S - "If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless". James 1:26
O - Plain and straightforward, James says if I don't control what comes out of your mouth then my testimony will be a candle without a flame. It's easy to be negative, backbiting, swearing, cursing, speaking rumors, just like the guy next door. It's easy to criticize and jump on the bandwagon especially when people rub you the wrong way or even when things get difficult does curses come out of my mouth?
A - I looked at my daily life and had one thought that if I was to live for just one more day, what would I carry into the day. I would want to be a person who carries words of Christ to others at work and home. I want to be a life giver to people no matter who it is.
P - Lord, change my heart and let me be a mouthpiece for You so that You will be glorified.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Helping the Poor
TITLE: Helping the Poor
DATE: March 26, 2011
SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 15:11
“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.”
OBSERVATION: The eradication of poverty is possible. God gives the key to accomplish that goal – 1) cancel all debts every seven years (v.1), and thereby stabilizing asset ownership so no one can accumulate more than their original possessions, and 2) carefully obeying “with care” God’s commands (v.4, 5). If these would be done, poverty would become history. But God is realistic and understanding of human nature. He realize that 1) and 2) will not be carried out and declares that “There will always be poor people in the land.” (15:11) Therefore, those with assets must be generous to those without to assist them. And we need to be “openhanded” or generous to the poor. (v.7-10)
APPLICATION: We are helping Maui’s hungry and poor, but need to go beyond, providing for the poor, and position them for prosperity through education, opportunities and mentorship. Empowering the poor is just as great, or even greater, a need as giving them a helping hand. For me, the eradication of poverty should be a major goal as helping them in their poverty. Our Maui pastors and churches need wisdom to know how to empower the poor in the island to lift them into self-sufficiency.
PRAYER: “Broaden my heart to see needs as You see them and help the poor in the long term as we are in the short term.”
DATE: March 26, 2011
SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 15:11
“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.”
OBSERVATION: The eradication of poverty is possible. God gives the key to accomplish that goal – 1) cancel all debts every seven years (v.1), and thereby stabilizing asset ownership so no one can accumulate more than their original possessions, and 2) carefully obeying “with care” God’s commands (v.4, 5). If these would be done, poverty would become history. But God is realistic and understanding of human nature. He realize that 1) and 2) will not be carried out and declares that “There will always be poor people in the land.” (15:11) Therefore, those with assets must be generous to those without to assist them. And we need to be “openhanded” or generous to the poor. (v.7-10)
APPLICATION: We are helping Maui’s hungry and poor, but need to go beyond, providing for the poor, and position them for prosperity through education, opportunities and mentorship. Empowering the poor is just as great, or even greater, a need as giving them a helping hand. For me, the eradication of poverty should be a major goal as helping them in their poverty. Our Maui pastors and churches need wisdom to know how to empower the poor in the island to lift them into self-sufficiency.
PRAYER: “Broaden my heart to see needs as You see them and help the poor in the long term as we are in the short term.”
Is God Responsible For Natural Disaster?
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| Click on picture to read story of Christians helping Japan |
S- Haggai 2:17 NLT
I sent blight and mildew and hail to destroy everything you worked so hard to produce. Even so, you refused to return to me, says the Lord.
O- God sent evil to bring us back to Him. Many times we look as evil as evil and because of that we reason that those things could never come from the hand of God. This is not congruent with the Bible. Many times God sent plagues, war, and hunger to bring people back to himself. When we see that God is better than health, peace and food, we will understand that the absence of these things are good if it leads us to God. People that see these things as better than God will never understand the goodness of God in absence of these things.
A- I need to see that God is better than anything else in my life. Right now I need to see that God is better than peace. He is asking me to do things that will bring tension and stress, but if I am obedient I know that I will experience the presence of God and that is better than peace. Right now I am struggling to see God as good because of what He is asking me to do. This is because I value peace more than Him.
P- God, you are good. You are the best thing that could ever happen to me. Help me to let go of things that I view as important and embrace you. I love you and know there is nothing better in my life than growing closer to you.
Friday, March 25, 2011
S - Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
O - This is a promise that if we persevere in doing good, that we will reap a harvest from it. Just as a farmer spends much of the year working hard, preparing the soil, planting, and waiting, when the time for harvest comes, all his work was more than worth what he reaps. Thus we must keep in mind that the harvest, will come, and will be worth the work we put in.
A - Even though my life isn't that busy, or that difficult, I still have times where I feel tired physically and my will to keep doing good is weak. I can wish that I had another week of vacation to just get away and relax. However, I must remember that the harvest will come, because God is trustworthy, and that the harvest will be worth it, because God is a good father who gives good gifts.
P - God help me to persevere in doing good, to not grow weary, but zealously do good toward you and to those around me. Amen.
