Galatians 6:1 says it this way: Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other's burdens, and in this way fulfill the law of Christ. (NLT)
Man of God, do you know someone that has been overcome by sin? If so, you should lovingly help that person get back on the right path. Inviting that individual to next week's Monthly Men's Meeting might be an excellent opportunity for you to gain entrance into his life! Pray about it, and let the Lord lead you.
Wednesday, September 29
Tuesday, September 28
"Forks and Spoons"
Last Saturday morning, during the weekly breakfast session with the guys, the discussion strangely turned to fancy table settings. Eric said he didn’t understand how someone decided the fork went on the right side, and the knife on the left (or was it the fork on the left and knife on the right?) and that the spoon would be on one side or the other. Mark confessed he didn’t know what to make of the series of spoons arranged above the plate. Tim admitted being confused by the tiny forks that are sometimes included in the mix.
As cavemen, none of us could comprehend why anyone would fuss over such things. We all agreed that the only tool you need to eat your food is a knife, but a fork is a good thing to have too. A spoon, while not essential sometimes comes in handy. We also decided that these utensils don’t need to be in any particular place, just within reach. We concluded that having several versions of forks and spoons, each with an assigned purpose and place, was simply nonsense.
The Holy Spirit, as always, was in attendance that morning and He weighed in on the subject, as well. He didn’t disagree with our findings, but as He is apt to do, He turned our discussion inward. One of my fellow cavemen asked, “Are there any unnecessary ‘forks and spoons’ in our lives that we insist be present, but could be considered nonsense by others?”
As I’ve considered that question, I’ve identified several firmly-established ideas, behaviors, and tendencies that need to be examined. At best, these things give importance to the unimportant. Worse, they have the potential to confuse, frustrate, intimidate, and alienate people I care about.
Dear reader, I would appreciate your sharing any scriptures that could provide direction, perspective, and encouragement. Thank you and God bless you.
As cavemen, none of us could comprehend why anyone would fuss over such things. We all agreed that the only tool you need to eat your food is a knife, but a fork is a good thing to have too. A spoon, while not essential sometimes comes in handy. We also decided that these utensils don’t need to be in any particular place, just within reach. We concluded that having several versions of forks and spoons, each with an assigned purpose and place, was simply nonsense.
The Holy Spirit, as always, was in attendance that morning and He weighed in on the subject, as well. He didn’t disagree with our findings, but as He is apt to do, He turned our discussion inward. One of my fellow cavemen asked, “Are there any unnecessary ‘forks and spoons’ in our lives that we insist be present, but could be considered nonsense by others?”
As I’ve considered that question, I’ve identified several firmly-established ideas, behaviors, and tendencies that need to be examined. At best, these things give importance to the unimportant. Worse, they have the potential to confuse, frustrate, intimidate, and alienate people I care about.
Dear reader, I would appreciate your sharing any scriptures that could provide direction, perspective, and encouragement. Thank you and God bless you.
Monday, September 27
Create "Free Space"
I love Henry Nouwen's description of Hospitality as, "...creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy..."
I pray that, as leaders, we work hard at creating "free space" here at MGM...not so that we can change the men of our church and community, but to offer them enough space so that God can change them.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. God will do the rest!
I pray that, as leaders, we work hard at creating "free space" here at MGM...not so that we can change the men of our church and community, but to offer them enough space so that God can change them.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. God will do the rest!
Saturday, September 25
Got Faith?
Simply saying I have something doesn’t necessarily mean I have that something. If I profess to have faith in something but don’t live like I faith, do I have faith?
God’s Word reveals a glorious future to those who profess to believe that Jesus Christ suffered and died to make that very future possible. Yet, many believers live lives barely distinguishable from the lives of those who have yet to know the promises of God.
Hebrews 1:1 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” To have faith, then, is to be sure and certain of what God promises. This means those of us who profess to have faith have a choice to make. We can learn to live as though God’s Word is true, or we can continue to live without the assurance and certainty that His Word provides. The choice we make has profound consequences not only in our lives, but also in the lives of those we are given the opportunity to influence.
