December 13, 2010, Revelations 9

Key Verse: 

But the people who did not die in the plagues did not repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood – idols that can neither see nor hear nor walk! And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their sexual immorality or their thefts. 

(Revelation 9:20-21) 

Central truth:
Even when confronted with the destructive power of sin the people will not repent. 


Reading the revelation can be a daunting task. Finding an application for today can be a head-scratching, frustrating venture, but Truth is there. You should look for it and see how it can apply to your life today. 

This chapter discusses the first two terrors of the end times. These times are marred by mass idol worship, witchcraft, crime and sexual immorality. Can you make a parallel here? One of the attributes of today’s society is the love of money. Heard crime rates lately? And you don’t need to head to the red light district to be confronted be sexual immorality. If you have a TV, there is plenty of immorality on the prime-time schedule. I can definitely see similarities between today’s world and the world spoken of in the revelation. What is most striking is how our world today is not very repentant. Society today is quite permissive when dealing with immorality. We make excuses when someone is caught “with their hand in the cookie jar.” We expect our politicians to be at least a little corrupt. 

Now, what to do with this? Well, first pray for repentance. Not only do we need personal repentance, but we need collective repentance. Second, we can be salt and light. We should be the Christ followers that God calls us to be. Be the example of how to live for a world that is actively rejecting God. And finally, pray. Pray today that repentance will come. Pray that you accept the influence you have been given and leverage it for His glory. 

December 6, 2010, Revelation 4

Key Verse:

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

Revelation 4:11

Central Truth:

The chief purpose of man is to praise God, who is the only worthy object of our praise.

Atta boy!

God finds pleasure in us when we praise him. This is our chief purpose, the one thing that we should do really, really often. It brings Him pleasure. The text says that we exist because He created what He pleased. This is after it says He created all things. He wanted to add something to the fact that He created all things. That is He wanted to make sure we knew that He took pleasure in us when we praised Him.

This year my son played flag football. His team was pretty good. Good enough in fact that he was lucky enough to play in the league championship game. He plays defense, and it was a tight game going deep into the second half. The “other” team was driving late in the game going for what would be a game winning touchdown with time winding down. They decided to throw a deep pass about ten yards away from the end zone. As the ball flew through the air my attention went from the quarterback to the kid who caught it. My nervousness turn to anxiety thinking that I (err we, err my son) was about to lose this game when I see my son pull the boys flag. I hear my wife yell, “That’s my boy!” I’m not quite that cliché. Can you imagine my smile? That feeling of utter joy... I reveled with my boy as he did what he was supposed to do. Coach sent him out there to pull the flag. That was his main job, and when he did it, that brought me (and the coach) joy.

Most people understand why we are supposed to praise God, but few think about what our praising Him does to Him. Would it change how you offer Him praise if you understand how it brings him joy? Will it make you more intentional about reducing distractions when you praise Him? When I pray I usually focus a lot of time at the beginning on praising Him. I pray a lot in my car when I drive. That’s not the best situation because I am a bit distracted (I do try to pay a little attention to the task of driving). I should find some time at home, when the kids are in bed, and my wife is reading a book to turn off the TV and be alone with God. I think being this intentional with my prayer time would be significant in God taking pleasure in our conversations.

December 3, 2010,Revelation 3

Key Verse: 

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

(Revelation 3:20)

Central Truth: 

Jesus is always there knocking. He won’t open the door for you. It is up to us to open the door and let Him in.

THE DOOR WITHOUT A DOORKNOB

If you examine this famous picture closely, you will find Jesus knocking on a door that has nodoorknob on the outside.

In Revelation 3:14-22, the author of the book, John the Apostle (also to whom the Gospel of John is attributed), is writing about the church of the Laodiceans, and in verses 15 and 16 writes, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

Pretty strong statement, beginning with “I know your WORKS . . . " (notice he didn’t say anything about “I know your FAITH.") “Works” is basically describing our obedience and service to God. We show our obedience and service to Him through our loyalty - by the way we talk, what we talk about, who we fellowship with, and what we do with our time, our knowledge, and energy. In short, we show our loyalty by our works—that is, by our conduct—and what we produce with what we have been given.

