supposed spiritual superiority. In other words; you tend to get self-righteous. People who don't forgive usually make excuses for their sins and can rationalize anything. That is not humble.

At the heart of it all is forgiveness.  In 1 Timothy 1:15 Paul tells Timothy, "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst." The apostle was reminding his young leader that remembering that you need forgiveness is where it all begins. 

Father, thank you for forgiveness. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ for dying for my sins. Help me to forgive as you forgave me. Praise be to you in us today!

God's eyes are on you!

"But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
     on those whose hope in is his unfailing love,
 to deliver them from death 
     and keep them alive in famine."
          Psalm 33:18-19 

Think like a child. A child both fears the possibility of punishment for bad behavior and enjoys the assurance that mom and dad will take care of them. 

Does your life feel dead? Are you living through a famine? God will deliver you and he will keep you alive. He is our hope. God does have unfailing love for you. Are you  still alive? God has unfailing love for you. 

God's eyes are upon you. Maybe you feel like you are all alone and no one notices. God's eyes are upon you. Maybe you think you are "dead in the water". God's eyes are upon you. Do you feel a  famine of joblessness? God's eyes are upon you. Whatever you are going through remember, God's eyes are upon you and he is faithful to complete his work in you.

Father, may your unfailing love deliver us from death and keep us alive in famine. Supply jobs for those who need them. Thank you that you hear our prayers and that your eyes are upon us. 

God has unfailing love for you!

"Many are the woes of the wicked,
     but the LORD'S unfailing love
     surrounds the man who trusts in him." 
          Psalm 32:10

Life is going to have its' trials and challenges. But, as believers we have something "the wicked" can not have; the LORD'S unfailing love! Things have been pretty crazy for me these last few years, but, no matter what swirls around me, God still has unfailing love for me!

The truth is that no matter what you are feeling God has unfailing love for you. You just have to trust him. It's interesting that the quality of our trust is not mentioned. Just like the father (Mark 9:23-25) who said, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" we call out to God that we believe; help us overcome our unbelief! God knows the weakness of our humanity. God is the one who is reaching out to us. God is the one trying to get our attention, not the other way around. God has unfailing love for you!

All around our lives is God's unfailing love. I see it in the blessing of my wife and children. I see God's unfailing love in knowing God. God is eternal. His ways are not my ways. No matter what happens to you now, in the end, you spend eternity with him. God has unfailing love for you!

Father, open our eyes to see your unfailing love in our lives today. We believe; help our unbelief! Show us yourself! Praise be to you in us today!

What to wear.

I am not sure about you, but, since I was a kid, it has always been special to be chosen for something. There have been a few positions I have filled that could have gone to someone else. What is really amazing is that God chose me, chose you, before the foundations of the world! Before we were born he chose us! 

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12 

The thing about being chosen is that  responsibility is attached to it. One job I was chosen for came with the responsibility of administering the intervention for a middle school of 1,800+ students. We are not chosen to just sit around and sing songs about being chosen. We are supposed to clothe ourselves with some very specific action producing attitudes.

Be compassionate: This is not feel compassionate, it is be compassionate. How can I respond compassionately to someone who is struggling?

Be kind: How can I be kind to everyone, including those who are not kind?

Be humble: God loved us, still in our sins, knowing we would sin. God chose us, made us holy in Christ. Not because we deserved it. Love as Christ loved you.

Be Gentle: Remember, sometimes the truth hurts, but, you don't have to rub it in. 

Be Patient: Remember, God waits for you, wait for him to work and follow his lead. 

Because God chose you, made you holy in Christ, and dearly loves you, act like it. 

Father, thank you for choosing me. Thank you for making me holy in Christ. Thank you that you dearly love me. Praise be to you in us today!

Be Who You Are Supposed To Be!

Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and said you're just not who you want to be? Christianity is about looking at yourself in the mirror and realizing you are not who you are supposed to be. That can be a rather painful moment.  But, the good news is that in Christ you can be who you are supposed to be!

"and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." Colossians 3:10

This is where repentance comes in. Repentance is change. Stop going in one direction and start going in the other direction. Repentance is like driving on the freeway and you realize you went south when you should of gone north. So, you get off on the next off ramp, turn around, get back on the freeway in the right direction and off you go. Sometimes you get off and realize there is not a north bound off ramp so you have to take the streets to get to one. But, you do what you need to do to get back on the freeway headed in the right direction. 

The right direction that creates the new self is the act of being renewed in knowledge in the image of your Creator. We must know our Creator. We do this by being renewed in our knowledge, both intellectual and experiential. This is why we go to church. This is why we read the Bible. This is why we read devotional books and blogs. 

Faith, which is believing and acting upon what our knowledge of God tells us, renews us. Sometimes it is as simple as not lying and instead telling the truth in love. Remember the mirror? When I put on the new self I can look at myself in the mirror and know that by faith I am acting in the image of my Creator. I act in humility and love...

Father, help us to put on the new self and be renewed your image. Praise be to you in us today!

YES, A TIME TO KILL.

I heard someone once say that the difference between a man and a boy is that a man does what he has to do and a boy does what he wants to do. Spiritually speaking, it's time to do what you got to do.  

"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming." Colossians 3:5-6

The wrath of God isn't just about judgement day. The wrath of God is also what we reap in the here and now. Sin is an equal opportunity destroyer. We put to death the earthly nature so as to not incur the wrath of God. 

I don't feel a need to go over each and every type of sin. I believe the Holy Spirit is telling you what you need to know. Are you listening?

