May 15, 2016 Whom do you serve?

Reading: Colossians 1, Joshua 23-24, and Psalm 99

Scripture: Joshua 24:15, And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Observation: I have always liked this scripture and we even have the last portion of it in our house and used it in our wedding. Until recently even being in the church from my youth I had never really read Joshua or if I started I zoned out when it come to the inheritance of the tribes. As I read and listened to the last couple chapters I was hearing the warning that Joshua was giving and Making sure that they understood that he was following God. 

Application: Just as Joshua was making sure everyone knew the consequences of following other gods and not seeking God, we need to make it a point it our lives that others know that we are God’s people and fallow the two commandments that Jesus gave us in witch all others are encompassed, given to us in Matthew 22:37-39, And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 

Prayer: Father I thank you for your great blessing and for the guidance you have for us though your word. Help us to share you love with all who are around us the help us to daily rise up and say, as for me and my house this day we will serve the lord. 

May 14, 2016 I can Prevail!!!

Reading: Philippians 4 and Joshua 21-22

Scripture: Philippians 4:12-13, I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Observation: I know that growing up in the church I have had Philippians 4:13 quoted to me countless times. Every time though looking back it was being used out of context and who ever it was was tying to encourage me that I could do what ever it was that was getting ready to do and was nervous about. 

Application: Paul in this passage is more so talking about finding the Joy of the Lord in every situation. This is not a rally call saying, “you are in Christ so you can do it” not that isn’t a great rally call I don’t think that was Paul’s message. When we read the scriptures before number 13 the light of what Paul is getting at comes out. Being brought low, the secret of facing … hunger, and in abundance and need, then here come the I can do all things. This is speaking of God giving us the strength to have the joy even in the bad times. Under Strong’s definitions of the Greek word used for “I can do” also can mean “prevail”, and I think that may be a better uses in this context so that it would say I prevail against all things though Christ who strengthens me. 

Prayer: Father I thank you that you have given us the strength to prevail in all situations, and given us the ability to be have your joy in our hearts and lives even in the mists of struggles and trials. Lord help us to learn what we need to learn to stand firm as Paul does. Help us to know how have your Joy.

May 13, 2016 It's not mine I swear!!!

Reading: Philippians 3, Joshua 19-20, and Psalm 53

Scripture: Philippians 3:9b, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith

Observation: As it happens when things start going our way and we start having success in our lives or ministries. We as humans, especially men (knowing this being a man) we start to think, “Man I got this, I’m so good nothing can go wrong.” In  doing so we start thinking like the Pharisees thinking if I keep all the laws, rules, and regulations placed before me then I am righteous. There are so many groups of Christians that adhere to there are things you have to do. Thus creating another works based relationship with God.

Application: God didn’t intend on us having this long lists of does and don’ts for us to follow to get to heaven. Christ died on the cross once for all the sins of the world, the sins of my past and the ones I have not yet committed. I love that my Pastor who is a great Godly man admits that he sins and is as messed up as the rest of us, and just like the rest of us he is saved by grace. We are all Righteous though the blood or Christ Jesus. 

Prayer: Father, I thank you for making me your righteousness. Your love abound every day and I bask in it. As groups and churches meet in secret and in public we thank you for your presence there with us. We ask that you place a heart of boldness on each of us as we go about our days. As the evil one comes to steal, kill and destroy, we claim your authority and bind him and cast him out of our situations, our groups and our lives.  

May 12, 2016 Don't look at me I'm hideous.

Reading: Philippians 2 and Joshua 16-18

Scripture: Philippians 2:3, Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Observation: For a long time I had a hard time being humble, Granted my largest issue I later came to know what actually that I had a wrong definition being humble. I though to be humble I had to think less of myself. So when I had that mindset, I would have see this as I can do anything well to being attention to myself and make sure that others were more important then I was. 

