What's next? In July or August I'm thinking of starting a 50 day devotional journey through Genesis. Will keep you posted on that.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Prayer and Proverbs - Day 31 of 31
Read Proverbs 31.
“What are you doing, my son?” (Proverbs 31:2a ESV)
What if this question was asked of you?
What are you doing, [fill in your name]?”
In your response to these questions, prayerfully consider these marks of a Christian as Paul taught the Romans:
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:9-21 ESV)
In wrapping up this 31-day journey through Proverbs, I share Paul's words found in the end of his letter to the Ephesians:
“Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 6:23-24 NLT) AMEN!
“What are you doing, my son?” (Proverbs 31:2a ESV)
This question was asked by King Lemuel's wise mother. Verses 3 through 9 then explore the king's sinful activity followed by instruction on how a godly king should live his life.
What if this question was asked of you?
What are you doing, [fill in your name]?”
What sinful activity is God calling you not to be tempted by?
In what ways is God calling you to live your life for Jesus
—to love Him and to love others?
In your response to these questions, prayerfully consider these marks of a Christian as Paul taught the Romans:
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:9-21 ESV)
In wrapping up this 31-day journey through Proverbs, I share Paul's words found in the end of his letter to the Ephesians:
“Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 6:23-24 NLT) AMEN!
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Prayer and Proverbs - Day 30 of 31
Read Proverbs 30.
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Proverbs 30:5 ESV)
There is no infiltrating God our shield. There is nothing that stands up against Him. The Bible says much on this:
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Proverbs 30:5 ESV)
Marvel Comics' S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Homeland Intervent Enforcement Logistics Division) was an espionage, quasi military organization formed to defeat evil in the world (and it's #1 nemesis, Hydra). Add in the help of the superhero Avengers, and who could fight against such a strong shield? Created by man, though, it wasn't a perfect organization and as depicted in the recent Marvel movies, S.H.I.E.L.D. was quietly infiltrated by Hydra and eventually torn apart.
There is no infiltrating God our shield. There is nothing that stands up against Him. The Bible says much on this:
- [God's Covenant with Abram] “After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: 'Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.'” (Geneis 15:1 ESV)
- “Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawning to you, and you shall tread upon their backs.” (Deuteronomy 33:29 ESV)
- “my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.” (2 Samuel 22:3 ESV)
- “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2 ESV)
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Prayer and Proverbs - Day 29 of 31
Read Proverbs 29.
“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” (Proverbs 29:25 ESV)
The character George Costanza from Seinfeld feared everything. He was a man bottled up in insecurities. He feared what people thought of him. He feared what people were or were not saying about him. He feared appearing a failure. He even feared appearing successful. George Costanza—a man most ensnared in fearing man.
Then at the coffee shop George had a revelation, “Why did it all turn out like this for me?...It became very clear to me sitting out there today, that every decision I've ever made, in my entire life, has been wrong. My life is the opposite of everything I want it to be. Every instinct I have, in every of life, be it something to wear, something to eat ... It's all been wrong.”
Consequently, George put his fears aside, did the opposite of his natural instincts and everything went well for him. He got a glimpse of life free from the fear of man—even if only for a short while.
Look in the Bible and there are many verses on trusting the Lord. Here is one:
“Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'” (Matthew 11:28 ESV)
This is our Lord. In Jesus we bring all of the fears, anxieties, and burdens that others attempt to shovel down on us. Jesus takes these off of our shoulders. As our Shepherd He guards and protects us. He keeps us safe.
For more on Jesus being our Shepherd, our Lord who keeps us safe, pray Psalm 23 (ESV):
“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” (Proverbs 29:25 ESV)
Then at the coffee shop George had a revelation, “Why did it all turn out like this for me?...It became very clear to me sitting out there today, that every decision I've ever made, in my entire life, has been wrong. My life is the opposite of everything I want it to be. Every instinct I have, in every of life, be it something to wear, something to eat ... It's all been wrong.”
Consequently, George put his fears aside, did the opposite of his natural instincts and everything went well for him. He got a glimpse of life free from the fear of man—even if only for a short while.
Look in the Bible and there are many verses on trusting the Lord. Here is one:
“Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'” (Matthew 11:28 ESV)
This is our Lord. In Jesus we bring all of the fears, anxieties, and burdens that others attempt to shovel down on us. Jesus takes these off of our shoulders. As our Shepherd He guards and protects us. He keeps us safe.
