Fishing

Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?" They answered Him, "No." And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. John 21:3-6 (NKJV)

Growing up in the Upper Snake River Valley of Idaho, I had many fishing excursions. There were varying degrees of success; from the occasions of "I hit my limit in under an hour" to fishing all day without a single fish realizing that they needed to be hungry and take the bait. I can relate to the seven fisherman disciples (if I counted correctly) who fished all night and caught nothing.

Then Jesus shows up...and as usual, when Jesus shows up, the status quo is about to be challenged. "Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will find some," Jesus cried out across the water. The disciples, being used to Jesus doing extraordinary things, humored Him and "BOOM" a fishing story was birthed. I think that the Apostle John, who experienced this event first hand, must have included this story to make a point. The point, you ask? That Jesus is the "difference making" factor.

I know that this is true when it comes to "fishing for people." I have worked like crazy in the ministry and seen very little return for my effort. Then Jesus shows up..."BOOM!" Revival breaks out and people are getting saved in droves. This tells me that instructions from the Lord of the Harvest are essential to the relative effectiveness in the work of the Harvest. We may have been casting the net in the wrong place and we need to hear His voice giving us new directives. My advice for those who are engaged in the work of evangelism--let Jesus direct you to the best "fishing holes"--and then, do what He tells you to do!

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, I want to see Your Kingdom expanded. I want to see You adding to the Church daily, those that are being saved. I want to see our Evangelistic efforts being effective. Please show us what to do. Instruct us--go before us--equip us--prepare hearts to receive Your Word... I know that I often want to build the house, and in doing so, I labor in vain. Lord, help me to cast off all the futility of my own thinking and to walk in obedience to Your instruction. Amen"    

One

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. " John 17:20-23 (NKJV)

Jesus' death was imminent. In light of the coming circumstances Jesus turned His attention to a subject that was near and dear to His heart and began to pray. Out of all the possibilities Jesus could have prayed for, He prayed for the unity of the Believers. Not just those who were following Jesus at the time, but the future generations of the Church that would be established by the Disciples' evangelistic efforts.

The following question needs to be carefully considered: "How unified is God the Father and God the Son?" If we consider God's "oneness" to be significant--we must also take that same standard and apply it to the Church. Jesus' prayer does not allow for a lot of wriggle room, He prayed specifically, "Father make them one as You and I are one...that the world may believe that You sent Me." Was Jesus serious? If unity was a goal of the Founder and Lord of the Church, is it a matter that should be important to us today?

I would argue that the unity of the Church should matter to Believers for two reasons: Firstly, it was of great importance to Jesus. Secondly, it is a significant sign to the "world" that Jesus is who He said He was! So...how do we get there? I have three very simple suggestions:

1. Join with Jesus and pray for unity. (God may be using the moral decline in our country to separate the sheep from the goats and to form us into the Church that is "Without Spot or Wrinkle")
2. Focus on that which unifies us, rather than some of the more minor doctrinal issues that seem to cause division. (The Apostle's Creed seems like a great starting point)
3. Cross denominational lines to build friendships with fellow Christians in other Church bodies. (I am not suggesting that we all live under the same roof--I am suggesting that we become neighbors who love and prefer one another) 

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, I join my voice with that of Your Son, bring about a new unity in Your Church. Cause us to love one another and may we rally around issues such as a deep love and respect for Your Word--the desire to make Disciples of every tribe, tongue and nation--to stand united against evil and expose the darkness. Make us into the salt that changes the direction of our culture, and into the light that shatters the lies of the enemy. Amen"

The Benefit of Prayer

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints Eph 6:18 (NKJV)

"The Spiritual Disciplines," the title does not sound like a sermon series that most people are going to find compelling. But, perhaps it starts with our upside-down view of the word "discipline."  Often discipline is equated with punishment; however, a discipline (a productive activity that you fit into your daily routine) might be an activity that you thoroughly enjoy. Sometimes people engage in a discipline, because of the side benefits; but, at other times, people engage in a discipline and find that even if there were no side benefits, this activity would remain an indispensable part of their life.

When it comes to the prayer life of a Believer, I would hope that prayer would move into the category of being an indispensable part of one's life. Communion and communication with the Lord has many side benefits, but the greatest benefit is the joy and meaning that comes by being continually and meaningfully connected with the Lord. Let's consider some of the side benefits: Our prayers change us. Our prayers change situations. Our prayers help us hear God. Our prayers help us build the Kingdom of God. Our prayers fortify and build up the spiritual man. Our prayers touch the heart of our Father. Our prayers chase away the powers of darkness. Our prayers are incredible spiritual weapons... You get the picture!

