Hello all,
Just a little admin stuff at the front. I apologize for not getting out the Word of the Day to you recently. I have been TDY and then out In the field. I will be heading out again for a bit very soon. So this may turn into a "Word of the Week" for a while. Hopefully God has found other ways to bless your heart in my absence. My prayers haven't stopped for you. Now, onto the Word.
Luke 12:47 ESV
And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.
In the Army we are normally given a "packing list" prior to a field exercise. It is supposed to be the basic minimum of what we will need to survive and achieve success in the field. When I was a SPC I had done all the work and packed up all the gear according to the packing list I was given and brought it into the office for inspection. I had a "high speed" NCO tell me that I could drop half that gear and be just fine. So, I did. I tossed out what I thought wouldn't be important. When the time came for us to go live I looked around and realized that I didn't have my gator neck (a small piece of cloth that wraps around your neck and face) and so when everyone else got to go up in the Blackhawk and fire the 240H I was left on the ground. Luckily I wasn't punished to harshly. But, I think God puts out preparations and guidelines for us pretty clearly, and when we decided to completely ignore those there are consequences. We miss out on opportunities. We wonder, "why isn't this working out for me?" But, we are living in rebellion to the will of God for us. So, check your packing list before we go to the field and check your guidelines from God to make sure you're not missing anything today.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Friday, March 17, 2017
17Mar17
1 Corinthians 11:1
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
"Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me," - The Breastplate of ST Patrick
Today is Saint Patrick's Day! Take a second and get into the true meaning on this day by watching this fun little video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg5ejLGEnZk&t=3s. As we stop and remember this man (hopefully not just consumed by the overwhelming consumption of alcohol) on this day, I think it would be important to point out one of the major characteristics of Saint Patrick. He was a man of the people. He didn't elevate himself or stay in England where he would have been established and comfortable in the church. Instead, he chose to go and bring his faith to people of a land in which he had been a slave! He did this by bringing massive theological concepts to their level and in a way they could relate to them. This was much like the way Jesus taught. Saint Patrick knew his purpose, embraced his calling, and followed his faith in a way that said, "It's ok to follow me, I'm on the right path." What path do you find yourself on this Saint Patrick's day? Can people follow you to get to God?
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
"Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me," - The Breastplate of ST Patrick
Today is Saint Patrick's Day! Take a second and get into the true meaning on this day by watching this fun little video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg5ejLGEnZk&t=3s. As we stop and remember this man (hopefully not just consumed by the overwhelming consumption of alcohol) on this day, I think it would be important to point out one of the major characteristics of Saint Patrick. He was a man of the people. He didn't elevate himself or stay in England where he would have been established and comfortable in the church. Instead, he chose to go and bring his faith to people of a land in which he had been a slave! He did this by bringing massive theological concepts to their level and in a way they could relate to them. This was much like the way Jesus taught. Saint Patrick knew his purpose, embraced his calling, and followed his faith in a way that said, "It's ok to follow me, I'm on the right path." What path do you find yourself on this Saint Patrick's day? Can people follow you to get to God?
Monday, March 13, 2017
13Mar17
Ephesians 5:16 ESV
"Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Yesterday I lost something. It was super precious to me. I had so many plans for it and even may have taken it a little bit for granted because I just assumed it would be there the next day. When I woke up and realized it was gone I definitely felt it. I missed it. I may have even shed a small tear on its behalf. I lost an hour! Why we maintain this archaic practice of messing with my head every single year I don't know. When I gain an hour every year I celebrate a bit inside and then use it to catch up on sleep most years. But, when I lose the hour it reminds me of how precious an hour can be to me. God challenges us to use every hour to the best of our abilities. That challenge is not an easy thing to live up to. Sometimes I just want to sit and look at my phone or play video games or watch a movie. While there's nothing inherently wrong with those things in moderation, they are time wasters in the grand scheme of things. So, now that we have lost an hour of our lives what would you have done with it? Would it really have been worth it? How are you going to make up for it?
"Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Yesterday I lost something. It was super precious to me. I had so many plans for it and even may have taken it a little bit for granted because I just assumed it would be there the next day. When I woke up and realized it was gone I definitely felt it. I missed it. I may have even shed a small tear on its behalf. I lost an hour! Why we maintain this archaic practice of messing with my head every single year I don't know. When I gain an hour every year I celebrate a bit inside and then use it to catch up on sleep most years. But, when I lose the hour it reminds me of how precious an hour can be to me. God challenges us to use every hour to the best of our abilities. That challenge is not an easy thing to live up to. Sometimes I just want to sit and look at my phone or play video games or watch a movie. While there's nothing inherently wrong with those things in moderation, they are time wasters in the grand scheme of things. So, now that we have lost an hour of our lives what would you have done with it? Would it really have been worth it? How are you going to make up for it?
