First Light

PEACE

2011-01-13T23:30:00.000-08:00

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34

We’re only three weeks out from Christmas—a season replete with songs, cards, yard décor, and much more, proclaiming “peace on earth” or “Prince of peace.” Well, that was a short-lived peace!

Forgive me, I could not pass up the opportunity to toy around with a play on words. And I do realize that Jesus is laying out the plain truth for those who acknowledge Him: believers live in a world that is hostile to Christ.

But Jesus really did come to do battle, waging a war again Satan to secure redemption for you and me. The point is that He was completely victorious! And because Christ has defeated sin and death, we can have peace with God.

So, you may need to make adjustments to your mental image of Christ. You may also need to see yourself in a different light. You are a warrior.

Father, give me courage in the fight.

Grace to you, Jim

PERFECT

2011-01-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48

Just when is sin, sin?

In Matthew 5, Jesus takes on this question. He examines the accepted behaviors and thoughts of His day, contrasting them with God’s standard. With each statement He makes leading up to verse 48, Jesus closes one loophole after another, tying off His argument with, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

You and I both know that no one can reach that standard, not for a day—probably not even for an hour.

Thankfully, Jesus did reach that standard, living a sinless life so that He could bridge the terrible gap between us and God. He is our perfect Savior.

Father, I see Your perfection in Your great love for me. Thank You for allowing me to know You and serve You. Guide me to think and act more like You today.

Grace to you,
Jim

DAVID

2010-12-16T23:30:00.000-08:00

He did evil in the eyes of the LORD. Nevertheless, because of the covenant the LORD had made with David, the LORD was not willing to destroy the house of David. 2 Chronicles 21:6B-7A

Jehoram was king over Judah for eight years. To secure his kingship, he murdered his own brothers. He did not lead the nation to follow God, and things did not go well for Judah while Jehoram was on the throne.

Certainly, God was not pleased. He intervened to shorten Jerhoram’s reign, but God still allowed Jehoram’s family line to continue to rule the nation.

At times, God’s patience with people falls into the category of astonishing. Because of His promise to David—“his throne will be established forever” (1 Chronicles 17)—God did not prevent Jehoram’s son from becoming king after Jehoram’s death. David’s line continued.

One man’s devotion to God was a source of blessing to his descendants for generations. David was that man.

Can I have that kind of impact upon my child’s children, and their offspring? It all depends on my relationship to the Father.

Lord, who am I that You have allowed me to know You? You are my Savior. Take the devotion of my heart another step closer to You today. Make me a man after Your own heart.

Grace to you,
Jim

Turn Your Eyes Upon God

2010-12-15T23:30:00.000-08:00

"O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." 2 Chronicles 20:12

Have you every felt like you were in an impossible situation? That is exactly how Jehoshaphat felt when three powerful armies were marching against him and the people of Judah. But with God on his side Jehoshaphat did not feel hopeless. He prayed to God, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." And God came through big time! Without the army of Judah having to fire a single arrow or swing a single sword God routed their enemies. (Click here to read the whole exciting story.)

I cannot tell you that the results will always be as dramatic in your case but I can tell you that God will always come through for His people who trust in Him. If only we can learn to look to God with the honest confession, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." When our eyes are fixed on Him in prayer He will guide us through our difficulty and into His victory.

Father, You are a great God and Your works are wonderful! Help me to learn to lift my eyes to You and trust You in times of overwhelming victory as Jehoshaphat did.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Selective Hearing

2010-12-14T23:30:00.000-08:00

“There is still one prophet through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” - 2 Chronicles 18:7

Ahab did not want to consult Micaiah, and he didn't hide the reason why he didn't want to ask him either. Micaiah was a godly prophet and when he spoke for God it often went against the king's wishes. So Ahab would seek counsel from his 400 prophets because he knew that they would tell him what he wanted to hear. They were "Yes Men." Micaiah was not, he told Ahab of a vision he had that prophesied Israel's defeat and Ahab's death. (Definitely not the news he wanted to hear). Micaiah even told Ahab that God was using his prophets to trick him into a battle he would loose. But Ahab already had his mind. So they went to battle and lost, and Ahab was killed.

It does us no good to seek godly wisdom or hear godly counsel if we've already made up our minds about what we want to do. So when you pray, when you ask Christian brothers and sisters for advice and when you read the Word or listen to it being taught make sure that you are open to hearing the things God wants to tell you. Otherwise you might miss the warning like Ahab.

Father give me a teachable spirit. Help me to humble myself and trust in your wisdom. Lord, I lay down my own rights, my ambitions, my knowledge and my wisdom. Help me to submit to your will as you reveal it to me.

By His grace,

Matt

Repentance

2010-12-13T23:30:00.000-08:00

"The rest of mankind that were not killed by the plagues still did not repent..." Revelation 9:20

Repentance is the choice between death and life. In the end times some when presented with the opportunity to repent of sin and turn to God will choose death rather than life, judgement rather than salvation. The hardness of a human heart filled with pride and rebellion toward God is baffling. They are so blinded by sin that they will not see that true life is found in turning to God alone.

Enough about them. What about us? We repented in the past and are assured that we have life in Christ but what is the current condition of our heart toward God? Are you humble and responsive to God and His Word? Or is there some point at which you have become resistant and rebellious?

Father, it is easy for me to see and condemn the harness in others but not so easy to see it in my own life. Search me and bring to light any point of resistance toward Your word and work in my life. Lead me to repentance and life.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

FOCUS

2010-12-09T22:13:00.000-08:00

After Rehoboam’s position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 12:1

King David spent his whole life seeking after God. His son, Solomon, began his rule with a focus on serving God, but drifted away later in life. And Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, turned away from God after only three years as king.

It’s so easy to let go of God when we feel that life is under control.

Perhaps—as soon as he felt his position was secure—Rehoboam felt he did not require God’s help any more. Whatever the reason, we can see that Rehoboam did not truly value his relationship with God. The inclination of his heart was revealed by his actions, and as the king goes, so goes the kingdom. Because Rehoboam abandoned God, the people followed right behind him.

Let's not fault Rehoboam entirely. Solomon did not exactly pave the way for Rehoboam to desire God in his life. The consequences of Solomon's disobedience planted a seed that grew into a tree which bore bad fruit.

Rehoboam lost sight of his God-given responsibility to those around him. Instead of keeping his focus upon God, it seems that his attention turned toward himself. He began to see the world through his own eyes—no longer considering God’s vantage point.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him” (Rehoboam’s father would have said in his earlier years). So, not only does my relationship with God make all the difference in my life, it also makes a difference in the lives of those around me with whom I have influence—my spouse, child, grandkids, friends. Only God has life under control. There’s no reason to let go of Him.

Father, whether today turns out to be pleasant or difficult, I trust You because You have all things under control. Because of this, all praise and honor belongs to You.

Grace to you,
Jim

Glorious God

2010-12-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

"At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne." Revelation 4:2-3

John was allowed to see a magnificent vision of God. Once you have seen God how do you describe the indescribable to those who have not seen Him? This was John's challenge. He sought for the best words to describe the glory. Striking and costly jewels and radiant light were as close as he could come to communicating the glory of the holy, eternal, almighty God on His throne in heaven.

No doubt every human word is insufficient to describe God's glory and every created thing used in comparison to the Creator will ultimately fall short. But even though God is more than words or images can communicate if we do not think on God's greatness as far as our minds and words can stretch we will have far too low a view of God. Contemplate the greatness of His glory as John presents it to us in this chapter. Contemplate His glory until you are overwhelmed with His greatness. Then do the best you can to tell others what You have seen and so make His glory known.

Father, stretch the limits of my mind and vocabulary so that I may more fully know the unknowable and describe the indescribable magnificence of Your glory.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

YES

2010-12-02T23:30:00.000-08:00

“But will God really dwell on earth with humans? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!” 2 Chronicles 6:18

We’re currently in the season of Advent, so I perceived King Solomon’s question differently than did the people he was addressing—but in either case, the answer is “Yes!”

For King Solomon and his audience, the setting is a grand religious ceremony: it’s the dedication of the magnificent temple Solomon has just completed for God—in other words, God’s house. Solomon’s speech for this occasion is well crafted. His question is rhetorical, emphasizing the wonderful truth that the God who created everything (and who has a purpose for His creation) has chosen to be with His people—to be known by them.

Back to Advent.

Yes, God really did dwell on earth with humans—and as a human. The highest heavens cannot contain Him, yet God was able to fit all of Himself into just one body!

If you’re trying to imagine the physical transformation in size (How did He do that?), remember that He came as a newborn. If you’re wondering at the reason (Why did He do that?), consider that He chose to be born in a less than desirable place and time: a stable in winter, an insignificant village in a primitive era, troubled Israel in the days of the Roman Empire.

God is consistently Himself. The wonderful truth remains that the God who created everything (and who has a purpose for His creation) has chosen to be with His people—to be known by them.

Father, I am so amazed at Who You Are. I am so grateful that You enable us to know You as God and Savior, and I thank You that now Your Spirit is with us. Bless this day that I may know and love You more completely.

Grace to you,
Jim

Seeking His Presence

2010-12-01T23:30:00.000-08:00

"Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God."
2 Chronicles 5:13b-14

The temple Solomon built was a marvelous structure. It took seven years to complete. It was an architectural marvel built with materials worth millions of dollars. In addition to the building the priests were well organized to lead the services of worship within the temple. But the most magnificent feature of the temple was not to be found in the architecture, materials, organization, or services. The most magnificent feature was the manifest presence of God in the cloud of glory. A marvelous building without God's presence would have been a hollow monument. A well planned and well led service without the presence of God would have been ultimately an empty exercise. It was the presence of God that made all the difference.

There is always a danger that our emphasis will be misdirected to buildings, plans, organization, and projects rather than to seeking the presence of the living God. We can have beautiful buildings and well-run ministries and smooth services but if God is not present what does it really matter? We must not be content with fine facilities, good organization, and well planned services. We need to hunger for the presence of the living God and seek after Him with all our hearts.

Father, help me not be content with the trappings of church and Christianity without Your burning presence in my life and our church. Fill me with a hunger that will be satisfied with nothing less than Your manifest presence. Help me to seek You earnestly today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Rescue Mission

2010-11-30T23:30:00.000-08:00

Be merciful to those who doubt; ²³ save others by snatching them from the fire; - Jude 22-23

These verses offer valuable instruction about how we should relate to people who may be far from God. When someone is uncertain about what they should believe we should patiently love and pray for them to know the truth of Jesus, not grow frustrated with them because of their unwillingness to commit their lives to Christ.

The word picture provided in the first half of verse 23 is captivating. Can you imagine yourself reaching out to snatch someone from imminent doom? That's what happens when God uses us to bring someone to faith in Christ. But what if we don't "snatch" them? What happens then? The reality of hell is very real. "Snatching" requires action. We can help remove people from the path that leads to destruction, but we have to get up and do something.

Lord, I know that you've sent me on a rescue mission. You want to use me to save people from hell. Show me what I can do today to help "snatch" someone from the fire.

By His grace,

Matt

Walking in the Truth

2010-11-29T23:30:00.000-08:00

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 1:4

We all know the joy of seeing our children walk in the way we taught them and the agony of seeing them stray. The apostle John felt this joy over the progress of His spiritual children in the truth. He also felt the agony of seeing some of them go astray (see verse 9 concerning Diotrephes).

