DAILY
Help us be faithful to your call Lord!
“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.”
Help us see the urgency to be faithful and bold with your message of salvation. I pray that those we encounter would listen and turn from their “itching ears” doctrines to you in repentance and faith . . . before you openly unleash your judgment upon our nation.
13 “Son of man, if a country sins against me by being unfaithful and I stretch out my hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it and kill its men and their animals,
I shudder at the thought. Oh that our country would turn now! On this day of election, I’m praying bold prayers for our land, believing you for help to faithfully speak out for you, and hoping to be used for your glory.
Albert Mohler has written a fantastic prayer guide for this election day here.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
THOUGHTS ABOUT WITNESSING
A friend asked me to post some conversation starters I use for witnessing to people about Jesus. With every situation being different, it was a little hard to come up with just “one-liners”. It really starts in a conversation first with God. And it always helps to be prepared like at the check-out line with the cashier you tend to see again and again. Sometimes they are people we have never seen before and will never see again, so then it’s helpful to have some things on hand to give if they seem responsive to what you shared with them. I’m no expert on this but am passionate about telling people the truth. Here is a list, though not well-written or complete, of a few of the things that come to mind for witnessing. I’ve also included below a few brief encounters with people fairly recently.
* Pray first.
Open doors are something I pray for regularly. I pray for easy ones, hard ones, for open eyes to see where God would use me, and for passion. This could be my last day and I want to use it wisely – or it could be the last time I’ll see or have a chance to speak with the person God puts in front of me. I have to keep asking for a heart like God’s to share this precious message.
* Have something to give.
I keep a stash of our church business cards, pens, flyers like for Fall Fest, and books of John (that we order from The Pocket Testament League) in my purse, since they are great conversation starters. Often I’ll write my name on the card and depending on the situation sometimes even my phone number.
* Start talking.
If it’s the supermarket, Costco, the fruit market, Starbucks, post office, or wherever you go, find the familiar faces and extend an extra kind word. Instead of “How are you?”, I ask them how their day has been so far and I use their name. People tend to give a more detailed and honest answer when asked this.
Basically I just start with natural conversation and then if I’m able I throw out hooks to see if they will spark an interest in the other person. I’ll talk about my church, about God, how I loved getting in the Word that morning, what his word says etc. If they mention any words like “blessing”, “God”, "the Lord", then I see that as an open door and often ask them if they know the Lord; or if they mention God or church, I often ask them if they are born again and go from there. If it’s the first time meeting someone, I think it’s easier to have a conversation about the gospel up front rather than holding it back and agonizing over the best time to bring it up at a later date.
* Be willing to look stupid to others.
When it comes to the gospel, God is so faithful to give boldness, and speaking to people about it is not something I fear as much as I may perhaps speaking to a large audience – because this is his message, not mine. That's what I love about sharing the gospel. I've been given nasty looks at times for bringing it up. As long as we are not personally offensive in our manner of sharing the truth then we can rejoice that God will reward us for being faithful.
* Memorize key verses
As many times as we memorise the verses, isn't it true that we also forget them if we don't revisit and rememorize?
* Memorize a method for sharing the gospel
My favorite is using The Umbrella.
A couple ways to look for those open doors . . .
* Service Professionals
If we are paying for their service then they are great to talk to (the appliance repair guys, outside construction workers, even the ladies at Happy Nails etc). You know if they are working on something for a while, then there’s time, so I usually start by offering them a soda (or whatever) and asking normal acceptable questions like if they have kids, if they live in the area, how long they’ve been in the country etc. If they are responsive, I may try to open the door by asking them if they’ve had a churched background. Whatever answer you get is usually a good indicator of where they’re at and you can continue with more questions like, “Do you know who Jesus Christ is?”
* Telemarketers
If I listen to them for any amount of time, I give them a word of praise for how they are doing if it’s true, and then ask them at the end if I can share the best news in the world with them. Then I give them a verse like Romans 6:23, and end with a warm comment like, “Something to think about”. It’s amazing how many conversations this has sparked (and how many have been offended but can’t say anything back but “Thank you” and end the call).
* Facebook
When those old friends come back into your life and want to know how you are doing, tell them. Tell them about your new life in Christ but keep it brief and intriguing so they come back for more.
A few recent examples of witnessing . . .
* Noelle at Starbucks
After paying for my coffee and seeing that the store wasn’t busy, I offered the three ladies there a book of John with the cover “A Story of True Love”. Noelle was the one who immediately took an interest and told me she had never read it before and it turns out she had never been in a church before. That opened the door for me to share the gospel with her. A few weeks later, I was in there and invited her to Compass again to hear about Preparing for Judgment Day. She eagerly took it and told me she really needed it, and her boyfriend had been wanting to start going to church. She said she was getting off early so would attend that night.
* Eric from FedEx
He said he was willing to wait while I repackaged my computer in the empty box he delivered and to take it with him. So I offered him a soda and while he was waiting made conversation. He was from around here so I invited him to our church. He took the card and I asked him if he was born again. He told me he wasn’t but he had an aunt who was praying for him. So I gave him a book of John and told him the gospel in about three minutes as I handed him my fedex package. He was very grateful and promised to read the book of John. This all happened in the middle of a Partners meeting. It was so funny because I almost forgot my partner, Michelle, was there and when I turned around after he left, her eyes were wide with amazement (probably at how easy it is to share with people). The next time Eric delivered a package, he came twice because the first time we weren't there. So when he came I handed him Fall Fest flyers and he said he was going to invite his whole soccer team.