Application: I later learned that being Humble is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. Here Paul is talking to a church that is getting full of themselves, and he is telling them and us, watch out that you don’t start doing things to get attention from people but do them to minister and build up others. The principals in the book “The Servant” by James C. Hunter talks about putting the needs of others above your own. That is so similar to what Paul is saying, put others before you. We can accept compliment and praises for the talents and gifts God has given us to use but we should not be seeking that alone.

Prayer: Father I thank you for the gifts and talents that you have given me and the opportunities to use them to touch others. I thank you that I get to serve you though serving others even when I am leading. I ask that you help us to see in the mindset of  thinking of ones self less and not thinking less of ones self. All our strength and talents come from you and we have all authority in you.

May 11, 2016 Should I stay or should I go?

Reading: Philippians 1 and Joshua 14-15

Scripture: Philippians 1:23-24, I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

Observation: I can so relate to Paul with this scripture, verse 21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” I have heard this scripture quoted many times, but I feel closer to 23-24, I want to die and go be with our Father in Heaven not sitting here in the world with a body that is breaking down and society seems on its way down the tubes. 

Application: As bad as this world is and how great and awesome it will be when we get to spend eternity with the Father. We are called to minister to those around us. We may each have a different Microphone and platform to share God’s love though and on, but we are all called to share. That is why Paul writes, “to remain…is more necessary on your account.” What does is benefit me to stay her and do what I do for the lord? It’s not for me I am in this world, it is because God has a plan and I am helping to fulfill it even though I may only see a small portion of the work I do produce fruit.

Prayer: Father, I thank you that you have provided everything we could ever need, including the knowledge that there is a Heaven and we have a hope and way to one day be there with you. I thank you for the voice you have given me though both my leadership roles and my though the internet. 

May 10, 2016 Look at me look at me!!!!

Reading: Ephesians 6 and Joshua 12-13

Scripture: Ephesians 6:6, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

Observation: I know I have fallen victim to the wanting of attention, almost everyone wants attention whether it is just from one person or if it is the class clown seeking to have every one pay attention to them. Our society has also put a great value to that attention, we have the ability to create whole websites about ourselves, there is social media, and not to mention the celebrity status that we have given actors and actresses. 

Application: We are called to do all we do for Christ and not to get attention. I know how hard it can be doing your job watching others getting promotions as you continue to get low pay and do all the heavy lifting. When reading this section I think the term bondservant can be a little hard to understand being that atlas here in the US we don’t us it much anymore. The bondservant that Paul is talking about in that era was a servant who had paid back their debt and wanted to continue to serve their master. We are to be that bondservant, Christ paid our debt and we are free to do what we want, but God longs for us to want to do his will. 

Prayer: Father I thank you that you are such a loving master that we want to be bound to you and serve you. As that great master you provide all we need and then pour more out to us. Send your Holy Spirit down and fill us with the longing to be with you for ever. I thank you for the strength to get though each and every day. 

May 9th, 2016 A man's heart

Reading: Ephesians 5 and Joshua 10-11

Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-27, Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 

Observation: Culture in many countries around the world is women are nothing more then things men own. Even in the Christian culture men focus on verse 22 that says that the wife submit to the husband. Men are competitive and want others to lord over. As a man this is something I struggle with I want to be the boss and tell others what to do, I’m smarter, more educated, and have better common sense then anyone else. 

Application: Paul tells us men to love our wives, not only love them but love them like Christ loves the church. So what Paul is saying is we need to be willing to die for our wives, and to sanctify her so that she can be presented without spot or wrinkle. If God can love us enough to send his only Son to earth to be tortured and killed just so that he can have a closer relationship with us, we can set ourselves aside and love our wives, and present that without wrinkle, spot, or blemish.

Prayer: Father, I thank you for my wife and the family that has come though her. You have provided such such peace and joy to our home. I thank you that you have put on my heart to love my wife as Christ loves the church. I ask that this calling and longing be placed on every man’s heart. 

May 8, 2016 Where are you from again?

Reading: Ephesians 4 and Joshua 8-9

Scripture: Joshua 9:14, So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord.

