GIVE & TAKE OF RESPECT: Titus 2:2

"Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance." Titus 2:2

I have been involved in Scouting with my youngest son for the last five years. At one event I observed a Boy Scout in his mid-teens showing a Cub Scout in about second grade how to raise the flag. It was good to see the way the older Scout addressed the younger scout. You could see the way the Cub Scout looked up to the Boy Scout and I was impressed with the manner in which the Boy Scout taught him to participate in a flag raising ceremony, respectfully. 

I have worked with students and parents as a teacher and administrator for twenty three years. To earn people's respect is more than just holding a title. People won't respect you if you do not keep your word. People won't respect you if you treat them like you are better than them. Let me tell you, kids know whether you actually care about them or not. And they will let you know fairly quickly. After working in one South Central school for about seven or eight years a fellow teacher noted that my door didn't get tagged while everyone elses did. I earned the communities respect by treating them with respect, which wasn't always easy. 

I am being respectful? Are my actions worthy of respect or are they suspect? In the end I think it all boils down to being Christlike. If I am seeking to be Christlike I will be respectful and respectable.

Father, help us to be servants of Christ and to be Christlike in our actions. Praise be to you in us today!

CONTROL YOUR INTAKE: Titus 2:2

"Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance." Titus 2:2

I find it interesting that the list for older men is longer than the list for younger men (see verse 6). Maybe that is because older men set the example for younger men to follow. 

The first characteristic  that I as a man should seek is to be temperate. In the Greek it is a word that can be translated sober. I take it to mean that I need to govern my intake. Whatever that might be I need to be vigilant as to its role in my life. 

Of course when you say sober you think of alcohol. I am going to say this as I  see it. I have seen people who "don't drink, don't smoke, don't dance and don't run with those who do" act in some very ungodly ways. I have see people who do all the above act in some very Christlike, gracious and giving ways. The issue is who controls your heart and mind. If alcohol, drugs, pornagraphy or something else controls you, that is your master. If the love of Christ controls and compels you, Christ is your Savior and Lord. 

In reality it is a simple issue. Does it control you? I mean does it move you to decide? When I am making the basic decisions of my day is the desire for something else distracting me from choosing wisely? I need to be in control of what I let influence me.

To be temperate, or sober is to have a clear head when living your daily life. 

Father, help us to be temperate and let you control our thinking. Help us to look to you as we live our daily lives in this world but not of this world. Praise be to you in us today!

ACTIONS THAT SPEAK: Titus 1:16

"They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good." Titus 1:16

You have heard the old saying, "Actions speak louder than words." As Christians our actions are our testimony. My pastor speaks about having a redemptive conversation each day. I would like to suggest that every interaction is a possible redemptive "conversation". Jesus told us that if we want to be great in his kingdom we should be the servant of all. So, whatever you do today remember that it can be used by the Spirit of God to draw people to Jesus Christ. 

Who will you interact with today? Remember, even the simplest action can be redeemed by Lord.  

Lord, may our actions to God and bear witness to our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Open our eyes to see you working in and through us today! Praise be to you in us today!

HOLD ON BECAUSE THEY'RE HOLDING ON TO YOU: Titus 1:9

"He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." Titus 1:9 

My faith, my holding on to to Christ as he holds on to me, not only helps me abide in Christ but those in my circles of influence, starting with my family. 

In my school district there has been this infestation of "coaches" for about the last decade. There is nothing more nullifying than a coach who couldn't teach trying to tell other teachers how to do their job. In the same way my wife and children are not going to hear me if I am living a godless life yet talk like I am a saint. 

Now, I must offer a disclaimer. In Ephesians 5:21-33 Paul tells wives to submit to their husbands and husbands to love their wives. Please notice that it does not say submit when your husband is Christlike or love your wife when she is loveable. It also does not say you are free to not submit or love when your spouse is un-Christlike. My point is that perfection is not what is being taught. Faith relies on the cross because we need mercy, grace and forgiveness. 

My children need me to encourage them to follow Christ when everyone else is not. My children need me to help them refute the lies taught to children about the origin of man and the reality of our Creator, Savior, Father and Friend. We don't need to be brilliant apologists of the gospel, we just need to point our families to Christ.

Father, help us to follow you as parents and spouses and to encourage our children and spouses to trust in you. Praise be to you in us today! 

Thank you for the sacrifice...

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Jesus Christ gave the greatest sacrifice and gives the greatest freedom. Those who follow that example are remembered today.

