Oh that the heavens may open up for a moment that we may catch a glimpse of the angels and heaven's hosts singing praises to our Lord; an awesome example of what praise should look like!
I’ve been to award ceremonies where people are honored for achievements or deeds. What is said about them is inspiring, building them up to be a person of greatness, of great worth, and of great value; someone worthy of being praised and emulated. Usually what follows is an outpour of hands and voices coming together in unison giving cheers, supporting the words spoken and honor is established. It’s inspiring just to be a part of these events!
As touching and exhilarating as honoring a person is, can you imagine when we are praising God face to face? When the One that poured out His perfect love in graceful sacrifice through His Son our Lord Christ Jesus; when the One that created both you and I; when the One that is faithful beyond measure… is before us in all His glory… it is then that we will praise Him with everything we have and never grow tired of doing so.
“Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.” – Psalm 147:1
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Daily Devotions - 11.29.06, John 15:12 NKJV
“This is My [Jesus’] commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
Have you ever stopped to think of what our society considers love to be? We use the word to describe our likes of objects, places, days of the week, activities, feelings, and movies.
We use the word “love” at times when the word “like” should be used and I know for the most part people know this and mean that they like something very much. I’m sure we say “love” to describe our extreme liking because to really love something or someone is to be willing to give everything up for it.
Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” – John 15:13
Can we love like this? I guess we need to be careful who we consider to be our friends… Just kidding! Let’s go back to John 15:12… Jesus said that we are to love one another as He loved us… and how is it that He loved us? “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Jesus stretched out His arms and embraced us with His grace… not the justice we deserve… but with His perfect love. I pray that today you lay down your life (self interests, feelings, emotions) and embrace someone that needs to experience God’s graceful love; be ready to love just as Jesus loves us.
Have you ever stopped to think of what our society considers love to be? We use the word to describe our likes of objects, places, days of the week, activities, feelings, and movies.
We use the word “love” at times when the word “like” should be used and I know for the most part people know this and mean that they like something very much. I’m sure we say “love” to describe our extreme liking because to really love something or someone is to be willing to give everything up for it.
Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” – John 15:13
Can we love like this? I guess we need to be careful who we consider to be our friends… Just kidding! Let’s go back to John 15:12… Jesus said that we are to love one another as He loved us… and how is it that He loved us? “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Jesus stretched out His arms and embraced us with His grace… not the justice we deserve… but with His perfect love. I pray that today you lay down your life (self interests, feelings, emotions) and embrace someone that needs to experience God’s graceful love; be ready to love just as Jesus loves us.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Daily Devotions - 11.28.06 - John 7:38 NKJV
It’s a Matter of the Heart
God allows us to be in situations that demand us to be drawn to Him, but because God gave us the mental capacity to exercise choice, we decide whether we allow ourselves to be molded and shaped into the image of His Son and used in a powerful way, or we refuse to heed the warnings of God, disbelieve His Word, His promises, and continue to build callous layers around the heart allowing the devil to deceive us, being blinded to the truth, and doing that which the Father of Lies, the Master Imitator, wants us to do.
In Chapter Eight of Exodus we see two people’s hearts going in two different directions: Pharaoh’s heart is growing weak; being choked out with callous layers of anger, bitterness, disbelief and despair. On the other hand, we see Moses’ heart growing strong, with God’s guidance, God’s promises, and in God’s divine service.
Both are subjected to God’s Word, God’s miracles, and God’s guidance, but their choice of action is worlds apart. One believes God and the other defies Him (at least makes an attempt at it).
You have breath right now… it’s a miracle and it is only by God’s power and God’s Spirit that you are breathing. You can read this… it is by God’s grace and the ability God gave you that allow you to understand the figures you see with the eyes He formed in you.
We are subjected to the “Finger of God” every day and how we approach each situation, each moment, is a Matter of the Heart… it’s the condition of our heart that determines our reception of God’s will. Is it fertile and ready to believe and receive, or is it callous and cold, rejecting everything we see?
“He who believes in Me [Jesus], as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” – John 7:38 NKJV
God allows us to be in situations that demand us to be drawn to Him, but because God gave us the mental capacity to exercise choice, we decide whether we allow ourselves to be molded and shaped into the image of His Son and used in a powerful way, or we refuse to heed the warnings of God, disbelieve His Word, His promises, and continue to build callous layers around the heart allowing the devil to deceive us, being blinded to the truth, and doing that which the Father of Lies, the Master Imitator, wants us to do.
In Chapter Eight of Exodus we see two people’s hearts going in two different directions: Pharaoh’s heart is growing weak; being choked out with callous layers of anger, bitterness, disbelief and despair. On the other hand, we see Moses’ heart growing strong, with God’s guidance, God’s promises, and in God’s divine service.