* Our old neighbor Christina
Just in conversation over time, I had invited her to church and asked her if she knew the Lord and told her I was praying for her. It was always in passing and she worked a lot so it was hard to get more than a moment with her. The night we found out she was moving out in the morning, I knew it was my last chance so I awkwardly asked her if anyone had shared the gospel with her before and she said no. Then I asked her if she would come over and give me 20 minutes to share it with her and she agreed and her life has never been the same. It had been a terrible day circumstantially for me up until this point. Not only did I get to share the gospel with this neighbor who I hardly ever saw but that very night she repented and put her trust in Jesus!!!
* Michelle, who Christina went to live with
After Christina moved in to rent a room from Michelle and her family, she invited them to church and they began attending but would always leave immediately after the service. I had talked with Michelle over the phone once and it sounded like God was already doing a work from what Christina had told me, however they were not involved. There was one week that Michelle had frequently been on my mind and in my prayers so the following Sunday I caught her before she and her husband left. I took a little risk and asked if she could come over that week so I could share the gospel with her. She agreed! When she came, we sat down while the kids played, opened the Bible, drew the Umbrella version of the gospel and it became clear that she believed up to that point that she was saved by her good works. The good thing was that she repented immediately and left a brand new person in Christ!!!
One of the best gifts we get out of sharing the truth and seeing someone respond is a new brother or sister in Christ and a friend for life! Many times, it's not like that and we find that certain people end up avoiding us because they don't like our message. It always encourages me when I think of the analogy that we are just like waitors and our job is to bring the food to the table. As Christians, our job is to simply deliver the message and we are not responsible for whether people like it or not. And for those of us who are spreading the gospel, it's a win-win. It will make a difference . . . an eternal one! Let's all increase our efforts, one day at a time, and get more excited about storing wealth in the kingdom that lasts forever!
It would be wonderful to hear other's thoughts too. If you read this, please leave a comment about your witnessing experiences!
* Pray first.
Open doors are something I pray for regularly. I pray for easy ones, hard ones, for open eyes to see where God would use me, and for passion. This could be my last day and I want to use it wisely – or it could be the last time I’ll see or have a chance to speak with the person God puts in front of me. I have to keep asking for a heart like God’s to share this precious message.
* Have something to give.
I keep a stash of our church business cards, pens, flyers like for Fall Fest, and books of John (that we order from The Pocket Testament League) in my purse, since they are great conversation starters. Often I’ll write my name on the card and depending on the situation sometimes even my phone number.
* Start talking.
If it’s the supermarket, Costco, the fruit market, Starbucks, post office, or wherever you go, find the familiar faces and extend an extra kind word. Instead of “How are you?”, I ask them how their day has been so far and I use their name. People tend to give a more detailed and honest answer when asked this.
Basically I just start with natural conversation and then if I’m able I throw out hooks to see if they will spark an interest in the other person. I’ll talk about my church, about God, how I loved getting in the Word that morning, what his word says etc. If they mention any words like “blessing”, “God”, "the Lord", then I see that as an open door and often ask them if they know the Lord; or if they mention God or church, I often ask them if they are born again and go from there. If it’s the first time meeting someone, I think it’s easier to have a conversation about the gospel up front rather than holding it back and agonizing over the best time to bring it up at a later date.
* Be willing to look stupid to others.
When it comes to the gospel, God is so faithful to give boldness, and speaking to people about it is not something I fear as much as I may perhaps speaking to a large audience – because this is his message, not mine. That's what I love about sharing the gospel. I've been given nasty looks at times for bringing it up. As long as we are not personally offensive in our manner of sharing the truth then we can rejoice that God will reward us for being faithful.
* Memorize key verses
As many times as we memorise the verses, isn't it true that we also forget them if we don't revisit and rememorize?
* Memorize a method for sharing the gospel
My favorite is using The Umbrella.
A couple ways to look for those open doors . . .
* Service Professionals
If we are paying for their service then they are great to talk to (the appliance repair guys, outside construction workers, even the ladies at Happy Nails etc). You know if they are working on something for a while, then there’s time, so I usually start by offering them a soda (or whatever) and asking normal acceptable questions like if they have kids, if they live in the area, how long they’ve been in the country etc. If they are responsive, I may try to open the door by asking them if they’ve had a churched background. Whatever answer you get is usually a good indicator of where they’re at and you can continue with more questions like, “Do you know who Jesus Christ is?”
* Telemarketers
If I listen to them for any amount of time, I give them a word of praise for how they are doing if it’s true, and then ask them at the end if I can share the best news in the world with them. Then I give them a verse like Romans 6:23, and end with a warm comment like, “Something to think about”. It’s amazing how many conversations this has sparked (and how many have been offended but can’t say anything back but “Thank you” and end the call).
When those old friends come back into your life and want to know how you are doing, tell them. Tell them about your new life in Christ but keep it brief and intriguing so they come back for more.
A few recent examples of witnessing . . .