O - This is a promise that if we persevere in doing good, that we will reap a harvest from it. Just as a farmer spends much of the year working hard, preparing the soil, planting, and waiting, when the time for harvest comes, all his work was more than worth what he reaps. Thus we must keep in mind that the harvest, will come, and will be worth the work we put in.
A - Even though my life isn't that busy, or that difficult, I still have times where I feel tired physically and my will to keep doing good is weak. I can wish that I had another week of vacation to just get away and relax. However, I must remember that the harvest will come, because God is trustworthy, and that the harvest will be worth it, because God is a good father who gives good gifts.
P - God help me to persevere in doing good, to not grow weary, but zealously do good toward you and to those around me. Amen.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
A Promise & A Curse
Scripture: Deuteronomy 11Observation: This has to be one of my favorite chapters of the Bible so I can't just choose one verse. God tells us to love him, follow him and keep his commandments. He reminds us of his faithfulness, teaches us how to pass these things on to our children and reminds us of what will happen if we stray from this command.
Application: God could have commanded us to love and follow Him because of the things He has done in the past but instead He allows us to personally experience Him and to witness His power in our own lives.
My kids love to hear stories. We make up stories with characters like the ugly, scary, hairy, old green monster. Or the famous two sisters....Miley and Ralia. We tell stories at the dinner table, in the mini van, at bedtime and almost any time of the day. As much fun as the made up stories are, the kids love most the stories about our lives and the things that the Lord has done for us. How God brought us together...how we were blessed with the birth of each child...how we came to know Jesus personally...the miracles we've seen, etc.
Prayer: Lord, help me to continue to tell stories about your goodness, faithfulness and mighty power so that others can see how great you are.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
S-Phil 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
O- When it comes to success in this world selfish ambition or vain conceit or both are usually the motivation behind it. It is awesome that we have an example of Jesus to follow where he was equal with the Father but didn't have a problem deferring to Him and doing His will and He also didn't have a problem valuing our lives more than His own and He showed this by laying down His own life for us.
If we are secure and humble enough, then we too will lay down our own ambitions for God's ambitions and we will make other people's ambitions our ambitions as well. In a culture where we are taught to look out for ourselves God teaches us to focus on others. True leadership is not being better than everyone around you, but rather to make everyone around you better. Then God will lift you in due time.
A- I want to be secure and humble and to seek after selfless ambitions instead of selfish ones. I also want to follow the example of Christ and run after God's ambitions and to value others ambitions more than I value my own.
P- Lord please help me to do all of these things and help the legacy of my life show that I was more concerned with promoting others than promoting myself.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Understanding God
S - " So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord." Deuteronomy 34:5
O - We know the story that Moses could not enter the Promise land because he disobeyed God. He was the vessel who God used to delivered the people of Israel from Egypt, lead them through the wilderness and brought them to the point of the Promise land. The land he had been preaching to the people as the promise from God but he could not enter in. Imagine that feeling but interestingly enough the bible says in v. 6-7 God buried him and his eyes were not dim or his vigor diminished. As we know that Moses was one of the two at the Mount of Transfiguration. There are so many things can be gleaned from this event but knowing what happened, God had a better future for Moses which was an eternal glory even though he failed God.
A - I realize that disappointments and failures are part of life and sometimes God will not change it but eternally there will be a glory waiting in heaven. A lot of times, I see only the present and the natural but God wants me to see that there is an eternal future. Sometimes its hard, I know Moses had to carry the disappointment walking in the earthly life but he was rewarded eternally.
P - Lord, help me when disappointments and failures come that I see an eternal future. I need Your grace to walk so whatever comes my way I can handle it.
O - We know the story that Moses could not enter the Promise land because he disobeyed God. He was the vessel who God used to delivered the people of Israel from Egypt, lead them through the wilderness and brought them to the point of the Promise land. The land he had been preaching to the people as the promise from God but he could not enter in. Imagine that feeling but interestingly enough the bible says in v. 6-7 God buried him and his eyes were not dim or his vigor diminished. As we know that Moses was one of the two at the Mount of Transfiguration. There are so many things can be gleaned from this event but knowing what happened, God had a better future for Moses which was an eternal glory even though he failed God.
A - I realize that disappointments and failures are part of life and sometimes God will not change it but eternally there will be a glory waiting in heaven. A lot of times, I see only the present and the natural but God wants me to see that there is an eternal future. Sometimes its hard, I know Moses had to carry the disappointment walking in the earthly life but he was rewarded eternally.
P - Lord, help me when disappointments and failures come that I see an eternal future. I need Your grace to walk so whatever comes my way I can handle it.
S- Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ"
O-Two things. "If I were still"-This shows that there once was time when Paul was trying to please people. And if you are trying to please people then you are not a servant of God. What is implied is that you are a servant of people or people's opinions.
