"What should we do then?" the crowd asked. John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."
Tax collectors also came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" "Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them.
Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay." Luke 3:10-14
Observations: John’s preaching moved people to a point of decision—“What should we do?” In his preaching he called the people to demonstrate fruit (proof) that their repentance was genuine. When pressed, he challenged them in the area of their finances: give generously, exercise integrity, live contentedly. Pretty fruitful money tree. It’s worth noting that when the LORD challenged His people to return to Him, he began with them getting their financial priorities in order (see Malachi 3:7-12).
Application: In the face of God’s provision, how could I not demonstrate the generosity, integrity and contentment called for in this passage? 2 Corinthians 8:7 challenges me to “excel in this grace of giving.” Regardless of where I am, there's always room to grow. So, what should I do? In general:
1. Look for ways to be generous.
2. Guard my integrity in the area of my finances.
3. Cultivate contentment by living below my means.
Specifically, when presented with a choice to spend, seek a less costly alternative, and give the savings to back to God. After all, it all belongs to Him. He is the Owner. I am His steward.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I realize that money is a trust, a tool, and a test. How I handle it may be the most consistent way to gauge the condition of my heart. I You were to measure my heart change today, what would my wallet tell You? Help me not to be content to feel like I’ve arrived in this area. Help me grow—excel—in this grace of giving.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Fearless Servant - from 9.16.08
The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. Luke 1:28-38
Observations: I can only imagine all that must have been floating through Mary’s mind with the news that: 1) she was pregnant, and 2) the baby was the Son of God. She may have thought, “Highly what!?” The truth is that anytime God is at work in us and through us, we are highly favored and have no need to fear. Mary’s response is classic: “I am the Lord’s servant.”
Application: As I seek a new level of listening to God and following His promptings, I need to remember three aspects of this passage:
1. I am under God’s favor, not His wrath. I’ve nothing to fear when following His promptings.
2. “Nothing is impossible with God.” Where God leads, God provides. As God provides, (or doesn’t) He is leading.
3. “I am the Lord’s servant.” What God wants to do through me is more important than what I want to do for Him (or for myself, of course). Life in its fullness is found in full surrender to God.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, given what I know about You and my relationship with You, I should never be afraid. Give me a heart like Mary’s; one that simply says, “I am the Lord’s servant.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. Luke 1:28-38
Observations: I can only imagine all that must have been floating through Mary’s mind with the news that: 1) she was pregnant, and 2) the baby was the Son of God. She may have thought, “Highly what!?” The truth is that anytime God is at work in us and through us, we are highly favored and have no need to fear. Mary’s response is classic: “I am the Lord’s servant.”
Application: As I seek a new level of listening to God and following His promptings, I need to remember three aspects of this passage:
1. I am under God’s favor, not His wrath. I’ve nothing to fear when following His promptings.
2. “Nothing is impossible with God.” Where God leads, God provides. As God provides, (or doesn’t) He is leading.
3. “I am the Lord’s servant.” What God wants to do through me is more important than what I want to do for Him (or for myself, of course). Life in its fullness is found in full surrender to God.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, given what I know about You and my relationship with You, I should never be afraid. Give me a heart like Mary’s; one that simply says, “I am the Lord’s servant.”
Saturday, September 6, 2008
The Safest Hideout - from 8.31.08
Instead, the king commanded Jerahmeel, a son of the king, Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to arrest Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet. But the LORD had hidden them. Jeremiah 36:26
Observations: After Jeremiah had dictated to Baruch the words the LORD had given him, he had Baruch go and present them to the people. The scroll made its way to king Jehoiakim who, when he found the words offensive, burned the scroll. He sent orders for Jeremiah and Baruch to be arrested. “But the LORD had hidden them” so they could rewrite the scroll. This they did, and added some words of judgment.
Application: I should never fear what might happen for being faithful to the will of the LORD. When I need to be hidden, He protects. When I need to be defended, He defends. Any fear rises either from my lack of trust in God’s purpose and power or my placing my trust in myself and worrying that I might not have what it takes to deal with the situation. Neither is where I want to be. Rather, my trust in God’s planned purpose and His powerful provision surrounded by His unfailing love should result in all fear being cast aside. The worst that can happen to me—death—turns out to be the best that can happen to me.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, though I don’t have many fearful moments when called upon to obey You, nevertheless, I want to live at all times in the full confidence of Your will and way for my life. Grow my faith in You into an untainted boldness to do Your will without thought of the temporal consequences, knowing that You will hide me from all harm that will thwart Your plan for me.