Observation: It is so easy to say I can do this, or think that because God as been working though you and you have been walking in his way that you can make a choice without seeking council from the Lord. I know that I have done that I at times still do that. I think I know God well enough that I can make a choice that is as good and well informed as he is. 

Application:But like Joshua I have put stumbling blocks in my own path by not seeking God. God’s plan was to have everyone who was already in the promise land killed and Israel to take possession from them. When Joshua made the covenant with these crafty Hivites these people who had different cultures and different gods were integrated into Israel as slaves. 

Prayer: Father, I thank you for your council and that you have given your Holy Spirit to us as that intermediary between us and you. We need your council every day we ask that you touch us and lead us in your ways

May 7, 2016 I have Victory!!

Reading: Ephesians 3 and Joshua 6-7

Scripture: Joshua 6:1-2, Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. And the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. 

Observation: In some of the teachings that we are going though for my discipleship class we have been talking about Joshua and what he went though but the teaching on this passage stuck with me. Here is Joshua looking at this fortified city, locked up and ready to withstand war for a long time. And God tells him “I have” given you the city. Have is past tense and yet the walls are still up and everyone is still inside. 

Application: Then with faith in verse 16 Joshua does the some thing saying to Israel Shout for the Lord has given you the city. Not only do we need to trust and believe that God will fulfill his promises, we need to speak and pray as if he already has. If we are wavering in what we think God will do then then authority God gave us through his Son is not binding on earth or loosing in heaven. 

Prayer: Father I thank you for your Great blessings and the provisions that you pour out on us each and every day. You pay every bill and take care of every need. I thank you for the hearing you are doing to my wife’s body and the promotions that you have ahead for me. The healing and the promotions in life and work all come from you Lord. 

May 6th, 2016 What is next?

Reading: Ephesians 2, Joshua 4-5, and Psalm 71

Scripture: Ephesians 2:10, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Observation: As I was reading the reminder that God took time to form me in my mothers womb He determined every detail about me before that sperm touched that egg. We are His handy work not just some chance combination of genes. Then there are the times that I feel discouraged that I am not doing what I should be doing or I'm failing and flailing about like a wounded animal. 

Application: I was listening to something and they were talking about how growing up there was this worry about being in or out of God plan or will. First and foremost we are God’s creation and he does not make junk, but also this scripture we are created in Christ for Good works, and he has prepared them for us. Then is ends with the command that we walk in those plans. It is our choice to walk in them or not but the blessings of God increase exponentially the more. We also need to remember that God will use everything that happens and work it for a benefit even if you don’t see it for a time. I still don’t know how God is going to use this new position I have to be a blessing but I trust God’s plan.

Prayer: Father I thank you for the people coming tonight and that we will have a wonderful time learning new tools or sharpening old ones to make our marriages better and stronger. I thank you that you had already working on the hearts of those who are coming. I thank you for forming me in my mothers womb and leaving no small thing to chance. I thank you for having a plan and blessing for me. May my words alway speak your words and only lift up others. 

May 5th, 2016 Speak up!!!

Reading: Ephesians 1 and Joshua 1-3

Scripture: Joshua 1:8, This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 

Observation: One of the teachings I just listened to was talking about this verse so it just popped out at me again. For a long time when the Bible used the term meditate I was confused and though about the mind clearing meditation that a new aged friend did. 

Application: In the teaching they shared that meditation back then was pondering and muttering, so in essence God was telling Joshua and us to always speak God’s word, and also to continually think on and speak the word of God. In always speaking God’s word and thinking on them you are going to be continually speaking his love and promises into your life and that is when you become prosperous and have good success  

Prayer: Father we thank you for your blessings in our life and ask your help to impress your word on our hearts and to long to meditate on them daily. We so often just want to watch tv or get on the internet and we are not thinking on your word. Help us to crave and long to dive into your word at all times. Also lift up those who are coming to home groups help them to have an open heart for your word and love. 

May 4th, 2016 The Force is strong with this one.

