Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
There once was a good person. He took care of the needy around him. He worked hard and supported those he loved. He never cheated in any game, never lied, never stole, never murdered, never held a grudge, never talked behind someone's back, and always was fair. There was once a person. Once. One time. But, not now. Not today. You see, we like to think we are "good people." That if we just do the right things that everything will turn out ok. But, we can't... and it won't. Because at our core we are inherently bad. We want to do the wrong thing and we have to war with ourselves just to live a life that gets anywhere close to "good." If I am taking a PT test and I lay down during my push-ups one time do the rest of them count? Nope. Terminated. Disqualified. That is what happens when we try to do this on our own. But, when we rely on God, He qualifies us. He takes the PT test for us. There once was a good person...
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
31Aug16
1 Corinthians 12:26 NKJV
And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Have you ever seen someone get an award and thought to yourself, "why didn't I get that award? I worked harder than them." Or maybe someone got a break you thought you deserved. Recently, a friend of mine got an opportunity that I had been working for and hoping for myself. When I got the news, I couldn't help but be torn up inside. I was NOT happy for him. I could only think of one thing at that moment... myself. And there's the hitch. We have a hard time being a part of something bigger than ourselves because we are constantly thinking about ourselves. It's like looking through a microscope at something while the rest of the world is happening in macro. We become myopic. Instead of celebrating the wins with others, or suffering the pain with others, we only think of how it affects us. In order for there to be true unity in the body we have to zoom out. We have to at least think of others as being AS important as ourselves... or as God would ask us to, think of them as MORE than ourselves. Today try and find one person that you are putting ahead of yourself. Win with them or lose with them. But, BE with them.
And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Have you ever seen someone get an award and thought to yourself, "why didn't I get that award? I worked harder than them." Or maybe someone got a break you thought you deserved. Recently, a friend of mine got an opportunity that I had been working for and hoping for myself. When I got the news, I couldn't help but be torn up inside. I was NOT happy for him. I could only think of one thing at that moment... myself. And there's the hitch. We have a hard time being a part of something bigger than ourselves because we are constantly thinking about ourselves. It's like looking through a microscope at something while the rest of the world is happening in macro. We become myopic. Instead of celebrating the wins with others, or suffering the pain with others, we only think of how it affects us. In order for there to be true unity in the body we have to zoom out. We have to at least think of others as being AS important as ourselves... or as God would ask us to, think of them as MORE than ourselves. Today try and find one person that you are putting ahead of yourself. Win with them or lose with them. But, BE with them.
Monday, August 29, 2016
30Aug16
1 Corinthians 12:21-22 NKJV
And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
Continuing the thought of the day from yesterday, contemplating the "body" model of living as a community that functions for one purpose, it is too easy to devalue people who do something that isn't the same as us. Being a mechanic prior to being a chaplain, I found that there is pride in being a mechanic. We used to say, "no one moves or does anything for very long without us! We are the most important part of this organization!" Now that I'm in a combat arms Battalion I hear it from various different people. "I'm a cook. No one eats without us!" "I'm an infantryman we fight the war." "I'm a tanker. I'm the biggest baddest thing on the field." "I'm a clerk. No one gets paid without me." "I'm a medic. People die without me." "I'm a....." you get the picture. When everyone thinks that they're the only valuable piece of the puzzle then ultimately nothing is accomplished. We have to work as a unit for a singular purpose. When that purpose is outlined, and people feel valued, then accomplishments are made. We are better together, utilizing every part, than we are separate!
And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
Continuing the thought of the day from yesterday, contemplating the "body" model of living as a community that functions for one purpose, it is too easy to devalue people who do something that isn't the same as us. Being a mechanic prior to being a chaplain, I found that there is pride in being a mechanic. We used to say, "no one moves or does anything for very long without us! We are the most important part of this organization!" Now that I'm in a combat arms Battalion I hear it from various different people. "I'm a cook. No one eats without us!" "I'm an infantryman we fight the war." "I'm a tanker. I'm the biggest baddest thing on the field." "I'm a clerk. No one gets paid without me." "I'm a medic. People die without me." "I'm a....." you get the picture. When everyone thinks that they're the only valuable piece of the puzzle then ultimately nothing is accomplished. We have to work as a unit for a singular purpose. When that purpose is outlined, and people feel valued, then accomplishments are made. We are better together, utilizing every part, than we are separate!