Observations: After Jeremiah had dictated to Baruch the words the LORD had given him, he had Baruch go and present them to the people. The scroll made its way to king Jehoiakim who, when he found the words offensive, burned the scroll. He sent orders for Jeremiah and Baruch to be arrested. “But the LORD had hidden them” so they could rewrite the scroll. This they did, and added some words of judgment.
Application: I should never fear what might happen for being faithful to the will of the LORD. When I need to be hidden, He protects. When I need to be defended, He defends. Any fear rises either from my lack of trust in God’s purpose and power or my placing my trust in myself and worrying that I might not have what it takes to deal with the situation. Neither is where I want to be. Rather, my trust in God’s planned purpose and His powerful provision surrounded by His unfailing love should result in all fear being cast aside. The worst that can happen to me—death—turns out to be the best that can happen to me.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, though I don’t have many fearful moments when called upon to obey You, nevertheless, I want to live at all times in the full confidence of Your will and way for my life. Grow my faith in You into an untainted boldness to do Your will without thought of the temporal consequences, knowing that You will hide me from all harm that will thwart Your plan for me.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Both/And - from 8.24.08
This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the alien, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. Jeremiah 22:3
Observations: What the Lord says to His people through Jeremiah reveals their attitude toward the less fortunate around them. And if, beginning from the top of their leadership structure on down to the grassroots, they will begin to treat “the least of these” in their midst with justice and do what’s right, the LORD will once again bless them. But, if they refuse, “this palace will become a ruin” (v.5). Unfortunately, that’s what happened.
Application: For years, many evangelical churches have neglected “social” ministry. In my experience, the primary reason was rooted in not wanting to be labeled as those who have watered down the gospel (preached a “social gospel” as we’d say). However, in the last several months, the LORD has been developing in me a healthy view of “both/and” instead of “either/or.” “The kingdom of God is God’s total answer for man’s total need” (E. Stanley Jones). Jesus life modeled the focus verse above. There was no compromise in His method and nothing diluted about His message. He was God’s total answer for man’s total need personified. If I will live by the fullness of the principles of the kingdom of God, I will experience the fullness myself. If I lead HCBC to live by the fullness of the kingdom, we’ll experience it as a church family and be effective at extending His kingdom to all people in our sphere of influence.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, may Your kingdom come and Your will be done in me and in Leander as it is in heaven. Give me my daily bread to get it done. Help me forgive. Keep me from temptations, especially those that fuel pride. Deliver me from the schemes of the Evil One. Teach me that You’re my total answer for my total need.
Observations: What the Lord says to His people through Jeremiah reveals their attitude toward the less fortunate around them. And if, beginning from the top of their leadership structure on down to the grassroots, they will begin to treat “the least of these” in their midst with justice and do what’s right, the LORD will once again bless them. But, if they refuse, “this palace will become a ruin” (v.5). Unfortunately, that’s what happened.
Application: For years, many evangelical churches have neglected “social” ministry. In my experience, the primary reason was rooted in not wanting to be labeled as those who have watered down the gospel (preached a “social gospel” as we’d say). However, in the last several months, the LORD has been developing in me a healthy view of “both/and” instead of “either/or.” “The kingdom of God is God’s total answer for man’s total need” (E. Stanley Jones). Jesus life modeled the focus verse above. There was no compromise in His method and nothing diluted about His message. He was God’s total answer for man’s total need personified. If I will live by the fullness of the principles of the kingdom of God, I will experience the fullness myself. If I lead HCBC to live by the fullness of the kingdom, we’ll experience it as a church family and be effective at extending His kingdom to all people in our sphere of influence.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, may Your kingdom come and Your will be done in me and in Leander as it is in heaven. Give me my daily bread to get it done. Help me forgive. Keep me from temptations, especially those that fuel pride. Deliver me from the schemes of the Evil One. Teach me that You’re my total answer for my total need.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Run, Peter! Run!: from 8.18.08
If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?