He goes on to describe “Lukewarm” Christians as neither hot nor cold and how he will vomit (pretty strong word) them out. Lukewarm Christians send confusing messages. I found a good synopsis of “lukewarm” – "that which gives no refreshment, or that which has neither the cleansing properties of hot water nor the refreshing properties of cold." Modern synonyms of the word "lukewarm" give illuminating insights into its use in this letter: "lacking ardor, enthusiasm or conviction; moderate; mild; unemotional; halfhearted; hesitant; indecisive; irresolute; uncertain; uncommitted; unresponsive; indifferent; impassive; languid; phlegmatic; apathetic; nonchalant; lackadaisical.” Obviously, Christ has little use for the lukewarm. Maybe it’s time we “caught fire.”

I also find verse 19 interesting: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.” As a coach, this one is right up my alley. Give me players that are “on fire” for what we are doing. Or, give me those that obviously don’t care at all (I know exactly what to do with them). Either way … just so long as the water is clear (hot or cold). When the water is murky (lukewarm) … that’s when it gets complicated.

In verse 20 ("Behold, I stand at the door and knock …"), Christ is reporting that—in His own church—some know that He is at the door, but they will not rouse themselves from their spiritual lethargy to open it. By implication, they will not invite Him into their lives. As unbelievable as it sounds, there are those in His church who will keep Him on the outside looking in! Jesus willingly continues to knock at the door because He has an everlasting love for us (Jeremiah 31:3).

We must  turn up the heat in our spiritual lives.   We must get up and open the door.

December 2, 2010, Revelation 2

Key Verse: 

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

(Rev. 2:10)

Central Truth:

You will face trials and tribulations in your life, but the ultimate reward will be eternal life.

TOUGH LOVE

In this chapter, John is writing to the seven churches in Asia. In each letter, the angel of the church is either given approval or vindication of its actions. The one thing that is commonly found in all of the letters is the assurance of eternal life:

v7: To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat at the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.

v11: He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.

v17: To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.
v26: He who overcomes and he who keeps my deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations.

God encourages these churches even though their actions may not have always been what God had intended for them. They have wandered off of God's path, and He is encouraging them to get back on it. Although God scolds the churches and threatens them, He also encourages and praises them.

Even though we try to live by God's standards, we often fail. Life may become overwhelming at times, and we forget our real purpose. God may have to scold and threaten us like He did the churches; but, God is then truly being our parent by showing us "tough love." For example, we all want what is best for our children. We try to guide but also know that they have free will to do as they please. While we encourage our children in all that they do, we must also scold them when they go astray. We must show tough love and get them back on the right path.

We don't have to give up when we fall short of what God may have planned for us. God doesn't forget us and move on just because we have messed up. We may fail time and time again, just like the churches addressed in this chapter, but God encourages us to stay on the right path and keep our focus on the end-goal, eternal life in Heaven with Him.

God is the only true path to eternal life. Which path are you on?

December 1, 2010, Revelation 1

Key Verse:

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John. Revelation 1:1


Central Truth:

The return of Jesus Christ is revealed.


ARE YOU ON THE WINNING SIDE?


Well, here we are starting the last book of the Bible. Great job on the Journey to all that took part. We just wrote devotions for every chapter in the New Testament. A shout out to Jennifer Roberts for her help with editing each one of these all year. War Eagle!!

The last book is clearly one of the most challenging books to understand in the New Testament. Written by John, Revelation is a book about the future and about the present. It offers the reality of eternal life to believers as it proclaims Jesus Christ's victory over the Evil One. We learn through symbols that Christ is coming again and that the dead will be raised to judgment, resulting ultimately in Heaven or Hell.

God gave the revelation of His plan to Jesus Christ, who then revealed it to John. This book shows God's full identity and His plan for the end of the world and explains the coming of Jesus, the establishment of His Kingdom, and His final victory over evil. As you read through this final book, don't get so confused by the symbols and details that you miss the power of Jesus Christ. John's recording of certain events through the vision from Jesus is meant to be encouraging to all believers. The Bible says that what John saw was often indescribable. So, in many cases, he used illustrations to show what it was like. It is all meant to show Christ's glory and power. Verses 2 and 3 explain that the book might appear scary, but there is nothing to be afraid of if you are on the winning side. "Blessed are those who hear it and take it to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." Rev 1:3. 

As you read this Chapter think about your future, your eternity, but walk with confidence knowing that Jesus walks with you. If you believe in Him, you are on the winning side.