Sunday, August 28, 2016
29Aug16
1 Corinthians 12:17-18 NKJV
If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members; each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
As an extrovert by nature I have a really hard time understanding and relating to people that want to have "alone time." I am energized by being surrounded by people (mostly... some people suck). I also have an energetic perspective on life and my faith. I don't always see how people can live without embracing the fullness of who God is, and can be, in their life. I measure this in the same way that I experience Him, because that's what I have. But, when I was in seminary I learned about a term called "projection." It is the need to make other people fit you instead of seeing them the way that they are. This does them a disservice at the basic level. God created them the way He did. If they are damaging themselves then there is a problem but, if they are arriving at the location via a different route... then what's the problem? Take a look at some of your relationships today. Are you holding someone to a standard they were not made for because it works for you? Are you holding yourself to a standard because someone does it that way? Don't be an eye when you're an ear. Both are necessary and useful. You are necessary and useful.
If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members; each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
As an extrovert by nature I have a really hard time understanding and relating to people that want to have "alone time." I am energized by being surrounded by people (mostly... some people suck). I also have an energetic perspective on life and my faith. I don't always see how people can live without embracing the fullness of who God is, and can be, in their life. I measure this in the same way that I experience Him, because that's what I have. But, when I was in seminary I learned about a term called "projection." It is the need to make other people fit you instead of seeing them the way that they are. This does them a disservice at the basic level. God created them the way He did. If they are damaging themselves then there is a problem but, if they are arriving at the location via a different route... then what's the problem? Take a look at some of your relationships today. Are you holding someone to a standard they were not made for because it works for you? Are you holding yourself to a standard because someone does it that way? Don't be an eye when you're an ear. Both are necessary and useful. You are necessary and useful.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
26Aug16
1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Have you ever worked really hard on something just to have it thrown in the trash in favor of something else? There have been many times that I have spent countless hours preparing for a program, plan, or a sermon, only to be told at the last minute that it wasn't going to happen. This is one of the things we learn to deal with in life. Disappointment. However, when we labor for others it is never wasted. It's like education that way. No education is ever a waste even if you don't walk away with a piece of paper. It is an investment. When we work for the Lord we are investing in Him, others, and ourselves all at the same time. When things don't work out the way we think they should we still know that the investment has been made in the form of obedience, love, or self-improvement. Do not be discouraged. Continue to invest in what pays dividends in the long run. Labor for God and it will never be in vain.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Have you ever worked really hard on something just to have it thrown in the trash in favor of something else? There have been many times that I have spent countless hours preparing for a program, plan, or a sermon, only to be told at the last minute that it wasn't going to happen. This is one of the things we learn to deal with in life. Disappointment. However, when we labor for others it is never wasted. It's like education that way. No education is ever a waste even if you don't walk away with a piece of paper. It is an investment. When we work for the Lord we are investing in Him, others, and ourselves all at the same time. When things don't work out the way we think they should we still know that the investment has been made in the form of obedience, love, or self-improvement. Do not be discouraged. Continue to invest in what pays dividends in the long run. Labor for God and it will never be in vain.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
25Aug16
1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace--as in all the congregations of the Lord's people.
Have you ever been in a room where everyone was speaking at the same time? I absolutely love going to family reunions with my father's family because as they start to reminisce about their childhood they start to tell the most amazing stories. But, inevitably someone isn't telling it right and one of the other siblings will start to interrupt and speak over the first. Then everyone starts to chime in until the story erupts into a "choose your own adventure" tale with a variety of endings and actions happening at max volume. It's a blast! While this can be very entertaining in bursts it is very difficult to live life that way. Everyone trying to tell their story as loud as they can over the people around them. But, that is how most people live. They believe they are the star of the movie and refuse to take a side role in life even for a moment so that the story can be told well. God orders things. He brings peace. The cacophony of noise that we subject ourselves to every day just has a way of raising our blood pressure and stressing us to the point of ineffectiveness. Maybe it's time to step back for a minute and let someone else tell the story so you can find peace. Maybe it's your time to step up and speak. But, instead of forcing your way in, why don't you try listening to God and letting him guide your peace?