I think that fear paralyzes me. Like when I play basketball, I have a fear of shooting because I want to make sure everyone gets a chance to score. I am more afraid of their opinion of me, than playing the way I know I should. This fear follows me in almost every area of my life-I feel junk when I don't pay like I know I should, and at the same time, I almost feel bad if I do well. That's crazy! But I think God is showing me, that it boils down to me trying to please people, and my own expectations, rather than pleasing or being a servant of God.
A-I need to start living more as a servant of Christ in all that I do. Do I try to please Christ (Christ meaning the anointed one)? Are my attitudes, motivations, and decisions lining up to what I am anointed to do?
No one who always played things safe, ever did anything great.
P-God help me to not fear people's opinions. Let me be wise in my dealings and interactions, but let the core reasonings for my life decisions be based upon what pleases you. Clarify what I am anointed to do, and to have the courage to walk in that.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
God's Assignments
TITLE: God’s Assignment
DATE: March 16, 2011
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 31:1
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Take vengance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.”
OBSERVATION: God gave Moses his final assignment as one day we will all be given our final assignment. After this task was completed, his life on earth would be over. He was to punish the Midianites and Balaam for the scheme against Israel by being enticed by the Midianite women. After this, Moses would be taken, not from his earthly family but taken to his heavenly family. The emphasis was not on what he was leaving, but what he was gaining – his people in heaven, those who have gone before. After God makes His assignment clear, we’ll join the cheering section watching and praying for us.
APPLICATION: I don’t think I am faced with my final assignment, but I want my current assignment from God to be clear. Transitioning the church leadership, leading Maui’s pastors, writing books to convey the story of our church family & insights from God’s Word, reaching Okinawa and Japan and developing my gifts in the arena of finances are areas God is laying on my heart. I see it clearly in four quadrants – Family, Legacy, Church and Mission. There are many areas yet to complete. I haven’t come to my final assignment yet, but I would want it as clear, at that future time, as it was to Moses, and be prepared to meet those cheering & praying for me.
PRAYER: “Open my eyes to the ‘cloud of witnesses’ encouraging me to finish my course well and sensitize my heart to heari & do God’s assignments for me.”
DATE: March 16, 2011
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 31:1
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Take vengance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.”
OBSERVATION: God gave Moses his final assignment as one day we will all be given our final assignment. After this task was completed, his life on earth would be over. He was to punish the Midianites and Balaam for the scheme against Israel by being enticed by the Midianite women. After this, Moses would be taken, not from his earthly family but taken to his heavenly family. The emphasis was not on what he was leaving, but what he was gaining – his people in heaven, those who have gone before. After God makes His assignment clear, we’ll join the cheering section watching and praying for us.
APPLICATION: I don’t think I am faced with my final assignment, but I want my current assignment from God to be clear. Transitioning the church leadership, leading Maui’s pastors, writing books to convey the story of our church family & insights from God’s Word, reaching Okinawa and Japan and developing my gifts in the arena of finances are areas God is laying on my heart. I see it clearly in four quadrants – Family, Legacy, Church and Mission. There are many areas yet to complete. I haven’t come to my final assignment yet, but I would want it as clear, at that future time, as it was to Moses, and be prepared to meet those cheering & praying for me.
PRAYER: “Open my eyes to the ‘cloud of witnesses’ encouraging me to finish my course well and sensitize my heart to heari & do God’s assignments for me.”
Friday, March 18, 2011
Importance of Prayer
S - "And the Lord was very angry with Aaron and would have destroyed him; so I prayed for Aaron also at the same time." Deuteronomy 9:20
O - While Moses was up on the mountain meeting with God, Aaron had been leader in his absence. The people pressured Aaron and he gave in allowing them to make a golden calf. The anger of the Lord came against Israel and Aaron but it was because of Moses' prayers that the people were spared from God's wrath to be wiped off the face of the earth.
A - It showed me that in prayer: 1. One person can cry out and intercede for a nation where God would listen. If it wasn't for Moses' prayer, Israel would have been destroyed by God's judgment. 2. Prayer can change God's judgment on people's lives. Again, if it wasn't for Moses, God would have killed Aaron. Sometimes I think that my prayer for people goes on dead ground but in reading this passage, I understand when I pray for people I could have God's judgment be withheld on them.
P - Lord, give me the grace to be an intercessor for people and even the nation of Japan during this time.
O - While Moses was up on the mountain meeting with God, Aaron had been leader in his absence. The people pressured Aaron and he gave in allowing them to make a golden calf. The anger of the Lord came against Israel and Aaron but it was because of Moses' prayers that the people were spared from God's wrath to be wiped off the face of the earth.
A - It showed me that in prayer: 1. One person can cry out and intercede for a nation where God would listen. If it wasn't for Moses' prayer, Israel would have been destroyed by God's judgment. 2. Prayer can change God's judgment on people's lives. Again, if it wasn't for Moses, God would have killed Aaron. Sometimes I think that my prayer for people goes on dead ground but in reading this passage, I understand when I pray for people I could have God's judgment be withheld on them.