If we choose to believe God’s Word is completely true, we can have faith in a glorious future, giving us a totally new perspective on life. We don’t have to live as though this is all there is, because it isn’t. So, “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).
God’s Word reveals a glorious future to those who profess to believe that Jesus Christ suffered and died to make that very future possible. Yet, many believers live lives barely distinguishable from the lives of those who have yet to know the promises of God.
Hebrews 1:1 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” To have faith, then, is to be sure and certain of what God promises. This means those of us who profess to have faith have a choice to make. We can learn to live as though God’s Word is true, or we can continue to live without the assurance and certainty that His Word provides. The choice we make has profound consequences not only in our lives, but also in the lives of those we are given the opportunity to influence.
If we choose to believe God’s Word is completely true, we can have faith in a glorious future, giving us a totally new perspective on life. We don’t have to live as though this is all there is, because it isn’t. So, “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).
Friday, September 24
Obey The Call
So much of Jesus’ teaching and so many pages of devotionals have been about answering the call to follow Him – to “Obey the Call.” This requires two things of us: hearing the call and obeying the call.
Hearing the Call
With the understanding that God, being God, can get anyone’s attention any time He pleases, He usually waits patiently for us to respond to His subtler efforts to reach us. To hear His quieter call, I have to be close enough to hear it. If I’m not close enough, it isn’t because He moved farther away from me. He’s always been there, it’s just that I’ve managed to be somewhere else.
I will also hear Him better if I’m familiar with His voice and His manner of speaking. If I haven’t spent quality time with Him, how can I know what He sounds like and how He tends to express Himself?
Even if I have managed to get within range of His voice and have started building a relationship with Him, if He is just another thing vying for my attention – just part of the rest of the noise that is my life – I’m probably not going to be able to hear Him often, if at all. If I am to hear God, I must be intentional about it, regularly making time for Him, and just Him.
Obeying the Call
Assuming I have drawn near to Him, have become familiar with Him, and have consistently spent time with Him, I have increased my chances of hearing Him. If I am now hearing Him, the second thing comes into play – obeying Him.
Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). That He literally gave His life for the sake of those who follow Him is not only worthy of obedience, but a manner of leading in which obedience is the only proper response.
My spirit engages at His call, but my flesh resists. It is a battle worth waging however: Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28). That’s not just another promise…that’s God’s Word!
Hearing the Call
With the understanding that God, being God, can get anyone’s attention any time He pleases, He usually waits patiently for us to respond to His subtler efforts to reach us. To hear His quieter call, I have to be close enough to hear it. If I’m not close enough, it isn’t because He moved farther away from me. He’s always been there, it’s just that I’ve managed to be somewhere else.
I will also hear Him better if I’m familiar with His voice and His manner of speaking. If I haven’t spent quality time with Him, how can I know what He sounds like and how He tends to express Himself?
Even if I have managed to get within range of His voice and have started building a relationship with Him, if He is just another thing vying for my attention – just part of the rest of the noise that is my life – I’m probably not going to be able to hear Him often, if at all. If I am to hear God, I must be intentional about it, regularly making time for Him, and just Him.
Obeying the Call
Assuming I have drawn near to Him, have become familiar with Him, and have consistently spent time with Him, I have increased my chances of hearing Him. If I am now hearing Him, the second thing comes into play – obeying Him.
Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). That He literally gave His life for the sake of those who follow Him is not only worthy of obedience, but a manner of leading in which obedience is the only proper response.
My spirit engages at His call, but my flesh resists. It is a battle worth waging however: Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28). That’s not just another promise…that’s God’s Word!
Thursday, September 23
Cutting Remarks
How many times has our mouth gotten us in trouble? James 3:7-9 says, “All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.”
Obviously the "tongue" is a difficult member to manage...but what we need to realize is that it’s really not an issue of the mouth…it’s an issue of the heart! Jesus states it very clearly: "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). As men of God, we need to be extremely careful of the things we allow into our hearts (minds) because they can become words at any moment.
