Devotions Q2 2013
Testifying of God's security and deliverance.
MONDAY
Psalm 91. NIV
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
As I sit today in the cancer center of the local hospital and look at our verses, I can't help but feel for those who don't know our Lord.
Those of you who have been reading my devotions for the last couple of years have shared Tracy's cancer journey. I owe you an update, and it fits our topic well. Today we started a monthly IVIG treatment that is supposed to boost her immunity, helping her to feel better and to keep her from catching every virus that passes by. It's a very good thing. An even better thing is that as of a month ago, her leukemia is still considered in full remission. We are richly blessed!
And as if leukemia wasn't enough...
But what you have missed was her 15 days in the hospital in March and April with necrotizing faciitis, or flesh eating bacteria, throughout her abdomen. I almost lost her, but God answered our prayers with good doctors and other hospital staff as well as good insurance. After 5 surgeries in 7 days, renal failure, pneumonia, a wound vac, and home care, she is on a path towards being even better than she has been in a long time.
And we rest in the knowledge that as we walk this journey, we aren't alone.
We have friends in several states who love, pray, and even feed us (Haley really likes it when she doesn't have to eat my cooking), and a God who is with us. We aren't alone, and while we have opinions of how we want this to come out, we know too that God has a plan, and sometimes all we can do is to trust Him. Easier some days than others, for sure, but I am finding myself more aware than ever of those around me who don't have this refuge. Who don't know or choose to call out to Him for shelter in life's storms. And I pray for them, and try to tell them what God is doing for us.
Are you keeping your eye on Him as you take your own journey of ups and downs? Are you noticing those who don't. Are you praying with me for them?
TUESDAY
Psalm 91. NIV
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Our home menagerie includes a yellow and orange cockatiel we inherited from some good friends. Sunny is an awesome pet. He greets me excitedly when I open the door each evening with whistles and calls as he struts back and forth on the perch in his cage. He even dances when I whistle the Aggie war song. When I walk over to him, he lowers his head so I can rub the back of his neck. Sometimes I take him out and he'll sit on my shoulder or walk back and forth leaving presents on my tee shirt. He'll sit on my finger sometimes, and I've come to appreciate how fragile he really is. Small talons and beak. Wings that are mostly feathers on a lightweight structure. And his neck seems so small, I wonder how it holds his head.
Now we don't have any fowlers in our house, but a couple of cats have auditioned unsuccessfully for the role. I can tell you about the time Bandit jumped on the bird cage and the top opened which led to Sunny escaping to fly in mad circles around the kitchen until I could recapture him. Or the time he was out on the screened lanai in Florida, and flew in circles until he dropped into the pool, with his wings deploying like living life rafts to support him until we could rescue him as both cats watched intently from the poolside. Or the time he got out when no one was home, and we found him perched safely on the chandelier over the dining room table staring down at Smoky who was intently Looking up. In every case so far, Sunny has been kept safe from those who might harm him.
As I read our verses today, I think of Sunny, and a contest I once read about. The challenge was to paint a picture reflecting peace. There were beach scenes, mountain vistas, sunsets, and sleeping toddlers. But the one that won was a bird's nest on the edge of a precipice with small birds inside and a momma bird covering them with her wings. All around, the storms were fiercely raging - lightning flashing, rain pouring, and winds blowing. I could almost hear thunder just looking at the picture. But in the nest, the chicks were sound asleep. Momma had them under her wings, and that was good enough for them.
When God covers us in the midst of our stormy lives, do we recognize His protection and relax in that knowledge? I don't always, but I'm working on it.
WEDNESDAY
Psalm 91. NIV
5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
Picture a long weekend on a near tropical island with sun, sand, warm blue water, jeep trips, and no cell phone service. We planned it for weeks. I took off work at lunch, picked up the family, loaded the car, and started off on the 3 hour drive expecting dinner on the beach. And everything went exactly according to plan, except the 3 hour part (can you hear the theme from Gilligan's Island playing now?). Inexplicably, we went the wrong direction for a while after missing a turn. After driving for over four hours, I came to a place I knew I wasn't supposed to be near, and decided to stop for gas and directions.
Did I mention this was part of our Brazilian odyssey? And that it was early in our assignment and we were not exactly conversant in Portuguese? And we had no map? And that no cell phone service is not always a peaceful blessing?
After a frustrating half hour trying to communicate with kind Brazilian locals whose English was on par with my Portuguese, we head off on a "short cut" to Illha Bella. Without any goodies for the road, we are all getting hungry and rapidly losing our good spirits. (I don't know why we didn't eat when we stopped for gas, but I believe I was asked that more than once in the coming hours). Then it gets dark. Really DARK. And the road cuts through mountains - a small, barely two lanes wide road - and then the fog appears. The road get narrower and twistier as we go, and the darkness and ever thicker fog consume everything. The kids are quiet in the back recognizing dad was stressed. Then the road turns to gravel. I expected a tree or cliff to appear in my windshield at any time now. I remember thinking, but hopefully didn't verbalize "I've been divorced and had both parents die, and those things were more fun than this". Eventually, the road led to a hard surface road and soon thereafter we saw a sign that indicated we were very close to our destination. We made the midnight ferry, and woke up the hotel operator arriving safely at our destination only a few hours late.
In retrospect, I know we were in God's hand the entire way. Nothing happened to us as we journeyed through foreign terrain to a wonderful destination. There was no reason to fear.
Now as then, there are times when I fear a perceived darkness closing in around me. I don't have control. I don't know what to do. I feel responsible for others, and inadequate to care for them. But in our verse today, we are told we need not fear.
I'm trying to be aware of the darkness when I encounter it, so I can trust God to bear me through it. Won't you join me?
THURSDAY
Psalm 91. NIV
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling — even the Lord, who is my refuge — 10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
In the last few months there have been some terrible things happen in our country. A man murdering his mother, stealing her guns and killing school children in Connecticut. Bombs explode near the finishing line of the Boston marathon result in death and crippling injuries. A fertilizer plant explosion in Texas leaves many dead. A mile wide tornado levels a small Oklahoma town for the second time including a school full of children. An interstate bridge used daily by thousands of cars falls into the river below.
I've personally experienced a diverse list of catastrophic type events. A tornado jumped over our house in Sugar Land in the mid 90's. A national blackout left two thirds of Brazil in the dark (1999). A category 4 hurricane (Charly in 2005) went over the building I was in, and I wondered ifI would get to see my family again. An earthquake in 2008. A hurricane in the heartland (Ike in 2008). A "once in a lifetime" ice storm in 2009. Haley said once that we've been through everything but a tsunami.
I don't know why we came through our experiences with nothing more than memories when other people in similar or even the exact same events experienced severe consequences and even died. I believe the verses we have today, but I know there were people who have had their lives turned upside down, lost family members, and died who were probably more faithful and trusting than I am.
All I can read into this is that this world is not our home. And the things that happen here, though important to our eternal development, are not able to harm our soul. I don't have to understand to trust Him.
FRIDAY
Psalm 91 NIV
14 "Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
I love my iPad. I've had it nearly a year now, and it was my first foray into Apple products. It's introduced me to so many apps, they don't all fit at one time. I have two bible apps with multiple versions, study resources, and one even reads the scriptures to me. I have a couple of news and weather apps, and my company just released one to keep track of power outages. I hope I don't have to use it very often. Another app I keep on there all the time is Pandora. It's introduced me to new music that's similar to old music I like, and led me to rediscover songs I'd forgotten. For instance,
Amy Grant sings El Shaddai, and Sing Your Praises to The Lord.