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace--as in all the congregations of the Lord's people.
Have you ever been in a room where everyone was speaking at the same time? I absolutely love going to family reunions with my father's family because as they start to reminisce about their childhood they start to tell the most amazing stories. But, inevitably someone isn't telling it right and one of the other siblings will start to interrupt and speak over the first. Then everyone starts to chime in until the story erupts into a "choose your own adventure" tale with a variety of endings and actions happening at max volume. It's a blast! While this can be very entertaining in bursts it is very difficult to live life that way. Everyone trying to tell their story as loud as they can over the people around them. But, that is how most people live. They believe they are the star of the movie and refuse to take a side role in life even for a moment so that the story can be told well. God orders things. He brings peace. The cacophony of noise that we subject ourselves to every day just has a way of raising our blood pressure and stressing us to the point of ineffectiveness. Maybe it's time to step back for a minute and let someone else tell the story so you can find peace. Maybe it's your time to step up and speak. But, instead of forcing your way in, why don't you try listening to God and letting him guide your peace?
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
24Aug16
1 Corinthians 10:29 NLT
It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person. For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks?
No Scripture is extensive in its coverage of every life situation. No book that I've read has revealed which way to vote in an election, whether saying "crap" is going to send me to hell, or whether we should legalize marijuana. Instead we are offered our conscience, as guided by the Spirit, to help us interpret and apply Scripture to our daily lives in this culture. Paul is dealing with that issue in the above passage. If I think that smoking is going to send you to hell does that mean you shouldn't smoke? What does the Bible say directly about the topic (this should always be the first question you ask)? Nothing? OK then... what does your conscience, based on your understanding of Scripture and the will of God, allow. That's the freedom that is offered through faith. For one person a tattoo may be the end of the world. Another person may have a full body tattoo. Does this reveal anything about their heart? I'm not advocating moral relativism here; there is right and wrong, black and white, good and bad in absolutes. However, let's major on the major things and minor on the minor things. Fighting over a brand of toothpaste, or color of the carpet, doesn't bring us closer to the Kingdom of God but, further away. Is your freedom limited to what someone else thinks or have you really given thought as to the truth of it in Scripture and how that applies to your life? If it is an issue for someone else do you judge them based on it? God looks to the heart. Be free in your faith and make every attempt to live at peace with one another.
It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person. For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks?
No Scripture is extensive in its coverage of every life situation. No book that I've read has revealed which way to vote in an election, whether saying "crap" is going to send me to hell, or whether we should legalize marijuana. Instead we are offered our conscience, as guided by the Spirit, to help us interpret and apply Scripture to our daily lives in this culture. Paul is dealing with that issue in the above passage. If I think that smoking is going to send you to hell does that mean you shouldn't smoke? What does the Bible say directly about the topic (this should always be the first question you ask)? Nothing? OK then... what does your conscience, based on your understanding of Scripture and the will of God, allow. That's the freedom that is offered through faith. For one person a tattoo may be the end of the world. Another person may have a full body tattoo. Does this reveal anything about their heart? I'm not advocating moral relativism here; there is right and wrong, black and white, good and bad in absolutes. However, let's major on the major things and minor on the minor things. Fighting over a brand of toothpaste, or color of the carpet, doesn't bring us closer to the Kingdom of God but, further away. Is your freedom limited to what someone else thinks or have you really given thought as to the truth of it in Scripture and how that applies to your life? If it is an issue for someone else do you judge them based on it? God looks to the heart. Be free in your faith and make every attempt to live at peace with one another.
Monday, August 22, 2016
23Aug16
Luke 11:33 (NKJV)
"No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light."
