"True Friends" April 30 Readings: 1 Samuel 19-20, Luke 19:1–27, Psalm 55:1–4, Proverbs 12:1-2

Today's Readings - 1 Samuel 19-20, Luke 19:1–27, Psalm 55:1–4, Proverbs 12:1-2

Devotional 

I sometimes wonder how David kept his sanity. He was a man after God's heart, but throughout his life he had one person after another coming after him for no good reason. Saul, consumed with jealousy, sought to destroy David. He tried to kill him more than once. But through all of this David just carried on in the Lord's power.

There are a number of reasons for this, but one of the main reasons was a man named Jonathan. He was Saul's son but he was also David's friend. Their bond was deep - the kind of friendship we all need.

All we need to get through life is the presence and power of God. If everyone turns away from us we can depend on our "friend who sticks closer than a brother" to be there to bear us up. He's all we need. But navigating life's trials is much easier when you have a friend like David's. Jonathan helped him face the hurt in his life as Saul pursued and persecuted him. 1 Samuel 20 describes that friendship in detail, and from that story we can see some of the things that made Jonathan such a great friend.

A "Jonathan" seeks your good even at his own sacrifice. Jonathan was due to ascend to the throne until Samuel anointed Jesse's son. He could have been jealous and angry. He could have joined his father's campaign to protect his position. But he did not. He sacrificed his own position for the sake of his friend. True friendship requires people who are willing to lay down their lives for one another.

A "Jonathan" is not governed by the opinions of others about you. No matter how much trash Saul talked about David, Jonathan remained loyal to his friend. He was not swayed by the opinions of others.

A "Jonathan" makes such a difference in life. No matter what life throws at us, it is easier to handle when someone is walking along the path with us.

But here's the twist. As we read this, we all think how great it would be (or is) to have a friend like Jonathan. And it is! But we must not read this and pine for friends like this, but ask how we can become a friend like Jonathan to others. We must focus more on BEING Jonathans than on finding them. Those who give friendship like Jonathan did are much more likely to find the kind of friendships that they seek.

Father, I thank you for loyal friends. But help me to lay my life down for others and to be the friend I need to be.  

Think and Pray

Do you have true friends - like Jonathan to David?
If the answer is no, do you focus more on how others treat you or the kind of friend you are to others.

"Arm's Length Ministry?" April 29 Readings: 1 Samuel 17-18, Luke 18:31–43, Psalm 54, Proverbs 11:29-31

Today's Readings - 1 Samuel 17-18, Luke 18:31–43, Psalm 54, Proverbs 11:29-31

Devotional 

Zaccheus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he...

It's one of the stories that we church kids heard in Sunday School, about the little guy who climbed the tree to see Jesus. As is often the case, our familiarity with stories like this often causes us to miss the bigger picture.

The heart and soul of this story is the nature of the kingdom of God and the nature of Jesus Christ's mission in this world. He was locked in a constant battle with the religious leaders who had, by this time, decided he had to go and were plotting his demise. They disdained him for many reasons. But he was not focusing on them, not trying to appeal to them. They were not the primary targets of his message. Jesus came for the lost sheep of Israel, those broken by sin.

He came for Zaccheus, a tax collector. A cheater. A thief. Someone everyone else hated, rejected, and avoided. But Jesus dined with him. That drew the ire of the Pharisees but it was the heart of Jesus to reach out to men like him.

It ought to be the heart of the church as well. The poor. Minorities. Refugees. Addicts. Those whose lives have been totally broken by sin. We need to not simply speak a gospel message to them, but we need to engage their lives. Jesus did not stand at the doorway of Zaccheus' home and shout the message inside to him. Jesus went in and stayed at his house. He accepted Zaccheus' hospitality. He built a relationship and from that relationship he declared the message of repentance...effectively.

We cannot proclaim the gospel at arm's length. We cannot simply send gospel tracts to the other side of the tracks. We have to get our hands dirty. We have to engage the sinful world personally, lovingly, and genuinely. Anything less than that will not only be ineffective, it will be unChristlike.

Father, forgive me for how I have often tried to engage in Christ's work at arm's length. Help me to find a way to minister in this world as Christ ministered to Zaccheus. 

Think and Pray

Think through the implications of "hands-on" ministry.

What is required of you to minister to sinners in this world as Christ ministered to Zaccheus?

"Prayer-ables" April 28 Readings: 1 Samuel 15-16, Luke 18:1-30, Psalm 53, Proverbs 11:27-29

Today's Readings - 1 Samuel 15-16, Luke 18:1-30, Psalm 53, Proverbs 11:27-29

Devotional 

In Luke 18:1-14 Jesus tells two "prayer-ables." Sorry, is that too corny? Okay, parables about prayer? These stories tell remind us of some important lessons about prayer.

The first parable, in verses 1-8, tells the story of a hardhearted judge who neither feared God nor respected people. He didn't care a bit about the people whose cases he heard. There was a widow who had been wronged by another but she could not get this man to listen to her case. But she would not let him be. Day and night she harassed him, begging for justice. Finally, because he was annoyed with her pestering, he listened to her plea and gave her what she asked for.

Of course, our God is not cruel or hard-hearted. He is kind and loving; a judge who hears our prayers willingly. But the message of this parable is plain. If even a cold-hearted judge is moved by persistent entreaties, will not our good God be moved by our prayers? The point is made in the introduction to the parable; it is reminder to "pray always do not be discouraged." Our God listens. He hears. He answers.

Verses 7 and 8 tell us that his attitude is very different from that of the hardhearted judge.

And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily.

The God who loves us listens and responds to the prayers of his people.

The second parable, in Luke 18:9-14, focuses on the posture of prayer. Jesus tells the story of two men who approach God in prayer. The first, a Pharisee, is convinced of his own righteousness and worth. Of course, God is going to hear him. As good a person as he is, God just has to listen!

The second man is a lowly sinner, a tax collector. He did not stand in pride and self-righteousness but called out in humility and repentance. "God, turn your wrath from me, a sinner." He knew who he was and what he deserved from God - nothing!

But Jesus made it clear that it was the repentant sinner, not the self-righteous and arrogant Pharisee, was heard by God.

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.  18:14

So, in these two prayer-ables we learn to be persistent in prayer because our good God desires to hear and respond. We also learn to be humble in our approach to God. We can be confident, but we must not be self-confident or arrogant. We come clothed in the righteousness of Christ not our own worth. He responds to the prayers of repentant sinners, not the self-righteous and arrogant. A key to prayer, then is PERSISTENT HUMILITY! We must approach God with humility, as beggars asking what we do not deserve, not as those demanding our rights. But we must also be persistent and faithful in prayer. Persistent humility!

Father, I come to you as a sinner in need of grace, one with no righteousness of my own to merit a hearing with you. Help me to be faithful and persistent in prayer, not to become discouraged. 