Sandi Patti sings How Majestic is Your Name, the Via Delarosa, and Upon this Rock.
The Imperials sing Sail On, and The Trumpet of Jesus.
Michael W. Smith sings Agnus Dei, Friends, and Great is The Lord.
(George Strait, Alan Jackson, Jimmy Buffett, Simon and Garfunkel, Journey, the Righteous Brothers, Arlo Guthrie, Steppenwolf, REO, and Queen are there too, but I digress).
And as I listen to music I've known for decades now, I sing along (when I'm alone so no one else has to hear). I feel more connected to my Lord through music than I've experienced in any other way. I sail on in my earthly journey singing praises to His majestic name, grateful for my earthly friends and realizing anew how great my Lord is. And I know from today's verses that He is taking care of me in ways I never even see. And all I have to do is love Him and call out to Him. It's a pretty great deal if you ask me. If you haven't already tried it, I recommend it!
Sent from Jim's iPad.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Fwd: Devotions Q1 2013 FINAL
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jim Cox
Date: Sunday, February 3, 2013
Subject: Devotions Q1 2013 FINAL
To: "Walter @WTBC" <kay-walter@sbcglobal.net>, jcvtx1800@gmail.com
Here you go Walter. Edit if you need to. Thanks again for the honor of writing.
Jim...
Devotions Q1 2013 FINAL
Monday
Topic: "Tradition, tradition. TRADITION!" (Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof)
Scripture: Mark 7. NKJV
1 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem. 2 Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. 3 For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders. 4 When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.
5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"
Devotion:
As I'm pretty sure I've said this here before: I was Baptist 9 months before I was born. Sunday School, worship, big lunch, nap for grown ups, training union, and worship again on Sunday. Youth meetings and visitation on Tuesday nights. Church dinner, RAs and prayer meeting on Wednesday nights before choir practice.
And on Sunday mornings, I could write the order of service for the bulletin. You start with music to talk over. Announcements and welcomes, call to worship, deacon prayer, hymns (very seldom to include the third verse), prayer, offering, special music, scripture, note passing (I mean sermon), invitation hymn (almost always Just As I Am), introduction of new members and rededications, closing prayer, and more music to talk over.
Then one summer I worked at a Baptist camp, and experienced worship differently. I felt the Holy Spirit and was moved by the lyrics and the music. I heard God speak to ME through a minister and learned to pray during the invitation - for the lost, the struggling, the leaders. But one Sunday after camp, I was back at my home church when I made the mistake of putting my foot on the pew during the invitation while I was praying. My conversation with my Lord was interrupted by the man sitting behind me shaking my shoulder and whispering loudly that I needed to get my foot off the pew NOW.
Now I'm the man in the pew seeing things going on around me in church that bother me. I see young parents allowing too young children to cry for several minutes as the minister tries to preach. I see youth make three or four trips in and out of the sanctuary during the church service and brining open soft drinks in with them. I watch adults talking loudly and laughing during a call to worship that I know the choir has been rehearsing for six weeks. I see deacons wearing jeans and even shorts and sandals to church sometimes. And I wonder... Where is the line between worship and disrespect? Where is the balance between holy honor for Almighty God and his church and the need to attract peoples of all kinds to our Savior? What if anything should I do? I don't want to be the man someone uses 40 years from now as an example of an impediment to someone's worship.
I wish I could say "stick with me this week, and I'll tell you the answer", but I can't. I struggle with this today and all I can do is ask you to journey with me this week and let's listen together to Jesus.
Tuesday
Topic: Keeping the kitchen clean.
Scripture: Mark 7 NKJV
6 He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:
'This people honors Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
7 And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men —the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."
Devotion:
Once upon a time, long long ago, in a church family far away, a husband got a phone call from his beloved wife. It went something like this:
Him: Hello?
Her: This is not a call from me. (He recognized her voice - and her tone.)
Him: Yes dear?
Her: This call is from the church hostess to the chairman of the deacons.
Him: Yes dear?
Her: It's NOT my job to come in on Wednesdays and clean up the communion mess from last Sunday.
Him: Yes dear.
Her: It is YOUR job to make SURE the cups, bottles, and trays are cleaned promptly and put away the same night and before they ferment and mold.
Him: Yes dear!
Her: And you assure me this will NEVER happen again!
Him: Yes dear!
Her: You know I can't cook dinner for 200 people in a kitchen full of gross smelly dishes.
Him: Yes dear.
Her: So you will be at church tonight in time to help me finish up and serve, right?
Him: Yes Dear!
Her: Love me?
Him: Yes dear!
Her: See you soon. Love you most! Click. (She still never says "bye".)
Well, maybe it wasn't exactly like this, but you get the picture. It was funny to me when it happened, I mean the first time I heard it, and it's funny to me now. But today, I think beyond the phone call to the communion service. I love communion. It's a time to think about ourselves. Our relationships with others. Our sins and the price of forgiveness and eternal life. And as important as clean kitchens are, my relationship with God is so much more important. And I pray that you will join me in trying to remember the sacrifice God made through Jesus, and don't worry too much about what happens to the cups.
Wednesday.
Topic: Fried shrimp and backlight posters.
Scripture: Mark 7
9 He said to them, " All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. 10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' 11 But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban"—' (that is, a gift to God), 12 then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, 13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do."
Devotion:
My family once spent Thanksgiving holidays at the beach in Guaruja, Brazil. Since that is not a Brazilian holiday, and a little early in the spring there to bring out local sun seekers, we had the beach pretty much to ourselves. There was a little kiosk just up from the chairs the concierge at our hotel had set up for us in the sand, and all you had to do was raise your hand and wave, and a young waiter would run down and take your order. While sitting there, I called home and talked to my brother. We missed family, even though we were with our good friends Ken and Mary. My brother shared the challenges of hosting three generations of family. As I remember, he was dealing with cold rainy weather, food logistics, meshing schedules, and maybe a head cold thrown in. As we talked, the waiter ran up with my fried shrimp basket and a cold drink and I watched my son and daughter building castles in the sand with Ken as Tracy sat by me with a book in her lap chatting with Mary. And I realized, although I missed the fellowship of extended family, and the traditional meal, my simple beach chair made it easier for me to be thankful for the immensity that God was blessing me with. And after all, isn't Thanksgiving supposed to be more than a turkey dinner?
Sunday school in suits with ties, dresses with hose, the King James Version, hymn books with shape notes, choir robes with a piano and a pipe organ.
Cut off jeans, tie died tee shirts, earth shoes or sandals either outside or in Saturday night coffee houses with black light posters, the Living Bible, and guitars.
Business casual, projected praise choruses and NIV verses, full orchestras, or a praise band, and small groups with lattes.
Is one method really any better for worshipping our Lord and creator? Or is it all in the heart of the worshipper?
Thursday.
Topic: External things change.
Scripture: Mark 7 NKJV
14 When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand: 15 There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. 16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"
17 When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. 18 So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?"
Devotion:
So many of the traditions I have grown up have changed over the years. Some maybe for good, but some, not so good. For example:
* Opening all Christmas presents on Christmas morning? We open all but Santa on Christmas Eve, and if anyone wants to know how to slow it down so you actually see what everyone gets, just email me.
* Sitting together in church as a family? Seems like today the youth are together and children's church take the short attention span out of the sanctuary. And if one of the adults sing, or usher, or do media, or... Then even the adults sit alone.