What are you proud of? I bet if I walked into your house, or office, I'd pretty quickly be able to identify what you are proud of in your life. We display these things, coins, trophies, instruments, pictures, or nick knacks. We do this in other areas of our life too. I found myself eating lunch with a couple of Soldiers yesterday and instead of focusing on pleasant conversation I started to talk about my shenanigans in High school before I found my faith. I reflected on this later and wondered why I would choose to tell those stories and bring glory to a part of my life I should despise. I realized that, in a way, I was proud of those. The light in my heart was reflecting darkness. Sometimes our minds and heart can get disconnected. Pause and look at what you want to be showing the world versus what you are actually displaying. What is on the walls of your home? What is on the walls of your heart? What are you proud of? What do you display?
"No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light."
What are you proud of? I bet if I walked into your house, or office, I'd pretty quickly be able to identify what you are proud of in your life. We display these things, coins, trophies, instruments, pictures, or nick knacks. We do this in other areas of our life too. I found myself eating lunch with a couple of Soldiers yesterday and instead of focusing on pleasant conversation I started to talk about my shenanigans in High school before I found my faith. I reflected on this later and wondered why I would choose to tell those stories and bring glory to a part of my life I should despise. I realized that, in a way, I was proud of those. The light in my heart was reflecting darkness. Sometimes our minds and heart can get disconnected. Pause and look at what you want to be showing the world versus what you are actually displaying. What is on the walls of your home? What is on the walls of your heart? What are you proud of? What do you display?
Sunday, August 21, 2016
22Aug16
John 10:11-12 (NIV)
11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.
I've heard it said, "Everyone is a leader." OK. But, I think that we need to take a look at what a leader really is before we apply that moniker to "everyone." Jesus talks about leadership in several ways but, one of them is in the form of the shepherd. In this verse the primary difference between a shepherd (leader) and a hired hand is very obvious... ownership. Investment. Care. The good shepherd is so invested in the care of his sheep that he is willing to lay down his life for them. When they wonder off he doesn't go home and rest... he finds them. When the predator is in the woods he doesn't play around... he protects. He is invested in them and his life depends on it. The hired hand is just doing a job. One is selfless. The other is selfish. This is where I would question whether we truly can say everyone is a leader. It is obvious who is just doing a job and who is invested. It boils down to the question of, "how much?" How much are you willing to give to care for those in your charge, those you work with, your family, your friends? How much are you willing to sacrifice for their betterment? If you are only doing the amount necessary to get paid you are not a leader... you are a hired hand. Are you invested or are you just doing a job?
11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.
I've heard it said, "Everyone is a leader." OK. But, I think that we need to take a look at what a leader really is before we apply that moniker to "everyone." Jesus talks about leadership in several ways but, one of them is in the form of the shepherd. In this verse the primary difference between a shepherd (leader) and a hired hand is very obvious... ownership. Investment. Care. The good shepherd is so invested in the care of his sheep that he is willing to lay down his life for them. When they wonder off he doesn't go home and rest... he finds them. When the predator is in the woods he doesn't play around... he protects. He is invested in them and his life depends on it. The hired hand is just doing a job. One is selfless. The other is selfish. This is where I would question whether we truly can say everyone is a leader. It is obvious who is just doing a job and who is invested. It boils down to the question of, "how much?" How much are you willing to give to care for those in your charge, those you work with, your family, your friends? How much are you willing to sacrifice for their betterment? If you are only doing the amount necessary to get paid you are not a leader... you are a hired hand. Are you invested or are you just doing a job?
Thursday, August 18, 2016
19Aug16
2 Thessalonians 3:2-3 (NIV)
And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
Not everyone has faith. It truly is a sad fact in this world. What is worse is that hurt people hurt people. When you rub up against someone who does not have faith, someone who has no hope outside of themselves, they may reach out and try to damage you with them. When we rely on our human relationships to show us what we are worth and for our security we will ultimately fall into this trap. We must pray that God can deliver us from this kind of person. We need to be careful about who we expose ourselves to because the fact of this world, and the choice people must make, is that there are wicked and evil people. Not everyone is good or wants to do good for you. But, when we rest in God and our faith is in Him we will be strengthened and protected from the attempts of these "joy suckers." How do you protect yourself from these kinds of influences in your life?