Jeremiah 12:5
Observation: Jeremiah, like so many of us, had some questions about how God was doing things. Specifically, he questioned God’s justice (12:1). How could He allow the wicked and faithless to go on prospering and living in ease? God’s answer reminds Jeremiah that the ways of God are often too high above us to fully comprehend. If he has trouble with the ordinary ways we understand God, how will he handle the higher truths about His character?
Application: Do I really want a God who can be fully explained by me? Wouldn’t that make Him too much like me? There’s some frustration, to be sure, but the farther along on the journey I go, the more I’m appreciating and worshiping the magnificence of my great God. The mystery of His ways are to be celebrated. A good spiritual exercise program will help me “keep up” with Him better, but I’ll never catch Him and for sure never pass Him. And I’m good with that.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that Your ways are so much higher than mine; that I serve a great, great God who is beyond my comprehension, yet makes Himself known to me in ways I’m able to understand and bear. Continue to give me the energy to workout spiritually. Increase my spiritual stamina so I can keep up with You better. At least never lose sight of You.
Jeremiah 12:5
Observation: Jeremiah, like so many of us, had some questions about how God was doing things. Specifically, he questioned God’s justice (12:1). How could He allow the wicked and faithless to go on prospering and living in ease? God’s answer reminds Jeremiah that the ways of God are often too high above us to fully comprehend. If he has trouble with the ordinary ways we understand God, how will he handle the higher truths about His character?
Application: Do I really want a God who can be fully explained by me? Wouldn’t that make Him too much like me? There’s some frustration, to be sure, but the farther along on the journey I go, the more I’m appreciating and worshiping the magnificence of my great God. The mystery of His ways are to be celebrated. A good spiritual exercise program will help me “keep up” with Him better, but I’ll never catch Him and for sure never pass Him. And I’m good with that.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that Your ways are so much higher than mine; that I serve a great, great God who is beyond my comprehension, yet makes Himself known to me in ways I’m able to understand and bear. Continue to give me the energy to workout spiritually. Increase my spiritual stamina so I can keep up with You better. At least never lose sight of You.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Drink Deeply: from 8.10.08
My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. Jeremiah 2:13
Observations: Jeremiah begins his preaching to the people of Jerusalem by laying out the charges God has against them. Their actions can be summarized as prideful rebellion, as a self-confident ignoring of God’s past provision and protection which demonstrated His great love for the people He had chosen and set apart to be His own. It’s the classic, “I’m-smarter-than-God, I’m-my-own-god” thinking and living.
Application: My Heavenly Father is “the spring of living water.” Fresh and new, clean and pure characterize how He refreshes me day by day as we interact together. Why, then, would I ever want to dig a cistern to hold water, allowing it to become stagnate and polluted? Why would I leave an unending supply of living water and put my hopes for a quenched thirst in some stagnate holding tank that I know will crack and leak its inferior product over time? I know this: each day I make a decision which direction I will turn for life. I’ll either turn to God or from God. The one day I turn from Him sets my path away from Him and makes walking against His way that much easier and tempting tomorrow. I must awake and turn to Him anew each day.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, remind me of the foolish choice and its consequences for those who’ve gone before me. I don’t want to repeat their patterns. Cause me to drink deeply from “the spring of living water” daily, even several times a day. May my love for You today seem immature tomorrow because of the growth that comes from today’s pursuit of You.
Observations: Jeremiah begins his preaching to the people of Jerusalem by laying out the charges God has against them. Their actions can be summarized as prideful rebellion, as a self-confident ignoring of God’s past provision and protection which demonstrated His great love for the people He had chosen and set apart to be His own. It’s the classic, “I’m-smarter-than-God, I’m-my-own-god” thinking and living.