* Everyone used to bring their own bible to church, but now there are pew bibles and projected verses.
* Churches used to have a visitation night, but our privacy based society combined with fear of strangers has shut that down in favor of cards, emails, and fellowship meals.
* Even Good Friday as a business holiday has been taken away and replaced by a floating holiday to avoid offending people.
But I think in most cases, it's more important how we respond to the things around us. We usually open packages Christmas Eve after attending church services. We sit as a family most of the time, and try to have the sermon as a topic of discussion at lunch after church. I still choose to bring my bible to church with me, but usually now it's an iPad with several versions to choose from, and I'm much more able to read typed notes compared to my handwriting (even with "autocorrect"). I've found email and even Facebook to be a good way to touch guests and new friends, and I use a floating holiday on Good Friday.
It's not about what happens to us and around us, it's about what we choose to do in response.
Be aware of the influences and changes going on around you. Determine to respond in a positive way instead of ignoring or reacting.
Friday.
Topic: What's inside?
Scripture: Mark 7 NKJV
20 And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
Devotion:
This scripture has always been, and continues to be a difficult one for me. Not to understand, because I think that's pretty clear, but because no matter how many times I read it, I see my failures. No matter how many times I try and claim it in my life. No matter how hard I try to fill my life with good things. I fall so very short. I'm prideful. I get angry without proper reason. I run from my problems instead of praying and confronting them. I waste the many blessings God has given me. I allow many things to cross my mind and even to dwell there that don't glorify my Lord. They remind me of the evil nature that is now, has always been, and will always be inside me on this earth.
And when I am reminded, I stop and ask again for forgiveness; I thank God for the sacrifice of His son Jesus on the cross to pay the price for me. I renew my commitment to try everyday to focus more on the heavenly realm, and less on this world. To fill my life with the things of God and not with the carnal things of the earth. And I realize - again - that it doesn't matter whether we read the KJV or the NIV or the MSG version. Or whether the music is a hymn, an anthem, or a praise song. Whether I have on a suit or jeans. Whether the carpet is gold or green. Whether the broom handles are red or blue. It only matters that we are trying daily to be more like Jesus.
Traditions of themselves are neither good or bad. It's what is behind the tradition, and what we do with them. How we use them to reinforce the good without allowing them to limit God's ability to teach us how to be closer to him.
Can you join me in trying to be more like Jesus.
Sent from Jim's iPad.
--
_______________________________________________________
I am Second... ><//>
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Devotions Q4 2012 final
Monday.
Topic:
Where's the field?
Hymn:
These are the Days of Elijah. Verse 2
And these are the days of the harvest; the fields are as white as the world.
And we are the laborers in your vineyard declaring the word of The Lord.
Scripture:
Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life.... Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." (Msg)
Devotion:
I'm no evangelist. I've taken dozens of spiritual gift inventories and never once has leading others to Christ been in the top 5 (or even 10). I know the four spiritual laws, and the Roman road, but going up to strangers and asking them if they were to die today, do they know where they would go has never felt right. But you know what? That's ok. We all have gifts, and forcing ourselves to do something we aren't good at and don't like seldom has the positive results desired.
But the fields are white, and we are all supposed to be training and instructing... Well, let me tell you a couple of things that have worked for me. I have served at revivals as a counselor (remember revivals?) where I only had to respond to those God called forward. I have donated scholarships for youth to go on retreats when there were students whose parents either couldn't or wouldn't support them. I've ridden in a church van from Sugar Land to Aldama, Mexico, and back to help with construction of a doctor's office (ask Ken Murphy or John Cates about the rabbits). I've worked with my youth group in rural Appalachia building a church and leading bible school. I've served meals to the homeless. I've taught Sunday school and other classes. I've served on committees.
There are a lot of things that I think fall under the missions umbrella, and there are many mission fields all around you awaiting your service. Look, and find them!
Tuesday.
Topic:
Mission, or missionary?
Hymn:
How Great Thou Art. Verse 2.
When through the woods and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook, and feel the mountain breeze.
Then sings my soul, my savior God to thee.
How great thou art, how great thou art.
Scripture:
Psalm 23:1-3
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (Psalm 23:1-3 NIV84)
Devotion:
When I was 17, I had the privilege of working at a Baptist camp in the Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee. It was named Camp Ba-Yo-Ca (for Baptist Youth Camp - original, huh?). For four weeks I was a counselor to about a half dozen boys from 6 to 12 years old, and for four weeks, I worked as staff during girls camp. (I admit, the teenaged girl counselors were of particular interest to me during those weeks.) I did everything from leading hikes, building camp fires, and washing dishes, to helping cook, cleaning a grease trap and clearing a septic clog. I stayed busy, and this city boy was experiencing a new and special world. Not only did I get to build Christian relationships quickly (a few of which continue today), but I also got to know God differently. In a daily way, a more personal way; as I saw children meet Christ. This was supposed to be an opportunity for me to help others because of my faith, and it became an opportunity for me to grow closer to my Savior. I remember as clear as anything lying on a wooden bridge over a running creek listening to the water and reading my bible, and talking with God. And sometime, looking back I wonder... Was I the missionary, or the mission?
Wednesday.
Topic:
What does a missionary look like?
Hymn.
Let others see Jesus in you. Verse 2
Your life's a book before their eyes, they're reading it through and through.
Say, does it point them towards the sky? Do others see Jesus in you?
Scripture:
Ephesians 4: 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV).
Devotion:
When I think of missionaries, I think of so many people who have ministered to me. Here are a few of those, and how they were there for me:
* the youth minister who would pick me up every week for youth group on Sunday night and make sure I could afford to go out afterwards with the kids before taking me safely home.
* the next door neighbor who signed me up for little league when my parents didn't, took me to every game for several years, and taught me to throw a baseball. He took me to church with him too.
* a Christian friend who calls me here in Indiana every other Tuesday from Houston, or wherever his business travels take him, just to assure we stay in touch and that I have someone to share challenges with.
* the friend from church choir who felt led by God to give me a check one Sunday morning to help me back in my college days, not knowing I had lost my job that week.
* the pastor, who on more than one occasion was waiting for me as a member of my family showed up at the hospital at 6:00 am for some surgery procedure.
I could go on, but I think you see my point. We all have opportunities to do some rather small things well within our comfort zones for others and truly minister to them, in ways they will remember forever. I also believe you have been blessed by some of these ministers, and pray that there are others who would tell this kind of story about you.
Thursday.
Topic: Missions aren't new.
Hymn: Onward Christian Soldiers verse 3
Like a mighty army, moves the church of God.
Brothers (and sisters) we are treading, where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we: one in hope and doctrine, one in charity (love).
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (KJV)
Devotion:
It would be easy to read the newspaper (it's what old people use instead of the Internet) or watch TV and get really depressed or confused about what is going on in our world. Our country split down the middle over a leader. Our national economy described as being at a cliff after years without a budget. European countries in turmoil. Israel facing many challenges. Even reality shows about survivalists and polygamists.
But I chose to think back on one of the old hymns, which may not even be politically correct anymore. I realize again, that nothing we experience is truly new. Others have experienced troubles and trials, and yet, we know God is still in charge. He wants us to be His ambassadors where we are every day, and to carry forward his message. For some, it will involve living in exotic places and adapting to strange cultures. For others, it simply means growing where you're planted. Recognizing that no matter the things that separate us, there is unity in our faith. Jesus still died for our sins, and we have a mission to share our experiences with others. Think daily on the enduring hope that is Christ, and listen. You'll know what mission He has for you.