P - Lord, give me the grace to be an intercessor for people and even the nation of Japan during this time.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Romans 2:6-10 NIV84
God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self‑seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
O/
You do good you get good.
You do bad you get worse.
This is not just for the temporal but the eternal.
Simple yet why sometimes do we expect good to ever come from bad? God specificly says He will give according to what is done.
A/
To have the mind of Christ I can not reward good for evil, no matter how seemingly small the evil act of evil I perceive it to be, because evil is evil.
P/
Father thank you for this lesson. Help me to make this apart of my value system and moral code. Help me to have Your mind. Thank you, in Jesus name amen.
God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self‑seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
O/
You do good you get good.
You do bad you get worse.
This is not just for the temporal but the eternal.
Simple yet why sometimes do we expect good to ever come from bad? God specificly says He will give according to what is done.
A/
To have the mind of Christ I can not reward good for evil, no matter how seemingly small the evil act of evil I perceive it to be, because evil is evil.
P/
Father thank you for this lesson. Help me to make this apart of my value system and moral code. Help me to have Your mind. Thank you, in Jesus name amen.
S-Duet 23
O-"Who cannot be become one of God's people"
The Law truly shows how impossible it is to live up to the standard God has for us, and the restrictions He puts on who is accepted or not is so stringent, "no one who's private parts are crushed or cut off...born outside of legal marriage...[no one] who refused to give you food and water when you came out of Egypt, and tried to curse you".
I mean, to our American society, these things sound so unfair. Where's the grace? This God is just mean.
I even felt that way, reading this. But God is showing us how we must approach Him, and that we don't live in a "fairy tale" land where there is no judgment for sin, no enemy out to destroy the nation God is forming, and where the people can vote upon what they think is right. This is the Kingdom of God, and He shows us just how far we fall short of His glory, standard.
God also shows His love and merciful preservation, by turning Balaam's curse into blessing, and remembering those who are family, including family that they had while in Egypt, "you must be kind to Edomites and Egyptians and let their great-grandchildren become part of Israel, the Lord's people" (vs 7)
So God cleans out His nation of all "defects", yet allows people from the nation who oppressed Israel to become part of God's family. Such a paradox...
A-
I am humbled, because I am a person of defect and one who was not part of God's people, yet I am able to be forgiven and even accepted into God's family. God uses the generations of the past as living examples for us (some where born in times almost unfairly-like outside of marriage, and could not become part of the children of Israel. Now, after Jesus and the cross, I am able to approach God), and I am going to make my life be an example of someone who does not receive the grace over my life in vain. My application to meditate longer on what I should be thankful for and trust for God's direction in my life.
P-
God thank you for letting me be born in a generation where I am able to receive the blood of Jesus. Let my life be lived to the fullest of the call you have. Let me be faithful in developing my gifts for you, let me display your love in all circumstances. And let me be diligent in guarding my heart. And I thank you, that even though I was part of Egypt, you have let me be part of your family. Change me, renew my mind, and get the Egypt out of me :)
S- Hebrews 13:17 - Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
O- When I first became a Christian I had an unhealthy view of authority and would follow them so I didn't have to hear God on my own and I would serve them to gain their approval and in hopes that one day others would serve me. Then when I started to hear God on my own I realized that leaders where supposed to serve those that God has entrusted them with as well. I started to fell that God wanted me to focus on serving those that I was leading to as well but instead of doing both I swung too far the other way and didn't care about bringing my authority joy but only care about bringing God joy and about seeing those that I ministered to live life full of the joy of the Lord.
A- I want to start making those that I serve under feel like I am a joy to work with and not a burden.
P- Lord please forgive me for not following this passage of scripture and please help me to do so for the rest of my life. Help me to find balance in this area and to be great at serving everyone around me whether they are leading me, I am leading them, or we are walking along side of each other. My hope is that everyone will find joy in working with me.
O- When I first became a Christian I had an unhealthy view of authority and would follow them so I didn't have to hear God on my own and I would serve them to gain their approval and in hopes that one day others would serve me. Then when I started to hear God on my own I realized that leaders where supposed to serve those that God has entrusted them with as well. I started to fell that God wanted me to focus on serving those that I was leading to as well but instead of doing both I swung too far the other way and didn't care about bringing my authority joy but only care about bringing God joy and about seeing those that I ministered to live life full of the joy of the Lord.
A- I want to start making those that I serve under feel like I am a joy to work with and not a burden.
P- Lord please forgive me for not following this passage of scripture and please help me to do so for the rest of my life. Help me to find balance in this area and to be great at serving everyone around me whether they are leading me, I am leading them, or we are walking along side of each other. My hope is that everyone will find joy in working with me.
Guarding My Heart
TITLE: A Heart of Contempt??
DATE: March 12, 2011
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 14:23
“Not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers. No one has treated me with contempt will ever see it.”
