21"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
22"You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved
Matthew 10:21-22
In football, they use the term "60 minutes" to stress the importance of doing your best throughout the game. There's no point throughout the game where you relax and do 50% or even 99%... every moment is done with excellence, your best team effort. Jesus is encouraging us to do our best, no matter what, to the very end. This passage tells us that even our family will be torn apart. What, our families will be torn apart?! Yes! Not because God wants it to happen but because our obedience will turn us against the world and those who are still in it. Jesus is remind us that it'll be hard but it's for a much higher purpose; it's because the world hates Him and everything and everyone that stands with Him.
As I reflect on my own walk and how I'm living for Him I know I'm not doing 100%... sad reality is I don't know if I'm even doing 50%. I feel I'm slightly better than I was a year ago, or maybe a few months ago... but I'm still not where I need to be. When I think about first being saved... wow, that was a time when I was on fire and my heart, soul, mind & body was all in for Jesus! When I was serving in Sri Lanka... that was on fire for Jesus! But now... where is that passion? Where is that desire that fueled my every waking moment? I don't think it's gone but I do know I let distractions fall back on my priority list.
Some of the ways I know I can live an all-out life for Jesus is to continue doing my devotions. Just in the last month or so of getting back on track with all my devos I've felt stronger in my faith. I've been attacked but my offensive weapon, the word of God, sustained me. Because of this, it allowed me to witness more effectively. So what's next? My flesh wants to do this and that but what I need to understand is to sit still on this season and fall back in love with Jesus. I need to draw on that same passion as in the beginning to fuel me in this fallen world. Word and Worship... what a wonderful season!
Father God, thank You for delivering Your timely messages. I sit on Your word, not to be lazy, but to kindle that fire that will bless Your heart. Help me appreciate Your goodness, Your kindness, Your compassion again and again. In the faithful name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Being Correctable
34"Nevertheless, as the LORD God of Israel lives, who has restrained me from harming you, unless you had come quickly to meet me, surely there would not have been left to Nabal until the morning light as much as one male."
35So David received from her hand what she had brought him and said to her, "Go up to your house in peace See, I have listened to you and granted your request."
1 Samuel 25:34-35
How is it that some of God's children seem to be blessed or favored more than others? Does God really love certain people more? No, He loves us all the same with unconditional love, a love that's not dependent on how well we perform. But God does offer His approval to those that are obedient.
David is one of those hall of faith people who follow God with everything he has. Is he perfect? No ways! But his heart was moldable, correctable. In the middle of a terrible sin (murder to hide adultry) he was wrong and blinded. But when the prophet Nathan came to him and pointed out his transgressions he repented. Just like this passage today, he didn't allow stubbornness and pride lead him to kill off a whole people because of one man. And it took a woman, that man's wife to real God's compassion within David. I'm sure the culture in those days made it hard for any man to accept the appologies of a woman but David looked past that unto what God says, no matter who the messanger was.
How am I with receiving God's instruction through unlikely messangers? Am I humble enough to accept criticism or correction from a student, employee or anyone I'm usually the mentor? It's hard but this amazing lesson must be taken in and digested. These are the hard learned lessons that not only transforms our understanding my moves our spirit.
Father God, Your servant is listening. Help me to open my heart to all things from You, not just the likely vessels. I need to give You my praises by acknowledging the goodness Youre doing in all creation, not just within me. I love You, Daddy! Amen!
35So David received from her hand what she had brought him and said to her, "Go up to your house in peace See, I have listened to you and granted your request."
1 Samuel 25:34-35
How is it that some of God's children seem to be blessed or favored more than others? Does God really love certain people more? No, He loves us all the same with unconditional love, a love that's not dependent on how well we perform. But God does offer His approval to those that are obedient.
David is one of those hall of faith people who follow God with everything he has. Is he perfect? No ways! But his heart was moldable, correctable. In the middle of a terrible sin (murder to hide adultry) he was wrong and blinded. But when the prophet Nathan came to him and pointed out his transgressions he repented. Just like this passage today, he didn't allow stubbornness and pride lead him to kill off a whole people because of one man. And it took a woman, that man's wife to real God's compassion within David. I'm sure the culture in those days made it hard for any man to accept the appologies of a woman but David looked past that unto what God says, no matter who the messanger was.