Thank you, Father, for the men and women of this country who have given their lives that we may enjoy the freedom to worship you as we see fit. 

The Gettysburg Address: 
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. - Abraham Lincoln

GOD'S LOVE, DAY OR NIGHT: Psalm 42:8

"By day the LORD directs his love,

     at night his song is with me - 
     a prayer to the God of my life."
 Psalm 42:8  

In the middle of a prayer of longing comes a reminder of the truth: God is directing his love toward you. It is so easy to focus on the feeling of aloneness, isn't it? That is the result of sin, being without hope and without God in this world. 

A very good friend of mine had a very difficult time dealing with the death of his mother. For years he struggled with it. I tried to be empathetic. My biological father had died just after my aunt. My buddy was angry with God for taking his mom. It was hard because he just wouldn't come to grips that everyone dies. In his mind if God loved him he would not have let his mother die. Finally, he came to the place where he could grieve and move on in the knowledge that God loved him.

Sometimes we are in the midst of a "Where are you God?" time. If you are remember that it is not about your feelings, it is about the truth of God's love. The truth is that God directs his love toward us and day or night his Presence is with us. 

Father, thank you that by day you direct you love toward me and at night you put a song in my heart. Help me to live by faith in that truth. Praise be to you in us today!

GODLINESS IS THE END GOAL: Titus 1:1

"Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness." Titus 1:1

The playoffs are coming up for my son's little league baseball team. We have great pitching, but, our hitting has been a weakness. So, we have been spending more time in the batting cages. The goal: to get a lot of hits and score a lot of runs. 

Godliness is the desired effect of the knowledge of the truth and faith.  Although it may not always seem easy to be godly, it is fairly straightforward. To be godly is to be Christlike. To be Christlike is to be loving. Think for just a moment of a few things you will encounter today...how can you do that in a Christlike way? 

Lord Jesus, help us to treat people like you would treat them and to act with integrity and honesty, unlike many around us. Praise be to you in us today!

THE LORD WILL RESCUE YOU!: II Timothy 4:18

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring  me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." II Timothy 4:22

If you seek to follow Christ and do what is right, you will be opposed. There is an enemy in this world that seeks to use anything and everything to oppose all who seek to live a godly life.  The good news is that greater is he that is in me than be that is in the world! Paul knew that no matter what he went through, the Lord would rescue him in the end. Not only that he knew that God would bring him safely home. 

The good news is not that you will never be attacked, it is that you will be attacked but, in Christ, you will be rescued. 

Father, thank you that you will rescue me and bring me home to your heavenly kingdom! Praise be to you in us today and all eternity!

YOU ARE AWARDED THE...: II Timothy 4:8

"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the  Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 
II Timothy 4:8

My youngest son has been in Scouts since first grade. He just bridged over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. He received the Arrow of Light award, which is the only patch that you can carry over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. So, now he starts his quest for Eagle Scout. One of the cool things about scouts is that along the way they earn patches and belt loops (Cubs) and then merit badges (Scouts). There are rewards. Paul knew there was a reward, the crown of righteousness awaiting him. There is one awaiting you and me too. 

Have you ever wished that Jesus could just be there at that moment? Have you ever just wished he would come today? I don't know how you could possibly come to Christ in any meaningful way and not wish to see him face to face. The Spirit of God just calls you. When you are church, singing, worshiping, listening to the teaching and serving, isn't that simply the manifestation of your desire to know Christ? It should be.

Hopefully you understand that when Paul says, "and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" he means you and I! We have a crown of righteousness awaiting us! Don't give up! Keep pressing on! God is faithful. He will accomplish though you what he wants to do. 

Father, thank you for your mercy and grace to not only save me but us me by any measure. Praise be to you in us today!

FIGHT, FINISH, FAITH: II Timothy 4:7

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7

Fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. There it is, three checks to make sure you are on track.

Are you fighting the good fight? Think about that...the good fight. There are many bad fights out there. I think back on most of the battles I have had over the years and I doubt if I would get into it about many at this time. They just wouldn't be a good, as in worthwhile  fight.  There are some things that you must fight for and there is no way to avoid it unless you totally cave into the world. What was Paul's good fight? Sharing the gospel and building up churches. 

Are you setting yourself up to finish the race? When I first gave my life to Christ I guess thought that Christ's second coming would be within a few years. I still believe Christ could come at any time, I just realize that he is very patient and there are many yet to be saved. My place is to run this race like he might come today or the day after I die. Either way, I run for  Christ and to Christ.