I will say that whatever you are thinking about, kill it. Just like the wise man said in Proverbs to the young men. Run. Don't think about. Don't pray. Run. So, what ever it is. Kill it. Don't think about if you should. Don't think about your weakness. Just kill it.

Father, help us to put to death what ever we need to. Praise be to you in us today!

How to set your mind on things above.

Yesterday in verse one we thought about setting our hearts on things above and today we think about setting our minds on things above. I look at like this: my heart sets the course and my mind keeps the course. 

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:2-4 

Notice how Paul tells us that our lives are now hidden with Christ in God. It is sort of like working with Google. They offer a lot of helps for free, but, you have to do some work to find them. Our lives, the things that truly make us alive, are hidden in Christ. The world will not bring us life, only death. 

The kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). What we do in the here and now is seek righteousness in our actions, peace in our relationships and joy in our attitudes. This is how we stay on course. When you think about it, it simplifies our lives. I know if I acting right. I know when I am at peace with others. I know when I have joy. I just want to add that joy is not a la la experience, joy is an assurance that God is Sovereign, in control and will work out all things for our good. 

The long term coordinates that we are to set our minds upon is the Second Coming of Christ Jesus. When he appears, we will appear with him in glory. Remember the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). The objective is to be ready to go enjoy the wedding banquet. Set your mind upon appearing with him in glory. 

So, set your coordinates on the glory and stay the course by righteousness, peace and joy in Christ. 

Father, set our minds on things above. Thank you that you promised that if we seek first your kingdom and your righteousness, you will provide all things we need. Praise be to you in us today!

What is Christ doing?

My Grandma was a product of the Great Depression. She saved and skimped. Once when she was older and living in a nice retirement community my mom, her daughter, took her to buy some clothes. Granny was concerned about spending too much money. Mom had to remind her that since she was taken care of and this was well within her budget, she could afford the nicer outfit. The point? Since she saved before, she could spend later. That is kind of like being a Christian, except God did the saving, we enjoy being raised.  

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where  Christ is seated at the right hand of God." Colossians 3:1

You have been raised with Christ. Not will be, but, have been. Spiritually you have been made alive. You are now a child of God, crying out, "Abba, Father." By faith, you no longer see life from a worldly perspective, but from an eternal perspective. 

Because you are new creation in Christ you set our heart on things above. In the Lord's prayer we are taught to pray, "your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). Setting your heart on things above means to seek God's will in your life and in this world.

Christ is seated at the right hand of God. What is he doing there? First of all he is reigning. All things are under his dominion. Secondly, he is interceding on our behalf. He is fully aware of what you and I are going through. He is working all things for our good. He is defending us from the accuser. He is waiting to come take us all home.

Remember, you can trust God because Jesus paid the price.  

Father, help us to set our hearts on things above where Christ is seated at your right hand. Praise be to you in us today!

Four ways God guides you.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
     I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

God is so good to us! He says he going to help us in the way we should go. He does that by doing these four things.

First, he instructs us. Think Proverbs. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (Proverbs 1:7) God shows us how to act wisely. It all begins with the fear of the LORD. God shows us how to act with wisdom, understanding, prudence and insight. We fear him, and he instructs us.

Second, he teaches us. Envision a coach physically directing a player how to shoot a basketball or swing a bat. If you have ever fished think about casting your line. You direct it with your rod to go in a certain direction. The teachings of Scripture direct us on the path of righteousness. 

Third, he counsels us. The Spirit of God advises us. Like a mentor who has been there and done that, He helps you plan and purpose what you should do. The Bible is full of counsel. We can be advised about our finances, our families, business dealings and just plainly how to act with integrity. 

Lastly, he watches over us. This is more like someone who guides you with their eyes. Has someone ever tried to direct you with a flick of their eyes? Or as a parent do your children now "the look"? Often the Spirit of God gives us little "looks" to direct us. Maybe it's just a thought like, "Should I say that?" Or maybe just a sense of caution. Sometimes it is just a nudge to say a kind word to someone. 

God's love for us is so complete. We are not just saved from sin in the hereafter, we are given a way to live in the here and now and he promises to instruct us, teach us, counsel us and watch over us. 

Thank you, Father, for so great a salvation! Praise be to you in us today!

Are you surrounded by trouble?

"You are my hiding place
     you will protect me from trouble
     and surround me with songs of deliverance."
 Psalm 32:7 

There must have been some times for David when it just seemed like trouble came looking for him. Sometimes David found trouble all by himself. Which ever it was, David sought God. I think that is one reason he is described as a man after God's own heart.

Have you ever been in a situation where you are just minding your own business and out of nowhere trouble of some sort shows up? Maybe you feel like that right now? Or maybe you found trouble all by yourself. Which ever way it is, follow David's path. 

When David found himself in trouble he sought God. He said it like it was and he found hope in knowing that God heard his prayers.  One habit David had was that he reminded himself of the truth about who God was in the middle of any situation or circumstance. Here in Psalm 32 David remembers that God is his hiding place, that God will protect him form trouble and surround him with songs of deliverance. 

Think about that last line: "Surround me with songs of deliverance." Rather than being "surrounded" by thoughts of the situation or circumstances David said that songs of deliverance were part of the protection. God is eternal and his timing is different than ours. Worshiping God in the midst of trials helps us remember that God who is eternal is working in our lives and that he works all things out for the good of those who are in Christ Jesus. 

Father, thank you that you are our hiding place. Protect us from trouble and surround us with songs of deliverance. Praise be to you in us today!