Who are our spiritual children? Who is it that can bring us great joy or deep agony through their faithfulness or lack of it to the truth? May God give us many spiritual children and a commitment to help them progress in the truth.

Also, consider that this verse not only reflects the heart of John for his children but the heart of God for His children. We bring God joy or agony by our walk. May our lives bring Him joy today as we walk in the truth.

Father, keep me in the truth so that my walk may bring You joy today and use me to help others progress in the truth.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

God is our Resource

2010-11-24T23:30:00.000-08:00

"David also said to Solomon his son, 'Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.'" 1 Chronicles 29:20

Building a temple for the LORD had been David's dream but God assigned the task to Solomon. So David made the necessary preparations for the building and then charged Solomon to faithfully carry out the work to completion. David reminded his son that his most important resource for completing the task was God himself. God would faithfully be with Solomon enabling him to complete his assigned task.

Our assignment from God may be different than Solomon's but our God is the same. He is the God who is with us and who will not forsake us. He is the God who enables us to complete whatever task He may assign to us. What is your assignment from God? Is it to speak to someone about Christ or to lead your family or to fulfill a ministry role in the church? Whatever God calls you to do He will faithfully enable you to do. Lean hard on Him and He will not fail you.

Father, I thank You that You are my God as You were David's God and Solomon's God. You are unchanging and unfailing--the same yesterday, today, and forever. Help me to clearly understand my assignment from You and to carry it out with complete faith in Your faithfulness.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

A Mighty Savior

2010-11-23T23:30:00.000-08:00

. . . The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. - 1 John 3:8

In this verse we get a glimpse into the unseen. There is an ongoing spiritual battle being fought between God and Satan, and now our lives are the battlefield. God has an enemy - Satan - who introduced sin into the world. The devil is working vigilantly to corrupt God's creation and lead people into darkness. But Jesus is our Savior. He is the hero of this epic story, and he came into the world to set sinners free - to redeem what Satan has worked so hard to corrupt.

And in tomorrow's reading John proclaims that, "because the one who is in you (Christ) is greater than the one who is in the world."

We don't have to be afraid of our enemy, because Jesus is greater than Satan.

I rejoice in Christ my Savior. Jesus you are mighty and my hope is in you. Thank you for coming into this world to set us free from the darkness.

By His Grace,

Matt

Loving the Father

2010-11-22T23:30:00.000-08:00

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15

We can love the Father or the world but not both. These are competing loves and only one of them can ultimately possess our heart. The world is contrary to the Father and His ways. If we would love the Father we must relinquish love for the things of this sinful world. If our heart is filled with the desires of the world and our life is occupied by the pursuit of them, we will not be able to truly love the Father. Two competing loves compel us to choose which one we will give our heart and life.

Father, I choose you. I want to be a lover of you yet You know how very alluring and subtle is the world's pull on my heart. Help me to relinquish every vestige of love for the world so that I may love you exclusively and fully.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

NO ROOM

2010-11-18T23:30:00.000-08:00

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. John 21:25

Jesus certainly did many wonderful things that the gospels do not record. Perhaps we will get to hear these stories some day in heaven. I don't know. Add to these things the work that Christ continues to accomplish in and through believers, and there really is no end to what could be written down.

The gospel story begins in Bethlehem, where there was no room for Mary, about to give birth, and Joseph. But the gospel account ends with the realization that there is not enough room anywhere to record all of Jesus' life and work.

In a sense, we are a part of the ongoing story of Christ. It is written on our hearts and is read by every person you know. God is able to make your life a great adventure story!

Father, thank You for the marvelous, glorious stories of Jesus. Thank You for allowing me to know them and to know You. Use this day for Your glorious story.

Grace to you,

Jim

Peace

2010-11-17T23:30:00.000-08:00

"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!'" John 20:19

The disciples were understandably afraid. Jesus was crucified, his body was missing (so they thought), and they could be next on the Jews hit list. But then the risen Lord Jesus came into the room infusing peace into the situation and into their lives. When Jesus' shows up everything changes. And Jesus always shows up (the truth is He never leaves). What fears do you have today? What difficulties are you dealing with? Embrace the presence of the risen Lord Jesus and receive the peace He gives. Claim the promise which David understood from the other side of the cross, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4).

Lord Jesus, You are risen indeed and You are present with me. Help to embrace Your presence today and walk in Your peace with You.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

The Great Exchange

2010-11-16T23:30:00.000-08:00

16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. - John 19:16-18

It's incomprehensible. God, the holy one who created the heavens and the earth, sent his Son to die for us. What's even more astounding is that, Jesus died on a cross. Crucifixion was an excruciatingly painful and humiliating way to die. Can you imagine the Son of God hanging there next to criminals?

Isaiah 53:6 says that, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

And 2 Corinthians 5:21 says that, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Jesus suffered and died in our place. We deserve the cross, but Christ took the punishment for our sins so that we could be reconciled to God.

Father, I can not even comprehend your love for me. I can't imagine what Christ suffered through for me. But I am truly grateful that you made it possible for me to know you. In response to your love for me I give myself to to you. Lead me today.

By His grace,

Matt

Whose in Charge?

2010-11-15T23:30:00.000-08:00

"So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, 'Who is it you want?' 'Jesus of Nazareth,' they replied. 'I am he,' Jesus said. ...When Jesus said, 'I am he,' they drew back and fell to the ground." John 18:3-6

I love this scene! Jesus' enemies come against him armed to the hilt and with a few simple words from His mouth they fall to the ground before Him. Jesus' answer "I am he" is literally just "I am." It is the divine name of God which He revealed to Moses at the burning bush. Jesus of Nazareth is "I am" and over Him no man can stand in authority.

The ones arresting Him were able to take Jesus but only because He allowed them. Peter took his sword and struck off the ear of one of them. But "Jesus commanded Peter, 'Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?'" (John 18:11). He gave Himself over to His opponents because it was the Father's will to secure our salvation through Christ's suffering. But let there be no doubt Jesus was then and is now in absolute charge!

You cannot overcome Him but You can trust Him. Those who oppose His purposes will fall before Him. Those who align there lives with His purposes will rise with Him in triumph.

Father, I rejoice in Jesus, the miracle of the great I AM robed in human flesh. I rejoice that He is in charge and willingly bow my life before Him today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

2010-11-11T19:20:00.000-08:00

"You made your people Israel your very own forever, and you, O LORD, have become their God." 1 Chronicles 17:22

Looking back over the Old Testament—seeing the big picture—the story of God's relentless pursuit of His chosen people is hard to miss. The ins and outs, the ups and downs, all are wonderfully and painfully evident. All of this was God’s process of putting His stamp upon the nation of Israel: His people, their God.

Today, God is pursuing you and me. We become His child in an instant, but the process of growing up as God’s very own takes a while. Chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation (1 Peter 2:9) kind of transformation can take a lifetime. And while God is completely able to effect this change in us, the best part is that we are His forever!

Who wouldn’t want to be His forever, for He has become our God—more and more precious to us with each passing day.

To put it another way, God becomes even more our God as we draw closer to Him. We’ve got all of God from the start, but we discover and own more of God as we follow Him. He is our God, but in a deeper, more fulfilling way—and then we crest the next hill on this God pilgrimage and our jaws drop at the sight of how much more of God we find there (that we had not realized could even exist)!

The more completely we become His, the more God we realize Him to be.

O Lord, You are my God. I ask that You would continue to transform me as Your very own, and in that process become my God more and more completely.

Grace to you,
Jim

At Home in Christ

2010-11-10T23:30:00.000-08:00

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I remain in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 NIV

The NET Bible offers the word "reside" as an alternate translation for "remain." "Reside" seems to really drive home Jesus' intended meaning. He wants us to be at home in and with Him day by day. The more established our residence becomes in Him the more we will experience His life in us. The more we experience His life in us the more we will see His fruit produced through us. Fruit is not determined by how hard you work but by how much at home you are in relationship with Christ. Work with Him not just for Him. Settle in, put down roots, enjoy His presence daily, keep in step with His leadership and the fruit will follow.

Lord Jesus, I thank you for residing in me through Your Spirit. Teach me to more and more make my daily residence in You.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Nothing to Fear

2010-11-09T23:30:00.000-08:00

Do not let your hearts be troubled. - John 14:1

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27

The disciples were facing tremendous uncertainty. Their leader, Jesus, was about to be crucified. Their faith would be put to the test. Jesus wanted them to know his peace. He wanted them to be confident in who he was and what they had learned from him. He also told them about the Holy Spirit whom he would send after he was gone.

Like the disciples, there are times that we need to be reassured - times when our faith is tested and our hearts could be troubled. But again, like the disciples, we have the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit is no consolation prize. He is God and He lives in us. He is our advocate. And because of the Spirit we can face uncertainty with peace and confidence.

Father, thank you for not abandoning me. I thank you for the peace and confidence that you provide me by your Spirit. Lead me to walk in step with the Spirit.

By His grace,

Matt

How Great is Our Love?

2010-11-08T23:30:00.000-08:00

"I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me." John 14:30-31

Jesus spoke these words on the night before His crucifixion. "I will not speak with you much longer" points toward His coming death and departure from this world--the completion of His mission. But Jesus made it clear that His death would not be the result of "the prince of this world" (Satan) having the upper hand on Him. Much to the contrary, it would be because of His love for the Father that Jesus would die. Through obedience even to the point of death Jesus demonstrated His love for the Father to the world.

Earlier Jesus had said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (14:15, see also verses 21 and 23). The disciple's love for Jesus will be reflected in the same way that Jesus demostrated His love for the Father which is through obedience at any cost. How truly can we claim to love Him?

Father, show me any lack of obedience in my life. Convict me of any failure to fully love Jesus with full obedience to His commands. As He so faithfully loved You, help me to love Him.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Listen Carefully

2010-11-03T23:30:00.000-07:00

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.... My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:11, 27

Jesus laid down His life on our behalf. He has surely earned the right to be heard and followed by us. If we remember what He has done for us how can we be inattentive and neglectful of His words? He who loved us enough to die for us will lead us faithfully day by day. Let each day find us in His presence with an open Bible praying for ears to hear His voice. As we hear, let us follow with all faith and faithfulness where our Good Shepherd leads.

Father, give me an attentive mind and an affectionate heart toward my Good Shepherd Jesus. Help me to hear and faithfully follow today that I might know intimate fellowship with Him and effective service to Him.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Real Discipleship

2010-11-01T23:30:00.000-07:00

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.'" John 8:31

Real discipleship consists of living in the teaching of Jesus. The Greek word translated "hold to" by the NIV is the same word used in John 15:5 and translated "remain" or "abide." It means to make yourself at home and continue in something. Discipleship is not launching out on our own agenda with a prayer and hope for God's blessing. Discipleship is listening to Jesus' word and making our home in it. Discipleship is not merely believing Jesus' word. It is submitting to Jesus' word. Are you living as a disciple of Jesus today?

Lord, examine me and show me the true condition of my discipleship. Help me to become an attentive listener to Your voice and a faithful doer of Your word that I might be a real disciple of Yours.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

When the Going Gets Tough...

2010-10-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

"On hearing it, many of his disciples said, 'This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?'...From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
'You do not want to leave too, do you?' Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:60, 66-69

How far are you willing to go with Jesus? Only until it becomes too hard? Or are you willing to go all the way?

The "disciples" who turned back on the occasion recorded in the text were not the last to start and not finish the journey of discipleship with Jesus. Those who turn back often begin with the wrong aim. They only want what Christ can do for them. Once the benefit gained is outweighed by the cost of discipleship they leave the trail.

