What are you seeking?

Reading: Isaiah 55-57 and Acts 7

Scripture: Isaiah 55:6-7, Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Thoughts: I always need this reminder. We need to seek God while we still can. Romans 1:28 reminds us that we will be turned over to our sins if we do not repent and turn from them. I feel like if we have gotten to the point of being turned over to our own desires it will be very hard to turn around and start seeking God. We need to seek him when we can and with all we have so that we are not being led astray. The evil one does not try to get you to turn your back on God. However, just as a magnet near a compass can lead us away from true north, once we are a ways down the road, we start to see how far off course we are. Seek God daily that we can reset ourselves to the true north the (Lord my) Banner, that rally point.  

Prayer: Lord God, you are the banner, the rallying point that we need to reach. I thank you that you are the banner that I can fix my gaze on. That place to strive to. I thank you for the blessings and provisions that you have for us. I ask that you help me to be wise and steward them well. You are worthy of all praise and honor.

Dirty little mess

Reading: Isaiah 52-54, Psalm 102, and Acts 6

Scripture: Isaiah 52:11, Depart, depart, go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves, you who bear the vessels of the Lord.

Thoughts: In the Old Testament when I hear the vessels of the Lord it makes me think of all the things that the Levites had to carry for the tabernacle. And like when Uzza touched the Ark to keep it from falling because they had it on a cart and not being carried on the poles. They needed to be prepared to do the work. Isaiah is saying to purify yourself before you take up the vessels. We as the Temple of the Most High God, we need to be cleansed. Yes, when Jesus died on the cross and rose again three days later, he took our filthy rags and clothed us in white, but every day we make choices, and there are some that we need to lay at His feet, repent, and purify ourselves. What is in our lives that is disqualifying us from our calling that we need to turn from and leave it at the cross?

Prayer: Father God, I am not worthy to do your work on my own. I thank you for the forgiveness that You offer through Your Son’s sacrifice. I thank you that you are a loving father who forgives. I thank you for the blessings and provisions that you give us. I ask that you help me to steward them well. I ask that my anger and roughness be smoothed by your love. Lead me and guide me, Lord.

Dishonor on your whole family! Dishonor on you! Dishonor on your cow!

Reading: Isaiah 50-51, Psalm 58, and Acts 5

Scripture: Acts 5:41, Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.

Thoughts:  I know that it is easy to thrive when things are good and everyone likes you. In this social media world we live in, it is easy to spiral into depression even when we don’t invite attention by being counterculture. We are called to spread the Gospel and it is at its core offensive. The Gospel tells us we are deprived and that the only way is through God’s gift. Are we willing to rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer dishonor for His name?

Prayer: Father God you are worthy of all praise. I thank you that I have the opportunity to be your light. I ask that you help me to get over my fears and inadequacies that I can shine brightly for you and point the world to the one who saves.

You are Worthy

Reading: Isaiah 48-49 and Acts 4

Scripture: Acts 4:29 ESV, And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,

Thoughts: Here in the United States, we have been insulated from most of the persecution and hate towards Christ and His Church. We have the freedom to speak without fear of prosecution by the government. Yet here in the last few months, there has been a tremendous increase in attempts and attacks on people of faith. There is a war coming, Peter and John after having all the threats and things happen to them they turned around and asked God for more boldness to continue to share the gospel. We get a negative comment about a post, and we shrink away from the fight. Be bold and seek more boldness so that the world will know who God is and what His Son did on the cross.

Prayer: Father God, you are worthy to have your name problems from the rooftops and the street corners. You give us the strength and ability to do so. I ask that you help me overcome my own fears and inadequacies in proclaiming your glory. Help me to be the light you have called me to be. To you be all the glory and honor.