So how can we get our words right? We must first get our hearts (minds) right. It is absolutely essential for us to fill our thoughts with God's Word…meditating on it day and night. That's why Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 that we should not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Obviously the "tongue" is a difficult member to manage...but what we need to realize is that it’s really not an issue of the mouth…it’s an issue of the heart! Jesus states it very clearly: "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). As men of God, we need to be extremely careful of the things we allow into our hearts (minds) because they can become words at any moment.
So how can we get our words right? We must first get our hearts (minds) right. It is absolutely essential for us to fill our thoughts with God's Word…meditating on it day and night. That's why Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 that we should not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Tuesday, September 21
Navigation
Today’s scripture (Isaiah 30:15-22) speaks of God’s desire to have His people turn away from their ways and find rest in Him. But Israel, as though she knows better, made her own plans. Sounds like the story of my life!! Does it sound familiar to you, too?
The scripture says, “the Lord longs to be gracious to [Israel]… and “waits on high to have compassion on [her]” (v18). If only she stilled from her willfulness enough to hear the voice of the Lord, she would find the very thing she looks elsewhere for. Three millennia later, nothing much has changed.
It may be even harder today to hear the Lord than it was back in the days of Isaiah. We live in a culture that provides nearly constant stimulation and countless new ways to entertain ourselves, unfavorable conditions for simple prayer and meditation, let alone a disciplined, focused relationship with God.
Clearly, God wants to bless us, but we have to be in position to be blessed. If we are somewhere other than where He wants us to be we cannot reasonably expect Him to honor our waywardness.
Do whatever it takes to hear Him. If you are not sure where to start, ask your pastor or a mature Christian for ideas. Next, do what you are supposed to do, and go where you are supposed to go. This may require you to change, but in the end it will be worth it because you will be positioning yourself for His blessings, which will outweigh any reward this world could possibly provide.
The scripture says, “the Lord longs to be gracious to [Israel]… and “waits on high to have compassion on [her]” (v18). If only she stilled from her willfulness enough to hear the voice of the Lord, she would find the very thing she looks elsewhere for. Three millennia later, nothing much has changed.
It may be even harder today to hear the Lord than it was back in the days of Isaiah. We live in a culture that provides nearly constant stimulation and countless new ways to entertain ourselves, unfavorable conditions for simple prayer and meditation, let alone a disciplined, focused relationship with God.
Clearly, God wants to bless us, but we have to be in position to be blessed. If we are somewhere other than where He wants us to be we cannot reasonably expect Him to honor our waywardness.
Do whatever it takes to hear Him. If you are not sure where to start, ask your pastor or a mature Christian for ideas. Next, do what you are supposed to do, and go where you are supposed to go. This may require you to change, but in the end it will be worth it because you will be positioning yourself for His blessings, which will outweigh any reward this world could possibly provide.
Monday, September 20
Faith and Trials
If we always knew what to do, we wouldn’t need faith. If everything was easy, we wouldn’t need God. Without trials, I doubt I’d know either. Because of them, I have come to know both.
Sunday, September 19
The Gift of Forgiveness
One of the things I struggled with early in my walk with Christ was the naïve idea that those who professed to be Christians would think, act, and live better than those who weren’t Christians. When I didn’t automatically act better and saw that sometimes others didn’t either, I remember feeling no small degree of sadness. I think deep down I had hoped if others were better people for being Christians, I too, could become a better person for being one.
What I learned is that Christians are not exempt from failing. We fail often and we fail a lot of in the same ways as non-believers. The thing that makes Christians different is not our inability to fail. The difference is that we are forgiven. But we don’t always live as though we are forgiven.
Forgiveness is a miraculous gift that opens the door to so many other gifts we can claim as believers. Receiving the gift of forgiveness allows us to transcend our past, overcome the grip of sin and shame, and experience a life of unrealized freedom, power, and possibility. But without receiving and experiencing forgiveness, we don’t really know how to forgive ourselves or others. As a result, our view of ourselves and others remains tethered around what we’ve done and what others have done to us rather than what He has done for us. That is a difference that makes all the difference.
Forgiveness is so important that God allowed His own Son, to die a slow painful death so we could receive it. If you have not already done so, learn to receive God’s forgiveness. What you experience will be life-changing and will help you learn to forgive others. Then put on your seatbelt because you’ll be going somewhere.