And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
Not everyone has faith. It truly is a sad fact in this world. What is worse is that hurt people hurt people. When you rub up against someone who does not have faith, someone who has no hope outside of themselves, they may reach out and try to damage you with them. When we rely on our human relationships to show us what we are worth and for our security we will ultimately fall into this trap. We must pray that God can deliver us from this kind of person. We need to be careful about who we expose ourselves to because the fact of this world, and the choice people must make, is that there are wicked and evil people. Not everyone is good or wants to do good for you. But, when we rest in God and our faith is in Him we will be strengthened and protected from the attempts of these "joy suckers." How do you protect yourself from these kinds of influences in your life?
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
17Aug16
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NIV)
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
Too many times I forget to say thank you. When the light is on and people are giving praise it is easy to soak all that in and take credit for a job well done... especially when you feel like you deserve it. But, it is so important that we recognize and acknowledge those who are working hard among us. Most of the time these people don't do it because they need the praise. They already have motives for working hard and sometimes that's just the type of person they are. But, without recognition and praise, over time, they will fade and will burn out. Acknowledging those people in your life who are working hard for you in various ways is like adding fuel to the already burning fire. You didn't start the fire... it was always burning... But, you need to add fuel to it if you don't want it to burn out. So take a moment today and say thank you to the people who are impacting your life and helping you accomplish the work you have to do.
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
Too many times I forget to say thank you. When the light is on and people are giving praise it is easy to soak all that in and take credit for a job well done... especially when you feel like you deserve it. But, it is so important that we recognize and acknowledge those who are working hard among us. Most of the time these people don't do it because they need the praise. They already have motives for working hard and sometimes that's just the type of person they are. But, without recognition and praise, over time, they will fade and will burn out. Acknowledging those people in your life who are working hard for you in various ways is like adding fuel to the already burning fire. You didn't start the fire... it was always burning... But, you need to add fuel to it if you don't want it to burn out. So take a moment today and say thank you to the people who are impacting your life and helping you accomplish the work you have to do.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
15Aug16
Ephesians 4:19 (ESV)
They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.
"Callus" - a thickened and hardened part of the skin or soft tissue, especially in an area that has been subjected to friction. Our bodies react to pressure, to friction, with this amazing response of forming calluses to prevent us from feeling the pain and toughen the skin in that place. For most things this is a great asset. When I first started playing guitar I found I could only play for a little period of time before my fingers would hurt, blister, and bleed. Now, I am able to play for long periods of time with no consequence. The trade off? I have lost sensitivity in my finger tips on my left hand. This tradeoff is worth it to me because I am able to continue to do what I love doing. The problem comes when we get calluses in the wrong places. When we become callous.
Our heart is not a place we want to be callous. But, it happens, over time, due to exposure and friction with our conscience. The Holy Spirit tries to convict us, to show us the right way, and to move us according to His will. But, every time we choose the opposite it leaves a deposit on our hearts. We don't feel it as bad the next time. Less the next time. Even less the next time. Until we don't feel it at all and can do as we please without regard to God in that area of our life. That's what habitual sin does to us. At some point it just doesn't feel wrong anymore. We've lost our sensitivity. The only way to get it back is the same way I regain feeling in my fingers. I have to stop playing for a while... soak them... and then peel them off. That makes me ultra-sensitive for a little while until it heals. But, God wants us to be ultra-sensitive to Him. Confess your sin, ask for forgiveness, make amends, and remove the callus in your life.
They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.
"Callus" - a thickened and hardened part of the skin or soft tissue, especially in an area that has been subjected to friction. Our bodies react to pressure, to friction, with this amazing response of forming calluses to prevent us from feeling the pain and toughen the skin in that place. For most things this is a great asset. When I first started playing guitar I found I could only play for a little period of time before my fingers would hurt, blister, and bleed. Now, I am able to play for long periods of time with no consequence. The trade off? I have lost sensitivity in my finger tips on my left hand. This tradeoff is worth it to me because I am able to continue to do what I love doing. The problem comes when we get calluses in the wrong places. When we become callous.