OBSERVATION: What a terrifying scripture! God said He would fulfill His covenant made with Abraham in each of our lives. But this verse lists one exception. He will not fulfill His fulfill His promise to one group – those with an attitude of contempt. Contempt means “looking at another as inferior, base or worthless.” God doesn’t say He withholds blessings from the unbelieving or fearful, but one who views Him with contempt.
APPLICATION: I don’t feel I look at God in this way, but, then, I suppose, all of Israel could have had the same feeling. What shocked me about this verse is that it is linked to disbelief which kept Israel from entering the promised land. To act with a lack of faith is to express contempt toward God, according to this verse. So, whenever, I cannot trust Him enough, I am on the threshold of a very serious attitude that kept Israel out of the land, which was contempt toward God – considering God “inferior, base or worthless”. I’ve never seen unbelief from that viewpoint and prompts me to serious self-examination to keep my heart right.
PRAYER: “Help me examine the inner workings of my heart not just my visible actions and keep my attitude healthy and right before You.”
DATE: March 12, 2011
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 14:23
“Not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers. No one has treated me with contempt will ever see it.”
OBSERVATION: What a terrifying scripture! God said He would fulfill His covenant made with Abraham in each of our lives. But this verse lists one exception. He will not fulfill His fulfill His promise to one group – those with an attitude of contempt. Contempt means “looking at another as inferior, base or worthless.” God doesn’t say He withholds blessings from the unbelieving or fearful, but one who views Him with contempt.
APPLICATION: I don’t feel I look at God in this way, but, then, I suppose, all of Israel could have had the same feeling. What shocked me about this verse is that it is linked to disbelief which kept Israel from entering the promised land. To act with a lack of faith is to express contempt toward God, according to this verse. So, whenever, I cannot trust Him enough, I am on the threshold of a very serious attitude that kept Israel out of the land, which was contempt toward God – considering God “inferior, base or worthless”. I’ve never seen unbelief from that viewpoint and prompts me to serious self-examination to keep my heart right.
PRAYER: “Help me examine the inner workings of my heart not just my visible actions and keep my attitude healthy and right before You.”
What the hyssop?!
S - For the unclean person, put some ashes from the purification offering into a jar and pour fresh water over them. Then a man who is ceremonially unclean is to take some hyssop, dip it in the water and sprinkle the tent and all the furnishings the people who were there. - Numbers 19:17-18
O - Hyssop is a plant native to the Mediterranean and central Asia. Apparently it has "anti microbial and antiviral properties" 1. So our God wasn't just arbitrarily telling his people some ritual to follow, but probably did it to actually cleanse the people from bacteria and or viruses. It is incredible that God is so practical and knowledgeable of things we are only starting to understand in science.
A - Every time I read a command that may seem arbitrary, I can look to see if there is a practical reason that we can discover of why God is commanding this.
P - God you are incredible; your knowledge and understanding drives me to learn further from you. Let me humbly strive to know more about you and glorify you along the way
1. http://www.health-care-tips.org/herbal-medicines/hyssop.htm
O - Hyssop is a plant native to the Mediterranean and central Asia. Apparently it has "anti microbial and antiviral properties" 1. So our God wasn't just arbitrarily telling his people some ritual to follow, but probably did it to actually cleanse the people from bacteria and or viruses. It is incredible that God is so practical and knowledgeable of things we are only starting to understand in science.
A - Every time I read a command that may seem arbitrary, I can look to see if there is a practical reason that we can discover of why God is commanding this.
P - God you are incredible; your knowledge and understanding drives me to learn further from you. Let me humbly strive to know more about you and glorify you along the way
1. http://www.health-care-tips.org/herbal-medicines/hyssop.htm
God's promise
S - "When you come to the land which the Lord your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it, ......" Deuteronomy 17:14
O - God had a plan for the people of Israel to possess Canaan land. It was a promise from God and God doesn't go back on His word. It was not only a land of promise but a promise to possess and also to dwell in.
A -When I look at this scripture there are several questions that come to mind, what God has promised, how do I possess it and even further than that, is how do I dwell in it. There were 2 thoughts that came to mind: 1) God's word , which is the foundation 2) I realize it's not just enough to receive a promise or possess a promise but to live in the promise to the fullest. It's like an athlete making it to the professional league saying I made it. But it shouldn't stop there, certain ones determine to excel once they get there. I want to be the certain one in life.
P - Lord, I pray that you give me the insight to your promises, give me the spiritual strength to posses your promise and determination to live it to the fullest.
O - God had a plan for the people of Israel to possess Canaan land. It was a promise from God and God doesn't go back on His word. It was not only a land of promise but a promise to possess and also to dwell in.
A -When I look at this scripture there are several questions that come to mind, what God has promised, how do I possess it and even further than that, is how do I dwell in it. There were 2 thoughts that came to mind: 1) God's word , which is the foundation 2) I realize it's not just enough to receive a promise or possess a promise but to live in the promise to the fullest. It's like an athlete making it to the professional league saying I made it. But it shouldn't stop there, certain ones determine to excel once they get there. I want to be the certain one in life.