Peter on the other hand represents the faithful who stick with Christ when obedience is hard as well as when blessings are abundant. Peter persevered because he had become convinced of who Jesus is and that the only life worth having comes through following Him.

If we are going to be in company with Peter then we must move from one who has set out on the journey with personal benefit in mind to one who has become so convinced of Jesus that we could not do anything other than follow Him. Are you there yet?

Father, I want to go all the way with Jesus through this life. Deepen my conviction of who He is and strengthen me for "hard" obedience.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Jabez's Prayer and Ours

2010-10-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, 'I gave birth to him in pain.' Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' And God granted his request." 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Several years back, Jabez's prayer was all the rage. Many people were praying it daily hoping it would produce the same results for them that it did for Jabez. But to simply repeat someone's prayer as a kind of magical omen is not true prayer. We can learn from and be inspired by Jabez's experience but we should not attempt to duplicate it.

What we should learn is that God hears and answers the prayer of "honorable" men and women who seek him in faith. Our situation and need is probably different than Jabez's but our God is the same God who hears and answers the prayers of those who seek Him in faith. Our God is a God who delights to bless His people and enlarge their boundaries within the boundaries of His own will. I'm quite sure God has much more to give us than we have yet to receive and places to lead us that we have yet to go. Let's seek Him in faith for the fullness of His will in our lives!

Father, help me to learn to pray with faith from an honorable heart as Jabez did so that I too might experience more of Your will in my life.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Unexpected Opportunities

2010-10-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. - John 4:6

Jesus was tired. He had a moment to himself because the disciples had gone to get food. This was his moment to relax, to disengage, to not be "on." As a stranger approached it would been completely acceptable for Jesus to sit silently. In fact her ethnicity made it taboo for Jesus to ask her for a drink. So why did he talk to her? Why not avoid the potentially awkward encounter?

Jesus did not allow his exhaustion, selfish desires, or social norms hijack the opportunity he had to tell of His Father's love. Like Jesus we need to fight the feelings of entitlement that would cause us to miss an opportunity to share Jesus with somebody. We need to put to rest our concerns about what other people might think and be ready for the opportunities God gives us to share Him with others.

Father, I know I miss opportunities to tell others about Jesus. Please help me to be more attentive to the people you introduce into my life. Lead me to live in a constant state of awareness so that when the time comes to share I will be ready.

By His grace,

Matt

More of Jesus

2010-10-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

"He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30

These are the words of John the Baptist. His assignment from God was to prepare people to welcome Jesus. Once Jesus was on the scene, John's role was to fade away and give center stage to Jesus.

Don't we all share John the Baptist's assignment? Every Christian has the opportunity and calling to prepare the way for Jesus into the lives of people. There are people around us to whom we can serve as John the Baptist. We may not have the same fire and peculiarities as John but we can be a voice that points people to Jesus. Our aim is to always be that Jesus will take center stage and at that point that we we'll gladly move to the side.

Father, help me to see the people around me today whose lives you desire to enter. Use me as a "John the Baptist" to them.

I'm praying for you.
Mark

Operation You

2010-10-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). - John 1:40-41

These verses our the basis for our church's Operation Andrew outreach strategy. Immediately after he began following Jesus, Andrew found his brother and told him about the Messiah. This is God's design for evangelism. Once we have encountered Christ for ourselves it generates a desire within us to share him with those we know and love.

Another good example of this occurs in Mark 5 after Jesus heals the demon-possessed man where it says, "So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis (a 10-city region) how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed."

But we sure like to complicate sharing Jesus don't we? Maybe we should try taking a more simple approach. Think about what happens when you read a good book or watch a good movie or discover a new restaurant - you let other people know about. You share the good news of your discovery. That's what Andrew did. That's what the demon-possessed man did, and that's all you need to do.

Father, help me to change the way I look at evangelism. Help me to operate free of pressure, guilt, fear and insecurity. Lead me to naturally tell others about the wonderful things you've done for me. Give me courage and confidence. I love you Father and I want others to know and love you too.

By His grace,

Matt

GROW

2010-10-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the honor both now and on that eternal day." 1 Peter 3:18 NET

Peter's last word is "grow." Spiritual growth should be the constant quest of every Christian. Paul believed this when he wrote, "Not that I have already attained this--that is, I have not already been perfected--but I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me" (Philippians 3:12). Are you pursuing growth?

Our growth as Peter lays it out is to be "in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Grace is the generous, undeserved love of God toward us through which He freely blesses us. We have been saved by grace. But we are not finished with grace once we are saved. We continue to need grace to grow to spiritual maturity. We cannot become like Christ merely through our personal striving. We must have grace to reach such heights and so daily we look toward God's throne of grace seeking the grace we need to grow (see Hebrews 4:16). In addition to grace, we need knowledge to grow. This knowledge of Jesus is gained through prayerful reading, study, and meditation over the Scripture wherein He is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. We must not only look daily up to God's throne for grace but we must look daily down to the copy of God's Word in our hand for knowledge of Jesus. Are you looking up to God and down to Scripture seeking to grow each day?

Father, may I never be content with the ground I've already gained in my Christian growth. Fill me with the continual desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Adding to Faith

2010-10-18T23:30:00.000-07:00

"For if you possesses these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:8

"Ineffective and unproductive." What an epitaph to have written over one's spiritual life! May it not be mine or yours.

To keep from being ineffective and unproductive we need to possess and grow in the qualities listed in verses 5 through 7: "Add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love."

Are you adding? Are you building on the foundation of faith that God has given you (see v.2)? Those who do not rest content with faith alone but build on their faith a vibrant, Christ-like life will never be found to be ineffective and unproductive. Let's build!

Father, may the words ineffective and unproductive never be Your assessment of my life. Help me to build on the faith You have given me a life that is effective and productive to Your glory.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

NOTE: After we finish reading 2 Peter on Thursday, we will begin the Gospel of John. Remember that we skipped over John earlier in the year to save one of the Gospels for the end of the year.

DEEPLY

2010-10-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Two thoughts about this important little verse:

(1) The proactive work of love for each other becomes a firewall against sin. Without this love, we are like people who don’t follow Christ, and any number of wrongs could result in that scenario. With the love of Christ, we are protected from these sins.

(2) We are all sinners, and Christ’s love expressed to each other helps us see each other through God’s eyes. If, in the past, two individuals had sinned against each other, this love would cover any animosity that might have existed. Love buries sin. Deep love keeps us from even finding the hole where the sin is buried.

Father, thank You for Your love. Help me to love others deeply so that sin can be avoided and dealt with.

Grace to you
Jim

Christ's Sufferings

2010-10-13T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Because Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, to bring you to God, by being put to death in the flesh but by being made alive in the spirit." 1 Peter 3:18 NET

Let me continue in the vein of Matt's reflections yesterday. We as Christians need to be brought back to the cross repeatedly to reflect on, celebrate, and rely on the grace of God given to us in Christ. It was no small or simple thing our Savior did for us. He "suffered...to bring you to God." It was a large price He paid to redeem us from sin and reconcile us to God. Let this realization of Christ's sufferings create thanksgiving and faithfulness in our hearts toward Him.

Father, I thank you for the suffering Christ endured for my sake. "Amazing love how can it me that you my King would die for me?" Grant me strength "to live for Him who died for me" and even to suffer today if such is the cost of absolute faithfulness to my Lord.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Put to Death

2010-10-12T23:30:00.000-07:00

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. - 1 Peter 2:24

As Christians we frequently take time to remember, celebrate and proclaim Christ's crucifixion. When we reflect on what his death and resurrection mean for us, we focus the forgiveness of our past sins. What we forget is that we have not only been forgiven of our past sins, but we've also been set free from the power of sin. Peter says this was done so that we might, "live for righteousness."

Father, help me to remember that Christ's death did more than clean up my mistakes, but that his death put to death my sin nature. Lead me to live for righteousness. Show me the things that I do, think, say that aren't righteous. Convict me over those sins and fill me with the power of your Spirit so that I can live victoriously.

By His grace,
Matt

The Forces of Nature

2010-10-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

. . . your desires that battle within you? - James 4:1

Does it ever feel like there is a war going on inside your mind? As Christians our will and our desires are often at odds. We have the Holy Spirit but we can't escape our flesh. Our deepest longing is to honor God, but we also want to look out for our own interests, spoil ourselves with nice things, say mean things to the people we don't like, lie when it's more convenient than telling the truth, etc. The list could go on forever. Being a Christian doesn't exempt us from the desire to do these things.

The apostle Paul was very familiar with this inner struggle. In Romans 7 he speaks of not being able to do the things he wants to do, and instead doing the very things he hates.

So what hope is there for us? Are we to go on living tormented lives?

Paul answers that question for us in verse 24-25 when he says, "Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? ²⁵ Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord."

In Galatians 5 Paul shines more light on this conflict of natures. He characterizes the sinful nature and he describes the fruit of the Spirit. Then in verse 25 he provides us with the key to victory, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."

Father, I want to stand strong against my sinful nature, and I want to honor you with my life. Help me to "keep in step with the Spirit."

By His grace,
Matt

Living by the Book

2010-10-06T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Then Jehoiada brought out Joash, the king's son, and placed the crown on his head. He presented Joash with a copy of God's laws and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and all the people clapped their hands and shouted, "Long live the king!" 2 Kings 11:12 NLT

There were two essential pieces of "equipment" given to Joash to help him serve as king. The first was the crown symbolizing his authority. The second was a Bible ("copy of God's laws") to guide him in his personal life and leadership. Every king of Judah received these two things but most of them abused the crown and ignored the book. However, with the help of Jehoiada, the godly priest, Joash followed God's laws and was one of the few really good kings in Judah's history.

Since we are not kings we don't need a crown but we too have been given the Bible to guide us in our life and service. There is no greater treasure than the Bible. If we pay careful attention to God's Words and practice them in our daily life we too will be faithful and successful in God's sight. Don't take your Bible for granted. Open it, read it, and live according to the words of life contained in it.

Father, help me to treasure Your Word and to follow it as Joash did so that I too may live a life that honors You and blesses the people in whose lives you have given me influence.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

FAVORITES

2010-10-05T23:30:00.000-07:00

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. James 2:8

Someone needs to tell James that it’s hardly fair to throw the great commandment into a discourse on showing favoritism. It’s one thing to talk about how wrong it is to favor a rich person over someone who is poor, but when the discussion escalates to the level of loving my neighbor as if he or she were me, things get uncomfortable, at best.

The problem with favoritism isn’t with the other (rich or poor—or otherwise) person. It’s clear that we play favorites in many situations, and the favoritism is usually the same—we favor ourselves. The natural inclination is to favor myself—to cater to my wants and needs—and perhaps, if it’s convenient, bring my neighbor along for the ride.

The truth is, it’s really impossible to love others as much as we love ourselves. That kind of love was demonstrated on the cross by Christ, and His love is evident in our lives only as we live in obedience to Him.

Father, I want to do right and love others without favoritism. I know there’s a long way to go, but I ask You to continue to change me so that I can show Your love to others. Thank you for showing Your love to me.

Grace to you
Jim

THANKFULNESS

2010-09-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29

For the past few days, I’ve been thinking about thankfulness. Specifically, I’ve been trying to uncover what thankfulness teaches us about God.

