You can mock me later!!!

Reading: Job 20-21 and John 15

Scripture: Job 21:2-3, Keep listening to my words, and let this be your comfort. Bear with me, and I will speak, and after I have spoken, mock on.

Thoughts: When we get confronted with opposing points of view or someone with a different opinion from our own. I know that I have this tendency to take it as an attack on who I am. So, do we sit down and let the view be spoken or are we quick to jump in with our rebuttal before the controversial or opposing view has been fully stated. Do we actually listen before we speak or are we coming up with what we are going to say as they are speaking? Job sitting here listening to the mocking of himself and God finally speaks up and what does he said, “Hold on and listen to me before you start you mocking again.” He did not tell them to shut up, but that they had their time and now it is his. I feel like there are times that I’m needing to be reminded to sit and listen to God. I hear something from God and because we only hear and see in part once I hear something, I feel like I need to respond. God is not always done speaking when I feel the need to interrupt him and start putting my two cents in. Not only is active listening good when you are in a conversation with people, but it is good when trying to listen to God. 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that you hear us and listen to us even when we are off base and running after things that may not be for us. I thank you that you are always there to lead us and guide us. I thank you the you are refining and molding us every day. I ask that you help us to quiet ourselves, open our hearts and ears to hear all of what you have for us. I ask that you help us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. 

My way or the Highway

Reading: Job 9-10 and John 10

 

Scripture: Job 9:12, Behold, he snatches away; who can turn him back? Who will say to him, ‘What are you doing?’

 

Thoughts: As I went over my reading today several times seeking something, listening for something to stand out. On the third time through Job 9 this section of Job where he is asking who can change God’s mind. There are so many controversial topics out there both inside the church and out in the world. Humans have a tendency to have such a high opinion of their way of thinking and about what they think is right or wrong that instead of asking the Fathers will be done or his insight into a situation, we try telling him in our requests what we think is right. I know that there are those out there who think differently then I do. God is the creator and the judge He knows how it was created to be and what is sin. Let us listed more and ask that we be transformed into his image instead of trying to stuff him in a box we marked God.

 

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful, your ways are higher than my ways your thoughts are greater than my thoughts. I thanks you for all you are doing in my life. I ask that you open my eye and ears to see and hear you more clearly. I ask that you soften my heart of stone and help me to be your hands and feet. 

Why are you talking to me???

Reading: Genesis 6-8 and John 4

Scripture: John 4:9, The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)

Thoughts: We as Gentiles are seen nearly as low as the Samaritans and if you were a woman in that time you, we not seen as much, yet Jesus asked her for a drink. Before truly knowing God and the gift of Christ’s forgiveness I felt just as unworthy and unclean and probably asked a similar question. Why would God want to be in a relationship with me when schools and pears have tried to beat into me all the inadequacies? God does not look at what we have done or where we have been but calls us to come into relationship with Him. As we spend more time with Him and in His Word seeking Him the more, we want to change.   

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful, your creation cries of your existence and your wonder. I thank you for all you have done for me and through me. I thank you that even though I do not deserve anything you still call to me and welcome me into your family. I ask that you help me to hear when you say go and when you say stop that I can walk in your ways. 

Can you hear what I hear

Reading: Daniel 11-12, Psalm 95, and Hebrews 3

 

Scripture: Psalm 95:1-2, Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 

 

Thoughts: As I read this passage my first thought was those time where you are in church and there is that person behind you that sings loud and proud but can’t carry a tune in a bucket. Then as I reflected on it a little more the thought of my daughter singing the different songs that she sings in kids worship and seeing her worship God but still can’t hit the notes or tune and seeing her worship through the eyes of a father and hearing the beauty of worship and not listening to the sour notes or odd rhythms she puts to the songs. God is not seeking perfection in your lives but lives that worship and point to his glory. 

 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that you don’t look at the quality of your lives but at the substance of our hearts and minds, our lives are full of mistakes, sour notes, and off rhythms yet you hear the worship and honor that our hearts are pouring out. I thank you that you are continually refining and molding us that our lives can mirror you and reflect the honor and praise that our hearts are producing. Open our hearts and mind to your leading help us to walk in your ways and on your paths for our life. 

What are you seeing?

Reading: Daniel 1-2, Psalm 137, and Philippians 4

 

Scripture: Daniel 2:30, But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind.