Our heart is not a place we want to be callous. But, it happens, over time, due to exposure and friction with our conscience. The Holy Spirit tries to convict us, to show us the right way, and to move us according to His will. But, every time we choose the opposite it leaves a deposit on our hearts. We don't feel it as bad the next time. Less the next time. Even less the next time. Until we don't feel it at all and can do as we please without regard to God in that area of our life. That's what habitual sin does to us. At some point it just doesn't feel wrong anymore. We've lost our sensitivity. The only way to get it back is the same way I regain feeling in my fingers. I have to stop playing for a while... soak them... and then peel them off. That makes me ultra-sensitive for a little while until it heals. But, God wants us to be ultra-sensitive to Him. Confess your sin, ask for forgiveness, make amends, and remove the callus in your life.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
12Aug16
Ephesians 5:11-13 (ESV)
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible...
There are two things in this verse that I want to highlight today. 1) Sometimes it's easier to just let something happen then to confront the issue. 2) What we do in the dark never stays in the dark. I remember when I was going to school there was a bunch of my friends who would work together to cheat on tests. They had their own hand signals for each letter of the multiple choice questions and would be able to confer on who had the correct answer. Most of us knew what was going on. But, no one ever said anything. It was just easier to let it happen... because, "you do you." Right? This was all fine and dandy until they were discovered and then everyone had to retake the exams separately because we didn't know who was involved. That kicked a lot of us in the butt with lower scores. We are not only supposed to stay away from dark acts... but, expose them! Edmund Burke said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
As we start thinking and reflecting on the last five months away from home it has been easy to hide things from those we love. Maybe there are things that you are doing or have done that you wouldn't like your family to know about. Or maybe they did and those issues are now in the light. It is important to realize that there is nothing done that stays hidden forever. It is time to start thinking about how you are going to confront these issues, expose the lies, and garnish forgiveness. Let's go back home with nothing on our conscience so that we can focus on loving those we are being reunited with.
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible...
There are two things in this verse that I want to highlight today. 1) Sometimes it's easier to just let something happen then to confront the issue. 2) What we do in the dark never stays in the dark. I remember when I was going to school there was a bunch of my friends who would work together to cheat on tests. They had their own hand signals for each letter of the multiple choice questions and would be able to confer on who had the correct answer. Most of us knew what was going on. But, no one ever said anything. It was just easier to let it happen... because, "you do you." Right? This was all fine and dandy until they were discovered and then everyone had to retake the exams separately because we didn't know who was involved. That kicked a lot of us in the butt with lower scores. We are not only supposed to stay away from dark acts... but, expose them! Edmund Burke said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
As we start thinking and reflecting on the last five months away from home it has been easy to hide things from those we love. Maybe there are things that you are doing or have done that you wouldn't like your family to know about. Or maybe they did and those issues are now in the light. It is important to realize that there is nothing done that stays hidden forever. It is time to start thinking about how you are going to confront these issues, expose the lies, and garnish forgiveness. Let's go back home with nothing on our conscience so that we can focus on loving those we are being reunited with.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
11Aug16
Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV)
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Anger is not a bad thing. When we see atrocities occur, when we see injustice in our midst, when we see the innocent abused, anger is an appropriate response. We should be angry. We should be passionately opposed to darkness. The problem with anger is that it is most often not applied to the plight of others but, our own offence. When we feel we have been slighted, short changed, or disrespected we become angry. This is not an appropriate form of anger. This is the opportunity the devil loves to utilize. It's the root of self-centeredness. It's the sin portion. When we act on our anger, when we want to harm another because of something that has been done to us, then we allow the wound to fester. It's infected. It needs to be cleansed, cleaned out, and sterilized for it to be useful anger. That only comes with reflection, prayer, and release... not immediate action. Pause, think, breathe. Are you angry because this is about you or because it is about protecting others? If it's about you... then you need to bring it to God to be purified before you can act on it. Don't let it fester. Don't give it more of your time. Don't let it steal your joy. You control your anger... not the other way around.
