Equip

Ephesians 4:12 "Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ"

Paul is talking about some of the different gifts given to the church. He mentions "prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers." He says their work is to "equip God's people to do his work." Their job is not to do the work, but to equip God's people (the church) to do the work.

My job is to equip others. This involves teaching, coaching, motivating, training and prayer. If I am doing all of the work, I am not doing my job. I need to be replicating myself and training others to advance the kingdom. I have a large youth group but I feel I am not being intentional enough in training and equipping them to do the work. Who can I invest in this year? Catalyst? My leaders? A small group? I need to do my job so others can do theirs.

Dear Jesus, help me equip the right people. Amen.

The Biggest Loser

Romans 12:1 "...I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable..."

Paul is urging the Roman Christians to give their entire lives to Christ as a "living and holy sacrifice." This to Paul, even includes their very physical bodies.

Most of the time we separate our lives into different "selves." We have our mental self, emotional self, physical self, spiritual self... I don't believe God sees things this way. He created and is concerned about me-my whole life and he sees it not as separate parts but as a whole. If my emotional life is struggling, I am struggling. If my physical life is unhealthy, I am unhealthy. Right now I am in a weight loss challenge with some buddies and this passage is a great motivator right before the holidays. My body belongs to God and needs to be healthy. In fact, my whole life belongs to God and needs to be healthy.

Dear Jesus, help my entire life be pleasing to you. Amen.

Masterpiece

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

Paul is talking about our faith and how our salvation is a gift from him. He created us and redeemed us. Another way to put it according to Paul..."we are God's masterpiece."

There are so many things to say about this verse! I am God's masterpiece. That may sound a bit conceited but it's not. I am not my masterpiece, I am God's masterpiece. I am his work, his creation. He gets all glory and praise for the artwork, not the artwork itself. I must thank God today for seeing the potential in me. He took a dirty, ugly, piece of clay and is creating something beautiful with my life. If only we could truly fathom what this means!? Oh how would our lives be different?

Dear Jesus, thank you, the great artist for creating me anew. Amen.

Two Gifts from John

1 John 1:9 "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."

John mentions that we are all sinful, but if we confess our sins, Jesus will forgive us.

I remember memorizing this verse as a boy. It gave me, and still gives me great confidence, that yes, I am sinful and will continue to sin, but Jesus is faithful and will forgive me. This verse does two great things for me. John allows me to be sinful. Sin is never OK, but John allows me to be real and honest-yep, I am sinful. This verse lets me be me. It also brings forgiveness. Jesus is faithful-he will forgive me if I confess. He is always there, waiting for me to say the two hardest words to pronounce, "I'm sorry." Today, I will confess and be forgive. Thanks John.

Dear Jesus, thank you for your justice, faithfulness, and forgiveness. Amen.

Put the Guns Down

1 Peter 3:15, 16 "And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way..."

Peter is encouraging believers to do good and let our actions speak for themselves. He also mentions that we should be ready to share our faith at all times and we must do so in a "gentle and respectful way."

Christians are all too often their own worst enemy. We speak and show hate more than we speak and show love. We have rally's and boycotts and bumper stickers that are rarely gentle or respectful. Too often we are known for what we hate and what we are against. When hot button issues come up we are quick to fire both barrels and "tell 'em what's good for 'em!" Peter says we need to be gentle. We need to be respectful. Our speech and our lives should exhibit love, grace, gentleness, and respect even when we disagree. I need to be gentle and respectful today.

Dear Jesus, help me have your grace. Amen.

Lessons Learned

Hebrews 12:11 "No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way."

The writer of Hebrews is explaining how God disciplines us as a father disciplines a child. He does this because we belong to him, he loves us, and it is for our own good. The author also recognizes that discipline is not fun, but if we endure it, a future of "peaceful harvest" awaits us.

My kids don't like to be disciplined. They don't like to go to timeout or have toys taken away. And they will not realize the value of this discipline until they are adults. I look back on my life and thank God I had parents who disciplined me. And if I see the value in my earthly father disciplining me, how much more valuable is my heavenly father's discipline? The lessons I learn from Him will have eternal significance! And yes it may suck,discipline is not a fun word, but I need to stay the course and learn my lessons.

Dear Jesus, help me learn and grow as I follow you. Amen.

Two Parts Stephen One Part Moses

Hebrews 11:39 "All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised."

The writer of Hebrews (maybe Paul) is commenting on some of the great heroes of the faith. He mentions Abraham and Moses and how their lives exemplified faith and how God blessed them. The writer then moves onto some lesser known examples who never gained fame but were instead beaten, tortured, and killed. He says these men and women too were people of faith even though they did not receive all that God had promised.

Often times we are called to suffer. A life of obedience to God does not always involve "heavenly blessings" and a "cattle on a thousand hills." Sometimes a life of faith does have it's high moments as with Moses and Abraham. But many times, it looks more like Stephen and martyrs who give their lives in places like modern day Somalia. I must be aware that my faith does not depend upon sunshine or rain, but rather it depends on my Jesus. I need to ground my faith not on my experiences or circumstances, but on the person.

Dear Jesus, help my eyes see you today. Amen.

Jacob's Family Then and Now

Genesis 30:42-43 "But he didn’t do this with the weaker ones, so the weaker lambs belonged to Laban, and the stronger ones were Jacob’s. As a result, Jacob became very wealthy..."

Jacob works out a deal with his uncle Laban to split up Laban's flock. Jacob is going to get some of the lambs but when Laban isn't looking, Jacob manipulates the flock so he gets the stronger lambs.

The entire thirtieth chapter of Genesis shows how very dysfunctional Jacob's family is. And while reading this I have to be very thankful for my family. We're all weird to a certain degree and we have our moments, but compared to the original Jacob (and other families I know) mine is pretty normal. I am truly blessed with great parents, sister, and in-laws, not to mention wife and kids! During this holiday season, I should tell them and show them I love them and how thankful I am for them-even the weird ones! I won't mention any names...

Dear Jesus, thank you for my family. Amen.

Think the Best About Others

Titus 3:2 "They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone."

Paul is writing to Titus and tells him that Christians should not slander one another and cause divisions and quarrels. If they do this, they should be warned and eventually if the behavior does not stop, they should have nothing to do with them. Bickering, gossip and slander should not have any part of the Christian life.

Why is it so easy to talk about others? Why do we spend so much time judging others? Why do prayer chains help me gossip more than pray? I love how Paul says we must "show true humility to everyone." These words are important-true, humility, everyone. No matter what I hear or see or read, I must show true humility to everyone. I must put others ahead of myself and not talk about them. Good truth from Paul today!

Dear Jesus, help me think the best about others today. Amen.

Broadcast My Purpose

2 Timothy 3:10 "But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is."

Paul is writing to Timothy encouraging him to live a faithful life. Paul is reminding Timothy of his own story and how he has been used by God.

It appears that Paul knew what his purpose in life was and in addition, Timothy knew what Paul's purpose in life was. Do people know what my purpose is? Do I know it? How strong must Paul's mission and vision have been that other people even knew his calling and purpose. I would love to have that focus, and intention in my life so that other people know what I am all about. First, I need to know my purpose and calling and secondly, I must live, eat, and breathe that calling. I believe my calling is to point students to Jesus. Does anyone even know this?

Dear Jesus, help me know my calling so well, others see it in me every day. Amen.

Eye of the Tiger

1 Timothy 4:16 "Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you."

Paul is writing to his young apprentice Timothy and he tells him to be careful how he lives and how he leads. He instructs Timothy to "keep a close watch" on his life, his teaching, and his ministry.

This past week, Tiger Woods got caught. His wife found out he had been cheating on her for quite some time, probably with several women. Tiger did not keep a close watch on his life and his morals. His eyes drifted from his values and wandered to other women. Temptation got him and now his marriage, family, career, and reputation have been destroyed. Certainly, I will not ever be in Tiger's shoes or let anything like that happen to me, but am I keeping a close watch on my entire life? I need to do a better job of examining my heart and my life on a daily basis.

Dear Jesus, help me keep my eyes focused on my life and my teachings. Amen.