But what I do have

Reading: Isaiah 46-47, Acts 3, and Psalm 35

Scripture: Acts 3:6, But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”

Thoughts: As an American, even when I was at my poorest, I had access to food, clean water and so sort of roof over my head. We are one of the richest nations in the world, we live in such opulence that we must rent extra space to store our stuff, and we throw our leftover food, or there is food in our homes that spoils because it was unused. Peter and John were dependent on fellow believers to provide them with what they needed. But just like the widow who gave her last pennies, or the widow who provided Elisha with a pancake with the last of their flour and oil, they gave all they had. What do we have? Some of us have the financial abilities to give and share, and others may only be able to serve and give what God has given to them. Yet we are all called to give and share God’s love and the Gospel. What are you going to do with what you have?

Prayer: All mighty God, Prince of peace, I thank you that you do own the cattle on a thousand hills. I thank you for giving us access to your storehouses and your power. You have granted us the authority to raise and to tear down. I ask that you help me to steward the blessings that you have given me well that I can glorify you with that which you have given me. I ask for the wisdom to walk in your way. I ask that you help me get out of my own way so that I may serve you better.

I know you!!

Reading: Isaiah 44-45 and Acts 2

Scripture: Isaiah 45:4, For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know me.

Thoughts: Today, this passage resonated with me like Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” The idea that an all-powerful God knows me, formed me, and named me even when I didn’t want anything to do with him. Isaiah was talking about Cyrus the leader of a nation before he was born. Cyrus was a leader who was pivotal in restoring Jerusalem and the Temple after Babylon took Israel out of the promised land. If God can call out an unbeliever and use them to bring back his temple, how much more can we do if we are seeking God’s will?

Prayer: Lord God, ruler of all creation, maker of all things, I thank you that you allow us to be a part of your plan. I thank you for my family. I thank you for the blessings you pour out on us. I ask that you help me to steward them well. Help me to be the light you need me to be. Open my eyes to the next steps you have for me that I can continue to walk in your ways. Lead me and guide me, help me to overcome the anger, and hurt in my life that I can be a kind loving father and emulate you.

Is it time

Reading: Isaiah 42-43, Psalm 82, and Acts 1

Scripture: Acts 1:7, He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.

Thoughts: As the wars, rumors of war, famines, and pandemics happen, there are so many out there trying to put a date and time on things. I do believe that we need to live as if the end will be here any second. If you knew that the world was going to end in the next 30 minutes who would you tell and what would you tell them? Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We need to be willing to share God’s love at all costs and at all times. We do not know the day and time of Christ’s return yet we are given the ability to recognize the signs to know there is not much left to be done before the end can happen. Let us live as one who know the end is close and not sit back watching the world burn when we know the one who can save them from the flames.

Prayer: Father God you are the creator of all things, you are the beginning and the end. You know the time when your Son shall return. I thank you that there is a plan and that you have been leading us. I ask that you help me to hear your voice and step out when I need to step out. To lead when I need to lead and follow when in need to follow. Open my eyes and help me to see the next step.

Preparing for the battle

Reading: Isaiah 40-41 and John 21

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31, but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Thoughts: As we enter into battle there is always the need for a reminder of where our strength comes from. Even though we are promised His strength and power we also need not to sit back and not prepare. Yes, we wait on the Lord but what are we doing in that waiting? We need to put down the remote, get off the couch, and prepare for what is coming. The enemy is much stronger than we are and God is going to work through us but if we are not bearing fruit now then how is He going to multiply what is not there? Get in the Word, seek out others who will sharpen you and you can sharpen them. We are meant for community and depending on what the community looks like around you will determine the fruit you bear and if it is worthy of being multiplied by God.

Prayer: Lord God You are worthy, I praise you, let your will be done in my life, in the life of my family, in my Job, and in this world. Shine your light on me and may I reflect your glory. I ask that you lead me to the people in my life who need to be there and will help me grow, and help me to see those I need to cut out. Help me to bear fruit, grow in discipline in body and mind. Mold me into the warrior you have created me to be.

Peace is leading to War

Reading: 2 Kings 20, Isaiah 38-39, Psalm 134, and John 20

Scripture: Isaiah 39:8, Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my days.”