Application: My Heavenly Father is “the spring of living water.” Fresh and new, clean and pure characterize how He refreshes me day by day as we interact together. Why, then, would I ever want to dig a cistern to hold water, allowing it to become stagnate and polluted? Why would I leave an unending supply of living water and put my hopes for a quenched thirst in some stagnate holding tank that I know will crack and leak its inferior product over time? I know this: each day I make a decision which direction I will turn for life. I’ll either turn to God or from God. The one day I turn from Him sets my path away from Him and makes walking against His way that much easier and tempting tomorrow. I must awake and turn to Him anew each day.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, remind me of the foolish choice and its consequences for those who’ve gone before me. I don’t want to repeat their patterns. Cause me to drink deeply from “the spring of living water” daily, even several times a day. May my love for You today seem immature tomorrow because of the growth that comes from today’s pursuit of You.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Power Corrupts: from 8.2.08
The LORD afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, and he lived in a separate house. 2 Kings 15:5a
Observations: A fuller account of Azariah’s (Uzziah) affliction with leprosy is found in 2 Chronicles 26:16-21. In short, “after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to His downfall” (2 Chron. 26:16a). He assumed a role reserved only for the priests and in the midst of burning incense on the altar, he was struck with leprosy. From that day on, he was sent to live in a separate house and relieved of his responsibilities as king. His son, Jotham, took charge of the palace and the governing of the people of Judah.
Application: What shall I say about power and pride that hasn’t already been said? So often, power or prestige or even great respect leads to pride. And pride leads to downfall. While I can think of many illustrations of this, the worst move I can make is to think of those “other people” and not focus exclusively on myself. While I may not be as powerful a person as many others, I’ve been entrusted a group of people, many of whom respect my leadership. And that’s enough power to produce pride; enough pride to cause my downfall and the suffering of many.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to be like Jesus when it comes to dealing with power and pride: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:6-7). Make me like the humble Jesus who used power for You and others, not Himself.
Observations: A fuller account of Azariah’s (Uzziah) affliction with leprosy is found in 2 Chronicles 26:16-21. In short, “after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to His downfall” (2 Chron. 26:16a). He assumed a role reserved only for the priests and in the midst of burning incense on the altar, he was struck with leprosy. From that day on, he was sent to live in a separate house and relieved of his responsibilities as king. His son, Jotham, took charge of the palace and the governing of the people of Judah.
Application: What shall I say about power and pride that hasn’t already been said? So often, power or prestige or even great respect leads to pride. And pride leads to downfall. While I can think of many illustrations of this, the worst move I can make is to think of those “other people” and not focus exclusively on myself. While I may not be as powerful a person as many others, I’ve been entrusted a group of people, many of whom respect my leadership. And that’s enough power to produce pride; enough pride to cause my downfall and the suffering of many.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to be like Jesus when it comes to dealing with power and pride: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:6-7). Make me like the humble Jesus who used power for You and others, not Himself.
Monday, August 4, 2008
The Difference-Maker: from 7.29.08
Now bands from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman's wife. She said to her mistress, "If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy." 2 Kings 5:2-3
Observations: “Now Naaman was commander (v.1)…Now…a young girl…served Naaman’s wife…[and] said….” The story is so often told of Naaman being cured of his leprosy, but who hears of this young girl who is the LORD’s representative; whose own personal tragedy of being taken from her family, tribe and country, made a way for God’s hand to work through her. In the midst of great people and great places, this young girl (with two strikes against her: young, girl—make that three strikes: slave) is the difference-maker. Not powerful Naaman. Not even the prophet Elisha. This young slave girl, whose name we’ll never know. Without her, this story never happens!
Application: Who are the difference-makers? I think to make a difference I need to be some hybrid of Naaman and Elisha, some super soldier/saint with power and prophetic influence. But all I really need to be is God’s representative in the settings He places me, even if at times I don’t see how He could ever be behind my circumstances. I need more of the courage, confidence and awareness of this young slave girl.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for this example! How powerful a life is this!? Would you make me like her: courageous, confident, and aware of the opportunities around me to exalt Your power and greatness!? Keep this story ever before me. Help me to be a difference-maker and to exalt the difference-makers around me.
Observations: “Now Naaman was commander (v.1)…Now…a young girl…served Naaman’s wife…[and] said….” The story is so often told of Naaman being cured of his leprosy, but who hears of this young girl who is the LORD’s representative; whose own personal tragedy of being taken from her family, tribe and country, made a way for God’s hand to work through her. In the midst of great people and great places, this young girl (with two strikes against her: young, girl—make that three strikes: slave) is the difference-maker. Not powerful Naaman. Not even the prophet Elisha. This young slave girl, whose name we’ll never know. Without her, this story never happens!