Think and Pray

What is your prayer-attitude? Are you a petulant child, demanding things from God as if he were your grandfather in heaven? Or do you approach him in humility as a repentant servant?
Are you persistent and faithful in prayer, continuing to come to God and not giving up? 

"No Thought to God" April 27 Readings: 1 Samuel 13-14, Luke 17:20–37, Psalm 52, Proverbs 11:25-26

Today's Readings - 1 Samuel 13-14, Luke 17:20–37, Psalm 52, Proverbs 11:25-26

Devotional 

In Luke 17:20, the Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God was going to commence. Of course, they shared the common belief that the kingdom of God was the resurrection and expansion of the Old Testament Jewish theocracy. They were looking to figure out when Jesus was going to raise his army and get going chasing the Romans from Israel. 

Jesus made it clear to him that the kingdom he had come to build was not physical, political or military (that would come at his second appearing). Jesus was building a kingdom of the heart, a kingdom that was among them and within them. 

But then Jesus gave some indications about what life would be like in this world when the end did come, when he came a second time to establish his earthly kingdom. He draws comparisons to two times in the past. 

First, he says that the last days would be "as it was in the days of Noah," in the days that Jesus the Son of Man would return. But it is interesting what Jesus focuses on. He does not talk about the extreme wickedness, immorality and perversity that may have been going on before the flood came. Look at verse 27. 

They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 

They ate and drank. They got married. None of those things is a sin, is it? (I don't think that drunkenness is in view here when it says that they "drank.") We all have to eat and dehydration will kill you. Marrying and giving in marriage are good things, aren't they? 

What Jesus is saying here is that people went on about their lives without regard to their sin or their need for him. They just went about their lives as if there was no God to whom they would have to answer at the end of life. They went about their lives without regard as to what God wanted or what he commanded. They lived life without a concern for God. 

Jesus reinforced this principles when he talked about Lot and Sodom in verse 28. 

It will be the same as it was in the days of Lot: People went on eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building. 

Again, Jesus did not highlight the wickedness of Sodom. People ate and drank, they bought and sold, they planted their fields and built houses. Nothing wrong with any of that, is there? But like the people before the judgment of the flood, these people lived as if there was no God who would judge their sins. We know that God was about to pour out his wrath on the sins of Sodom, but these people just didn't care. 

In both of these instances, judgment was about to fall - cataclysmic judgment from God. A flood. Fire and brimstone. The end was near. But people just went on about their lives giving no concern as to the will and ways of God.

I have no idea when Jesus is coming again. But I do know this - the worst thing any of us can do is live our lives in disregard to the fact that Jesus is coming back and that we will give account to him. 

And isn't that pretty much the way people live today? Seek your own happiness without regard to God's will. Do what you want regardless of the teachings of the Word. Give no thought to Jesus, his gracious work or what that sacrifice demands. 

There is a God in heaven who sent his Son to redeem us and his Spirit to indwell and empower us. To live in rebellion, ignorance or defiance of that God is the ultimate folly. 

Father, may I live every day in recognition of who you are and what you have done for me. May I never ignore you or forget you. And I am thankful that when I stand before you it will be in the grace of your Son. 

Think and Pray

Do you live your life with the constant expectation of God's activity - his power, grace and intervention?
Do you walk by faith instead of by sight?

"Nine, or One?" April 26 Readings: 1 Samuel 11-12, Luke 17:1–19, Psalm 51:15–19, Proverbs 11:23-24

Today's Readings - 1 Samuel 11-12, Luke 17:1–19, Psalm 51:15–19, Proverbs 11:23-24

Devotional 

In one of the better known stories of the life of Jesus, one that we tell our children often, Luke 17:11-19 records the story of Jesus healing ten lepers. Each of them returns to their lives rejoicing in the fact that they are no longer exiled and ostracized from home and family. It is my guess that each of them was immensely grateful to the one who had healed them.

But only one of them bothered to take the time to go back to Jesus and actually express that thanksgiving. The other nine were not evil, ungrateful or thoughtless jerks. They just forgot to take the time to tell the Healer how thankful they were to be healed. I'm guessing they were so excited to go home and tell their families the good news that they just forgot. But whatever the reason. They forgot. They did not return to say thank you to the Savior.

That is me, far too often.

I have a few issues going on in my life right now - some stresses, trials, heartaches and burdens. That is called normal, I guess. But I also have a truckload of blessings that have come from the hand of God. If I lost everything else in this world, I would still have Jesus who saved me and gave me forgiveness, reconciliation with God and an eternal home in heaven. If there was nothing else, I could spend all day giving thanks for that. But there is so much else. My home and family. My job and my church (for me, those are actually the same thing). God answers prayer and provides for my needs. My life has been one blessing after another.

But I tend to forget that. I've spent yesterday brooding, moody, thinking about some people who have hurt me and the pain that has caused. I never stopped to thank God for the blessings he has given me that vastly outweigh my hurts - even on my worst day.

Count your blessings, name them one by one.
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. 

The words to that hymn are a fitting warning to me. I need to count my blessings day by day to remind myself that God's work in and through me is always more intense than whatever opposition I might face. God's grace is more powerful than life's hardships. God's goodness is more significant that people's meanness.

Father, forgive me for how often I've been among the nine, those that receive your blessings but fail to thank you for them. Thank you for every good and perfect gift which flows from you. Help me to consider your goodness and give thanks for it. 

Think and Pray

Are you constantly grateful to God for his grace, or are you more like the  nine who failed to thank him?

"Anointed Failure" April 25 Readings: 1 Samuel 9-10, Luke 16, Psalm 51:8–14, Proverbs 11:21-22

Today's Readings - 1 Samuel 9-10, Luke 16, Psalm 51:8–14, Proverbs 11:21-22      

Devotional 

I remember eavesdropping on a conversation between my dad and another pastor, in which they were discussing how churches find pastors. Among Baptists, the church chooses its own leader, forming a search committee, fielding resumes, examining recommendations and finally bringing a candidate to the church. In the other pastor's denomination, the district superintendent (whatever his official title was) would select pastors and assign them to churches. My dad asserted that our system had to be the worst possible system. Our friend disagreed. His denomination's system had to be worse.

Selecting leaders for God's people has always been tricky.

1 Samuel 9-12 (today's reading and tomorrow's) tells the story of the selection of Saul as the first king of Israel. He was everything the world wants in a leader - impressive, charismatic, appealing. The nation that made him king would be blessed. Tall, handsome, energetic and enthusiastic; this new king had the people of Israel excited.

Of course, it didn't work out that way. Saul was not careful in obedience to God and eventually, God set him aside. Samuel anointed a young shepherd boy from Bethlehem to succeed him. David had few of the physical characteristics or innate talents of Saul, but he was the one whose house was established by covenant as an eternal line.

