The Last Word

Bible Reading: Revelation 10-22

Scripture
12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (Revelation 122:12-21)

Observation 

Today's selection of reading crosses the finish line for our year-long journey.  In the reading we celebrate the victory of God over the enemy, the thousand-year reign, the judgement of Satan.  Then the dead are resurrected and all are sorted according to who's name is written in the Lambs book of life.

But wait, there's more!  God declares "I am making everything new!" And so he creates a new heaven and a new earth.  This earth has no sea.  (To make room for all who have their names written in the lambs book of life?)  Then he shows John New Jerusalem.  And just like the ark, the tabernacle, and the temples of old, this new dwelling place of God has been lovingly described.  The bible calls it "The bride" and invites all who stay to the wedding feast.

Finally, John steps aside and holds open the temporal curtain so that Jesus can speak directly to us.  The last words in the bible are an invitation to come and warning not to change or take away anything written within.  It's His last chance to speak to us through his written word to all nations, and He says "I am coming soon!"

There is so much here.  So much more than I can unpack in one devotional.  (And honestly, my personal understanding of the book of revelation is elementary)  Here's what I know in broad strokes though:  He promises to hold all of us to account for the things we've done.  No one escapes it - not even Satan.  And when the old accounts are settled, he's going to give us our reward.

Application

How then do we live?  Who should we fear?  What is important?

God wrote it all down through prophets and apostles so that we would have a template.  He gave us history, to learn from our past.  He gave us books of wisdom so we could learn from each other.  He gave us prophesy to learn to trust what he said as the truth.  He even gave us a peek at the end so we could not say we didn't know what his purpose was.  He's laid all his cards on the table and said his final word on the subject.

The only question left is when.   When will this happen?  Here is what Jesus said about it:

36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,but only the Father.37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

(Matt. 24:36-44)

Prayer

Lord, I pray a blessing on your word, that it doesn't return void, but accomplishes what you designed it to do.  Come soon!

Bad Habits

Bible Reading: 2 Peter 1-3,  Jude 1

Scripture

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters,make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  (2 Peter 1:3-10)

Observation

This set of verses address our effectiveness as Christians once we've been saved.  All of us have stories of people who claim to be Christian, but then don't act very Christ-like.

What is the foul up?  How  is it that we can say the prayer and really mean it, but not show it in our lives?

Great Question!  It's one that's reflected and explored in Romans chapters 8-9 when Paul says "What I don't want to do, this I keep on doing!"  This isn't a radical thought, it's reflected in many other places in scripture, Rom, 12:2 says "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.   Paul addresses this in Philippians 2:12-13, when he says "Work out your salvation in fear and trembling, for it is God who causes you to will and to act according to his good purpose."  The whole "working out" part is this the practical application of God's character into our nature.  Jesus said that we should be "quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry" (James 1:19) and this is the critical moment where we hold our own gut reaction and on purpose exchange that sinful part of our nature, and submit it to the Lord.  2 Cor. 10:4-5  tells us to hold every thought captive.

Application

Have you ever tried to break a habit?  First you catch yourself doing it and stop after the fact and try to make it right.  After a while, you catch yourself in the act of doing it, and change your actions.  Before too long you catch yourself just as you are ABOUT to do it, and avoid it.  Then, finally you realize one day that you only thought about doing that thing, and didn't do it.  This is basic behavior modification in action.  But it starts with a commitment to stop sinful thoughts and behaviors and exchange them for Godly ones.

The promise is a "rich welcome" in heaven for the long-term.  For the short-term, we will be effective and productive here on earth.  Don't you want the father to say "Well done, thou good and faithful servant"  (Matt. 25:23) instead of calling us "shortsighted and blind"?

Prayer

Father, I pray for your Holy Spirit within me to activate and change me from the inside out.  I pray for your grace as I fail at this, for your patience with me as I make the same mistakes.  But Lord, I know that you aren't done with me, that you will continue to work in me as I struggle to submit my will to yours.  I pray I make you happy with my progress, and ask that you find ways to encourage me and keep me motivated.  I pray and ask this in your Holy Name.  Amen.

House Rules

Scripture:Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 1-6

14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:14-15)

6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. (1 Timothy 4:6)

Observation:

You've become a Christian.  You heard the gospel, you said the prayer and you are now a member of God's family... now what?  Adoption into a new family means that there are new rules to learn.  Every family has them, even God's.