God’s people are exhorted again and again—in various ways—to be thankful: there are thank offerings and psalms of thanksgiving, worship includes thankfulness, Jesus offered thanks before he multiplied the loaves and fish, thanksgiving is to be included in prayer, and the Christian is to be thankful. (In the realm of religious faiths, are the ones based on the God of the Bible the only faiths that hold thankfulness in high regard?)

Certainly, we are to be thankful for who God is and all that He has done for us. We can never thank Him enough for redeeming us from the curse of sin and for His ongoing work in our lives to make us more like Christ. God’s comfort and presence in times of difficulty is another reason to be thankful; we are thankful for our families and friends—the list goes on and on.

If the verse were to read: “let us be fearful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire,’” our relationship with God would be quite different. Our worship would be mandated and there would be a separation between us and Him. However, that we can come before God with thankfulness means that He is for us (He has our best interest at heart) and that He is a personal God (He invites us into His presence).

Thankfulness points to the goodness of God. We would have good reason to fear an all powerful, all knowing, ever present deity, but add to that the quality of true goodness and there is every reason to respond with thankfulness (and praise).

Father, there is so much to thank You for: salvation, sustaining grace, provision, strength to face temptation—the list is endless. Thank You for today and for Your presence. I praise You because You are good.

God’s grace to you,
Jim

Looking Forward in Faith

2010-09-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Abraham did this because he was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God." Hebrews 11:10 NLT

In obedience to God's call Abraham left the comfort of his home and the advanced culture of Ur to go to the backwoods of Canaan and live in a tent. But seeing with eyes of faith he had something greater in view than the comforts he left behind. Living in a tent for a few years was a worthwhile price to pay for the eternal city toward which God was leading him. By faith he wanted to be a part of the greater things of God and was willing to pay the temporary cost to do God's will for eternal gain.

Are you living for the eternal or for the temporary? We can become so focused on our comfort and dreams for this present world that we lose sight of the eternal world. If we truly catch sight of the greatness of God's eternal kingdom we will suddenly reorder our life to get in on what God is doing and to go where God is leading. It may not make sense to the world around us but we are seeing and living for something they do not see or understand.

Father, open my eyes to see by faith the things that are eternal and to live for them rather than the temporary comforts of this world.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Too Clever for God?

2010-09-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

"So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle...But someone drew his bow at random and hit the king of Israel between the sections of his armor." 1 Kings 22:30, 34

The prophet had delivered the word of the Lord to King Ahab declaring that he would die in battle. This was God's judgment on Ahab's wickedness. Ahab thought he could cleverly disguise himself and hide from the judgment of God. But one cannot escape from God's judgment no matter how clever he may be.

We may hide our sins from the eyes of men but we cannot hide them from the searching eyes of the Lord. Proverbs 28:12 warns, "He who conceals his sins does not prosper." While we can never escape God's judgment by hiding our sins there is another way to escape God's judgment. The above proverb goes on to declare, "But whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Or as 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Father, reveal any hidden sin in my life so that I may confess and renounce it and receive your mercy.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

WHO / WHAT / WHEN

2010-09-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25

Who: Jesus
What: intercedes
When: always

It is for you and me that Jesus—THE SON OF GOD— is interceding. Who else would you want in your corner?

Not only did he pay the price for our sins, he continues to be our advocate before the throne of God. Because of this, there can be no doubt that he is able (and willing) to save us. Nothing will fall between the cracks; we are and will be completely saved.

Thank you, Lord, for saving me. Thank you for continuing to intercede for me at the highest level I can imagine. You are a great God.

Grace to you,
Jim

Listen and Obey

2010-09-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Now Elijah...said to Ahab, 'As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the nest few years except at my word.'" 1 Kings 17:1

What a bold declaration Elijah made to King Ahab! On what basis did he make this prediction? He spoke for the Lord "whom I serve." The King James Version reads "before whom I stand" where the New International Version has "whom I serve." Putting the two translations together we get the full picture communicated in the original Hebrew. Elijah stood before the Lord as a servant listening for His voice and ready to obey His command. When the Master spoke the servant went from His presence to obey. The Lord gave Elijah this message to deliver to Ahab and, at risk of his own life, Elijah delivered the message of judgment obediently.

This is a good picture of what our own relationship to the Lord should be. We stand before Him as His servants with ears attentive to His Word and then we go from His presence to obey what He has said, no matter the cost. When we open our Bibles we take the posture of a servant ready to hear the Master. When we close our Bibles we take the position of a servant ready to obey the Master.

Father, may I learn to be more attentive to Your word and then obedient like Elijah. Give me ears to hear, a heart to believe, and hands to obey.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Slow Learner?

2010-09-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. - Hebrews 5:14

The writer of Hebrews labels the recipients of his letter slow learners (v.11). He tells them that they should be teachers by now (v.12). Reading his remarks leads me to ask myself the following questions, and I would invite you to ask yourself these same questions.

How much do I depend on others to teach me the Word of God? Am I too reliant on others to feed me spiritually?
Am I studying God's Word for myself?
Is my faith immature? Do I have to relearn the same simple lessons of faith over and over again?
What have I done to train myself to distinguish good from evil?

Father, examining myself with these questions reveals that I am weak and undisciplined. I know that you desire me to be mature, "lacking nothing." I need your grace to overcome my shortcomings and to grow into the person you desire me to be. Lead me to grow in faith, knowledge and obedience.

By His grace,
Matt

Fully Committed

2010-09-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

"...Asa's heart was fully committed to the LORD all his life." 1 Kings 16:14

Asa was a breath of fresh air for Judah. Following two kings who were not committed to the Lord Asa came walking in the footsteps of his great, great grandfather David. He turned away from the idolatry of his father and and grandfather and worshiped the Lord and obeyed His commands as David had done.

Every generation must make it's own choice about worshiping and following the Lord. We can neither coast on the devotion of our parents nor use their unfaithfulness as an excuse. We must choose for ourselves to follow after the Lord with our whole heart.

Father, I have chosen to follow You and pray that it may be said of me that I was fully committed to the LORD all my life.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

PAYING ATTENTION

2010-09-17T00:47:00.000-07:00

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. Hebrews 2:1

There is something about the start of school in the fall (much like the start of the calendar year) that prompts me to evaluate how I’m living life. Specifically, I review my spiritual progress—or lack thereof—and seek to strengthen my connection with Christ. I often find that I have become distracted (sort of a spiritual attention deficit disorder—is that SADD?) by some activities and attitudes that I could do without.

If I paid more careful attention to the things God has taught me, this periodic course correction would not be needed so often.

If this exercise will help you, I hope you will also seek a renewed focus on God’s will for your life. A little course correction keeps our tendency to drift in check.

Father, help me to keep my attention on You so that I will not drift away from what brings You glory. Renew my focus in any area of life where distraction is a problem. Help me to retain and put into practice the principles I’m learning from You.

Grace to you,
JIM

Foolish Love

2010-09-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Now King Solomon loved many foreign women....The LORD had clearly instructed his people not to intermarry with those nations, because the women they married would lead them to worship their gods. Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway." 1 Kings 11:1, 2 NLT

For all of Solomon's wisdom he was terribly foolish when it came to women. He let women rule his heart rather than God. In spite of the Lord's clear command "Solomon insisted on loving them (pagan women) anyway." They drug his heart away from God and brought division to his kingdom. What a fool!

Is there anything about which God's word is clear but you are insistently holding on to anyway? Our loves may be different but we can be just as foolish and stubborn in our sin as Solomon. Solomon gained little and lost much by holding on to his sin. What will you gain by holding on to yours? What will you lose?

Father, search my heart and make me aware of any "loves" that I am stubbornly holding on to in spite of the clear warning of your word. Give me a heart responsive and wholly devoted to you.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

PROMISES

2010-09-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy. 1 Kings 4:20

God’s people enjoyed great prosperity and peace during the reign of King Solomon. This was a high point in Jewish history and, as a result, the nation flourished—especially in population growth and in geo-political influence. However, even though King Solomon is known for his wisdom, it is God who deserves all the recognition and honor for the success of His people.

God is the one who promised Abraham that his descendants would be “as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore” (Genesis 22:17). And while this promise has more spiritual implications than physical ones, it is clear that God was fulfilling His promise during King Solomon’s reign.

God always keeps His word. It is impossible for Him to fail.

Father, thank You for keeping Your word and for showing us time after time in scripture how You keep Your promises. Help us to trust You, knowing that You still keep Your word and that nothing is too difficult for You.

Grace to You,
JIM

Fatihful without Fail

2010-09-06T23:30:00.000-07:00

"If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself." 2 Timothy 2:13

The Lord Jesus may disown us if we disown Him (v.12) but if we are faithless He cannot return the favor. Faithlessness is not in the character of Jesus. As "God does not lie" (Titus 1:2) so Jesus is not faithless. He will always be faithful to His character--He is unchanging. He will always be faithful to His promises--He is unfailing. He will always be faithful to His purposes--He is unstoppable. We may falter and fail but when we look to Him we will find Him ever faithful.

Lord Jesus, I rejoice in your unfailing faithfulness and pray that You may so fully live in me that I may reflect your faithfulness.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

RESPONSE

2010-09-02T23:30:00.000-07:00

I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies. 2 Samuel 22:4

These two lines are a small part of the song that is recorded in this chapter (also Psalm 18), but they reveal one reason God considered King David “a man after my own heart.” Whenever he was in danger, David’s response was to turn to God. God was his source of strength in the battles of life.

Faced any enemies lately? Every time we face temptation, we are under attack by the enemy. How can we survive unscathed? Turn to God and seek His strength to overcome temptation. God tells us in James 4:7: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Lord, I turn to you now for strength to overcome the temptations I will face today. Give me a heart that seeks and submits to You over anything else. You are truly worthy of praise.

God’s grace to you,
Jim

Eternal Investments

2010-09-01T23:30:00.000-07:00

"The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden." 1 Timothy 5:24-25

Our sins may be obvious to men and precede us to the place of judgment or they may be done quietly and trail behind us. But whether obvious or quiet "Be sure your sins will find you out" (Numbers 32:23). We cannot afford to trifle with sin. We must kill it through repentance and confession. Once our sin has been dealt with through the blood of Christ then we need not fear meeting it again at the place of judgment (1 John 1:7, 9).

Not only do our sins follow us but so do our good deeds. Sometimes our good deeds are obvious and recognized by others. But those done quietly will not go unnoticed by God (see Matthew 6:3-4). Rather than depleting our spiritual account through sin, we can invest in it through good deeds that will bring eternal dividends. Once again remember Galatians 6:7: "A man reaps what he sows."

Father, may it be good deeds rather than sin that mark my life that I may hear Your "Well done" when I stand before You.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Spiritual Fitness

2010-08-31T23:30:00.000-07:00

. . . train yourself to be godly. - 1 Timothy 4:7b

I find this short little phrase to be extremely profound and deeply convicting. This is a lesson that I must be reminded of often. Godliness doesn't just happen. I can not expect that just because I've been a Christian for a while that sin just will lose its power. Nor can I expect that just because I go to (or even work for a) church that my walk with Christ will grow.

We don't passively stumble into godliness.

Paul parallels our pursuit of godliness with physical training. So just as with physical training, godliness requires effort and work. To grow stronger we must practice discipline and be consistent. When we get lazy and neglect our disciplines then we become spiritually unfit. If we want to enjoy a better relationship with Christ we must commit ourselves to the spiritual disciplines of prayer, studying, meditating on and memorization of Scripture, fasting, silence, a Sabbath, giving, etc.