For more on Jesus being our Shepherd, our Lord who keeps us safe, pray Psalm 23 (ESV):
“The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.”
Amen.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Prayer and Proverbs - Day 28 of 31
Read Proverbs 28.
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13 ESV)
Watch Philip Phillips’ “Unpack Your Heart”.
Jesus calls us to truth. He calls us to truth about ourselves. He wants the real us, not a hidden us. When we are real, when we confess our sins, we receive His forgiveness, His mercy, His grace.
Here are Jesus’ words on confession/repentance:
In prayer, how will you lose the secrets, confess the sins, and unpack your heart to Jesus today?
After you have prayed to above, know that…“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 ESV)
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13 ESV)
“Meet me where the sunlight ends
Meet me where the truth never bends
Bring all that you're scared to defend
And lay it down when you walk through my door
Throw all of it out on the floor
Your sorrow, your beauty, your war
I want it all, I want it all
Bring your secrets, bring your scars
Bring your glory, all you are
Bring your daylight, bring your dark
Share your silence
And unpack your heart”
Jesus calls us to truth. He calls us to truth about ourselves. He wants the real us, not a hidden us. When we are real, when we confess our sins, we receive His forgiveness, His mercy, His grace.
Here are Jesus’ words on confession/repentance:
- “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 ESV)
- “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15 ESV)
- “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3 ESV)
- “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7 ESV)
- “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10 ESV)
“Oh, I'm on your side
So shed your shadow
And watch it rise
Oh, I'm on your side
So shed your shadow
And watch it rise
Into your darkness
I'll shine a light”
In prayer, how will you lose the secrets, confess the sins, and unpack your heart to Jesus today?
After you have prayed to above, know that…“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 ESV)
Lastly...“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20 ESV)
In prayer also, how may God use you to help another understand the truth of Proverb 28:13?
In prayer also, how may God use you to help another understand the truth of Proverb 28:13?
Monday, June 15, 2015
Prayer and Proverbs - Day 27 of 31
Read Proverbs 27.
“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” (Proverbs 27:23 ESV)
There is a well-timed scene in the BBC's The Office, where Ricky Gervais' character David Brent is talking with Rowan, an outside person hired to train David's staff through an all-day workshop on customer service. When the documentary crew asks Rowan what the day is about, David, as usual, steps in to answer. He shares that the workshop is really about “Invest in people (i.e. the staff). Letting them know that they are our most important commodity.” As he is saying this, we see Dawn, the receptionist, in the background crying. David also sees Dawn, makes a sort of aloof smirk, shrugs his “I don't know what that's about?” shoulders, and continues talking to the camera. David neither knew Dawn's condition nor gave it attention.
What about you?
Who would you consider your flock? Your family? Your work staff? The volunteers in your ministry or non-profit? Others?
How well do you know their condition? How well are you giving them attention? I know this is an area of growth for me, and I would imagine an area of growth for most of us.
In prayer, ask God to reveal what you may be missing. Ask Him to grant you the sense to see what may be staring at you right in the face.
“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” (Proverbs 27:23 ESV)
What about you?
Who would you consider your flock? Your family? Your work staff? The volunteers in your ministry or non-profit? Others?
How well do you know their condition? How well are you giving them attention? I know this is an area of growth for me, and I would imagine an area of growth for most of us.
In prayer, ask God to reveal what you may be missing. Ask Him to grant you the sense to see what may be staring at you right in the face.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Prayer and Proverbs - Day 26 of 31
Read Proverbs 26.
“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it.” (Proverbs 26:27a ESV)
Apologies to my social network friends who already saw me post the above image this week. :)
Today my family is celebrating my dad's birthday. I created some word art for him and framed it. On this art I quoted a question he asked of me when we worked together in the printing business many moons ago.
At the time my supervisor was a work-a-holic. During our busy season, we worked nearly every day, and many, many, weekends. Sadly, in how it pulled me away from my wife, family, friends, etc., some of this extra work was unnecessary. A lot of it came from my supervisor's mistrust of other employees and other shifts to really do the job they were being paid for.
Then one day, my dad walked by my desk. I must have been complaining or venting on how many hours I had been working. He asked me the question, “Are you working hard or are you working smart?” It was like a light bulb went off. Now things didn't change dramatically, but, over time, I took that wise question to heart. In fact, in my last 6-7 years of working for that same company, as a team leader, I could count on my hand how many weekend days I worked. And during those years, all of the assignments were completed, deadlines met; all from the help of our entire crackerjack team.