Let me tell you why my prayer closet is so important to me, and such an indispensable part of my life: When I commune with God I am filled with a peace that passes understanding. I call it a deep-seeded sense of well-being--a belief that all things will work out for my good. This keeps me emotionally stable in the midst of a crazy world. When I commune with God I am filled with creativity. I am able to think deeper and more critically. I am also filled with "Spirit Inspired" ideas and dreams which serve as powerful motivating force. Lastly, prayer puts me on the same page where God dwells, allowing me to leave my preconceived plans and to follow where God is leading in the moment. It all adds up to this opinion: "The Spiritual Discipline of Prayer is Priceless!"

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, what a privilege I have in talking to You. The fact that I get to commune with the Creator of all that is--is mind boggling. You know that You are my Rock, my dearest friend, my endless source of encouragement and strength. I pray that spending time with You would be the highest priority of every day. Continue to speak to me--to guide me--to inspire me--and to use me to walk in the very best of what You have prepared for me. Amen"

The Witness

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Who is watching you? In this day and age of drones, online surveillance, high definition satellite images... Let's just say that a lot of folks are probably watching you. It's enough to make you paranoid unless your life is an open book. It has been said, "You are who you really are, when you are all alone." Away from prying eyes we allow ourselves to be completely stripped of all inhibitions and we throw away the mask. Maybe the better question to ask would be this: "Who are you?"

God knows who you are... Which is a sobering thought! He knows the latest count of hair on your head--knows what you have need of before you ask--and sees past the exterior of our skin and zooms right in to the place that matters; He sees your heart and knows your thoughts. God knows who you are when you are all alone. It is true that our lives are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, consisting of friends, family members, fellow workers, neighbors, and even Big Brother; however, only one witness really knows you.

The ONE who knows you also stated: "Come let us reason together...though your sins be a scarlet they shall be made white as snow!" Why not enlist the help of the One who knows and loves you the most? Why not allow Him to be the strength that enables you to run faster, farther and with endurance? Why not allow Him to reveal the traps of the enemy, while further revealing and healing the things about you that may have remained hidden from your understanding. God helps us to understand who we really are...and in those various "spots" that need some work--let Him bring His power of transformation to bear. Embrace Jesus as the author and finisher of your faith!

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, I am embarrassed by many of my own actions, much less the thoughts that I have pondered and lingered on... Wow...I hope that who I really am remains our mutual secret. On the other hand, I would like my life to be a completely open book--that I might venture to say, 'follow me as I follow Christ.' That means my life needs work--the kind of work that only You can accomplish. Lord, transform me and remake me into a more pleasing vessel. Amen"

For the Joy

He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, ourfaces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace wasupon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:3-6 (NKJV)

"Let this cup pass from me," Jesus said with a heavy heart. Jesus was fully aware of what He was facing. He had just finished telling His disciples about what was about to come to pass; and long before that, He was there when the Prophet Isaiah penned the prophetic words concerning the Messiah. The Bible does not tell us when Jesus became aware that He was God in the flesh, or when He realized that Isaiah's prophesies were about Him; however, we do know that Jesus knew exactly what was rushing towards Him near the end.

Jesus was about to give His life as a ransom for many. Jesus, God in the flesh, was about to experience humiliation, betrayal, affliction, terror, ridicule, malice, grief, pain, and separation from friends, family, followers and God the Father. Everything that Jesus held dear to Him was about to be violently stripped away. In the Garden of Gethsemane, as the night closed in and Jesus' soul was overwhelmed and the darkness threatened to crush His spirit. Jesus courageously said, "Father, Your will be done."

Why did Jesus subject Himself to such ill treatment? Why did He follow through with the Father's plan? What possible motivation drove Jesus into the hands of His enemies? The writer of Hebrews stated it well: "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Heb 12:2 (NKJV) Obviously, Jesus did not enjoy the ride...so what was the "joy" set before Him? It was you...you provided the motivation...you were the Pearl that He gave all to purchase. It was His love for you.