How am I with receiving God's instruction through unlikely messangers? Am I humble enough to accept criticism or correction from a student, employee or anyone I'm usually the mentor? It's hard but this amazing lesson must be taken in and digested. These are the hard learned lessons that not only transforms our understanding my moves our spirit.
Father God, Your servant is listening. Help me to open my heart to all things from You, not just the likely vessels. I need to give You my praises by acknowledging the goodness Youre doing in all creation, not just within me. I love You, Daddy! Amen!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Looking Past Circumstances
9David said to Saul, "Why do you listen to the words of men, saying, 'Behold, David seeks to harm you'?
10"(K)Behold, this day your eyes have seen that the LORD had given you today into my hand in the cave, and (L)some said to kill you, but my eye had pity on you; and I said, 'I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD'S anointed.'
1 Samuel 24:9-10
We allow our temporary conditions or circumstances dictate too much how we conduct our lives. Living our lives this way causes us to sway in all sorts of directions without a clear path... how can we go on this way? Conducting our lives based solely on our circumstances leads to emotional way of living and that's never the best way to eternity.
David had a perfect opportunity to eliminate his tormentor, his persecutor, Saul. God had already anointed David the new king and everything according to temporary conditions and circumstances said, "do it!" So why not; even his companions saw this as a perfect opportunity. But what was David's reaction? No, he will not strike the Lord's anointed! David stuck to God's game plan even when one particular play looked primed for the taking. He stuck to the plans already laid out... David trusted.
Why is it easy to stick to God's game plan when things are bad? When things aren't primed for the taking it's easier to say, "trust in God, He'll right everything." But when circumstances are favorable we change God's plans for our lives and say, "He must want me to deviate because this looks good and there's no clear sign of sin here." Sticking to God's word over our circumstances is true in good or poor weather.
Father God, thank You for blessing me with all types of conditions & circumstances. Since yesterday I've been feeling frustrated about my job because key people question my loyalty and dedication. It's to the point where I want to quit and find something else... it's frustrating. How can I go on working there if I'm not appreciated after I poured in so much. Whatever needed to be done, I did it without hesitation. I follow orders and do everything and more. I take on other people's responsibility because things need to get done. I rush and rush to complete tasks only to be halted because a decision needs to be made or it sits on someone else's desk. It's frustrating because I'm not one to point fingers and absorb the punishment or critique. Lord, I don't know if that's good or not but I pray that You sustain me, You be my foundation and please don't allow the devil to create "perfect" circumstances in my life to sin. I love You Lord! In the mighty name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Building My Home
24"Therefore (V)everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25"And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
26"Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
27"The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell--and great was its fall."
Matthew 7:24-27
Where am I building my house? Is it on the rock or sand? When making a big investment like building a home, we want to do our homework and not rely on "figuring it out" or "learn as we go." No, we can't do that. We do our homework and use other people's findings (wisdom) to make an informed decision. This is what Jesus is telling us. The Master Architect is giving us blueprints to build our house on solid rock which is the word of God. We can't afford to do this apart from how He tells us because what's at steak here is our souls.
Am I living out my life knowing what's at steak? By my actions you couldn't tell so. By my actions it seems like I'm invincible and there will always be a tomorrow. Or better yet, by my actions it'll seem like I have a time machine that can rewind to correct a mistake. This is nonsense. We don't have the ability to do life over; it's one and done. We need to build our home on God's solid foundation because the storm WILL hit and those swept away is going to hell... period.
I don't want to be swept away, Lord. I don't want my family, friends, acquaintences... anyone, to be taken to hell. Lord, so what do I do? Strengthen me to build upward on Your Word. Equip me to grow steady and strong in Your Spirit so that no attempts by the enemy will prevail. I acknowledge and submit to what You want to accomplish through my life regardless of what that is. Help me to love standing where You are. Amen!
25"And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
26"Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
27"The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell--and great was its fall."
Matthew 7:24-27
Where am I building my house? Is it on the rock or sand? When making a big investment like building a home, we want to do our homework and not rely on "figuring it out" or "learn as we go." No, we can't do that. We do our homework and use other people's findings (wisdom) to make an informed decision. This is what Jesus is telling us. The Master Architect is giving us blueprints to build our house on solid rock which is the word of God. We can't afford to do this apart from how He tells us because what's at steak here is our souls.
