Little Christ

Reading: Jeremiah 26, 35-36 and Romans 2

Scripture: Roans 2:3-4, Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

Thoughts:  I know that I will not escape judgment, there are sins in my life. Like Paul, I do the things I do not want to do, and I do not do the things I want to do. I do my best not to judge others for the sins they struggle with, yet we are to call out the sin in others' lives so that they can repent and return to God. This does not mean that like the world thinks, all things are permissible and that we all have our own truth. Paul asked, “Should I sin more that grace may abound?” We are to emulate Christ. Christian means 'little christ,' which was originally a derogatory term for early Christ followers. We are to reflect Him in all that we do be like a little Christ a reflection of Him. Yes, we will fail, yet we are to continually get back up, turn back to God, and seek Him. His great grace and loving kindness are calling us to repentance instead of condemning us as the world does. Though I struggle with anger and lust, they do not define me, and I have to be reminded that I’m not condemned by them, but I do need to strive to be more like Christ when those temptations arise.

Prayer: Lord God, your patience overflows with me, every day I take two steps forward and one step back. I lay my life at your feet; I lay my anger and lust down on the cross. I praise you with all I have, even when it feels inadequate. I thank you for the work you are doing in me. I thank you that as the potter you continue to work me into the vessel that you need me to be. I ask that you help me see the progress and the steps to come.

Approval and Practice

Reading: Jeremiah 23&25 and Romans 1

Scripture: Romans 1:32, Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

Thoughts: After a long list of things that bring judgment from God, there is this passage, “Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” I see this in many churches today, just in the verses preceding that bring up everything from gossip, and homosexuality, to envy and murder. There are those “churches” that will not speak against the things God speaks against, and others actively promote some of the things that God speaks against. I know that even the most trivial on the list like Gossip may be spoken against from the pulpit but is not enforced and has a tendency to run rampant even in the most faithful church. When we read the Word of God we need to be sure what we are reading is accurate, there are so many translations out there that have twisted the translation or paraphrased it to say what the translators want. When you have a good translation if your church teaches something besides what is in the Word it may be time to find somewhere that does not add or subtract from God’s Word.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the Way the Truth, and the Life. Your Son is the only way to you. I thank you for the forgiveness that you gave me through the sacrifice of your Son. You are the beginning and the end. I thank you for leading me to a church that teaches your Word and does not add or take away from any of your commands, your precepts, or your teachings. I thank you that you are leading and guiding me. I ask that you continue to open my mind to a better understanding of your Word as I read and seek you every day.

They are watching?

Reading: 2 Kings 24, Jeremiah 22, Psalm 43, and Acts 28

Scripture: Acts 28:6, They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

Thoughts:  After Paul was bitten by the viper and shook it off, he continued to work, doing what must be done. He did not dwell on what happened or have a pity party complaining about how bad things are. He worked to the glory of God, and as they watched him expecting him to die, they saw God’s work. We go through trials and tribulations and I know how easy it is to want to throw those pity parties and complain about what you are going through, when we do that we are not showing the strength and power of God. I try only to share the things that point to God’s power and glory. It is not in me to be loving and kind in the midst of overwhelming situations, and I know that even with the strength that God has given me I still fall into letting the emotions dictate my reactions and attitude toward the problem. When I take time to focus on Him and seek His wisdom, plans, and peace things go much better and I treat everyone with more love and kindness. What are others seeing when they look at you when you are walking through a storm?

Prayer: Lord God, creator of all things, you are worthy of all I have to give and so much more. I lay my life before you and thank you that you know me. You know the hairs on my head and the groaning of my heart. I thank you for my family and my friends. I thank you for those people you have placed in my life to call me out and be the iron to sharpen me. I ask that you use me in that same way and help others. Help me to be an example and share your love with those around me.

Worthy of all praise

Reading: Jeremiah 19-20, Psalm 146, and Acts 27

Scripture: Psalm 146:1-2, Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Thoughts:  Why is it that I need these reminders to praise God? I get to see the majesty of his creation every day. I enjoy the family and friends that are in my life. I get to taste the abundance of the world around us. I get to smell the rain and the produce of the land. I get to experience His love and affection. I get to experience His rebuke and correction. I get to wake up every day with breath in my lungs. Without God and His loving kindness, His mercy and grace I would be nothing, and I would be going nowhere. I praise God for his love that would not let me stay where I was when I found him. God is worthy of it all and so much more than what I can give.

Evidence of What?