Shut Up and Yell

1 Thess. 4:11 "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you..."

Paul tells the Thessalonian Christians to lead a quiet, humble life. If they do this, than they will win the respect of others and not be dependent on anyone. This sounds great but does not sound like Paul's life. Paul traveled the world getting involved in other peoples business preaching and speaking with his mouth, and often times was dependent on others.

I agree that oftentimes it's best to be quiet, keep to ourselves, and let our actions do the speaking. But I do believe there are times when we have to speak up. Sometimes, we have to dive into the messiness of our culture and raise a little Cain. I guess I am just torn. Part of me wants to live the quiet life, and part of me wants to dive in and change the world! This is the tension of being human. I'm sure Paul would say there is a time for each.

Dear Jesus, help me be quiet and yell at the right times. Amen.

A Thessalonian Heart

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

Paul is writing to the Christians in Thessalonica and thanking them and commending them for their faith and the great example they are setting. Apparently, Paul was very proud of and happy with the Christians there.

Paul thanks them for their work, labor, and endurance. He also observes that each one of these qualities was spurred on by faith, love, and hope. The Thessalonian Christians did not work or labor to receive credit or simply because a job had to be done. They did what they did because of the love, hope, and faith in their hearts. Their visible actions resulted from their invisible qualities. How many of my actions result from my love, faith or hope? I need to start there. My deeds are worthless without love. My talk is cheap without hope. I need to begin with the heart today.

Dear Jesus, help my heart be right today. Amen.

Humble Pie

Ephesians 4:2 "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

Paul is telling the Ephesians how to live as followers of Jesus, particularly in their relationships with one another. Paul calls for unity in the body and urges them to be humble, gentle and patient with one another.

I love humility. I think it is my favorite trait in people. To me, humility is thinking about others more than thinking about me. It's allowing others to talk about themselves and I listen. It's taking a backseat to others. To do this, we must put our pride on the shelf. I like to think of myself as humble, but I once heard "if you have to say you're a humble person, you probably are not." Today, I need to be humble and put my wife and kids first. And tomorrow I'll let someone else go first.

Dear Jesus, help me be like you and put myself last. Amen.

Abound

2 Cor. 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

Paul says God is gracious and he will give us all we need to "abound in every good work."

God wants us to succeed. He wants us to abound. And we have to remember that when we "abound" it is due to his grace and his provision. This verse just reminds me again, that all good gifts come from him. At all times, no matter the need, God will help me abound. So with that confidence and reassurance I need to abound in my marriage, my family, and my ministry today. I need to not just survive, or get by-God has bigger plans than that. Today I abound.

Dear Jesus, thank you for calling me to something so much greater. Amen.

The Unseen

2 Cor. 4:18 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Paul faced many hardships on his missionary journeys. As he was preaching about heaven and hell and the kingdom of God, he had to face very real and earthly challenges. He knew what it was like to be hungry, to be homeless, to be persecuted. And even though he had these very real problems right in front of him each day, he encourages us to not pay attention to them, but rather fix our eyes on the unseen.

Why is this so hard? I see and think about my earthly problems each day. I spend most of my day concerning myself with what is seen-my home, my car, my work, my finances, my yard, my clothes... And when do I think about the unseen? How often do I think about heaven and hell, angels and demons, souls and eternity? Each day I must do this. Today I will spend time on this.

Dear Jesus, help me think about the unseen. Amen.

Adam vs. Jesus

1 Cor. 15:9 "And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven"

Paul is contrasting Adam and Jesus. Adam was the first man, created from the dust. He is mortal and fallible. Jesus is the new Adam who always was and always will be. He is immortal and infallible. Jesus completes Adam and does what Adam cannot by redeeming all of mankind, which Adam represents.

There are two natures in me. On one hand I have Adam's genes. I am mortal and I sin. On the other hand, I have been recreated in the image of Christ and am daily becoming more like him. There is an ancient saying that there are two dogs fighting against each other in each of us-one good and one evil. Which one wins the fight? The one we feed more. Do I feed Adam or Jesus? Which one do I serve? Do I feed my humanity, or seek to feed my divinity? This is the tension and the battle of being human. Jesus, as the perfect man, the best Adam, won this battle. I need to look to him and follow his example.

Dear Jesus, thank you for redeeming me. Amen.

Don't Forget the Manna

Deut. 8:11 "Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day."

God is reminding the Israelites of all he has done for them. He wants them to remember how he provided for them, took care of them, and guided them in the past. He does this so that when they enter the promised land and experience God's blessings, they do not begin to think that they have achieved this, or under their power they have accomplished great things. He instructs them to continue to rely on him and follow his commands.

In our culture it is so easy to think that we have earned and accomplished great things. We look at our money, homes, cars, and possessions and believe we earned them on our own and deserve them. As Phil mentioned last week, everything we have is God's. I need to be reminded today, just as the Israelites were thousands of years ago, that God is the source of all things. I rely on him, not on me.

Dear Jesus, help me rely on you and your word today. Help me remember all things come from you. Amen.

A Very Sad and Poor Martyr

1 Corinthians 13:3 "If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."

Paul is writing about love. He says that we may possess all sorts of gifts and abilities but if we do not possess love, they don't matter. Here he says that even if we give everything to the poor and die for our faith, but lack love, we have gained nothing.

I can't think of two greater deeds than giving all I have to the poor and then die for my faith! How do you top that!? Paul says those deeds without love mean nothing. Love is the greatest trait, quality, characteristic, and deed we can possess. I do a lot of good works. I have some pretty good talents. But how am I in the love department? I'd hate for my life to be a waste because I don't have love. I'd hate to be a very sad and poor martyr!

Dear Jesus, help me love first. Amen.

Preemptive Love

Romans 5:8 "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Paul is explaining how Christ's love is preemptive. He loved us before we knew him. He died for us before we even had the chance to say thanks. Even in our sins, while disobedient to God and running in the opposite direction, he gave his life for us. This shows how great his love for us is.

Paul explains that while we were sinners, Jesus died for us. How much greater his favor must now be if we follow him. Not that we can ever earn his love. He loves all people no matter what. But if he was willing to die for me while I was still a wretched sinner, what does he think of me now? What is his attitude about Jake today? He's gotta be pretty high on me!

Dear Jesus, thanks for loving me before I knew it. Amen.

Because Period

Romans 8:35 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?"

Paul is talking about the overwhelming, unconditional, total love that Christ has for us. He explains that there is nothing in all of this world that could separate us from Christ's love. There is nothing we could ever do or not do or have done to us that can take his love away. He loves us always, completely, and totally.

James Brown spoke this weekend on this idea and did a fantastic job. He noted that our greeting cards often say, " I love you because____" and we fill in this blank with whatever attribute we love someone for. We do this not only in greeting cards, but in our everyday speech, phone calls, emails, etc. James pointed out there is no "because____" with Christ's love! There is no because, or rather the sentence ends there-He loves us because! Amazing and beautiful and revolutionary!

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me just because. Amen.

McKinley Melts in 2012

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

The Sons of Korah write this song describing God as our strength, refuge, and fortress. In verse two they say even if the earth might give way and the mountains fall into the sea, God is still there and in control. In verse six, they say the earth may even melt! In any tragic global catastrophe, our God is a refuge and fortress.

There is a lot of buzz over the new movie 2012. According to the Mayan calendar (at least some folks interpretation of that calendar) the world will end in 2012. This film depicts the end of the earth and the trailers show the earth literally melting away and mountains falling into the sea. Well the Mayans may end being right, I doubt it, but even if they are, we have a God more powerful than anything. Despite any calamity or tragedy my hope and trust rests in the almighty God-maker of heaven and earth. He is my fortress, my refuge, my strong tower, and my ever-present help in trouble! I will trust in him today.

Dear Jesus, you are my strong tower. Help me find peace in your strength today. Amen.

Supernatural Groans

Romans 8:26 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."

Paul says that the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses and intercedes on our behalf before the Father. The Spirit does this with "groans that words cannot express." Paul is conveying the idea that the Spirit is our advocate and works alongside us during our lives in good times and bad.

I find it interesting that the Spirit groans. Too often we think of God as some static, emotionless grandfather in the clouds, but the truth is God walks with us, journeys with us, celebrates with us, cries with us, and groans with us. When I am in pain, He is in pain. When I groan, He groans with me. We have a God who knows us, understands us, and has been where we are. When I don't have the words, the Spirit does. When my heart is too weak to groan, He will. I have to thank God for that today!