Father, give me joy in exercising my spiritual muscles and show me more of yourself as I pursue a deeper relationship with you.

By His Grace,
Matt

The Church Matters

2010-08-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

"...I am writing you these instructions so that...you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." 1 Timothy 3:14-15

Although our culture would marginalize the church that is not God's view. In God's view the church is central--it is God's household (family). In God's plan the church is essential--it is the pillar and foundation that upholds the truth in this world.

When we allow the church to become in our thinking only a meeting place or an organization we do a great disservice to ourselves and our community. We must embrace our significant identity as God's family and our significant mission of holding up and out God's truth in a morally and spiritually crumbling world.

Father, help the church to be what you created it to be in this world. Help our church to realize your vision for us in our community.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

The Worst Sinner?

2010-08-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15

Would Paul have literally won a worst sinners contest? There were undoubtedly men whose deeds were worse than Paul's when judged by this world's standard. But Paul knew his own heart and the righteousness of Christ.

The heart that seems pure when looked upon by the light of this world is revealed to be stained with sin when held up to the light of Christ. Our realization of the magnificence of God's grace grows in proportion to our recognition of our own utter sinfulness apart from Christ. Then like Paul we will stand in awe of the fact that He saved us and give Him glory.

Lord Jesus, I am the worst sinner I know for I know my own heart. I thank you that you saved me and continue to pour grace on me daily. May your grace be magnified in my life that other sinners around me may be drawn to you.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Keep Alert

2010-08-23T23:30:00.000-07:00

"In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out wit the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem." 2 Samuel 11:1

So began David's fall into sin. When he should have been with the army fighting Israel's battles he stayed in the comfort of his palace. Instead of being disciplined and diligent he settled into complacency and comfort. He was in the wrong place as far as his responsibility to God was concerned. He was in the right place for the enemy of our souls to attack and overcome him. David's fall did not begin with his first look at Bathsheba but with the relaxing of his discipline and duty.

If we become complacent and comfortable about our spiritual life and duty we become an easier target for the enemy. The battle rages everyday and so everyday must find us putting on our spiritual armor and standing at spiritual attention ready to fight the good fight of the faith. Keep yourself planted in the Word. Keep alert in prayer. Keep faithful in duty.

Father, help me not to become spiritually complacent and comfortable but rather to maintain discipline and diligence that I may be ready to stand against the schemes of the evil one and the desires of the sinful nature.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Winning the Battle

2010-08-19T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the LORD, 'Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?' The LORD answered him, 'Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you.'" 2 Samuel 5:19

After David was crowned king over Israel, the Philistines, Israel's long-time nemesis, attacked with hopes of overthrowing David before he was firmly established. David's reaction was not to move immediately out to battle but rather to move into the presence of the Lord and seek His direction. Inquiring of the Lord before making major moves was a pattern in David's life. This was surely part of the reason he was called "a man after God's own heart."

One thing we can be sure of is that our enemy, the devil, will attack us and seek to dislodge us from our firm commitment to the Lord (see 1 Peter 5:8). We must learn that the battle is not won by drawing on our strength to counter attack but by seeking the Lord. The Philistines were not only Israel's enemies but they were God's enemies and so he gladly delivered them into David's hand as long as David depended on Him. The devil is not only our enemy but he is first and foremost the enemy of God. God will gladly lead us to victory over the devil's attacks if we will learn to seek and depend on God in the battle.

Father, whether great or small I will surely be attacked today by Your enemy the devil. Give me the humility to find strength for the battle in prayer that You may win the victory.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

How is your Faith?

2010-08-18T23:30:00.000-07:00

"For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love." 1 Thessalonians 3:5-6b

Paul had been forced out of Thessalonica by persecution from the Jews and the new converts he left behind were enduring the same persecution. Like a mother concerned for the welfare of her baby, Paul had deep concern for the viability and vitality of the Thessalonians' faith in Christ. Would it be demolished by the persecution or would it endure and grow strong through the persecution? The verdict delivered by Timothy was that they were doing quite well and growing in their new found faith!

Faith is not a static, lifeless transaction in response to facts about Christ but rather a living, dynamic relationship with Christ. Faith can grow or fail. Faith can be healthy or it can be on life support. How is your faith today? Is it growing through the trials and temptations of life or is it faltering? Faith fed on the Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with God's people will grow while faith starved of this essential Christian nourishment will fail. Feed your faith so that you may grow and live a vibrant Christian life in any and every circumstance life may bring.

Father, I thank you for the faith you have given me in Jesus Christ and I pray that You will help me to nourish and grow in my faith today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Giving Thanks

2010-08-16T23:30:00.000-07:00

"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers." 1 Thessalonians 1:2

We have much to be thankful for every time we pray. God has blessed us beyond measure. After our salvation through Christ, God's choicest blessings are the people through whom God enriches our spiritual life and those whom God allows us to enrich. Paul was thankful for the Thessalonians both because God had allowed him to play a key role in leading them to Christ and because their faithfulness to Christ had been a blessing to Him. Who can you thank God for today? Who has enriched your spiritual life? Who have you had the privilege of influencing spiritually?

Father, I thank you for the people you have placed around me with whom I share life in Christ.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

A True Peace

2010-08-09T23:30:00.000-07:00

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

In this short verse, Paul reminds us that true peace can only come when we are trusting and walking with Christ. In Philippians 4:6 we are reminded that "we are not to be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

As you read this you could be in the middle of a difficult morning. Everything around you is in complete chaos and you may have realized that your schedule for the rest of the day is overwhelming. Just as we are reminded in this verse, there are times in our life that we need to slow down and spend time in prayer. When we do it seems like our day can go from chaotic to calm. Have you given God this day? Have you lifted up your requests and anxious thoughts to God? If not, stop what you are doing and present your requests to God and allow the peace of God to guard your heart.

Father, help me today to surrender everything to you. Help me to not be overwhelmed with the task at hand and to always beware of opportunities to tell others about your crazy love for my life.

Chris

The Jesus Standard

2010-08-05T23:30:00.000-07:00

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: - Philippians 2:5

As Christians who are empowered by the Holy Spirit the standard for our life is Christlikeness. It's plain and simple, "Whoever claims to walk in him must live as Jesus did." (1 John 1:6). There's no negotiating room. We are expected to live as Christ did.

But how is that possible? I am not Christ. I am full of sin. Once we've trusted in Christ the Holy Spirit comes to indwell our hearts. We are filled the the power of God, the same power Christ had. And so we now have the means to accomplish the very task we've been called to.

So if we've been called to live like Jesus what does that look like? What "attitude" does he have that we are to emulate? Well, look at the verses that follow. How is Jesus characterized? He is a servant, he is humble and obedient. Jesus is described as many other things, but this is a good place to start.

Lord, I want to be like Christ, but sometimes that feels like too high of a standard. I constantly fall short. Forgive my shortcomings and purify my heart of wickedness. Empower my with your Spirit and help me set my mind and desires on the things that honor you. I give you permission to develop me into the kind of humble, obedient servant that Christ was.

For His glory,
Matt

PROGRESS AND JOY

2010-08-04T23:30:00.000-07:00

. . . I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, . . . Philippians 1:25b

I like the way Paul has tied together two descriptive words—progress and joy—in this passage.

In any church, either of these outcomes—progress or joy—would be enough to encourage the pastor and his flock, but a wonderful thing about progress and joy is that we rarely experience one without the other. When a follower of Christ makes strides forward in obedience to God, the church family (and the believer) rejoices. When the church finds their joy in Jesus, believers advance in one or many aspects of their faith. For God’s people, growth brings gladness and gladness encourages growth.

Of course, it’s not really news that progress made results in positive attitudes which, in turn, encourage further progress. You don’t have to follow Christ to experience this phenomenon. But Paul specifies that the Christian’s progress and joy is “in the faith,” and that raises the experience far above even the best stuff of this life.

So, let’s continue to work together for each other’s progress and joy in the faith. Focus your efforts on remaining in the cycle of progress and joy. Encourage (and help) those who are struggling, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ, meet together one on one and in small and large groups, pray diligently for each other, read and study and memorize God’s Word; in short—stay close to God and to each other.

Lord, how great and marvelous are Your ways. Guide me by Your Holy Spirit to make steady progress in obeying, serving, and loving You. Thank you for the joy and peace I experience in following You. Bless our church with progress and joy in the faith as we continue together as one family in You.

God’s grace to you,
JIM

Attitude Toward Authority

2010-08-03T23:30:00.000-07:00

⁷Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, - Ephesians 6:7

Our attitude towards authority reflects our understanding of the Lordship of Christ.

If you tend to resist those in authority over you or if you begrudge your earthly duties it isn't just a reflection of your work ethic, it reveals that you aren't fully submitted to Christ.

When your life is fully surrendered to Christ people around you will notice. They will see it in the way you do your job, or in the way you parent, or in the way you talk about people in leadership, or in the way you lead. Your attitude toward authority is a witness for Christ.

We are all subject to the authority of Christ. So, work as though God were your boss, obey as though God were your parent, and serve as though God were the one watching, because he is.

Lord, examine me. Help me to see if there are any areas of my life that aren't honoring to you. Lead me to honor and respect those in authority over me. You are Lord over all - my life included. I submit myself to you. Use my life to show my co-workers, peers, friends and family that you are the one true God. My trust is in you.

For His Glory,
Matt

ONE ANOTHER

2010-08-02T23:30:00.000-07:00

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21

I have particular difficulty living out this verse. Perhaps you do, too.

Embracing the counter-everything word submit is radical enough, and I do seek to submit to God. However, it's the dynamic one another that gets my goat.

I think I give the public "submit to one another" thing a sincere attempt. It's the private (friends and family) act of submitting that sneaks up on me. Is my reverence for Christ so limited? Do I reverence myself more than Jesus? These thoughts trouble me.

I hope you'll join me in a more comprehensive and conscious pursuit of our mutual concern and love for each other, because of our reverence for Christ. Let's pay attention to how well we submit to each other, and seek to glorify God in this, as well.

Father, I want to submit to You and to my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help me to think of others more than I think of me. Guide me to live in reverence to Your Son.

Have a blessed day,
JIM

God's Masterpiece

2010-07-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

The Greek word translated "workmanship" is a word from which we get our English word poem. As people saved through God's grace in Christ, we are God's poem, His work of art, His masterpiece. Through the good works that flow out of our life as a result of His grace in us God shows His amazing handiwork to the world. The transformation of a life from sinful self-centeredness to Christ-like goodness in word and deed is a work of art that only God can perform through His amazing grace in Christ Jesus. Let His handiwork shine forth through your life today.

Father, I rejoice in the grace You have given me in Christ and pray that Your master workmanship will shine forth out of my life today to the praise and glory of Your name.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Consecration and Prayer

2010-07-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it up as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on Israel's behalf, and the LORD answered him." 1 Samuel 7:9

Samuel's ministry on behalf of Israel involved consecration and intercession. Offering a lamb as burnt offering was a symbol of consecration (total commitment to God). The lamb was offered to God as a symbol of the worshipers dedication of his life to God. Samuel was personally consecrated to the Lord and he led the Israelites to consecrate themselves to the Lord (see 1 Sam. 7:3-6; click reference to read). Following the consecration of their lives to the Lord Samuel then prayed for God to deliver the Israelites out of the hand of the Philistines. God answered his prayer and brought a great deliverance to Israel.