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, thank you for sending Your only Son--the precious Lamb of God, to give His life as a ransom for me. To think that He endured it all for the sake of those that He loves--to put their needs before His own--that God in the flesh would humble Himself before mankind and allow them to torture, ridicule and humiliate Him without fighting back... I stand amazed...truly amazed. Blessed be the Name of the Lord! Blessed be the Name of Jesus!! Amen"

A Ludicrous Conclusion

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:3-8 (NKJV)

There may be no other sin that exposes us and makes us look bad in the eyes of others as the sin of pride. Pride is almost impossible to cover-up and it makes "us" look ridiculous! As far as I can tell, pride was the very first recorded sin. It started with the angel Lucifer, who, in a moment of self-deception, decided that he wanted to be God. How far lost in the self-feeding sin of pride was Lucifer to arrive at such a ludicrous conclusion?

The sin of pride is alive and well in our world today. I see it in the mirror looking back at me every day. I see it as the rich, the powerful and the famous lord it over those that do not qualify as elite. It is even in the church. This is what caused the Apostle Paul to exclaim, "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." What is Paul trying to say?

That those with the gift to teach should teach, and that those who only think that they have the gift to teach should remain silent. That people should exercise their actual gifts and talents--cognizant of the grace God has given to them. The destructive force of pride can cause us to believe that we are spiritually gifted in ways that others, if we dared ask and listen, could tell us otherwise. God has not called us to be elitists, but He does want us to skillfully serve according to grace He has given to us.

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, may I humble myself, so that I'm not walking in pride, believing myself to be something that You have not created me to be. May I walk in the center of Your grace. Doing what You have called and gifted me to do. Do not let me think, believe or act as an elitist, but rather create in me a servant's heart. May I appreciate the edification of others without allowing it to go to my head. Amen"

Passion

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prizeis temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Cor 9:24-27 (NKJV)

I watched my favorite team in all of sports lose. I felt the pain as the time ran out and "my" team was on the wrong side of the equation. I couldn't bring myself to the point of praying for my team--but, I was sorely tempted to do so. You see--when it comes to the teams that I consider "my" teams--I'm rather passionate about it all. I am a loyal die-hard super-fan...although I draw the line at painting my face in team colors.

In light of eternity, how important was the defeat of my team? It doesn't even make for a good bump in the road. Oh sure, sports writers will be writing about it for a day or so, and then the historic importance of the game will fade into obscurity as it should. Maybe, just maybe my passion is misplaced. Perhaps there are more important things in life that I should be more concerned about...you think?? In the heat of the game, I glanced over at my daughter and grand daughter and it helped calm the super-fan and put life back into perspective.

So, what is important to me? To what have I attached my deepest loyalties and feelings of passion? It starts with my relationship with God. When you get right down to it, there is only one race that really counts. Only one race that I need to win. One race that needs to remain the center of my focus. I need to passionately pursue the prize and intentionally do whatever it takes to win. I need to become a super-fan of Jesus!

Prayer: "Our Father, which art in heaven, blessed and mighty is Your name. In my life and in my home and in my church I pray that Your Kingdom would come and that Your will would be done in those places, just as it is in heaven. Thank you for Your daily provision and the blessings that are too numerous to count. Help me to forgive more and to judge less. Reveal the snares of the enemy and help me to see through his lies. Yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory forevermore! Amen"

Lifter of My Head

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. Psalms 3:3-4 (NKJV)

In his epic poem, "The Rainy Day," Henry Wadsworth Longfellow beautifully speaks of an experience that all people have in common: "Be still, sad heart! and cease repining; behind the clouds is the sun still shining; thy fate is the common fate of all, into each life some rain must fall, Some days must be dark and dreary." Now let me plainly state what our poet artfully expressed: Everyone who spends anytime on our small little enterprise called "earth" will suffer some. I would go so far as to venture that if you survived your time in Jr. High there is a high probability that you are in need of some sort of therapy.

King David had experienced more that a "little rain" in his life. His son, Absalom, was leading a coup to overthrow David's rule and was trying to kill David in the process. His son was trying to kill him...talk about dark and dreary days. David was beside himself with grief and despair. Is it possible to face circumstances that are more painful than death? Could the depth of a tragedy twist and tear at the heart with such emotional tenacity that death would be welcomed? Could the weight of the burden simply be too great to bear?

Christians are not exempt from such trauma. We experience life with all of its twists and turns. However, we are never alone... God, the lifter of our head is with us. God, our shelter in times of trouble is with us. God, the source of our hope is with us. I have personally found the Holy Spirit to be a great comfort in those times when my life seems to be under siege. My talk therapy generally includes a long walk where I commune with God. There is always a bit of venting, talking, praying, listening, and finally, receiving the gift of "peace that passes all understanding." Indeed, God is the lifter of my head!