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me and walking where I have walked. Thank you for the groans. Amen.

Hopeworthy

Romans 8:24 "Who hopes for what he already has?"

Paul is writing about hoping for future glory and the redemption of all creation. We don't have this entirely just yet which is why we hope for this. As followers of Christ we should anticipate and hope for the renewal and redemption and re-creation of all things.

What do I hope for? A raise? A nice weekend? A fun vacation? Do I continue to hope for things I already have-comfort, safety, wealth, etc? Honestly, my hopes are pretty temporal and selfish. Do I hope for the redemption of my neighbors? Of my neighborhood? Do I anticipate and look forward to the renewal of my family, my city and this world? These are things I need to hope for. These hopes should fill my prayers. Today I will hope for "hopeworthy" things.

Dear Jesus help me ache and hope and look forward to the things you do. Amen.

Common Ground with a Nazarite

Acts 21:26 "The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them."

These four men had just completed a Nazarite vow. A Nazarite vowed to abstain from wine, not cut his hair, and stay away from dead things for a period of months and oftentimes years. Kind of an odd vow, but it in it's cultural context it signified an isolation from society and allowed the Nazarite time to focus and rely on God. Paul joins these men in the culmination of their vow and pays their offering-along with a good shave, the final act to fulfill their vow. Paul oftentimes spoke of freedom from the law and said that Jewish customs and traditions were not necessary under the new covenant. Interestingly, here Paul seems to affirm and even assist with an ancient Jewish custom. Paul once said, "to the Jew I became like a Jew" and in Acts 21 he demonstrates this. Paul would do what he had to do in order to advance the gospel and keep the young and fragile church together.

I can learn from this. How can I become who I need to become in order to advance the kingdom? I need to lay my pride down and look for ways to engage with culture and use what I can for the cause of the kingdom.

Dear Jesus, help me find common ground with others today for your sake. Amen.

Life and Peace Despite a Broken Kia Spectra

Romans 8:6 "but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace..."

Paul is contrasting a mind controlled by sin and a mind controlled by the spirit. He says a mind controlled by sin is hostile to God and ultimately leads to death. And a mind controlled by the spirit is "life and peace." As followers of Jesus, our minds ought to be, and in fact are controlled by the spirit.

Life and peace are two words I needed to read today. An expensive and unexpected car repair has me feeling a bit blue today. It's easy to let the temporary concerns of this world weigh our minds down with worry and stress. But my mind is to be one controlled by the spirit and filled with life and peace. Even when crap happens I can still have peace and have life. I need to always look for the good and find beauty, joy, peace, and life in all circumstances. Today I need to find peace and life in the brokenness of my Kia Spectra.

Dear Jesus, help me to remember your blessings and just get over it! Amen.

Change for my Change

2 Timothy 3:1-2 "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money..."

Paul is writing to Timothy and telling him about the last days. Paul paints a picture of what men will look like and act like in these last days. Men will love themselves, love money and in verse 4 he says they will be "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God."

Wow! I have to ask myself as a 21st century American, middle class (wealthy to the world), white guy living in comfort in the Maplehood; am I a lover of myself, money and pleasure? Do I love these things more than God? I've been thinking about this a lot lately. My checkbook certainly doesn't bode well for me. That needs to change. And who or what is my true love? My time and money should reflect my love for Jesus. I am going to spend some time this weekend praying about this and talking with Erin about this. Cuz I am not entirely sure of what, but some things need to change.

Dear Jesus help me change what I do with my change. Sorry for the pun Jesus. Amen.

Paranormal Activity

Acts 19:11-12 "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them."

Paul is traveling and spreading the kingdom of God. He teaches, heals the sick, and casts out demons. His power is so strong that even his touch has miraculous power. It all sounds very Christ like.

I saw the film Paranormal Activity yesterday. I like scary movies and it's almost Halloween. In this film, a girl is haunted by a demon. She intends to call a demonologist to help her get rid of the demon but never does call. I was amazed there are people who actually call themselves demonologists! Any way, if I'm correct theologically speaking, we too have this same power as Paul. As Jesus' followers he has empowered us to teach the word and heal the sick and cast out evil spirits. Why don't I do all of this? Maybe my theology is flawed or is it my faith? I have no fear of demons and I'd like to think I'd cast out any old demon (in the name of Jesus of course) if given the opportunity. Maybe I need to be more aware of the very real supernatural world we live in. Today I'll look for things...

Dear Jesus, thank you for your word and your power. Help me to see what you want me to see today. Amen.

Unexpected Places

Acts 17:23 "For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you."

Paul is in Athens and he sees many statues and objects of worship. He notices one labeled "An Unknown God." Paul uses this as a springboard to talk about Jesus and his gospel. He essentially says, "Hey let me tell you about this unknown God. In fact I know a thing or two about this unknown God." It's all so brilliant! I just love the attitude involved in this story. I love how Paul embraces the culture and uses it to his advantage to talk about Jesus. Instead of hiding from culture or running away, he flips it on it's head and ends up converting people!

I guess this just shows me how I should see Christ and be aware of his story and his plan at all times. Wherever I am and whatever I am doing, I should take the time to stop and look and listen and see Christ everywhere. If I am discerning and patient, I can use this world to point to the supernatural world and to Jesus. Maybe even today, as I speak, and see a movie and attend a meeting, I can find Jesus in the unexpected places.

Dear Jesus, help me find you in the unexpected places. Amen.

He's Got My Back

Luke 10: 16 "He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me."

Jesus has just sent out 72 disciples to go and spread the good news and heal the sick. Jesus gives them authority over the power of the enemy and they seem to have some supernatural powers. They are able to cast out demons, heal the sick and perform other God-like miracles. And he tells them that if people reject them, they are really rejecting him and the one who sent him.

I guess this passage just reaffirms to me that Jesus is on my side. He's got my back so to speak. If I am rejected while doing his will, it's no big thing and I shouldn't feel bad or take it personally, I should just press on. With Jesus on my side, I can overcome everything. I need to remember that this week.

Dear Jesus, thank you for being there for me. Amen.

The Rude Plank

Matthew 7:3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"

Jesus is teaching people to not be hypocrites. He tells them that they should be careful when pointing out sin in others and take more time to see the sin in their own lives. The Pharisees were really good at this.

How judgmental am I? How often am I looking at the specks in others? I don't think I have a huge problem with this, but I have to admit, I probably do spend more time noticing other people specks than I do reflecting on my own. I really have been bothered by other people's rudeness lately. So, am I rude? I guess I can be. I don't think Jesus was always Mr. Niceguy we always think but I don't think he was ever rude to people for no reason. I need to work on being kind and polite today and maybe cut some people some slack.

Dear Jesus, help me to treat others with respect today and not be rude. Amen.

Death by a Sword

Acts 12:2 "He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword."

King Herod did not like this new movement of Jesus followers. So he did his best to round them up and kill them. Acts 12:2 states that Herod had James, "put to death with the sword." James died for his faith and for following Jesus.

I have always been intrigued by martyrs. These people, often willingly, die for their faith, for their beliefs. But maybe it's something even more than that? It's not like James died for some idea he had, or some philosophical argument his mind agreed with. He died for a cause, for a revolution, for a man. He was so convicted, so dedicated, he gave his life for Jesus. And such an amazing, horrific event is only described in scripture by one simple verse, almost lost in the rest of the chapter. Almost as if it's no big deal. This is what may happen. It's part of the deal. I'll never forget the saying, "some people died for their faith, all we have to do is live for ours." I need to live for my faith and live for my Jesus today.

Dear Jesus, help me seize this day and live it fully for you. Amen.

Forgiven Much, Love Much

Luke 7:47 "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

Jesus is eating at a Pharisee's house and a "sinful" woman comes in and begins washing Jesus' feet. The Pharisee is disgusted and thinks Jesus ought to know better than to associate with a sinful woman, much less let her touch him and clean his feet. Jesus points out that this woman has been forgiven and as a result of hr forgiveness she is showing great love to Jesus.

I have been forgiven so much. Jesus has freed me from so many sins and so many mistakes. Maybe I don't love much because I don't realize and think about how much I have been forgiven? Maybe I need to take more time to reflect on all the ways I have been forgiven and restored?