November 29, 2010, 3 John

Key Verse:

So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us.

(3 John: 10)

Central Truth:

Gossip is one of Satan’s schemes to hurt relationships and wreck our churches.

KEEP YOUR MOUTH CLOSED

The book of 3 John is a short letter written by the Apostle John to a man names Gaius. Gaius was a leader in a local church and one of John’s friends. John’s letter encourages Gaius to show hospitality, continue to walk in the truth, and do what is right.

John also writes this book to deal with a very specific person and problem. His name was Diotrephes. He was a leader in this particular church and had used his position of power to gossip and gain more power. Diotrephes was a troublemaker. He also rejected the leadership of John. He refused to read the letter that John had written to the church. Then Diotrephes began to gossip and spread rumors about those who did not follow his ideas and leadership. His goal was to ruin people. He even kicked people out of the church who wanted to teach. There is no doubt that Diotrephes' gossip had spread throughout the church causing people to choose sides.

One time my Grandmother, Mama Minnie, told me something about gossip. She told me to think about a bag of feathers. Then she said, "Imagine releasing the feathers on a windy day. After that, try to imagine collecting them all." And, then she would say, "You can’t catch all those feathers. That is how it is with gossip. When you release your words, there is no taking them back, and you will never know where the wind will take them."

My Pastor, Jerry Dingmore, has also preached on gossip. He says that there are three questions we must ask ourselves when we hear gossip and are tempted to repeat the gossip. First, is it true? Second, is it beneficial? Third, is it necessary? I think most of us would stop, think, and keep our mouths shut.

We all have experienced someone talking about us. However, it is really hurtful when someone lies and adds details to our negative experience or story. I will never forget a friend calling me after I had made a serious mistake. She had heard the story (the true and not true) and instead of repeating it, she called me. She said, “Le, I know you. Yes, you messed up; ask forgiveness and move on.” She said that God will bring good from this, and you must learn from this experience. AND GOD DID!!!! I now have a walk with Jesus that I may not have had if it weren’t for my mistake. Did I have to suffer some consequences? Oh yes. But she was my friend through it all, and I love her all the more for it.

God used my friend, Katie Kemper, to help me so much! She was my angel that day and continues to help me walk in the light of Jesus. I believe Jesus wants us to be a friend or a person like that. So when you hear a negative story about someone, reach out to them. You may be the ONLY person that reaches out to them. The Bible is filled with people who really, really messed up!!! In some of those cases, God used them for mighty purposes. Ask God to open you heart and eyes to those who are hurting. He will. Ask God to help you control your tongue. It will take practice and self-control, but you can do it with His help.

November 22, 2010, 1John 2

Key Verse:

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

(1 John 2: 17)

Central Truth

We are not to love the world’s ways or love the world’s goods because it will take the place of our first love, Christ. We are to keep our eyes on the prize, which is to believe in Jesus and have eternal life.

The Journey has been such a wonderful experience for Wes and me. It has really kept us reading God’s word daily which is the key to keeping our eyes on the prize. It is so awesome how the Bible is timeless and relevant to our lives in 2010. We need it each and every day, or our focus will become worldly possessions and worldly desires instead of our lord and savior. We are all guilty of making choices based on what is going on in the world around us whether it is in our actions, a purchase, or even parenting decisions. We all fall short in this department, but because Jesus paid the price for our sins past, present and future, we still have hope.

Our sin problem has been solved for good because of Jesus Christ. As we grow in him allowing him to shine light into our darkness, he sets us free. We know we love him when we allow the Word to change us and we agree with what it says. The words of God, not only allow us to love our brothers and sisters, but also allow us overcome the stumbling blocks in our path. As we mature in HIM, our life matches His words and teachings which is the clear path to the prize.

Maturity can only come after hearing these same things John is telling us in chapter 2 over and over. We are all God’s kids, and He knew we would have to hear and read it over and over to get it, to feel it, to own it. Do you get it?

November 19, 2010, 1 John 1

Key Verse: 

God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

(1 John 1:5)

Key Concept:

Walking in the light, no need to be afraid.

I love verse 5. It makes everything clear in one sentence. In God, there is no darkness.
Substitute any negative: in God there is no fear, in God there is no sorrow, . . . no sickness, . . . no worry, . . . no death. You can go on an on.

