Archive - September 2007

 
September 27, 2007
Hebrews 13:16
Do not forget or neglect to do kindness and good, to be generous and distribute and contribute to the needy [of the church as embodiment and proof of fellowship], for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
 
Isn't it interesting how statements made in the Scriptures are so timeless? Think of it; the Jewish believers had to be reminded to make acts of kindness and generosity a part of their lifestyle. Wow! That sounds like a twenty-first century lesson to me, yet obviously it is an eternal lesson.

As I write this, I am challenged to give more of my life away; to focus even more on imitating Christ's example of going about doing good. The challenge is one all of us have to keep in front of us. The times we live in are full of self-serving ideals. Christ's example of lavished generosity is definitely counter-culture. Closer to home, being generous while living on a budget is enough to test anyone's faith. (I am chuckling at myself) Yet there is incredible joy in one small act of kindness, both for the giver and the receiver.

I am more convinced than ever that everything God has written really is to lead us in "paths of righteous" where we truly have and sincerely enjoy life! His Word is all for our good. He has recorded His principles and protected them throughout milleniums so that we could know Him and flourish! This verse is just one of those principles reminding us how to live life full throttle - LIVE GENEROUSLY!

 
September 15, 2007
Isaiah 35:4 (KJV)
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; He will come and save you.
As a leader, have you ever felt that pressure to think, "I should be better than this by now; smarter, kinder, wiser or whatever."? Grace to you!
An odd confession maybe, but sometimes I need to remind myself that God gave me the Savior because He knew I needed Him. Elementary statement? Stick with me... Beyond the event of my conversion to the faith, He knew I would daily need my Savior. He is not disappointed with my need for Him. He anticipated that need and sent Christ.
God is not surprised, disappointed or put off by our need for His provision. His mercy is new every morning because He knows we need it. His grace abounds to meet our need for grace. It's okay to need Him, even as a leader. That's His wish: that we would always be dependent on Him.
Don't let the enemy suggest that your dependency on God is a sign of your inadequacy as a leader. Jesus said, apart from Me, you can do nothing (John 15:5) He even spoke of His own dependency on the Father and said that He couldn't work independently either. (John 5:19) If this was the reality for Christ, well then... Trust God, and surrender to this dependency.
Give yourself a fresh dose of His grace and goodness by reminding your heart of His Word. His Name is "Faithful and True" (Rev 19:11) He is good and full of mercy; a loving Father watching over His children. He will show Himself strong in your life. Don't be frustrated or afraid. If necessary, preach to yourself. "Say... Be strong, fear not; behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; He will come and save you."
 
September 7, 2007
Psalm 128:1,2,4&5  (Message)
All you who fear God, how blessed you are! How happily you walk on His smooth straight road! You work hard and deserve all you've got coming. Enjoy the blessing! Revel in the goodness! ... Stand in awe of God's "Yes". Oh, how He blesses the one who fears God! Enjoy the good life in Jerusalem every day of your life.

Over almost three decades of work experience I have found that there are three different groups of people. One group that hardly works; one that works hard with little satisfaction and a small group that works hard and enjoys the good that comes from their work. By nature an analytical person, I lived for many years in the second group; working hard with little satisfaction. Then I observed something that changed my perspective and helped me enjoy my work and rewards. Let me share it with you.

In the beginning we see God demonstrating the first work week. He was organized and deliberate. He did what each day required and nothing more. Think about it, He could have doubled up the results by working through the night, too. Yet, when the work day was finished, so was He. We need to have healthy boundaries on the length of our work day.
 And now for the big lesson: At the end of each work day God blessed His workmanship and said "It is good". Too often as we reach the end of our day we see our work as incomplete - like the cup half empty. We need to mentally and audibly recognize a job well done. This is not pride; this is a positive work ethic in action. If God did it concerning His work, so should we.

As a believer in Christ you have God's approving YES over your life. Be in agreement with God - bless yourself and your work. Enjoy the blessing and "revel" in it every day of your life! Enjoy!
 
September 6, 2007
Habakkuk 2:2&3 (Message)
And then God answered: "Write this. Write what you see.  Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what's coming. It aches for the coming - it can hardly wait. It's on its way. It will come right on time.
It is amazing to consider that God cares so much about us that He would give us the blessing of vision. Vision is something so great - I'm not sure it's weight can be accurately measured or described. God is the ultimate visionary and He has made us to be co-visionaries with Him.
I want to encourage you to take time once a week to get with God and ask Him about the future. Ask Him for the business plan for your life. He has a plan and He reveals His secrets to His children. By spending time each week, apart from your worship, prayer and study time, your eyes and heart become open to God's leading.
As you begin ask yourself these questions:
Is the plan big enough for God's hands to fit into? Have I made the plan self-manageable? If so, it's too small.
Is the plan bigger than me? Does it develop other people and fulfill the plan for their life? If not, it's too small.
Am I making the most of the gifts God has given me? Am I strategically employing my strengths? There are seasons when our gifts seem to be on a shelf and we must do things that develop our character more than our gift. Don't despise these seasons. They are your best friend packing into you strength for the future. However, make note, those should last for seasons not centuries. Meanwhile study and sharpen your skills so that when the door is opened you may excellently employ your strengths.
 I urge you! Evaluate your life mission statement. And if you don't have one yet - no problem - start today. Either way, ask God to help you set the course for the future. His plan for each of us is so good, so big and so wonderful. He will direct you in His perfect way.
Raise up the compass (your heart), write down the coordinates and walk with God.
 
September 5, 2007
Psalm 92:15
Such witnesses to upright God! My Mountain, my huge, holy Mountain!
The close of Chapter 92 presents a beautiful picture of the righteous growing tall and strong under God's care. I particularly love the description of God in this verse. "...My huge, holy, Mountain!"
For most of my life I had seen mountains only in a photo. In more recent years as I have visited the Rocky Mountains, I have enjoyed that "take your breath away" feeling more than once. During those visits, I have had some amazing moments with God. On one trip as I was enjoying the scenery, tearfully considering my return home, God led me to this verse. He lovingly reminded me that He is my Mountain. He will never be far away. He has proven that to be true over the years.
Isn't it great to know that we don't have to pack up and fly away from life to find rest and peace? Our Mountain (Ps 92:15), our resort, our Fountain of living waters (Jer 2:13) is God Himself. Emanuel, God is with us! What a great promise and incredible source of joy! He is here to enjoy everyday!
 
 
September 4, 2007
Jeremiah 52:33
Jehoiachin put off his prison garments, and he dined regularly at the king's table all the days of his life.
Do you need a wardrobe change? Ever had a moment where you missed it; you didn't witness where you should have, you withheld good from someone, or just acted grouchy? Have you ever felt, even after repenting, that heaviness of guilt? I want to encourage you today to throw it off. Throw off that heaviness. The bible says that heaviness is like an old spiritual garment that needs to be exchanged. Face it, as a child of God, guilt doesn't fit you and it sure doesn't look good on you, either.
Don't spend another minute weighed down by guilt. Confess your sins to God and He will forgive every one of them instantly. He doesn't hold them against you - He separates them from you so that nothing can separate you from Him. You are His treasure and He longs to have a very close relationship with you. In fact, you have an eternal, daily dinner invitation with Him. If you've been draped in discouragement, well, you can't go dressed like that. Be like Jehoiachin, put off those prison garments, put on the garment of praise and spend the rest of your Christian life daily dining with the King!