P - Lord, I pray that you give me the insight to your promises, give me the spiritual strength to posses your promise and determination to live it to the fullest.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Following Christ
Numbers 9: 15-23 “The cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire. Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped.”
O: The Lord directed his people through this cloud. It was that simple. When the cloud lifted they would set out. When it settled, they would camp. All they had to do was obey the Lord’s order and follow the cloud. Sometimes I wish it were that easy for us as followers of Christ to follow God’s lead. A cloud would be so convenient…..no worrying about where to go, what to do, who to reach out to, etc.
A: The past few days have been life changing for our family. We had baby #4…little Levi Edward who has brought an incredible amount of joy into our lives. My inlaws from Michigan arrived and are living with us. Our children are adjusting to all of these changes and their response is tons of enthusiasm and hyperactivity. My physical body is recovering and not as quickly as I’d like. With all of these changes in the past few days, I suddenly felt overwhelmed last night and impatient with everyone around me. I took a moment to evaluate why I was having such a bad attitude and realized that in the hustle and bustle of life these past few days, I haven’t spent time alone with the Lord. This is crucial for me. God soothes my soul. He brings peace, joy, security, purpose and passion to who I am as a person. He is my identity. I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t taken the time to pause. I’ve been focused on myself and the people around me that I’ve stepped out from being under the cloud of God’s grace.
P: Father, I’m constantly reminded of my need for you. I’m completely dependent on you as my source of life. Thank you for loving me so much that you always draw me near and pull me to yourself. Where you lead, I will follow. You are the cloud that guides and directs my every step. Thank you for caring for the small things in my life. Love you much!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Hebrews 11:19
Scripture:
"Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and in a manner of speaking he did receive Issac back from the dead." Hebrews 11:19
Observation:
God had told Abraham that his descendants would come from Issac and yet God also told him to go and sacrifice his son. Rather then question God on how it would all work out, Abraham responded in faith. He didn't discount the promise that he had received from God but rather reasoned that if this was what God wanted then he was just going to raise Issac from the dead. He didn't drag his feet and wait around for God to tell him to stop, he had already gone to the place of full obedience in his mind that when God did say to stop, it was as if Abraham was receiving Issac back from the dead.
Application:
When God speaks to me to do something I hope that my response will be the same as Abraham's, especially in the times when a sacrifice may seem to cancel out a promise. I need to remind myself that I don't always, if ever, see the whole picture. Fortunately God does see the whole picture and I can trust that the things He has me do, is exactly where I need to be.
Prayer:
Lord I pray that I would respond to challenges that come up in my life with the same faith that Abraham had. I hope to be a risk taker that even though I don't see the whole picture or how something will end up, I can take a leap of faith and trust that you'll catch me. Help me to be fully obedient to do the things that you ask of me so that I can live a life that honors you.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Focus
S - ""I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved." Psalms 16:8
O - David declared that when he sets the Lord before him, he shall not be moved.. He shall be able to stand against what ever comes his way. His insight was when you put God as the focus you will be able to withstand anything. I remember the first time paddle boarding, no insightful instructions were given on how to balance and paddle. So I was flipping and flopping trying to keep my balance on the board and paddling at the same time. Then I saw a young boy just gliding along, frustrated with myself I yelled out, "How are you suppose to stand on the board?" The young boy said,"The way you stand up and paddle is by looking at something in front of you and focus on that object". What was I doing was looking at the board and water at the same time which didn't work out. So when I did it(focusing on an object) things got better, the flipping and flopping got less and less.
A - I am reminded that in order to have a balanced life I need have one focus which is Christ. Don't look all around but straight forward and when I do this I will have a balanced life.
P - Lord, help me not to not lose focus of You. That way, I won't be flipping and flopping in life. Give me your grace more and more each day.
O - David declared that when he sets the Lord before him, he shall not be moved.. He shall be able to stand against what ever comes his way. His insight was when you put God as the focus you will be able to withstand anything. I remember the first time paddle boarding, no insightful instructions were given on how to balance and paddle. So I was flipping and flopping trying to keep my balance on the board and paddling at the same time. Then I saw a young boy just gliding along, frustrated with myself I yelled out, "How are you suppose to stand on the board?" The young boy said,"The way you stand up and paddle is by looking at something in front of you and focus on that object". What was I doing was looking at the board and water at the same time which didn't work out. So when I did it(focusing on an object) things got better, the flipping and flopping got less and less.
A - I am reminded that in order to have a balanced life I need have one focus which is Christ. Don't look all around but straight forward and when I do this I will have a balanced life.
P - Lord, help me not to not lose focus of You. That way, I won't be flipping and flopping in life. Give me your grace more and more each day.
Remember that you were slaves!