I love that we aren't left to ourselves to figure it out.  He first sent His son, to teach us and show us... then sent the Holy Spirit to live inside us and direct us from within.  The bible says that The Spirit searches out the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2:10).   But He doesn't stop there, he also provided us with his Word, and books with in it like the one we read today to teach us.

There is a movement within the church to tolerate all kinds of behavior that directly opposes scripture and these "family rules".    Let's face it, living a Godly life in today's culture is very unpopular.  We don't want to offend, exclude, or prohibit people from coming into the family, nor do we want to seem as though we are narrow-minded or exclusive.  And tragically, this compromises our fellowship with Him when we pick and choose which parts of His Word we are willing to acknowledge and live.

Application:

My challenge to you is to look at the book Paul wrote to Timothy, imagine it was written today... to you.  What sections do you find the most challenging?  What parts resonate and encourage you?  It might feel overwhelming to think of  these standards in your common every day experience,  and you may feel like you don't measure up.

But let me encourage you to trust that the God who saved you, who has a plan and a purpose, has reasons for the rules he sets up.  The Holy Spirit who lives inside of you and searches out the deeper things will teach you, will be your guide as you navigate the transformation of your salvation. (Philippians 2:12-13). 

 Trust Him.

Prayer:

Lord I think you for your love.  I thank you for that amazing thing you did in sending your son who surrendered to the cross, and bridged the gap so that we could call you Father.  I thank you for your Spirit, the part of you that dwells in side of us, so that we are never alone.  Holy and Triad God, I ask that you complete the work inside of us that began with that initial prayer of repentance.  Amen.

What I Am

Bible Reading: Acts 24-26

Scripture:

24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”  (Acts 26:24-29)

Observation:

Paul knew the end was coming.  He had been warned a few chapters back that he would be captured and imprisoned if he went into Jerusalem.  And still he went.

In this section he has been passed up and up the food chain, no one willing to kill a Roman Citizen, Paul requests to speak to Cesar.  At this point in the journey he is speaking to Festus and Agrippa.  They don't understand him, and call him insane.  Instead of justifying his actions or pleading for his release, he presents the gospel.

Application:

Can I say of my life, as Paul did, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

I can gratefully count myself as one of those who "are listening" to Paul, so many centuries later.   I count myself as one who - like him - is  changing from what I was into "What I Am".

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the work of the Holy Spirit who moves within us and compels us to be more like you!  Amen

Affliction

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 10-13

Scripture:

7b  Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Observation:

Paul suffered from an affliction that he never names.  Many have speculated that it had something to do with his eyes.  There are even many bread crumbs dropped in scripture that support this theory.  Acts 9:30 describes his Damascus Road conversion that includes a bright light.  It was bright enough that he was many days recovering.  Gal. 4:13-14 talks about a "bodily condition".  Gal. 4:15 Paul says, "I know you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me."  Implying that he would have need of new eyes.  Gal. 6:11 says "See what large letters I use as I write you with my own hand."  (As an aside it was common then to dictate to a scribe, where the author would sign the closing greetings.)

In today's reading Paul confesses that he's prayed for this affliction (whatever it was) to pass three times before he heard from God.  And when he did, it wasn't what he wanted to hear.  "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Application:

There is a trap that I believe many of us fall into; a lie we want to believe that says "If I love  and obey God well enough, He won't let bad things happen to me."  When you say it out loud like that it's easy to see the fallacy in it.  After all, He didn't spare Job, Joseph or even his own son from terrible things.

It's wrong of course but still, we persist in thinking this way because it's the way we strive to treat our own kids.  It's the treatment we want for ourselves.  We trap ourselves into attaching our feelings of being loved to the level of our comfort.

When each of these  men looked back on their particular afflictions, and tried to make sense of what had happened in their life, Job said "should we accept good from God and not trouble?"  Joseph said "What you meant for evil, God meant for good."   Jesus said "If it be possible, let this cup pass.  Never the less, not my will but thine be done."

God told Paul "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  It seems that it was the perfect thing to answer Paul's inner struggles on the matter because he got it.  It made sense to him and he turned his frustration over.  The affliction became the thing he boasted in for it gave him the assurance that he would still be useful to the Lord, that "his power may rest on me."