Am I living out my life knowing what's at steak? By my actions you couldn't tell so. By my actions it seems like I'm invincible and there will always be a tomorrow. Or better yet, by my actions it'll seem like I have a time machine that can rewind to correct a mistake. This is nonsense. We don't have the ability to do life over; it's one and done. We need to build our home on God's solid foundation because the storm WILL hit and those swept away is going to hell... period.
I don't want to be swept away, Lord. I don't want my family, friends, acquaintences... anyone, to be taken to hell. Lord, so what do I do? Strengthen me to build upward on Your Word. Equip me to grow steady and strong in Your Spirit so that no attempts by the enemy will prevail. I acknowledge and submit to what You want to accomplish through my life regardless of what that is. Help me to love standing where You are. Amen!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Fine Line to Anxiety
33"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33-34
Worrying about where are next meal is coming from, what we're going to wear, or any provision; wont help us. We do need to steward these things well when it's presented to us and be responsible but going beyond this will cause anxiety which leads to distrust. Jesus is warning us of this fine line and we need to be on guard.
I cross this line very frequently. The bottom line to it is because I don't trust Him enough. Right now, my tithing has been poor at best. Because my finances are poor I'm making excuses in why I can't offer God my heart through my financial firstfruits. This is the one area where God says to test Him... why can't I even do this little bit to watch heaven pour out blessings? Because u don't trust Him! This sucks because I want to but my anxiety leafs me to do things I shouldn't. What can I do to change this? I need to go back to basics and start tithing faithfully again, because what I'm doing us robbing God.
Oh heavenly Father, help me bust our of this selfish, anxiety-stricken life. I don't want to be like this but I've sunken to new lows. Lord, I pray for a simpler and more God-fearing life. Help me be that example first to my family, my neighbors and to all creation. Love You, Jesus! Amen!
34"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33-34
Worrying about where are next meal is coming from, what we're going to wear, or any provision; wont help us. We do need to steward these things well when it's presented to us and be responsible but going beyond this will cause anxiety which leads to distrust. Jesus is warning us of this fine line and we need to be on guard.
I cross this line very frequently. The bottom line to it is because I don't trust Him enough. Right now, my tithing has been poor at best. Because my finances are poor I'm making excuses in why I can't offer God my heart through my financial firstfruits. This is the one area where God says to test Him... why can't I even do this little bit to watch heaven pour out blessings? Because u don't trust Him! This sucks because I want to but my anxiety leafs me to do things I shouldn't. What can I do to change this? I need to go back to basics and start tithing faithfully again, because what I'm doing us robbing God.
Oh heavenly Father, help me bust our of this selfish, anxiety-stricken life. I don't want to be like this but I've sunken to new lows. Lord, I pray for a simpler and more God-fearing life. Help me be that example first to my family, my neighbors and to all creation. Love You, Jesus! Amen!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Personal Sacrifices
29"If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
30"If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.
Matthew 5:29-30
Every inch of our bodies are sinful, down to an eye and finger. Jesus acknowledges this and tells us that we may have to make our own sacrifices to prevent us from sinning. Our flesh will always cause us struggles but when it comes to the point where it overcomes the Spirit within us, that member must die to save the whole.
There's some basic things I died to: cursing, drunkedness, lusting, worldly music, etc. But what about the next level?those things are easy but what about the things that requires me to sacrifice some good things for the sake of the whole?
I need to look in reverse. What sins am I struggling with today? Is it envy? Jealousy? Bitterness? Then I need to find the root cause and squash it. This could be an external temptation like hanging out with a specific group of people or place; instead of trying to resist the sin I may have to cut out the temptation entirely. I had to do this with my drinking/clubbing. I know what my struggles are today and I need to find out what to sacrifice.
Father God, thank You for the ability to choose. When used properly it's a beautiful offering of love but it's also difficult. I pray I'm strong, by Your Spirit, to offer personal sacrifices daily. Amen!
30"If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.
Matthew 5:29-30
Every inch of our bodies are sinful, down to an eye and finger. Jesus acknowledges this and tells us that we may have to make our own sacrifices to prevent us from sinning. Our flesh will always cause us struggles but when it comes to the point where it overcomes the Spirit within us, that member must die to save the whole.
There's some basic things I died to: cursing, drunkedness, lusting, worldly music, etc. But what about the next level?those things are easy but what about the things that requires me to sacrifice some good things for the sake of the whole?