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, I am surrounded by a hostile world--a world that is not my home. Sometimes I suffer, because of my own actions; and then there are those times when I suffer for no apparent reason. In all of my circumstances, both good and bad, I need You. 'Thou O Lord, art a shield about me, You're my glory and the lifter of head.' Next time a storm blows into my life, please remind me that You are there--You are my sun behind the clouds. Amen"

Fitting In

Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, "Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations." But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." So Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, "Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 1 Sam 8:4-7 (NKJV)

Do you really want to be like everyone else? Peer pressure can have a tremendous influence on an individual's choices in life. Sometimes we are willing to do things that we already consider foolish, simply because "everyone else" is doing it. We involve ourselves in such behavior, because we want to fit in--because the "in" crowd is doing it, and because we tell ourselves that we can get away with it.

The people of Israel wanted to be like the other nations around them. Pray tell me why? The other nations worshiped idols. The other nations engaged in human sacrifice. The other nations were barbaric and unenlightened by comparison. The elders of Israel approached Samuel and said, "Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations." What an ignorant decision! Centuries latter, British historian, Lord Acton made the following observation: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men."

Saul was not an exception to Lord Acton's statement. With the accession of Saul, came higher taxes, corruption, arbitrary and inconsistent decisions, nepotism, lawlessness, wars and serious holes in the idea of justice and the rule of law. By demanding a King, the nation of Israel did become like the nations around them and in doing so, became something less. Anytime, and every time a nation or an individual or a collective of people decide to ignore God's truth and do what everyone else is doing--it is going to end badly. The wisdom of man remains as foolishness compared to the wisdom of God.

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, help me to march to the beat of a different drum--Your drum! May I not be concerned about being Politically Correct or compromise what I believe just so that I might fit in with the people that I'm trying to impress. May the actions of my life and the words of my mouth be pleasing to You. Thank You for the wisdom and truth that flows from the pages of Your Word. May they find a place of acceptance in my heart. Amen"

Compassions that Fail Not

This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord. Lam 3:21-26 (NKJV)

As I watch my grandchildren, I am impressed by their irrepressible energy and the consistency by which they push the limits of acceptable behavior. It is as if they delight in putting the patience of their mother on trial. It is as if they are testing the depths and limits of a grandfather's love. It is as if boundaries are only established so that they can be crossed. Little do they know that our love for them, as parents and grandparents, runs deeper than they will comprehend until the shoe is on the other foot.

I am convinced that our behavior--OK, make it my behavior presents the same kind of challenge for God. I push the limits--cross the boundaries--try the patience--and have done so since I was born into this world. I get tired of me...so, how can God still persist when even I am ready to throw in the towel on myself? I venture to say, "God loves me more than I love myself!"

Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived was a fool. He was a fool because he turned away from God and practiced the mischief and folly that he warned others against. He was a bitter old man, and yet, in the midst of his darkness he saw a flickering light of hope. In the middle of his lamentations he grasped a nugget of truth. "His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." Please hear me: God is not going to give up on you. His love will persist as surely as the Sun is going to shine.

Prayer: "Dear loving Father, great is Your faithfulness--great is Your love--great is Your mercy--great is Your patience--great is Your empathy for Your children. Please hear my prayer and my petition. Help me to live life with more wisdom. Help me to walk in a way that is more pleasing to You and of more benefit to me. In my freedom may I make You my first love and build Your Kingdom with passion! Amen"

The Pledge

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalms 1:1-2 (NKJV)

I attended a Christian college. In order to be accepted into said college, each student was required to sign a card pertaining to personal conduct. In signing the card we were giving our pledge not to engage in a number of activities that were considered taboo by the denomination that the college was affiliated with. We pledged not to drink alcohol, go out dancing, go to movies (including Disney), or sleep around. I kept the rules until a spring break that I spent with Jody. Do not get the wrong idea, I was in my Senior year and Jody and I were married; but Jody's brother invited us out to a movie. I did not want to offend my new brother-in-law, so Jody and I went and saw "Where the Red Fern Grows." (A G-rated movie--do they actually make G-rated movies any longer? Television is not even G-rated!)

