May You Flourish in God's Unfailing Love

 

Take a moment, as you do what you must, and remember what God has done in your life this last year. 

Thank you, Lord, for your unfailing love!

Is There a Way Prepared in You?

The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
It is written in Isaiah the prophet:
"I will send my messenger ahead of you,
   who will prepare your way"-
"a voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
   make straight paths for him.'"
Mark 1:1-3

Tomorrow is the last day of 2014. Wow, 2015. Honestly, there has been times in my life when I never thought I would make it to 2015. So I am thankful for God's faithfulness in my life. 

In the Gospel of Mark we read about the beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We are told about the way being prepared for Jesus. Prepare the way and make straight paths for him. 

We have a new year coming up. I am not good with New Year's resolutions, but I do believe in redirecting myself from time to time. This is a good time to think about what is directing me and what is motivating me to make decisions. If it is not what God would have me do, then I should change what I'm doing and/or what is motivating me. 

Here's the questions I think these verses ask me. First, am I prepared for the Lord to work in my life? Second, I am making straight paths for the Spirit of the Lord to work in me? 

What can I, what can we do? Here are a few things I think we can do:

• Give God time. Remember, a few minutes are better than none. A simple honest prayer is better than a long repetitious prayer meant only to say you did it. 
• Be honest with God. He already knows. You're still alive. So, there must be something he wants for you. 
• Do good where you are at. Let's get real here. For me today, doing good was (to start) putting the clean dishes away before my wife got up so she didn't have to. 
• Serve. This kind of goes with the last one. Specifically, do something to serve at your church. Just ask, they'll put you to work. Frankly, I have never truly felt a part of a church unless I was serving. 
• If the Spirit moves, move. About a month ago I felt compelled to email a note to a missionary couple I pray for. They needed to get in touch with someone we mutually know. I was the needed link (one they didn't have if I had not of heeded the Spirit's moving), though I was unaware of the urgency of the situation. 

If you have more ideas, please post them in the comments section. 

Say it with me, "Have mercy on me, O God."

Have mercy on me, O God,
   according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
   blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
   and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51:1-2

David knew he had sinned and the first thing he needed was mercy. Mercy is what you hope for when you know that what you deserve is not going to be good. David knew that he deserved to die. He committed adultery and murder. Not to mention lying and a slew of other things he did to manipulate the entire army to serve his own ends. 

David also knew that God, in his very nature is merciful. He called on God, he pleaded with God to be merciful. I don't think David expected God to make everything just go away. He just knew he needed mercy. We need mercy, too. Some things may not go entirely away, but, God is still merciful. Like David, who knew he deserved to die, we just cry out for mercy. 

In what area of your life do you need mercy? You would be hard pressed to do much worse than David, yet he cried out for mercy. God didn't kill him or allow him to be killed, so got some mercy. He still was used to be a link in the Messianic chain. That's mercy. 

So what these verses tell us is that David needed mercy and he asked for it. What it means is that we can ask for mercy and God will still use us to build the kingdom. What it does for us today is allows us to cry out for mercy, no matter what we've done. It gives us hope. Say it with me, "Have mercy on me, O God."

The Curtain Is Torn

We may not understand what God is doing, but, just when we think all is lost, that's usually when our God is doing his greatest work! Wait upon the Lord!

What Do You Want Blotted Out From Your Life?

Have mercy on me, O God,
   according to you unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
   blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
   and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51:1-2

David was definitely a sinner. This Psalm is not a Psalm of praise. It is not just a plea for forgiveness, it's a cry from David to God asking God to remove the guilt of the sin he had committed. He knew he sinned. He realized the devastation his actions had produced. He wanted God to blot out his transgressions,  wash away all his iniquity and cleanse him from his sins. 

Not to justify or minimize any sin, but to emphasize the mercy of God I want us to remember that we are all sinners. Haven't we all wished that God would blot out some things - sin - from our lives. 

The amazing thing is that even though David did reap some negative things, the Lord still completed his purposes. The Messianic line  still prevailed and Christ was still born, died for our sins and rose again. 

You may want God to blot something out of your life. The truth is, God will accomplish his will because he is Sovereign, merciful, his love is unfailing and he has great compassion toward you! 

What Will You Do With Those Gifts?

Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 

Matthew 25:14

Yesterday was Christmas. Today I will start to decide what I am going to do with the gifts I was given. Matthew 25 was the chapter I read today. It is a good reminder to take stock of what God has given me and check myself to see if I am seeking to build his kingdom or just mine.  

What gifts has God entrusted you with? 

How will you use them today? tomorrow?

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! 