* Noelle at Starbucks
After paying for my coffee and seeing that the store wasn’t busy, I offered the three ladies there a book of John with the cover “A Story of True Love”. Noelle was the one who immediately took an interest and told me she had never read it before and it turns out she had never been in a church before. That opened the door for me to share the gospel with her. A few weeks later, I was in there and invited her to Compass again to hear about Preparing for Judgment Day. She eagerly took it and told me she really needed it, and her boyfriend had been wanting to start going to church. She said she was getting off early so would attend that night.
* Eric from FedEx
He said he was willing to wait while I repackaged my computer in the empty box he delivered and to take it with him. So I offered him a soda and while he was waiting made conversation. He was from around here so I invited him to our church. He took the card and I asked him if he was born again. He told me he wasn’t but he had an aunt who was praying for him. So I gave him a book of John and told him the gospel in about three minutes as I handed him my fedex package. He was very grateful and promised to read the book of John. This all happened in the middle of a Partners meeting. It was so funny because I almost forgot my partner, Michelle, was there and when I turned around after he left, her eyes were wide with amazement (probably at how easy it is to share with people). The next time Eric delivered a package, he came twice because the first time we weren't there. So when he came I handed him Fall Fest flyers and he said he was going to invite his whole soccer team.
* Our old neighbor Christina
Just in conversation over time, I had invited her to church and asked her if she knew the Lord and told her I was praying for her. It was always in passing and she worked a lot so it was hard to get more than a moment with her. The night we found out she was moving out in the morning, I knew it was my last chance so I awkwardly asked her if anyone had shared the gospel with her before and she said no. Then I asked her if she would come over and give me 20 minutes to share it with her and she agreed and her life has never been the same. It had been a terrible day circumstantially for me up until this point. Not only did I get to share the gospel with this neighbor who I hardly ever saw but that very night she repented and put her trust in Jesus!!!
* Michelle, who Christina went to live with
After Christina moved in to rent a room from Michelle and her family, she invited them to church and they began attending but would always leave immediately after the service. I had talked with Michelle over the phone once and it sounded like God was already doing a work from what Christina had told me, however they were not involved. There was one week that Michelle had frequently been on my mind and in my prayers so the following Sunday I caught her before she and her husband left. I took a little risk and asked if she could come over that week so I could share the gospel with her. She agreed! When she came, we sat down while the kids played, opened the Bible, drew the Umbrella version of the gospel and it became clear that she believed up to that point that she was saved by her good works. The good thing was that she repented immediately and left a brand new person in Christ!!!
One of the best gifts we get out of sharing the truth and seeing someone respond is a new brother or sister in Christ and a friend for life! Many times, it's not like that and we find that certain people end up avoiding us because they don't like our message. It always encourages me when I think of the analogy that we are just like waitors and our job is to bring the food to the table. As Christians, our job is to simply deliver the message and we are not responsible for whether people like it or not. And for those of us who are spreading the gospel, it's a win-win. It will make a difference . . . an eternal one! Let's all increase our efforts, one day at a time, and get more excited about storing wealth in the kingdom that lasts forever!
It would be wonderful to hear other's thoughts too. If you read this, please leave a comment about your witnessing experiences!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
SUFFERING & CELEBRATING
DAILY READING
"You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 1:6
Let's become imitators of these godly men, as the Thessalonians were, even as they faced the real test of severe suffering. May we think like Peter, who referred to his body as a tent he would soon put aside (2 Peter 1:13-14), so that whatever suffering are to face will be simply be to us a temporary stepping stone into our permanent life with our permanent bodies.
"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." 2 Corinthians 5:1
This is something to get excited about!
"You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 1:6
Let's become imitators of these godly men, as the Thessalonians were, even as they faced the real test of severe suffering. May we think like Peter, who referred to his body as a tent he would soon put aside (2 Peter 1:13-14), so that whatever suffering are to face will be simply be to us a temporary stepping stone into our permanent life with our permanent bodies.
"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." 2 Corinthians 5:1
This is something to get excited about!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
TRUE AWE
DAILY READING
Not only is our God awesome, he is terrifying!
"But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath." Jeremiah 10:10
Try being nonchalant in the face of this awe-ful and powerful God!
Jeremiah wept over these kind of people who ignored God and happily went about their business. Oh if only my neighbors would wake up today and face the truth that hell is real and your wrath is coming; that today is the day of salvation!
Equip me Father with a heart like Jeremiah’s, with boldness and readiness to find every open door to speak your words every day I am alive on earth.
Not only is our God awesome, he is terrifying!
"But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath." Jeremiah 10:10
Try being nonchalant in the face of this awe-ful and powerful God!
Jeremiah wept over these kind of people who ignored God and happily went about their business. Oh if only my neighbors would wake up today and face the truth that hell is real and your wrath is coming; that today is the day of salvation!
Equip me Father with a heart like Jeremiah’s, with boldness and readiness to find every open door to speak your words every day I am alive on earth.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
JUST WAITING
DAILY READING
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. Ps 130
2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. Ps 131
I’m encouraged this morning to wait on our LORD today, to still and quiet my soul, and not allow any anxiety to creep in over circumstances. I will trust like a child, and learn contentment.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. Ps 130
2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. Ps 131
I’m encouraged this morning to wait on our LORD today, to still and quiet my soul, and not allow any anxiety to creep in over circumstances. I will trust like a child, and learn contentment.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
WHERE'S YOUR GAZE?