Are you keeping the faith? Not a faith, the faith. Faith in Christ, in his death, resurrection, intercession and return. Faith in his faithfulness, his unfailing love, his grace, mercy and forgiveness. Faith in his absolute sovereignty. He alone is God. 

Father, help us to fight the good fight, to finish the race, and to keep the faith. Praise be to you in us today!

A PRAYER OF LONGING: Psalm 42:1-2

"As a deer pants for streams of water,
     so my soul pants for you, O God.
 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. 
     When can I go and meet with God?"
 Psalm 42:1-2

Father, I need you. I need your Presence in my life. I long for your Presence. I know that you are faithful, your love is unfailing and your will is unstoppable. But, so often I live outside that light, that truth. Too often I make my choices as if I didn't believe in your existence. Forgive me and help me to live by faith. I know my feelings are no indication of your truth or nearness. You promised to never leave me or forsake me (Duet. 31:6; Hebrews 13:5) and yet I sometimes feel alone and desperate. Open my eyes to see you in my life. Thank you that the truth is that you will never leave me or forsake me so therefor I can be strong an courageous. Thank you, Lord. 

DOWN NOT OUT: Psalm 41:10-12

"But you, O LORD, have mercy on me;

     raise me up that I may repay them.

 I know that you are pleased with me,

     for my enemy does not triumph over me. 

 In my integrity you uphold me

     and set me in your presence forever."

 Psalm 41:10-12

Let's face it. We all need the grace of God. As Christians, we are enemies of this world. Just believing that Jesus Christ is Lord and that be died and rose again puts us in direct opposition to a world that wants to believe we came from chaos, formed from chance, and live with a moral compass that points only to what you believe will fulfill you at any given moment; self-fulfillment without restraint. 

Are you under attack? Have you been knocked around? Are you still alive? You are down, but not out. God is still Sovereign. God is still in control. Whether you need to be forgiven or to forgive, God is still God over all. He has unfailing love for you. 

I personally don't know what God may do to get you, or me, out of whatever situation that seems to make us out of it, but, he does. Look to him. Wait. He is faithful. 

Father, show us yourself, raise us up that we may glorify you. Praise be to you in us today!

IT IS YOUR DUTY: II Timothy 4:5

"But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." 
II Timothy 4:5

What are my duties? Maybe, the real question is: What are not my duties? 

Now, I don't want to just focus on the obvious ones like be the spiritual leader. Because, if I am not Christlike in that I am willing to serve...all I say is just bla, bla, bla, clanging cymbal.

As a husband and father my duty is to make sure that whatever needs to be done, gets done. That does not mean by delegating it all to my wife. For me, sometimes that means when I come home from work and I just want to crash on the couch, I may need to cook. Other times it means vacuuming. 

Remember, trying to lead/serve a family is not about our own innate abilities, it is about the power of God working in and through us to meet the needs of our families. He is faithful. Paul said, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). I do believe in knowing when it's time to call the plumber, but, you know what I mean. If I see a need in my family, get it done.

Father, give us the strength and love to serve our spouses and families. Praise be to you in us today!

WHO ME? EVANGELIST?: II Timothy 4:5

"But, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." 
II Timothy 4:5

Although my dad is the master of small talk (he once talked to a guy 20 minutes on the phone before realizing it was a wrong number) he was always intimidated by the thought of witnessing to someone. But God, being both amazing and humorous, still wanted to use him. I remember after he first gave his life to Christ, he would come home and in utter shock and tell mom how he ended up sharing with someone about Christ. Basically, the Holy Spirit would lead the other person to pretty much say, "What must I do to be saved?" Then my dad we have to tell them about the saving work of Jesus Christ. What would happen is that men who knew my father saw a change in his behavior and would ask him why he changed. He would tell them the truth. Christ was changing him. 

As normal people, not evangelists, sometimes we do the work of an evangelist however the Spirit of God opens the conversation. Don't be afraid. Let God work in you and someone will eventually ask why you live like you do. 

Father, in this world of darkness, living by faith in Christ, obedient to your commands, will make us stand in contrast to the world around us, in the world but definitely not of it. Help us to shine with your love, mercy, forgiveness and grace. Praise be to us in you today! 