Remember to read the Luke chapter 2 to the family ;)

What Trial Are You Thankful For?

Whoever sacrifices a thank offering honors Me, 
   and he prepares the way, 
so that I may show him the salvation of God.” 
Psalm 50:23

On this Christmas eve I invite you to take a moment and remember something you are thankful for. Maybe you are in a line. You might be taking a moment between errands. Whatever you might be doing, remember and be thankful. Be thankful for the really easy things to be thankful for and also for the hard lessons that you needed to learn. Each tough lesson is a highway for the Spirit of God to move in your life. 

Who You Gonna Call?

To sacrifice a thank offering almost sounds contradictory to me. Sometimes, it can be hard to be thankful, especially when you don't see the hand of God or you didn't get the answer you were hoping for. 

What God does call us to do is to seek him, like we said we would when we gave our lives to him. In a way, I think that until Christ returns we live in "the day of trouble". Jesus told his disciples in John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." 

The amazing truth is that the Lord says to call upon him in the day of trouble and he will answer us! Maybe it's that so often we look to ourselves or others and expect help from them, when God wants us to look to him for help. When God answers our prayers and we know it's him, we will honor him. 

Are You a Scrooge?

The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.

Matthew 21:14-15 NIV

I went to college in the south back in the eighties when the Lakers and the Celtics were going at it for championships. I of course am a lifelong Lakers fan. There were a few Celtic fans from Boston at school. When the Lakers won I was of course pretty happy, but they of course, shall we say, indignant. (I must say, in all fairness, that when the Celtics won I was, of course, indignant too.)

In Matthew 21:14-15 we have the blind and the lame (and they know it) and the chief priests and teachers of the law (who were blind and lame spiritually and didn't know it). Those who knew they needed Christ received all Christ had for them. The so called spiritually elite didn't think anything was wrong with them and they missed worshipping the very Savior they professed to wait for!

The question of the day is: Do you know, like the blind and lame, that you need Jesus, or do you, like the chief priests and the teachers of the law, think you are good enough, see what God is doing and become indignant? This Christmas are you remembering how Jesus heals your life or you a bit of a Scrooge? 

Proclaim the Righteousness of God in Christ!

Baby Jesus, the Mighty One!

The Mighty One, God, the Lord,
   speaks and summons the earth 
   from the rising of the sun to where it sets.

From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.

Our God comes and will not be silent;
   a fire devours before him,
   and around him a tempest rages.

Psalms 50:1-3 NIV

Christmas is coming and I love this time of year. It always amazes me that Jesus came as a baby. He came down to earth and lived as one of us. Except without sin. This Jesus who humbled himself and became obedient to the point of dying on the cross for our sins. He is the Mighty One, God, the LORD of the whole earth. He is who we worship, trust and follow. 

Whatever the chaos, drama, or stress the season may bring, the real point is that we remember, celebrate and worship Jesus, who came in the flesh, lived and died for our sins and now sits at the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf. 

Praise be to the Mighty One, the Lord Jesus Christ!

Is Jesus Welcome Here?

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Matthew 18:1-5 NIV

Do you welcome Jesus? 

You can seek success, do your best and try to be the best at what you do. But, do you welcome Jesus? 

I ask myself, is Jesus welcome in my life? Today as I go to work and deal with middle school students, fellow teachers and staff members and probably a parent or two, I have to ask myself, is Jesus welcome? 

As a child I didn't know how my parents provided breakfast, lunch and dinner. I just knew they did. I didn't know they had to pay the mortgage. I just went home, and lived in our house.  

I think humility is knowing who you are in Christ. A child is just a child and they generally don't even think about it, they just are. Every now and then parents do remind their children they are still children, they're not adults yet. If you have a teenager you know what I mean. The funny thing is even when a teenager tries to tell you they are an adult they still expect you to pay.

My point: Know Jesus. Welcome him. Remember that he is your Lord. He is your Redeemer and Savior. Trust him. He is faithful and will complete the work he is doing in your life. 

Is Jesus welcome in you life?

In the Batter's Box of Life, Listen to Christ.

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Matthew 17:5  NIV 

I was managing my youngest son's baseball team about a year ago and there was this one father who could be very encouraging. But, he could also be a bit overwhelming at times too. I kind of had to throw him out of the dugout. Then, he would tell his son what to do when he was up to bat. That's OK, except it would sometimes go against what my first base coach was signaling him to do. The poor kid would be up to bat, look over to the coach, then get in the batter's box and his dad would be trying to signal him what to be doing and his head would be going back and forth and then the pitch would come and you could just see that too much was going on in his head. He really struggled at the plate because he was trying to listen to the coach and his dad. I finally had to ask his dad to stop because it was confusing his son. 