Thoughts: As much as Hezekiah looked at the near future of peace in his day, I feel like many Christians over the last 4 decades or more have been doing much of the same. Growing up in the church I remember the conversations about the Lamb of God, but I rarely heard about the Lion of Judah. The Jews in the day were so focused on looking for the warrior Messiah that they missed the Lamb, today I feel like we have gotten so fixated on the Lamb that we are missing the Lion, the warrior who is raising up an army. Yes, we can look back at Scripture and see the Lamb everywhere, but we can also see the Lion. We are called to be the Army that He raises up in the end days. Even if today is not the end days it is our end days. We all have a finite number of days are we joining the Army, are we putting on the armor, taking up the sword and shield? Are we prepared to stand up and declare our faith even when faced with death? Here in America up until recently there really was not much worry about that but over the last months, the attacks on God’s people have escalated. Where is your armor, shield, and sword?

Prayer: Lord God, you are the Commander-in-Chief above all commanders. You know the war that we are in and the war that is coming. Our battle is not of flesh and blood but of spirit. I ask that you help us put on our armor. Open our eyes to the chinks that we have put or developed because we are not putting it on properly. You are the Jehovah Nissi, our banner, the rally point that we can reorient ourselves to, that we can be effective in our battle. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven help me to walk out your will.

Plate of responsibility

Reading: 2 Kings 19, 2 Chronicles 32, and John 19

Scripture: John 19:26-27, When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

Thoughts:  In biblical times the eldest son was responsible for his parents. Even more so when the father is gone and it is just the mother. When every breath is agony and takes great strength to breathe let alone speak Jesus did not just leave it up to his family to figure out what was needed, Jesus took the energy to push himself up on the nail in his feet and delegated the responsibility of the care of his mother and in turn the family to John. There are many responsibilities that have been put on our plates. We need to understand and seek God’s wisdom on which we are to pick up and which we are to toss aside. I have been at my place of employment for nearly 4 years and most of that time I have also been on the safety team. Not much added work but over the last few months between home stresses and changes at work I felt it was time to set aside that extra work and focus on God in my time away from my normal duties. God is my provider, my strength and He leads me. Sometimes it is to walk through a door and sometimes it is to back out. We need to open our ears to hear what God is telling us to pick up or toss.

Prayer: Oh Father God our provider, you are worthy of all praise, you are the banner that is our rally point. You are the one to look to the one to seek and follow. You are the great I AM. I thank you for working in me, you are helping me to bridle my anger and emotions. I ask that you meek me like a praise stallion. Help me to keep my power under control that it may be used for your glory that your peace can flow from me and be a light to the world.

We have a cup to drink

Reading: Isaiah 36-37 and John 18

Scripture: John 18:11, So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

Thoughts: After the events of September 10 and the death of Charlie Kirk, the words of Jesus took on a new place in my heart. We have all been called to share God’s love with the world around us. Just as Jesus knew that His life was coming to an end and that His cup to bear was one of humiliation and death on a cross, Charlie knew that there was always a possibility that something could happen to him one day. This was made clear by his wife’s words at his memorial. She talked about how Jesus forgave with his dying breaths, and that Charlie would have forgiven the shooter and so did she. When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior we are accepting the cup given to us. We do not know what that cup will look like that way Jesus did We have a cup, will we heed the call and drink from that cup?

Prayer:  Lord God, you are so wonderful. Your mercies abound every day. I thank you for all you are doing in me. I thank you for sending your Son so that we have a way to connect with you. I thank you that you are working on me. I ask for the strength to drink that cup you gave me, I ask for help keeping you at the center of my life and at the center of my family. Help me to remove those things that are not of you and seek you every day.

Where are your blessings?

Reading: 2 Chronicles 30-31 and John 17

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 31:9 And Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites about the heaps.