DAILY READING
Solomon and the psalmist have their focus in two completely different directions. One, a king on earth, was seeking fulfillment here through earthly things, and the other, a psalmist, lifted his gaze and focused on the true King of heaven.
“I thought in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved to be meaningless.” Eccl 2:1
“I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven.” Ps 123:1
The problem with Solomon’s gaze was that it led him to nothing but emptiness. Everything that is important to the world seems to magnetically pull for our attention, and may please us for a time but ultimately is futile. How we all have been pulled this way at some point or another.
Today, let my eyes be ever toward you LORD! Only you satisfy my heart! I lift up my soul to your seat of judgment where I find mercy and strength to follow you better and love you more today.
Solomon and the psalmist have their focus in two completely different directions. One, a king on earth, was seeking fulfillment here through earthly things, and the other, a psalmist, lifted his gaze and focused on the true King of heaven.
“I thought in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved to be meaningless.” Eccl 2:1
“I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven.” Ps 123:1
The problem with Solomon’s gaze was that it led him to nothing but emptiness. Everything that is important to the world seems to magnetically pull for our attention, and may please us for a time but ultimately is futile. How we all have been pulled this way at some point or another.
Today, let my eyes be ever toward you LORD! Only you satisfy my heart! I lift up my soul to your seat of judgment where I find mercy and strength to follow you better and love you more today.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
BREATHE THE LIGHT
DAILY READING
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Ps 119:130-131
We can all give thanks that God didn't make this life confusing for us, he LIT the way! His word to us is full of everything we need to live godly lives today.
Thank you Father for the privilege as your child this morning to open my mouth and TAKE A DEEP BREATH of your holy word. Help me to BE SATISFIED in you alone!
I praise you also for the light of your word to us this weekend through Pastor Bobby to take our Christians lives to the next level. Help me grow in every discipline but mostly to love and serve you extensively more. How much MORE you have done for me. I could never repay, only humbly thank you.
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Ps 119:130-131
We can all give thanks that God didn't make this life confusing for us, he LIT the way! His word to us is full of everything we need to live godly lives today.
Thank you Father for the privilege as your child this morning to open my mouth and TAKE A DEEP BREATH of your holy word. Help me to BE SATISFIED in you alone!
I praise you also for the light of your word to us this weekend through Pastor Bobby to take our Christians lives to the next level. Help me grow in every discipline but mostly to love and serve you extensively more. How much MORE you have done for me. I could never repay, only humbly thank you.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
TWO KINDS OF HELP
DAILY READING
Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory. Ps:108:12-13a
How much better to “take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man” Ps 118:8 We can save ourselves the torture of anxiety and even endless heartache by resting in the promise that he will help us. Easier said than done, but what victory we can have! How much better to rise above whatever struggles we are facing and to soar like eagles because we have confidence in our King!
Father, help me avoid needless anxiety today by trusting you are with me and to keep firm confidence in the one who helps me, rather than turning to any person to fill my needs. Help me be bold with your truth in your strength today. Give me open doors! Let me be your reflecter!
Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory. Ps:108:12-13a
How much better to “take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man” Ps 118:8 We can save ourselves the torture of anxiety and even endless heartache by resting in the promise that he will help us. Easier said than done, but what victory we can have! How much better to rise above whatever struggles we are facing and to soar like eagles because we have confidence in our King!
Father, help me avoid needless anxiety today by trusting you are with me and to keep firm confidence in the one who helps me, rather than turning to any person to fill my needs. Help me be bold with your truth in your strength today. Give me open doors! Let me be your reflecter!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
WHEN HOPE IS MISSING
DAILY READING
Such raw pain! Such fierce despair! There’s NO MENTION OF HOPE in Job’s words today (and is almost absent in psalm 88 as well). This blameless, upright man who feared God and shunned evil, wanted to die. Yet at this crossroad of faith, we see Job begin to pour out his heart before God. We see him ultimately choose to remain faithful to his Creator in the face of extreme tragedy.
Thank you Father for speaking through Job’s life today. Thank you for not abandoning us in our deepest darkest hours because of the eternal HOPE we cling to in Jesus Christ. Just like you heard and recorded Job’s laments, you hear us when we cry out in pain with broken hearts. Sometimes we are slow, like sheep, not always understanding - and even sometimes wishing death over moving forward, but ultimately we know your voice and choose to follow you.
Such raw pain! Such fierce despair! There’s NO MENTION OF HOPE in Job’s words today (and is almost absent in psalm 88 as well). This blameless, upright man who feared God and shunned evil, wanted to die. Yet at this crossroad of faith, we see Job begin to pour out his heart before God. We see him ultimately choose to remain faithful to his Creator in the face of extreme tragedy.