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32
What I learned is that Christians are not exempt from failing. We fail often and we fail a lot of in the same ways as non-believers. The thing that makes Christians different is not our inability to fail. The difference is that we are forgiven. But we don’t always live as though we are forgiven.
Forgiveness is a miraculous gift that opens the door to so many other gifts we can claim as believers. Receiving the gift of forgiveness allows us to transcend our past, overcome the grip of sin and shame, and experience a life of unrealized freedom, power, and possibility. But without receiving and experiencing forgiveness, we don’t really know how to forgive ourselves or others. As a result, our view of ourselves and others remains tethered around what we’ve done and what others have done to us rather than what He has done for us. That is a difference that makes all the difference.
Forgiveness is so important that God allowed His own Son, to die a slow painful death so we could receive it. If you have not already done so, learn to receive God’s forgiveness. What you experience will be life-changing and will help you learn to forgive others. Then put on your seatbelt because you’ll be going somewhere.
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32
Friday, September 17
To the Contrary...
Today’s lesson tells about the life of golfer Byron Nelson, who in the prime of his career, left golf behind to pursue other goals. Breaking from the crowd isn’t an easy thing to do, but Mr. Nelson had other plans for his life and risked criticism and being misunderstood to pursue them.
I used to work in the investment business. A familiar goal of investing is to “buy low and sell high.” But interestingly, human nature leads most people to “buy high and sell low.” Most people would have better investment results if they did the opposite of what their “instincts” tell them to do. One particular investment approach, called “contrarian investing”, seeks to capitalize on this aspect of human nature. A contrarian investor will look at what crowd is doing, and then do the opposite. If the masses are selling a particular stock the contrarian would consider buying it, or if a particular stock was being bought, the contrarian would look at the possibility of selling it.
Christian living is similar to contrarian investing. Often the Christian life is “upside-down” when compared to what much of the world is doing. Consider, for example, the instructions of Romans 12:20: “…If your enemy is hungry feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink…”. Or how about Matthew 10:38-40: “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Being a Christian often requires us to do things that appear different from, or even foolish to, the rest of the world. Like Mr. Nelson, we must have the courage to pursue our convictions. Not just for our own sake, but for Christ’s sake.
Here are some scriptures to encourage you:
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. 1 Cor 1:25
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will. Rom 12:2
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matt 10:38-40
But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. Matt 19:29-30
I used to work in the investment business. A familiar goal of investing is to “buy low and sell high.” But interestingly, human nature leads most people to “buy high and sell low.” Most people would have better investment results if they did the opposite of what their “instincts” tell them to do. One particular investment approach, called “contrarian investing”, seeks to capitalize on this aspect of human nature. A contrarian investor will look at what crowd is doing, and then do the opposite. If the masses are selling a particular stock the contrarian would consider buying it, or if a particular stock was being bought, the contrarian would look at the possibility of selling it.
Christian living is similar to contrarian investing. Often the Christian life is “upside-down” when compared to what much of the world is doing. Consider, for example, the instructions of Romans 12:20: “…If your enemy is hungry feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink…”. Or how about Matthew 10:38-40: “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Being a Christian often requires us to do things that appear different from, or even foolish to, the rest of the world. Like Mr. Nelson, we must have the courage to pursue our convictions. Not just for our own sake, but for Christ’s sake.
Here are some scriptures to encourage you:
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. 1 Cor 1:25
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will. Rom 12:2
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matt 10:38-40
But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. Matt 19:29-30
Tuesday, September 14
Do you know Him?
Today’s lesson affirms just how well God knows us. How well do we know Him? It is hard to trust anyone before you really know them – even God.
If we fully trusted the Lord we would not know fear, anxiety, worry, impatience, or a host of other annoying conditions we’d be better off without. The extent to which these things are present in our lives provides a good indication of the degree of understanding of our Creator and the degree of faith we have in Him.
Is ours a life based on what is seen or is it based on faith?
What is seen is ever-changing and temporary - here today is gone tomorrow. But God and His Word are never-changing and everlasting – here today and tomorrow!