I don't know where you are in your journey.   Are you going through trials?  Have you asked for God to take it way?  Do you doubt that he hears you?  Have you fallen into the trap of thinking that the terrible thing you are facing is because he doesn't love you?   Are you broken, sick, lonely, tired or afraid?  I confess that I have thought all of those things.

I entreat you to keep talking to Him about it though.  He will have answers for you, if you don't walk away.

Prayer:

Lord, forgive me for the times I've caught myself measuring your love for me by the events in my life.  I am so grateful for your Spirit that reassures me of your love, independent of the events that shadow me.

I pray also for those who are in crisis, that you would speak to them in their weakness and show them the sufficiency of your power over their circumstances.  I pray that their faith would deepen during this trial and they would come to know you better and trust you even more.  Amen

Let's Talk Turkey

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 5-8

Scripture:Concerning food sacrificed to Idols:

6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 7 But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. 8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12 When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall. (1Cor. 8:6-13

Observation:

I couldn't help but use the verse talking about food on the day after Thanksgiving.  We live in such a different time and place from the culture that this was written to that it's easy to dismiss it as not applying to us.  I mean, when was the last time you knew anyone who actually had dinner with food that had been ritually sacrificed to appease one god or another?  It seems ridiculous to us now, but back then this was happening all the time.  Once the animal was dead and the sacrifice made, the leavings went to use.

It was causing problems in the church, to see people eating at these temples, because of the narrow scope of their understanding.  (If you don't recognize the power of a wooden idol, how can the meat have any power?  It doesn't.  So they ate.  But to the ones who were weaker, they saw this behavior (without the understanding) and participated in it.  This played havoc with their faith, messed up their thinking.  Today we have divisions in the church not based on food sacrificed to idols, but because of viewpoints on alcohol, tobacco, how we dress, dancing, etc..

Application:

While the idea of eating meat sacrificed to an idol seems silly to us now, we still have idols today.  We don't sacrifice animals, we sacrifice our time, energy, resources and ambitions to things that lead us away from God.  We don't wear sacrificial robes, instead we wear team colors, gang colors and business attire.

During this Thanksgiving weekend, while you are numbering your blessings and grateful for the things God has given to you, I urge you to invite the Holy Spirit to help you search your life for the things you have made into an idol.  The two tools to pull out and lay on the table beside your bible to help you make this examination accurate, are your calendar and your checkbook.  Where you spend your time and your money indicates where your treasures are.

Prayer:

Lord, Matthew 6:21 tells me: For where my treasure is, there my heart will be also.  Help me father, to invest in you and your kingdom.  Let me be open and listening for what you want done with the resources that are yours through me.  Reveal to me, Lord the places in my life where my thinking has become clouded,teach me understanding through your Word, then give me the courage to follow you.  Amen

Are You Different?

Prayer Focus: Tanzania

Bible Reading: Acts 15-16

Scripture:

5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.”

6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear?11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”  (Acts 15:5-11)

Observation:

For the Pharisee's, much of their pride came in being the "chosen ones".  It was their birthright and circumcision was the outward sign of that they were keeping their end of the covenant .  The thought that others could be added and get the same promise seemed unfair to them.  They wanted to first make the gentiles into Jews, hold them to the same rules and restrictions they'd been striving for for generations.  But the Bible is pretty clear that we are saved by faith and not by what we do or who's family we were born into.  (Romans 3:28-30, 4:5, 5:1, 9:30, 10:4. 11:6; Galatians 2:16, 2:21, 3:5-6, 3:24; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:9)

Application:

It's so easy to take on the "well of course" attitude of hindsight when applying it to this section of scripture.  The adoption of gentiles (anyone not Jewish)  into The Promise (eternal life in heaven) is something that we have all grown up with.  Western culture predicates it's presentation of the "saved by grace" gospel that insists that we aren't saved by our works or by our lineage, but by this amazing thing that Jesus did for us if we only accept it.  Which makes it sound easy, doesn't it?

But there is more.  It's not just saying yes to an invitation, though that's where it starts.  I'd like to point you to one section in this passage that I think that we can do well to remember. Vs 8 and 9 says:

"8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith."

My question to you today, friend, is this:  what is the state of your heart?  Does God indeed know you?  Do you hear his voice and follow him?

Do you sometimes doubt your faith?  There is a way to know!  The giving of the Holy Spirit brings CHANGE (that's the purification the scripture is talking about, characterized by repentance - a turning away from sin).  Are you different after you made the decision to follow Him?