 

Thoughts: We focus so much on the letters before or after someone’s name, like the Dr before someone’s name who has finished enough education to get a doctorate degree. Yes that is a feat it take lots of time and determination to work through all that to get that piece of paper that allows you to put those two letter before your name. When you are are 30,000 feet and someone is having a heart attack do you want someone with their doctorate in engineering or education to come in and try to save their life or a medical professional almost anyone from a nurse to a surgeon would be more prepared to help that person. Now if the engine was failing then maybe the engineer may be helpful but still only if he has education in that field. Just as Daniel knew where his wisdom and authority come from in this situation and didn’t step beyond his place, we need to do the same. Our Jobs, our education, and our experiences all factor into where God has us and what authority he is giving us. Your influence and authority is different than mine and we need to step up to the microphone that God has placed before us. Open your heart and mind to the things God is reveling to you it may be the thing someone need to hear. 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are the creator of all things, you are the one who give revelation. I thank you for all that you are doing in my life, the molding and refining, I thank you for the provision and blessings you pour out on us. I ask that you use this feeble mind to your glory, that you be honored and praised by all that I do and say. Help me to keep this tongue in check and my mind focused on you. 

How not to love.

Reading: Jeremiah 40-41, Psalm 38, and Ephesians 5

Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-26, 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

Thoughts: I love my wife, I think the world of her and appreciate all she does to take care of our home and children. Yet I know that I tend to get short and gruff when I’m agitated and/or frustrated. Recently my wife stayed home from church sick and during service one of my children succumbed to the illness as well and vomited at church, then on the way home it happened again in the car that I was to drive to work the next day. Frustrated that it is cold and dark and I’m trying to clean this car that smells bad, I admit I was being short and gruff. Then this morning reading this passage in Ephesians that so often gets quoted at weddings, it broke my heart that I again, was not loving my wife as Christ loves us or the Church. We are to give of ourselves for our wives. Christ was willing to die on the cross as a sinner to claim the victory that was proclaimed from the beginning, if he loves us that much the least we can do is to love one another that much and our wives even more so. How are we pouring into our family to raise them up and to cleanse them? Let us dive into the word and into the depth of what our relationship with God can be that we can pour our what we are being filled with.

Prayer: Lord God, you are my refuge and strength, you are my provider and the blessing in my life. I thank you that you are always working in me and that you give us the opportunity and ability to learn and grow even when it is slowly. I thank you for the refining and molding that is continually happening in my life. I ask that you continue to open my eyes to your glory and to the things that I need to work through. Lead me and guide me in my next steps that I can better show your love to my family and the world around me. 

The same always and forever!

Reading: Ezekiel 17-18, Psalm 20 and Galatians 2

Scripture: Ezekiel 18:25-27, Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just? When a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it; for the injustice that he has done he shall die. Again, when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life.

Thoughts: I have heard many talk about the God of the Old Testament and how He is wrathful and seen as one who would smite you with little cause, and in the New Testament it is peace and forgiveness and mercy. Yet here in Ezekiel God is pointing out just how much mercy can grace he had even before Jesus came. It was said earlier in the chapter that the iniquities of the father or the son would not be held against the other. Here in 25-27 Ezekiel talks about how when someone turns from their righteousness to do evil their good will be forgotten yet when someone in their wickedness turns to righteousness, they will save their life. Before Christ’s sacrifice that permanently opened the door to having a right relationship with God there would have been laws and sacrifices that would have to have been observed but God was still willing to let those who repented and turned from their wicked ways to be saved. God has always been Just and Merciful but are we walking in it?

Prayer: Father God, you are mercy and grace, you are justice. I thanks you that you sent your Son to be victory over the evil one. I thank you that you are using all things to draw me close and to mold me and refine me into the man you have called me to be. I ask that you help me to walk in your mercy and grace, to shine your light into this dark world. You are the way the truth and the life and I seek your help to walk in that every day. 

What are you goiong to give up?

Reading: Jeremiah 21, 24,27, Psalm 33, and Romans 5

Scripture: Psalm 33:1-2, Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!

Thoughts: Praise and worship so often get left in the sanctuary of the church after we sing our songs and listen to the teaching, we have checked our God box for the week. Throughout the scriptures there are commands to worship and praise God. In our fast-paced rush rush life where we fill up our time to the point where we place God and other things on the back burner. Where are our priorities, is it the next dollar to earn, the promotion, popularity or is it the things that will not fade. Are we placing importance on God and family. I recently moved from a night shift at work losing a 16% shift differential so that I could better focus on my family and my relationship with God. What are you willing to give up to grow in your faith and family? 

Prayer:  Father God, you are the one who owns all things, you provide all things and you love beyond comprehension. I thank you for all that you are going in me, the growth and strengthening you are working in me through the molding and refining that you bring as I go through the trials of this life. I ask that you help me to remember to praise you and worship you every day and every hour you are worthy of it all.