S-Deuteronmoy 24:19 When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. 20 When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. 21 When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. 22 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this.
O- Once we have accumulated stuff it is so easy to fall into the temptation of hoarding or looking at all of it and justifying in our minds how much of it we actually need and how much of it we can share with others. I am sure that the Israelites had the same feelings when God told them to leave extra crops unharvested so that the less fortunate could have an opportunity to gather some crops for themselves.
(I also had some observations on the redistribution of wealth, making the poor work for their charity, and weather we should make a distinction on which type of poor people we choose to help, but I will stay away from those controversial topics.)
What I loved most about this scripture is that God reminds them that He is their deliverer and he is the one that provided them with what they have so looking down on those who don't have things is just like saying that I worked hard for everything I have and I am my provider instead of Jehovah Jireh. We have two choices when we have come out of a bad situation in our life. We can either have compassion for those that are in similar situations or we can look down on them for not rising above it like we did. If we choose option two we are overrating ourselves and our ability and downplaying God's role in our life. It reminds me of the story of a little girl that helped her mom cook dinner by adding some salt to the pot of food that she was cooking and when her dad came home she says, "Daddy, I cooked dinner for you." How often are we like the little girl when God is working everything together for the good for us yet we perceive it as our own personal success story?
A- I want to to recognize and remember what God has done in my life and also I want to be compassionate toward those who struggle with what I used to even if it seems like they are taking longer to get delivered from it than I did. I need to realize that God was my deliverer and not my work ethic. I want to show my gratitude for what God has done by helping those who are struggling in areas that I no longer do I also want let go of my natural tendency to hoard and to accumulate security so that I don't have to rely on God as much. Finally, I need to be able to discern what I "need" and what God wants me to give to others less fortunate than I am.
P-Lord, Please help me to do all of the aforementioned things because I can't unless you help me to do so. Amen.
Possessing Wealth
TITLE: The Assets of the Priests
DATE: February 28, 2011
SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 25:32
“So the property of the Levites is redeemable… because the houses in the towns of the Levites are their property among the Israelites.”
OBSERVATION: I am always learning something new as I read the Word. This time it is about ownership of possessions. I always thought the Levites had no inheritance of land or property that was personally owned. (Deuteronomy 1:9; 14:29; 18:1,2) But this verse clarifies the issue. It states that they possessed personal property, assets and material ownership, and, if, given up as collateral for debt, would have it reverted to them in the Jubilee. Why the seeming contradiction? Could it be that they didn’t have a defined border of inheritance as each of the 12 tribes possessed but had personal property IN and AMONG the tribes, not separately.
APPLICATION: This insight more completely frees me from the misconception that priests are to be paupers, waiver rights to wealth and property ownership. What is true for church members is true for pastors, but we need to LIVE AMONG the people. How do we do this? By understanding their struggles, addressing their needs and interceding on their behalf. I must never feel apart or beyond the people, but live with a servant heart for them.”
PRAYER: “Make me a better steward of Your blessings & always have Your people’s needs upon my heart.”
DATE: February 28, 2011
SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 25:32
“So the property of the Levites is redeemable… because the houses in the towns of the Levites are their property among the Israelites.”
OBSERVATION: I am always learning something new as I read the Word. This time it is about ownership of possessions. I always thought the Levites had no inheritance of land or property that was personally owned. (Deuteronomy 1:9; 14:29; 18:1,2) But this verse clarifies the issue. It states that they possessed personal property, assets and material ownership, and, if, given up as collateral for debt, would have it reverted to them in the Jubilee. Why the seeming contradiction? Could it be that they didn’t have a defined border of inheritance as each of the 12 tribes possessed but had personal property IN and AMONG the tribes, not separately.
APPLICATION: This insight more completely frees me from the misconception that priests are to be paupers, waiver rights to wealth and property ownership. What is true for church members is true for pastors, but we need to LIVE AMONG the people. How do we do this? By understanding their struggles, addressing their needs and interceding on their behalf. I must never feel apart or beyond the people, but live with a servant heart for them.”
PRAYER: “Make me a better steward of Your blessings & always have Your people’s needs upon my heart.”
S -
Leviticus 25:17 - Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God.
Leviticus 25:36 - Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God,
Leviticus 25:43 - Do not rule over them ruthlessly, but fear your God.
O - There are three instances in Leviticus 25 where God says to fear God. In all three instances he starts by saying a command of how to deal with people. One thing might be that a healthy fear of God is manifested in correctly and righteously dealing with people; maybe a good diagnostic test for our own fear of God. A second thing is that these three commands are specific examples, but the principal in all of them is that in our dealings with people, we are to fear God and treat people fairly.
A - In all my dealings with people, let me always remember to fear God. And whenever I find myself treating someone unfairly or unrighteously, I must ask myself if I am fearing God at that point. If not, by God's grace let me repent, heaven forbid God should have to lead me through an event to fear him.