Dear Jesus, help me today to remember the many ways you have forgiven and healed me. Amen.

The Right Kind of Wrong Crowd

Luke 15: 1 "Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him."

Jesus had a large following of tax collectors and other sinners. The Pharisees always gave him a hard time about this so this time, Jesus tells them three stories. He tells them the story of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son.

I find it interesting that Jesus talks about these lost items after getting ripped for hanging with the wrong crowd. So who represents the lost coin, the lost sheep and the lost son-the sinners and low lifes Jesus is hanging with and getting ripped for! I often relate this story to me and think of myself as the lost one Jesus loves and drops everything to find. But, the people I don't really like and the people I don't hang out with are the lost ones. I need to search for them. I need to spend more time with the rejected and the lost.

Dear Jesus, help me hang with the right kind of wrong crowd. Amen.

Before it All Goes Down

2 Peter 3:14 "So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him."

Peter is writing about the second coming. He says that the "day of the Lord" is coming soon and we should prepare ourselves for it. We should "make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him." We would not want to be living in sin or be at odds with Christ when he returns.

It is easy to live in the moment and forget the eternity of God and the eternity of God's story. We are in the thick of the story and with our temporal eyes we have a hard time realizing that there are very real and very cosmic events about to happen in the future. Christ will come back. There will be an "end of days" and Jesus will create a new heaven and a new earth. And I don't claim to know much about end times or when and how this will all unfold, but Peter makes it clear we should be ready at any time. We should make sure our lives and our hearts are right with God before it all goes down.

Dear Jesus, help me be right with you each day. And help me do my best to share your word with others. Amen.

Lip Sync Jesus

Ephesians 5:4 "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."

Paul is telling the Christians in Ephesus how to imitate Christ. He says a big part of imitating Christ is by watching the words that come out of our mouths.

I struggle with this! It is so easy for me to be sarcastic, and to engage in "foolish talk and coarse joking" sometimes. And the truth is, the words that come out of my mouth reflect the attitudes and condition of my heart. I must do better at this. I want people to hear words of praise, thanksgiving, and love come from my mouth. I need to be a better imitator of Christ's mouth. I need to lip sync to Jesus!

Dear Jesus, help me speak your kinds of words and say the things you need me to say. Amen.

A Time of Prayer

Acts 3:1 "One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon."

In this passage Peter and John heal a cripple near the temple. This particular verse doesn't have much to do with the main point of the story as it just tells us the fact that they were on their way to the temple around 3pm-at the time of prayer. I just find it interesting that they had a designated "time of prayer."

Prayer has been on my mind the past few weeks a lot. I have been prompted to pray more the past few weeks-for myself, for my ministry, and with my kids. I think God may be trying to get something across to me. The Jews and the early Christians had a set time of prayer each day. Each day, there was a designated time when they dropped everything, walked to the temple and prayed. Such dedication! Next week, I begin a series titled "Prayer" with HangTime on Wednesday nights. My hope is to teach the kids how to pray and why it is important. But I must admit, I still don't pray as much as I should or in the right spirit. I need God to teach me and motivate me these next few weeks. I want to be the kind of man who is known as a man of prayer. I want to make sure I make the time for my time of prayer.

Dear Jesus, help me talk with you more. Amen.

Two Burning Hearts

Luke 24: 32 'They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"'

A few of Jesus' disciples were on their way home from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were sad and confused as they did not understand what had happened to Jesus and from what they had heard, he was now missing! As they were walking, Jesus appears to them and begins explaining all that has happened to him and why, although they did not realize it was him. Later at dinner, he reveals himself and they say "Were are hearts not burning within us while he talked with us on the road?"

These disciples comment on their burning hearts. Apparently, as Jesus was walking with them and teaching them, their hearts burned. I have Jesus with me everyday. I have his scriptures which I can read every day all day if I wish. Does my heart burn? Does my heart burn for him and his kingdom? I must confess it does not always burn. Maybe I need to take more time? I need to take more time to walk, more time to listen and more time to reflect on Jesus. Maybe then my heart will burn more?

Dear Jesus, help my heart to burn for you and others. Amen.

Solomon's Wisdom

1 Kings 3:9 "So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

Solomon is a young king ruling the very large nation of Israel. In a dream, God asks him what he can do for him. God tells him whatever he wants, he'll provide. Solomon sees the enormous job ahead of him and realizes his lack of knowledge and ability. So, instead of asking for riches, wealth, or long life, Solomon asks for wisdom. God is so pleased with his request he grants Solomon wisdom plus long life and riches.

Solomon was very wise even before God grants him wisdom. Solomon in a very humble moment realizes his lack of understanding and knows he does need wisdom before all else if he is to succeed as king. This humility and wisdom, even at a young age, is rewarded by God. I too feel like Solomon many days. Last week we saw nearly 300 students come to HangTime and OneEighty-190 at HangTime alone! Many days I feel unqualified and unprepared to work with these students. I need wisdom from God to do this. I need to rely on him and his understanding to lead these kids.

Dear Jesus, give me your wisdom and your understanding. Amen.

Today is the Day

Proverbs 3:28 "Don't tell your neighbor to come back tomorrow, if you can help today."

The writer of this proverb says if we can help today we should do it and not put it off until tomorrow.

Today is the day! There is no guarantee we will even get to tomorrow. I need to recognize the work set before me today and get it done. Dragging my feet and procrastinating will never help anyone. I cannot advance the kingdom of God by sitting around and waiting for tomorrow. If a neighbor needs help, I need to help today. If a friend needs prayer, I need to pray today. If my family needs love and encouragement, I need to do it today. And I must admit, I do drag my feet. I do sit on my butt a bit too long some days. I really could use this verse every day.

Dear Jesus, remind me of today. Help me not let today go to waste. Amen.

Sleep in Your Bed

Proverbs 1:31 "This is why they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way. They must experience the full terror of the path they have chosen."

Solomon personifies wisdom in Proverbs 1. She calls out to the people to listen to her. She begs people to take her advice and heed her warnings. And when they don't and trouble comes their way, she admonishes them and says, "you must now eat your bitter fruit."

Solomon says people must deal with the consequences of their actions. We can choose to live wisely or foolishly and each has it's repercussions. If we choose foolishly, we must deal with those choices. There is no getting out of them. There is no complaining and we can point the finger at no one but ourselves. Put another way, "you've made your bed, now lie in it." This is so true. Too many people today want to pass the buck and blame someone else for their problems. Certainly there are some situations beyond our control but overall, we get ourselves into most of our trouble all on our own. We must think ahead, heed wisdom's call and learn to deal with the results-good or bad.

Dear Jesus, help me hear wisdom's call so she cannot mock me! Amen.

Pure Eyes

Matt. 6:22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light."

Jesus is teaching and he says that our eyes are the lamps of our bodies. If they are good, our whole body, our entire life will be full of light.

As one of our five senses, our sight through our eyes is one way we receive information. As a man I am a very visual creature. I rely on my eyes for everything. Daily I am bombarded visually by millions of images. I do have a choice as to what I look at and view. And I have to remember that I have a choice in this. I can choose to look at beautiful, pure and holy things, or I can choose to look at ugly, filthy and dark things. What I look at, I take into my body and into my life. These images become memories and begin to form who I am. I must be very careful and wise at to what I allow in to my lamps.

Dear Jesus, help me to have pure eyes who only see light. Amen.

On the Edge of My Seat

1 Peter 1:12 "It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen."

Peter is writing about the Gospel of Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross. He says that what is taking place on earth is so amazing and wonderful even the angels are eagerly watching events unfold.

Football season is here and the other night I was on the edge of my seat on the couch watching Brett Favre hand off to Adrian Peterson. Adrian took the opening hand off (first play from scrimmage) 75 yards for a touchdown. It was so cool and so wonderful to watch! Apparently, the angels have the same experience watching Jesus. They sat on the edge of their seats and watched the savior of the world win the game. I should have the same view of things. I should be on the edge of my seat watching what Jesus is up to in his kingdom.

Dear Jesus, help me to eagerly watch what you are up to. Amen.

We Shall Overcome

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."

Jesus is trying to explain to his disciples what is about to happen to him and why it is happening. He tells them that he soon will be returning to the Father and things are about to get very difficult for them. He encourages them by saying that even though they may experience trouble, he has overcome the world.