Are you a Man of War or are you just playing?

Reading: Jeremiah 48-49 and Romans 4

Scripture: Jeremiah 48:14, How do you say, ‘We are heroes and mighty men of war’?

Thought:  As I was reading about judgment of Moab and all the things the Jeremiah was saying they did or didn’t do the passage above stuck me. We are given the Armor of God when we come onto the covenant with God that is offered though the death and resurrection, and as a kid in the church I sang about being in the Lords Army. Yet are we truly fighting in that Army are we claiming hero and men of war even though we are sitting back watching the fighting, or worse have are eyes closed and don’t see or acknowledge the fighting. We are in a war and yes God has already won that war but we still need to do our part and fight our battles in that war. Are we surrounding ourselves with brothers and sisters in Christ that can come beside us and fight in that Foxhole with us or are we surrounding ourselves those who maybe unknowingly work for the enemy. Are you a Man of War or are you just playing?

Prayer: Father God, you are the one worth fighting for, you are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. I honor and praise you laying my life before you. I thank you that you are leading and guiding us, that you mold us and refine us every day leading us into a fuller understanding of you and your love. I ask that you help me to step out of my comfort zone and speak your word to those around me, help me to be a light in this world. 

Teach me

Reading: Jeremiah 45-47, Psalm 86, and Romans 3 

Scripture: Psalm 86:11-12, Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.

Thoughts: As I read this psalm of David, this man who had been promised the kingdom and anointed king, seeking God, and asking to be taught and to have his heart united with God’s heart. Are we diving into the word and seeking after the Father every day? Are we seeking for the outpouring of his wisdom in our lives? Do we want our hearts broken for what breaks the heart of the Lord or are we too focused on the world around us and the spiraling whirlwind of the of this fast-paced society? Let us slow down just a bit and just for a wile that we can get in the word, sit in His presence and ask Him to teach us and fill us with his love. 

Prayer: Father God, maker of all things, I honor you, I love you and I thank you for all that you do. I thank you that you give me the strength to get up and have this time with you. I thank you for the provision and blessing you are pouring out on us every day. I thank you that you are refining me and molding me into that vessel you have called me to be. I ask that you help me to grow deeper in understanding and wisdom. 

Who you talking to???

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: I know that I have been guilty of the mindset of I just need to invite someone to church then it is the pastors job to get them to come to Christ. Yes that can work and people can come to know God through a pastor, but we are not called to just drag people in off the street and expect that what ever the sermon that week is, that it causes this person that was come to Christ. It says that’s Paul taught every sabbath meaning he was there for an extended period of time, but it goes one to say the that after he was opposed he shook out his sandals said “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” How often are we truly living out the great commission and sharing Christ with the world around us or are we just dragging people in to try to get the pastor to do that work. I know that my biggest fear is that I would fail or look stupid when sharing the gospel. Are we letting our fears keep us from sharing the gospel, and when we do fail, then we fail and we move on, shake the dust out of our shoes and hair, get up and speak the word again. No matter when or how we fail it is not on us as Paul said “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent.” It is not up to us to convince someone they need Christ but we are to share Him with all. 

 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for my voice, I thank you for the ability to speak and share what you have done in my life. I thank you that you are working in my life, growing and strengthening me every day. I thank you for the opportunity to steward the provisions you have given to me. I ask that you help me to walk in your ways, to spread your word to those around me. 

Gathering around each other.

Reading: 2 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 34, and Acts 14

Scripture: Acts 14:20, But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.

Thoughts: We so often get beaten down by this world, be it for our faith or just because we live in a fallen world that is striving blindly toward the gates of Hell. Paul after being stoned to death, got up and went back into the city but only after the disciples gathered around him. When we are attacked and beaten down, do we have a community that will come together, gather around us to call us back to life. Even though this passage does not say that these disciples were praying over him, but I believe that these disciples were praying over him until he rose. We need our community to gather around us. We most likely are not the solution to the situation and as a man that is a struggle because it is in my nature to fix things, but we are called to be in that foxhole with those are currently in a battle. We are all always at war but each day and each season there are different battles being waged. Right now, I feel there is a battle and war waging over marriage and family and when there is someone in your community being attacked, we need to get into that foxhole with them and declare victory in the name of Jesus. We are overcomers, it will not be easy, but we know who wins the war, we are to walk out this victory, putting on the full armor of God daily. 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for all you are working in my life, I thank you for the abilities that you have given me to get me where I am today, I thank you for the community that I have and the men who gather around me in my struggles. I ask that you help me to gather around those who are struggling that  we can overcome these battles together. 