Faith grows out of our understanding of God. Understanding God comes from knowing His Word, which identfies Jesus “the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb 12:2). By knowing God’s Word and growing in Christ, we come to understand and lay claim to the promises of God. Standing on the promises of God means we won’t end up twisting in the winds of fear, anxiety, worry, and impatience.
“Laying claim to what is ours starts by our giving Him claim to what is His.” – ge via the Holy Spirit
If we fully trusted the Lord we would not know fear, anxiety, worry, impatience, or a host of other annoying conditions we’d be better off without. The extent to which these things are present in our lives provides a good indication of the degree of understanding of our Creator and the degree of faith we have in Him.
Is ours a life based on what is seen or is it based on faith?
What is seen is ever-changing and temporary - here today is gone tomorrow. But God and His Word are never-changing and everlasting – here today and tomorrow!
Faith grows out of our understanding of God. Understanding God comes from knowing His Word, which identfies Jesus “the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb 12:2). By knowing God’s Word and growing in Christ, we come to understand and lay claim to the promises of God. Standing on the promises of God means we won’t end up twisting in the winds of fear, anxiety, worry, and impatience.
“Laying claim to what is ours starts by our giving Him claim to what is His.” – ge via the Holy Spirit
Sunday, September 12
Just Another Sunday
Today's scripture (Acts 2:41-47) describes a church I'd like to be part of were it to exist today. I've not traveled to other parts of the world, but I wonder if in places that have nothing close to the material blessings of America the Christian church might more closely resemble the one being described. The excitement, the presence, the power, the passion! I can't say I've ever considered selling all my possessions and using the proceeds to benefit all, as anyone had need, but that is what happened in those first days. Oh, what a difference a couple of thousand years can make!
Still, I am blessed to attend a church where I can encounter God in a unique way through corporate worship, learn about God and the truths of His Word, and engage in fellowship and mutual encouragement with other believers. Yet, on many weekends, I have to overcome an attitude of indifference about attending church. This indifference is pure selfishness, centered around whether I will experience anything worthwhile by attending. I always do experience something worthwhile every weekend, so why do I wonder whether or not I will?
It is because there is a part of me that should be dead that still lives. And where it lives, God does not. It lies, it distorts, it ignores truth, it seeks ease and pleasure, and it places its own needs above the needs of all, including God. Through the love of Christ, the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit, it is dead. It only comes back to life when I take my eyes off of Jesus.
Still, I am blessed to attend a church where I can encounter God in a unique way through corporate worship, learn about God and the truths of His Word, and engage in fellowship and mutual encouragement with other believers. Yet, on many weekends, I have to overcome an attitude of indifference about attending church. This indifference is pure selfishness, centered around whether I will experience anything worthwhile by attending. I always do experience something worthwhile every weekend, so why do I wonder whether or not I will?
It is because there is a part of me that should be dead that still lives. And where it lives, God does not. It lies, it distorts, it ignores truth, it seeks ease and pleasure, and it places its own needs above the needs of all, including God. Through the love of Christ, the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit, it is dead. It only comes back to life when I take my eyes off of Jesus.
Saturday, September 11
Overcoming Evil
Julie Ackerman Link (the author of today’s message) closes her piece with words worth repeating:
“Evil gets all the headlines, but God’s goodness is stronger, and He wants us to use it on His behalf to overcome His enemy.”
When evil arrives at our doorstep, we want to shrink from it or retaliate against it. Evil is part of the world in which we live, but by following the One Who has overcome the world we too can overcome the world and the evil in it.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” -2 Cor 12:9
“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 1 Pet 4:14
“And we know all things work together for good to those who love God, to those called according to His purpose.” Rom 8:28
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” -Rom 12:21
Disciples who are filled with God’s goodness are part of His battle plan against evil.
“Evil gets all the headlines, but God’s goodness is stronger, and He wants us to use it on His behalf to overcome His enemy.”
When evil arrives at our doorstep, we want to shrink from it or retaliate against it. Evil is part of the world in which we live, but by following the One Who has overcome the world we too can overcome the world and the evil in it.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” -2 Cor 12:9
“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 1 Pet 4:14
“And we know all things work together for good to those who love God, to those called according to His purpose.” Rom 8:28
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” -Rom 12:21
Disciples who are filled with God’s goodness are part of His battle plan against evil.