The wisdom and truth of 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV) speaks to this: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
We all work together, each according to his or her gifts and talents, for the common good. When we lose this focus...well, that takes us back to Proverbs 26:27. When we don't employ the gifts of others, that is when we dig our own pit. We all need that light bulb to go on in these instances. We need the Spirit's wisdom on this and should pray for it. Because after that pit is dug by our own hands, we fall in.
Certainly challenges come in life outside of our own doing. They happen everyday. What to pray for are those challenges we find ourselves in that are self-inflicted—areas where we've dug our own pit. Pray over these matters with Jesus today. And know that by His power, by the help of others, you can be pulled out.
“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it.” (Proverbs 26:27a ESV)
Today my family is celebrating my dad's birthday. I created some word art for him and framed it. On this art I quoted a question he asked of me when we worked together in the printing business many moons ago.
At the time my supervisor was a work-a-holic. During our busy season, we worked nearly every day, and many, many, weekends. Sadly, in how it pulled me away from my wife, family, friends, etc., some of this extra work was unnecessary. A lot of it came from my supervisor's mistrust of other employees and other shifts to really do the job they were being paid for.
Then one day, my dad walked by my desk. I must have been complaining or venting on how many hours I had been working. He asked me the question, “Are you working hard or are you working smart?” It was like a light bulb went off. Now things didn't change dramatically, but, over time, I took that wise question to heart. In fact, in my last 6-7 years of working for that same company, as a team leader, I could count on my hand how many weekend days I worked. And during those years, all of the assignments were completed, deadlines met; all from the help of our entire crackerjack team.
The wisdom and truth of 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV) speaks to this: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
We all work together, each according to his or her gifts and talents, for the common good. When we lose this focus...well, that takes us back to Proverbs 26:27. When we don't employ the gifts of others, that is when we dig our own pit. We all need that light bulb to go on in these instances. We need the Spirit's wisdom on this and should pray for it. Because after that pit is dug by our own hands, we fall in.
Certainly challenges come in life outside of our own doing. They happen everyday. What to pray for are those challenges we find ourselves in that are self-inflicted—areas where we've dug our own pit. Pray over these matters with Jesus today. And know that by His power, by the help of others, you can be pulled out.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Prayer and Proverbs - Day 25 of 31
Read Proverbs 25.
“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” (Proverbs 25:28 NLT)
Take some time to think what a city with broken-down walls is exposed to. What are its vulnerabilities for attack from outside forces?
Now when it comes down to us as individuals, I’m picturing Iron Man. When facing the most threatening of enemies, Tony Stark isn’t enough; he is too exposed to vulnerability. He needs the protection of Iron Man’s getup to withstand attack.
Think upon a person without self-control. Attack on such a person can come in several forms. Once a person’s spiritual guard is down exposure to sinful action and its temptations come in both direct and indirect (subtle, unknowing) ways. What are some of these ways?
The New Testament does not tread on the subject of self-control lightly. The NT refers to the importance of self-control multiple times. In a call for holy living, Peter stated, “So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.” (1 Peter 1:13 ESV)
Self-control is developed by the Spirit, instructed by the Word, encouraged by other brothers and sisters in Christ, is strengthened in the presence of Jesus when participating in the Lord’s Supper.
In what ways do you need self-control? May this question lead your prayers to God today.
“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” (Proverbs 25:28 NLT)
Take some time to think what a city with broken-down walls is exposed to. What are its vulnerabilities for attack from outside forces?
Now when it comes down to us as individuals, I’m picturing Iron Man. When facing the most threatening of enemies, Tony Stark isn’t enough; he is too exposed to vulnerability. He needs the protection of Iron Man’s getup to withstand attack.
The New Testament does not tread on the subject of self-control lightly. The NT refers to the importance of self-control multiple times. In a call for holy living, Peter stated, “So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.” (1 Peter 1:13 ESV)
Self-control is developed by the Spirit, instructed by the Word, encouraged by other brothers and sisters in Christ, is strengthened in the presence of Jesus when participating in the Lord’s Supper.
In what ways do you need self-control? May this question lead your prayers to God today.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Prayer and Proverbs - Day 24 of 31
Read Proverbs 24.