Our lives can be difficult sometimes. More than difficult, I find my life to be very complicated. We deal with pain, suffering, and loss. We see things like poverty, war, and famine. And to make it worse, we have the questions of why and how. Jesus acknowledges that life will be tough for his followers. But at the end of the day, he has overcome the world and we can find hope in those words. We can have hope that we too will overcome the world.

Dear Jesus, help us persevere and one day overcome the world. Amen.

A Jesus Stare

Hebrews 12:2 "We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish."

The writer of Hebrews is encouraging us to keep our eyes focused on Jesus, meaning that we need to continually live our lives under his rule and reign. He then says that our faith depends upon this. In fact, our whole faith, from start to finish, depends upon this.

Some people tend to think that we believe in Jesus, get saved, and then we just have to be nice people and sit around and wait until he comes again to bring us to heaven. I think the gospel of Jesus is much bigger than this. We need to live under the rule and reign of Jesus from beginning to end. Jesus doesn't just get us saved and then the rest is up to us; as if following Jesus and truly being a disciple were extra credit. We must daily, from here on out, keep our eyes fixed on him and his kingdom.

Dear Jesus, keep my eyes on you. Amen.

That's Some Good Blood

Hebrews 9:14 "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God"

The writer of Hebrews is explaining the purpose of the original temple and sacrificial system and how Christ and his sacrifice is so much superior. The author makes the case that the original system was temporary and could not ever completely atone for a man's sins. The blood of goats could only do so much. The blood of Jesus was complete and fulfilled the former system.

I love Hebrews! I love how it explains so much and puts into context the difficult traditions and customs of the Hebrews. And I am so glad Jesus' sacrifice was a perfect sacrifice and has completely redeemed me and atoned for my sins. Because of Christ I have a clean conscience and can have a relationship with God and can live in and serve his kingdom.

Dear Jesus, remind me each day of your love and sacrifice. Thank you. Amen.

Sober Judgment

Romans 12:3 "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."

Paul says that we should not think too highly of ourselves. We should instead look at ourselves with sober judgment and do so in accordance with the measure of faith God has given us.

This past weekend, Ryan spoke on pride and talked about how we all too often put ourselves number one in our lives instead of Christ. We forget to put him in the big chair and we seat ourselves there in his place. Pride is just so easy to slip into. It's so normal to think highly of myself and think I am doing things right all the time. My views are right, my opinions are right, what I do is best, what I think is best...and on and on it goes. I like the idea of judging ourselves with sober judgment. I like that phrase. Sober judgment may mean calmly, humbly, truthfully, examining my motives and actions. I should use sober judgment when reflecting on who I am and what I am doing daily.

Dear Jesus, help me use sober judgment when I look back on my thoughts and actions. Amen.

Belief Over Law

from July 21

Romans 10:4 "Christ is the end of the law, so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes."

Paul says that Christ is the fulfillment of the law. Jesus kept the law completely and became a perfect sacrifice in our place. This way we can be declared righteous, not through the law but through belief in Christ.

Our righteousness and salvation is through our belief in Jesus. Belief is what is central to our faith. Christ was the end of the law. The law is over, and we are no longer ruled or bound by the law. Our faith rests in our belief in Christ. This is not a belief that he exists, but rather a belief in him as Savior and Lord of our lives.

Dear Jesus, help me believe. Amen.

Thanks Paul!

from July 20

Romans 9:18 "Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden."

Paul is explaining God's sovereignty and how God shows mercy on some and hardens others hearts. This entire chapter makes a great case for predestination and election.

This is kind of a tough passage to read. It makes it sound like God purposely makes people to have hard hearts. He does this to display his power and glory. In fact, Paul practically says this in verses 22-23. I have to wonder where free will exists if at all? Do we have a choice? Are we puppets? Where does evangelism and prayer fit in? These are age old debates and age old questions. I do love that God is quite mysterious though and I don't know everything. The questions and tensions force me to think and question more. This is good.

Dear Jesus, thank you for showing me mercy. Please have mercy on others. Amen

No Condemnation

Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Paul says that there is no condemnation or punishment for those who are in Christ. There is condemnation for those outside of Christ, but if we are found in him, we are free.

God does not want us to live a guilt ridden life. He wants us to live as free people. If we are in Christ we are free. Free from sin, from shame, from guilt and from condemnation. Satan wants to remind us of our sins, our wrongdoings, and our shortcomings. And it's easy to be weighed down by those things. It's so easy to look in the rear view mirror and remember how awful we are. But in Christ, we are free. There is no condemnation for us anymore!

Dear Jesus, thank you for the freedom and peace I can find only in you. Help me remember this freedom each day. And help me to actually live in this freedom each day. Amen.

Camp: Day 5

1 Cor. 12:7 "A spiritual gift is given to each of us, so we can help others."

Paul says we all have been given a spiritual gift. And the purpose of this gift is to help others.

I love that God has given each person a spiritual gift. He has equipped everyone to serve other people. He designed us specifically to help others. These gifts were not given to us to benefit us, they were given so we could bless those around us. How am I using my spiritual gifts? I think I am doing well, but I could sure use my gifts more. I need to see my talents, abilities and gifts as tools to love and serve.

Dear Jesus, help me to use my gifts to help someone in need today. Amen.

Camp: Day Four

Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast."

Paul is saying our salvation is granted to us not on the basis of our good works or of having somehow earned it, but rather via faith. And this faith is a free gift from God.

I am so glad this verse exists! There is no way I could ever even get close to earning salvation. I am so thankful for this gift. This is not however, a free license to not do good works. The works I do need to be a response to this free gift-not a means of attaining this free gift. This verse again shows us our complete dependence on Jesus our savior.

Dear Jesus, thank you. I am undeserving and I do not know why you chose me. But thank you. Amen.

Camp: Day Three

July 8, 2009

Habakkuk 2:4 "Look at the proud! They trust in themselves and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God."

God is talking about the proud and arrogant. He says they trust in themselves and not in God. Those who do trust in God are the righteous who live by faith.

It is so easy to trust in ourselves. We always want to do things on our own, on our terms. I admit that I like to do things on my own. As they say, "To get the job done right, you've got to do it yourself." It's easy for me to go it alone and rely on myself. I must learn to trust in God and rely on Him. And if I am really honest, as much as I like to think I can do things on my own, I can't do all things on my own. I do need God to lead the way. Without him, I will fail. I must rely on him and live by faith.

God, help me to rely not in my efforts, but in you alone. Amen.

Camp: Day Two

July 7, 2009

James 1:25 "But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does."

James is instructing his readers to look into God's law and act on what it says.

I'm at camp-day two. Tonight I teach on this verse. I think I am doing a better job of looking into God's word than I have in the past. SOAP has been a big blessing in my life. But the real question is, am I applying what I am looking into and reading? I'd like to think I am, but I could always do a better job of it. And really, what value is there in reading and knowing God's law if I didn't do anything about it? I think that is James' point.

Dear Jesus, help me to read your word more often and then act on it right away. Amen.

Camp: Day One

July 6, 2009

1 Peter 1:13 "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self controlled, set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed."

Peter is instructing his readers on how to lead holy lives. He tells them to prepare their minds, be self controlled, and set their hope on Christ.

Tonight, I find myself at Covenant Pines Bible Camp speaking for the week. I just spoke on this verse to one hundred junior highers. It's a challenge for thirteen year old boys to prepare their minds, be self controlled and trust in Christ all at the same time. Why is it still so hard for me thought I am at thirty? I need to spend more time preparing for action and I could do a better job at the self control thing. And trusting in Jesus? So simple yet so difficult to do. I really wish I could meet Peter to see how he lived his life and see this holy living in action. For now, I'll have to rely on his letters.

Dear Jesus, help me this week at camp. I really need you. Amen.

After the Mirror

James 1:23-24 "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."

James is saying that we need to not just read the word of God, but we need to act on it. It is not enough to just hear God's word.

I love James' analogy here of looking in a mirror and immediately forgetting what we look like. This is exactly what it is like to hear God's truth and then never do anything about it. I don't know how many times I've read something or heard something profound and then 20 minutes later I've forgotten all about it and I never act on it. Talk is cheap. Just "believing" in something is cheap. Actions are what matters. I need to become a man of actions. I need to not forget what I look like and who I am.