Friday
Topic: Personal mission.
Hymn: Just a Closer Walk with Thee. Verse 2.
Through this world of toil and snares, if I falter, Lord who cares?
Who with me my burden shares? None but thee, dear Lord, none but thee.
Just a closer walk with thee, grant it Jesus is my plea.
Daily walking close to thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Scripture: Acts 2:
"In the Last Days," God says,
"I will pour out my Spirit
on every kind of people:
Your sons will prophesy,
also your daughters;
Your young men will see visions,
your old men dream dreams.
When the time comes,
I'll pour out my Spirit
On those who serve me, men and women both...
Devotion:
I may not be a young man anymore, but I haven't reached the dream stage yet either. I find that on one hand, I know myself better, and on the other, I have fewer certainties. I even find myself asking questions about things I used to think I knew. And you know what? I've decided that it's ok. The questions are things like what impression do I want to leave on my family and friends? What memories do I want to share with them? How does God want to use me at this stage of life? In how many ways am I choosing to live less than God's best? Do I know the difference between a want and a need? Who are my heroes? Am I really doing my very best?
And as I progress through this life, I try to walk closer to my God every day, listen more carefully to what He is saying to me, and then go forward and do the things that would please Him. Like most of you, I have a home, a family, a job, friends, and so on. Each of those provides an opportunity for God to use me as His missionary. If I don't seize each chance, I have no one to blame but myself.
What things are you choosing to do to walk closer to God? Are you watching to see when He pours out his Spirit on you.
Sent from Jim's iPad.
I am second. ><//>
Topic:
Where's the field?
Hymn:
These are the Days of Elijah. Verse 2
And these are the days of the harvest; the fields are as white as the world.
And we are the laborers in your vineyard declaring the word of The Lord.
Scripture:
Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life.... Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." (Msg)
Devotion:
I'm no evangelist. I've taken dozens of spiritual gift inventories and never once has leading others to Christ been in the top 5 (or even 10). I know the four spiritual laws, and the Roman road, but going up to strangers and asking them if they were to die today, do they know where they would go has never felt right. But you know what? That's ok. We all have gifts, and forcing ourselves to do something we aren't good at and don't like seldom has the positive results desired.
But the fields are white, and we are all supposed to be training and instructing... Well, let me tell you a couple of things that have worked for me. I have served at revivals as a counselor (remember revivals?) where I only had to respond to those God called forward. I have donated scholarships for youth to go on retreats when there were students whose parents either couldn't or wouldn't support them. I've ridden in a church van from Sugar Land to Aldama, Mexico, and back to help with construction of a doctor's office (ask Ken Murphy or John Cates about the rabbits). I've worked with my youth group in rural Appalachia building a church and leading bible school. I've served meals to the homeless. I've taught Sunday school and other classes. I've served on committees.
There are a lot of things that I think fall under the missions umbrella, and there are many mission fields all around you awaiting your service. Look, and find them!
Tuesday.
Topic:
Mission, or missionary?
Hymn:
How Great Thou Art. Verse 2.
When through the woods and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook, and feel the mountain breeze.
Then sings my soul, my savior God to thee.
How great thou art, how great thou art.
Scripture:
Psalm 23:1-3
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (Psalm 23:1-3 NIV84)
Devotion:
When I was 17, I had the privilege of working at a Baptist camp in the Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee. It was named Camp Ba-Yo-Ca (for Baptist Youth Camp - original, huh?). For four weeks I was a counselor to about a half dozen boys from 6 to 12 years old, and for four weeks, I worked as staff during girls camp. (I admit, the teenaged girl counselors were of particular interest to me during those weeks.) I did everything from leading hikes, building camp fires, and washing dishes, to helping cook, cleaning a grease trap and clearing a septic clog. I stayed busy, and this city boy was experiencing a new and special world. Not only did I get to build Christian relationships quickly (a few of which continue today), but I also got to know God differently. In a daily way, a more personal way; as I saw children meet Christ. This was supposed to be an opportunity for me to help others because of my faith, and it became an opportunity for me to grow closer to my Savior. I remember as clear as anything lying on a wooden bridge over a running creek listening to the water and reading my bible, and talking with God. And sometime, looking back I wonder... Was I the missionary, or the mission?
Wednesday.
Topic:
What does a missionary look like?
Hymn.
Let others see Jesus in you. Verse 2
Your life's a book before their eyes, they're reading it through and through.
Say, does it point them towards the sky? Do others see Jesus in you?
Scripture:
Ephesians 4: 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV).
Devotion:
When I think of missionaries, I think of so many people who have ministered to me. Here are a few of those, and how they were there for me:
* the youth minister who would pick me up every week for youth group on Sunday night and make sure I could afford to go out afterwards with the kids before taking me safely home.
* the next door neighbor who signed me up for little league when my parents didn't, took me to every game for several years, and taught me to throw a baseball. He took me to church with him too.
* a Christian friend who calls me here in Indiana every other Tuesday from Houston, or wherever his business travels take him, just to assure we stay in touch and that I have someone to share challenges with.
* the friend from church choir who felt led by God to give me a check one Sunday morning to help me back in my college days, not knowing I had lost my job that week.
* the pastor, who on more than one occasion was waiting for me as a member of my family showed up at the hospital at 6:00 am for some surgery procedure.
I could go on, but I think you see my point. We all have opportunities to do some rather small things well within our comfort zones for others and truly minister to them, in ways they will remember forever. I also believe you have been blessed by some of these ministers, and pray that there are others who would tell this kind of story about you.
Thursday.
Topic: Missions aren't new.
Hymn: Onward Christian Soldiers verse 3
Like a mighty army, moves the church of God.
Brothers (and sisters) we are treading, where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we: one in hope and doctrine, one in charity (love).
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (KJV)
Devotion:
It would be easy to read the newspaper (it's what old people use instead of the Internet) or watch TV and get really depressed or confused about what is going on in our world. Our country split down the middle over a leader. Our national economy described as being at a cliff after years without a budget. European countries in turmoil. Israel facing many challenges. Even reality shows about survivalists and polygamists.
But I chose to think back on one of the old hymns, which may not even be politically correct anymore. I realize again, that nothing we experience is truly new. Others have experienced troubles and trials, and yet, we know God is still in charge. He wants us to be His ambassadors where we are every day, and to carry forward his message. For some, it will involve living in exotic places and adapting to strange cultures. For others, it simply means growing where you're planted. Recognizing that no matter the things that separate us, there is unity in our faith. Jesus still died for our sins, and we have a mission to share our experiences with others. Think daily on the enduring hope that is Christ, and listen. You'll know what mission He has for you.
Friday
Topic: Personal mission.
Hymn: Just a Closer Walk with Thee. Verse 2.
Through this world of toil and snares, if I falter, Lord who cares?
Who with me my burden shares? None but thee, dear Lord, none but thee.
Just a closer walk with thee, grant it Jesus is my plea.
Daily walking close to thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Scripture: Acts 2:
"In the Last Days," God says,
"I will pour out my Spirit
on every kind of people:
Your sons will prophesy,
also your daughters;
Your young men will see visions,
your old men dream dreams.
When the time comes,
I'll pour out my Spirit
On those who serve me, men and women both...