Thursday, September 9
Commanded to Love
Of the many things that continue to defy my understanding, love is by far the most elusive. I used to try to figure it out, and every time I thought I might be getting closer to knowing what it was, I would experience it in another way or to a greater degree. I found it to be an ever-expanding concept. My every effort to understand love only confirmed that it could not be understood.
The author of today’s message asks, “How can God command us to love?” To me, the answer is pretty clear: God commands us to love because (1) He is love, and (2) we were created in His image. Failure to grow in love represents a failure to pursue the very reason for which we were created. God made us to love. In Jesus He showed just how much He loves us and at the same time, gave us the perfect model of love.
Dismissing all the emotionally-derived versions of “love” that pervade our culture, the Bible tells us God is love (1 John 4:8), and that we are made in His image (Gen 1:27). It follows, then, that as I grow closer to the image in which I was made, I grow in love. Love isn’t something I do. It is something I become as I pursue God. As I experience God in a greater way, I experience love in a greater way, as well. And just as the mind can’t begin to comprehend all that God is, the mind fails to comprehend all that love is. John (4:4) reminds us that “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” Pursuing God (who is love) and love (who is God) is a fully spiritual endeavor. Our feeble mental abilities are useless.
The author of today’s message asks, “How can God command us to love?” To me, the answer is pretty clear: God commands us to love because (1) He is love, and (2) we were created in His image. Failure to grow in love represents a failure to pursue the very reason for which we were created. God made us to love. In Jesus He showed just how much He loves us and at the same time, gave us the perfect model of love.
Dismissing all the emotionally-derived versions of “love” that pervade our culture, the Bible tells us God is love (1 John 4:8), and that we are made in His image (Gen 1:27). It follows, then, that as I grow closer to the image in which I was made, I grow in love. Love isn’t something I do. It is something I become as I pursue God. As I experience God in a greater way, I experience love in a greater way, as well. And just as the mind can’t begin to comprehend all that God is, the mind fails to comprehend all that love is. John (4:4) reminds us that “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” Pursuing God (who is love) and love (who is God) is a fully spiritual endeavor. Our feeble mental abilities are useless.
Wednesday, September 8
Wholesome Words
Today’s lesson is about the power of words. Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Considering this, one of the most frequent and important decisions we will make each and every day is choosing the words we use.
In today’s scripture, Paul urges us to use words that build rather than destroy: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Eph 4:29). He also tells us not to “grieve the Holy Spirit” (v30). The words we use not only allow us to relate to others, but also reveal something about ourselves. What does our choice of words say about us?
An important step in maturing in Christ is to harness the power of the tongue, using words that build up others and provide a vivid example of God’s grace at work in a life. I confess that I have some work to do in this area. Too often I use words and/or a tone of voice that fails to reflect any measure of the abundant grace God has poured into my life. This must change, and through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, I believe it can and will.
“Be a fountain, not a drain” – Rex Hudler, former Major League Baseball player
In today’s scripture, Paul urges us to use words that build rather than destroy: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Eph 4:29). He also tells us not to “grieve the Holy Spirit” (v30). The words we use not only allow us to relate to others, but also reveal something about ourselves. What does our choice of words say about us?
An important step in maturing in Christ is to harness the power of the tongue, using words that build up others and provide a vivid example of God’s grace at work in a life. I confess that I have some work to do in this area. Too often I use words and/or a tone of voice that fails to reflect any measure of the abundant grace God has poured into my life. This must change, and through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, I believe it can and will.
“Be a fountain, not a drain” – Rex Hudler, former Major League Baseball player
Tuesday, September 7
Follow the Instructions
I can so relate to today’s devotion concerning the importance of following instructions. So many times I have acted on the belief that I can do things my own way, without referring to guidance from the creator – whether it is the creator of the shelving unit I’m trying to put together, the cake I am trying to bake, or the life I am trying to live. Failing to even refer to, let alone follow the instructions, I ended up with damaged shelves, a cake that did not rise, and a life that became unmanageable.