What was the difference between Saul and David? By human metrics, Saul was the better candidate. There are few pulpit committees that would not have chosen him over David. But in God's eyes, David was the better man. Why? Because David was a man of obedience, a man after God's heart. Saul was self-confident, willful and often not obedient.

God doesn't need our creativity or our talents. To a God who can create a universe simply by speaking, our creativity is not so impressive. He is an awesome God and our own arrogant sense of self-importance fades in the bright light of God's glory. The sacrifice that pleases God is a sincere heart, a devoted life, a body yielded to his service, a pure and undiluted passion for him.

I wish I knew how to quantify that principle for pastoral search committees. I can't. But the principle is clear in Scripture. The greatest quality of a leader, or any believer for that matter, is simply obedience and a willingness to do whatever God has said.

Father, I am reminded that it is not about my talents, abilities or efforts, but about obedience to you. May I be more like King David than King Saul - a man whose greatest quality is obedience. 

Think and Pray

Are you more concerned with external things or with your character and godliness?

"Against YOU Only!" April 24 Readings: 1 Samuel 7-8, Luke 15:11–32, Psalm 51:1–7, Proverbs 11:19-20

Today's Readings - 1 Samuel 7-8, Luke 15:11–32, Psalm 51:1–7, Proverbs 11:19-20

Devotional 

"You are the man."

That is what Nathan said to David when he confronted him over his adultery with Bathsheba and his arranging of her husband Uriah's death. And following all this serious sin, David even became self-righteous in his condemnation of others. Nathan told him the story about the man who, in spite of having many sheep, stole his neighbor's only sheep. David was incensed at this injustice until Nathan pointed the finger at him.

At that moment, the reality of his sin came crashing down on him and all of his arrogance and artifice was stripped away. That's when he wrote the most beautiful song of repentance ever, Psalm 51.

In Psalm 51:1, David is not longer sitting in judgment on others but is calling out for God's mercy and grace, knowing he deserves nothing from God.

Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
    blot out my transgressions.

Having called out for forgiveness and cleansing, he addresses the seriousness of his own sin. There is no attempt to blame his sin on anyone else, to rationalize it, or to justify it because of what someone else did. 

For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
    and blameless in your judgment.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
    and in sin did my mother conceive me.  (51:3-5)

He admitted his sin without reservation, realized it was a serious offense against God, accepted the righteousness of God's judgment against his sin and pled guilty to general sinfulness of heart. 

Of course, the rest of the Psalm will wait for tomorrow, but we will see that his genuine repentance is accompanied by a deep desire and commitment to change, to return to obedience with God. 

David was a man after God's own heart, but when he sinned grievously he learned and demonstrated one of the keys to living for God. Repentance. Being a "good Christian" is about seeking the power of God to say no to sin and yes to God, of course. But it is also about remembering the work of Christ on the Cross when we fall into sin. It is about facing up to our sin without excuse or rationalization. Face it. Admit it. Repent of it. Be cleansed of it. Return to obedience. That is the lesson we learn from David. 

One note that must be made here. David was forgiven of his sin - washed as white as snow. But consequences of his sin remained until the day he died. God's forgiveness for sin does not guarantee that he will shield us from all of the consequences that flow from that sin. 

Father, thank you for your grace and forgiveness. I need that grace every day. Even as a pastor and a "mature" Christian, I see so much of my sin, the wickedness of my heart before you. Forgive me, Lord. 

Think and Pray

Do you consider your sin in the light of the character and pleasure of God, or just in terms of the consequences you experience?

"Don't Mess with My God" April 23 Readings: 1 Samuel 5-6, Luke 15:1–10, Psalm 50:18–23, Proverbs 11:17-18

Today's Readings -  1 Samuel 5-6, Luke 15:1–10, Psalm 50:18–23, Proverbs 11:17-18

Devotional 

It was a time of tragedy and sadness in Israel, but it is a glorious, even hilarious story - one of those grand moments in Scripture in which Yahweh's superiority is clearly demonstrated. Unless, of course, you are a Philistine - then you won't like this story at all.

Yesterday's reading was tragic as the glory departed from Israel. Not only did Eli and his sons die, but the worst thing imaginable happened. The Ark of God fell into the hands of the enemy. That magic talisman that sinful Israel thought would guarantee them victory could not stay the hand of judgment. They tried to use God for their purposes instead of repenting of their sin and humbling themselves before him. They found that we do not get to dictate the terms of God's work among us. He does that. When Israel refused to come to God on his terms he refused to work for them on their terms.

But in 1 Samuel 5 God made it abundantly clear that the defeat of Israel was not a sign of weakness in Israel's God. He was the one true God, maker of heaven and earth and still its sovereign ruler. The Philistines may have defeated unfaithful, sinful, rebellious Israel, but that was only because their God withdrew his hand of protection and blessing on his rebellious servants. Dagon, the god of the Philistines was in no way superior or stronger than Yahweh.

And God made sure everyone knew that - in the clearest way possible.

The Philistines paraded the Ark into Dagon's temple in Ashdod as an act of triumph, glorying in this great victory and the defeat of Israel. Stories of Yahweh's might power were everywhere, but now they could revel in their god's triumph. They laid the Ark before Dagon as a tribute and as a symbol of the defeat of Yahweh.

Never disrespect the Living God of heaven. Just don't do it. There's no profit in it. When the Philistines returned to the temple the next morning, they found a horrifying site. Their idol was bowing down before the Ark of God. They set things right but the next day the same thing had happened. Again Dagon bowed before the Ark, but this time the damage was irreparable - his hands and feet had fallen off.

Things got worse from there. Much worse. A mysterious illness (a wide range of horrific diseases have been suggested as the proper translation here) broke out in Ashdod. These folks had enough of "reveling" in Dagon's victory over Yahweh and they sent the Ark to Gath to let them share in the blessing. The same mysterious disease broke out there. Gath tried to "bless" Ekron, but those people were having none of it.

So, they called a confab of the Philistine elders to discuss what to do. They sent the Ark on its way, even sending some golden offerings with it. Sure enough, the dumb animals headed right back toward Israel to deliver the Ark back to its proper home. While Israel didn't seem to realize who their God was, the Philistines were convinced that they wanted no part of the God of Israel. They messed with Yahweh and they lost!

Israel was defeated because of their sin, not because God lacked power. We see little of the display of God's power today, but that is not because the arm of the Lord has grown short, it is because the people of God have too often failed to walk in obedience and faith. The power of the Cross has not lessened, but too often we fail to look to Calvary.

Father, your power is real and great. May I experience that power as I walk in humility, repentance and faith. 

Think and Pray

Do you walk in the fear of the Lord - showing proper respect by obedience and submission?