Dear Jesus, help me to not forget who I am and what you've called me to. Help me to act. Amen.

Washing Abimelech's Hands

Gen 20:5 "I have done this with a clear conscience and clean hands."

Abraham is going all around Mesopatamia claiming his wife, Sarah is his sister. So Abimelech decides to take this single woman for his own. God shows up in a dream and says "Hey that's Abraham's wife!" Abimelech tries to defend his actions and says "Hey, I thought she was his sister. I did this with a clear conscience." God then offers Abimelech a chance to get out of the situation.

It's interesting to me that in this story Abimelech is the guy potentially in the wrong with the gun to his head. Abraham is the one lying and decieving others. If anyone is the villain here, it seems to me it should have been him. It's also very important to see that God honors Abimelech's intentions and allows him to get off the hook. This shows us that God is gracious and forgiving. I therefore have to ask myself how clear of a conscience do I have. God will honor my intentions and heart. It's up to me to make sure they are clean!

Dear Jesus, help me to have clean hands and a clear conscience today. Amen.

Too Hard?

Gen. 18:14 "Is anything too hard for the LORD ?"

The Lord has shown up and is telling Sarah that she will have a son. Sarah was very old at this point and upon hearing the news laughed at the thought of having a child at her age. God then says, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"

Is anything too hard for the Lord? The answer of course is no. He created the heavens and the earth, the solar system, stars, planets, oceans, mountains, hippos and butterflies. Nothing is impossible for our creator. Yet, it is so easy to doubt him and trust in ourselves. I personally have a ton of things to do this summer. I am a bit worried. I have forgotten that nothing is too hard for my Lord. I need to trust in him and realize nothing is too hard with God leading the way.

Dear Jesus, help me remember that you are strong and I am weak. Nothing is too hard for you. Amen.

Lord of lords

Rev. 17:14 "They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."

John is describing events of the end times. He is describing a war between Christ and the beast. John says that the Lamb will overcome the beast because he is the Lord of lords.

We have many kings, rulers, and lords in our world. Right now in fact the world is watching a few particularly nasty "lords" do some pretty crazy stuff in North Korea and Iran. But John reassures his readers that in the end, the Lord of lords will have ultimate victory. No matter how strong, mighty or powerful earthly rulers may seem, they will all fall to the Lamb. And, the Lamb's faithful followers will be right there with him.

Dear Jesus, help me to not put hope in earthly leaders or fear them. Remind me daily that you indeed are the Lord of lord's and King of kings. Amen.

Abram's Belief

Gen. 15: 6 "Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness."

God tells Abram that he will give him a son-an heir Abram so desperately longs for. The text says that Abram believed God and God credited it to him as righteousness. Abram was credited with righteousness because he simply believed in God.

Belief is central to our righteousness. We cannot earn our righteousness by what we do. Our good works, piety, and personal character all depend upon and are a result of our belief or faith in God. Everything good in our life stems from faith. And faith itself is also something that comes from God. We cannot muster up our own faith, belief or righteousness. They are all good gifts from the Father.

Dear Jesus, please give me more faith. Please give me more righteousness. Amen.

No Facebook in the Promised Land

Gen 12:1 "The Lord had said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.'"

God is calling Abram to leave and go to the "promised land."

It struck me that Abram wasn't asked just to move, as we would move from one city to another. Abram was asked to leave his country, his people and his family. This was in a day when they didn't have the postal servcie, cell phones, texting, email or Facebook. If he was going to leave, he was going to leave! Abram showed a great deal of faith by trusting God and leaving. I need to do a better job of listening to God's voice in my life and trusting him in all things.

Dear Jesus, help me to listen to you better. If I need to leave somewhere or something, please give me the faith to do so. Amen.

My Name

Gen. 11:4 "Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.'"

In Babylonia, the people of the world decide to build themselves a city and a tower. They decide they want to make a name for themselves. They think if they can create something of significance they will be important and secure. The tower is built and God comes down and destroys it and scatters the people abroad.

C.S. Lewis once wrote that the greatest sin in the world is the sin of pride. Every sort of evil stems from the original idea that we are most important and are #1. From generation to generation this sin plagues us. We always care more for ourselves than we do for God or for others. Our accomplishments, our satisfaction, our health, wealth and the name we make for ourselves becomes top priority. Jesus calls us to another way. He calls us to be humble.

Dear Jesus, help me to be humble and not care about my name. Amen.

University of God

Revelation 10:7 "But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets."

John is describing an encounter with an angel and a scroll in Revelation chapter 10. He says when the seventh angel sounds his trumpet, then the "mystery of God will be accomplished."

God is a mystery in so many ways. There are so many things we don't know about God and his kingdom. We know much, but God is like college, the more you learn and study, the more you realize you don't know anything! You thought you knew everything, but you really didn't. This verse is just interesting to me because the mystery of God won't be accomplished (whatever that really means) until these end times. God will continue to be mysterious, amazing, and wonderful.

Dear Jesus, thank you that I can have a relationship with the Father through you. Despite the mystery of God, you are real and I can place my trust in you. Amen.

The Pitiful Laodicean American

Rev. 3:17 "You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."

God is addressing the church in Laodicea and mocking their supposed independence. They think they are rich and have everything they need, yet in reality they are "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."

I always try to see how scripture correlates with my life and my situation. I can't help but think what was said to Laodicea could also be said to America. We are so materialistic and consumer oriented it is pathetic. This consumerism and wealth leads us to believe we can take care of ourselves-that we don't need anyone else or for that matter God. The truth is, the more we put our hope and faith in our pocketbooks, the more wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked we truly become.

Dear Jesus, forgive my materialism. Forgive me of my pride in myself and my stuff. Amen.

First Things First

Rev. 2:4 "...You have forsaken your first love."

In Revelation 2, Christ is addressing the seven churches and admonishing them for their behavior. He tells the Ephesian church they have done a good job at persevering yet they have forsaken their first love. The assumption here, is that they have forsaken their original and genuine love for Christ.

I was at a conference a month or so ago and Francis Chan talked about how we all too often forsake our first love. We get so caught up with other things-trivial things that don't really matter, and we forget the entire reason we are here. I struggle to not lose my first love. I remember back in high school and in college, I was so on fire for Christ then. I believe most days I still am very much in love with my Jesus but some days it takes effort to put him first. I have to take intentional steps to keep first things first.

Dear Jesus, help me to always remember you, my first love. Amen.

Deal or No Deal

Matthew 5:25 "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison."

Jesus is with a bunch of his followers on the mountainside and he begins to teach them about the ways of the kingdom of God. Many of his teachings are very practical truths about the ways of the kingdom of God versus the ways of the kingdom of this world. In this verse, Jesus addresses disputes with others.

I like how Jesus tells us to "settle matters quickly...while you are still with him in the way." Often I let conflict go on too long unresolved. I have learned to some degree and am still learning that it is almost always best to deal with conflict and disputes right away. Sometimes it is good to let emotions settle and sleep on things, but often times it's best to deal with what's got to be dealt with right now. When I let things go they often become much more trouble than they were in the first place.

Dear Jesus, help me deal with what I need to deal with today and get it done. Amen.

Designed to be Broken

Psalm 51:17 "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

According to the text, David has just committed adultery with Bathsheba. David writes this agonizing song about his guilt and sin. I wonder if this was truly penned right after his fun with Bathsheba and if he was truly feeling remorseful, why then did he have Urriah killed?

In any event, a broken and contrite heart is what God appreciates. I believe God wants us to have a broken and contrite heart all the time. We should be broken over our sin, the sins of the world, and the pain and suffering of the world. We should be broken because when we are broken we cannot do anything on our own and we must rely on the God. When we are broken we are at our best-totally dependent on our creator and savior. In some sense, could you say we were designed to be broken?

Dear Jesus, help me to be a broken man. Help me to agonize over my sin and the sin of this world. Help me to rely on you and you alone for everything. Amen.

Ripe Fields in a Post-Christian Land

John 4:35 "I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest."

Jesus is with his disciples in Samaria and is sharing the gospel with a crowd there. He tells his disciples that there are many people here who are ready and willing to be saved. The harvest is ripe as Jesus says.