Consecration of ourselves to God must precede powerful praying. "The prayer of a righteous (i.e. consecrated) man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16). Prayer from a consecrated soul will find favor with God. Let all your praying first begin with a time of soul searching through the light of the Holy Spirit and confession of sin as He convicts you. Then with a cleansed life proceed to seek God's powerful working in your life and the lives of those around you.

Father, search me today and cleanse me from all sin that I may prevail with You in prayer as You desire.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

More Like Jesus

2010-07-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load." Galatians 6:3-4

One of the temptations we face is to compare our self to somebody else whom we deem less faithful or spiritually mature than our self. In so doing we comfort our self that we are doing quite well after all and we slip into complacency.

There is only one to whom we are to compare our self and that is Jesus Christ. To be like Him is the whole aim of our Christian life (see Romans 8:29; click on the reference to read the verse). Until we have reached the full measure of the stature of Christ (see Ephesians 4:13) we cannot rest in our effort to grow and mature spiritually.

We may grow discouraged in striving to become like Christ but we need to remember that our success does not rest with us but with God. He has given us His Holy Spirit to conform us degree by degree into the likeness of Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 3:17-18). Keep the goal of Christ-likeness before you. Never be content with any lesser standard. Rely on the Holy Spirit to help you. Enjoy the journey. You will not arrive overnight but you will arrive by His grace and for His glory.

Father, help me to never be content to measure my spiritual maturity and faithfulness against another sinful man but inspire me daily to strive for the high calling of being conformed to the image of Your Son, my Savior.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Christ in You

2010-07-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

"My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you..."
Galatians 4:19

The essence of the Christian life is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). The miracle of the Christian life is that Christ not only leads us from above but He lives in us through His Spirit.

The goal of the Christian life is to become like Christ. But Christ-likeness is not attained through personal efforts at reforming our bad habits and character into His good habits and character. Christ-likeness is attained through allowing Christ to so live His life in you until "Christ is formed in you..." Let Christ be not just your example and teacher but your Lord who takes mastery over your life shaping you into His own image. Let Christ be not just a significant part of your life but let Him become your life (see Colossians 4:4).

Lord Jesus, live Your glorious life fully and freely in me today. Transform me into Your likeness as You live through me.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

God at Work

2010-07-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

"For God who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles." Galatians 2:8

God's working in a ministry makes all the difference. It is God's activity that both authenticates a ministry as from Him and that makes a ministry effective. Peter's ministry among the Jews was effective because God had sent him (apostle = sent one) and was working through him to reach Jews for Christ. Paul's ministry among the Gentiles was effective because God had sent him and was working through him to reach Gentiles for Christ.

Any ministry we undertake in Christ's name will only be effective to reach others for Christ if we are serving as one's sent by God in the power of God. Is God at work in our ministry? Or have we gone out on our own without seeking and relying on Him? God's work makes all the difference between mere spiritual busyness and effective ministry that draws people to Christ. We must diligently seek and rely on His working through us.

Father, help me to be yielded to Your leadership and activity in my life. I want to go where You send and to be an instrument through whom You can work to draw people to Your Son.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

The Power of Consecration

2010-07-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him. Then the Philistines seized him... Judges 16:20-21a

"He did not know that the LORD had left him." What a tragic statement! The life of Samson is really a tragic story. He was a man blessed by God with great ability and given opportunity to lead God's people Israel. However, he was all surface never achieving spiritual depth in a strong relationship with God. His long hair was not the source of Samson's strength rather it was the symbol of his consecration to God which was in fact the source of his strength. When Delilah cut his hair she did not steal his strength but God lifted His favor from Samson's life because Samson had turned his heart away from God.

Spiritual power is found in total consecration to God (commitment, being set apart to God). To maintain spiritual power we must maintain our consecration to the Lord. If we turn our heart away from the Lord we may find that God's favor has been lifted from our life and we were unaware of it. If you find yourself in such a situation return to the Lord with all your heart and His strength will fill you again. To avoid such a situation carefully maintain your consecration to the Lord day by day.

Father, You are gracious to grant to me Your strength for life's battles. Keep me mindful of the need to daily consecrate myself to You so that Your strength may flow through my life.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Keep First Love Alive

2010-07-14T23:30:00.000-07:00

"I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was received by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ." 2 Corinthians 11:2-3

The church is the bride of Christ. We are pledged to be a faithful to Him who died for us that we might live for Him. Paul was deeply concerned that the Corinthians were being led astray by false teachers from their true devotion to Christ. It is all too easy for us to stray from Christ through buying into the errant thoughts and ways of the world around us. We must guard our hearts and minds to belong to Christ alone. We must continually fan the flame of our first love toward Him so it not dimmed by worldly lusts. When we stand before Him in heaven's glory as those He purchased with His blood may we stand as a faithful bride!

Father, help me to be alert that I might not be deceived into unfaithfulness to Jesus. If I have strayed convict me and help me return to faithfulness. Fan the flame of my love for Christ until it consumes me.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

BIG PICTURE

2010-07-13T23:30:00.000-07:00

Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. 2 Corinthians 10:15b-16a

In the midst of dealing with a troubled church, Paul continued to see the opportunities which lay beyond the problems. His expectation was that the believers in Corinth would mature in their faith and this would lead to more opportunities for him to present Christ to others. He was the preeminent church planter—sharing his faith in new locations and moving on from there after the new church was sufficiently established.

As we pray for and respond to people to need to know about Jesus, consider this thought: the person that you witness to is the link to many others. In a sense, you are sharing Christ with more than one individual, and when God brings the first person into the kingdom, that opens the door to many more people.

So, continue to share Christ with the people God has placed in your life, and pray that their faith will continue to grow until they trust in Jesus. Pray that God’s work in their life (through you) will greatly expand, so that others can hear and respond to the gospel.

Father, thank you for hearing our prayer!

Have a blessed day,
Jim

Generous Living

2010-07-12T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 2 Corinthians 9:6

Little seed sown will result in a small harvest. Much seed will bring a large harvest. If we are generous with what God has given us we will enjoy much spiritual fruit. If we are reluctant to give we will see little spiritual fruit.

God's is generous. The Father generously gives us blessing upon blessing the chief of which is salvation through His Son. The Son generously gave His life for us. The Spirit generously pours His gifts and power into our life. If we share the life of God it will inevitably manifest itself in generous living.

We can never surpass God in our generosity and therefore we will never lack the ability to be generous. "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Father, thank You for Your immeasurable generosity toward me. Manifest Your generosity through my life by enabling me to be generous with the resources, time, and gifts You have entrusted me.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Weakness = Good?

2010-07-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

The Lord said to Gideon, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength saved her, announce now to the people anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead." - Judges 7:2-3

Too many men?
Conventional wisdom says that the more men you take into battle the better your chances of victory. But God wanted to make sure that the Israelites didn't trust in their own power. He wanted them to trust in Him for the victory. So He whittled down their army to a mere 300 men so that there would be no way for them to take credit for the victory.

God has a pattern of working this way. Salvation is from Him, and not something we can manufacture or become worthy of (Ephesians 2:8-9) As Mark pointed out yesterday, God often calls weak people to do His work. The apostle Paul put it this way, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)"

Don't overlook Gideon's faith. He trusted God enough to send his men away. Perhaps God asking you to give something up so that you will trust Him more than you trust in yourself? What are you trusting in that prevents you from trusting in God?

Father I am weak. Help me to delight in my weakness. Lead me to surrender the things that cause me to trust in myself. I want only to trust in you, because you deserve my trust. It is foolishness for me to trust in my good or my ability. I love you Lord.

For His glory,
Matt

God's Vision

2010-07-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "the LORD is with you, mighty warrior." Judges 6:12

Gideon was hiding in a pit from the Midianites when the angel of the Lord appeared to him. How is it that the angel addressed him as "mighty warrior"? The simple truth is God could see Gideon not only as he was at that moment but also as the man God would make of him. In the pages of Scripture we see that God often called weak people to do His work. He saw beyond their weakness to the strength He would build into their life as they yielded to Him.

So when God looks at us He sees not only what we are but what He desires to make us. If we will yield to Him God's vision will also be realized in our life as it was in Gideon's (and Peter's, see John 1:40-42). We need to learn to see our self through God's eyes and believe that He can make of us what He envisions. He casts His vision for our life to us in Scripture (see Mark 1:16-20, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Peter 4:10 for examples). The big question is will we continue to be who we are in our weakness or will we yield to God so that He can bring His vision to fulfillment?

Father, help me to see my life not merely as it is but as You envision it to become. I yield my life to You this day that I might become more fully what You desire.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Christ's Ambassador

2010-07-06T23:30:00.000-07:00

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20

Once we have become a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17) it is our privilege to represent Christ in this world by appealing to others to be reconciled to God through His cross. Whatever our occupation or station in life may be we all have this common assignment to be ministers of reconciliation to the people God has placed us among. We have a mission to be Christ's ambassadors. We have the most needed and greatest message to share. We have the power of God behind us making His appeal through us. May God help us fulfill our high calling today!

Father, help me to see the people You have placed me among with spiritual eyes and to care for them with Your own compassion. Help me to be a faithful ambassador of Christ today allowing You to make Your appeal through me.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Dancing with God

2010-07-01T23:30:00.000-07:00

"But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul." Joshua 22:5 NIV

The major battles for the conquest of Canaan were completed, the land was divided among the tribes of Israel, and now it was time to settle in and enjoy God's gift. Joshua sent the tribes off to their land with this charge to love God, walk in His ways, obey Him, hold fast to Him, and serve Him wholeheartedly. Joshua warned against the very real danger of enjoying God's blessings while forgetting the One from whom we have received them.

There is an old saying, "Dance with the one who brung you." I know that most of us "good Baptists" have little experience with dancing but bear with me on this. When attending a dance with a date you should dance with the one who brought you to the dance rather than playing the field and leaving your date in the corner. So in the dance of life we need to remember and continue dancing with the one who brought us to the place of salvation and blessing. Don't leave Christ in the corner while your dancing with the world. Love the Lord, walk in His ways with Him, obey His wise commands, hold fast to Him in faith and devotion, and serve Him with your whole heart and soul. "Dance with the one who brung you."

Father, You have shown me great favor and I live daily in Your blessing. Help me to remember You and dance with You faithfully through this day.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

PROMISES

2010-06-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

Not one of all the LORD’S good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Joshua 21:45

Here’s another fabulous statement about God that could be overlooked. It’s the last verse of the chapter—buried at the end of the story, so to speak. But it’s certainly not an afterthought. This is the line that the narrative builds up to.

And notice, it’s not, “God kept all of His promises.” That’s too casual. Most of us know at least one person that we consider very trustworthy, someone whose word is as good as gold. But I doubt any of us thinks there is anyone who never, ever broke or forgot a promise. No, it’s more like, “There was not a promise that God made (and He made quite a few) that He did not keep—not a single one!”

On top of that, God’s promises were significant ones—promises that only He could fulfill; worthy and good promises. That’s standard behavior for God.

You and me, if we can keep most of our promises, we feel pretty good about ourselves. That’s standard behavior for us.

I’m so glad that we serve a faithful, larger-than-life God. Nothing is too difficult for Him and we can always depend on Him.

Lord, thank You for keeping Your promises to Your people. I praise You that I can always trust in You, no matter what.