Application: Who are the difference-makers? I think to make a difference I need to be some hybrid of Naaman and Elisha, some super soldier/saint with power and prophetic influence. But all I really need to be is God’s representative in the settings He places me, even if at times I don’t see how He could ever be behind my circumstances. I need more of the courage, confidence and awareness of this young slave girl.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for this example! How powerful a life is this!? Would you make me like her: courageous, confident, and aware of the opportunities around me to exalt Your power and greatness!? Keep this story ever before me. Help me to be a difference-maker and to exalt the difference-makers around me.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Ending Well: from 7/19/08
As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. 1 Kings 11:4
Observations: Well, what starts well doesn’t always end well. Solomon was once the man of God’s choosing with a passion for God and wisdom like none other. But disobedience (becoming wise in his own eyes) caught up with him. He acted as though he was an exception to God’s command not to intermarry with foreign women because (and there’s always a “because”) they will “turn your hearts after their gods” (v.2). But, “nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love” (v.2). This resulted in God’s judgment on his kingdom and the end of peace with his adversaries. God raised up adversaries from without and rebellion from within.
Application: Just because I start well doesn’t mean I’ll end well. When it’s all said and done, ending well depends on walking in faithful obedience to God’s direction. My human, sinful nature always questions God’s “restrictions.” Truth be told, there are times when I do not stop long enough to remember that there’s always a very good reason why God restricts. It’s always for my long-term good. Just as the LORD wanted to protect Solomon’s heart from turning away from Him, so He wants to protect me and provide for my long-term spiritual well-being. The LORD, my Heavenly Father, delights in me and desires only the very best of His life for me. And the path there is so simple: walk in full devotion to the LORD my God.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace that saves, keeps and teaches me to live a self-controlled, upright and godly life in this present age while I wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of my great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-13). Stir me to obedience and full devotion any and every time my sinful nature seeks to draw me into any way that dishonors You and turns my heart from You.
Observations: Well, what starts well doesn’t always end well. Solomon was once the man of God’s choosing with a passion for God and wisdom like none other. But disobedience (becoming wise in his own eyes) caught up with him. He acted as though he was an exception to God’s command not to intermarry with foreign women because (and there’s always a “because”) they will “turn your hearts after their gods” (v.2). But, “nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love” (v.2). This resulted in God’s judgment on his kingdom and the end of peace with his adversaries. God raised up adversaries from without and rebellion from within.
Application: Just because I start well doesn’t mean I’ll end well. When it’s all said and done, ending well depends on walking in faithful obedience to God’s direction. My human, sinful nature always questions God’s “restrictions.” Truth be told, there are times when I do not stop long enough to remember that there’s always a very good reason why God restricts. It’s always for my long-term good. Just as the LORD wanted to protect Solomon’s heart from turning away from Him, so He wants to protect me and provide for my long-term spiritual well-being. The LORD, my Heavenly Father, delights in me and desires only the very best of His life for me. And the path there is so simple: walk in full devotion to the LORD my God.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace that saves, keeps and teaches me to live a self-controlled, upright and godly life in this present age while I wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of my great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-13). Stir me to obedience and full devotion any and every time my sinful nature seeks to draw me into any way that dishonors You and turns my heart from You.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
"The Divine Menor" by Wayne Cordeiro
This is a terrific resource for anyone looking for ideas to cultivate or enhance your Habit of Time Alone with God. It's simple and profound at the same time. Best of all, it's full of illustrations from a pastor/discipler/leader who practices what he preaches/writes. Thanks, David Sheppard, for giving me my own copy.
Fried Egg Sandwich: from 7/16/08
Background
This week I spent 24 hours away for prayer and planning. There’s a gracious family who makes a lodge on their hill country ranch available to me for such getaways. One of the “extras”: the fresh eggs. I always look forward to cooking up a fried egg sandwich for breakfast. And this time I had some fresh tomatoes to go with it! Yummy!! However, something happened. Read on.
And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple. 1 Kings 8:11
Observations: As Solomon dedicated the temple, bringing up the ark of the covenant and all the furnishings, the presence of God manifested itself in the form of a thick cloud. “The glory of the LORD filled His temple” and brought all activity to a halt.