Thoughts: As Hezekiah called for the reinstatement of tithes, offerings, sacrifices, and feasts, the Levites did not seem to know what to do with it all and simply piled it up. They were not holding any reverence for the things given to God. We are blessed by God in many ways. When looking at the blessings how are we looking at them? Do we look at them as luck or what I deserve? I have that nice car out in the driveway because I worked hard, saved, and was responsible with my money. Or did God provide you with that car? How are we using that blessings are we hoarding them in a heap that others can see our heaps or are we blessing others? No matter if it’s a car, a house, or a meal we are called to be good stewards of what God has given us. What does your stewardship look like?

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, you are the one who created all things and own all things. You are so generous that you grant us the ability to come to you and ask for our needs. I thank you that you are continually opening the storehouses of heaven and taking care of us. I thank you for my family and the joy that they bring. I ask that you help me open my eyes and walk in your ways. Remove the selfishness in my heart and help me to remember that it is all yours and that you will provide all that I need.

Clean out the Temple

Reading: 2 Kings 18, 2 Chronicles 29, and John 16

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 29:5 and said to them, “Hear me, Levites! Now consecrate yourselves, and consecrate the house of the Lord, the God of your fathers, and carry out the filth from the Holy Place.

Thoughts: Israel had its ups and downs, when it came to following the Lord. One king would seek God, and another would chase after gods of other nations. Israel has been referred to as a stiff-necked people. We are the temple now and no matter if we have just come to faith or we have been walking with the Lord for years it is easy to fill our temple with filth. As a man, I have everything in boxes. I have my work box over here, my 'need to fix' box over there, my wife box, and my God box. I don’t like them mixing, so I try to keep them all separated. What I am learning and struggling with is that the God box is the box that everything else fits into and I need to learn to let him into the other boxes and remove some of these boxes that are not of God. I have a lust box and a swearing box and an evil thoughts box that all need to be tossed out. In this passage, Hezekiah was calling the Levites to clean out the filth of the temple what filth are we still carrying in us?

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for another day, I thank you for the beauty of the land that you have given us, I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you have given us. I ask that you help me to steward those blessings well. I thank you that you are always with me even when I turn my back and do my own thing. I know you have plans for my life and for my family that I do not know. I ask that you help me to remove the filth from my life and help me to seek you more. Mold my heart and mind into one that reflects your glory.

Pruning

Reading: 2 Kings 17, Isaiah 35, Psalm 8, and John 15

Scripture: John 15:1-2 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

Thoughts: Although I haven't done extensive gardening or worked with fruit trees, I have observed that plants left to grow wild often produce an abundance of fruit, while others yield almost nothing. I was thinking about the talents and gifts we possess and what we do with them. I have been neglecting my time in the Word, neglecting my journaling, and sharing. Am I still bearing some fruit that I may be pruned that I may bear more fruit or have I become so stagnant that I stopped bearing fruit and am in danger of being taken away?

Prayer: Lord God, you are wonderful and your glory shines throughout creation crying out that you exist. You are worthy of all our praises. I thank you for all you are doing and the pruning you are doing in my life and in my heart. I ask that you continue to prune and remove the things that are not of you. You are the image I long to reflect. Please bring people into my life who can help me to smooth my edges and grow in my ability to reflect your light and love to the world.

What are we stealing from the Temple?

Reading: 2 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28, Psalm 113, and John 14

Scripture: 2 Kings 16:8, Ahaz also took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the Lord and in the treasures of the king’s house and sent a present to the king of Assyria.

Thoughts: As I read this passage for the third time today, trying to hear something from God. My mind went to 1 Corinthians 6:19, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.” If we are the Temple (House of the Lord) and we have Holy Spirit living in us, then our abilities and gifts are the silver and gold of the Temple. I know that I have squandered that gold and silver in the past. The question is, are we stealing what belongs to the Lord and giving it to the world or even the evil one?

Prayer: Father God, you are worthy of all praise and honor and glory. I thank you for all that you are doing in my life. I thank you for the provision and blessings even when I’m not stewarding them as I should. I thank you for my wife and children. I ask that you help me to use my talents and gifts for you and not for my glory or for the world. You are the creator and giver of all things you own the cattle on a thousand hills. I play you lead us and guide us all our days.