If not, then start asking the question why, and look at the places where you have justified your sin or only expressed regret instead of turning away from it.  Being sorry for sin and repenting of it are different things.  (2 Corinthians 7:10, 1 John 1:9)

Faith, the deposit of the Holy Spirit inside of us, is what makes us acceptable to him; not the laws and rules that we keep or break.  We can't obtain it by cultural or racial birthright either.   Being born in a "Christian nation" or from a "Christian household" isn't enough.

Prayer:

Lord, I pray that you deal with those who come to you with their lips and intentions and draw them into a deeper relationship one  marked by the change of the Holy Spirit. I pray for them as they struggle with doubts, fears, and addictions.  I pray that you guard them from the enemy while they examine if the life they have, is the one they wanted in you.  Give them the courage to reach for more of you and less of the world.

Amen.

Simon The Great

Prayer Focus: Sudan

Bible Reading: Acts 5-8

Scripture:9 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” 11 They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. 12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. (Acts 8:9-13)

18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”  (Acts 8:18-24)

Observation:

It's so easy to be impressed by power, isn't it?  We go to magic shows specifically TO be impressed.  illusionist devote their lives to the study and practice of their art.

It's unclear if Simon actually had a power or if he practiced illusion, but when the apostles came and laid hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit, Simon was so impressed that he wanted to pay to have that power too.  Peter rebukes him quickly, telling him to repent.

Application:

When it's laid out so bare like this, it's obvious that Simon is wrong.  Obvious that he's chasing after fame and after the apostles to learn where they get their power in order to acquire it for himself.  But before I gloss over this, thinking that it doesn't apply to me, I want to look at it closer.

If I am honest with myself, I have to recognize that I like shows of power.  I am hardwired to want to see signs and miracles.  Harry Blackstone, David Copperfield and many more were like Simon, who called themselves "great" and made their living this way.  It's what drew Simon into the apostle's company in the first place.

The difference, of course, is that God sent Jesus and used signs and miracles as proof of his authenticity.  Jesus sent the apostles, and empowered them with the ability to do miracles to prove their authenticity.   The power they used, the source of it,  was from God - not their own.

Simon's sin was the pursuit of the power instead of the pursuit of God.  It's about who get's the glory, right?  When you are a follower of Christ, and using His power to heal, you act as a conduit, then there is no question about who is great or where the power is coming from.  Right?  Yet putting the issue of miracles or magic aside, I know that I have been guilty of first pursuing my power over pursuing God plenty of times.

While I might not apply the use of magic to myself, I totally understand the want for power, for fame.  I understand the desire to make your mark, be called "great" and leave something of yourself that people remember.  It's what makes this sin look so attractive to me.  So, I'm glad this cautionary tale is left for us here.

Prayer:

Lord, please check my life.  Show me where I transpose my glory for yours.  Test me,and show through any means necessary the places where I try to stand up and claim the victories that you've  secured.  Yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.  Amen.

The Cutting Room Floor

Prayer Focus: Spain

Bible Reading: John 14-17

Scripture:

6Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:1-8)

Observation:

It seems to me that no matter if you are producing fruit or not, God will bring out the shears.  The true question is whether you will be cut back or cut off.  There is no escaping the gardener.  Jesus had just said in the chapter before in verse 6, "I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except through me."  The  metaphor here in this section is his word picture to describe this truth.

We are all big fans of the famous John 3:16 verse "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son so that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life"  And that verse talks of the sacrifice that both the Father and the Son made on our behalf.  Where Jesus sacrifices himself for us.  But part of the "remain in me as I also remain in you" part is that we sit still for this pruning process, willingly sacrificing the parts of ourselves that are not in line with the purpose and will of the Father.

When it's done to a healthy plant (in keeping with the metaphor) the sap that carries the nutrients is then diverted to make the plant more productive.  The wounds seal and the vines thicken, making a sturdier structure, more able to support the weight of fruit.  The total shape of the plant reflects the intent of it's purpose.

Application:

This observation of course begs the question, "What does the cutting room floor of my life look like?"  What shape has my life taken?  Have I spent time looking at the choices I've made?  Have I submitted to the gardener and allowed my life to reflect a life that cultivates the fruit of His Spirit?  Galatians 5:22-23 list what those fruits are.  That's the litmus test isn't it?  Do I call myself a Christian?  If I do, am I producing the kind of fruit that pleases God and other's can see?