There are many people around me everyday who need Jesus. Not only do they need Jesus, but they would be very open to accepting Him. Today many people in our post-Christian, post-modern culture are very into spirituality and faith. As a Christian, I need to take advantage of a very ripe field. I need to be more proactive about reaping the harvest and taking advantage of the cultural soil we find ourselves in.

Dear Jesus, help me to open my eyes and see the fields as you see them. Amen.

Forever Young

1 Timothy 4:12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

Paul is encouraging Timothy, his protege, to set an example for all believers even though he is considered "young."

I turned 30 this year and am having a hard time with it. I don't know if I am young or old. In my job I feel old. I am a 30 year old youth pastor with 11 years of experience and I hang out with 13 and 14 year olds most days. On the other hand, I am only 30. I have most of my life still before me. I guess either way I look at it, Paul's instruction is still important for me. I must continually set an example to those around me in my speech, my life, my love, my faith and my purity. I cannot "coast" or take it easy because of my age and what I may have accomplished already. I must daily set an example because people are always watching me-Christ included!

Dear Jesus, help me to be a better example to my wife, my kids, my family, my friends, my students, my co-workers, my volunteers and my neighbors. Amen.

Keep At It

James 5 :16 "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

James is telling the believers to pray for each other. He points to Elijah as a man of prayer who had his prayers answered by God. James says that the prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective-they change things and are honored by God.

I oftentimes question the significance of prayer. I see prayer unanswered and wonder if it makes any real difference. But here James insists the prayers of a righteous man are effective. Maybe I am not a righteous man? But maybe God has different plans? I guess all I can do is trust in my prayers but more importantly trust in the one who answers prayers. So for now, I'll keep at it.

Dear Jesus, help me to put my faith in you. And please hear my prayers. Amen.

Cheat Me Please

1 Cor. 6:7 "The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?"

Paul is responding to the fact that many of the Corinthian believers were suing one another and settling disputes in front of nonbelievers in courts of law according to the states laws. Paul says they should be brothers and settle disputes in a gentle and loving manner. He essentially says in verse 7, isn't it better to lose than to fight with a brother over earthly matters?

I love this verse and thinks this shows the attitude we should have as Christians. We are to be humble. Oftentimes it is better to lose or to be wronged and cheated. Winning the battle or winning a fight is not the Christian way. We need to learn to let things go and forgive and allow others to have the upper hand. There are some things definitely worth fighting for, our pride is not one of them.

Dear Jesus, help me to care less and less about my pride and my personal sense of fairness. Help me be OK about being cheated and wronged. Amen.

A New Kind of Slave

Romans 6: 18 "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."

Paul is saying that before Christ, we were slaves to sin. Sin controlled us and we were slaves to it. Now, because of Christ we are free from sin and are now slaves to righteousness.

As a slave, you have no control over what you can and cannot do. Your master controls your every move. It's easy to see how we were once slaves to sin. Sin controlled us and it was impossible to break free under our own power. Now we should be under the same control in regards to righteousness. Paul says we are slaves to righteousness. Righteousness should control our every thought and action.

Dear Jesus, help me to see my new life in you as a slave to righteousness. Help me to pursue justice and mercy each day. Amen.

Boasting of what he has and does...

1 John 2:15-17 "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."

John is encouraging the believers to not love the things of this world. Everything in this world ultimately passes away.

I too easily fall in love with the world. I particularly am challenged when John mentions "boasting of what he has and does." I often times think about my stuff and my career. I like my stuff and am proud of my career. These will all pass away eventually. It may not seem like I am loving them, but I sure give them a lot of attention and thought. I need to love the kingdom and not the world.

Dear Jesus, help me to first love you and your kingdom and not care for the things of this world. Amen.

Trouble

1 Thess. 3:3 "...But, of course, you know that such troubles are going to happen to us Christians."

Paul is referring to the troubles the Thessalonian church had been dealing with recently. He must have had some specific troubles in mind as he refers to them as "such troubles." Paul makes it clear that trouble comes with the Christian territory.

The way of Jesus is not always easy. It was not intended to be. There will be heartbreak, failure, disappointment, and pain. The way of Jesus can be difficult. It can be treacherous. But we have a God who walked this treacherous way himself. He was there and is there now with us during the darkest of times. We who are weak can have hope in he who is strong.

Dear Jesus, during my times of weakness and trouble, help me to rely on you. Amen.

Pure Motives?

Proverbs 16:2 "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD."

The writer says that men always think what they are doing is innocent and will hurt no one. But God truly understands our motives. And many times our motives are not pure.

I always think I am doing what is right and honorable. Sometimes, when I take the time and sit back and reflect on what I am doing and why I am doing it I realize my intentions are not always praiseworthy. I have to ask myself questions to get at my intentions. Why am I having this conversation with this person? What am I trying to gain or get by doing this particular action? Am I always living to better myself and take from others? I think it is a good idea to take time often to sit quietly and ask God to critique ourselves.

Dear Jesus, help me to see me for who I really am. Please help me to always have pure motives. Amen.

Just Wait

2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

Paul seems to be talking a lot about death here and how we are all slowly dying and are experiencing pain and hardship in this life. Paul was arrested, imprisoned, shipwrecked and often went without food and shelter all for the sake of Christ. He tells the Corinthian believers that our momentary troubles will seem insignificant compared to what God has in store for us throughout eternity.

As I read Paul and his letters and learn more about Jesus and his way, I realize I should really never complain about anything! Of all people I have little to complain about. I never experience hardship, suffering or persecution. Maybe I am doing something wrong? That's another topic...As for now I should know that no matter what I experience or go through, what is coming, what God has in store is going to be awesome!

Dear Jesus, help me to put myself in the right position to truly live for you. And help me remember what you have in store for me. Amen.

The Perfect Author

Hebrews 12:2 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

The writer of Hebrews is encouraging the Christians to focus on Jesus and not grow weary in their pursuit of him. The writer claims that Jesus is "the author and perfecter of our faith."

My faith has to be rooted in and focused on Christ alone. He authored and created my faith and he has perfected it. He authored it as God and perfected it as the perfect man. My hope and eternal security lie in what Christ did and accomplished on the cross. My faith is not in my ability to do anything, but in what Christ has done for me.

Dear Jesus, help me to read more about the faith you authored and better live the faith you perfected. Amen.

Constructive

1 Cor. 10: 23 "Everything is permissible-but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible-but not everything is constructive."

Paul is writing to the Corinthians and instructing them on what types of practices are permissible. He says that lots of things are permissible, but not everything is good for us. Paul was referring mainly to some of the dietary restrictions the Jews had before Christ. His contention now is that we are under a new covenant and things we once needed to abstain from are now permissible. Yet, that doesn't mean everything is good for us.

I have a certain amount of freedom in Christ. I do not live under the law nor am I a legalist. I do not believe that tattoos or drinking or even smoking are sins. However, these things may not be good for me. So every day I must make a decision on what is right and good and true and I must have faith in Christ to help me with these decisions. Living in grace requires much more faith than living under the law. Under the law you could just read what is right and what is wrong-not much thinking or faith required. Now we must wrestle with decisons and place our faith in Christ and believe he will honor our choices.

Dear Jesus, help me to choose what is right and good and contructive. Amen.

Chill

Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Paul is encouraging the Philippians to not be anxious or worry about things. He goes on to say later that he has learned to be content in every situation.

I often struggle with worry and anxiety. I work a lot and care a lot about my work, finances, family and home. Sometimes, my thoughts turn to fear and worry. I guess I really like my comfort and security. As I get older this problem seems to get worse. I need to remember that God is in control and he knows my needs. I can find my comfort and security in Christ no matter what circumstances I find myself. I need to better learn how to chill.

Dear Jesus, help me to remember you are my rock and help me chill.

Oh So Good

Psalm 119:68 "You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees."

The psalmist is praising God; specifically God's laws and statutes. He declares that God is good and what He does is good.

God is so good! A worship leader recently said that in order to worship God, we must believe He is good. It is impossible to truly worship and adore a God we do not believe is good. There are times I think God may not be so good. There are times I doubt. There are times I see the pain, suffering and injustice in the world and doubt the goodness of God. But when I return to scripture and think about the love and beauty of Christ's sacrifice for us, I can only conclude God is indeed good.