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Anger is not a bad thing. When we see atrocities occur, when we see injustice in our midst, when we see the innocent abused, anger is an appropriate response. We should be angry. We should be passionately opposed to darkness. The problem with anger is that it is most often not applied to the plight of others but, our own offence. When we feel we have been slighted, short changed, or disrespected we become angry. This is not an appropriate form of anger. This is the opportunity the devil loves to utilize. It's the root of self-centeredness. It's the sin portion. When we act on our anger, when we want to harm another because of something that has been done to us, then we allow the wound to fester. It's infected. It needs to be cleansed, cleaned out, and sterilized for it to be useful anger. That only comes with reflection, prayer, and release... not immediate action. Pause, think, breathe. Are you angry because this is about you or because it is about protecting others? If it's about you... then you need to bring it to God to be purified before you can act on it. Don't let it fester. Don't give it more of your time. Don't let it steal your joy. You control your anger... not the other way around.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
10Aug16
Ephesians 5:33 (ESV)
However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
As we start to round a corner and look towards Fort Hood and our family and friends, I wanted to take a second and share this verse with you. Over the last few months of separation we have gotten really good at taking care of ourselves and focusing on our daily needs without having to focus on our spouses and loved ones. I know I have done laundry more in the last month than I do in the entire year. I have washed dishes more than I have done in my entire life! These are things my wife usually does for me that show her respect for me and what I do. However, now that I am coming home it is a great time to be thinking about how I'm going reach out and show her I love her as much as I love myself. No matter who you are, or your relationship status, we are all called to love others like we love ourselves. So, what can you do to show it? Love is action!
However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
As we start to round a corner and look towards Fort Hood and our family and friends, I wanted to take a second and share this verse with you. Over the last few months of separation we have gotten really good at taking care of ourselves and focusing on our daily needs without having to focus on our spouses and loved ones. I know I have done laundry more in the last month than I do in the entire year. I have washed dishes more than I have done in my entire life! These are things my wife usually does for me that show her respect for me and what I do. However, now that I am coming home it is a great time to be thinking about how I'm going reach out and show her I love her as much as I love myself. No matter who you are, or your relationship status, we are all called to love others like we love ourselves. So, what can you do to show it? Love is action!
Monday, August 8, 2016
09Aug16
Ezra 3:11 (ESV)
And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord,
"For he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel."
And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
Israel had been exiled. They had been kept from their home land and away from the temple of the LORD. They had spent generations in debauchery and disobedience which caused them to have to be separated from the physical representation of their God, the temple. When they were allowed to return they laid the foundation of the new temple. It was the start of something new and the restoration of the old. It represented hope to so many of them and reminded them that God had not forgotten them. There was a lot of emotion wrapped up in that moment. With it... they gave a great shout! They didn't hold back. They wanted the world to hear them.
There are times when we feel like we have been abandoned and lost. Possibly exiled even. But, when the foundation is laid for the future, when your dreams are coming close to realization, when you start down the path to restoration... don't whimper... shout! As we look toward home and the reestablishment of so many things we have an opportunity to lay a foundation that is worth being proud of and happy about. What will your foundation be?
And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord,
"For he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel."
And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
Israel had been exiled. They had been kept from their home land and away from the temple of the LORD. They had spent generations in debauchery and disobedience which caused them to have to be separated from the physical representation of their God, the temple. When they were allowed to return they laid the foundation of the new temple. It was the start of something new and the restoration of the old. It represented hope to so many of them and reminded them that God had not forgotten them. There was a lot of emotion wrapped up in that moment. With it... they gave a great shout! They didn't hold back. They wanted the world to hear them.
There are times when we feel like we have been abandoned and lost. Possibly exiled even. But, when the foundation is laid for the future, when your dreams are coming close to realization, when you start down the path to restoration... don't whimper... shout! As we look toward home and the reestablishment of so many things we have an opportunity to lay a foundation that is worth being proud of and happy about. What will your foundation be?
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
04Aug16
Job 1:21
And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."
I am still a twelve year old boy at heart, I think. When I read this verse the first thing I think of is, "hehehe. He said naked." Once I get past the giggling and mature up for a minute (just a minute mind you), I realize the absolute truth of this statement. The life altering, purpose changing, eternally minded, truth of this statement. What if we lived like we believed this statement for real? All of the "stuff" we work for every single day, even the people we love and work for, will not be there after we die. Yet we work so hard for them. If our life is truly just a vapor in the air of eternity, then why aren't we spending more time in the second half of this verse than the first? What do you think you are going to be able to take with you?