I had many college school-mates who either railed against the conduct restrictions or freely violated their pledge without any reservations. Ultimately, I violated my pledge, although, technically, I was on vacation--hundreds of miles from campus--visiting my wife's family for the first time in our new marriage. But, it still bothered me. My personal integrity was at stake. To be honest--I never railed against the rules and made an effort to keep them. Although I am not a legalist, to this day--I avoid alcohol and drugs--I only dance with my wife at weddings (or my daughter, when she got married)--I am very careful about the movies that I watch, and I do not sleep around. (Which suits my wife!)

It's not that I'm perfect, or consider myself particularly righteous--beyond the imputed righteousness of Christ. Here is the bottom-line: I'm simply not interested in what the world has to offer. I'm not impressed by the counsel of the ungodly--nor am I interested in seeing how close I can dance to the fires of this world without getting singed. I delight in living right--with holding on to personal integrity--having a clean conscience--walking in God's light. I have also found out that the best of what life has to offer is endorsed and propagated by God's wisdom. In the words of Michael W. Smith--"All you're missing is a heartbreak, disillusioned for a keepsake..."

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, the Psalmist believed that one day living in Your purposes was better than thousands of days elsewhere. May I grasp the beauty and the blessings that are the fruit of a life lived for You, and may I be wise enough to avoid the vanity and the destruction of a life lived according to the council of the ungodly. Your Word--Your truths--Your ways--Your call is the light that leads me through the darkness of this world. Blessed be the name of the Lord! Amen"

Superheroes

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Eph 6:1-4 (NKJV)

Every father has an opportunity to join the ranks of the Superheroes. (I'm serious!) Before you reject this idea, you need to realize that you may not be a Superhero in the eyes of anyone else, but in the eyes of your young children--a loving dad is beloved and revered. As a child I was convinced that my father could do anything. I was also convinced that my dad could beat up your dad!

Dad was the trump card up my sleeve. Dad was my security blanket. Dad was the family provider. Dad was the fountain of wisdom. Dad was my coach and greatest fan. Dad stepped into the gap and protected me when necessary. And finally, Dad was my example in all things important. Ultimately, if I wanted to be a Superhero to my children, all I had to do was follow in the giant wake of my father.

The Bible gives children the instruction to honor and obey their parents. When it comes to your father, this is rather easy to do when you have a Superhero for a dad! You cannot help yourself--His life commands your honor and you obey him without a second thought, because he has earned your trust. Every father has a choice: Act foolishly, provoking your children to wrath; or, train them up in the admonition of the Lord. Training up your children begins and ends with being a father who consistently sets an example of what it means to be a follower of Christ before them. By providing a living example of Christ living in you, every father can join the ranks of the Superheroes!

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, thank you for being a loving, caring and patient Father. I also want to thank you for the wonderful earthly father that You provided. My life has been blessed by having a father who lived out his faith in a consistent and obvious fashion. I will forever be grateful! May I be an example of Your character before my children and grand children. Help me press forward in my relationship with You so that all will know that You are my first love. Amen"

Move Forward

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, "Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.' " Josh 1:9-11 (NKJV)

Our time here on earth does not come with any guarantees. We must learn to embrace and live life in the moment, making the most of our time in the present. The things that are necessary should be tended to--the things we need to say should be said--the things God has called us to do should be accomplished. We must press forward today, because we do not know what tomorrow holds for us.

Israel, had been sitting on their hands for years...40 years. They had been promised a land, but had been turned away from the possession of said promise by their own lack of faith. Moses, himself, never made it into the promised land and with his death the next generation of Israelites had an opportunity to finally and forcefully take what God had already promised and prepared for them. The Lord gave a message to Joshua: "Be strong and full of courage, for the Lord your God is with you..."

There are some questions that we need to consider: "What has God called you to do--what promises had He made to you--and why...O, why have you not made a move to possess all that God has prepared for you?"  It is time--high time to stop sitting on your hands and step out in faith. God's word is as true for you as it was for the Children of Israel. "So, be strong and be full of courage, for the Lord your God is with you." Today is the day you need to step into God's destiny and see what the awesome God of possibilities can do!