Both are subjected to God’s Word, God’s miracles, and God’s guidance, but their choice of action is worlds apart. One believes God and the other defies Him (at least makes an attempt at it).
You have breath right now… it’s a miracle and it is only by God’s power and God’s Spirit that you are breathing. You can read this… it is by God’s grace and the ability God gave you that allow you to understand the figures you see with the eyes He formed in you.
We are subjected to the “Finger of God” every day and how we approach each situation, each moment, is a Matter of the Heart… it’s the condition of our heart that determines our reception of God’s will. Is it fertile and ready to believe and receive, or is it callous and cold, rejecting everything we see?
“He who believes in Me [Jesus], as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” – John 7:38 NKJV
Monday, November 27, 2006
Daily Devotions - 11.27.06 - 1Thessalonians 5:10 NLT
Circumstances… Life-dealt Situations… Position in Life… Seasons… Crossroads…
These words and phrases bring thoughts to my mind of specific times that demanded my attention, important decisions to be made and times that may or may not have been “fun”, “happy” or “enjoyable”.
I’m sure you’ve dealt or are dealing with one of these in your life. But, as a Christian, how are we to handle these situations? Many times we hear fellow brothers and sisters-in-Christ telling us to be “real”! What do they mean by that? They mean that everyone is “human” and can express their feelings about situations in life in a way that fits that particular feeling. In other words, anger, depression, bitterness, jealousy etc. can all be expressed without restraint because, regardless of our heavenly citizenship, we are human and have a need to express ourselves accordingly.
If you’ll allow, God has something to say about circumstances, life-dealt situations, positions in life, seasons and crossroads: “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” – 1Thessalonians 5:18 It’s hard to be thankful and angry at the same time.
Easier said than done? Maybe… but those that count their blessings and believe that all good things come from God will not remain in any other state of mind than a thankful one.
Here’s the reason why we are to be thankful, and have unending joy, regardless of circumstances:
“Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when He returns, we can live with Him FOREVER.” – 1Thessalonians 5:10
One more thing, it is because of Christ Jesus that we can enter into God’s presence at any time… read Psalm 100 to learn how it is we are to enter into His presence.
These words and phrases bring thoughts to my mind of specific times that demanded my attention, important decisions to be made and times that may or may not have been “fun”, “happy” or “enjoyable”.
I’m sure you’ve dealt or are dealing with one of these in your life. But, as a Christian, how are we to handle these situations? Many times we hear fellow brothers and sisters-in-Christ telling us to be “real”! What do they mean by that? They mean that everyone is “human” and can express their feelings about situations in life in a way that fits that particular feeling. In other words, anger, depression, bitterness, jealousy etc. can all be expressed without restraint because, regardless of our heavenly citizenship, we are human and have a need to express ourselves accordingly.
If you’ll allow, God has something to say about circumstances, life-dealt situations, positions in life, seasons and crossroads: “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” – 1Thessalonians 5:18 It’s hard to be thankful and angry at the same time.
Easier said than done? Maybe… but those that count their blessings and believe that all good things come from God will not remain in any other state of mind than a thankful one.
Here’s the reason why we are to be thankful, and have unending joy, regardless of circumstances:
“Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when He returns, we can live with Him FOREVER.” – 1Thessalonians 5:10
One more thing, it is because of Christ Jesus that we can enter into God’s presence at any time… read Psalm 100 to learn how it is we are to enter into His presence.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Daily Devotions - 11.24.06 - Jeremiah 17:9 NLT
The World’s Advice vs. God’s Advice…
I’m sure you spent your Thanksgiving Day with family eating, talking, joking, planning Christmas, catching up on what’s been going on in each others lives and watching movies. In talking to each other about what’s been going on, we can’t help but get advice… many times unsolicited; nonetheless, we receive it and give it.
It seems like current events and sports are areas that we talk most about. Current events aren’t so positive, as the news only highlights murders, accidents, disasters and what celebrity has adopted a child and who’s divorced who to be with someone else; disaster and gossip. Sports are ok, but I think people know more about sports than they know about the more important things in life. They know the history and statistics of their favorite sports figures and even have screen savers, posters and books on them. With current events and sports or anything else, we get opinions of what people think about them and relate them to life.
The problem is that both the people in the news and the people discussing the news have the wrong perspective on what life is about, and how to go about living our lives.
This Thanksgiving Day my kids were watching Star Wars (I don’t know what episode), and there was a seen where Obi-Wan Kenobi was training Luke Skywalker but Luke wasn’t doing so well. Kenobi stopped the training and told Luke to “follow his feelings and to go with his heart”. As the movie continued, we saw Luke improve in his training and it was confirmed (in the movie) that this was the right advice.