Devotion:
I may not be a young man anymore, but I haven't reached the dream stage yet either. I find that on one hand, I know myself better, and on the other, I have fewer certainties. I even find myself asking questions about things I used to think I knew. And you know what? I've decided that it's ok. The questions are things like what impression do I want to leave on my family and friends? What memories do I want to share with them? How does God want to use me at this stage of life? In how many ways am I choosing to live less than God's best? Do I know the difference between a want and a need? Who are my heroes? Am I really doing my very best?
And as I progress through this life, I try to walk closer to my God every day, listen more carefully to what He is saying to me, and then go forward and do the things that would please Him. Like most of you, I have a home, a family, a job, friends, and so on. Each of those provides an opportunity for God to use me as His missionary. If I don't seize each chance, I have no one to blame but myself.
What things are you choosing to do to walk closer to God? Are you watching to see when He pours out his Spirit on you.
Sent from Jim's iPad.
I am second. ><//>
Sunday, August 19, 2012
draft
Monday
Topic: God uses single people.
Scripture: Paul
I Corinthians 7:8b
Now to the unmarried and the
widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.
Devotion:
Paul
in our verse today encouraged the single people of his time to remain single so
they could focus on God and His ministries.
They were living in an exciting and unprecedented time. Jesus had recently been walking the earth and
water; Christianity was growing like wildfire.
Paul believed that marriage, for him, would have required him to devote some
of the time he was devoting to God to family duties.
There’s
little doubt that God blessed Paul’s ministry.
Depending on your sources, these numbers may vary a bit, but most agree
that that Paul was shipwrecked three times, beaten three times, in prison three
times (for a period of about six years), stoned once (and survived) and
beheaded once for being a Christian. He
is also credited with writing thirteen epistles, including some while in
prison. And God has blessed generations with those writings.
I
was blessed to participate in many roles and ministries when I was single. God allowed me to work with sound equipment
(really heavy sound equipment); attend coffee houses (does that date me or
what?); sing in a choir and a small group (and I know that may surprise anyone
who has ever stood by me); work with RAs (boys missions group); play and
“coach” church league softball; lead bible studies; direct and produce youth
dramas; chaperone ski and mission trips; plan spaghetti suppers; and I had an
incredible amount of fun doing it. I only
pray that God blessed those around me as much as He blessed me. He loves to have single people reflect His
love and engage with other Christians.
Lead, follow and fellowship!
Today
is no different – our Father and our churches need single people to serve. Do you know someone single who you can help
engage?
Tuesday
Topic: God uses engaged people.
Scripture: Mary & Joseph
Luke 1:26-28 (Msg)
In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the
Galilean village
of Nazareth to a virgin
engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and
the virgin's name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:
Good morning! You're beautiful with God's beauty, beautiful inside and out! God be with you.
Good morning! You're beautiful with God's beauty, beautiful inside and out! God be with you.
Devotion
The
most famous unmarried couple in the entire Bible is Mary and Joseph. (Actually, they are the only engaged couple I
could find in the Bible except when David took Saul’s daughter Michal from her
husband, and you’ll have to look that one up yourself.)
Engagement
has always been a transitional time.
Many things are happening fast and there are so many demands. Seems everyone wants a piece of the couple
and available time is short. Tensions
abound, and temptations are plentiful.
The thought “What am I getting into?” may come to mind. And in all of that, it’s easy to lose
perspective. It’s easy to rationalize
playing married, or at least honeymoon.
This
is a good time to do as Joseph and Mary did.
Listen to what God has to say to you and act accordingly. Commit to purity in your relationship. Share time with close friends who can support
and nurture you and your relationships – those with other people and the one
with our God.
If
you are in this place in life or know someone who is, look for ways to keep God
in the center of this exciting relationship.
Wednesday
Topic: God uses married people.
Scripture: Sarah & Abraham
Genesis 18: 9:12 (Msg)
The men said to him,
"Where is Sarah your wife?" He
said, "In the tent." One of
them said, "I'm coming back about this time next year. When I arrive, your
wife Sarah will have a son." Sarah was listening at the tent opening, just
behind the man. Abraham and Sarah were
old by this time, very old. Sarah was far past the age for having babies. Sarah
laughed within herself, "An old woman like me? Get pregnant? With this old
man of a husband?"
Devotion
I
believe God has a perfect sense of timing, and a real sense of humor. Abraham was 100 years old (Gen 21) when his
son Isaac was born. I’m closer to half
that age, and I can’t even imagine starting my family now.
As I
think about this passage and family, I realize how many ways God has used me as
a married man. He’s used me to minister
to my family – trying to be the example God would have me be, and often
failing. Working to model to those I
love the most a personal relationship with the creator. I think one of the highest callings a man can
have is to participate in the development of young Christians in his children
and to try to always love and unconditionally support his wife as Christ
nurtures the church.
I
also think of the wonderful ministries Tracy and I have been able to share
together and the ones we have performed alone since we married, but always with
support from the other at home. Those
ministries have included meal preparation, committee participation and
leadership, deacon ministries, building programs, small group development,
prayer ministries, leading classes, church drama, writing devotions, and most
recently working with a single person - my sixteen year old daughter, who does
sound as I do the multi media at our church.
(She likes being one of the few people who can make the preacher be
quiet!)
God
did a miracle when he gave Abraham and Sarah a child in their old age, and they
are part of Jesus lineage. God wants to
use married people too. All we have to
do is be available and listen to His call.
Is He calling you to a new and surprising service?
Thursday
Topic: God uses widowed people.
Scripture: Ruth & Naomi
Ruth 1:3-5 (Msg)
Elimelech died and Naomi was
left, she and her two sons. The sons took Moabite wives; the name of the first
was Orpah, the second Ruth. They lived there in Moab for the next ten years. But
then the two brothers, Mahlon and Kilion, died. Now the woman was left without
either her young men or her husband.
Devotion:
My
grandfather passed away when I was about five.
I barely remember him, but I have many fond memories of my
grandmother. She took care of me when I
was young and both of my parents were working.
She took me to Blue Circle
for hamburgers and bought me Icees. She
spent the night with me sometimes when I was little and slept in my bed with
me. Other times I got to stay with her
at her house – and I remember getting on my knees with her by the bed every
time and saying our prayers. She was
very active in her church. I remember
when I thought she was older than God, but still taking food to shut ins (the
“old people” she’d call them). I
remember her wearing out several bibles – the cover in tatters and the margins
of each page filled with notes. She
outlived my grandfather by over thirty years, and showed her devotion to Christ
continually.
God
used Thelma Cox to help me become the Christian I am today. I love her and look forward to seeing her
again one day.
God
used Ruth and her mother in law Naomi.
As examples of love and commitment, and as part of Jesus family
line. None of us is beyond being a tool
for Jesus to use as He continues to build His church.
Friday
Topic: God uses divorced people.
Scripture: Isaiah 25: 6-9 (NIV)
On this mountain, the LORD
Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged
wine — the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain, He will
destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations;
He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears
from all faces; He will remove His people’s disgrace from all the earth. The
LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted
in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD; we trusted in Him; let us rejoice
and be glad in His salvation.”
Devotion:
Rosa
was the first one in our youth group to get married. She was still in high school, and we were all
a little surprised. She quickly dropped
out of our group and we didn’t see her a lot.
I
grew up in a more fundamental church where there were still sins God didn’t
seem to forgive. Divorce was one of
those.
After
a year or so, Rosa came back to church. Not a lot was officially said, but over time
the Baptist grapevine (prayer concerns) revealed she had been an abused wife,
and was now divorced.