P - God, thank you that you are so involved with and connected to humans like a family that a healthy fear of you would lead to right conduct among humans. Further, help me to live right as son in your family should.
Leviticus 25:17 - Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God.
Leviticus 25:36 - Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God,
Leviticus 25:43 - Do not rule over them ruthlessly, but fear your God.
O - There are three instances in Leviticus 25 where God says to fear God. In all three instances he starts by saying a command of how to deal with people. One thing might be that a healthy fear of God is manifested in correctly and righteously dealing with people; maybe a good diagnostic test for our own fear of God. A second thing is that these three commands are specific examples, but the principal in all of them is that in our dealings with people, we are to fear God and treat people fairly.
A - In all my dealings with people, let me always remember to fear God. And whenever I find myself treating someone unfairly or unrighteously, I must ask myself if I am fearing God at that point. If not, by God's grace let me repent, heaven forbid God should have to lead me through an event to fear him.
P - God, thank you that you are so involved with and connected to humans like a family that a healthy fear of you would lead to right conduct among humans. Further, help me to live right as son in your family should.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Independent Spirit
As leaders, we are all subject to this spirit. Please read this well and evaluate your heart. This was written while I was hurting and trying to make sense of a very gifted leader falling away from God. Authority in this blog can relate to natural, or spiritual authority. This deals with heart motive more than outward action.
The Independent Spirit
And the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden, but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened and ye shall be as gods knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:1
HOW AN INDEPENDENT SPIRIT GETS A FOOTHOLD IN A HEART.
1. Brings into question the motives of their authority. The foothold of the spirit of independence is mistrust. Satan made Eve question whether God really wanted the best for her. If God didn't want the best for her, she couldn't trust Him. She would need to be independent and take care of herself.
2. Desires to know more than their authority. Knowledge alone, never made a leader great. Knowledge is not wrong, but knowledge without love puffs up. A desire for knowledge should be rooted in love for others and love for God. We should never want to know more as a staple of authority or a badge of superiority.
3. A desire to be like or be better than their authority. This desire was in the heart of satan before he was kicked out of heaven. Satan said in Ezekial "I will be like the Most High". The independent spirit gets a foothold with mistrust but it's goal is to form someone into the image of satan.
A Dependent Spirit
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name. Philippians 2:5
Jesus, (Being God) showed the exact opposite character of independence.
1. He trusted the Fathers motive and intentions. Even when being crucified, he never doubted the motive of the Father.
2. He didn't strive to know more or do more than the Father. "Only the Father knows the times" "I don't do anything unless the Father does it, I say anything unless I hear the Father say it."
3. He didn't want to be equal to or better than his Father. Satan wanted equality, Jesus didn't care to be equal. The character of Christ is one that doesn't want to be better or even equal but instead is a servant. Jesus didn't become a servant IN SPITE of being God, He was a servant BECAUSE He was God. God's nature is that of a servant.
To summarize;
The spirit of dependence starts with Trust in God and it's end goal is to mold us into the image of Christ. The spirit of independence starts with mistrust and it's end goal is to mold us into the image of satan.
Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:!6
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1Peter 5:5
The Independent Spirit
And the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden, but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened and ye shall be as gods knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:1
HOW AN INDEPENDENT SPIRIT GETS A FOOTHOLD IN A HEART.
1. Brings into question the motives of their authority. The foothold of the spirit of independence is mistrust. Satan made Eve question whether God really wanted the best for her. If God didn't want the best for her, she couldn't trust Him. She would need to be independent and take care of herself.
2. Desires to know more than their authority. Knowledge alone, never made a leader great. Knowledge is not wrong, but knowledge without love puffs up. A desire for knowledge should be rooted in love for others and love for God. We should never want to know more as a staple of authority or a badge of superiority.
3. A desire to be like or be better than their authority. This desire was in the heart of satan before he was kicked out of heaven. Satan said in Ezekial "I will be like the Most High". The independent spirit gets a foothold with mistrust but it's goal is to form someone into the image of satan.
A Dependent Spirit
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name. Philippians 2:5
Jesus, (Being God) showed the exact opposite character of independence.
1. He trusted the Fathers motive and intentions. Even when being crucified, he never doubted the motive of the Father.
2. He didn't strive to know more or do more than the Father. "Only the Father knows the times" "I don't do anything unless the Father does it, I say anything unless I hear the Father say it."
3. He didn't want to be equal to or better than his Father. Satan wanted equality, Jesus didn't care to be equal. The character of Christ is one that doesn't want to be better or even equal but instead is a servant. Jesus didn't become a servant IN SPITE of being God, He was a servant BECAUSE He was God. God's nature is that of a servant.
To summarize;
The spirit of dependence starts with Trust in God and it's end goal is to mold us into the image of Christ. The spirit of independence starts with mistrust and it's end goal is to mold us into the image of satan.
Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:!6
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1Peter 5:5
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