I think sometimes we are a bit like that kid in the batter's box. We might go to church, read our Bible a bit, but we listen to a lot of other stuff too. The world is always trying to tell us something. We just need to listen to God. 

Bless or Curse, You Choose.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

James 3:9-12 NIV

Today I will encounter people in many different settings. My choice is: will I be a vessel of blessing or cursing? 

I need the Spirit's wisdom and guidance to say things that will build up each person. My prayer is that the Spirit of the living God will use me and rivers of living water will flow through me to others in Jesus' Name.

Your Hands Are Dirty, So What?

Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean', but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean'.”

Matthew 15:10-11 NIV

Jesus has an amazing way of taking things straight to the heart of the matter. The Pharisees and teachers of the law were concerned about seeking God outwardly. They were focused on the disciples eating without washing their hands because that was a tradition of the elders. A tradition of the elders is not a commandment, it's a rule created by the religious leaders to try and keep people from breaking the commandments. 

Jesus then explained it further by saying, "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man 'unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean.'" ( Matthew 15:18-20) So, we should be concerned with more about our hearts than our hands. (Yes, I do wash my hands before eating. Except when camping, working construction or otherwise away from soap and water.) 

I can wash my hands all I want and that will not keep me from sinning. The only thing that I know of that will wash my heart is the forgiveness of my sins by the death of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Who Needs a Touch?

And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

Matthew 14:35-36 NIV

Sometimes we just need a touch. Our spouses need a touch. Our children need a touch. Our friends and people we work with need a touch. There are a lot of sick people out there. They need to touch Jesus.

If you need a touch, Jesus is just a prayer away, just a moment remembering his love for you on the cross. 

Father, I come to you and ask that we would touch you by faith. I pray that as we seek you in prayer, reading and meditating on your word that your Spirit would heal us and renew our hearts in you. Use us as instruments of salvation. May our words and actions bring people to you. 

How Has God Been Your Fortress?

God is my fortress. 

I had a pretty tough day on Friday. But, the truth is that God is my fortress. He has shown himself to be my fortress in the past in similar situations. I thought the opportunity for a position I applied for was gone but a week later I was offered one within five minutes of my home. God has been and he will be my fortress.

Do Good, It's Not Against the Law

He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

Matthew 12:11c-12 NIV

The image is still clear in my mind. I was in England at Capernwray Bible School. I sat down in my seat for class and the head of the school, Mr. Stracum, was at the podium and he just started quickly leafing through his Bible and every few seconds look up and sharply snap, "What does the Bible say? What does the Bible say?" 

We had just had a class on ethics the day before and the topics set off a barrage of verbal scrums usually only seen at the local pub when rival teams squared off for a championship match. 

Mr. Stracum reminded all of us that the Bible teaches about mercy, grace, forgiveness and redemption. Sometimes when we seek to follow Christ we get locked into legalism without even trying. Why? There's a lot of reasons, but, I think it's usually because we want to lock into  routine where we can just choose and act. We set a few guidelines that we inwardly make laws because we feel guilty if we don't do them. 

The point the Mr. Stracum made was that Jesus was more concerned about the person with the need than the rules and regulations added by the teachers of the day. We need to look at the person. Each person has an inherent value because they were created in the image of God, whether they know that or believe that to be true. 

I guess, in the end the point is: Do good in Jesus' Name and don't worry about what anyone else thinks.

Come and Find Some Rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

It's Friday, it's the holidays, it's the end of the year, it's busy. Getting things done, keeping people happy, doing what you have to do. 

I really like Christmas time, but, it can still wear me down a bit. So, I need to remember that no matter what time of year it is, it's Christ's time for me. Rest is found in him and him alone. Gentleness and humility, trademarks of a godly leader, are the marks I should seek to leave behind as I interact and engage with a world seeking hope. 

Christ came into the world as a child. He grew up into a man and born the sins of the world; yours, mine and everyones around us. Come to Jesus. Learn of his love. Find the rest you need. 

Be a Shrewd Dove

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 

Matthew 10:16 NIV

The world looks at things completely differently than Christ compels us to view our lives. The end justifies the means permeates the beliefs of the world we live in from top to bottom.  From politics to literature the idea that you can break the rules if it helps you "make things better" in the long run. 

I think we need to love as Christ loved us. I don't believe that means that we have to be the victim. When Christ was questioned by Pilate (John 19) Pilate thought he was in power, but, Christ enlightened Pilate that the power he thought he controlled was given by God. We stand in the truth. If we suffer for that, we suffer in Christ's Name and for his glory. 