“for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” (Proverbs 24:16 ESV)
In Mark Ruffalo/Kiera Knightley's Begin Again, the title clearly explains what each character in the movie has the opportunity to do. No matter one's past failings or the wounds caused by another, one can begin again.
This is most certain in lives found in Jesus. In Jesus we were made new...to begin again. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)
How deep is Jesus' forgiveness? How many opportunities does He give us to begin again? He explains to Peter in Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV): “Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”
God has even blessed us with the great gift of the Lord's supper. In this sacrament we are given “begin again” opportunities each week at worship as the body and blood of Jesus toss our sins away.
No matter what stumblings or hurts happened yesterday...or a week ago...or a year ago...or longer, today is the day to begin again. Why not start in prayer?
“for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” (Proverbs 24:16 ESV)
This is most certain in lives found in Jesus. In Jesus we were made new...to begin again. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)
How deep is Jesus' forgiveness? How many opportunities does He give us to begin again? He explains to Peter in Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV): “Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”
God has even blessed us with the great gift of the Lord's supper. In this sacrament we are given “begin again” opportunities each week at worship as the body and blood of Jesus toss our sins away.
No matter what stumblings or hurts happened yesterday...or a week ago...or a year ago...or longer, today is the day to begin again. Why not start in prayer?
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Prayer and Proverbs - Day 23 of 31
Read Proverbs 23.
“My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.” (Proverbs 23:26 ESV)
Last week I saw Ridley Scott's Exodus: Gods and Kings (SPOILER ALERTS). Biblical inaccuracies aside, one message that Ridley did communicate well in his movie was that salvation is God's business. Only God saves. It was 100% God's work in delivering His people from Egypt. God did as He said He would, “So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he [pharoh] will let you go.” (Exodus 4:20 NIV)
As Moses' return to Egypt is depicted in the movie, Moses attempted to assemble and train the Israelites to fight against Egypt for their salvation. That didn't go too well. Matters got even worse. Then God stepped in and said something like, “Now watch me.” And so went God's hand stretched out to save.
We all face trials and turmoil in life. What does God call us to do during these times? To trust Him. To give Him our hearts. We are encouraged by Paul's words to the Romans (8:31b-32, 34-39 ESV):
“If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, 'For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.' No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
In what ways is God calling you to give Him your heart?
“My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.” (Proverbs 23:26 ESV)
As Moses' return to Egypt is depicted in the movie, Moses attempted to assemble and train the Israelites to fight against Egypt for their salvation. That didn't go too well. Matters got even worse. Then God stepped in and said something like, “Now watch me.” And so went God's hand stretched out to save.
We all face trials and turmoil in life. What does God call us to do during these times? To trust Him. To give Him our hearts. We are encouraged by Paul's words to the Romans (8:31b-32, 34-39 ESV):
“If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, 'For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.' No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
In what ways is God calling you to give Him your heart?
As you wait for God to deliver you from your particular trial,
He may ask you to be patient.
He may ask you to hold fast to your faith.
He may ask you to continue actively loving others (even those who are not actively loving you).
Pray for these things.
And in the end, observe His ways. Watch Him do His saving work. Be reminded that ultimately God's saving work, with its eternal rewards, has already been completed by Jesus on the cross.
And in the end, observe His ways. Watch Him do His saving work. Be reminded that ultimately God's saving work, with its eternal rewards, has already been completed by Jesus on the cross.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Prayer and Proverbs - Day 22 of 31
Read Proverbs 22.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 ESV)
So is training our children to be disciples of Jesus your pastors's ultimate responsibility? Your youth director's responsibility? Your child's Sunday school teacher's responsibility? Your Christian school teacher's responsibility?
Add up the hours a church worker or Christian school teacher would have in discipling your children, with specific religious training, in a year's span. Let's even be generous and work with 48 hours in a year. 2 days versus 363 days. Those 48 hours are certainly valuable, spiritually enriching, and biblically instructive. But consider the greater impact parents/guardians have with their children to be Christ-living, Jesus-teaching influences in their lives in those 363 days of the year.
Quite practically, Martin Luther wrote The Small Catechism in “plain form in which the head of the family shall teach them to his household.” The answer to the above questions is “No”. Rather it is the ultimate responsibility of parents/guardians to train up children as Jesus' disciples.
Pray over this responsibility. What is your next step investment in training up the child(ren) God has brought to your life?