Application: What would it be like to be so aware of the presence of the LORD that all activity ceased? Nothing could and nothing needed to take place. In the words of Bob Roberts, “Jesus would be enough.” Man, that’s where I want to be. But how to get there? I’m not always where I need to be to experience that. To stay before God long enough to empty me of me in order to experience the fullness of Him, that’s another step higher (or lower) on my spiritual journey. And then to experience that as a church—what would that be like? Powerful. Humbling. Life-changing.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, bring about the life-change in me that needs to happen for me to be aware of the fullness of your presence. Let me start by simply giving up that fried egg breakfast sandwich that I’ve really been looking forward to eating this morning.
Note: By God’s grace, I went without food for the morning. It was a great morning of fellowship. And it was a good lunch, too.
This week I spent 24 hours away for prayer and planning. There’s a gracious family who makes a lodge on their hill country ranch available to me for such getaways. One of the “extras”: the fresh eggs. I always look forward to cooking up a fried egg sandwich for breakfast. And this time I had some fresh tomatoes to go with it! Yummy!! However, something happened. Read on.
And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple. 1 Kings 8:11
Observations: As Solomon dedicated the temple, bringing up the ark of the covenant and all the furnishings, the presence of God manifested itself in the form of a thick cloud. “The glory of the LORD filled His temple” and brought all activity to a halt.
Application: What would it be like to be so aware of the presence of the LORD that all activity ceased? Nothing could and nothing needed to take place. In the words of Bob Roberts, “Jesus would be enough.” Man, that’s where I want to be. But how to get there? I’m not always where I need to be to experience that. To stay before God long enough to empty me of me in order to experience the fullness of Him, that’s another step higher (or lower) on my spiritual journey. And then to experience that as a church—what would that be like? Powerful. Humbling. Life-changing.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, bring about the life-change in me that needs to happen for me to be aware of the fullness of your presence. Let me start by simply giving up that fried egg breakfast sandwich that I’ve really been looking forward to eating this morning.
Note: By God’s grace, I went without food for the morning. It was a great morning of fellowship. And it was a good lunch, too.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Focus for the Week of 7/21-7/27
In your LOL Relationships during the week of July 21-27, share your answers to the following questions regarding your recent experiences with the habits of (1) Time Alone with God Using the Bible and Prayer and, (2) Scripture Memory and Meditation for Character Transformation.
1. What's the essence of the best time alone with God you had this week?
2. What new insights or principles did you glean from memorizing or meditating on a passage of scripture that's strategic to the life-change you desire to experience?
3. Where are you seeing life-change as a result of exercising these habits? Where do you continue to struggle to see life-change? Decide on one step you can take this week to make progress toward the life-change you desire (examples: memorizing and meditating on a specific passage of scripture that addresses the issue; taking a specific action step each day to establish a new pattern of behavior; keeping a journal of your experiences with this issue between now and your next meeting; checking in with someone or having someone check in with you each day for accountability, etc.).
4. What seems to help you be consistent or hinder your consistent exercise of these habits? In the case of inconsistency, how can you help each other be more consistent?
1. What's the essence of the best time alone with God you had this week?
2. What new insights or principles did you glean from memorizing or meditating on a passage of scripture that's strategic to the life-change you desire to experience?
3. Where are you seeing life-change as a result of exercising these habits? Where do you continue to struggle to see life-change? Decide on one step you can take this week to make progress toward the life-change you desire (examples: memorizing and meditating on a specific passage of scripture that addresses the issue; taking a specific action step each day to establish a new pattern of behavior; keeping a journal of your experiences with this issue between now and your next meeting; checking in with someone or having someone check in with you each day for accountability, etc.).
4. What seems to help you be consistent or hinder your consistent exercise of these habits? In the case of inconsistency, how can you help each other be more consistent?
An Overview: LOL 101
What if you were parachuted into an Unreached People Group with the task of reaching the entire group with the message of the gospel and helping them become more like Jesus (“make disciples of all nations”—Matthew 28:18-20)? How would you go about it? How would you go about it if all you had—and all you would ever have—is a copy of the Bible in their language?
After multiple conversations with a number of friends and colleagues discussing a strategy for fulfilling the Great Commission, what emerged was a pattern of discipleship that can be reproduced in any culture throughout the culture to reach the culture. It’s called “Life-on-Life Discipleship.”