I also think that we need to be wise in all our dealings in life. I look at it like this: If someone asks me to do something inappropriate or questionable I should say no. 

Also, for the most part, people only hurt us as much as we allow them. So, trust people, but only as much as you are willing to be hurt. Then, forgive because none of us is perfect and we all sin. 

The Power of The Tongue

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

James 3:1-2 NIV

What I say can control the direction of my life. It's not just that I feel, rightly so, I need to do what I say, but people around me respond to me according to what I say. 

Phrases to practice:

• Please & thank you.
• I love you.
• I'm sorry.
• I'm praying for you.

What God says, about us, should direct us.

Give the Grace You Hope to Get

So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 7:12

Sandwiched in between teachings on judging others, asking God who wants to give us good gifts, entering through the narrow gate and recognizing a tree by its fruit is the Golden Rule. 

In verse 11, Jesus stressed that we need to understand that our natural desire to give good gifts to our children is just a fraction of the love that God has for us and his desire to give us good things. Then, in verse 12, in the Golden Rule, Jesus teaches us to go beyond empathy and treat others how we want them to treat us. This he says is what the entire Law and the Prophets is trying to say. 

Just take a moment and apply the Golden Rule to a few things...

You forgot to do something.

You lost your patience.

You spoke too soon.

You misunderstood.

Again. 

Give the grace who hope to get. 

No Matter Where You Go, There He Reigns.

God reigns over the nations;

   God is seated on his holy throne.

Psalm 47:7

This truly a remarkable statement, an amazing truth. God reigns. Not only does God reign, he reigns over the nations. Think of Israel, a country whose people often found themselves in the midst of turmoil. Little Israel vs. Egypt. Israel verses Babylon. Israel under the Medes and the Persians. For the most part, a bunch of tyrants. These are the times that the Sons of Korah would have written this Psalm. 

Today we live in a world of great unrest. I'm pretty confident that a least a few of you may work for a tyrant. But, God reigns. He is seated on his throne. I don't know what the unrest is in your life. I have no clue about the exact measure of your trials, but I do know that the Bible says that God reigns, and is seated on the throne. I also know that Jesus is there, interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25).

Whatever you are going through, God reigns and he is seated on his throne and Christ is interceding on your behalf!

Remember What to Seek First

Just a little frame of reference for the holidays. 

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or "What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will given you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:28-34

The LORD Most High Over...

The Psalm for today is Psalm 47. I like to take word from the Psalm I am reading each day that expresses God's nature. I try to remember that word throughout the day when I am feeling anxious or stressed. "The LORD Most High" is the phrase of the day. God is the LORD Most High. 

What am I encountering today that I need to remember that God is the LORD Most High over? What are you encountering today that you need to remember that God is LORD Most High over? 

Whatever you are struggling with, whether it be within yourself or outside yourself, God reigns and he is the LORD Most High over even that. 

Show Me Your Faith

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such a faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 

James 2:14-17

Someone once said, "It ain't bragging if you can back it up." On the other hand, if your actions don't match up with your words, you're deceiving yourself. A fellow teacher used to talk like she was just the most awesome teacher ever. To listen to her you would think that her students were always on task and just learning up a storm. But, whenever I walked by her room the students were swinging from the chandeliers and she was up there in front of the class oblivious to what was actually going on in front of her. During meetings we would look over data and her class always went down. 

The Christians who James wrote to were trying to say that they had faith that saved them but he was showing that their actions did not match up with their words. Let me put it this way: I can tell my wife I love her all day long but if I don't spend any time with her, if I don't help around the house, if I don't ever do things she wants to do, and spend time with someone else, how am I loving her? 

Christianity is not about the pie in the sky, salvation when we die. Christianity is about loving others by faith, today. I think this section of scripture is really about where reality hits our walks with God. James is talking to his readers about poor people of their congregations who they were pretty much blowing off so they could get the best seats to enhance their own status.  The point is that faith in action is meeting the needs of those around us. 

What need is right in front of your face? Frankly, I tend to think that if someone is sort of in my way, maybe that is who I am supposed to serve, by faith, at this moment. This year there has been several occasions where I was trying to get a certain amount of tasks completed by a certain time and someone asked me a question and I ended up helping them with anything from getting a printer to print to dealing with an immoral aggressive supervisor. The cool thing is I got to share my faith with some and pray for one colleague in his room! 

How do you live out your faith, today? 

Are You a Jacob? God is Your Fortress.