Like the movie, much of the advice of the world, friends and family alike, will tell us to go with our feelings; to go with whatever makes us feel good; and, to “go with our hearts”.
As Christians, we are not blind in our faith, for God’s Word is very clear as to His laws of sowing and reaping; what’s right and what’s wrong; what to do and what not to do… for our benefit and to glorify our Father in Heaven. We should know what is right and what is wrong, according to God’s Word and not the world’s view.
My unsolicited advice to you is to consistently follow God’s Word, regardless of feelings and never “instinctively” do as your heart tells you to do, but make sure you confirm and follow the facts of the Bible.
“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” – Jeremiah 17:9 NLT
I’m sure you spent your Thanksgiving Day with family eating, talking, joking, planning Christmas, catching up on what’s been going on in each others lives and watching movies. In talking to each other about what’s been going on, we can’t help but get advice… many times unsolicited; nonetheless, we receive it and give it.
It seems like current events and sports are areas that we talk most about. Current events aren’t so positive, as the news only highlights murders, accidents, disasters and what celebrity has adopted a child and who’s divorced who to be with someone else; disaster and gossip. Sports are ok, but I think people know more about sports than they know about the more important things in life. They know the history and statistics of their favorite sports figures and even have screen savers, posters and books on them. With current events and sports or anything else, we get opinions of what people think about them and relate them to life.
The problem is that both the people in the news and the people discussing the news have the wrong perspective on what life is about, and how to go about living our lives.
This Thanksgiving Day my kids were watching Star Wars (I don’t know what episode), and there was a seen where Obi-Wan Kenobi was training Luke Skywalker but Luke wasn’t doing so well. Kenobi stopped the training and told Luke to “follow his feelings and to go with his heart”. As the movie continued, we saw Luke improve in his training and it was confirmed (in the movie) that this was the right advice.
Like the movie, much of the advice of the world, friends and family alike, will tell us to go with our feelings; to go with whatever makes us feel good; and, to “go with our hearts”.
As Christians, we are not blind in our faith, for God’s Word is very clear as to His laws of sowing and reaping; what’s right and what’s wrong; what to do and what not to do… for our benefit and to glorify our Father in Heaven. We should know what is right and what is wrong, according to God’s Word and not the world’s view.
My unsolicited advice to you is to consistently follow God’s Word, regardless of feelings and never “instinctively” do as your heart tells you to do, but make sure you confirm and follow the facts of the Bible.
“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” – Jeremiah 17:9 NLT
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Daily Devotions (Thanksgiving Message) - 11.22.06 - 2Corinthians 9:15 NKJV
The Indescribable Gift…
Gifts… who doesn’t like them? Big, small, tall or short… it doesn’t really matter, if they cost a lot or a little or they came from far or near, but what does matter is that the person giving the gift thought of you… right?
A card can mean more than an object or an object more than a card… after all, sincerity gives value to the giving. So, not only does it mean much when someone thinks of you by giving you a gift, but it gives it even more value when the depth of the thought that went into selecting or making a specific gift was more than just superficial.
I remember, as a kid, when I’d receive gifts from family and friends on my birthday and Christmas. I remember the great feeling of seeing the gifts on the table ready to be opened and played with, or unfortunately… worn. Regardless, it was a great day!
But, after all was said and done, I always looked forward to the one gift that I asked for especially. The one that I knew may or may not be there because I knew it was going to stretch mom and dad’s pocket book a little bit. Nonetheless, whatever it was, what mattered is that this gift was from my parents and it meant more than all the other gifts put together.
I know my parents sacrificed on many occasions to provide certain gifts for me; I know my mom especially sacrificed time and effort to provide a special baseball glove, cleats and baseball bats… a bike, a dog, and other things.
The feeling I got when I received gifts from my mom as a kid was indescribable! I’m sure many of you can relate… or some of you cannot.
Don’t get me wrong, much of my life was spent without the ability to have the “big” things I asked for… yet my mom always made me feel like she was giving me the world and I was the world to her.
Did you know that God… our Father sees us as His poema… His poem or masterpiece? He loves us deeply, sincerely and thoughtfully.
When He gives us gifts, they are exactly what we need, and sometimes not necessarily what we need but what he wants to bless us with… nonetheless, it’s the perfect gift or blessing.