I need to look in reverse. What sins am I struggling with today? Is it envy? Jealousy? Bitterness? Then I need to find the root cause and squash it. This could be an external temptation like hanging out with a specific group of people or place; instead of trying to resist the sin I may have to cut out the temptation entirely. I had to do this with my drinking/clubbing. I know what my struggles are today and I need to find out what to sacrifice.
Father God, thank You for the ability to choose. When used properly it's a beautiful offering of love but it's also difficult. I pray I'm strong, by Your Spirit, to offer personal sacrifices daily. Amen!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Back to Worship
16But as for me, I shall (AH)sing of Your strength;
Yes, I shall (AI)joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the (AJ)morning,
For You have been my (AK)stronghold
And a (AL)refuge in the day of my distress.
17(AM)O my strength, I will sing praises to You;
For God is my (AN)stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.
Psalm 59:16-17
This psalm was written by David when he was being persecuted by Saul's men. They were watching the place he was staying knowing full well that Saul wanted to wipe him off the face of the earth. And David did nothing wrong except be faithful to what God has called him to do. This is the same David who killed his "ten thousands" so we know he wasn't afraid of a few of Saul's men. But Saul was God's anointed, even if it was only for a short time, and he refused to take matters into his own hands. So what does a man of God's own heart do when all the chips are down? Praise and Worship the God of gods and Lord of lords!
Here, David's being persecuted... I mean really persecuted from all angles (not the false persecution we claim today) but he properly realigns himself to God. Yes, he asks God to deliver himself from all this suffering but it's within the context that God is God and not him. He's properly elevating the Lord and decreasing himself. It's at these times when we can see Him properly and ask the right things.
When I look upon Christ Jesus, what do I see? Merely a friend who will bail us out? Or the one who took beatings and mockings on the cross? Do we properly see a Savior who was with God and the Holy Spirit at the beginning of time, creation? Do we see a deity that could crush a planet with His pinky finger but chooses to shield it with His body? I fail at seeing God properly all the time. I get caught up in "God's my Friend and Companion" instead of "God's the Creator of EVERYTHING!" We, or I, need to properly align myself with God so that my worship has nothing to do with what God did directly in my life but what God has done in the entire universe that now affects my life. His is the great I AM...
Father God, thank You for an amazing time of worship, not just through song, but through an acknowledgement that You are my everything. Help me to love You more and more every second... and that still won't be enough. Thank You for blessing me with Your grace and I pray I can make You proud today, one moment at a time. Amen!
Yes, I shall (AI)joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the (AJ)morning,
For You have been my (AK)stronghold
And a (AL)refuge in the day of my distress.
17(AM)O my strength, I will sing praises to You;
For God is my (AN)stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.
Psalm 59:16-17
This psalm was written by David when he was being persecuted by Saul's men. They were watching the place he was staying knowing full well that Saul wanted to wipe him off the face of the earth. And David did nothing wrong except be faithful to what God has called him to do. This is the same David who killed his "ten thousands" so we know he wasn't afraid of a few of Saul's men. But Saul was God's anointed, even if it was only for a short time, and he refused to take matters into his own hands. So what does a man of God's own heart do when all the chips are down? Praise and Worship the God of gods and Lord of lords!
Here, David's being persecuted... I mean really persecuted from all angles (not the false persecution we claim today) but he properly realigns himself to God. Yes, he asks God to deliver himself from all this suffering but it's within the context that God is God and not him. He's properly elevating the Lord and decreasing himself. It's at these times when we can see Him properly and ask the right things.
When I look upon Christ Jesus, what do I see? Merely a friend who will bail us out? Or the one who took beatings and mockings on the cross? Do we properly see a Savior who was with God and the Holy Spirit at the beginning of time, creation? Do we see a deity that could crush a planet with His pinky finger but chooses to shield it with His body? I fail at seeing God properly all the time. I get caught up in "God's my Friend and Companion" instead of "God's the Creator of EVERYTHING!" We, or I, need to properly align myself with God so that my worship has nothing to do with what God did directly in my life but what God has done in the entire universe that now affects my life. His is the great I AM...
Father God, thank You for an amazing time of worship, not just through song, but through an acknowledgement that You are my everything. Help me to love You more and more every second... and that still won't be enough. Thank You for blessing me with Your grace and I pray I can make You proud today, one moment at a time. Amen!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