Thank you Father for speaking through Job’s life today. Thank you for not abandoning us in our deepest darkest hours because of the eternal HOPE we cling to in Jesus Christ. Just like you heard and recorded Job’s laments, you hear us when we cry out in pain with broken hearts. Sometimes we are slow, like sheep, not always understanding - and even sometimes wishing death over moving forward, but ultimately we know your voice and choose to follow you.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
SACKCLOTH TO RICHES
READING
This story stirs such emotion in me. Earlier we see faithful Mordecai wailing loudly and bitterly in the city and wearing sackcloth and ashes after hearing the king's edict to annhialate the Jews. After such a death sentence, one could have lost hope. However God's plan was greater and he chose to use this man who humbled himself to play a great part in his plan.
Now Mordecai is wearing a crown! 15 Mordecai left the king's presence wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration.
I admire this man's faithfulness and his humility before God. It's also exciting and comforting to see that God heard his prayers, used him in his grand plan of lovingly restoring his people, and exalted him to such a high place in Xerxe's kingdom.
Father, thank you for hearing our prayers today! Thank you for giving prosperity and hope in place of our dark clouds! Thank you for your divine love toward your people!
This story stirs such emotion in me. Earlier we see faithful Mordecai wailing loudly and bitterly in the city and wearing sackcloth and ashes after hearing the king's edict to annhialate the Jews. After such a death sentence, one could have lost hope. However God's plan was greater and he chose to use this man who humbled himself to play a great part in his plan.
Now Mordecai is wearing a crown! 15 Mordecai left the king's presence wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration.
I admire this man's faithfulness and his humility before God. It's also exciting and comforting to see that God heard his prayers, used him in his grand plan of lovingly restoring his people, and exalted him to such a high place in Xerxe's kingdom.
Father, thank you for hearing our prayers today! Thank you for giving prosperity and hope in place of our dark clouds! Thank you for your divine love toward your people!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
COLOSSAL POWER
READING
"For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty." Esther 1:4
Evidently the power and splendor of King Xerxes' wealthy kingdom would take your breath away. What a extraordinary show he must have put on for all to see and admire. Imagine six months of gloating over one's power and colossal wealth.
In contrast, all of King Xerxes' "stuff" is like dirt compared to the eternal power and glory and splendor of our King in heaven!
"You alone are to be feared." Ps 76:7a
"What god is so great as our God?" Ps 77:13b
Awesome, holy, omnipotent God, you stand alone!
"I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds." Ps 77:12
"For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty." Esther 1:4
Evidently the power and splendor of King Xerxes' wealthy kingdom would take your breath away. What a extraordinary show he must have put on for all to see and admire. Imagine six months of gloating over one's power and colossal wealth.
In contrast, all of King Xerxes' "stuff" is like dirt compared to the eternal power and glory and splendor of our King in heaven!
"You alone are to be feared." Ps 76:7a
"What god is so great as our God?" Ps 77:13b
Awesome, holy, omnipotent God, you stand alone!
"I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds." Ps 77:12
Sunday, July 20, 2008
WHATEVER THE COST
DAILY READING
"One day I went to the house of Shemaiah . . . He said, "Let us meet in the house of God, inside the temple, and let us close the temple doors, because men are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you."
"But I said, "Should a man like me run away? Or should one like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!" Neh 6:10-12
Oh to have such courage! Self-preservation would have been a natural response but Nehemiah overcame this temptation and identified that this man was not sent by God. Nehemiah was committed to his God-given task whatever the cost.
Father, please help me to also vanquish whatever temptations come my way today. Help me have the same courage and unwavering commitment to your purposes.
"One day I went to the house of Shemaiah . . . He said, "Let us meet in the house of God, inside the temple, and let us close the temple doors, because men are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you."
"But I said, "Should a man like me run away? Or should one like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!" Neh 6:10-12
Oh to have such courage! Self-preservation would have been a natural response but Nehemiah overcame this temptation and identified that this man was not sent by God. Nehemiah was committed to his God-given task whatever the cost.
Father, please help me to also vanquish whatever temptations come my way today. Help me have the same courage and unwavering commitment to your purposes.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
LOOKING UP
Psalm 70
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. Ps 70:20
Many of us have experienced bitter troubles, but like the psalmist, we can cast our eyes upward to the King of kings and Lord of lords, who will work it all out for good for us. Father I anticipate the good you will do in my life today! Even if you do not bless, I will praise you because I am redeemed.
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. Ps 70:20
Many of us have experienced bitter troubles, but like the psalmist, we can cast our eyes upward to the King of kings and Lord of lords, who will work it all out for good for us. Father I anticipate the good you will do in my life today! Even if you do not bless, I will praise you because I am redeemed.
Friday, July 18, 2008
TO BE HEARD
PSALM 66
18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;
19 but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.
20 Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
These words bring tears of joy. Oh I am so grateful for God's love for me!
Psalm 66 brings to mind the time Jesus told Nathanael that he saw him under the fig tree. I envision that Nathanael was praying there and later how he must have felt to physically hear the words from the lips of Jesus the first time they were face to face, "I saw you". And here we are given the same assurance, as long as we have confessed our sin before God, he hears us! What joy!
18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;
19 but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.
20 Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
These words bring tears of joy. Oh I am so grateful for God's love for me!