"Faith, NOT Magic" April 22 Readings: 1 Samuel 3-4, Luke 14:12–35, Psalm 50:11–17, Proverbs 11:15-16

Today's Readings - 1 Samuel 3-4, Luke 14:12–35, Psalm 50:11–17, Proverbs 11:15-16

Devotional 

Israel couldn't figure it out. The Philistines had defeated them soundly in battle. Where was God? Why was he not delivering his people and defeating their enemies? Why had God failed them? So, they came up with a plan; one that would bring them success on the battlefield.

"Let’s bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh. Then it will go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.”

All they had to do was get the Ark of the Covenant and bring it down to the battlefield. When they marched into the war against the Philistines with the Ark in their midst, the power of God would surely manifest itself and they would be victorious.

Alas, it did not happen. In fact, it became one of the most horrible defeats Israel ever had. Over 30,000 men were killed in the battle, the sons of Eli were killed and the Ark itself was captured by the Philistines, leaving Israel devastated. When Eli heard of this, he fell off his chair and died.

This was, perhaps, the low point in Israel's era of the Judges.

What happened? Why didn't it work? The people had the ark which represented the powerful presence of God and still they did not succeed. How did it all go so wrong?

It is simple. God is not moved by magical religion. Magic is the manipulation of spiritual forces to achieve one's goals. Israel wanted victory so they brought in the Ark as a talisman to attempt to summon God's presence on their terms. But God would not be controlled or manipulated.

Israel did not have to summon a talisman. All they had to do was repent of their sinful ways and seek God. If they returned to him in faith his promises would be restored to them. The way to defeat the Philistines was to seek God, not to seek to use God through their own manipulative efforts.

We don't gain brownie points with God by going to church, giving money, doing nice things for others or any other work. There are not magical words of prayer or positive confession that can manipulate and control God's power. We gain the presence of God and his power when we repent and trust him, when we submit our lives to his control.

Our faith is not about magic, but about yielding fully to him!

Father, forgive me for when I've foolishly tried to manipulate you with my fleshly actions. You are God and I yield today to you and your glory. 

Think and Pray

"A Mother's Power" April 21 Readings: 1 Samuel 1-2, Luke 13:22–14:11, Psalm 50:4–10, Proverbs 11:13-14

Today's Readings - 1 Samuel 1-2, Luke 13:22–14:11, Psalm 50:4–10, Proverbs 11:13-14

Devotional 

It was one of the true low points in Israel's history, the end of the period of the Judges. Depravity, violence, immorality and perversion abounded in the land and there seemed to be no hope that things would get better. The moral spiral only promised to worsen. Israel was idolatrous and evil, and its leaders were spiritually calloused and insensitive to the voice of God.

But the fact is that when the book of Judges closed and 1 Samuel opened, Israel was half a century away from its greatest moment, the reign of David as king. When things looked like they couldn't get any worse, God had another plan, a plan of renewal and revival that would raise up his people to heights never imagined before.

This is a powerful and hopeful message for any struggling mother. The early chapters of 1 Samuel record the genesis of Israel's revival. It all started with one mother who prayed to God. Hannah went to Shiloh to pray. Her intensity led Eli the priest to believe she was drunk, but when she poured out her heart about her inability to conceive, he was moved and blessed her.

God heard her prayers and she had a son, Samuel. When he was weaned, she took him to Shiloh and gave him to the Lord. That son grew up to be the man of God, the prophet, the mentor of both Saul and David, the man who led Israel back to loyalty to God.

And it all started with one woman who gave her son to God.

Of course, God does not ask us to give our sons away literally, as Hannah did. But we are called to raise our children not just to get an education and a good job, not just to be happy, but to be servants of the Living God.

A mother who gives her child to God and raises that child to be a warrior in the kingdom of God is the most powerful person on earth. Pastors can preach, teachers can teach, leaders can lead; but mothers can change the world by raising sons and daughters who love God and serve him faithfully.

Mom. It's not a glamorous position and it certainly doesn't pay well. But Hannah changed the course of Israel's history simply by giving her son to God. Mom, I know it's hard, thankless, drudgery, and many times you feel worthless and insignificant. But if you are doing it right, if you are pointing your children toward Christ and leading them in his ways, you have a role more significant to the future than perhaps any other.

Father, I pray for mothers today, that you would fill them with the sense of the significance of the task they perform. When they feel burdened, give them a sense of eternity. When they feel insignificant, help them see the future. When they feel tired, give them divine energy. Thank you, Lord, for mothers with a heart for your kingdom. 

Think and Pray

"The Kingdom Way" April 20 Readings: Ruth 3-4, Luke 13:1–21, Psalm 50:1–3, Proverbs 11:11-12

Today's Readings - Ruth 3-4, Luke 13:1–21, Psalm 50:1–3, Proverbs 11:11-12

Devotional 

"If just one person is reached through our efforts, then it was all worth it!" 

Ever heard that chestnut? When churches put on huge, expensive, man-hour intensive Christmas or Easter productions, when we pour massive amounts of work into projects that produce paltry results, someone is sure to trot out that phrase. And of course, there is truth there. Is there any length to which we would not go if we knew one soul would be saved? Is there any cost we would not pay to bring someone from death to life?

But in Luke 13:18-21 Jesus told two parables that describe the kingdom of God in ways that are very different from the sentiment I described above.

He begins by asking a question, "What is the kingdom of God like?" How do things operate when God is in charge; when he is at work? He then tells two stories to answer his question.

“It’s like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the sky nested in its branches.”

On my desk, I have a jar of mustard seeds which I purchased in Israel. I keep them on my desk to remind of this truth. When you have faith as a mustard seed, great things happen in the kingdom. Here, Jesus describes how the mustard seed grows into a large tree and becomes a blessing to others. 

In the kingdom, a little faith, a little devotion, a little service to God brings great rewards. It bears great fruit. That is so contrary to the idea of putting in hundreds of hours into a ministry and hoping that one soul might be reached. 

The second story reinforces the first. 

"It’s like yeast that a woman took and mixed into 50 pounds of flour until it spread through the entire mixture.”

Here, Jesus uses yeast, which usually illustrates the pernicious effects of sin, to illustrate how things work in the kingdom of God. It doesn't take much yeast to affect a large amount of dough. A little works its way in and has great effects. 

The kingdom of God is not about the things we can do for God. Unfortunately, we are usually "doing our best" for him. That is why all our efforts often bring little fruit. But when we yield to God and operate on his agenda for our lives, life becomes about God doing his best through us. It is not about our great efforts but God's; not our abilities but his. 

Father, may my life be a kingdom life, where you take the little I have and make it productive, make it significant. 

Think and Pray

Are you living a kingdom life - your little becoming much because of the power of God mixing in?
What is happening in your life that can only be attributed to the powerful activity of God?

"Jesus, the Divider" April 19 Readings: Ruth 1-2, Luke 12:35–59, Psalm 49:11–20, Proverbs 11:9-10

Today's Readings - Ruth 1-2, Luke 12:35–59, Psalm 49:11–20, Proverbs 11:9-10

Devotional 

If you listen to the popular wisdom of the day, Jesus came to earth to gather everyone into one big, giant group hug. He (to borrow a political term) a "uniter, not a divider." Anything that brings us together must be pleasing to Jesus and anything that separates us must be sinful and displeasing to him.