Prayer:

Father God, I declare you as my gardener.  I submit to you and the weeding and pruning you must do to make me fruitful.  Sometimes it hurts.  Sometimes I really don't understand why you do what you do, or allow things in my life that shape me.  I only know that I trust you.  Help me have the courage to sit still when you pull out the shears.  Help me agree with you on what sin is, and not spin it as something that's not that bad.  Expose the things in my life infected with sin and need cleaning out.  Amen!

The Plan

Prayer Focus: Slovakia

Bible Reading: Matthew 20, Mark 10:32-52, Luke 18:31-43, Luke 19:1-27

Scripture:

31 Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32 He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him;33 they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.” 34 The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about. 35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41“What do you want me to do for you?”“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. (Luke 18:1-43)

Observation:

I've always seen this passage metaphorically as the huddle before the last play.  Jesus calls his disciples over and quietly gives them a heads up on what's going to happen next.  He doesn't want them caught unaware.  Even so, even after explaining it by the numbers, they didn't get it.  The bible says that "the meaning was hidden from them" but when the events of the week unfold and they went over the order of events this moment returned to them (and thus are available for us).

I wonder if this frustrated him, that they didn't get it.  Lots of other scripture in other places give us glimpses into Jesus's frustration with their lack of understanding in general, though it's not specifically mentioned in this passage.  Instead, Jesus keeps his thoughts (disappointment?) to himself and continues his walk toward Jerusalem.

As he passes by Jericho, on the roadside is a beggar, forced to those circumstances by blindness.  He hears the others  talking.  He knows this man called Jesus!  He knows not only who he is by reputation, but also what his destiny is!  He knows what scripture  and prophesy has to say about "The Son of David",  and in the crowd, he calls out "Jesus!  Son of David!"  They try to shush him, but he just yells louder!  He's excited!  Here is the man he has wanted to see with his own eyes,  the man who can heal him.  Change him.

Just as Jesus is passing by and wondering if he's had enough time to impart wisdom and truth to his disciples, he hears this voice in the crowd.  Just as he's wondering  "would they ever get it?" there is a man who blindly sees what his disciples have missed.  Jesus stops in his tracks and locks on to this poor begging man and asks "What would you have me do?"

Application:

I can't help but wonder how often Jesus feels this way about me.  I so often don't get it.  I forget what his big plan really is, cause I get caught up in my own little dramas.  I'm distracted by the by plays that happen on the sidelines or in the bleachers.

I'm grateful that he still does miracles, heals people in front of me.  He reminds me that he has a plan, that even death doesn't stop Him from it.

Prayer:

Lord, may I not be like the ones on the side of the road, squelching and shushing others from coming to you.  Thank you for striving with me, being patent with me while I learn and grow.  And Lord, I especially pray for those who come to you for healing.  Nothing is impossible for you!  Amen!

If You Can?

Prayer Focus: Saudi Arabia

Bible Reading: Matthew 17-18, Mark 9:2-50, Luke 9:28-56

Scripture:

^{14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them.15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.16"What are you arguing with them about?" he asked.17 A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."19"You unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."20  So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?""From childhood," he answered.22"It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."23"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes." 24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again." 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead."27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"29 He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer."  (Mark 9: 17-29)}

Observation:

Jesus has just come from the transfiguration, where he glows physically from the glory of the meeting with Elijah and Moses.  God audibly declares Jesus as his son and that he is pleased with him.  Then commands all who could hear to listen to what Jesus says.   Talk about a heavenly endorsement.  No clever metaphors, no riddles, the voice of God speaking.  This should clinch it, right?  This surely should be all the evidence that they need for belief, right?

Then when he comes down off the mountain, still glowing from the experience, he hears a fight breaking out.  The scene painted is that of a desperate father who has heard that there is a man who heals people, and he's come to get help.  The impression I have - though it's not stated this way - is that his desire for healing is what has brought him to the camp,  not because he's a believer.  When the disciples could not heal his son, he demands to see Jesus.  (I think this is where things got heated), and Jesus steps into the scene asking what's wrong.   But when approached, Jesus keys into the wording of the request, this is what clues him in to what's going on in this father's heart.  "If you can?" He repeats back to the boy's father.  He makes the link between his own faith, and the miracle he's asking Jesus to do.  "Everything is possible for one who believes."  And he heals him.  Later, the disciples come and ask why they couldn't throw out the demon, and Jesus tells them that this kind only comes out by prayer.