Have a blessed day,
Jim

Loving Jesus

2010-06-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

"If anyone does not love the Lord--a curse be on him. Come, O Lord!" 1 Corinthians 16:22 NIV

Jesus declared that the greatest commandment is to love God with every ounce of your being (Matthew 22:37). Paul was so passionate about loving Jesus that he declared a curse on anyone who does not also love Him. Paul was not just declaring his own passionate opinion but he was speaking God's truth. Those who love Jesus are blessed with full life and adventure in following Him. Those who do not love Jesus know neither this fullness of life nor the joy of doing His will.

The chief purpose of our life is to love Jesus. We are not called merely to a life of religious duty and worship but we are called to love the Lord who loves us. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20 NIV). Here is the heart and soul of the Christian life: in love we give our self fully to the One who in love gave Himself fully for us. In daily receiving His love and giving our self to Him in love we live in Him and He in us and we know the meaning of abundant life.

Father, stoke the fire of love for Jesus in my heart today. Forgive me for complacency toward Your Son and My Savior and fill me with passionate devotion to Him with ever increasing intensity.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

The End of the Story

2010-06-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

This verse concludes an amazing chapter on the resurrection. Christ is risen! Therefore, we who are in Christ anticipate resurrection. "Let nothing move you" from this belief or from continued trust in the risen Lord. Trials will come and we will walk through discouraging days on the way to resurrection but we know the end of the story and we stand fast in faith and hope.

And keep in mind that what you do for the Lord in these days will last for eternity. It is not "vain" (i.e. empty, useless) to serve the Lord. We spend so much time, energy, and resources on things that will not last and will not matter in the end. View your life in light of the end of the story and pour yourself into those things that will last beyond this life.

Father, I thank You that Christ is indeed risen and that faith in Him is not empty. Help me to live with the confidence and joy that accompany the certainty of resurrection and to serve You faithfully today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

What's Love Got To Do With It?

2010-06-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

¹³And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. - 1 Corinthians 13:13

What's love got to do with it? - Everything!
What good is it to have incredible understanding? Or great faith? Or to be extremely generous? None, if you don't have love. Without love they are all meaningless. Love is the authenticator of our faith and actions (1 John 3:18-19). Love is the distinguishing characteristic in the life of a person who knows God (John 13:34-35). Christ modeled love for us (John 15:13). 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 defines the kind of pure and undefiled love God has for us and that we are to show one another.

This chapter is often read at weddings to characterize the love between a husband and a wife, and to challenge them to spend their lives showing this kind of love to one another. But God doesn't reserve this kind of love for husband's and wives. This is the kind of love we are to show all people; all the time (Matthew 22:39). God has shown you and I this kind of love. He loved us enough to send his Son. So now we are called to do for others what Christ has done for us - infiltrate a hurting and broken world with the kind of radical love that transforms lives and redeems hearts.

Father, thank you for showing me such great love. Help me to embody that same kind of love as I live out my life for the sake of others.

For His Glory,
Matt Moore

The Body of Christ

2010-06-23T23:30:00.000-07:00

"All these [spiritual gifts] are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.... But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be." 1 Corinthians 12:11, 18 NIV

God's design for the church is amazing and awesome. The church is the body of Christ with many individual members working together as one unit to do the work of Christ in the world. Every member is gifted to serve. Every member is needed for a healthy, fully functioning body. Together the many serving side by side can do far more than one or a handful of extremely gifted people could ever accomplish.

Each one of us has been given a significant and necessary role in the body. Each one of us has been entrusted with an important piece of God's kingdom work. It is an amazing privilege and an awesome responsibility. But remember it is the Spirit who distributes the gifts and empowers us to use them in ministry. Rely on the Holy Spirit to help you discover, develop, and deploy your gift for the glory of Christ.

Father, it is awesome to realize that You have gifted me and trusted me with a significant role in Your kingdom work. Help me by Your Holy Spirit to know my role and to be faithful in it to the glory of Christ, the Head of the body.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

The Sun Stood Still

2010-06-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand.
Not one of them will be able to withstand you." ... The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel.
Joshua 10:8, 13-14 NIV

God promised to deliver the inhabitants of the land of Canaan into the hands of the Israelites and He delivered. So determined was God to fulfill His promise and carry forward His purpose that He even lengthened the day in response to Joshua's prayer to allow Him to finish the conquest.

God can and will literally move heaven and earth on behalf of His people to accomplish His purpose through them. What stands between you and the fulfilment of God's purpose in your life? Call out to Him and He will either remove it or enable you to hurdle it so that He might be glorified in you.

Father, You created the heavens and earth and You are able to move them as it pleases You. Create in me a faith like Joshua's that believes Your promise and lays hold of Your faithfulness.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Don't Forget to Pray

2010-06-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

"So the Israelite leaders examined their bread, but they did not consult the LORD."
Joshua 9:14 NLT

The Israelites had been instructed by the LORD to completely conquer all the inhabitants of Canaan (the Promised Land). They were to make no treaties and allow none of the inhabitants to remain so that their pagan religions would not become a snare to the Israelites. The Gibeonites outwitted the Israelites. They pretended to have journeyed from a far country by wearing worn out clothes and packing dried and moldy bread in their bags. They convinced the Israelites to enter into a treaty with them. The leaders examined the bread which seemed to indicate they had traveled from far away but they did not seek the Lord's guidance.

Things in this world are not always as they seem on the surface. Satan is the "father of lies" who master's in deception. He draws us away from the will of God in much the same way the Gibeonites drew Israel away from God's will. If we are to stand firm and not be "tricked" into sin we must keep ourselves in tune with God through prayer. Prayer is more than a religious duty. It is our spiritual lifeline. Through prayer we are able to see with spiritual eyes and so recognize the enemy's deceitful schemes. Don't forget to pray!

Father, I have too often relied on my own judgment and failed to consult with You. Help me to be mindful to pray and seek Your counsel through this day.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Doing it God's Way

2010-06-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go in or out. But the LORD said to Joshua, 'I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its mighty warriors.'" Joshua 6:1-2 NLT

The first obstacle in Israel's path to possessing the land of promise was the strongly fortified city of Jericho. But God said, "I have given you Jericho." When God promises, He delivers! However Scripture He reminds us, "My thoughts are completely different from yours. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine" (Isaiah 55:8 NLT). God doesn't always do things the way we would do it if we were in charge.

God's method for taking Jericho was one of the strangest battle plans in the history of warfare. March around the city seven days, blow trumpets, and shout??? Wouldn't it be a much more reasonable strategy to catapult rocks into the walls, send repeated barrages of flaming arrows over the wall, and then put ladders against the crumbling walls to scale them? God does things differently than we might do them but His ways are effective for accomplishing His purposes. In this case it was as important for the people to learn trust and obedience as it was to conquer Jericho. When God's ways don't make sense or our ways seem more reasonable will we trust and obey Him anyway? This is the critical question that makes all the difference.

Father, I want to trust Your ways and obey Your commands even when they go against my own reason and the ways of this world. Help me to learn to trust and obey today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

What a Mighty God we Serve

2010-06-16T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Then Joshua told the people, 'Purify yourselves for tomorrow the LORD will do great wonders among you.'" Joshua 3:5 NLT

The great wonders God did was to hold back the waters of the Jordan River and dry up the ground so that His people could walk through the waters and into the long anticipated land of Promise. What a great day indeed! What a great God!

The God we serve today is one and the same God who did these mighty works. His abilities have not diminished. His commitment to lead His people in His will has not altered. Do we expect great things from the Lord our God? Do we prepare ourselves for great wonders from God? Joshua said, "Purify yourselves..." God works in the midst of and on behalf of His people when they have purified themselves from sin and are earnestly seeking Him. God is able! Are you ready?

Father, You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. As I see You have worked in the past through the pages of Scripture help me to trust You to do great wonders in this day. Cleanse me of sin and draw me near to Yourself so that I may experience Your might working today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

God with Us

2010-06-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

"No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you." Joshua 1:5 NLT

"I will be with you." What incredible words for God to speak to a person! When Moses questioned God's call for him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, God responded with the promise, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12). Now that Joshua was taking the reigns of leadership and answering the call to lead God's people into the land of promise, God assured him, "For I will be with you as I was with Moses."

The promise God made to Moses and Joshua is the same promise Jesus makes to everyone of His followers. "And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20 NLT). This promise is attached to the Great Commission. God told Moses and Joshua I will be with you as you answer my call. Jesus has told us I will be with you as you answer my call. His presence is realized as we step out in faith and obedience to do His will. His presence will guide us, sustain us, and empower us to do His will. God is moving in the direction of His will and when we join in doing His will we will find ourselves in His faithful presence.

Father, I thank you for Your promise and Your faithfulness to be with me as I follow Your call. Today help me to be faithful to Your call and realize Your faithful presence.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Only One Moses

2010-06-14T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Now Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses. There has never been another prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face." Deuteronomy 34:9-10 NLT

Moses was unique. He had a unique relationship with God and a unique role in the history of God's people. There will never be another Moses. But Joshua was unique also. He was the right man to step in and lead in the next phase of the journey of God's people.

Each one of us is a unique person with a unique relationship with God and a unique role to play in the life of God's people. Joshua did not need to be a Moses. He needed to be the Joshua God created him to be. We do not need to be like someone else in order to serve God. We need to be who God created us to be and walk with Him so that He can use as He desires. Be Yourself, walk with God, and trust Him.

Father, I thank You for making me unique, giving me a unique relationship with You, and calling me to a unique role in the life of Your people. Help me to realize that one else can be me and I don't need to be any one else in order to serve You.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Small Miracles?

2010-06-10T23:30:00.000-07:00

"For forty years I led you through the wilderness, yet your clothes and sandals did not wear out. You had no bread or wine or strong drink, but he gave you food so you would know that he is the LORD your God." Deuteronomy 29:5-6 NLT

Where do you buy new sandals in the desert? Where do you find a supermarket to restock the pantry? These seemingly small issues are of great magnitude when leading hundreds of thousands of people through a desert for forty years. But when God is leading the way He takes care of even the smallest details.

Even the best pair of sandals made from the finest materials would not last 40 years under normal conditions but God cause their sandals to last 4o years under harsh conditions. God held their sandals together and provided their food so that they could make the journey on which He was leading them. If we step out in faith after God in the journey of doing His will we can trust that He will have even the smallest details in hand.

There really are no small miracles and if we are not observant we may not recognize some of the wonderful ways God sustains us when we are following Him. The ultimate end of God's provision for Israel was "so you would know that he is the LORD your God." God reveals Himself in our lives through small things that show He is present and active with us.

Father, I thank You for having the smallest details in hand so that I can follow as You lead me in the journey of doing Your will. Help me to trust You and recognize Your "smallest" miracles that I may glorify You.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

God's Deep Secrets

2010-06-09T23:30:00.000-07:00

"And God has actually given us his Spirit (not the world's spirit0 so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us." 1 Corinthians 2:12 NLT

The Spirit reveals "God's deep secrets" (2:10 NLT) to His people. God desires us to know Him, to know His ways, to know His purpose for us, and to know "the wonderful things God has freely given us." In order for us to know these things God has given us His Spirit to reside with us and reveal to us the "deep secrets" of God which the world can never know but are revealed to us as His children (see 2:14).

Wow!!! Let this sink in. God has "deep secrets" and "wonderful things" that He wants to let You in on! He is ready to reveal these things by His Spirit to those who come to Him with attentive minds through prayer and Scripture. May we be like Mary of Bethany who "sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he taught" (Luke 10:39 NLT).