Reading: Jeremiah 17-18 and Acts 26

Scripture: Acts 26:29, And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

Thoughts: Whenever Paul had the opportunity, he would present the gospel, no matter what the situation he found himself in he pointed to God. I have heard it asked many times, “Is there enough evidence to convict you of being a follower of Christ?” We are on trial every day by our coworkers, the traffic you drive home in, our brothers and sisters in Christ, yet if there was a camera following us around would there be evidence of who we say we serve? There is no doubt in my mind that Paul would have the abundant evidence but looking at my life, I know that there are days weeks, and months where there was extraordinarily little evidence. I want that kind of evidence in my life.

Prayer: Lord God, you are worthy of all praise, you are worthy of my whole life. Your presence overwhelms my soul. I thank you for all you have done. I thank you for my family, I thank you for the provisions you pour out on us. I thank you for the wisdom and power to do your work. I ask that you help me to use those for your glory and honor. Help me to steward well those things that you have blessed me with. I place them all in your hands, it was all yours from the beginning.

Appeal to Heaven

Reading: Jeremiah 15-16, Psalm 10, and Acts 25

Scripture: Acts 25:11, If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.

Thoughts: I love this reminder of where my citizenship is, and that we have the right to appeal to our Lord. Paul as a Roman citizen had the right to appeal to Caesar and bring charges against Rome if a wrong had been done to him. Our appeal is not an accusation against God but a plea, a bringing of a situation to the higher power. One of the first flags used in the United States as we battled for our freedom from the British was the “Appeal to Heaven” flag. We have a higher authority to go to when the evil one comes accusing us. He has only come to steal, kill, and destroy and his power to do so only goes as far as we let it. Once we appeal to God and use the authority, He has granted us the evil one must flee. It does not mean he will not come back to attack again; just as when tempting Jesus, the evil one will return at an opportune time. Let us be in constant prayer and keep on the Lord’s armor.

Prayer: Lord God, you are so wonderful, your grace and mercy abound. Your love overflows in my life. I thank you for the covenant you made through your Son and that we have the ability to take up your armor. I ask that you help me remember always to have it on and to be ready to use it when needed.

Incense before the Lord

Reading: Jeremiah 13-14, Psalm 141, and Acts 24

Scripture: Psalm 141:2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!

Thoughts: When the Tabernacle was first introduced, Israel was commanded to keep incense always burning, and the regular evening sacrifices. As I read this and thought about it this is a call to have constant prayer in our lives. I know in Western culture, we were encouraged to busy ourselves to the point that things like prayer get left behind. Like the Steven Curtis Chapman song says, “Let us pray, like breathing out and breathing in, when we finish start again, let us pray.” Prayer should not be something we just do at meals and in the mornings and nights, it needs to be a part of everything we do, it is an ongoing conversation with God at all times. This is one of my biggest challenges, I struggle with keeping God at the forefront of my mind and letting my work and daily worries get in the way of seeking and worshipping God all day. Let my prayer be like the incense of the temple always before God.

Prayer: Lord God, you are worthy of all my praise and all my affection. You are the great I AM you own the cattle on a thousand hills. I thank you that you remind me of where I was and where you are calling me to. That there are progress and growth. I thank you for all your provisions and blessings. I ask that you continue to guide me so that I may steward those things that you have placed in my care. I place my family and finances in your hands.

You can do it!!!

Reading: Jeremiah 11-12, Psalm 97, and Acts 23

Scripture: Jeremiah 12:5, If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?

Thoughts: After Jeremiah had been asking God, “How long is this going to go on” and lamenting over how those who are not following God are prospering. God comes back with If you weary from running with man how will you compete with horses? This is not an admonishment on how we are going but a reminder of what we are capable of with God’s power and authority on our side. When it comes to our situation of living in an RV as our house was built and our land was prepared, in my own power I would have only made it a few months, yet at this point, we are sitting at 17 months living in this travel trailer. It is God’s power and grace that have sustained me and allowed my wife to work through my problems in this small space. We also have had financial things come up in a way where we do not know where the money is coming from and we watch God change hearts and multiply things we did not know were there. God knows our abilities and what we are able to do, both with and without him and he calls us to do more than we think, and lean into him. Are you leaning into God or only into your own power and understanding?

Prayer: Father God you are my strength; you are the power through which I can do all things. I thank you for giving freely and abundantly. I thank you for the grace you grant me and my family. I thank you for the work you are doing in my heart. I ask that you continue to work in me. I give up my anxiety and anger and put on your peace and understanding.

Tongue Training

Reading: Jeremiah 9-10, Psalm 100, and Acts 22

Scripture: Jeremiah 9:5, Everyone deceives his neighbor, and no one speaks the truth; they have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves committing iniquity.