What are your high places?

Reading: 2 Kings 21, 2 Chronicles 33, Psalm 75, and Acts 12

 

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 33:16-17, He also restored the altar of the Lord and offered on it sacrifices of peace offerings and of thanksgiving, and he commanded Judah to serve the Lord, the God of Israel. Nevertheless, the people still sacrificed at the high places, but only to the Lord their God.

 

Thoughts: Reading this passage about the different kings and how they either were for God or not I thought this was interesting. When Manasseh reigned he cleared the idols our of the city and restored the altar of God but the people still went to the high places. Going to the high places was one of the ways the other gods were worshiped. The people were holding onto traditions and practices that did not honor God. Today we do the same sort of things, we may not have these places of worship that were dedicated to other gods the way the people of God did but we have things in our lives that surround us every day that the Bible tells us to avoid. There are groups out there that all things are permissible even when the Word of God speaks against it. We all have to make a choice on where we come down on each and every topic and how we are going to walk through this world. Seek discernment from the Lord and God will reveal to you his heart in the situations of your life. 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are the creator of all things, your grace and mercy is abundant. I thank you that you called me into your family that you forgave me and adopted me. I thank you that you gave me the abilities that have gotten me to where I am today and that you are molding and refining me into the man you have called me to be. I ask the you help me to see your truth and your ways, help me to recognize and walk in your ways. I ask that you help me to overcome the temptations of the evil one and be strengthened in your love. 

Remember not the former thing!!

Reading: Isaiah 42-43, Psalm 82, and Acts1

 

Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19, Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

 

Thoughts: In a world of social media and the memory pop up on Facebook we are constantly looking back on things in our past, no matter if it was good, bad or indifferent we get to see the things we posted in years past. As it is good to have memories and learn from our past mistakes. Isaiah was speaking of John the Baptist and Jesus here, speaking of the new way and that John would preach and Jesus would fulfill. Israel had fallen of the wagon and tried to get back on countless time with countless kings. Isaiah is saying forget the way we have been doing it and look to the new way that God has set fourth for us. We in the same way were one way and now in Christ have been called to the new way of living. We are to learn from our past but not let it define us, there are many addiction recovery groups that look at once an addict always and addict but in Christ we are set free from our past, yes we can learn from it and grow but it no longer defines or dictates who we are because our Father in heave now defines who we are. Let us not remember the former things and walk in the new ways of the Lord.

 

Prayer: Father God, you are the one who defines who we are, you have called us from our sinful ways and named us sons and daughters. I thank you that you have called me and that you are working in my life that I may better show your love and your grace to the world around me. I ask that you continue to mold me and refine me in the fire that I may become purified and walk in your image. Help me to be the father and husband you have made me to be. Open my heart to correction and discipline that will lead me close to you, and be and example to the world. 

The End or Not

Reading: Hosea 8-11 and Mark 13

 

Scripture: Mark 13:6-8, Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

 

Thoughts: Watching the state of the country and world today, I hear many people saying things like “The Lord is coming soon.” or “The end time are here.” The way I see it we have been in the end times since Christ ascended to heaven and took his place at the right hand of God. There have been wars and rumors of war seemingly forever, there are famines and earthquakes all over. Here Jesus responding to the disciples asking when things were to happen, “These are the beginning of the birth pains.” Ask any woman who has given birth what the begging was like verses how it was when the baby was born and you will learn about then difference between contractions 30-40 minutes apart and the ring of fire and why God put it in the minds of those who created the epidural. As the father of two wonderful children who regularly test our sanity I have watched my wife go through this twice. In the beginning we are at home going for walks and doing what we can to help her to be comfortable as her body prepares to give birth. With all that we are seeing going on around the world the are only the beginning of the birth pains. We need to not be complacent that every day we move one more day towards eternity but be driven by that thought that we are moving towards eternity. We don’t know if Jesus will return tomorrow or another thousand years in the future but we need to live as if it will end tomorrow because it could for someone. How little do you have to care about someone to not throw them a life ring when they are drowning. Let us toss the life ring, some will grab ahold and others will not accept it, but we are doing out part and putting it out there. 

 

Prayer: Lord God, I thank you for sending your Son, who took my sins, my failures, and washed them clean. I thank you that you are working in my life, that you are providing my needs. I thank you that you are molding me and refining me that I can reflect you better. I ask that you help me to grow my boldness and my discernment that I can overcome the evil one. Lead me and guide me as I go about my days.