Dear Jesus, help me to have faith and trust in your goodness. You are indeed good. Amen.

Hide and Seek

Psalm 119: 11 "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

The psalmist is talking about the power and beauty of God's word. He says he has hidden God's word in his heart-he has taken it in and secured it inside his very being. This will help him to not sin against the Lord.

I heard a song recently that described a world without cathedrals, churches and Bibles. The song essentially asks, "what would we do without these things?" Do I have enough faith to last without my Bible? Do I know God's word well enough to live without my Bible? Have I hidden enough of God's word in my heart so that if my Bible was taken from me I could still stand strong? The answer is sadly no. I need to do a better job of hiding.

Dear Jesus, help me to hide your word in my heart each day so that I will not sin against you. Amen.

Less Lip Exercise

Mark 7:6 "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."

Jesus was upset about how the Pharisees were judging him and his disciples. He quotes Isaiah here and scolds the Pharisees for talking a great talk, but not having their hearts in the right place. They cared too much about religious tradition and cared not for God's heart.

I often wonder if I do a good job with my lips while my heart is far from God. Do I talk a good game because I have to? To impress people? Jesus goes on to say that we need to care more for what is on the inside and not so much about the outside. I have to spend more time on my heart and less time on my lips.

Dear Jesus, help me to spend more time exercising my heart and less time exercising my lips. Amen.

Not a Nazarene!

Mark 6: 5 "And because of their unbelief, he couldn't do any mighty miracles among them..."

Jesus is in his hometown of Nazareth and they are unwilling to believe he is anyone special-certainly not the Son of God. To them, he is still the carpenter's son and is now just pretending to be someone important. They put no faith in him and because of that he is unable to perform any real miracles.

It appears the reason for Jesus' inability to perform miracles rests in the poor faith of the townspeople. Could it be our faith, or lack thereof that thwarts God's power in our communities? I think I have faith, but do I really? I see very few miracles. Or am I not looking hard enough? Maybe I should expect them more and increase my faith. Then maybe I will see the lame walk.

Dear Jesus, help me to not be like the Nazarene who did not have faith in you. Give me faith and help me to see you move. Amen.

Victorious

1 John 5: 4 "For every child of God defeats this evil word by trusting Christ to give the victory."

John says that if we want to show true love to God, we keep his commandments. He claims keeping his commandments is not hard because we actually do this by trusting in Christ. We keep God's commands by trusting in Jesus! Our victory comes through him.

I so often want to do my faith on my own, under my own power. I have to remember my faith and love for God must first start with faith and trust in Christ. Through Christ only can I defeat this evil world.

Dear Jesus, help me to trust in you all the time and in all things. Amen.

Surrender

James 4:10 "When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor."

James is saying that we ought to humble ourselves and rely on God rather than the world. Our love and obedience should be for God and not for the world. He says here that if we bow before him and show our dependence on him, he will lift us up.

This weekend we are going to Winter Whiteout. Our theme is "Surrender" and we will be talking about this very concept. I am going to try to teach the students that we cannot bring honor to ourselves, but we have to depend on God. We have to totally surrender ourselves including our pride, ego, personality, accomplishments, and possessions to Jesus. I am still learning this of course as I tend to be very independent and self reliant. I need Jesus to humble me and help me rely on him.

Dear Jesus, help me to bow to you and depend on you for all things. Amen.

A Tough Teaching

John 12:25 "The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."

Jesus is about to sacrifice his life for all of humanity and he challenges his followers to also be ready to give up their life for him. He tells us to not love our life here on earth, but instead focus on eternal life. This is a tough teaching! Jesus wants us to be prepared to lose it all for him.

Many of the early followers of Jesus did in fact give their life for Jesus. Someone once said, "martyrs died for their faith, all we have to do is live for ours." I think we have to both live for our faith and be prepared to give it all. And that is very easy to say and write, but when the rubber meets the road, am I willing to give up everything for Christ? And in what ways can I lose my life each day and focus on Jesus and eternal life?

Dear Jesus, help me to live my life completely for you. Amen.

Sing Along After the Beat Down

Acts 16: 25 "Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening."

Paul and Silas were in Philippi and had been arrested for releasing a demon from a possessed girl. Upon their arrest, they were stripped and beaten with wooden rods. The text says in verse 23, they were "severely beaten." That night in jail, Paul and Silas are reported to have been "praying and singing hymns to God."

Now if I had been beaten with wooden rods and thrown into jail, I probably would be praying a lot. I'm not sure if I would have it in me to sing. Maybe they were singing sad hymns of mourning? But my image of Paul leads me to believe they were not so sad, but rather they were praising God. I have tough things to deal with sometimes. Life can be difficult. But I never have been beaten and arrested for my faith. I need to learn from Paul and Silas' example and always rejoice and praise God in every circumstance.

Dear Jesus, help me to always have a "glass half full" mentality and to praise you in every storm and circumstance. Amen.

A Dirty Dog

John 10:10 "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all it's fullness."

Jesus is trying to explain to his followers his mission and he contrasts that with the purpose of Satan. Satan wants to kill and take, but Jesus came to love and give life.

I met with a young man recently who has been dealing with depression and some suicidal thoughts. He was dealing with a lot of guilt over things he did when he was younger. His guilt and sadness led him to believe that he was no good and God did not care about him. I shared with him that through Jesus we can have total forgiveness from our sins. They are separated from us as far as the east is from the west. Satan likes to remind us of our sins, mistakes and failures. He likes to take garbage and throw it back in our face. We have to remember what his goals are and what God's goals are. God is good and loving and wants to give us life!

Dear Jesus help me to remember that you are the life giver. And help me to remember what exactly Satan is-a dog and the father of lies. Amen.

Perishable Lenses

John 6:27 "...you shouldn't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that I, the Son of Man, can give you. For God the father has sent me for that very purpose."

One day, Jesus fed 5,000 people with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. The next day, the crowd follows Jesus to other side of the lake and he tells them that they are only following him because he fed them. He instructs them all to care less about perishable things and focus more on eternal life.

Today I am having a bad day. But really it's just a bad day through the view of "perishable lenses." My car will not start today, we really need a new one and there are several other small "perishable" problems. This passage reminds me of what's important and that I need to put on my "eternal lenses" and see the forest for the trees. I have eternal life in Jesus, I have a wonderful wife and two awesome kids. I am truly blessed. I am eternally blessed!

Thank you Jesus for my many blessings. Help me to each day wear my eternal lenses and see and know what really matters.

A Shove into the Pool

John 5: 7 "'I can't sir,' the sick man said, 'for I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred up. While I am trying to get there, someone else always gets in ahead of me.'"

In Jerusalem there was a place called Bethesda's Pool. Tradition said that every so often an angel from heaven would come and stir the waters of the pool. The first person in would be healed of whatever ailed him. In John 5, Jesus comes across a sick man who had been waiting near the pool for 38 years. He claims he has never been healed because others always get in ahead of him and no one helps him. Jesus tells him to get up and walk-and he does!

You have to love this story! Here is this man who for 38 years has been forgotten, left out and neglected. Yet Jesus comes to him, has compassion and heals him. This story illustrates the power of our Jesus and also his mercy. He calls us to care for the unlovable, the downtrodden and outcast as well. This is how we show love to him.

Dear Jesus, help me to follow your example. Help me to see the outcast and forgotten around me and give them a shove into the pool. Amen.

Who I Belong To

Galatians 4: 5 "God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children."

Paul is explaining that life bound to the law is a life of slavery and that Jesus has come to free us from that life. His blood on the cross has purchased our lives and in that act the Father has adopted us as his children.

My good friends have been going through the adoption process for some time now and just yesterday they received their referral. They now have a picture and a face of their soon to be adopted daughter who they have named Selah. I know they have spent months upon months undergoing this process. They spent large sums of money, sorted through volumes of paperwork, and spent hours doing research and preparation. However, I don't think any of the business related to this adoption had anything to compare with the hours of prayer and waiting and tears they have spent this past year. They have undergone all of this to adopt their little girl. She will now be theirs and they will be hers. Jesus suffered on the cross and died in our place so we could be his and he could be ours. I need to remember that I am fundamentally different and no longer belong to the world, I belong to Christ.

Dear Jesus help me to remember who I belong to. Amen.