KEEP YOUR HEAD: II Timothy 4:5

"But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardships, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."   II Timothy 4:5

What is your primary ministry? Your primary ministry is first to your spouse and then your family. Think about that for a second or two...If there is ever a place where you might not "keep you head" it is usually with your family. Sometimes we come home after holding everything in all day at work and we sort of vent or just sort of relax and then ,"BAM", a little drama, a little or not so little family crisis slams us right in the face! It can be hard to "keep your head" when all you want is just fifteen minutes of peace. 

I think the key is to still remember the grace of God and to let him reign. We can never let down our guard and never give up the reign of Christ in our hearts and minds. The day is not over until I lay my head on the pillow and that is not when I forget about God but when I thank God for bringing me through another day on planet earth. 

Father, bring us through this day and help us to keep our heads in all situations! Praise be to you in us today!

THE AGAINESS OF GRACE: II Timothy 4:2

"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction." II Timothy 4:2

Last night my youngest son had a baseball game. It did not go well. In contrast to our last game where we almost played error free, this game was a complete error fest. One of the other father/coaches looked at me in complete frustration and said that for this time in the year we just shouldn't be having these kind of problems. As the manager (and father) I'm trying to figure out what I need to do to help the boys learn to get over a mistake, refocus and make the next play. Most importantly, I need to do it with great patience and careful instruction. 

Think of how many situations in life this truth applies. As a supervisor, manager or trainer you must be patient and skillfully instruct someone on how to do something. Even as a co-worker we need to patiently "teach". 

Spiritually speaking, we all struggle sometimes to grasp the simple truth that God's love applies to us. We all fall short. We all sin. That is not an excuse. Sometimes we struggle to grab hold of the grace of God in Christ Jesus. You might call it the againess of grace.

When we are given the opportunity to help someone live by faith we need to "teach" with great patience and careful instruction. Remember the amazing patience that God's is displaying toward you at this very moment. As Christ is patient with us, we need to be patient with others. Teach with the againess of grace. 

Father, thank you for your great patience with me! Praise be to you in us today!

YOU ARE THE TEACHER : II Timothy 4:2

• "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction." II Timothy 4:2

As a parent and a teacher I find myself saying a lot of things trying to get my children and students to continue to work hard and not give up, to persevere. I just never know when a truly teachable moment will actually come. 

I need to have the word of God as my guide, my reason for doing not only what I do but, how I do what I do, because my actions will leave their imprints upon my children's lives. 

Sometimes we find ourselves in positions where we need to correct people, maybe even rebuke them (in love and humility), but, we should always try to encourage people. Leading your family can be tough because you have to face each other in the aftermath of a confrontation. But, love leaves away out and a way in. Discipline is not rejection. So lead in truth, which is the Word of God, and lead with love, like Christ. 

Father, help us to lead with love, like Christ. Praise be to you in us today. 

REGARD FOR THE WEAK;Psalm 41:1-3 and Happy Mother's Day!

"Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;
     the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.
 The LORD will protect him and preserve his life;
     he will bless him in the land
     and not surrender him to the desires of his foes.
 The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed
     and restore him from his bed of illness." Psalm 41:1-3

So many truths in Scripture are a two edged sword. Repent and be saved. Forgive and be forgiven. Die to yourself and live. And here in Psalms we are reminded that we are to have regard for the poor. 

What kind of person are you? Do you consider that state that someone else is in with any sense of compassion and empathy? You may not be able to rescue a person from the circumstances in their life, but, do you have any regard for them? 

I have a good friend who has been struggling for a few years trying to get a job. So, many times I wanted to help, but, was unable to help (financially). But, I prayed with him and tried to empathize with him. After a lot of prayer together (and I am sure not just by me) a door seems to be opening, he has had work these last two months. Sometimes we are reminded that we are not God and only he can act Sovereignly and provide for the needs of his people. (Yes if you can give, give.)

This is no formula. We are not talking about a universal law of karma. We are simply remembering that God wants us to have regard for the weak. He will take care of us.

Father, thank you that you know are needs even before we do. Praise be to you in us today!

*By-the-way, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my mom, my lovely wife (an awesome mom), and and the mom's who love their children like only a mom can!

FEEL NEED? SEEK GOD: Psalm 40:17

"Yet I am poor and needy;
    may the Lord think of me.
 You are my help and my deliverer;
    O my God, do not delay." Psalm 40:17

How you feeling? Do you feel poor and needy? Didn't Jesus say, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"? Yes, he did. I know this isn't usually what we want to hear, but, sometimes it is good to feel poor and needy. A few days ago, something happened to me and I was very upset. I called out to God. I felt very poor and needy. God answered my prayer. Thank you, Lord. 