Application:

I struggled with this scripture, up to the last moments before hitting the "publish" button.  You see, I have a child who was diagnosed with epilepsy just this year.  I wrestle with why she would have this affliction, and like the parent in the scriptures, I pray for healing too.  The epilepsy hasn't gone away.  The worry and fear chases each other in my mind.

While chewing this out loud for you I can hear the Holy Spirit keying in on the specific words I am using in describing my situation, in much the same way that Jesus did for the distraught father: I "struggle" instead of rest in Him.  I "wrestle" with "worry and fear".  I know I shouldn't.  I know better, but I do it any way.

So I read verse 29 over and over to myself and gain comfort.  "This kind comes out only by prayer."  And that's where I want to leave you, dear friend, in prayer.  When we are praying, we are in conversation with the one who gives us the fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) and they are very things that pull us away from worry and fear.  Sometimes God has reasons that we don't know for not healing, but in all times and places, God has called us to approach Him in faith,  asking and believing.

We leave the answers with Him.

Prayer:

Lord, I believe.  Help my unbelief.

Fill My Cup

Prayer Focus: Russia

Bible Reading: Matthew 12:22-50, Mark 3:22-35, Luke 8:19-21, Luke 11:14-54

Scripture:

33"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:33-37)

Observation:

First off, let me remind you that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  (Rom. 3:23) We are none of us perfect or able to always get it right.  (Rom. 3:10)  What IS right, is the atoning power of Christ who through his gift of grace, became the price for our sin, thereby making a way for us to come to Him.  (Eph. 2:8-9)

Once saved, He adopted us into His family.  As his children, we still screw it up.  (Eph. 1:5)  Being saved doesn't mean we are perfect, suddenly able to always say, do or even think the right things.  It only means that we are forgiven, if we confess and repent so that we don't have to carry the load around with us any more.  (1 John 1:9)

Now, with that said, I'd like to point you to something in this passage that gets me excited.  It's the idea of "storing up".   When the Holy Spirit resides inside of us, it rooms with our own spirit, that tends toward selfishness.  Which side is bigger?

The one we feed.

How can you know?  The bible is pretty clear about the care and feeding of Christians:

Do you give yourself permission to think of yourself and your own wants first? (Mat. 6:33)  Do you harbor and nurse secret sins?  (Prov. 28:13) Do you wallow in self-pity? That is the side that will grow.

Do you discipline yourself by holding every thought captive?  (2 Cor. 10:5) Do you practice  patience, kindness, goodness and self-control?  (Gal. 5:22-23) Do you conform to the world or are you transformed by the renewing of your mind? (Rom. 12:2)

We live in a culture that encourages us to "do what we feel is right", to "be happy", "Have it our way", "Obey our thirst", because "We deserve it".  If we feed the part of us that tends toward selfishness and justification, then the larger part of what will feel right will come out of that.

But if we have stored up on good... well, you get the picture.

Application:

A dear friend of mine gave me a word picture that I think about often.  She said, "Imagine that your life is like a full cup that gets spilled every time you get bumped.  I want my life to be so full of Christ, that when bumped by the world, His grace, His kindness, His mercy is what spills out."

How do you care for the people who are under your authority?  How about the pets that are at your mercy?  Are you the same person with the anonymity of the internet, in the privacy of your car, or over the threshold of your home as you are at church, or in front of people you want to impress?

If the answer to any of those questions makes you squirm, then I'd spend time examining what you are "storing up" inside your heart.

Prayer:

Father God, as I meditate on your word, I pray that my house would stand undivided.  Amen

A New Light

Prayer Focus: Phillipines

Bible Reading: Mt. 4:1-22, Mt.  13:54-58, Mk. 1:12-20, Mk. 6:1-6, Lk. 4:-30, Lk 5:1-11, Jn 1;35-51, Jn 2:-12

Scripture:  

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. 12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali—14to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:15"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—16the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."17From that time on Jesus began to preach, (Matthew 4:11-17)

Observation:

Jesus had just finished 40 days in the desert, fasting, While Satan tempted him.  The bible is full of wry understatements, it says earlier in this passage: “he was hungry.”  While you can only survive three days without water, you can only go 40 days without food.  This means that he was very near death before Satan left him and the angels came to tend to him.  We don’t know if the angels instantaneously healed him or nursed him slowly back to health.  We do know that they stayed with him long enough to give him the news that John was in prison.