The LORD Almighty is with us;
   the God of Jacob is our fortress.    Selah
Psalm 46:7,11

God is with us...whatever else is going on around us, God, the Lord Almighty is with us. Every now and then when we are out doing something my son will just sort of come up next to me for a moment and then go off and do his thing. It's like he just has to see if I am there, and then he's good to go. 

We're the same way, aren't we? Throughout the day we just need to take a moment to remember that the Lord Almighty is with us. 

I am encouraged that the psalmist says, "the God of Jacob". The God of Jacob, to me, signifies that God works with those of us who seem to find trouble all by ourselves. Jacob's name means "he grasps the heel" or figuratively, "to deceive". A pastor of mine once paraphrased the meaning as "lying, sneaking, thief". Jacob seemed to struggle through everything. But, God was with him. God used him and God fulfilled his promises to Jacob and through him. 

Maybe you are like me and you identify with Jacob. Jacob's God is our God too. He is our fortress. That is good to know.

Thank you, Lord Almighty! 

Reverence: A Good Deal

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. 

Malachi 4:2

I think this is a good deal. I revere God's name. He heals my life. 

What can I do today to revere his name? 

I can read the Bible. I can pray. 

From the book of Malachi I can: 

• remember and thank God that he has loved me in Christ Jesus.
• be honest in my offerings to God.
• tithe.
• keep my marriage vows. 

These may seem simple, but, sometimes simplicity is the key to success. I find it profound that the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, begins with the reminder that God first loved us. The New Testament will be the demonstration of God first loving us by the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. Our response is to revere his name and love as he has loved us. 

What Does God Want Your Eyes to See?

You will see it with your own eyes and say, 'Great is the LORD - even beyond the borders of Israel!" Malachi 1:5 

I believe that God wants to doing something in each of our lives. I know he wants to reveal himself to us and to remake us into the image of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I know he promises that if we seek him we won't go hungry. 

The question is: What does God want to show you with your own eyes? 

How Has God Been Your Refuge?

I am thankful that God has been my refuge in every trial and temptation that I face. Sometimes I forget that he is there, but when I remember, his strength comes to my aide. 

I am also thankful that I live in a country where I can worship God with my family and friends without fear. 

Father, thank you for being my refuge! Thank you for the freedom to worship you. Be honored by our thanks today. Protect our country and raise up leaders who will honor you.

You Can Forgive

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement.

James 2:12-13

I think this a difficult topic because we would like grace to be a complete pass with no strings attached to it. But, James is clearly saying that if you are not merciful, there is no mercy for you. 

Jesus had taught the disciples in Matthew 6:14-15, "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." 

When you have unresolved issues of forgiveness in your heart they are attached to your inner being, whether you acknowledge them or not. Sometimes we like to just push things to the side and try not to notice them or deal with them, like a pile of bills on your desk that you refuse to open. Just because I refuse to deal with does not negate their presence or affect on you. 

Think about this; the model prayer that Christ taught his disciples has a postscript that flat out states that if we won't forgive someone who sins against us, we won't be forgiven. Because Christ first forgave us (See Colossians 3:13). I know that some people can be "impossible" to deal with, but, we are not being asked to spend Thanksgiving with someone who has sinned against us, we are being told to forgive them. Whatever God does after we forgive them is up to God. 

Three To Be in Christ

In your majesty ride forth victoriously
   in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness,
let your right hand display awesome deeds. 
Psalm 45:4

Most of the time, we are known for what we do. What we say matters only if we practice what we preach. Being a man or woman of truth, humility and righteousness is a fine legacy indeed. 

I could give a nice little exposition of theses verses and how they relate to marriage and to Christ. But as a devotional I just want to key in on the idea that Christ is the truth, he humbled himself and he is our righteousness. 

In John 14:6 "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.""

In Philippians 2 Paul reminds us that Christ "humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on the cross" and that attitude of humility is the same one we should have.

When speaking of boasting the apostle poignantly reminds the Corinthians, "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption."  

How does this apply to us today? It's pretty straight forward isn't it? I should be truthful, but with love. I should be humble which means to know who I am in Christ and serve others accordingly. I should also openly remember that Christ is my righteousness and act with his righteousness in all my encounters today. 

Fist Pump for a Good Prayer

The Lord blesses us in different ways. I was really blessed this week end by my sons. I went with my youngest son to a Boy Scout event called The Great Pumpkin Smash, where boys (and adults who wish to participate) get to destroy pumpkins with anything from arrows to shot guns. 

After we got home yesterday we cleaned up, rested a bit and then went out to dinner. My two oldest sons came over and joined us. At the end of the meal they tried to pay. It was very nice. 

Psalm 127:3-5 says:

   Sons are a heritage from the LORD,

      children a reward from him.