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 ESV)
Add up the hours a church worker or Christian school teacher would have in discipling your children, with specific religious training, in a year's span. Let's even be generous and work with 48 hours in a year. 2 days versus 363 days. Those 48 hours are certainly valuable, spiritually enriching, and biblically instructive. But consider the greater impact parents/guardians have with their children to be Christ-living, Jesus-teaching influences in their lives in those 363 days of the year.
Quite practically, Martin Luther wrote The Small Catechism in “plain form in which the head of the family shall teach them to his household.” The answer to the above questions is “No”. Rather it is the ultimate responsibility of parents/guardians to train up children as Jesus' disciples.
Pray over this responsibility. What is your next step investment in training up the child(ren) God has brought to your life?
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Prayer and Proverbs - Day 21 of 31
Read Proverbs 21.
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5 ESV)
What are your plans? Have you thought them through? Have you prayed for God's guidance over them? Are they in line with God's plan for your life? Have you sought the counsel of trusted others and experts in the field?
Consider Jesus' words of wisdom, “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.” (Luke 14:28-32 ESV)
It is this simple – God created us, gave us brains, to make diligent plans. And of course, we are equipped with wisdom, insight, and leading from God's Word and the Holy Spirit to carry out these plans.
I'm serving on a team which is in the process of starting something new (which we hope in our plans) will reach new people with the love of Jesus. In striving to be a diligent planner, I'm reading through Bill Woolsey's Seven Steps to Start. Bill has years of experience in launching new to reach new. The benefits are countless when you tap into the expertise of others. And we pray that our diligent plans will lead to abundance, that being lives transformed – disciples made, new people knowing the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
So back to you.
What are you plans? As you consider your response, first thing...pray.
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5 ESV)
Consider Jesus' words of wisdom, “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.” (Luke 14:28-32 ESV)
It is this simple – God created us, gave us brains, to make diligent plans. And of course, we are equipped with wisdom, insight, and leading from God's Word and the Holy Spirit to carry out these plans.
So back to you.
What are you plans? As you consider your response, first thing...pray.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Prayer and Proverbs - Day 20 of 31
Read Proverbs 20.
Measuring things unfairly—something we've all done. If you think you are the exception, then I'd drop 1 John 1:8 (NLT) on you, “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.” Who does Jesus' words, “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?” (Matthew 7:3 NLT), NOT speak to?
What other forms of double standards do we fall victim to and/or thrust unjustly upon others?
In prayer, ask God to remove the double standards that plague your life and actions. How may removing a double standard that you are the cause of help another to find renewed life and maybe even to know the freedom we have in Jesus?
“False weights and unequal measures—the Lord detests double standards of every kind.” (Proverbs 20:10 NLT)
What other forms of double standards do we fall victim to and/or thrust unjustly upon others?
In prayer, ask God to remove the double standards that plague your life and actions. How may removing a double standard that you are the cause of help another to find renewed life and maybe even to know the freedom we have in Jesus?
Monday, June 1, 2015
Prayer and Proverbs - Day 19 of 31
Read Proverbs 19.
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21 ESV)
Let's look at our Lord Jesus' purpose:
“And when it was day, he [Jesus] departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them, 'I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.'” (Luke 4:42-43 ESV)
For what reasons would the people have not wanted Jesus to leave them? What could have been the consequences if their plans were successful? What could have been the consequences if the town where Jesus was previously were successful in keeping Jesus to themselves?
What do you these verses say to the congregation which does little preaching of the good news, little bringing of Jesus' presence to those outside of church walls?
Individuals and/or a congregation may have their own plans. But according to Proverbs 19:21 and Luke 4:42-43, to what purpose should our plans be set and shaped? What is your next step, your congregation's next step, in being about Jesus' purpose?
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21 ESV)
“And when it was day, he [Jesus] departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them, 'I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.'” (Luke 4:42-43 ESV)
For what reasons would the people have not wanted Jesus to leave them? What could have been the consequences if their plans were successful? What could have been the consequences if the town where Jesus was previously were successful in keeping Jesus to themselves?
What do you these verses say to the congregation which does little preaching of the good news, little bringing of Jesus' presence to those outside of church walls?
Individuals and/or a congregation may have their own plans. But according to Proverbs 19:21 and Luke 4:42-43, to what purpose should our plans be set and shaped? What is your next step, your congregation's next step, in being about Jesus' purpose?
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