May the Fourth be with you. 

Reading: Galatians 6, Deuteronomy 33-34, and Psalm 94

Scripture: Galatians 6:2, Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Observation: This has always been a struggle for me, I am one of those guys that does not want to go to someone else and tell them what I'm struggling with. I also don’t really have close friends, My closest friend is my wife and then from there I have church friends, and my long term friends that we see each other a few times a year. This my be because of the way society has changed in my life time. We are so connected though social media and have gotten so into our electronic devices, we have lost the art of gathering as friends. 

Application: Christ’s Law is “Love your neighbor as yourself” therefore to bear one another’s burden we need to both help others with their issues as you allow theme to help you with yours. In our church for Men we have developed a couple things to help men with do that, we have our Band of 8 that is men meeting together over dinner and being open and honest with each other and connecting. We also have a group called Men of Valor for men who have addictions other then alcohol and drugs. We all need to have people we can go to and get help with. 

Prayer: Father, I thank you for the work you are doing in my life and the continual stretching of my heart. Lord I ask you to help me to find those men in my life to connect to and seek Godly council from. Bring the men of this wold to a place of loving each other in a Godly way that honors you each day. 

May 3, 2016 What did I get myself into?

Reading: Galatian 5 and Deuteronomy 31-32

Scripture: Galatians 5:3, I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law.

Observation: When reading this and thinking about if we get circumcised here we no longer look at it as a covenant but just as a medical procedure to help keep things clean. But as Christians we many times though traditions we develop our own laws or rules to judge ourselves by. 

Application: Being that circumcision to the Jew was a covenant between them and God saying they would uphold the Jewish law, Paul was reminding the Galatians Christ does not require circumcision. Nether should we place rules and regulations on getting to heave. Christ came to die for us once and for all, not to take one yolk and replace it with another. 

Prayer: Father I thank you that you gave your son so that we could come into your presence. Your love is so great that I cant hardly stand and be in awe. Lord I ask that you help us to develop our relationship with you and let the traditions that can cause us to do things that are not in your word. 

May 2, 2016 Abba Father

Reading: Galatians 4, Deuteronomy 29-30, and Psalm 15

Scripture: Galatians 4:6, And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"

Observation: I was just going though a sermon series on the Lords Prayer, it is the most memorized scripture in the Bible. It starts off with “Our Father” Jesus told us to call God Dad or Daddy. I for so long growing up I though of God a this spiteful person sitting in heaven waiting for me to mess up so that he can punish me. Yes there are consequences for our actions but God is love and our father, He is not sitting there waiting to punish us. 

Application: We have been adopted into God’s family and have all the rights and privileges that come with being son’s and daughters though Christ. Once I started to accept and understand that the Father is my Father and he loves me, I started to grow but I still didn’t truly understand because of my relationship with my father. One day a little over a year ago I started to understand how a father loves after becoming one. Now being a father of a 15 month old who gets into everything and gets hurt I learn more and more how to love as a father and I understand the Father’s love better.

Prayer: Father I thank you so much for loving me despite the hardheadedness that I know that I have. Your love is so amazing and limitless. Lord I ask that you help open my mind to your love and how you love and how to love others especially my family. 

May 1, 2016 I am such a fool

Reading: Galatians 3 and Deuteronomy 28

Scripture: Galatians 3:3, Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

Observation: This spoke to me in that I at times look at where I'm at and how far God has brought me out of the mire, and yet I look at myself and say what should I do as if I have the power to perfect myself. 

Application: We all need to not lean on our own understanding and think that we can do it ourselves. It is easy to start thinking that you are doing things when everything is going your way but then we blame God when they don’t. I know I need to remember that I am only where I am because he made me the way he did and given me the opportunities and abilities to become who I am and I’m not done being molded yet.

Prayer: Father, you are so wonderful and I thank you for the time you have put into me to mold me in to what I am today and that you are continuing to work on me. Lord bless this day as we go about our day and seek to grow closer to you.