Our Father knows all of our sorrows and keeps each one of our tears in His bottle (Psalm 56:8); Our Father knows each hair on our head (Matt. 10:30); Our Father loves us with unfailing love and His faithfulness endures forever (Psalm 117:2); Our Father formed our inward parts… we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13, 14)… like our parents, our Father sacrifices for us… yet so much more…
God the Father not only blessed us with a Gift we didn’t deserve but did so with the utmost sincerity and detail… flawless, complete, perfect in love…
Undeserving, Intense, Unattainable… Indescribable!
For those that do not yet know what it means to be a child of God… let me tell you what God says to you:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” – John 3:16, 17
Indescribable Grace…
For those of you that have strayed away from God, I have something that God wants you to know:
Jesus Speaking: “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?” – Matthew 18:12 A God of second-chances…
Indescribable Mercy…
For those of you that abide in Christ Jesus, I have something that God wants you to know:
“If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” – John 15:7
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” – 1Corinthians 13:13
“One day faith and hope will no longer be necessary for the object of our faith and of our hope will be before our very eyes… perfect love in all His Glory!” – Josh White
Indescribable, Eternal Love!
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!” – 2Corinthians 9:15... Jesus Christ
Gifts… who doesn’t like them? Big, small, tall or short… it doesn’t really matter, if they cost a lot or a little or they came from far or near, but what does matter is that the person giving the gift thought of you… right?
A card can mean more than an object or an object more than a card… after all, sincerity gives value to the giving. So, not only does it mean much when someone thinks of you by giving you a gift, but it gives it even more value when the depth of the thought that went into selecting or making a specific gift was more than just superficial.
I remember, as a kid, when I’d receive gifts from family and friends on my birthday and Christmas. I remember the great feeling of seeing the gifts on the table ready to be opened and played with, or unfortunately… worn. Regardless, it was a great day!
But, after all was said and done, I always looked forward to the one gift that I asked for especially. The one that I knew may or may not be there because I knew it was going to stretch mom and dad’s pocket book a little bit. Nonetheless, whatever it was, what mattered is that this gift was from my parents and it meant more than all the other gifts put together.
I know my parents sacrificed on many occasions to provide certain gifts for me; I know my mom especially sacrificed time and effort to provide a special baseball glove, cleats and baseball bats… a bike, a dog, and other things.
The feeling I got when I received gifts from my mom as a kid was indescribable! I’m sure many of you can relate… or some of you cannot.
Don’t get me wrong, much of my life was spent without the ability to have the “big” things I asked for… yet my mom always made me feel like she was giving me the world and I was the world to her.
Did you know that God… our Father sees us as His poema… His poem or masterpiece? He loves us deeply, sincerely and thoughtfully.
When He gives us gifts, they are exactly what we need, and sometimes not necessarily what we need but what he wants to bless us with… nonetheless, it’s the perfect gift or blessing.
Our Father knows all of our sorrows and keeps each one of our tears in His bottle (Psalm 56:8); Our Father knows each hair on our head (Matt. 10:30); Our Father loves us with unfailing love and His faithfulness endures forever (Psalm 117:2); Our Father formed our inward parts… we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13, 14)… like our parents, our Father sacrifices for us… yet so much more…
God the Father not only blessed us with a Gift we didn’t deserve but did so with the utmost sincerity and detail… flawless, complete, perfect in love…
Undeserving, Intense, Unattainable… Indescribable!
For those that do not yet know what it means to be a child of God… let me tell you what God says to you:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” – John 3:16, 17
Indescribable Grace…
For those of you that have strayed away from God, I have something that God wants you to know:
Jesus Speaking: “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?” – Matthew 18:12 A God of second-chances…
Indescribable Mercy…
For those of you that abide in Christ Jesus, I have something that God wants you to know:
“If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” – John 15:7
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” – 1Corinthians 13:13
“One day faith and hope will no longer be necessary for the object of our faith and of our hope will be before our very eyes… perfect love in all His Glory!” – Josh White
Indescribable, Eternal Love!
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!” – 2Corinthians 9:15... Jesus Christ
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Daily Devotions - 11.21.06, Lamentations 3:23 NLT
It’s the break of dawn and the birds are beginning to sing. I can see the flowers beginning to show their color and the dew on the plants looks refreshing and cleansing. The rays of the sun are beginning to warm the earth and people are waking and getting ready for the day.
God is here…
In the still darkness, God gave rest to the earth and restored its power. In the still darkness, God gave rest to the animals and restored their song. In the still darkness, God gives us rest and restores our power, our mind, and our souls; He gives us a song to sing throughout the day.
May the words we speak and the things we do this day praise and honor our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus… be thankful for His faithfulness and sing His praises!
Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” – Lamentations 3:23
God is here…
In the still darkness, God gave rest to the earth and restored its power. In the still darkness, God gave rest to the animals and restored their song. In the still darkness, God gives us rest and restores our power, our mind, and our souls; He gives us a song to sing throughout the day.
May the words we speak and the things we do this day praise and honor our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus… be thankful for His faithfulness and sing His praises!
Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” – Lamentations 3:23
Monday, November 20, 2006
Daily Devotions - 11.20.06, Isaiah 57:15 NKJV
Broken…
A broken clay vessel cannot be used to hold water and fill cups in order to quench thirst and hydrate bodies. A broken vessel, as much as it tries, cannot mend itself to usefulness but rather needs to subject itself to its maker in order to be mended and restored. In fact, when restored, many times, what was initially flawed is now stronger than before, although the scar remains.
In like manner, we are like that clay vessel that needs the mending of our Maker. We are imperfect and definitely unusable when we allow the cracks to continue to drain us of the Living Water that we and others so desperately need. There are two things we need to do: 1) We need to acknowledge that we are broken and in need of repair (we need to drop the pride and be clothed with humility) and 2) we need to subject ourselves to God’s mending, strengthening and molding of us with His power; we, in and of ourselves, are incapable of doing such a thing.
We need to come to God broken and ready for Him to do His work in and through us, and to fill us once more with His Spirit.
Have you come to God broken and humble? Are you in need of repairs from your Maker? Do you feel drained of the Living Water that God promises to those who thirst and come to Him? If so, then may the following words fall on thirsty ears that are ready to take in what God wants to tell you…
For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” – Isaiah 57:15 NKJV
A broken clay vessel cannot be used to hold water and fill cups in order to quench thirst and hydrate bodies. A broken vessel, as much as it tries, cannot mend itself to usefulness but rather needs to subject itself to its maker in order to be mended and restored. In fact, when restored, many times, what was initially flawed is now stronger than before, although the scar remains.
In like manner, we are like that clay vessel that needs the mending of our Maker. We are imperfect and definitely unusable when we allow the cracks to continue to drain us of the Living Water that we and others so desperately need. There are two things we need to do: 1) We need to acknowledge that we are broken and in need of repair (we need to drop the pride and be clothed with humility) and 2) we need to subject ourselves to God’s mending, strengthening and molding of us with His power; we, in and of ourselves, are incapable of doing such a thing.
We need to come to God broken and ready for Him to do His work in and through us, and to fill us once more with His Spirit.
Have you come to God broken and humble? Are you in need of repairs from your Maker? Do you feel drained of the Living Water that God promises to those who thirst and come to Him? If so, then may the following words fall on thirsty ears that are ready to take in what God wants to tell you…
For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” – Isaiah 57:15 NKJV
Friday, November 17, 2006
Daily Devotions - 11.17.06, Matthew 11:28-30 NKJ
For some reason I woke up this morning thinking about REST!
I’m sure we all experience this toward the end of a long week, a long month, or a long year. This was a turbulent week; busy with work, kids and things that just “need” to get done, just like many of you. After-school activities, “emergency” jobs at work, deadlines, bills to pay, and I find myself physically and mentally… drained!
It’s a good thing we have a God that tells us to rest; it’s a commandment. Father knows best and we need to rest because He said so. I find it interesting that God spent four verses expounding on this commandment in Exodus 20, when He only spent a verse or two on each of the others.
It must be pretty important because He knows we’ll just keep going without stopping, and He knows that spending quiet time with Him will allow everything else to fall into place!
It’s important because if we spend time resting in God’s Word, prayer, meditating and praising Him, then we’ll grow in our faith through the realization of all that God is and is doing in our lives.
Taking this a step further, Jesus came that we may have rest every single day in Him, “for the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” (Matt. 12:8)
Today, after a long week, if you feel tired and are longing for rest then I want to encourage you to make time to rest in the Lord, spending time with Him, meditating on His Word, and praising Him for Jesus said:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for you souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
I’m sure we all experience this toward the end of a long week, a long month, or a long year. This was a turbulent week; busy with work, kids and things that just “need” to get done, just like many of you. After-school activities, “emergency” jobs at work, deadlines, bills to pay, and I find myself physically and mentally… drained!
It’s a good thing we have a God that tells us to rest; it’s a commandment. Father knows best and we need to rest because He said so. I find it interesting that God spent four verses expounding on this commandment in Exodus 20, when He only spent a verse or two on each of the others.
It must be pretty important because He knows we’ll just keep going without stopping, and He knows that spending quiet time with Him will allow everything else to fall into place!
It’s important because if we spend time resting in God’s Word, prayer, meditating and praising Him, then we’ll grow in our faith through the realization of all that God is and is doing in our lives.