The good news is that biblical principles transcend cultures. What would work in the scenario described above will also work right where you are.
Here is an overview of what Life-on-Life Discipleship and this website are all about.
DEFINITION
Life-on-Life Discipleship: Modeling and Reproducing the Relationships and Habits that Help Us Become More Like Jesus.
RELATIONSHIPS – 2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 1:14, 16:13; Ephesians 4:15
It happens in the context of relationships where people value:
· God’s Word: the Bible is our source of truth.
· God’s Spirit: the Holy Spirit facilitates heart-change and life-change.
· God’s People: his people provide an accountable environment of grace and truth where you can open up your life to another person and invite their biblical feedback on your life and motives.
HABITS – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Timothy 4:7b-8
It happens as individuals regularly engage in a handful of habits that are foundational for personal growth and kingdom expansion:
· Time Alone with God Using the Bible & Prayer
· Scripture Memory and Meditation for Character Transformation
· Sharing Your Faith through Intentional Relationships
· Serving in Ministry
· Faithful Giving through the Grid of Ownership, Stewardship, and Citizenship
CONTEXT – Hebrews 3:13, 10:23-25
It happens as people who are practicing these spiritual habits meet in a relational environment to discuss what God’s teaching them as they engage in these habits; where they share how they see themselves becoming more like Jesus, and where they are struggling to see such life-changing.
MODELING – 1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:17
It happens as people who are doing the above begin modeling for others how to engage in the relationships and habits that will help them become more like Jesus.
REPRODUCING – 1 Corinthians 4:16-17; 2 Timothy 2:2
It happens when those who are the beneficiaries of such modeling begin experiencing their own life-change and start the process of modeling for others how they can begin to engage in the same relationships and habits for personal transformation. And so on.
BECOME MORE LIKE JESUS – Romans 8:29; Galatians 4:19; 1 John 3:1-3
It happens when becoming more like Jesus is the goal. It’s not about a check list. It’s about loving Jesus and loving people enough to get into one another’s lives in simple and intentional ways that will help each of us become more like Jesus.
COMMENTS
Please utilize the “comment” link below to share with us your additional thoughts, ideas, resources or questions. And be sure to add the site to you favorites and check back weekly for updates and suggestions for maximizing the multiplication of disciples.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
A Few Good Men
So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. 2 Samuel 23:16
BACKGROUND
2 Samuel 23:8-17 is one of those cool stories in the Old Testament that opens the Bible up as a book of real people for real people. Read the story of how three of King David’s “Mighty Men” served their leader and how he responded to their service. You’ll love it…especially if you’re a man!
MY JOURNAL ENTRY on July 7, 2008
Observations: Alongside every great leader there are others who serve sacrificially and seldom receive the recognition they deserve for their enormous contributions. This passage highlights a few of the great warriors who served under David’s command. They would do anything for David, including risking their lives so that David could have a drink of water from the well in Bethlehem (v.16) – (Sounds like they were adrenaline too—special forces types!). What loyalty and devotion. However, David refused to take advantage of such commitment to himself and turned their act of sacrifice into a sacrificial drink offering to the LORD (v.17).
Application: I have some great servants around me as well, beginning with the three mighty men who serve with me as elders of Hill Country Bible Church Leander. Much of their sacrificial service goes unnoticed by many. However, I see it and benefit from it almost daily. O that I would be on my guard never to take advantage of their loyalty, service, commitment and sacrifice to use it for my own advantage. May I always turn their service to me into an offering of praise to the LORD, thus giving it eternal honor on their behalf.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the men who serve with me these days: Mark Lumpkin, Donn Long, Mark Kincaid. Each deserves to be named alongside any praise that comes my way, and even more. For without them, as without You, I could do nothing. Help me to constantly look for ways to honor their service.
BACKGROUND
2 Samuel 23:8-17 is one of those cool stories in the Old Testament that opens the Bible up as a book of real people for real people. Read the story of how three of King David’s “Mighty Men” served their leader and how he responded to their service. You’ll love it…especially if you’re a man!