It isn't that simple.

It is true that it was the heart of Jesus that the Body of the Christ would be one. He entreated the Father in John 17, pouring out his deepest desires that his disciples and those who would follow would live out the kind of unity that the Father and the Son had between themselves. It is a prayer that will only be completely fulfilled in eternity, but it is the heart of God. Jesus died to purchase ONE Body and wants us to walk in unity, in peace, in oneness. He hates when we fight, divide and fracture within the church, within the Body of Christ.

But he also made it clear that the first step in the creation of that unity was an act of division. To unite the Body of Christ he must first separate it - from the world, from sin, from death and judgment. Uniting with Christ separates us from those who are not united with Christ. The Christ who unites also divides.

Jesus made this abundantly clear in Luke 12:51.

Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

No, it is not that Jesus loves division and war, it is that the fundamental requirement for the unity of the Body of Christ is that one must become part of the Body. Jesus Christ calls us to renounce our loyalty to sin and to self and give ourselves body, soul, and spirit to him. That is a point of division. Jesus divides marriages - when one partner commits to Christ and the other does not. Jesus divides families when a child is saved and the parents are not. But the requirement of being united in Christ is that we must be in Christ. Christianity is not the brotherhood of ALL people, but of those who share the common experience of salvation by grace through faith in Christ.

Unfortunately, in this sinful world, as the gospel goes forward and some receive Christ and others do not, the words of Jesus will be sadly fulfilled.

They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.

The unity of the body of Christ is founded in one thing and one thing only. It is not founded in the color of our skin or in our socio-economic status. It is not founded on our national identity or political belief. The Body of Christ is founded from every tribe, language and people on earth. It is rich, poor, white, black and every shade in between. It is male and female. There is only one thing we have in common. We have been taken out of our earthly situations and redeemed by Christ. We share a common experience of Christ - each has been purchased by the blood of Christ shed on the Cross, made new in him, indwelled by the Spirit and empowered to live a new life.

So yes, Christ divides. He divides those who believe in him from those who do not. He divides those who obey the Word from those who do not. He divides those who live life God's way from those who do not. This ought not surprise us. But as he divides us from the sinful world he also brings us into a glorious unity in Christ.

The one who divides humanity like Moses parted the Red Sea unites us in a perfect bond of love. Praise God.

Thank you, Father, that you have both separated me from this sinful world and united me in Christ with the rest of his Body. 

Think and Pray

How much a part of the sinful world are you?
Do you live both united with Christ and his body AND divided from the sinful things of this world?

"Wasteful Worrying" April 18 Readings: Judges 19-21, Luke 12:22–34, Psalm 49:1–10, Proverbs 11:7-8

Today's Readings - Judges 19-21, Luke 12:22–34, Psalm 49:1–10, Proverbs 11:7-8

Devotional 

There are few commandments of Scripture that I violate more regularly than Luke 12:22.

Therefore I tell you, don't worry about your life.

Jesus is talking specifically here about the basic needs of life - food, clothing, shelter. But the principle goes beyond that. Worry is such a common reality in my life - worry about money, about the future, about what is happening at the church, about my family, about so many things, about what people think of me and whether they like me. How many of you understand what I'm talking about when I say I sometimes walk around with this knot in the pit of my stomach? The worry-knot?

And it is not just a sin, it is a complete waste. In verses 23-34, Jesus set forth some powerful thoughts about the pointlessness of worry for the children of God.

First, worry demonstrates that my priorities are messed up. There is more to life than the things I worry about (verse 22). When I am worrying about the things I worry about, it is clear that I am not seeking God or focusing on the big issues of his kingdom. I cannot trust God and be devoted to him while worrying at the same time. I need to remember that these worrisome issues are of less importance than the things of God.

Second, worry is useless because God loves and cares about me (verse 24,28). If my wife and I had the money we had spent on helping out our kids, we'd be living on easy street. But there is nothing we wouldn't do to help them. If we have something and they need something they are going to get what we have. Is not God a more loving Father than I? He cares about me and is not going to ignore my needs.

Third, worrying accomplishes nothing (verse 25). Worrying cannot add a cubit to my height, nor can it solve any of the issues I face. It is the most pointless, useless, stupid waste of energy in my life. Most of the stuff I worry about I can't control, so what good does worry do. And if I can do something about it, I should DO something. Worrying is unproductive.

Fourth, worry usurps God's sovereignty (verse 26). God is in control and when I worry, I am acting as if I believe that I am, that it is all up to me. If I'm not able to do little things, why waste my time worrying about the big things that are in God's hands?

Fifth, God, our good Father, is a masterful provider (verses 27-28). He provides clothes for the wildflowers and grass, he will provide all that we need. "I've never seen the righteous forsaken or their seed begging for bread."

Sixth, worry is a marker of the world's sinful values (verse 30). The "Gentiles" seek the things of this world, but our hearts and minds are to be focused on something higher and more noble - the kingdom of God - knowing that God will add what we need as we do.

Why on earth, knowing all of these truths, would I ever worry about anything?

Father, worry is one of my greatest sins. Because it is so common I might be tempted to think it is not a big deal. But it is an insult to your excellent provision as my Heavenly Father and I am sorry for my failure to remember your goodness and grace. Help me in my weakness to trust in you. 

Think and Pray

Are you a worrier?

When you are worrying, are you focusing on God and his power and goodness?

Remind yourself of the truths about the wastefulness of worry.

Review the other truths Jesus teaches and think and pray through them in your life. 

"Rich and Foolish" April 17 Readings: Judges 17-18, Luke 12:1–21, Psalm 48:11–14, Proverbs 11:5-6

Today's Readings - Judges 17-18, Luke 12:1–21, Psalm 48:11–14, Proverbs 11:5-6

Devotional 

Jesus, in Luke 12:15, issued a warning that is perhaps more needed today than it was at the moment he gave it.

“Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”

Life is about a lot more than the cars we drive, the homes we live in and the money we have stashed in the bank. Paul issued dire warnings, in 1 Timothy 6, to those who would shipwreck their lives with the love of money. Perhaps he had this verse in the back of his mind.

Greed causes us to live our lives going from mirage to mirage searching for water and finding only sand. Those who live for money and possessions find themselves quickly trapped in an empty and meaningless lifestyle.

Jesus followed that statement with a memorable story. A man had a bumper crop and tore down his barns to build bigger ones. There is nothing wrong with being successful or having a little something in savings. But the implication here was that this man was selfish and greedy. He didn't care about others and had no intent to share his bounty with those in need. He just built bigger barns to store more stuff for himself.

Jesus called him a fool. Those were strong words in that day, perhaps even more so than today. He was a fool because he invested himself in worldly things and gave no thought to eternity.

‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’ Luke 12:20

 When his life ended suddenly that night, all that he had lived and worked for would become meaningless.

So, here is the question for us to consider. Are we living for that which will have value after death? If my life is about money, then it is pointless once I breathe my last. If my life is about fame, fortune, power, or my own ambitions, those things all fade into oblivion at the end. But if I am invested in the Kingdom of God, in making Christ known, in serving others in the name of Christ, in loving others - those things all have eternal value.

This rich man was a fool because he invested his entire life into things that counted for nothing when death came. Let us be wise because we store up treasures in heaven and invest our lives in that which is eternal.

Father, may I never been caught up in the foolishness of greed or ensnared by the love of money. May my life count for your kingdom. 

Think and Pray

Do you live your life for kingdom values or for the things of this world?
We must work, handle money, buy things. There is a fine line between being diligent and responsible with money and loving money. It is a matter of the heart - something only God's Spirit can define in you. Examine your heart for any greed, materialism, or love of money - a true poison of the soul.

"Jesus the (Not) Peacemaker" April 16 Readings: Judges 15-16, Luke 11:29–54, Psalm 48:4–10, Proverbs 11:3-4

Today's Readings - Judges 15-16, Luke 11:29–54, Psalm 48:4–10, Proverbs 11:3-4

Devotional 

To be honest, I would not have had those fights. I'd have smoothed them over, worked them out.

In Luke 11, Jesus was beginning to lower the boom a little, teaching some hard truths that people did not like to hear. And guess what? People did not like to hear it! (Duh?) They got mad. Especially the religious leaders - the Pharisees, scribes and Temple leaders. Important religious people don't often respond well when their sins are exposed publicly.

In verse 37, we see Jesus challenged by a Pharisee about a picky issue - he wasn't following the ceremonial rules of Jewish leaders. How would I have responded? I probably would have said to myself, "Don't make waves. Don't make enemies. It's not a hill to die on." But Jesus took another tack. He challenged that Pharisee's heart, in verses 39-40.

Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also?

Wow.

He called them fools, who cleaned the outside carefully but were full of dirt on the inside. That's pretty harsh. He doubled down on the criticism in verses 42-44, accusing them of neglecting justice and the love of God, of being self-important and self-centered, of being "unmarked graves" which people step and without realizing it - a strange insult but an unmistakably harsh one. 

One of the lawyers (not that kind of lawyer - someone who was an expert in the Jewish law) gave Jesus a gentle rebuke. "You are insulting all of us with those words." Surely the master would back off a little and soften his rhetoric. I would. But Jesus didn't. He went right after the lawyer and his kind, in verses 46-47. 

Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed.

He goes on and on enumerating their sins and failings. Hypocrisy. Violence against the prophets of God. Deception and lack of understanding of God's truth. 

The passage ends with a statement that ought not come as a surprise to anyone. Verses 53-54 explain how the religious leaders reacted to Jesus' provocation. 

As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say.

So, the question is why. Why did Jesus provoke these men? Why couldn't he be a little more politick, a little kinder, more positive? A few nice words could have worked wonders here. Doesn't the Bible itself say that a "gentle answer turns away wrath?" And there are multitudes of verses calling us to unity and humility and meekness and gentleness - all qualities Jesus seems to refuse here. What was going on? 

First of all, Jesus had one advantage we don't - complete insight into the motives of people's hearts. He knew exactly who they were and how evil their hearts were. Since I don't know men's hearts, I need to be a little more careful about acting as judge like Jesus did. Jesus is the one who judges the heart - perfectly and righteously. 

But there is something else at work here, something we all would do well to remember. Jesus realized that his primary responsibility was to God and not to man. His job was to proclaim truth and not to win favor. He was not standing for office or seeking to win a popularity contest. He was there to accomplish God's work and proclaim the gospel of the kingdom, not curry favor with people who stood in opposition to that kingdom.

It would take a book, not a few sentences of a devotional, to process this thought. We are called to peace, to love, to forgiveness and to grace on nearly every page of the New Testament. Being obnoxious, combative, condemning and harsh are character qualities we need to cultivate. And yet we are also wrong if we soften the blow of God's truth to gain favor in the world. When the church seeks popularity and acceptance in the sinful culture by turning aside from truths that the world rejects we are insulting Jesus not imitating him. We must speak God's truth faithfully and boldly, regardless of how people respond to us.

Father, give us, give me courage to stand for truth and for righteousness in this sinful world. Give me a heart of love and kindness as well and the wisdom to balance the two.

Think and Pray

Striking a balance between love and truth is a constant hardship as we live in a sinful world. Think and pray through what it means to be faithful to God's truth without being cold-hearted, divisive, or hypocritical.
How can you be a person of love without compromising truth? 

"Kryptonite" April 15 Readings: Judges 13-14, Luke 11:1–28, Psalm 48:1–3, Proverbs 11:1-2

Today's Readings - Judges 13-14, Luke 11:1–28, Psalm 48:1–3, Proverbs 11:1-2

Devotional 

There was a Bible story cartoon series that our children loved when they were small, put out by Hanna Barbera. I was a little shocked when they released one on the story of Samson. Certainly, he is a hero of epic proportions if you ignore the parts of his story that make him a tragic failure, a cautionary tale - and certainly not a kid's story! He was an ancient Superman - the very mention of his name made the Philistines cringe - until it was found that he had Kryptonite that could lead to his undoing.

Had he developed character and self-control, he might be remembered with some of the great ones of the Bible alongside Moses, David, Elijah, and others. None of them had his strength, his natural ability. But, alas, no. Samson won many great battles but he lost the one that mattered the most, the battle against the power of this own flesh.

That was Samson's kryptonite - women. While his story is introduced in today's reading and will only be completed in tomorrow's, it is a familiar tale. He was a strong man with a weakness for the wrong kind of women. He lived by his passions instead of walking in self-control, so he was easily led astray and the end of his story is not one of glory but of tragedy. At every point he did what he wanted, took what he desired, and never resisted temptation. This was his undoing.

The moral to the story of Samson is pretty simple. What matters most is not our abilities or talents, but the character we build. No man or woman can undertake great tasks for God until he or she builds deep spiritual character - a love for God, moral strength, obedience and holiness. It is of utmost importance that we yield to the Spirit of God as he remakes us in the image of Christ. Our focus must be on becoming like Christ, not just on doing great things for Christ. Samson is a cautionary tale for the man who attempted to do great things without the great character to match - and the story ends in horrible tragedy.

Oh, every blood-bought believer should aspire to significant service to God, but that can never come at the expense of significant transformation. Who we are in Christ is foundational to what we can do for Christ.

Too many servants of God have attempted great things only to be done in by the kryptonite of deficient character.

Father, I've always wanted to serve you in significant ways, but sometimes I forget about who I am in you. Transform me by your Spirit to become like your Son. 