Change it up: in Sin there is fear, sorrow, etc.

We live in a sinful world. We will experience all the negatives of life. The good news: God gives us a light; he gives us a leg up. Through Christ and the grace He gave, we do not have to live in the darkness.

Have you ever experienced total darkness? I mean absolute darkness where you cannot see your hand in front of your face? It's pretty scary when you are unsure of what is around you. With God there is never total darkness. He is always in the room to protect you.

The choice is really yours.

Do you want to ignore God's protection and sit in utter darkness? He will let you. You can also reach up for Him and eliminate all darkness. It's a simple choice.

November 18, 2010, 2 Peter 3

Key Verse:

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

(2 Peter 3:8-9)

Central Truth:

God is not on our timetable.

WAITING ON GOD

Peter wrote this letter to the Christian church not long before his death. Peter is specifically addressing the persecuted Christians of that time. I imagine God seemed slow to these believers as they faced persecution every day. The Christians were tortured, killed and mocked for their beliefs. Their hope and focus was on Christ's return. Peter is telling Christians to not sit around waiting for Christ to return, but to realize that time is short and we have important work to do. We need to be ready to meet Christ at any time, but know that he may not return for many years.

I have zero patience. I was recently telling a friend of mine that, when God was wiring me, He left out the virtue of patience. He laughed and said, “No . . . patience is not granted; it is learned. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations.” WOW. I felt like I was about an inch tall at that moment. While his intentions were not malicious, his point was made. I realized then and there how trivial my problems were and how silly I must look to those around me when I lose my patience.

I wonder if Peter looked at his fellow Christians in the same way. Peter saw the BIG picture. He understood why his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ longed for Jesus’ return. Who wouldn’t have wanted to have been rescued from the environment that Christians were living in those days? At the same time, he realized how unproductive and idle Christians were becoming by sitting around waiting on God. Peter warns Christians to be ready, but continue doing the work God has laid out for them.

Two thousand years later Christians in the USA face different trials and tribulations. With the economic tsunami we have faced and the general erosion of morals in our society, it is easy to long for Jesus’ return today much like they did then. Peter warning is just as relevant today. We should be ready to meet Christ any time, but know that He may not return for years. We have work to do. BE PATIENT. God is not on our timetable.

November. 17, 2010 ,2 Peter 2

Key Verse:
It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. 22 Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit" and "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."
(2 Peter 2: 21)
Central Truth:
Without salvation one can only create an illusion; eventually they will live out what they really are.
THERE AIN'T NO FLEAS ON ME:
While trying to determine which verse in 2 Peter 2 to address in this devotion, I was strongly leaning toward verse 1, which talks about false prophets. I felt that would be a topic we could all identify with, as I’m sure we have all encountered or have even been influenced in some manner by false prophets. However, for some reason, I could not keep verse 22 off the brain. That verse just kept reminding me of something that my Mom told me over and over, “Son, if you lay with dogs you’re going to get fleas.” Now, I know my Mom’s message to me was: Son if you hang around with bad people, you’re going to end up doing bad things and get into trouble. I think Peter’s message is a little different, yet somewhat related. I think what Peter is saying in verse 22 is that, unless you transform inwardly, no matter how much you change your outer self, you will always revert back to your true nature. True transformation can only be accomplished through salvation. Only Christ has that transforming power.

I can look back at my life and truthfully say that I was a good person, provided well for my family, and didn’t break (many) laws. But, upon further reflection, I realize that during most of my life I was covered with fleas and wallowing in mud. I don’t remember eating my vomit. Thankfully, by the Grace of God, at the age of 58, Jesus Christ transformed me inwardly. Please don’t ever feel that it is too late to experience the glorious love of our Savior. I still have a lot to learn and improvements to make in my new Christian life, but thanks to God, I am no longer covered with fleas. Mom, I pray that you know this as you sit at the feet of Jesus.

I ‘m also intrigued with verse 21. I feel that Peter’s message here is that it is not a good idea to turn your back on God. You don’t want to make a promise to God that you can’t keep. As if God had timed this, I received an e-mail yesterday from a men’s daily devotional site called Honor Bound that I think nails this verse:
Questions from a Wayward Man
Making promises and not following up on them is wrong. When you give God a promise it would be best to not forget it or negate it in any way. He knows what you have committed to Him. That which we commit to God is no longer our own; it already belongs to Him. In the first place, all material goods God entrusts to you are only in your hands for you to oversee on His behalf. He lets you govern it to see if you will be a good manager or a thief!– David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

November 16, 2010, 2 Peter Chapter 1

Key Verse:

And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

(2 Peter 1:15)

Central Truth:

If tomorrow never comes, will they know how much you loved Him? 