I
wish I could say we warmly and immediately brought Rosa
back into our group. We didn’t. She never was as involved the second time as
she was the first. I wrestled with her
divorce/sin and how normal she looked - like the rest of us. I wondered why God
would treat her differently.
As a
young man, I went through divorce. We
were both Christian and had been active in church. No one was abused or unfaithful, but it
happened. As I struggled with this sin
in my life, I remember my friend Chuck telling me God didn’t want me to be
miserable the rest of my life, and no matter what, God still loved me and so
did he.
I
now understand divorce as a sin – like all other sins. One Christ died for and wants to
forgive. And for His loving grace, I am
very grateful.
I
love how the scripture today says God wipes away our tears, and removes our
disgrace. He restores us to His
fellowship and has many ways to use flawed vessels like me. Are you holding back from Jesus because you
think your sins prevent you from being able to participate? Let His forgiving grace cover you – wiping
your tears and pain away – and rejoicing in His love.
Monday
God appears to me
Isaiah 6: 1-4 (New International Version)
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and
exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings:
With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and
with two they were flying. And they were
calling to one another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is
full of his glory.”
At the sound of their voices, the doorposts and thresholds
shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
How does God appear to you?
I can’t answer the question the way that Isaiah does here. God has never appeared to me in that way,
but, oh how blessed I am that God has appeared to me in so many ways over the
years I’ve known Him. Some of those ways
are:
- I’ve seen the majesty and beauty of His world in the Smoky Mountains where I grew up; in the alpine vistas I’ve seen while skiing; on the beaches at Rio de Janeiro; boating the Amazon jungle rivers; in Mexican towns; in the broad expanse of Texas; and in the Hoosier heartland of America I now call home.
- I’ve held my newborn daughter and seen His purity and known love I can’t describe.
- I’ve been in worship services where there were hundreds singing and worshipping, in large beautiful buildings, school auditoriums, and in smaller groups much less structured.
- I’ve heard God speak through wonderful pastors, through listening to His word when travelling alone, and through the honest words of a caring friend.
- I’ve felt God right there beside me - when I didn’t know what to ask for, what I needed, or how I was going to make it through some of the challenges I’ve faced.
My list could go on for days, and I hope yours can too.
My challenge for us today is to just take a minute and think
about how God has appeared in the past.
What are the common factors?
During good times or problems?
Directly, or through others? Daily
or rarely? Then let’s ask God to
continue to reveal Himself to us as we seek to know Him more.
Tuesday
God does for me, what I can’t do for myself
Isaiah 6: 5-7 (Holman Christian Standard Version)
Then I said: Woe is me for I am ruined
because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and
because my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts. Then one of the
seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from
the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said: Now that this has
touched your lips, your wickedness is removed and your sin is atoned for.
How do you decide whether to do something yourself, and when
to call “the guy”? I can “easily” do
limited home and car repair duties (don’t tell Tracy though). I can attempt more complex repairs, and
muddle through with mixed results, but there are some things I won’t even
attempt. For example, I’m not going to
try roofing our two story house at this point in my life – it’s too hot up
there and too high to fall from. So for
that - I call my “roofing guy”. I also
have an “AC guy”, a “plumbing guy”, and a “car repair guy”. I tell myself, that even though I have to
call for help on some home things, I’m still getting it done (hear the ego
there?), and for this kind of duty, it’s mostly true.
But in looking at our verses today, it is very clear to me –
there are things I can’t do. And my “guys”
can’t do. I must stand right next to
Isaiah and say “me too” to his words.
I’m a sinner saved purely by God’s grace and through nothing of my
own. God did that. Now, I didn’t see a flying coal coming at me,
but just as God had to cleanse Isaiah, he has to cleanse me of my sinful traits
and fit me for His use.
Today, and every day, I want to look inside myself and see
if there are still things there that I need to ask God to clean out so I can be
fit to serve Him in whatever way He wishes.
My challenge for you is to join me in that look inside.
Wednesday
God speaks to me
Isaiah 6:8a (Message Version)
And then I heard the voice of the Master: "Whom shall I
send? Who will go for us?"
I don’t always pay attention. Way more often than I’d like to admit, I zone
out the “background” noise. Noise like
the doorbell, the dryer buzzing, the microwave finishing, the phone ringing,
and even the check engine light. I don’t
hear the cats cries at their dinner time or notice the empty seed cups on the
birds cages. I miss comments from my
wife that, were I to pick up them, would make our relationship better. I ignore emails asking someone to volunteer
for something to help others. I think
the landscaping will trim itself. (Know the difference in landscaping and shrubs? Several hundred dollars.)
But in our verse today – God Himself speaks to Isaiah. Our Lord and Master. Looking for someone to use in His plan to
expand His kingdom for His glory. And I believe
God is speaking to many people today calling out with a plan to use us.
My challenge today is just to listen – what is He calling me
to do?
Thursday
God sends
Isaiah 6:8b (Message Version)
I spoke up, "I'll go. Send me!"
Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed starred in one of my favorite
movies - Frank Capra’s Christmas classic It’s
a Wonderful Life. It’s the story of
a young man who grows up with big dreams of travel and professional grandeur that
fail to manifest. Instead, he finds
himself pulled into his father’s role in the family business and being “stuck”
there for his entire life. He sees good
things happen to others, and bemoans his lot in life. He felt called to great things, and got a “regular”
life. (I won’t ruin the ending for you
in case you haven’t seen it, but I highly recommend you watch for it in
December!)
When I was in high school, I remember a long talk with my
favorite uncle. I was pretty active in a
Baptist church youth group, and was thinking I would make a good youth
director. All you do is play with kids
for a living, right? Uncle Hubert told
me that if God wanted me in professional ministry, there would be no other
field I could succeed in and be happy.
But if it was me wanting it, I would not be happy nor succeed in a
church vocation. His counsel was to go
to college open minded and train for a profession to support myself and my
family. God would let me know what to
do.
In the script to A
Wonderful Life, Jimmy Stewart was called into the family business. Today, I believe I’ve been called to my
career – I’ve been mostly successful, and I pretty much like what I do for a
living every day. As an engineer, not a vocational
minister. I’ve been called too at
different times to serve my Lord in many roles, and I believe I’ve been used to
minister to others in multiple ways (choir, teacher, deacon, setting up chairs,
serving the homeless, leading groups of professionals, writing devotionals,
etc.). I pray God continues to send me
to serve Him.
My challenge today is to be willing to do the work He needs
done for His glory, not mine. Are you
willing to be the dishwasher if that’s what God needs? Try it – I’ve done it, and been blessed.
Friday
God Almighty, not happy Jesus
Isaiah 6: 10-13 (Message Version)
"Go and tell this people:
"'Listen hard, but you aren't going to get it look
hard, but you won't catch on.' Make these people blockheads, with fingers in
their ears and blindfolds on their eyes, So they won't see a thing, won't hear a word, So they won't have a clue
about what's going on and, yes, so they won't turn around and be made
whole."
Astonished, I said, "And Master, how long is this to go
on?"
He said, "Until the cities are emptied out, not a soul
left in the cities— Houses empty of people, countryside empty of people. Until I, God, get rid of everyone, sending
them off, the land totally empty. And
even if some should survive, say a tenth, the devastation will start up again.
The country will look like pine and oak forest with every tree cut down - Every
tree a stump, a huge field of stumps.
But there's a holy seed in those stumps."