Think and Pray

Consider that the sufferings and trials of your life may be God's exercise, teaching and training you to build the character you need to be what God wants you to be.
Christians must live by God's word not their own wants or desires.

"Mother of All Baptists" April 14 Readings: Judges 11-12, Luke 10:25–42, Psalm 47, Proverbs 10:31-32

Today's Readings - Judges 11-12, Luke 10:25–42, Psalm 47, Proverbs 10:31-32

Today, on Good Friday, take some time to reflect on the death of Christ and all that it means to you.

Devotional 

Historians have argued for hundreds of years about the history of my denomination. Who were the first Baptists? From whom did we descend? I think that today's reading in Luke makes that abundantly clear.

We descend from Martha, the friend of Jesus from Bethany. Luke 10:38-42 tells the story. She loved Jesus, no doubt about it and she welcomed him into her home. That's when her true Baptist-ness came to the surface. Verse 39 introduces us to her sister, one of the many women named Mary in the gospels. She sat at Jesus' feet the whole time he was there hanging on every word Jesus said.

And Martha got upset. It wasn't fair! She was left in the kitchen doing all the hard work while her sister did nothing but listen to the preaching. There were styrofoam plates and cups to stack, there was coffee to make, someone had to make sure the dishes were done, the trash cans were emptied and the bags all carried out to the dumpster. There was so much to do and someone had to do it.

I've always loved verse 40. Martha was "distracted with much serving." She was a good Baptist - a busy bee, working her fingers to the bone. Her idea of relating to Jesus was measured in how hard she worked for him, how much she did, and, well, how little others did.

It bothered her that her sister was lazy. All she did was sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to his words. How could Jesus let her get away with that? Didn't he see that her love was stronger and her dedication more sincere? This prototype of all Baptists, this hard-working, sweat-soaked, don't-just-sit-there, do-something-for-Jesus lady thought Jesus would back her up, rebuke her sister, and tell the lazy girl to get up and get to work.

She was in for a real shock. Jesus blew her neat little world all to pieces.

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary, Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

You are so wrapped up in busywork, Martha, that you have forgotten the one thing that matters most. Mary's choice, to sit at Jesus' feet, it better than your choice, to wear your fingers to the bone working. 

No, Jesus was not advocating laziness nor was he rebuking Mary's diligence. But he was making clear what mattered most. Hard work in the service of Jesus is a good thing, but it cannot replace sitting at his feet and worshiping him. It cannot replace listening at length and in depth to the words of Christ so that we might know him. Working for Christ cannot replace knowing Christ. Know him first and you will serve him better!

My Baptist buddies, our passion for work, for kingdom busyness, can be noble, but only if it is rooted in a deep grounding in the Word of God and a passion for spending time with Jesus. We need not abandon "Marthaism," but we must make sure that the way of Mary is also at the root of our ways. 

Father, I thank you for this people you have placed me in - this Word-loving, hard-working, Jesus-serving people called Baptists. But may I remember, may we remember, to always be like Mary as well as like Martha, to both LOVE you and to SERVE you. 

Think and Pray

It is easy for us to choose a side in this story - either to be Mary or Martha. The answer is balance. We must be diligent in the cause of Christ like Martha but that becomes empty and dry if we do not sit at Jesus' feet as Mary did.
The key to life is to find that balance between the two.

"Count Your Blessings" April 13 Readings: Judges 9-10, Luke 10:1–24, Psalm 46:5–11, Proverbs 10:29-30

Today's Readings - Judges 9-10, Luke 10:1–24, Psalm 46:5–11, Proverbs 10:29-30

Devotional 

The seventy-two disciples of Jesus returned from their travels, having been sent out by their master and empowered by him. They were breathless with excitement on their return, rejoicing that, "Even the demons are subject to us in your name." (Luke 10:17.) Heady stuff. To be able to speak to people who are under the control of the forces of darkness, and to have those demonic beings obey your commands - that is no small thing. They were amazed and excited at the new power that they were experiencing.

But Jesus wanted them to keep things in perspective. It is easy for us to see things from a skewed perspective, a human viewpoint that fails to see things as God sees them. Jesus made it clear that there was something much more important than the fact that demons fled before them.

I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Luke 10:18-19

Defeating Satan was nothing new for Jesus Christ. He was there when after the first tragic rebellion Satan was cast from glory to earth. He defeated him at the beginning and had done so repeatedly since. And he had, indeed, granted authority and power to his disciples over all the works of the enemy.

But that was not the greatest reason that a believer ought to rejoice. There was a greater work that God was doing among them than simply giving them the ability to defeat demons.

Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:20

Greater than the blessing of power over demons is the joy of knowing that we have an eternal home in heaven, that our destiny is settled, our sins are forgiven and we have been reconciled with God. We ought never become so enamored with that which God gives us and that which he does for us that we forget that the greatest gift of God is himself! It is not about how many demons we can defeat but the great privilege of knowing God and walking with Jesus Christ his Son! 

The fact that we are part of the heavenly family is a privilege far greater than the anything of the other blessings we receive through our relationship with Christ, even though those blessings are many and great. None can compare with the simple of joy of belonging to God, of being part of the family, of having your name written eternally in heaven - in indelible ink. 

Thank you, Lord, for writing my name in heaven in Blood of your Son. No greater privilege exists for a sinner like me than to know my place in your family is secure because of what you have done for me. 

Think and Pray

Do you seek Jesus for things he does for you, or for the simple joy of knowing Jesus? 

Do you revel in and worship God for your eternal or temporal blessings? 

"Mighty Warrior?" April 12 Readings: Judges 6-8, Luke 9:46-62, Psalm 46:1–4, Proverbs 10:27-28

Today's Readings - Judges 6-8, Luke 9:46-62, Psalm 46:1–4, Proverbs 10:27-28

Devotional 

My dad used to talk about the "divine videotapes" - speculating that in heaven we could watch replays of historical events. If that is so (I expect it isn't) I'd love to watch Gideon's face as the events around Judges 6:12 unfold.  Gideon was threshing grain in the winepress, keeping his head down. The most unlikely of heroes, he the insignificant son of an insignificant family in the large, but largely insignificant tribe of Manasseh – he was not voted “Most Likely to Deliver Israel” during his high school years.

Yet, God used him. God appeared to him and defined him not by his past or even by his present, but by what God was planning to make of him. “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Mighty warrior? There was no evidence that this was true in Gideon’s life to this point. But God tapped him on the shoulder and called him to his service, and made the promise that changes everything. “I will be with you.” With that simple promise, God sent Moses into Egypt, Joshua against Jericho and now Gideon against the mighty Midianites. None of these men had the resources or strength to fight the battles they were called to engage. Each one knew and reminded God of his inadequacy. But God never let that be an issue. It was not about Moses’ strength, but God’s. Joshua did not face Jericho in his own power. And Gideon did not have to fight Midian with his own abilities. “I will be with you.”