   Like arrows in the hands of a warrior

      are sons born in ones youth.

   Blessed is the man

      whose quiver is full of them.

   They will no be put to shame

      when they contend with their enemies at the gate. 

At camp breakfast my youngest volunteered to say grace for the meal. He got a sincere "good job" from the Scout Master. He prayed sincerely and with thanksgiving. It may seem weird to sort of fist pump your son for praying well, but, it seemed like he was praying to the God he knows, not just the one I tell him about. I'm proud of that.

I thank God that I was blessed to sit with my family and eat a meal with genuine love. That's a good day to me.

Are You Letting Your Hands Be Strong?

As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.

Zechariah 8:13

If you channel surf you will definitely come across some fitness coach promising that if you use their system you will lose weight and feel better. Self-help programs can aid you to lose some weight and feel better about yourself to some degree. But, they all share the same weakness. Self. 

That is what makes the grace of God so powerful. Grace is built upon the Sovereignty and faithfulness of the Almighty God. His promise is to save us and make us a blessing.  If you lift weights you should have a partner who acts as your spotter. Sometimes when you need just a little help they will pull up on the bar just a bit to help you finish the set. 

The grace of God is where he does a lot more than pull us up a little bit to bring us through. Because we know that we can let our hands be strong, we can act in faith without fear. You see, having a spotter allows you to try as hard as you can without fear that you will be halfway through a lift and your arms will give out and the weights will fall back on you. Let your hands be strong. Don't be afraid to fail. Be a blessing. Be strong in the Lord!

Justice is...

This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.

Zechariah 7:9-10

True justice begins with mercy and compassion. That is why the center of our faith is the redemptive work of Christ upon the cross. In that, the ultimate act of mercy and compassion, true justice was dealt for all of mankind. 

Unless we understand our own incredible need for the mercy and compassion of God in Christ we will look judgmentally down upon those less fortunate than us. The problem with the idea of karma is that people get what they deserve and that's the end of the story. Many Christians get that way with "you reap what you sow" and forget about mercy and compassion. They forget that all have fallen short of the glory of God. None is righteous, no not one. 

So what's the point today? Be merciful and compassionate when seeking justice. When you see that oppressed see them through the eyes of someone who needs God's mercy and compassion. My grandmother used to say (when she saw someone less fortunate than her), "There, but by the grace of God, go I." 

Remember Mercy

Speak and act as those who will be judged by the law of freedom. For judgement is without mercy to the one who hasn't shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement.

James 2:12-13

Think about how much God has forgiven you. Paul called himself the chief of sinners. He obeyed the law outwardly, but inwardly he was guilty...as sin. 

If I understand God's grace to me, I understand that I must be merciful to those who don't deserve it. 

God Gives the Victory

You are my King and my God,
   who decrees victories for Jacob.
Through you we push back our enemies;
   through your name we trample our foes.
I do not trust in my bow,
   my sword will not bring me victory;
but you give us victory over our enemies,
   you put our adversaries to shame.
In God we make our boast all day long,
   and we will praise your name forever.
                                                   Selah
Psalm 44:4-8

Who do I trust? I'm in a little battle right now and the question is: do I trust in my ability to finagle my way through the situation, or, am I going to trust God to open the door and make a way?

I guess the way I look at it is if I were in a real battle I would fight the enemy who was in front of me. So, if God puts something in front of me I should "attack" it, if not, I just lob some prayers into the fray. 

The truth that I need to remember is that it is God who gives the victory. 

Do You Need a Slap in the Face?

Why are you downcast , O my soul?
   Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
   for I will yet praise him,
   my Savior and my God.
Psalm 43:5

One of my best friends used to think that everyone else in church was always living in perfect peace and happiness. From his perspective when people said they were OK he thought they meant they weren't having any trials and God was speaking to them every moment of every day. It took him awhile to learn that everyone else at church had their struggles too. 

That is why I love David. David sought God from the middle of his struggles. I mean here he is, feeling attacked and it sounds like depressed. He asks God to vindicate and rescue him. 

He looks to the truth about God then asks why it does not match up with what is happening in his life. He knows God is his stronghold but he feels rejected by God. Then he asks God to get him out. He asks God to take him to the place where God dwells. 

This reminds me of once when my wife was in the hospital. I was very concerned because I didn't know what God was doing. My pastor came by and sort of slapped me in the face and told me I needed to get it together and that my wife needed to know that I knew God was in control and God would take care of her. I didn't need to know that he had been through something like I was going through. I needed to put my hope in God, knowing that I would yet praise him, my Savior and my God. That is sort of what I see David doing to himself. He is praying and encouraging himself to believe in God because God is his Savior and he will yet praise him.