Thoughts: “They have taught their tongues to speak lies,” When I first read this passage it blew my mind, I had never thought about my tongue being taught. Then James 3:3-5 draws the compassion between a horse and its bit, and the ship and its rudder, and how the tongue can spark a great blaze, for most of my life through example, and letting my emotions guide my tongue. I have taught my tongue to be harsh and cutting, even to the ones I love. Now in my forties with a wife and children I need to break the habits and retrain my tongue. I can also see that I have been training my children’s tongues, they have the same harsh cutting tongue that I have been showing them for years. When we train our tongue in the harsh cutting ways as James says it leads our body in the same way and can easily move to a place where we hurt someone. When we train our tongue to worship and praise; to have kind tones and words; to lift up and encourage we will shine God’s light and love brighter than we ever thought. What are we training our tongue to do?

Prayer: Lord God, you are so wonderful, you are worthy of all honor and praise. I confess my inadequacy, that I have trained my tongue to be harsh and cutting. I need your help to retrain my tongue so that I can speak life and love into my wife, my children, my coworkers, and the world around me. Take the coal of your refining fire and touch my mouth that it may burn away the evil I have taught it that you may rebuild it in your image.

Nations that do not obey.

Reading: Jeremiah 7-8 and Acts 21

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:28, And you shall say to them, ‘This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips.

Thoughts: The United States was founded on biblical principles, and Israel was formed from a family seeking after one God. Both ebb and flow on how well they follow God. Through prophets, nations are warned of their departure from the calling and direction God laid out before them. I feel that this warning that Jeremiah was posing was not just for Israel and for that time. I feel that this warning is to our nation and to us personally. When we allow the world to influence us into becoming someone who does not listen to God and over time as each person ignores the discipline, so goes the nation. It is our job to continually redirect ourselves and those around us by pointing to God. We need to constantly be seeking Him who created us and shining His light into the world. Truth is perishing around us every day. The truth that God created male and female is being pushed out to encompass the various sins that people want to be accepted. Stand firm on God’s truth and who he calls us to be in His Word.

Prayer: Father God, you are the creator of all things, and you declared it was good. I am in awe of how nature cries of your greatness and so many still deny that you exist. I thank you for your grace and mercy. I thank you for your provisions. I thank you for my family. I long to hear your voice. I ask that you open my eyes and ears so that I can follow after you better. Help me to steward what you have given me well that I can honor you with all I have.

I need to do WHAT???

Reading: Jeremiah 5-6 and Acts 20

Scripture: Acts 20:22-23, And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.

Thoughts: When you hear that a hard task or situation is coming, what do you do? I know that most people will do everything they can to avoid or postpone that situation. I would love to have not lived in a travel trailer for the past 18 months. We knew that there would be hardships and challenges, selling our home and moving into a 32-foot trailer. We also had our plan for this time, and it was not this long or had as many detours as we have had. Paul was told that going to Jerusalem would involve imprisonment and affliction, yet he also knew that he was to go to Rome. We knew we would have a home on the family property; we sold our house in town in March of 2024 and today we are still waiting for a delivery date for our house. We may not have the house yet, but we have a home in a cramped approximately 300sqft. Are you putting off what God has called you to because it looks hard in our human eyes? Or are we running toward the fame knowing God sent us and he will equip us for what he called us to.

Prayer: Lord God, only you know what is truly in store for us. I thank you that you will equip us and teach us through these hard times. You have called us to be a part of your plan that you have set forth from the beginning. I thank you that you have a part for me and for deeming me worthy to fight in your army. I thank you for your provision and blessings. Help me to step boldly in your way and shine your light in this dark world.

Run Away???

Reading: Jeremiah 3-4 and Acts 19

Scripture: Acts 19:9, But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.

Thoughts: I know that there have been times when things got tough; instead of digging in and pushing through, I would often give up and leave. That is the easy thing to do, just walk away. Paul as he did started in the synagogue speaking to the Jews but when they were moving against him and the Gospel of Jesus, he didn’t pack it in like it was said in an earlier chamber, “may your blood be on your own head” Acts 18:6. As he removed himself from the Synagogue he took those who believed and became disciples with him to the hard to Gentile teaching the hall of Tyrannus. This was not a retreat from the fight it was jumping from the pan into the fire; Paul and the disciples headed straight into the next battle. When we have done all, we can do we sit down and lick our wounds, or do we see the victory of how far we came and start marching for the next battle that God has pointed out.