A servant of God doing the work of God can depend on the powerful presence of God to accomplish the work God has assigned. Accomplishing God's work never depends on our resources or our abilities but on God's power, his plans, and purposes. 

God has assigned me many difficult tasks. The biggest of all of them is gaining control over my own flesh by walking in the power of the Spirit. I have to resist the work of the Enemy. I have ministry responsibilities and challenges. So do you. Each of us faces tasks that can tend to overwhelm us. 

God comes to us as he came to Gideon. It is not about my abilities or yours, our talents, or our self-image. It is about what God says we are. God deals with us not on the basis of our own resources but on the basis of what he is desiring to do in and through us.

As we go forward we have the same promise that God gave Gideon. "I am with you." We are not on our own here. As we become what God has determined that we will be we can rest and rely on his presence and power among us. It is not up to my ability or willpower, but the grace and power of God. He is able when I am not.

Father, I praise you for your power and thank you that you empower everything you command. I am weak, but you are strong. I fail, but you succeed. May I rely on you and your strength rather than my own abilities. 

Think and Pray

When you think of what you can do, what God has called you to do, do you base that on your abilities and resources, or on the mighty power of God?
Remember that when you are doing God's work and walking in the power of God, he has promised his presence to go with you.

"Daily Death" April 11 Readings: Judges 3-5, Luke 9:23-45, Psalm 45:9-17, Proverbs 10:25-26

Today's Readings - Judges 3-5, Luke 9:23-45, Psalm 45:9-17, Proverbs 10:25-26

Devotional 

In all of these chapters and verses, sometimes it is just one word that sticks out and strikes me. Today, it is one word from a verse I quote about as often as any other, Luke 9:23. The verse strikes at the heart of the problem, where modern American Christianity diverges from the faith of the New Testament era Christians.

“If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me."

Today, Christianity is often preached as a motivational, self-help system. God will help find your self-esteem, be happy and healthy, and be the best, most successful you that you can possibly be. In this aberration of the faith, Christ came to help us attain our goals, dreams, aspirations and ambitions. It's all about me.

But biblical Christianity is something very different. Following Jesus means walking the Way of the Cross. We must first deny ourselves - turning away from our own ambitions, our own pleasure, to serve Jesus Christ. We must also take up our cross. The cross was an instrument of death. Conversion is often described in the Bible as experiencing the death and resurrection of Christ. "We are buried with him by baptism into death" and "raised to walk a new life in Christ." We die to self and are born again to a new life in Christ.

As those who attend Southern Hills know very well, I quote this verse as much as any other. It gets to the heart of the issue. What kind of faith do you have? A self-serving, self-aggrandizing faith that is a spiritual fiction? Or the true faith of the Bible - dying to self to live for Christ.

But there is one word in that passage that is too often ignored but must not be.

Daily. 

 Being saved was something I did once, and only once. In February of 1964, my dad led me in prayer as I lay on my bed and I put my faith in Christ. Once. But the decision to take up my cross and follow Christ is one I must make every day.

That is why we need these daily Bible readings and prayer times. That is why it is not enough to go to church on Sunday (as important as that is). The heart and soul of the Christian life is a decision you must repeat every single day. Every day I must decide that I will not serve myself. Every day I must take up my cross, die to self again, and decide to follow Jesus. Every day!

You may have heard this well-worn but absolutely true statement: "you cannot live on yesterday's manna." Our walk with Christ must be renewed day by day. Many years ago, I made a lifelong, even eternal commitment to Christ. I gave myself to him. Once for all. But it is a commitment that must be renewed every single day. I cannot live on yesterday's commitment, yesterday's passion, yesterday's decision. The choice to follow Jesus on the Way of the Cross is one that needs to be made every single day.

Father, I've made big commitments to you, but I've all too often failed to renew that commitment daily, as your Son commanded. May I deny myself today, take up my Cross today, and follow you today. 

Think and Pray

Is your faith a daily thing, a regular walk with God?
Do you remind yourself every day to die to self and to live for Christ?
Remember that there is no substitute for dying to self if you want to follow Christ.

"Jesus Just Didn't Get it!" April 10 Readings: Judges 1-2, Luke 9:1–22, Psalm 45:1–8, Proverbs 10:23-24

Today's Readings - Judges 1-2, Luke 9:1–22, Psalm 45:1–8, Proverbs 10:23-24

Devotional 

Evidently Jesus didn't understand some of the important principles that we are told are essential for effective leadership in churches today. There is an industry of leadership gurus who have developed a set of standards by which those of us in authority in churches need to operate if we hope to be effective. The first and foremost of those principles is the one that Jesus seemed to understand the least:

Select and surround yourself with talented, qualified, capable, and motivated people who can share the burden of leadership in your organization. 

Again, Jesus just didn't get it. He surrounded himself with the sorriest collection of misfits, outcast, and losers you could imagine. Several of them were Galilean fisherman - hardly a noble or desired class. There was a tax collector among them and no one liked those rascals. A couple of them were political radicals. Is there anyone less pleasant to be around than a political extremist - even one with whom you agree? Zealots and revolutionaries don't tend to be the kind of people you can build an effective movement around.

But Jesus had a different plan. He was not interested in the talents, abilities, heritage, and resources of the men he was calling to be his disciples. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 1 and 2 Paul tells us that God intentionally calls the average (and below average) into his kingdom so that he will receive the glory for what is done in the church.

In Luke 9:1-2 Jesus explains the key to life in his kingdom - the key that confounds so many leadership gurus. It's not about talent and creativity. It's not about innovative ideas and masterful planning. There is a place for those things, if they are sanctified in humility. But Jesus had a different way.

And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.

Jesus didn't ask them, "What talents and abilities do you have that you can use in my service?" He never said, "Do you have any bright ideas to solve the problems of humanity?" Nope. Jesus just said, "Go!" He gave them HIS power and HIS authority. He sent them to preach the truths of the kingdom of God and to cast out demons and heal diseases. 

Here's the point. Jesus has the truth the world needs to hear. No, that's not it. Jesus IS the Truth the world needs to hear. And he is the one with the power and authority and glory. The world needs Jesus. And he has commissioned weak, failing, flailing, nothings like you and me to go in his authority and in his power to preach the message and to demonstrate the power. 

The church needs to stop trying to figure out what we can do for God, trying to measure our resources and our abilities, and we need to say, "Lord Jesus, fill us with your power and authority as we proclaim the kingdom and minister to this world as your servants." 

Jesus' methods haven't changed. He still takes ordinary folks like you and me, infuses us with his extraordinary power, and through us works to change lives, to save souls, to build the church and to do show his power and glory in this world. 

Father, may this world see you through me. May this world see you through us, the people of your church at 4301 Old Lakeport. May we be yours!

Think and Pray