Father, I am truly amazed that You, the God of the universe, desire to reveal to me "deep secrets" and "wonderful things." Thank You for giving me Your Spirit to reveal these things. Give me an attentive mind and heart to receive these things today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

God's Gifted Program

2010-06-08T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Through him [Christ Jesus], God has enriched your church in every way... Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 1:5, 7 NLT

My daughters have both been in the gifted education program at school. I never was so they must take after their mother. However, every one of us is in God's gifted program. These verses tell us that God provides every gift His church needs in order to serve Him faithfully in this world. These gifts are provided by Jesus through the Spirit in the life of each believer. You are gifted! You are part of God's plan to enrich and enable His church to be faithful in these days as we serve Him and await the return of Jesus.

What a privilege! What a responsibility. We do not have the right to withhold our gifts from the Lord and His church. We have an obligation to discover, develop, and deploy the gifts God has given us for the building up of the church and the blessing of the world. Your life and relationship with God will be enriched as You enrich His church. We are blessed as we bless others.

Father, thank You for gifting me and enriching the life of Your church through my life. Help me to fully recognize my giftedness and to fully utilize it for Your glory in the life of Your church.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Two Things

2010-06-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

"To God, who alone is wise, be the glory forever through Jesus Christ. Amen."
Romans 16:27 NLT

This short verse contains two deep thoughts. First, God "alone is wise." Wisdom belongs to God and comes from God. Man thinks he is wise but his wisdom leads to destruction. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12 NIV). God's wisdom leads to life. The wise person is the one who humbly seeks God's wisdom in Scripture and through prayer and walks in it.

Second, all glory belongs to God forever and this is the passion of Jesus Christ. Jesus was committed to the glory of the Father in His earthly life and He is now committed to bringing glory to the Father through His church. As fully devoted followers of Jesus our one supreme aim is to bring glory to the Father. "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples" (John 15:8 NIV).

Father, grant me the humility to seek Your wisdom daily and the strength to bring You glory in all things.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Judging Me

2010-06-03T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let's stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall." Romans 14:12-13 NLT

Why is it so much easier for us to judge other people than to judge our self? We can quickly see and condemn what we believe to be short comings in the lives of our fellow Christians but we are blind to our own faults. Yet when we stand before God we will not give an account of our neighbor's life but rather we will "give a personal account" of our own life to God. Our time is much better spent easing up on our neighbor and examining our self more closely to ensure we are ready to stand before God with confidence. No one will arrive at perfection but God will judge with grace the life lived in pursuit of pleasing Him.

Father, help me to judge myself correctly in Your light so that I may be prepared to give an account and hear You say "Well done!"

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

2010-06-02T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Never sacrifice a sick or defective ox or sheep to the LORD your God, for he detests such gifts." Deuteronomy 17:1 NLT

It would have been a temptation for the Israelites to offer the culls of their herd to God since as an offering they would die anyway and they were of no use to the farmer. But cast offs are not acceptable to God. What has no value to the worshiper has no value to God as an offering. He desires the best one has to offer and He is worthy of the best.

We face the same temptation to give God our leftovers. Leftover money after we have bought all we desire with our money. Leftover time after we have accomplished all we intended with our time. Leftover ability after we have done all we could to profit our self with our abilities. But God desires and deserves our first and best not our last and least. What we offer Him speaks of how we value Him.

Father, You are worthy of the best I have. Forgive me for when I have brought you the leftovers rather than the first fruits. Today I will give you the best and first recognizing that all I have comes from You and belongs to You.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Glory to God

2010-05-31T23:30:00.000-07:00

"For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen." Romans 11:36 NLT

"Every thing comes from Him." God created all things. Nothing exists apart from His creative activity. "And exists by His power." God sustains and guides all things. He is in control and everything depends on Him for its continued existence. "And is intended for His glory." The purpose of all that God has created and sustains is to glorify Him as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. All creation glorifies God. The skies witness to His greatness and wisdom. The hills, flowers, and trees declare His beauty and kindness. The birds sing His praises and the deer display His gracefulness.

The one part of creation that may or may not glorify God is humankind. We are the crowning act of His creation. The creation of everything else led up to and prepared for the creation of human beings in the image of the Creator. We alone have free will so that although we are the most prized of His possessions we may yet not glorify Him. And we alone of all creation have been redeemed through the blood of His Son. Today we can choose to glorify our great God along with the rest of creation or we can choose to dishonor and grieve Him. It's a weighty choice that we may not often give much thought. Think about it. "All glory to him forever! Amen."

Father, You have created all things in beauty, wisdom, and power, and all things continue to exist by Your grace and for Your glory. Today with all the rest of Your creation I desire and choose to give You glory as my Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. All glory to You forever! Amen.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

DISCIPLINE

2010-05-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

“Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.” Deuteronomy 8:5

If only I could discipline my son with the wisdom, care, and patience that God has exercised in my life. This is not an indictment of my son, he’s generally doing well; what it so evident to me is that the guidance and correction I receive from God is vastly superior to my own efforts with my child.

God’s discipline leads us to walk in his ways and revere Him (verse 6). He knows what He’s doing—He’s completely trustworthy (remember all that He did for the Israelites). Whether we’re enjoying His direction and teaching, or undergoing a season of correction, it’s amazing to know that it is God Himself who works in our lives. It’s like the ultimate in customer service! (Yes, I know we’re not God’s customers—I’m just communicating an idea.)

It‘s great that we receive discipline, but what I think is truly awesome is Who disciplines us.

Father, thank You so much for Your guidance and correction. I ask that today will bring me closer to You—thinking and doing as You want me to.

Trusting,
Jim

Loving God

2010-05-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NLT

The LORD God who is exclusively God without any rival both desires and deserves our exclusive and unrivaled love and loyalty to Him. To love the one God with all we have and are is a lifelong adventure. We never arrive at the completion so that we can say I have now loved God completely. We could more easily swim every square inch of the oceans than we could completely know and love the God who created them. It is an unending journey never completed but always rewarding. To know God and love Him through our heart's affection, our soul's worship, our mind's understanding and our body's service is life's greatest and most rewarding adventure. Keep on the journey!

Father, You are alone God and You are unfathomably great and wonderful. I do love You and yet my love is not yet full. Help me to know You better so that I can love you more fully day by day for You alone are worthy of such love.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Listen, Learn, Obey

2010-05-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

Moses called all the people of Israel together and said, "Listen carefully to all the laws and regulations I am giving you today. Learn them and be sure to obey them!"
Deuteronomy 5:1 NLT

Three key words in this verse describe the approach we should take to God's Word. We are to listen to God's Word by reading it and hearing others teach it. We are to learn God's Word through careful study. We should not be content to let the Word go in one ear and out the other. It is the Word of God, the Word of life and it is worth not only our hearing it but our learning it. Finally we should obey God's Word. James says, "And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don't obey, you are only fooling yourself" (James 1:22 NLT). All the listening and learning in the world will do us no good if we do not practice in our daily living the things God teaches us through His Word.

Father, Thank You for the treasure of Your Word. Help me to be a faithful listener, a diligent learner, and an active doer of Your Word today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

No Other God

2010-05-24T23:30:00.000-07:00

"So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The LORD [Yahweh] is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other god!" Deuteronomy 4:39 NLT

The LORD God who created the heavens and the earth is God alone in them and over them. There is none above Him who surpasses Him. There is none beside Him who equals Him. There is none beneath Him who runs second to Him. He is in a category by himself--there is no other god.

The LORD fills heaven and earth with His glorious presence. He exceeds the heavens and contains the universe within His being. He is above all things ruling them. He is beneath all things sustaining them. He is beside all things guiding them. He is in all things filling them. Our minds cannot begin to grasp the wonder and magnificence of His being but perhaps the greatest truth is that He is our God and we are His people. He has chosen in love to bring us into relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Blessed be the Lord!

Father, You are alone God. You are magnificent. You stand alone in worth and power and wisdom. I rejoice in You and thank You for being my God today and always through Jesus Christ.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

The Faith of Abraham

2010-05-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. - Romans 4:5 NLT

Paul's letter to the Romans is saturated with the gospel. In chapter four he uses Abraham as the example of saving faith. He explains that it wasn't what Abraham did that saved him, but whom he trusted - and the same is true for us.
It's important for us to remember that there isn't anything we can do to earn God's forgiveness. Our moral pursuits, religious practices, and good deeds don't make us any more acceptable to God. We are made right with God by faith alone. This is hard for us to accept. Our expectation is that God is as focused on external behavior as we are. The Scriptures are clear, God forgives us because of our faith. But what is faith? Verse 21 provides a great definition of faith. In describing Abraham's faith Paul said, "He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises."
Do we trust that God is both able and faithful to fulfill his promises?

Father, I want a faith like Abraham's. I want to follow you unconditionally. I want to serve you wholeheartedly, but you know that I am weak. You know how great my failures are. Forgive me for trusting in my own efforts and remove the pride the comes from the good things I do. I ask that you would pour out your grace on me and strengthen my faith that you may be glorified through my life.

Only By His Grace,
Matt

Grace

2010-05-19T23:30:00.000-07:00

We are all familiar with Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard" (NLT). But have you ever noticed the verses on either side of it?

"We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are" (Romans 3:22 NLT).

"Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins" (Romans 3:24 NLT).

Wow!!! How great is God's grace in Christ toward sinners who trust in Jesus to take away their sins. I love the phrase "no matter who we are." In the context of Romans it means whether we are a religious Jew or a pagan Gentile the grace of God in Christ takes away our sin when we trust in Him. But the application is much broader. No matter our race, class, nationality, education, past sins, and so on, God's grace in Christ will take away our sins when we trust in Him. How truly amazing is His grace! We do not earn it by our goodness we simply receive it as a gift.

Father, I praise You for Your amazing grace that has reached down to me in Christ. Thank you for taking away my sin and making me right with You through His cross. Help me to walk in the freedom and power of Your grace today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

First Light

PEACE

PERFECT

DAVID

Turn Your Eyes Upon God

Selective Hearing

Repentance

FOCUS

Glorious God

YES

Seeking His Presence

Rescue Mission

Walking in the Truth

God is our Resource

A Mighty Savior

Loving the Father

NO ROOM

Peace

The Great Exchange

Whose in Charge?

MORE

At Home in Christ

Nothing to Fear

How Great is Our Love?

Listen Carefully

Real Discipleship

When the Going Gets Tough...

Jabez's Prayer and Ours

Unexpected Opportunities

More of Jesus

Operation You

GROW

Adding to Faith

DEEPLY

Christ's Sufferings

Put to Death

The Forces of Nature

Living by the Book

FAVORITES

THANKFULNESS

Looking Forward in Faith

Too Clever for God?

WHO / WHAT / WHEN

Listen and Obey

Slow Learner?

Fully Committed

PAYING ATTENTION

Foolish Love

PROMISES

Fatihful without Fail

RESPONSE

Eternal Investments

Spiritual Fitness

The Church Matters

The Worst Sinner?

Keep Alert

Winning the Battle

How is your Faith?

Giving Thanks

A True Peace

The Jesus Standard

PROGRESS AND JOY

Attitude Toward Authority

ONE ANOTHER

God's Masterpiece

Consecration and Prayer

More Like Jesus

Christ in You

God at Work

The Power of Consecration

Keep First Love Alive

BIG PICTURE

Generous Living

Weakness = Good?

God's Vision

Christ's Ambassador

Dancing with God

PROMISES

Loving Jesus

The End of the Story