God is your stronghold. God is your hope. God is your Savior. He will send forth his light and his truth and they will guide you to his holy mountain. You will praise him! 

Whose Clothes Are You Wearing?

The angel said to those who were standing before him, "Take off his filthy clothes."
   Then he said to Joshua, "See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you." Zechariah 3:4

This is such a great picture of the grace of God. Because of sin we are filthy. The reality being that we can't clothe or clean ourselves. He takes away our sin and clothes us in his righteousness. In I Corinthians 1:30 Paul reminds us that the work of Christ on the cross makes Christ our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 

Take a moment to remember that your sins are forgiven and you are clothed in the righteousness of Christ Jesus, the Lord. 

Do You Need Some Joy?

Then will I go to the altar of God,
   to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the harp,
   O God, my God.
Psalm 43:4

Once again David doesn't allow himself to be stuck in his emotions. He is obviously feeling depressed. But he knows that his joy and his delight is going to be found in God. 

I don't think David is trying to make a deal with God. He's not saying that if God rescues him then he will praise him. David is asking God to bring him to the place where God dwells, believing that God will, and when he gets there he will praise God for bringing him there!

What battle are you in? Where do you need his light and truth to shine? 

Father, send us your light and truth to lead us and bring us to your holy mountain. We put our hope in you believing we will yet praise you for your deliverance. 

Whose Kingdom Are You Building?

Give careful thought: Is there yet any seed left in the barn? Until nom, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not born fruit.

   From this day on I will bless you.
Haggai 2:18d-19

Check yourself. Think about what you are doing and how things are going. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus reminds us, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." The message of Haggai is that the remnant of Israelites that returned to Jerusalem needed to refocus themselves on building the temple of the Lord, not (first) their own houses. That is why God sent them back, to rebuild the temple. God does not have us here to build our own kingdoms, but his. 

Haggai tells us to give careful thought to your ways. We can build the kingdom of God in many ways. Remember, the kingdom of God is within you. A friend of mine, a drywall contractor, once told me there was no Jesus in the kingdom of drywall. Through a series of humbling events, he learned there was, in him. Give careful thought to your ways.

Father, forgive me for seeking first the kingdom of me. Use me to build your kingdom, today. Praise be to you in us today!

Is Today The Day?

On that day they will say to Jerusalem,

"Do not fear, Zion;

   do not let your hands hang limp.

The Lord your God is with you,

   The Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you;

   in his love he will no longer rebuke you,

but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:16-17 NIV

The truth is that if God is for you, it doesn't matter who stands against you.

Are You Humble?

Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land,
   you who do what he commands.
Seek righteousness, seek humility;
   perhaps you will be sheltered
   on the day of the LORD'S anger.
Zephaniah 2:3

I think a mark of humility is seeking God because you recognize that he is God and you are not. The arrogance of the agnostic is that s/he thinks they can stand in judgement of God and therefore can choose to act in the righteousness they define. 

But, only God is good. All our righteousness comes from God in Christ. Because he first loved us we seek to obey his command to love as he first loved us. That is righteousness. 

The day of judgement will come, whether or not people believe it. Seek righteousness in Christ. Seek to know who you are in Christ - humility is found there. He is our shelter now and he will be our shelter in the day of judgement. 

What Heights Does Go Have for You?

yet I will triumph in Yahweh;
   I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!
Yahweh my Lord is my strength;
   He makes my feet like those of a deer
   and enables me to walk on mountain heights!
Habakkuk 3:18-19 Habakkuk

Habakkuk was written during a time where the moral leadership of the nation was failing and justice was perverted. Sound familiar? It does to me. 

Then like now, God still reigns! Like Habakkuk the prophet we can still cry out, "Yet I will rejoice in Yahweh!"  Lord is our strength! He makes our feet able to scale the heights that he calls us to. The only question is what are the heights, the mountains that God has call and enabled you to walk? 

God will enable to walk the path, the heights, he calls you to. He is God our Savior. Amen, Lord. Show us Yourself!

Is It Time for God to Work Again?

LORD, I have heard the report about You;

LORD, I stand in awe of Your deeds. Revive Your work in these years; 

   make it known in these years. 

In Your wrath remember mercy!

Habakkuk 3:2 HCSB

Sometimes we walk through a valley while other times we walk through a desert. 

Maybe you are at a place where you only remember the awesome deeds of the Lord. That's ok. Remember with reverence. Recall with praise. Ask for God to make his ways known again in your life.