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, You are awesome in power and with You, all things are possible. I am admittedly weak, but You are my strength. Replace my duplicitous heart with a heart that is committed and true. Replace my worries and doubts with real faith. Replace my procrastination and laziness with intentional action. Remind me of Your promises and cause me to walk in the center of the works and destiny that You have prepared for me. May I be strong and full of courage knowing that You are with me! Amen"

Weird Stuff

So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, "Alas, master! For it was borrowed." So the man of God said, "Where did it fall?" And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. Therefore he said, "Pick it up for yourself." So he reached out his hand and took it. 2 Kings 6:4-7 (NKJV)

Author's note: Speaking of weird...this devotional has "out there" written all over it. Read it at your own risk.

As a kid I heard a couple of preachers preach sermons on this minor incident. I cannot recall the point of either sermon, but I still remember the miracle of an ax head floating on the water. Wish I could do that...you know--make an ax head float on the water...it is kind of cool...I could start the "Church of Floating Ax Heads!" That name has a kind of a rustic Rocky Mountain flavor to it. Would you follow me if I could do such a thing? "What...no takers?" Probably a wise choice!

The Bible tells us that different waves of doctrine will flow through the Church, and some well-meaning Christians are always looking to catch the next wave. It might be a genuine move of God's Spirit or it might be a repackaged heresy looking to seduce a new wave of adherents. Let me set the record straight, before someone jumps to the wrong conclusion: "I believe that God can do anything--even weird things. On-the-other-hand; I am not going to base my faith on anything less than an actual relationship with God! MY relationship with God!!"

I would truly be impressed by anyone who could make an ax head float or perform a bona fide miracle; but, I serve the one who actually walked on water and stilled the storm with His voice. Furthermore, I refuse to be a part a " wicked and adulterous generation" chasing signs. Why should I chase after signs when I am a walking miracle of God's grace? And what would be the rationale for chasing after signs and wonders? I thought that signs and wonders followed after those that believe. I may never make ax heads float, but God probably has something (maybe even a sign or a wonder) for me to do...after all, I do believe in Him!

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, creator of all that is, miracle worker, savior and King of Glory--blessed be Your name! I do not profess to be a worker of miracles, but I am Your vessel. Please use my life to accomplish whatever it is that fits within Your design, and for whatever brings You pleasure. I know that without You I can do nothing and yet in You, all things are possible. I confess that I am often conflicted--that I believe in You and yet lack the conviction to step out in faith. Fill me with the courage to obey when I hear Your voice telling me to step out of my comfort zone. Amen"

One Comes Before Two

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said,"you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:4-8 (NKJV)

Years ago I was watching the news and there was a captivating story about a cameraman that was shooting film of some daring skydivers. The skydivers were doing different formations and he was shooting from different angles in subsequent jumps. In the final jump of the day, the cameraman was so "into" the process of filming that he forgot to put on his parachute. I was watching a disaster unfold as the report showed the cameraman's actual footage. The camera was focused on the high-dive formation and suddenly as the cameraman reached to pull his cord...the camera mirrored the frantic motions of a man who just realized that he committed a fatal mistake.

How could this possibly relate to Acts, Chapter One? In Acts, Chapter Two, we get a picture of life in the early Church. The early Church was impressive. There were signs and wonders--people getting saved--amazing growth--taking care of needs--dedication--prayer--study--hospitality--fellowship...everything that we aspire to attain as the Church today. (Please pay attention to the following) Chapter One proceeds Chapter Two. In other words, the powerful Church of Chapter Two would never have come to pass without the Chapter One experience.

Trying to walk in the footsteps of the early Church is impossible unless we have a Chapter One experience. Please hear me: We need the power of the Holy Spirit living in us--guiding us--and giving us the where-with-all to establish the Church in our generation. Before we attempt to take on the powers of darkness that stand in opposition to us--we need to be full of God's mighty power! Then we will see that the "Gates of Hell will not prevail against us!"  It would be a tragic mistake to build a church that has a "form of godliness but denies the power thereof." That would almost be like jumping out of a plane without a parachute.

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, to You and to You alone belongs all the power, glory and honor. It is Your power that puts the enemy to flight--it is Your power that brings Salvation--it is Your power that brings healing and hope--it is Your power that gives us the ability to live abundant lives... Lord, once again, fill me with Your Spirit. May I be a vessel that expresses the Fruit of Your Spirit while walking in the fullness of Your power. To God be the Glory, forever and ever! Amen"

Repent

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.' " Matt 3:1-3 (NKJV)

Want to make your church shrink? Just preach the message of repentance. At least that is the thinking of most contemporary church leaders. But, is it true? If people are called to repent from their sins, will they run from the church? Perhaps... We live in a consumer oriented culture where we often avoid the "truths" that cause us emotional distress, so perhaps John the Baptist's message would scare people off in today's world.