Taking this a step further, Jesus came that we may have rest every single day in Him, “for the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” (Matt. 12:8)
Today, after a long week, if you feel tired and are longing for rest then I want to encourage you to make time to rest in the Lord, spending time with Him, meditating on His Word, and praising Him for Jesus said:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for you souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Daily Devotions - 11.16.06, Colossians 2:6, 7 NLT
Just as surely as the chick comes from the egg; an apple dropped from a height falls to the ground; and, thunder follows lightning, there is something that leads to abundant Thanksgiving. Did you know that?
The Holidays are here! Shopping, “Christmas” music, food, family gatherings, plays, carolers etc. etc. etc. I found the Webster’s Dictionary definition of a caroler, or “to carol” interesting: “A song of joy or praise; esp., a Christmas song. I found it interesting because I hear the words of the songs played over the speakers at the stores and most of them sing songs of snow, reindeer, and warm fires; songs that speak of happiness with new found love, gifts, or a puppy. But, I don’t hear the songs that are sung in church Sunday mornings; songs that raise Jesus our Lord on high.
Don’t get me wrong, I love this time of the year but I’ve found, more and more, that as a Christian, this is a special time of giving thanks to God for the wonderful and awesome Gift given to us: Jesus Christ. The rest of this year, and for eternity, let’s learn how to “overflow with thankfulness” for God’s Gift; here’s the formula:
1) Live as if Jesus is truly the Lord of your life, 2) Let the roots of your life’s foundation grow deep into God’s Word, and 3) Build on that Rock foundation each and every day by living your faith out.If we follow this simple formula, God’s Word says that our “faith will grow strong and we “will overflow with thankfulness” [to God]. We then can truly sing songs of joy and praise, a true Christmas song to Christ our Lord!
“And now, just as you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” – Colossians 2:6, 7 (also, remember that “truth” is Christ)
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Daily Devotions - 11.15.06, 1Corinthians 13:12, 13 NKJ
Have you ever worn sunglasses at night? If you’re in an unfamiliar place you may experience a little anxiety, not knowing exactly where there are steps, pillars, or doors. If you have someone with you, then you can ask them to help you walk (if you have faith and trust in them) and hope that they lead you down the right path to where you want to go.
Our spiritual walk here on earth is similar to this. 1Corinthians 13:12 says, “For now we see in a mirror, dimly…” This is telling us that we don’t see and can’t see everything clearly – like as if we had sunglasses over our eyes at night. But this verse goes on to say, “but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” God tells us that the day we’re in heaven is the day He takes the tinted sunglasses off our face and in the same way He knows us, we’ll know Him!
Verse 13 goes on to say… “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” Josh White from the Christian Band Telecast spoke at this year's men's retreat and said these words, "One day Faith and Hope will no longer be necessary for the object of your faith and hope will be before you… “face to face”." But what will be necessary is love. The Bible tells us to love our friends, neighbors, family, and even our enemies… most of all love God.
Trust that God will walk you through life down the path that leads to His perfect love. May peace be with your soul this day for your every breath is held by God.
“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” – 1Corinthians 13:12, 13 NKJ
Our spiritual walk here on earth is similar to this. 1Corinthians 13:12 says, “For now we see in a mirror, dimly…” This is telling us that we don’t see and can’t see everything clearly – like as if we had sunglasses over our eyes at night. But this verse goes on to say, “but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” God tells us that the day we’re in heaven is the day He takes the tinted sunglasses off our face and in the same way He knows us, we’ll know Him!
Verse 13 goes on to say… “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” Josh White from the Christian Band Telecast spoke at this year's men's retreat and said these words, "One day Faith and Hope will no longer be necessary for the object of your faith and hope will be before you… “face to face”." But what will be necessary is love. The Bible tells us to love our friends, neighbors, family, and even our enemies… most of all love God.
Trust that God will walk you through life down the path that leads to His perfect love. May peace be with your soul this day for your every breath is held by God.
“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” – 1Corinthians 13:12, 13 NKJ
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Daily Devotions - 11.14.06, Philippians 4:6, 7 NKJ
I’m sure everyone is familiar with calendars that have written schedules on them. These calendars can be found on office walls, on the kitchen refrigerator, on desks and in planners. Calendars are a great way to make sure we make any necessary preparations and get things done on time.
Usually these calendars only have a brief subject line of what needs to be completed; and, every so often, they even have the name of the person that needs to accomplish the specific task. Although calendars are great reminders of what needs to get done, they don’t have all the necessary information to accomplish tasks completely and effectively.
What I’m leading to is that in order for someone to successfully accomplish the items on the calendar it is necessary that the person placing the tasks on the calendar communicate with the person working on accomplishing the task.