Psalm 66 brings to mind the time Jesus told Nathanael that he saw him under the fig tree. I envision that Nathanael was praying there and later how he must have felt to physically hear the words from the lips of Jesus the first time they were face to face, "I saw you". And here we are given the same assurance, as long as we have confessed our sin before God, he hears us! What joy!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
AS ZEALOUS AS EZRA
"For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel." Ezra 7:10
Father, thank you for revealing yourself in this snapshot of your chosen servant Ezra this morning. Thank you for godly leaders you have given us to emulate, here in the Word and at Compass. May our zeal be as holy as Ezra’s and may your gracious hand also be upon our lives.
Father, thank you for revealing yourself in this snapshot of your chosen servant Ezra this morning. Thank you for godly leaders you have given us to emulate, here in the Word and at Compass. May our zeal be as holy as Ezra’s and may your gracious hand also be upon our lives.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
A REMEDY FOR SCARY THOUGHTS
PSALM 56
A few nights ago my daughter came to me asking me how to get the "scary thoughts out of her head" as she was trying to sleep. It was a simple remedy . . . I turned on the word of God in her room (the Bible on cd), and she fell asleep listening to God's truths that she has grown to love.
"In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid." Ps 56:4
Praise God for the power of his word!
A few nights ago my daughter came to me asking me how to get the "scary thoughts out of her head" as she was trying to sleep. It was a simple remedy . . . I turned on the word of God in her room (the Bible on cd), and she fell asleep listening to God's truths that she has grown to love.
"In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid." Ps 56:4
Praise God for the power of his word!
Friday, July 11, 2008
NOTORIOUS REPENTANCE
2 Chronicles 34
I love this account in 2 Chronicles 34. Hilkiah the priest had just made the discovery of a lifetime when he wiped the dust of the much forgotten book of the law in the temple of the LORD! Here in restoring the temple, and prior to that king Josiah's actions to remove pagan influences from the land, one might think there should have been great rejoicing in this find. Yet Josiah's response is sobering and evidently the only acceptable one before God.
"Great is the LORD's anger that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book."
The king did not miss a beat in humbling himself before God, even taking corporate ownership for the sins of their fathers, and our God of heaven heard him.
27 "Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD."
Father, each time your laser beam of truth uncovers sin in my life, may I respond like Josiah. Help me to never be complacent about sin but to express repentance that is as notorious as my sin!
I love this account in 2 Chronicles 34. Hilkiah the priest had just made the discovery of a lifetime when he wiped the dust of the much forgotten book of the law in the temple of the LORD! Here in restoring the temple, and prior to that king Josiah's actions to remove pagan influences from the land, one might think there should have been great rejoicing in this find. Yet Josiah's response is sobering and evidently the only acceptable one before God.
"Great is the LORD's anger that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book."
The king did not miss a beat in humbling himself before God, even taking corporate ownership for the sins of their fathers, and our God of heaven heard him.
27 "Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD."
Father, each time your laser beam of truth uncovers sin in my life, may I respond like Josiah. Help me to never be complacent about sin but to express repentance that is as notorious as my sin!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
WHO WE SIN AGAINST
PSALM 51
When we sin, we hurt ourselves (in that our sin is always before us), we hurt others, and most of all we hurt God. “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.” David’s sin surely caused tremendous pain to others (and even death), yet here he is attributing his sin and his evil as against God alone.
Reading this in the reverse also ministers to me. When I am feeling hurt by someone else’s sinful actions that have unecessarily caused me pain, I’m finding it helps to take the focus off myself when I remember that the other person’s sin is really against God alone. May I grieve more over the offense against my King than the circumstantial pain it may cause me.
When we sin, we hurt ourselves (in that our sin is always before us), we hurt others, and most of all we hurt God. “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.” David’s sin surely caused tremendous pain to others (and even death), yet here he is attributing his sin and his evil as against God alone.
Reading this in the reverse also ministers to me. When I am feeling hurt by someone else’s sinful actions that have unecessarily caused me pain, I’m finding it helps to take the focus off myself when I remember that the other person’s sin is really against God alone. May I grieve more over the offense against my King than the circumstantial pain it may cause me.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
WHICH RICHES?
PSALM 49
7 No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him-
8 the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough-
To live for the accumulation of corruptible things and earthly wisdom is foolishness. This is how I would be living my life if the hand of God had not intervened in my life a little under 13 years ago. Reading this psalm leaves me with a renewed resolve to be content today with God’s earthly provisions, and to eagerly anticipate the jewel of eternal life with the King. More importantly, may I never take for granted the precious gift we have in Jesus Christ who paid an unimaginable high price for our lives! He gave us life!
7 No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him-
8 the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough-
To live for the accumulation of corruptible things and earthly wisdom is foolishness. This is how I would be living my life if the hand of God had not intervened in my life a little under 13 years ago. Reading this psalm leaves me with a renewed resolve to be content today with God’s earthly provisions, and to eagerly anticipate the jewel of eternal life with the King. More importantly, may I never take for granted the precious gift we have in Jesus Christ who paid an unimaginable high price for our lives! He gave us life!
Monday, July 7, 2008
WHICH KING WOULD YOU FOLLOW?
DAILY READING
Ahaziah had an opportunity to lead his people in righteousness in keeping with the model his grandfather Jehoshaphat had set for him, yet he chose to listen to wrong counsel. “He too walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong.” v3 Did he realize that his choices were evil? Perhaps he was in denial? Did he forget about the LORD most high, the great King who is seated on his holy throne?