Did you know if you Google “Happy
Jesus” you get over 431 million hits?
Some of those include Happy Jesus-ween (replacing Halloween?), would
Happy Jesus save the Dolphins?, a happy Jesus face book page, and a happy Jesus
day website! Google helpfully suggests
we also look at funny Jesus, buddy Jesus, laughing Jesus, happy god, happy
bible, and happy Jesus zombie day. When
channel surfing, I often see religious broadcasts that seem to cater to those
who are seeking to have what appear to me to be worldly habits blessed; or to
have someone tell them things they are doing that are “perhaps” wrong, are ok,
and God wants them just the way they are.
They are seeking to receive God’s blessings of peace, health, wealth,
and happiness – and that’s not all bad. Invariably,
someone (usually with more hair than I have) tells them the things they want to
hear, takes their money, and they leave happy, but in many cases they are as ignorant
of God’s plan as they were when they came in and they are still sinning. If you read the verses today, you’ll see that
Isaiah wasn’t called to preach happiness.
He wasn’t called to heap riches on the disobedient. It was a hard message of judgment and
tribulation for a deaf and blind people.
Our world today is filled with job
losses, unemployable workers, higher costs, cancer, crime, church membership
declining and churches failing, gay marriage, political polarization, war,
rumors of war, nuclear weaponry, divorce, strikes, hunger, homelessness, drug
abuse, child abuse, spousal abuse, lack of personal responsibility, obesity,
lack of respect for others, air pollution, cyber security, and so on (I could
have made a longer list, but I’m afraid I’m way past the number of words that
can hold your attention). I think these
things come from sin. My sin, yours,
relatives, friends, enemies, strangers, people dead for generations and alive
today. Whether we like it or not,
becoming a Christian doesn’t guarantee a happy, healthy, wealthy life from
there on. Being a Christian is not for
wimps, and some of the things we have to face are unpleasant.
My challenge today is to try to be aware of everything that God is trying to say to
me. To teach me the wonders of his
blessings, mercy, and grace, and the consequences of living in a sinful world -
and to remember that He walks with me through it all.
Lesson 10 – Failing to be Generous Q3 – 21012 Matthew 25: 31-46
Lesson 10 – Failing to be Generous Q3 – 21012 Matthew 25: 31-46
Monday
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
It was about 20 years ago a small and relatively new church decided to do missions one year in an up close and personal way. It wasn't just a check they were after, but it was to teach members what missions was. Each of the church staff selected a ministry need and developed a project around it that resulted in church members DOING missions. I'm embarrassed to say that I don't remember all the projects, but I remember Loaves and Fishes.
It was fun meeting at church and riding downtown to one of the areas tourists avoid and sharing fellowship in the small crowded kitchen as we prepared food. I worked on the salad tearing heads of lettuce into small pieces and filling a large bowl. Soon however it became a more serious business as we moved to serve a meal to homeless people. They lined up quietly; most avoiding eye contact. And to my surprise, it wasn't just men. Women, and even children queued up. These were people just like me and my family, who by misfortune or poor decisions found themselves in a situation of need that no parent would ever envision for their child.
It was a sobering honor to serve these people a meal and realize the rich blessing I have and catch a glimpse of how I look to my Savior. In a situation I really cannot control with so little to offer and so deep a need.
I still pray for this ministry, and I can never look at the homeless the same way.
I understand a little bit of what Jesus means when He says feeding them is like feeding Him, but the blessings I received from giving so little has blessed me so much. I pray each of you will have an experience some day where you see yourself as needy as we would be without Jesus.
Tuesday
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was 23, and just out of college knowing so much more than I do now. But I was almost 1,000 miles from home and separated from my wife and heading towards a divorce. Houston was a huge place compared to my home in Tennessee, and I felt like I didn't know anybody. I slipped into the closest Baptist church and somehow met John. He was an old guy of maybe 40 who was married, had two high school aged daughters and he needed help leading RAs. In being drafted into that service, I gained a family. Before long I was spending time at his home regularly. Sometimes planning for next Wednesday; sometimes tutoring algebra; sometimes changing a ceiling fan; sometimes watching football; and sometimes not doing anything; and it was nice. God greatly blessed me through John and Julie, Melanie and Michelle.
I challenge you to be aware of those around you. At church, work, school, Rotary, home owners associations, and anywhere else you go. There are people all around us that need that home feel that only other like minded people can provide. I know there are some at my church.
Wednesday
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
When we moved to Indiana, one thing I looked forward to was the seasons. Growing up in east Tennessee, I had experienced all four and knew the differences. My Texan family didn't know what they were getting into.
I came home from work one glorious fall afternoon the first year. Blue skies and crisp 50 something degrees. Sun roof open, and singing with the radio, i was surprised to enter the house and find my bride curled up on the couch with a sweatsuit on and a blanket wrapped around her. She welcomed me home by saying "I don't like these Indiana winters at all". My immediate thought was you really won't like January (and we did see 6 below that winter too). We are fortunate in that we turned up the heat and bought appropriate clothes (including shoes with toes for Tracy) and we've adapted pretty well.
But not all are in a position to adapt as well as we did. I have noticed in general fewer homeless people here than I used to see in Houston. Initially I assumed it was due to a combination of things like fewer job opportunities to draw the hopeful, coupled with an atmosphere where it's easier to care for others in a small community. But I think it's also those "Indiana winters".
I don't have an example of sharing with a shivering person, but I pray this lesson will lead to increased awareness of others and action this year to help someone who I may have previously ignored. I hope someone reading this joins me in this quest.
Thursday
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
Sitting in an oncology center with 20 or more strangers going through some form of cancer treatment, you realize one constant in the human condition. None of us have control. Some have a faith anchor and loving family surrounding them, and some even appear to be healthy. But some are alone – in more ways than one. After spending four weeks over four months with Tracy as doctors and nurses worked diligently to drive her leukemia away, I realized what a blessing it was to speak to those in treatment around us. To hear their stories, see some fear, reassure some, and be reassured by others, and realize how fortunate we are, but knowing my face is showing them the same concerns and worries that they are feeling in times like these.
I challenge you today and into the future to be aware of the health challenges your friends, neighbors and acquaintances are facing. Make the time to go and see them, to be with them as they undergo treatment. Don't leave them to unknown strangers to share their journey. They may need you to remind them of the faith they have, or give them a hope to lean on. You make a difference when you give yourself.
Friday
I was in prison and you came to me.
The boy, now a man, had made mistakes. He had made poor choices in friends and in his studies. He made the same choices some very successful people have made in regards to drinking, smoking and youthful experimentation with illegal substances. But his experimentation became a habit, and he was caught. He managed to get probation, but didn't keep up his part of the deal and ended up surrendering several months of his life to the county jail. And every week his mother made the trek to see him. No one else on earth was as committed to staying with the young man – to striving to encourage him and set him on the right path.
This young man could be most any one of the first offenders or regular guests in a county jail by you. And I have not gone to visit him (or his parents, for they are also in a prison by their own son's making.)
God calls us to care for those in prison, but I don't know if I can be that minister. Can you?
Sent from Jim's iPad.
DISCLAIMER:
+++The information transmitted is intended only for designated recipient(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and do not retain but destroy any copies of this document.+++.
Monday
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
It was about 20 years ago a small and relatively new church decided to do missions one year in an up close and personal way. It wasn't just a check they were after, but it was to teach members what missions was. Each of the church staff selected a ministry need and developed a project around it that resulted in church members DOING missions. I'm embarrassed to say that I don't remember all the projects, but I remember Loaves and Fishes.