This is significant, because it ushers in the beginning of his ministry.

The inaugural speech for this time in history was written generations ago, by Isaiah.  "The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned."  In this verse, Isaiah quotes a psalm  written by King David, generations before HIS time.  Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Application:

We all live in the valley of the shadow of death.  We all know darkness.  But some of you reading today may be so overshadowed, that you can't tell which side is up.  You may feel like you can't navigate through your situation, that the darkness is too debilitating to function.

In John 16:33  Jesus says that "in this life you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world!"  Isaiah, in the reference we read today says "a new light has dawned"

I beg you to take your crisis to the Lord.  Let Him turn on the lights in your path.

When you stumble in the dark for too long, you stop looking up.  It's hard to hope, plan, vision, and imagine when you are so defeated that you can't take your eyes off yourself.

Prayer:

Father, I am so grateful that you have overcome the world.  I pray you increase the hope of those who are reading today, that you would use the rod and staff of your word to guide an goad them into the light.  Amen.

Conviction

Prayer Focus: Pakistan

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 8-10

Scripture:

1 all the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel.  2 So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand.  3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

7 The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there.  8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it cleart and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.  9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.  (Nehemiah 8:1-3,7-9)

Observation:

After years of rebellion and then exile, the people gathered once again within the walls of a newly built Jerusalem.  Ezra read the book of the law in front of them for all to hear.  Then they explained what they read to the people so that all could understand.  The Bible says that they listened attentively to the book of the law.

Upon hearing it, they wept.

I’m sure there are as many reasons for the tears as there were people.  I can speculate on some of the things that moved them.  This was the end of a seventy-year exile.  The return to their homeland reunited some families with the very few who stayed behind as the remnant.  Families would now have land to work, an income and an inheritance to leave behind for their own children.  All of these things are powerful motivations to weep.

However, I would also think that hearing the law read to them awakened something in their spirits: conviction. I think they realized how far astray they’d gone for hundreds of years, and desired to be in a right relationship with their creator. This was more than a dry list of rules.  Crouched in the instructions for worship and daily living, the personality of God, showed through.  His word, kindled them.

Application:

I take courage from this story.  It doesn’t matter how far I think I’ve gone from God, he always provides a way for me to come back to Him.  His word convicts us.  Not convict as in pronouncement of judgment.  But rather, as an internal understanding of right and wrong, because his word is living in us, convincing us.

Prayer:

Father I pray that you convict me of sin, and give me the courage to deal with the consequences of it.  Help me become wise through your word and place in me a longing to understand you.

Such a Time as This

PrPrayer Focus: Nigeria

Bible Reading: Esther 1-5

Scripture:

12 When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai,13 he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape.14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:16 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

17 So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther's instructions. (Esther 4:12-17)

Observation:

Every time I read this scripture, I have to pause and check my heart.  What place has God brought me to?  What thing has God put in my path that requires His help to carry out?  Do I step away, letting God raise up another?  Do I step out in faith and let the results rest with God?

Most of us will never have to petition a powerful man to avert genocide.  But each of us live lives  touched by violence.  Each of us have everyday choices that will either invite us to participate  in it, or stand against it.

Application:

When faced with those tough things in our life, the proper response is prayer and fasting.

Contemporary Christianity doesn’t seem to practice fasting any more.  I wonder what we’ve lost in terms of power in our prayer life because of it.  I urge you to see what God has to say about fasting and prayer.  Discover their links, find out why He calls us to this spiritual discipline.  Search for those answers in the Word, then put it into practice for yourself and see if there is a difference in your prayer life.

I don't know what you are going through.  But I do know that violence touches all of us.  I paraphrase Mordecai "Who knows but that you have come to this place for such a time as this?"

Prayer:

Father God, I pray for those reading this journal entry; that you would draw them to you through whatever circumstance they are in.  Life is messy, and confusing and we have so many voices trying to lead us astray.  I pray you honor those who practice spiritual fasting in the coming days and weeks.  Meet them where they are, give them direction and courage and deepen their faith as they seek you first.  Amen.