When I think about my own circumstances and my own need of wise counsel, I take great comfort and joy that I am to follow the One who owns the kings of all the earth. Whenever anxiety tries to lure its way in, I will rather be still before him, knowing he is God. Praise him, the LORD Almighty is with us!
Ahaziah had an opportunity to lead his people in righteousness in keeping with the model his grandfather Jehoshaphat had set for him, yet he chose to listen to wrong counsel. “He too walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong.” v3 Did he realize that his choices were evil? Perhaps he was in denial? Did he forget about the LORD most high, the great King who is seated on his holy throne?
When I think about my own circumstances and my own need of wise counsel, I take great comfort and joy that I am to follow the One who owns the kings of all the earth. Whenever anxiety tries to lure its way in, I will rather be still before him, knowing he is God. Praise him, the LORD Almighty is with us!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
A CHRONICLES VICTORY
Daily Reading
2 Chronicles 20 could have ended in tragedy as a result of the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites approaching to cause destruction to Judah. Thanks to the king’s response, it ended in a miraculous victory that they could rejoice in for the rest of their lives.
I love the way king Jehoshaphat immediately turned to the LORD, drew all his people together to corporately fast and inquire of the LORD. People came from every town to seek God. How exciting not only to read about the mighty deliverance God rewarded the people with, but their obedience as soon as they were faced with alarming news. May my life reflect such devotion and this same heart of seeking him daily!
2 Chronicles 20 could have ended in tragedy as a result of the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites approaching to cause destruction to Judah. Thanks to the king’s response, it ended in a miraculous victory that they could rejoice in for the rest of their lives.
I love the way king Jehoshaphat immediately turned to the LORD, drew all his people together to corporately fast and inquire of the LORD. People came from every town to seek God. How exciting not only to read about the mighty deliverance God rewarded the people with, but their obedience as soon as they were faced with alarming news. May my life reflect such devotion and this same heart of seeking him daily!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
A CONVERSATION WITH MY SOUL
Psalm 42
The psalmist's appetite for God in this psalm is the benefit of his trials. He is clearly suffering and mourning over troubling circumstances, "all your waves and breakers have swept over me", yet before falling into despair he catches hold of himself by speaking truth to his soul and praise about the one his soul loves. "By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life"
How much more do we need to take the reigns of our thoughts and command our souls the way the psalmist does. "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
The psalmist's appetite for God in this psalm is the benefit of his trials. He is clearly suffering and mourning over troubling circumstances, "all your waves and breakers have swept over me", yet before falling into despair he catches hold of himself by speaking truth to his soul and praise about the one his soul loves. "By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life"
How much more do we need to take the reigns of our thoughts and command our souls the way the psalmist does. "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
Saturday, June 28, 2008
ASCRIBING TO HIS POWER
Psalm 29
David took time to write this beautiful psalm solely worshipping God for who he is. The same voice that spoke us into existance is the same voice that controls the elements. Here is the picture of a frightening thunderstorm, yet David finds this an occasion to ascribe this kind of power to God’s majestic voice.
I’ve had the blessing of experiencing several mighty thunderstorms in Australia as a child and they truly are frighteningly majestic! We may not see many thunderstorms here, but we can set aside times of praise like this. If we have our eyes open like David, we can see this same voice of his power and glory evident and actively working all around us.
I’m glad that God’s splendor and power doesn’t end with the elements but it also touches our lives, benefiting us with peace and strength. I take comfort and joy today in knowing that this same kind of powerful hand is on my life.
David took time to write this beautiful psalm solely worshipping God for who he is. The same voice that spoke us into existance is the same voice that controls the elements. Here is the picture of a frightening thunderstorm, yet David finds this an occasion to ascribe this kind of power to God’s majestic voice.
I’ve had the blessing of experiencing several mighty thunderstorms in Australia as a child and they truly are frighteningly majestic! We may not see many thunderstorms here, but we can set aside times of praise like this. If we have our eyes open like David, we can see this same voice of his power and glory evident and actively working all around us.
I’m glad that God’s splendor and power doesn’t end with the elements but it also touches our lives, benefiting us with peace and strength. I take comfort and joy today in knowing that this same kind of powerful hand is on my life.
Friday, June 27, 2008
A CHRONICLES CELEBRATION
I am reading through the Bible and have started commenting on a passage here and there. Today it's on 1 Chronicles 29
The joy and excitement in the air of these few days for the Israelites is quite contagious. “They ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD that day.” (1 Chron 29:22a) How could one not have great joy in the presence of the eternal king! This meal was the culmination of their prior activities of wholehearted giving to the treasury of the temple, of David’s memorable prayer, the assembly’s corporate praise, and abundant sacrifices to the LORD.
It’s interesting that David’s prayer preceded these events, setting a wonderful tone for all that followed.
11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
Several years ago I memorized this prayer, and these words have been timely reminders to me again and again of who truly owns all wealth, greatness, power, and strength. It has influenced how I give. May our lives mimic this picture of Israel’s obedience and wholehearted devotion to God. And may our giving reflect the heart of David’s prayer!
The joy and excitement in the air of these few days for the Israelites is quite contagious. “They ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD that day.” (1 Chron 29:22a) How could one not have great joy in the presence of the eternal king! This meal was the culmination of their prior activities of wholehearted giving to the treasury of the temple, of David’s memorable prayer, the assembly’s corporate praise, and abundant sacrifices to the LORD.