Frankly, it is good to seek God. It is good to seek God when things are well. It is good to seek God when things are not well. Just seek God. God is our help. God is our deliverer. 

Father, thank you that we can seek you whatever the circumstances. Praise be to you in us today!

IT'S NOT ABOUT WARM FUZZIES: II Timothy 3:16-17

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."        

II Timothy 3:16-17

You know what the problem with most idea's about having a daily devotional time is? In my opinion the problem is that most people are just looking for a warm fuzzy. You just want to read a verse or two, feel good about yourself and go on with your day.

The problem with all that is that sometimes a life of faith is spent enduring trials, hardships and persecution.  Sometimes we are simply blowing it, we are in sin. There are times when I wake up in the morning and I need the Bible to rebuke me and to correct me otherwise I am going to step into some serious problems. 

Last night I watched a bit of Sports Center on ESPN before I went to bed. Mano Ginobli of the San Antonio Spurs was talking about why they lost to the Memphis Grizzlies. He basically say they played poorly. He didn't sugar coat it and he said that if they didn't improve they would lose again. I think that is one of the reasons the Spurs are always good, they look at themselves honestly. Spiritually we need to look at ourselves honestly. Because sometimes the issue is we just are not obeying Christ. 

Seeking God on a daily basis is a start. Knowing that it is not always about just feeling good is a mature thing. Submitting to the discipline of the Spirit as we read the Scriptures is where growth happens.

Father, help us to not just read the Scriptures to feel good but to listen honestly and grow. Praise be to you in us today!

THE BIBLE, IT'S ALL GOOD: II Timothy 3:16-17

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." II Timothy 3:16-17

Why do we need to read the Bible? Why should we take the time to try to study the Scriptures? Because we need to be taught, sometimes rebuked, corrected and and constantly trained in righteousness. If we truly want to live the abundant life, we need to live by faith in Christ and the Scriptures tell us how to do that.

It's sort of funny because there is a bit of an issue going on with a "loophole" in a rule for my son's little league about the pitch count. What is telling is that you can violate the spirit of the rule, which is to safeguard kids arms, by taking advantage of the loophole. As a parent I am disturbed that the board is more concerned with taking advantage of the loophole rather than the protection of 8-11 year olds arms. What's my point? My point is that we should read the word seeking the simplicity of faith, not the complexity of legalism. I think that is why some people like the question (which my mother always said to me long before the bracelets), "What would Jesus do?" or "Would Jesus hit his brother?" 

Obedience may not always be easy, but it usually is pretty simple. 

Father, help us to not just read the Bible but to do what it says. Praise be to you in us today. 

KNOW SCRIPTURE, BECOME WISE: II Timothy 3:14-15

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." II Timothy 3:14-15

I few years ago I was greeting people as they entered the church and there was one man who was in bad shape. His clothes were worn and dirty. His face was unshaven. He looked like someone living on the street. I began to see him attending regularly and he committed his life to Christ. He began to change. He is now on staff at that church! He wasn't a street person but his life was a wreck and knowing Christ changed him into a productive person. He has a great wife and family. Living his life by faith in Christ Jesus has given him the wisdom to live a godly life.

Sometimes we forget that wisdom comes from following the truth taught us in Scripture. I am blessed that my mother and grandmother always made sure we went to church. I can not remember a time when going to church was not a part of my life. I can not remember a time when acting like Christ and obeying the Scriptures was not part of the conversation concerning how I lived my life. Really, if there is any success to my life it is when I have tried to live my life in a godly manner by faith in Christ Jesus. 

I encourage and exhort you to continue to seek Christ and live by faith in him. We know he tells us in the Bible to love as he has loved us. So, how will you do that today?

Father, help us to live through faith in Christ Jesus today! Praise be to you in us today!

IT IS TIME TO JUST SERVE: I Corinthians 12:7

"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." I Corinthians 12:7

I confess, I have a little inner conflict going on within me. My family and I have been attending a particular church for a few years now. Our daughter is involved with the youth group, which is one of the main reasons we began attending the church. I have been enjoying the mens study on  Wednesday mornings before work and getting to know a few men. But, I know I need to truly serve.