When your time on earth is up, how will people remember you? Will they remember your house, your cute kids, or your fast car? Will they remember the success you made, the places you traveled to, . . . or, will they remember what you stood for and what you proclaimed with every ounce of your soul? 

I love what Peter says here...."I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things." Every effort? Does God truly expect us to use every ounce of our being to make His name renown through-out our community and world? Does God really expect us to give up things to commit our lives fully to the cause of Christ? Is it REALLY our responsibility for others to remember what God did for them on the cross thousands of years ago? 

ANSWER: YEP! 

He sure does. Find that hard to swallow? Me too! But as Christ followers, our lives are to be lived in such a way that others will see, hear, and know that the Gospel is real . . . even after we are gone. Because of our love for our Saviour, we are to make every effort that others remember:

God's love for them.
Salvation that's available for them.
How to live a life that's righteous for Him.

So how do I do that? Look at what Peter said in verses 5 through 8:

"[M]ake every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. ⁸For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Based on this, if tomorrow doesn't come for you, will others know how much you loved God and his children? Or, are you ineffective and unproductive?

November 15, 2010, 1 Peter 5

Key Verse:

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

(1Peter 5:2-4)

Central Truth:

The biblical image of a leader throughout the scriptures is not of a cowboy who drives and pushes their herds from behind, but of a shepherd who leads and shows others the way.

Cowboy Herding Cattle, or a Shepherd Herding a Flock?
Back in my college days, this sorority girl became a “cowgirl for a day” and attempted to learn how to herd cattle. I was given a frisky horse to ride; spurs adorned my new shiny boots; and a whip was placed in my hand. My only instructions were to stay behind the cattle, push the cattle and let them know that you are boss. After a very long day, I was never able to master the whole herding thing.

The one lesson I did learn that day actually came from one of the farmhands. At one point, this college chick was beyond frustrated and ready to thrown in my spurs and whip. Mr. Cowboy came trotting up with a smirk on his face and said, “You think this is hard. You should try herding sheep.”

Sheep herding is done by shepherds. A Shepherd is someone who leads his flock on foot, wears sandals and carries a hook. The word “Shepherd” is found sixty times in the Bible and refers to a person who guides and protects. Over and over again, the Bible describes how God leads and cares for us, and how we are to lead and care for others in God’s flock. In Psalm 23, God the Father is portrayed as a shepherd. In Luke 15:1-7, Jesus compares himself to a shepherd who goes after lost sheep. In John 21:15-17 Jesus tells Peter, “Feed my lambs,” and “Take care of my sheep.” God’s leaders are called shepherds in the New Testament as well as the Old: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).

In the biblical days, being likened to a shepherd was very heavy stuff. The shepherds in Jesus’ era carried a lot of responsibility. Their lives were hard and dangerous. They were on call to protect their flock from predators 24 hours a day. Sheep are prone to wander; without a shepherd’s constant vigilance, a flock would simply disappear. The biblical image of a leader throughout the scriptures is not of a cowboy who drives and pushes their herds from behind, but of a shepherd who leads and shows others the way.

So, are you a cowboy herding cattle, or a shepherd herding a flock?

1 Peter 5:2-4 tells us that we are to care for the flock that God has entrusted to us. This would include your family, children, a Sunday school class, or small group you are leading, or maybe God is calling you to a higher position in your church or even your workplace. As a shepherd, we are to realize that we are caring for God’s flock, not our own; we are to lead out of eagerness to serve, not out of obligation; we should be concerned with what we can give, not for what we can get in return; and most importantly, we should lead by example, not force.

Sometimes it is easier to be a “cowboy for a day,” but, as Christian leaders, we are called to jump off our high horse and throw in the spurs and whip. We are to lead, guide and protect our flock . . . “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”

November 12, 2010, I Peter 4

Key Verse :

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

(1 Peter 4:10)

Central Truth :

Our gifts and talents are not for us; they are for serving others. When we serve others, we show them the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

LIVING FOR GOD.
I love this chapter. It gets me FIRED UP about serving! It’s my passion. I believe that everyone should serve. When you serve others, something amazing happens. You become the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. You show others that they are loved and valuable. You show them that God loves them. That’s what life is all about. Love God. Love people.