It’s interesting that David’s prayer preceded these events, setting a wonderful tone for all that followed.
11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
Several years ago I memorized this prayer, and these words have been timely reminders to me again and again of who truly owns all wealth, greatness, power, and strength. It has influenced how I give. May our lives mimic this picture of Israel’s obedience and wholehearted devotion to God. And may our giving reflect the heart of David’s prayer!
Monday, April 7, 2008
PEACE
Yesterday I read this devotion & journal entry by Hannah Whittal Smith (below) and since then her prayer has become my own. Thanks to the trials God has graciously allowed in my life over this past year, this is more my heart's desire than ever. Some circumstances may never change (there's no guarantee because we can't see around corners) but praise God that our hope is not in them; it is in the Sovereign God who holds the universe in his hands! How I have wasted time and strength giving in to anxiety over my unmet desires, in other words, saying I trust him, but not living it out. I want to be completely moldable and in his hands so my life will glorify him in the way he intends. He is the one who has overcome the world so I choose to trust him with my whole heart! Just like Horatio Spafford could say, "It is well with my soul" after his four daughters drowned, we can claim this same "supernatural" peace too!
Won't you join me in owning this prayer this too?
ALL ON THE ALTAR
As much as I have objected to it and disapproved of it in the past, I have been brought to the point of entire consecration. I find that the soul which wants to live the life hid with Christ in God must be entirely given up to Him—and definitely given up too. I must present my body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Him, which is my reasonable service.
And I do! Lord Jesus, here and now I definitely yield myself up unreservedly to you. All that I have and all that I am, both now and in the whole future of my life, I lay upon your altar. Everything is yours, and I am yours to follow you wherever you may lead me.
Oh Lord Jesus, let this be a reality! Bring this consecration about in me and through me, and keep it. You know my utter weakness, and to you I commit myself in this. Oh I ask you, let me never, never, never, draw back from the transaction of this moment. Let me never for a moment take back the slightest thing of all I have now consecrated or surrendered to you. Make it a reality.
—Journal, March 30, 1868
Smith, H. W., & Dieter, M. E. (1997). The Christian's secret of a holy life : The unpublished personal writings of Hannah Whitall Smith (April 6).
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Horatio G. Spafford, 1873.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
A FEW SYDNEY MEMOIRS
Well here we are, so happy and rested in Australia. Yes I survived the 14 hour plane ride with our three children but could not have been more relieved to see family on the other end. Eric arrived one week after us and every moment has been quite an adventure.
So far we have been roaming around Circular Quay and the Opera House; spent an afternoon splashing around the impressive Olympic Aquatic Center & parks, where we learned what a water baby Jack is; experiencing Sydney's NYE fireworks from my sister's rooftop; visiting churches (there is truly no place like our CBC home), enjoying the beautiful beaches here; savoring each great thunderstorm; snorkeling; preparing for my sister's wedding tomorrow morning; and plenty more.
Of course we were delighted when my cousins, Bernard & Tanya, offered to loan us their extra car for the month. God is so good! While I am learning not to panic through Sydney's extremely narrow lanes, Eric is doing a stellar job driving on the left side and finding his way around these complicated city streets.
The children adore being with my Australian family. What a blast they are having exploring my mum's backyard; gathering veggies, discovering giant spiders (ten times the size of our Calif. ones), and avoiding the "mozzies" (mosquitoes). Jack quickly learned to sleep in a bed, even though we do find him sleeping in odd places at times. Sofia-Maree turned a corner with the ocean and learned to jump waves at Manly beach. Braydon turned three and enjoyed all the attention from having his first real family birthday party (with cousins & all).
And how could I not add that today is extra special . . . my man and I celebrate our nine year anniversary! I love you Eric!
We are praising God for this wonderful time and can't wait to be back with our CBC family again soon.
So far we have been roaming around Circular Quay and the Opera House; spent an afternoon splashing around the impressive Olympic Aquatic Center & parks, where we learned what a water baby Jack is; experiencing Sydney's NYE fireworks from my sister's rooftop; visiting churches (there is truly no place like our CBC home), enjoying the beautiful beaches here; savoring each great thunderstorm; snorkeling; preparing for my sister's wedding tomorrow morning; and plenty more.
Of course we were delighted when my cousins, Bernard & Tanya, offered to loan us their extra car for the month. God is so good! While I am learning not to panic through Sydney's extremely narrow lanes, Eric is doing a stellar job driving on the left side and finding his way around these complicated city streets.
The children adore being with my Australian family. What a blast they are having exploring my mum's backyard; gathering veggies, discovering giant spiders (ten times the size of our Calif. ones), and avoiding the "mozzies" (mosquitoes). Jack quickly learned to sleep in a bed, even though we do find him sleeping in odd places at times. Sofia-Maree turned a corner with the ocean and learned to jump waves at Manly beach. Braydon turned three and enjoyed all the attention from having his first real family birthday party (with cousins & all).
And how could I not add that today is extra special . . . my man and I celebrate our nine year anniversary! I love you Eric!
We are praising God for this wonderful time and can't wait to be back with our CBC family again soon.
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