Jesus gives us clear instructions (in addition to being the perfect model) for living our lives. He tells us that it won’t be easy, “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Mat 7:14). A Christian who is earnestly “following the instructions” risks being misunderstood and may appear foolish to the world, but to overcome the world, doesn’t it makes sense that one might have to look and act differently from it?
Having spent much of my life without the instructions, then a good part of my life refusing the instructions, I’ve finally decided to follow Jesus. My only regret is failing to arrive at this decision much sooner.
Jesus gives us clear instructions (in addition to being the perfect model) for living our lives. He tells us that it won’t be easy, “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Mat 7:14). A Christian who is earnestly “following the instructions” risks being misunderstood and may appear foolish to the world, but to overcome the world, doesn’t it makes sense that one might have to look and act differently from it?
Having spent much of my life without the instructions, then a good part of my life refusing the instructions, I’ve finally decided to follow Jesus. My only regret is failing to arrive at this decision much sooner.
Sunday, September 5
Always There
The other day the devotion talked about loop holes and I agree with John... that is a method to exercise our selfishness but today in the book of Psalm David cries out to the Lord and the Lord is always faithful to hear our cries. In the service last night (Saturday) Pastor Mike used an illustration that many times we lean on God but only enough that if He were to not catch us we could catch ourselves. The truth is that when we do this we are not trusting in God and the reasons for not fully trusting God needs to be sought out so healing can begin. My guess is that many of us are in place that it's very difficult to fully trust God and so the journey continues.... when we call out to Him, He hears us and when we trust in Him He guides us.
"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24
Friday, September 3
Loopholes
Lawyers and accountants are paid handsomely for finding loopholes that allow their clients to evade the intent of statutes, contracts, or obligations. "Finding a loophole" means to exploit imperfections in language such as ambiguities or omissions to justify unexpected and undesired behavior. Like little Jenna in todays lesson, we all have tried at at one time or another to use a loophole to “wriggle off the hook” and have our own way.
To a heart operating out of human goodness, even the Word of God can appear ambiguous and incomplete and thus be used to justify one’s own ends. But it is not scripture that is unclear and incomplete, it is the man who has yet to pursue his potential in Christ. Through Jesus Christ, a heart comes to operate out of God’s goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit a man gains understanding of and obedience to the will of God.
In Christ, there is no ambiguity, no omission, no confusion…God has closed the loop.
To a heart operating out of human goodness, even the Word of God can appear ambiguous and incomplete and thus be used to justify one’s own ends. But it is not scripture that is unclear and incomplete, it is the man who has yet to pursue his potential in Christ. Through Jesus Christ, a heart comes to operate out of God’s goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit a man gains understanding of and obedience to the will of God.
In Christ, there is no ambiguity, no omission, no confusion…God has closed the loop.
Thursday, September 2
Silence, Please!
Being still is difficult in a culture that wants to appeal to our senses 24/7/365. There is always something to see, there is always something to do. We are busier than ever. Busy with what? How easy it is to get sucked into a vortex of busyness, getting so caught up doing this thing or that thing that we end up living without the real thing. How else could it be that in a culture where people can amuse themselves so cheaply and easily, so many still find themselves bored and unfulfilled?
Today's scripture (Psalm 46) points to something greater than anything else we strive for. The author suggests there is something vitally important to be found in stillness, in quiet, in solitude, in rest; but unless we learn and choose to be still, be quiet, be alone for a spell, and put our feet up for a bit, it will likely elude us.
Be still enough today to know He is God.
Today's scripture (Psalm 46) points to something greater than anything else we strive for. The author suggests there is something vitally important to be found in stillness, in quiet, in solitude, in rest; but unless we learn and choose to be still, be quiet, be alone for a spell, and put our feet up for a bit, it will likely elude us.
Be still enough today to know He is God.
Wednesday, September 1
The Person of the Bible
What perfect timing for today's ODB piece (thanks God!) as we take on the challenge of growing in Christ through regular intake of God's Word. Therein lies the key to unlocking every potential God has placed in each of us. If I can just get myself to look at the text, then anything becomes possible.
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