Prayer: Father God, you are the great strategist, you have already won the war and defeated the enemy. I walk in your victory and seek my part in the battles that continue to rage around us. You are the great I AM and deserve all the glory and honor. May your kingdom come and your will be done. Help me to curb my anger and aggression, so that I may not hurt those I love, but rather use it as a tool for protection and victory in your name.

The Duck and The Sword

Reading: Jeremiah 1-2 and Acts 18

Scripture: Acts 18:6, And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

Thoughts: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is offensive. The Gospel tells us that nothing we can do can get us to Heaven, that we are sinners, and that only through Jesus can we get to Heaven. I suspect that nobody likes being told they are not good enough. When sharing this offensive news there are bound to be those who will oppose and revile us. This is a great reminder that there are times to be a duck, in the sense that like a duck with a water drop on its back, we need to just let it roll off. Even though we are letting things go, we need to stay aware and keep our Armor on and our Sword at the ready. I have been reading/listening to fantasy novels and as these heroes get ready for battle one of the things they do is to clear their sword (if I’m remembering my term correctly) which is moving the sword in, out, and around in its scabbard a little. This is to make sure that when the time comes to pull their sword it does not get stuck. In “The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe” Aslan tells Peter, “Never put your sword away dirty.” In the heat of or after a battle anything that was on that sword is now in the scabbard and as it dries your sword can get stuck. A sword stuck in its scabbard is little more than a club. We are also not to neglect keeping our swords clean and sharpened. Between battle and in the calms we need to keep those swords(The Word) sharpened and practice with them that when that battle comes not only do we have an effective tool but we are prepared to use it.

Prayer: Lord God, you are worthy of all praise and honor. You are the alpha and omega. I thank you for paying me any attention. I am in awe that you know me and the hairs on my head. I thank you for the provision and blessings you pour out on us. I ask that you continue to mold me and make me into the man you call me to be. Open my eyes to my faults and failures so that I can seek forgiveness and restoration. Please help me to take the steps needed to remove the impurities in my life and fill them with things of you.

Turning the wold upside down.

 Reading: Zephaniah 1-3 and Acts 17

Scripture: Acts 17:6, And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,

Thoughts: I love this turn of phrase, “These men who have turned the world upside down.” When we look at Jesus’ ministry, he was the first to turn traditions and culture on its head. After around 1500 years of only having a cold law to guide them. Jesus brought life and love. Showing the value of all not just those who followed the law. The law said “tooth for a tooth” or in how I would say it, “Turn about is fair play” or “if you can’t take it don’t dish it out.” Jesus said to “turn the other cheek” I have recently heard a couple of different perspectives on this verse. First, after being hit on the cheek you were hit on is hot, you are now angry you are hot. In this instance turning the other cheek could mean to use your calm cool and collected side not the hot angry side. The second view focuses on a word in the verse in Matthew 5:39 Jesus “But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” And the word focused on was right. In that culture, they would limit the use of their left hand because of what they used it for. So, the only way someone could be struck on the right side by the right hand when people are facing one another is with a backhand. As far as I under the meaning of a backhand has not changed, it has always been a very demanding and disrespectful hit. So, in this perspective turning the other cheek is saying, hit me like an equal. Both perspectives turn the culture of the time on its head. Let’s shine God’s love to the world around us and let it be said of us that we turned the world upside down.

Prayer: Lord God you are so wonderful. I thank you for all you are doing in my life. I ask for boldness to speak when you tell me to speak the strength to be silent when you say be silent, and the wisdom to hear and listen. Help me to be a light to this broken world that your loving kindness can be known.

Whose are you?

Reading: Habakkuk 1-3 and Acts 16

Scripture: Acts 16:38-39, The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city.

Thoughts: Paul and Silas had been beaten, thrown in jail, and had stuck around after God opened the doors to the prison for them during a prayer and worship session, allowing them to preach to the Jailer and not only save his life but his soul. These two didn’t worship because of who they were but because of whose they were and where their citizenship was. They knew they both had citizenship in Heaven and Rome. It is so easy to listen to the world and forget who we belong to. We were bought for a price. We have also been given full citizenship and authority in Heaven. The world wants to beat us down; tell us we are no good and take our authority away. Stop listening to the evil one spewing lies about you and remember what God says about you and where your citizenship lies.

Prayer: Lord God, your mercies overwhelm me, your loving kindness overflows. I thank you that you know me and know the hairs on my head. I thank you that I get to be a part of your work. I ask for your strength and wisdom as I walk through this storm. I thank you that you are here with me and that you hear the groaning of my heart where my words are not enough. Open my mouth to speak your words, open my ears to hear your voice. Speak through your servant.