And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."
I am still a twelve year old boy at heart, I think. When I read this verse the first thing I think of is, "hehehe. He said naked." Once I get past the giggling and mature up for a minute (just a minute mind you), I realize the absolute truth of this statement. The life altering, purpose changing, eternally minded, truth of this statement. What if we lived like we believed this statement for real? All of the "stuff" we work for every single day, even the people we love and work for, will not be there after we die. Yet we work so hard for them. If our life is truly just a vapor in the air of eternity, then why aren't we spending more time in the second half of this verse than the first? What do you think you are going to be able to take with you?
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
03Aug16
Colossians 1:29 (NKJV)
To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
I was watching a movie the other day and a group of fighters celebrated a victory by firing their AK-47s in the air together. I immediately thought two things: 1. What a waste of ammo (now they have to reload those clips). 2. What goes up must come down. There is a lot of force behind those rounds. They will fall on something, somewhere. Maybe someone. But, this is what happens when we just put a bunch of effort into our day to day life without direction. We work really hard, we fire into the air, but we have no idea where we are going to land. To what end do you labor?
The inverse of this is an expert marksmen who takes his time, trains his body, and focuses his sights on a target with the intent to put all that force to a use. To what end do you labor? God lends us His mighty power to exert on this world. What do you do with it? To what end do you labor? Let's not waste another round firing into the air aimlessly. Let's take aim, breathe, and control how we exert our power.
To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
I was watching a movie the other day and a group of fighters celebrated a victory by firing their AK-47s in the air together. I immediately thought two things: 1. What a waste of ammo (now they have to reload those clips). 2. What goes up must come down. There is a lot of force behind those rounds. They will fall on something, somewhere. Maybe someone. But, this is what happens when we just put a bunch of effort into our day to day life without direction. We work really hard, we fire into the air, but we have no idea where we are going to land. To what end do you labor?
The inverse of this is an expert marksmen who takes his time, trains his body, and focuses his sights on a target with the intent to put all that force to a use. To what end do you labor? God lends us His mighty power to exert on this world. What do you do with it? To what end do you labor? Let's not waste another round firing into the air aimlessly. Let's take aim, breathe, and control how we exert our power.
Monday, August 1, 2016
02Aug16
Exodus 14:15-16 ESV
The Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground."
Miraculously God had delivered the Israelites from their captivity only for them to be cornered on the banks of the red sea with the Egyptians in hot pursuit. It's amazing how quickly we forget what God has already accomplished in us when we find ourselves in a new corner, backed against a wall, and trapped between a rock and a hard place. No, you may not be trapped against a sea with an Egyptian army about to descend upon you. But, you may be trapped in a place of financial burden, relationship stressors, work pressures, or maybe something else.
Notice what Moses is told to command the people to do... "go forward." No matter the stakes. No matter the depth of the water. No matter the danger. "Go forward." God has shown them the way they are supposed to be going and now it is up to them to continue on it. He will part the waters. He will make a way. In the hard times we are called to simply, "go forward." Stay the course. Do not give up God is faithful. The same God that parts the seas for His children can part the way in front of you.
The Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground."
Miraculously God had delivered the Israelites from their captivity only for them to be cornered on the banks of the red sea with the Egyptians in hot pursuit. It's amazing how quickly we forget what God has already accomplished in us when we find ourselves in a new corner, backed against a wall, and trapped between a rock and a hard place. No, you may not be trapped against a sea with an Egyptian army about to descend upon you. But, you may be trapped in a place of financial burden, relationship stressors, work pressures, or maybe something else.
Notice what Moses is told to command the people to do... "go forward." No matter the stakes. No matter the depth of the water. No matter the danger. "Go forward." God has shown them the way they are supposed to be going and now it is up to them to continue on it. He will part the waters. He will make a way. In the hard times we are called to simply, "go forward." Stay the course. Do not give up God is faithful. The same God that parts the seas for His children can part the way in front of you.
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