Therein lies the challenge: People need to be saved from their sins--their foolish behavior--their self-destructive tendencies--and their appetite for darkness. In this upside-down, inside-out world, our culture tends to glorify the very activities that create the most sorrow and destruction in people's lives, while avoiding the unpopular, but life-giving truths that set people free. This is how convoluted and twisted the thinking of our culture has become.

The truth that sets us free is good news! The turning away from destructive behavior is good news! Leaving the darkness behind for a life of walking in the light is cause for celebration!! The message of repentance is more than a warning--it is an invitation to an abundant life! Repentance starts with a revelation of truth. In the case of the Prodigal Son, he embraced the truth...the servants in the house of his Father, were better off than he was. Eating at the table of his Father was better than dipping into the pig trough. When life is measured by truth, the message of repentance is compelling and a comfort.

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, I have often shied away from speaking the truth for fear of being offensive. Teach me how to effectively speak the truth in love. Show me how to teach the idea of repentance in such a way as to pierce the deceit of the enemy. I long for the Sons and Daughters that are caught up in the darkness to see the light and to be set free! May my heart be broken for them and use me to touch them with Your love! Amen"

Ambition

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Phil 2:1-4 (NKJV)

If you look up the word "ambition" in a dictionary, it will give you a definition that reads something like this: "An earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as power, honor, fame, or wealth, and the willingness to strive for its attainment." Generally speaking, the objective of ambition is to gain recognition for ourselves. This can even be true for those involved in the work of the ministry. The driving force behind the effort might be a shallow, self-centered ambition...but, it does not have to be that way!

Let me suggest to you that the dictionary definition is incomplete in that it leaves out the idea of an "ambition" that has a completely different motivating force behind it. It is possible to be highly motivated to work for a cause without being motivated by selfish ambition. The Apostle Paul, speaking to Believers, called us to engage in spiritual activity; he went on to say that as we engage in such activity to, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit."

So, in the words of a generic method actor: "What is my motivation?" If the objective of my accomplishments has nothing to do with me gaining recognition--what then compels me to give of myself, my resources, my time, my talent, my effort? The answer is obvious and yet so hard to grasp: "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God." Let us pray that God would give us an earnest desire to achieve great things that build the Kingdom of God and bring glory to His Name!

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, I have often been driven to seek the approval of others. My motivation has often been that of selfish ambition--to hear the praise of others--to bask in the light of personal accolades... Forgive my duplicitous heart. I may never rid myself of vain conceit, but I do not have to embrace it or like that it is present in my flesh. May I avoid grabbing for the glory that belongs to You. And in all that I accomplish, may I give you the glory for making it possible. May my love for You be my motivation! Amen"

Anger

Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another. "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Eph 4:25-27 (NKJV)

I was angry last night. I felt let down--betrayed--weary--ready to throw in the towel--then, ready to fight--persecuted--attacked--and...angry. I did not let it show. I kept a pretty good lid on what I said, but a weakness in my personality was having a pity-party and causing my brain to drift into dangerous territory. It messed with my sleep--which is already difficult for me--and so I woke up with the same set of circumstances, only now I am also extremely tired.

I am by nature a slow burner. It generally takes a lot of nonsense, over a long period of time, to fan the flames of my anger. The pressure builds as I focus on the facts--how those facts impact me--and how I feel that others have somehow let me down. Did you notice that "I" am the focus here? Is life really all about me? Let us hope not!!! Here is the question that I need to grapple with: "In my anger, how can I avoid falling into sin, and making a difficult situation even worse?"

Here are a few of my thoughts:

• I need to pray and make sure that my heart is "right with God!"
• I need to pro-actively do whatever I can do to defuse the situation with other parties involved.
• I need to grow a thicker hide and not be so self-absorbed.
• I need to humble myself and learn from this situation.
• I need to return good for evil and make sure that I stay on God's side of the ledger.

It will not be easy...but, it is actually easier than carrying anger around with me and letting that anger corrupt my mind and heart!

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, as always, I find myself running to You in my time of need. I run to You, because everything else is sinking sand. You have put a solid family and friends around me--but, You are my ultimate place of security. I know that I will always have interactions with difficult people--people that You want to use me to touch with Your love. Lord, help me to keep my eyes riveted on You. You are my Rock! Amen"