Our pastor has been teaching on the gifts and being involved. I have almost met with him twice since we started attending. I really want to be more involved but I came from a church that was all about jumping through hoops. If for whatever reason you had to take a season (like getting married or having a baby) to readjust your time, you would have to go through this whole hoop jumping process to get to where you felt called. So, I am not into looking good for anyone, I just want to serve. Put me in coach, I'm ready to play.

I know my new pastor really doesn't know me, so, I don't have any issue's with the church not mystically knowing  my gifts and asking me to use them. I just need to do something, whatever I sense God might be putting before me. 

Maybe, you are attending a church but are not really involved. Maybe you sense it is time to step up and just plain serve. Ok, let's pray that God opens our eyes to see the needs right before us and help us to just serve. 

Father, open our eyes and stretch out our hands to serve in your Name. Praise be to you in us today. 

SURROUNDED, TIME TO CALL ON GOD!: Psalm 40:11-12

"Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord;
     may your love and your truth always protect me.
 For troubles without number surround me;
     my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. 
 They are more than the hairs of my head,
     and my heart fails within me." Psalm 40:11-12

I love David! What does he do when he totally blows it? He calls on God! He cries out for mercy and asks that God's love and truth would protect him. The enemy, the accuser, would have us wallow in sin, guilt and condemnation. But, why David was called a man after God's own heart was because when he things were at there worst, even due to his own sinful choices, he sought God. 

Are you surrounded by troubles? Do you feel overtaken? Time to seek God. It's past time to try to get yourself together. It's time to seek God. Time to call ask for mercy. Time to let God's love and truth protect you. 

Father, we call out for your mercy! May your love and truth protect us. We are surrounded, overtaken and can't see a way out. We call on you! Thank you that you hear our prayer! Thank you Jesus for being our righteousness! Praise be to you in us today!

YOU CAN'T ARGUE SOMEONE INTO THE KINGDOM: II Timothy 2:23

"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." II Timothy 2:23

When I first started teaching there was a group of guys who started teaching couple years after me. They were all atheists and liberals. When they found out I was a Christian and not a liberal they just couldn't believe it and would ask all kinds of questions. I would ask them a few. The discussion would usually turn into a full on argument brawl. After a while I just told them that if they really wanted to know why I believe what I believe, just ask. They did and in the end about three guys found their way to Christ. 

I also notice that I have become a bit more tactful myself. I found that you need to always allow someone a way out, because, if you back someone into a corner (even verbally) they usually will try to fight their way out. Francis Schaeffer said that he once debated an atheist and when he got home his wife asked him if he won the debate. He said yes, but he'd never do it again because he felt that he beat the guy up so bad that he would never come to Christ. Truth without love can just be a battering ram. 

You can't quarrel/ argue someone into the kingdom. You may give an answer to your beliefs and that may be an opening to share the gospel. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Remember, the goal is to turn people to Christ, not away from him. 

Father, give us grace to gently answer those question or challenge our beliefs. May we turn people to you, not away from you. Praise be to you in us today!

DON'T PANIC, SEEK THESE FOUR: II Timothy 2:21-22

"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." II Timothy 2:22

Only one thought on fleeing. Notice Paul does not say to think, pray, or resist. He just says, "Flee". Don't think, just flee. 

I once was at a situation where someone threw a military grade tear-gas canister into a high school basketball game. People just ran out in complete panic, knocking each other down and running every which way. It was mayhem. Sometimes I think that is what our attempts at repentance look like. We're all over the place, knocking into things, just doing anything. Paul gives a four specific spiritual points to seek.

First he tells us to seek righteousness, then faith, love and peace. The opposite of evil desires is righteousness, acting Christ like. Acting Christlike is faith in action. Remember in I Timothy 5:1-2 Paul had exhorted Timothy to treat others, and specifically younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. To act righteously is to love as Christ loved us. Faith in action is manifested in love. When you act righteously, by faith, in love, you will be at peace with God and others. Seeking God this way with others who call on the Lord out of pure hearts is what church is all about. That's Christianity. 

Father, help us to seek righteousness, faith, love and peace together in Christ. Praise be to you in us today!

A PRAYER TO BE NOBLE: II Timothy 2:20-21

"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the later, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." II Timothy 2:20-21

Father, I am thankful to be part of your family and part of your house. Cleanse me from that which is ignoble. Give me a heart for you, your word and your people. Teach me your ways and lead me in your paths of righteousness. Thank you, my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, for being my righteousness! Make me useful and prepared for any good work. Praise be to you in me today!