MY JOURNAL ENTRY on July 7, 2008
Observations: Alongside every great leader there are others who serve sacrificially and seldom receive the recognition they deserve for their enormous contributions. This passage highlights a few of the great warriors who served under David’s command. They would do anything for David, including risking their lives so that David could have a drink of water from the well in Bethlehem (v.16) – (Sounds like they were adrenaline too—special forces types!). What loyalty and devotion. However, David refused to take advantage of such commitment to himself and turned their act of sacrifice into a sacrificial drink offering to the LORD (v.17).
Application: I have some great servants around me as well, beginning with the three mighty men who serve with me as elders of Hill Country Bible Church Leander. Much of their sacrificial service goes unnoticed by many. However, I see it and benefit from it almost daily. O that I would be on my guard never to take advantage of their loyalty, service, commitment and sacrifice to use it for my own advantage. May I always turn their service to me into an offering of praise to the LORD, thus giving it eternal honor on their behalf.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the men who serve with me these days: Mark Lumpkin, Donn Long, Mark Kincaid. Each deserves to be named alongside any praise that comes my way, and even more. For without them, as without You, I could do nothing. Help me to constantly look for ways to honor their service.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
No Assumptions
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold. Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The LORD answered him, "Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you."
So David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, "As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me." So that place was called Baal Perazim. The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David and his men carried them off.
Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, "Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army." So David did as the LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. 2 Samuel 5:17-25
JOURNAL ENTRY
Observations: David was a man of spiritual discipline, not just military discipline. Here we see him praying for spiritual guidance. What strikes me as admirable is that, unlike me at times, David prayed about the same situation—the Philistines “spread out in the Valley of Rephaim (vs. 18, 23)—both times. The first time they did so, David prayed and God said, “Go…” (v.19). The second time they gathered in the same place for the same reason, David did what often I don’t. He “inquired of the LORD” (v.23) a second time. He didn’t assume that God wants things to go the same way every time as He directed them to go one time. And so David prayed, and sure enough, God redirected his steps by answering, “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind…” (v.23). Both times David prayed. Both occasions ended in victory. But how God directed was different both times.
Application: There really is no substitute for an interactive relationship with God. And prayer—consistently spending time alone in conversation with God—is indispensible when it comes to life and leadership. I need to always be on my guard against assumption. I need to make sure that I don’t assume that how God directed the first time a situation arose will be the same way He directs the next time it arises. Each time is an invitation to pray for direction, even if the situations are the same. Who’s to tell but that the purpose of both is to help me learn what it means to always listen to God and obey.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for reminding me that You are a God of variety as well as consistency. You don’t always repeat Yourself. And in Your variety You test me. You give me opportunities to trust in You and seek Your guidance, or to set out on my own path in a mode of assumption that fails to inquire of You again and thus miss out on Your wisdom, protection and provision.
So David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, "As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me." So that place was called Baal Perazim. The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David and his men carried them off.
Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, "Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army." So David did as the LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. 2 Samuel 5:17-25
JOURNAL ENTRY
Observations: David was a man of spiritual discipline, not just military discipline. Here we see him praying for spiritual guidance. What strikes me as admirable is that, unlike me at times, David prayed about the same situation—the Philistines “spread out in the Valley of Rephaim (vs. 18, 23)—both times. The first time they did so, David prayed and God said, “Go…” (v.19). The second time they gathered in the same place for the same reason, David did what often I don’t. He “inquired of the LORD” (v.23) a second time. He didn’t assume that God wants things to go the same way every time as He directed them to go one time. And so David prayed, and sure enough, God redirected his steps by answering, “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind…” (v.23). Both times David prayed. Both occasions ended in victory. But how God directed was different both times.
Application: There really is no substitute for an interactive relationship with God. And prayer—consistently spending time alone in conversation with God—is indispensible when it comes to life and leadership. I need to always be on my guard against assumption. I need to make sure that I don’t assume that how God directed the first time a situation arose will be the same way He directs the next time it arises. Each time is an invitation to pray for direction, even if the situations are the same. Who’s to tell but that the purpose of both is to help me learn what it means to always listen to God and obey.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for reminding me that You are a God of variety as well as consistency. You don’t always repeat Yourself. And in Your variety You test me. You give me opportunities to trust in You and seek Your guidance, or to set out on my own path in a mode of assumption that fails to inquire of You again and thus miss out on Your wisdom, protection and provision.
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