Father, I remember the ways you provided for me. You provided opportunities to learn, to be used by you and just to just enjoy your creation. I thank you for my wife and children. How you placed me in a family and me two of my own! Lord, it's time for you to move in my life again. Thank You Lord, because I know you hear my prayer!

Do You See Justice?

For the earth will be filled with
   the knowledge of the glory of the LORD,
   as the waters cover the sea.
Habakkuk 2:14

The prophet saw the corruption of those in leadership and even in those God was using to punish the leaders in Judah. Justice was perverted and the wicked seemed to go unpunished. God's message was that his justice would come around to them. Rage as they may, their end will come.

If you have ever watched a great fighter matched against a very aggressive opponent you know how this works out. The aggressive fighter seems to be carrying the fight as he strikes with relentless furry. The great fighter dodges, blocks and waits for the opportune moment to counter strike. When he finally delivers a blow it is with awesome force and accuracy and quite often ends the fight quite quickly. 

In a way, God's justice is like that. With relentless rage the enemy of our souls strikes away at our lives and we wonder were God is. The wicked seem to prosper and justice is perverted. Just wait. Their turn is coming and God will be glorified. 

What is our responsibility. To wait on God. To do what we know is right, even though everyone around us is doing what is right in their own eyes. Acknowledge God in all you do. Give God the glory. He will make himself known. 

What Has God Sent You?

The LORD will send His faithful love by day;    His song will be with me in the night —    a prayer to the God of my life.  Psalm 42:8 HCSB I don't know about you, but for me it sure is good to know that God sends his faithful love during the day. I'm going to face trials. There will be temptations. Battles will be won and lost. But, in the end, God is faithful. Knowing, at the end of the day, that God has been with me is definitely reason to be thankful. Thank you, Father, for your faithful love for me and my family!

Got Religion?

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:26-27 NIV

It starts with my tongue, the  intersection of thought, choice and action. When I speak I am committing myself to a specific pathway of action. My actions are the fruit of my beliefs.

Religion is the outward manifestation of our beliefs, what other people see. James isn't saying to not be religious, he's saying to serve orphans and widows. Orphans and widows (in New Testament times they were unable to work) are people who can't care for themselves.

The goal is to humbly serve others and to do this without being caught up in the sins of the world you are trying to minister to.

Do You Need Some Hope?

Why are you downcast, O my soul?
   Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
   for I will yet praise him,
   my Savior and my God.
Psalm 41:5-6a

The Lutheran hymn, "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less" by Edward Mote* reminds me that Christ is my hope. I have been singing that song since I was a child when my mother and grandmother took me to church every Sunday. 

Sometimes - I lose my way a bit. 

                   - I get a little confused.

                   - I get anxious over things I can't understand or control.

                   - I sin.

                   - I'm disappointed in myself...

                   - I can't see my way out.

                   - The enemy is in full blown attack mode.

                   - I'm just tired...

Where ever you are at, it's time to remember, "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). Christ is your hope. You will yet praise him! 

* http://www.lutheran-hymnal.com/lyrics/tlh370.htm

Are You in Shackles?

The Lord is good,
   a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him...
This is what the Lord says: 
“Although they have allies and are numerous,
   they will be destroyed and pass away.
Although I have afflicted you, Judah,
   I will afflict you no more.
Now I will break their yoke from your neck 
   and tear your shackles away.”
Nahum 1:7, 12-13 (NIV)

There will be trouble. But God is our refuge. The enemy is all around us. But will deliver us!

What is your affliction? In his time, God will break you free. Christ's death on the cross has paid the penalty, but sometimes we still wear the yoke. The world wants to keep you enslaved, but God wants to free you. Look to Christ to break the yoke and shackles of sin in your life. That is why he died, to free us from slavery to sin. 

The battle for our soul is also for our peace and our rest in Christ. In Christ the shackles of our sin fall away as we look to him.

I Am Thankful for Being Pardoned. What Are You Thankful For?

Who is a God like you,
   who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
   of the remnant of his inheritance. 
You do not stay angry forever
   but delight to show mercy.
You will again have compassion on us;
   you will tread our sins underfoot
   and hurl our iniquities into the depth of the sea.
You will be true to Jacob,
   and show mercy to Abraham,
as you pledged on oath to our fathers
   in days long ago.
Micah 7:18-20

Sunday is the day I try to start out remembering all the reasons and I am thankful to God. These verses remind me very specifically of God's mercy to me that in Christ my sin is pardoned and my transgressions are forgiven. 

I am also thankful that God does not stay angry with me. He will not let my sins overtake me but, in his compassion he tramples my sins underfoot by the power of the cross. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ!

What are you thankful for today!