It was fun meeting at church and riding downtown to one of the areas tourists avoid and sharing fellowship in the small crowded kitchen as we prepared food. I worked on the salad tearing heads of lettuce into small pieces and filling a large bowl. Soon however it became a more serious business as we moved to serve a meal to homeless people. They lined up quietly; most avoiding eye contact. And to my surprise, it wasn't just men. Women, and even children queued up. These were people just like me and my family, who by misfortune or poor decisions found themselves in a situation of need that no parent would ever envision for their child.
It was a sobering honor to serve these people a meal and realize the rich blessing I have and catch a glimpse of how I look to my Savior. In a situation I really cannot control with so little to offer and so deep a need.
I still pray for this ministry, and I can never look at the homeless the same way.
I understand a little bit of what Jesus means when He says feeding them is like feeding Him, but the blessings I received from giving so little has blessed me so much. I pray each of you will have an experience some day where you see yourself as needy as we would be without Jesus.
Tuesday
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was 23, and just out of college knowing so much more than I do now. But I was almost 1,000 miles from home and separated from my wife and heading towards a divorce. Houston was a huge place compared to my home in Tennessee, and I felt like I didn't know anybody. I slipped into the closest Baptist church and somehow met John. He was an old guy of maybe 40 who was married, had two high school aged daughters and he needed help leading RAs. In being drafted into that service, I gained a family. Before long I was spending time at his home regularly. Sometimes planning for next Wednesday; sometimes tutoring algebra; sometimes changing a ceiling fan; sometimes watching football; and sometimes not doing anything; and it was nice. God greatly blessed me through John and Julie, Melanie and Michelle.
I challenge you to be aware of those around you. At church, work, school, Rotary, home owners associations, and anywhere else you go. There are people all around us that need that home feel that only other like minded people can provide. I know there are some at my church.
Wednesday
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
When we moved to Indiana, one thing I looked forward to was the seasons. Growing up in east Tennessee, I had experienced all four and knew the differences. My Texan family didn't know what they were getting into.
I came home from work one glorious fall afternoon the first year. Blue skies and crisp 50 something degrees. Sun roof open, and singing with the radio, i was surprised to enter the house and find my bride curled up on the couch with a sweatsuit on and a blanket wrapped around her. She welcomed me home by saying "I don't like these Indiana winters at all". My immediate thought was you really won't like January (and we did see 6 below that winter too). We are fortunate in that we turned up the heat and bought appropriate clothes (including shoes with toes for Tracy) and we've adapted pretty well.
But not all are in a position to adapt as well as we did. I have noticed in general fewer homeless people here than I used to see in Houston. Initially I assumed it was due to a combination of things like fewer job opportunities to draw the hopeful, coupled with an atmosphere where it's easier to care for others in a small community. But I think it's also those "Indiana winters".
I don't have an example of sharing with a shivering person, but I pray this lesson will lead to increased awareness of others and action this year to help someone who I may have previously ignored. I hope someone reading this joins me in this quest.
Thursday
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
Sitting in an oncology center with 20 or more strangers going through some form of cancer treatment, you realize one constant in the human condition. None of us have control. Some have a faith anchor and loving family surrounding them, and some even appear to be healthy. But some are alone – in more ways than one. After spending four weeks over four months with Tracy as doctors and nurses worked diligently to drive her leukemia away, I realized what a blessing it was to speak to those in treatment around us. To hear their stories, see some fear, reassure some, and be reassured by others, and realize how fortunate we are, but knowing my face is showing them the same concerns and worries that they are feeling in times like these.
I challenge you today and into the future to be aware of the health challenges your friends, neighbors and acquaintances are facing. Make the time to go and see them, to be with them as they undergo treatment. Don't leave them to unknown strangers to share their journey. They may need you to remind them of the faith they have, or give them a hope to lean on. You make a difference when you give yourself.
Friday
I was in prison and you came to me.
The boy, now a man, had made mistakes. He had made poor choices in friends and in his studies. He made the same choices some very successful people have made in regards to drinking, smoking and youthful experimentation with illegal substances. But his experimentation became a habit, and he was caught. He managed to get probation, but didn't keep up his part of the deal and ended up surrendering several months of his life to the county jail. And every week his mother made the trek to see him. No one else on earth was as committed to staying with the young man – to striving to encourage him and set him on the right path.
This young man could be most any one of the first offenders or regular guests in a county jail by you. And I have not gone to visit him (or his parents, for they are also in a prison by their own son's making.)
God calls us to care for those in prison, but I don't know if I can be that minister. Can you?
Sent from Jim's iPad.
DISCLAIMER:
+++The information transmitted is intended only for designated recipient(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and do not retain but destroy any copies of this document.+++.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Caleb - Believer
Topic: Believe
Scripture: Joshua 14:13-14
Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance… because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel.
Devotion:
As we reach the end of this series on Caleb, we move to the “B”s. Brave, Bold, Believer, looked Beyond, model Behavior, and Barely known come to mind. I’ve been thinking of Caleb, the Believer.
C – Conflicting
A – Available
L – Layman
E – Example
B – Believe
How easy is it to believe? The engineer in me wants to have proof. I like facts, figures, pictures or anything that helps demonstrate the truth. In my job, it’s necessary and appropriate, but in my spiritual life, that doesn’t always work. In James 11:1, faith is described as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
If ever anyone from the Old Testament embodied this, it would be Caleb. He believed Moses could bring the Israelite people out of Egypt. He believed they could survive in the desert. He believed they could conquer the giants in the Promised Land. He was about 40 when they left Egypt so no telling how long he had believed he would be released. He wandered through the desert for a couple of years eating mostly manna believing he would reach the Promised Land. He believed that his people could defeat the giants, because God had already said the land was theirs. For Forty years he believed that God would give him land, and the power to take it, and God rewarded his faith.
What are the things God has promised us that we should believe in? Do I always believe in them? Am I willing to wait a couple of years for His answer? Am I able to wait 40 years without giving up?
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Caleb - Example
Topic: Example
Scripture: Joshua 14: 6-9
Now the people of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.’
Devotion:
As we reach “E” I came up with Enduring, Eternal perspective, Exciting, Exactly the same, Excuse free, and Extremist - but I chose Example.
C – Conflicting
A – Available
L – Layman
E – Example
B –
What do you want written on your tomb stone? The internet is full of funny epitaphs.
· Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake. Stepped on the gas instead of the brake.
· I told you I was sick.
· He never killed a man that didn’t need killing.
· Here lies an atheist, all dressed up and nowhere to go.
· The children of Israel wanted bread, and the good Lord sent them manna, Old man Wallace wanted a wife, And the devil sent him Anna.
In many cases today, it seems that names and dates alone are most common. This led to the phrase, “It’s all about the dash” meaning the life lived between birth and death are all you really have, and the memory others have of your life is all you really leave behind. I thought of that as I read Caleb’s conversation with Joshua. In particular:
I brought him back a report according to my convictions… I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.
If that’s not an example to aspire to, I don’t know what is. Whether we realize it or not, whether we want it or not, we are examples to the people around us. The only thing we can influence is what kind of example we are.
Today, I’m asking myself, do I follow God wholeheartedly, and does that fill me with the convictions He would have me exhibit? And what kind of an example am I? Will I be able to honestly write that I “followed my Lord wholeheartedly and lived according to my convictions” on my grave stone?
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