We need more than a “subject line” to know exactly how the task is to be accomplished. We need details as to the tools to be used; other people that need to be involved; what this will accomplish; what is expected of me; and, how am I supposed to go about accomplishing this task (especially if I don’t have any prior experience).
Much like this example we many times, as Christians, say that we seek God’s will for us and jot things down on the “calendar”. We set dates and tasks, but then neglect the one thing that will help us: Prayer. The One that gave us the task wants to communicate details to help us accomplish His work. God wants to equip us and guide us through to a perfect completion. We need to communicate in regular meetings with our Father.
If we neglect this one thing, we grow anxious and stressed. We get nervous and feel we are without direction. Many times, it is our own doing that leads us to this place with God because we neglect to spend unhindered, regular time on our knees. A great friend and brother-in-Christ of mine once said, “If I don’t spend time on my knees in the morning seeking God and giving Him thanks for this day, I’ll find myself on my knees at night seeking the Lord and asking Him to forgive me for the things that transpired throughout the day.”
Seek God, His perfect will for you and spend time discussing these things regularly with Him that the details can be worked out on a daily basis.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6, 7 NKJ
Usually these calendars only have a brief subject line of what needs to be completed; and, every so often, they even have the name of the person that needs to accomplish the specific task. Although calendars are great reminders of what needs to get done, they don’t have all the necessary information to accomplish tasks completely and effectively.
What I’m leading to is that in order for someone to successfully accomplish the items on the calendar it is necessary that the person placing the tasks on the calendar communicate with the person working on accomplishing the task.
We need more than a “subject line” to know exactly how the task is to be accomplished. We need details as to the tools to be used; other people that need to be involved; what this will accomplish; what is expected of me; and, how am I supposed to go about accomplishing this task (especially if I don’t have any prior experience).
Much like this example we many times, as Christians, say that we seek God’s will for us and jot things down on the “calendar”. We set dates and tasks, but then neglect the one thing that will help us: Prayer. The One that gave us the task wants to communicate details to help us accomplish His work. God wants to equip us and guide us through to a perfect completion. We need to communicate in regular meetings with our Father.
If we neglect this one thing, we grow anxious and stressed. We get nervous and feel we are without direction. Many times, it is our own doing that leads us to this place with God because we neglect to spend unhindered, regular time on our knees. A great friend and brother-in-Christ of mine once said, “If I don’t spend time on my knees in the morning seeking God and giving Him thanks for this day, I’ll find myself on my knees at night seeking the Lord and asking Him to forgive me for the things that transpired throughout the day.”
Seek God, His perfect will for you and spend time discussing these things regularly with Him that the details can be worked out on a daily basis.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6, 7 NKJ
Monday, November 13, 2006
Daily Devotions, 11.13.06, Psalm 73:26 NLT
Life… who can understand it fully? We do that which we think is the right thing to do, and sometimes we do it consistently, only to find ourselves in another difficult situation!
Whether it’s the kids going through the “terrible two’s”, or a teenager “losing their mind”, impossible goals at work, the plumbing in the house is leaking or the car broke down, again! These are all situations that can drain us, no matter how spiritually grounded we are. Sometimes we feel like we can’t “win for losing”.
It’s at these times that God wants us to understand that strength can only be gained through direct and timely stress on the “faith-muscle”. Just as a body builder works his muscles on a regular basis in order to win the prize in a competition, God wants to build us up for spiritual warfare, spiritual competition and spiritual wins!
The Bible tells us that we, in and of ourselves, can do nothing apart from Jesus Christ but with God all things are possible. It’s in these difficult times that we need to exercise faith in God’s Word, believing what He has told us, receiving the promises as our own and living confidently in those Words.
The Psalmist wrote: “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.” – Psalm 73:26
Whether it’s the kids going through the “terrible two’s”, or a teenager “losing their mind”, impossible goals at work, the plumbing in the house is leaking or the car broke down, again! These are all situations that can drain us, no matter how spiritually grounded we are. Sometimes we feel like we can’t “win for losing”.
It’s at these times that God wants us to understand that strength can only be gained through direct and timely stress on the “faith-muscle”. Just as a body builder works his muscles on a regular basis in order to win the prize in a competition, God wants to build us up for spiritual warfare, spiritual competition and spiritual wins!
The Bible tells us that we, in and of ourselves, can do nothing apart from Jesus Christ but with God all things are possible. It’s in these difficult times that we need to exercise faith in God’s Word, believing what He has told us, receiving the promises as our own and living confidently in those Words.