This idea of living for God and others is repeated over and over in the Bible. It’s not a coincidence either. It’s so important that it bears repeating.


"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:11)

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16).

When we serve others, we don’t do it for praise or reward. But we are rewarded. I have been so blessed by working in the preschool at Piedmont. Those sweet chubby babies give me all the reward I could ever ask for. And when we keep a baby in the Peewees, it gives that child’s parent a chance to serve someone else and so on. It’s a domino effect. Can you imagine how wonderful things could be if everyone paid it forward? Can you imagine how loved people would feel? Can you imagine how pleased God would be?


And serving is not just for church. We have opportunities to serve others all the time, everyday. You can help out your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. You can mow a sick friend’s lawn. You can carry in the mail for an elderly neighbor. You can offer to babysit a friend’s kids so she can have the night off. There are so many big and small ways to show others love. Today I challenge you to find someone to love on.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35.

November 10, 2010, I Peter 2

Key Verses:

For the Lord’s sake, accept all authority—the king as head of state, and the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish all who do wrong and to honor those who do right…..Show respect for everyone. Love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God. Show respect for the king.

(I Peter 2:13-17)

Central truth:

We are to respect authority, no matter what.

To this day I can hear my dad telling me that I did not have to like a person but I had to respect their position and know my place in dealings with people in authoritative roles. He would go on to say that I did not have to agree with what they said all of the time, but I had to, again, remember my place. My dad was always giving me pearls in dealing with other people. My dad is an awesome guy by my book and has given me so much sage advise over the years that I find myself relaying it to my kids as well. Little did I know at the time that this point had a biblical basis.

You see, God placed an entire network of people in this world into positions of authority. Not just government leaders but also leaders in our workplaces and in our families. Coming under authority and showing respect is by no means easy. None of us want to be told what to do or how to do it. I personally struggle with this, not because I am bull-headed and obstinate but because I see a lot of people in roles of authority that are acting ungodly. I find it very difficult to respect someone, regardless of their title or position, who belittles other people on a routine basis, who lacks humility, who is prideful and boastful, who acts for selfish gain or promotion, or who is just plain hypocritical.

But, I came across a Christian writer, Karen Wolff, who got me thinking on this issue. She said that the bottom line is that God expects us to respect Him and His choices. He expects that we will respect the people He has placed in authority over us. She too, like Dad, says that this doesn’t mean that we have to agree with every one of their decisions, but it does mean that we still need to show respect for the position, and by extension, the person who is in the position.

There are several verses in the Bible that support this, but I think it is best stated in Romans 13:1-3 which states: “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authority do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong.”

All of this being said, it is me who needs to change in the way that I view some people in authority. Instead of making critical observations, I need to pray for those in authority over me. I need to ask God to guide them in their decisions and pray that they seek God as they make these decisions. I need to pray that I can, by example, show what submitting to authority is supposed to look like.

Prayer: Dear God, Please help me to view those in authority through your eyes, even those who appear to be acting ungodly. Help me to remember that they have been placed in this role by you and that I should respect them no matter what. Thank you. Amen.

November 9, 2010, I Peter 1

Key Verse:

"Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed."

(I Peter 1:13)



Central Truth:

Faithful Christians are assured of an everlasting eternal reward.



OUR WORLDS


Most of us inhabit several "worlds." We live in one world at home, another at work, yet another socially, etc. Even in the first century Peter understood this concept. He makes frequent references to "worlds" and "the eternal," explaining that the way we respond to events in our earthly worlds produces lasting effects for us in the eternal world.


In Peter's letter to Christians, he commends those who love Christ without ever having seen him, for such faith leads to a life filled with glorious joy. He assures believers who endure the demands and disappointments of our earthly lives that they will cultivate invaluable faith as a result of our pain. To Christians suffering persecution and other troubles, Peter promises a magnificent eternal inheritance.


That eternal spiritual world often seems very distant to us. At times, the extreme difficulties of today's world make it almost impossible to live a faith-filled life. Living a life pleasing to God hardly seems worth it. The Bible, though, assures us of two very important things. A life within God is infinitely better than a life without God, and the rewards awaiting those who remain faithful are indescribably grand. These are promises; not things that "might" or "could" happen. Our eternal inheritance is assured.