The Psalmist wrote: “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.” – Psalm 73:26
Friday, November 10, 2006
Daily Devotions, 11.10.06, Ephesians 5:1, 2 NLT
In the first two verses of Ephesians 5, Paul tells the Ephesians to “imitate God” in everything they do and to follow the example of Christ.
If I were to tell you right now, “I want you to be just like Scott Chilson; I want you to do the things he does, did and wants you to do from here on out”, you may think I’m crazy because you don’t even know who “Scott” is. But what if I went a step further and told you that there is an autobiography written by Scott on his life: past, present and future? He’s still living but Scott is super-human and did this for you!
I know this is a silly example, but one that is real in the sense that God wants us to know Him more. He gave us the resources in written form (Bible), in physical form (mind, eyes, ears, heart) and Spirit (Holy Spirit) form to make this possible in a very real sense. But the question I have to ask is, “are you using these resources”? Do you make it a point to understand God on a regular and deliberate basis? Is your understanding of Him just on the surface or do you dig deep into Scripture and seek Him in prayer? Do God’s Words bounce around in your mind all day?
Do you know that Isaiah wrote about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Isaiah 52 & 53? Many pastors quote these chapters in Isaiah to support messages spoken about the New Testament Gospels - the life, suffering, death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus. This was written 700 years before Christ was even born!
Read and meditate on God’s Word… He knew you before the foundations of the earth and He wants you to get to know everything about him. He is wonderful, praiseworthy, and perfect. God can lead, comfort and satisfy every need we will ever have. God loves you!
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” – Ephesians 5: 1, 2 NLT
If I were to tell you right now, “I want you to be just like Scott Chilson; I want you to do the things he does, did and wants you to do from here on out”, you may think I’m crazy because you don’t even know who “Scott” is. But what if I went a step further and told you that there is an autobiography written by Scott on his life: past, present and future? He’s still living but Scott is super-human and did this for you!
I know this is a silly example, but one that is real in the sense that God wants us to know Him more. He gave us the resources in written form (Bible), in physical form (mind, eyes, ears, heart) and Spirit (Holy Spirit) form to make this possible in a very real sense. But the question I have to ask is, “are you using these resources”? Do you make it a point to understand God on a regular and deliberate basis? Is your understanding of Him just on the surface or do you dig deep into Scripture and seek Him in prayer? Do God’s Words bounce around in your mind all day?
Do you know that Isaiah wrote about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Isaiah 52 & 53? Many pastors quote these chapters in Isaiah to support messages spoken about the New Testament Gospels - the life, suffering, death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus. This was written 700 years before Christ was even born!
Read and meditate on God’s Word… He knew you before the foundations of the earth and He wants you to get to know everything about him. He is wonderful, praiseworthy, and perfect. God can lead, comfort and satisfy every need we will ever have. God loves you!
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” – Ephesians 5: 1, 2 NLT
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Maneadero, Mexico Mission, October 7, 2006
Maneadero, Baja California, Mexico:
Over 1000 men, women and children came to be fed... food, drink and God's Word!
Daily Devotions - 11.8.06, Eph. 2:10 NLT
Sometimes we are given tasks to accomplish by the Lord and fail to follow through or even start them. Whether it’s the busyness of life, procrastination, forgetfulness, or the thought of inability that stops us from doing that which the Lord has laid before us to do, it’s still considered disobedience and we are questioning His ability to work through us and in us.
I have heard many times this phrase which rings truth and should spur us on to do good, “The only thing that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.”
This morning, do you find yourself in one of these situations: failed to finish, follow through or start something God wants you to do… speak to your neighbor about Jesus, forgive your co-worker or family member, or love your wife and children more?
Believe that God can move mountains, move hearts and move you to do that which He has set before you to do. He will equip you and accomplish much with a willing vessel such as yourself, if you will let Him. Just as a father loves to watch his child do what he is asked to do, and is blessed by it; so, our Father in heaven is patiently waiting for us to do that which He has asked us to do.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” – Ephesians 2:10 NLT
I have heard many times this phrase which rings truth and should spur us on to do good, “The only thing that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.”
This morning, do you find yourself in one of these situations: failed to finish, follow through or start something God wants you to do… speak to your neighbor about Jesus, forgive your co-worker or family member, or love your wife and children more?
Believe that God can move mountains, move hearts and move you to do that which He has set before you to do. He will equip you and accomplish much with a willing vessel such as yourself, if you will let Him. Just as a father loves to watch his child do what he is asked to do, and is blessed by it; so, our Father in heaven is patiently waiting for us to do that which He has asked us to do.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” – Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Wedding Picture
This is my wife and I at her brother's wedding reception on September 30, 2006. I love you Sweetheart!
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