November 8, 2010, James 5

Key Verse:

This treasure you have accumulated will stand as evidence against you on the day of judgment.
(James 5: 3)

Central Truth:

If worldly treasures are at the top of your important list, you are missing the point. God says they will burn like stubble in hay.


Where's your treasure?


The book of James, although short, is fantastic for teaching principals that Christians should live by. James gives a warning to the rich in chapter 5. "Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes." (James 5:2) I work in commercial real estate, and I see all kinds of real estate developers who have lots of money. It's easy to get caught up in the desire to make lots of money, to have nice things, and to be able to "do whatever you want to do financially." I'll admit, I want to make lots of money and I want to have and be able to do things. Is that wrong? James warns the rich that their money will rot, their silver will corrode. OR DOES HE???


What James proclaims is the worthlessness of riches, not the worthlessness of the rich. The money we have today will mean nothing when Christ comes back; so we should spend our time accumulating those types of riches that will be worth something in Heaven. Money, though, is not the problem. Piedmont needs money (your tithe money) to provide salaries for staff and to do our work effectively as a church. It is the LOVE of money that leads to evil. (1 Timothy 6:10). James uses these few verses to warn Christians who are tempted to adopt worldly standards rather than God's standards.

I believe God wants us to be successful in our jobs. God wants us to make money to tithe and give back to His church. He wants us to be successful and provide for our families, but at the same time, He does not want us to allow money to become more important to us than HIM. Remember He allowed you to make it; He can take it away from you real quick.

What drives your heart? A relationship with Jesus, an awesome church where you worship, a loving family, striving to be a Godly man or woman, . . . or, earthly treasures and things that James tells us will burn ? "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)

November 5, 2010, James 4

Key Verse: 

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

(James 4:7)

Central Truth: 

Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, we have the power to resist the devil.

SHUT THE DOOR, KEEP OUT THE DEVIL

I can still see my friend Elizabeth doing little motions she made up to help us memorize this verse when we were all doing a ladies' Bible study ten years ago. It made me giggle because she would do her fingers in a "walking" motion (think Yellow Pages ads in the 80's) really fast, like running. It was kind of a funny motion for grown ups to be sitting around doing in Bible study, but what really was funny to me, in a different way, was to think about the devil running away from ME! I mean, if I saw the devil incarnate coming towards me, I would certainly run (wouldn't I?), but he will flee from little 'ole ME? Paul says he will.

Let's back up a minute. I said I would run from the devil incarnate. I mean, wouldn't he have big horns, breathing fire, and a really mean snarl? I guess he would. So, I would be scared, and I would RUN! But what if he didn't? What if he wasn't mean and scary? What if he was whispering gossip in my ear? What if he was on a really, really funny TV show that made me laugh even though the language was, shall we say, "coarse"? What if he was a really handsome man, handing out compliments and paying me attention on a really bad day? I mean, I would still run from the devil then, right?

Well, I guess that brings me to the key part of this verse. Paul gives us several instructions in this chapter about how to come near to God, two in this verse. First, submit to God. That means to yield to his authority - let Him be the boss of you. And next, RESIST the devil. Don't follow him! Don't listen to his silky words! So maybe that means we run from him. Maybe we just get up in his face and claim scripture.

Later in James, Paul describes the devil as "a roaring lion looking for someone to devour," and instructs us again to "resist him, standing firm in the faith." (5:9) So, however you gotta do it, just do it! Resist the devil! Maybe you need to move your seat away from that stream of gossip. Or maybe you need to pick up the remote and turn the channel. Or maybe you need to claim scripture you have hidden away in your heart that will help you renew your thoughts and your mind and get back on track. Whatever direction the devil is trying to lure you in, just go the other way!

And what happens next? The devil will flee from YOU! Why? Maybe it's because when we resist him by claiming the power of the Holy Spirit in us, he realizes we are a waste of time and so he moves on to an easier target. But, I think it's because he knows who our Daddy is, and deep down, he is scared of Him. ("...the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" 1 John 4:4.) For whatever reason, the devil will flee from ME if I resist him. I can just see his little legs running - just like Elizabeth's fingers . . . .