Friday, March 10, 2017
10Mar17
1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
Last night I signed up for a Spartan Race at the end of May. I'm terrified. I've never done anything of the sort and am not physically ready for something like that. But, a couple of friends of mine and my loving wife convinced me that it would be a great idea. I know that I'm going to have to run that race. There is no backing out or turning around. The choice for me, today, is whether or not I will work my tail off prior to that day so I can run it and succeed or keep doing what I'm doing and expect to get a prize without training. We are all in a race. We signed up the moment we were born again in faith. There is no getting off the track. But, I look around and see so many people living their lives as if there's not a Spartan race about to happen. We look at the blessed moments of our lives and sit back and relax. We choose to be comfortable and, in doing so, disqualify ourselves from the race. We think that just because we serve a loving God that everything is going to be handed to us on a silver platter. On the contrary! This faith walk is not a walk at all... it's a race. It comes with a prize at the end. But, without consistent focus, training, and effort you may find that when the day comes for your Spartan Race you're not ready and you can't compete or complete. Are you ready for the race? Are you running in it right now? Are you ready?
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
Last night I signed up for a Spartan Race at the end of May. I'm terrified. I've never done anything of the sort and am not physically ready for something like that. But, a couple of friends of mine and my loving wife convinced me that it would be a great idea. I know that I'm going to have to run that race. There is no backing out or turning around. The choice for me, today, is whether or not I will work my tail off prior to that day so I can run it and succeed or keep doing what I'm doing and expect to get a prize without training. We are all in a race. We signed up the moment we were born again in faith. There is no getting off the track. But, I look around and see so many people living their lives as if there's not a Spartan race about to happen. We look at the blessed moments of our lives and sit back and relax. We choose to be comfortable and, in doing so, disqualify ourselves from the race. We think that just because we serve a loving God that everything is going to be handed to us on a silver platter. On the contrary! This faith walk is not a walk at all... it's a race. It comes with a prize at the end. But, without consistent focus, training, and effort you may find that when the day comes for your Spartan Race you're not ready and you can't compete or complete. Are you ready for the race? Are you running in it right now? Are you ready?
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
08Mar17
1 Samuel 16:7
"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
How to keep your heart healthy: 1. Avoid smoking and using tobacco products. 2. Be physically active every day. 3. Eat a heart-healthy diet. 4. Maintain a healthy weight. 5. Manage your blood pressure. 6. Control your total cholesterol. 7. Keep your blood sugar healthy. (According to the American Heart Association). I read this in a devotional the other day and wanted to share it with you.
Your heart weighs less than a pound and yet it beats 100,000 times a day and over 2.5 billion times in the average lifetime. Without your heart you would cease to exist pretty darn quickly. Yet we take it for granted every single day. We make choices that damage it and break it. We consistently ignore its warnings. Our heart is integral. It's no wonder that it has become the human understanding for the soul and our connection to the Divine. Without our soul, our faith, our relationship with God, we would perish rather quickly. Yet, we take it for granted, we make choices that damage and break it, and we constantly ignore its warnings. Just as we take care of our physical heart to keep on living a functional life we need to also maintain a lifestyle that keeps our spiritual heart healthy as well. I had a teacher in seminary who taught us that the physical heart and the spiritual heart go hand in hand. One keeps us moving in a direction, the other keeps us moving. Without the first you are pointless. Without the second you are worthless. Take care of your hearts! How's your heart this morning?
"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
How to keep your heart healthy: 1. Avoid smoking and using tobacco products. 2. Be physically active every day. 3. Eat a heart-healthy diet. 4. Maintain a healthy weight. 5. Manage your blood pressure. 6. Control your total cholesterol. 7. Keep your blood sugar healthy. (According to the American Heart Association). I read this in a devotional the other day and wanted to share it with you.
Your heart weighs less than a pound and yet it beats 100,000 times a day and over 2.5 billion times in the average lifetime. Without your heart you would cease to exist pretty darn quickly. Yet we take it for granted every single day. We make choices that damage it and break it. We consistently ignore its warnings. Our heart is integral. It's no wonder that it has become the human understanding for the soul and our connection to the Divine. Without our soul, our faith, our relationship with God, we would perish rather quickly. Yet, we take it for granted, we make choices that damage and break it, and we constantly ignore its warnings. Just as we take care of our physical heart to keep on living a functional life we need to also maintain a lifestyle that keeps our spiritual heart healthy as well. I had a teacher in seminary who taught us that the physical heart and the spiritual heart go hand in hand. One keeps us moving in a direction, the other keeps us moving. Without the first you are pointless. Without the second you are worthless. Take care of your hearts! How's your heart this morning?
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
07Mar17
Psalm 119:139 ESV
"My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words."
Around the time that Jesus was walking the earth there was a group of men in the Germanic regions who would become so consumed by their rages and their passions in battle that they would wage war without armor and yet were seemingly impervious to harm. This group of men were known as berserkers. They would work themselves into a frenzy and become so entranced by their cause or the protection of their homeland, that they would take on animalistic characteristics and would fight to the death without thought. Having zeal is not completely like that... I don't plan on donning a bear skin anytime soon for God. But, I do wonder what it is that consumes you and motivates you to do the unexplainable, the crazy, the counter-cultural warfare that needs to happen? God desires for us to have a deep rooted passion and zeal for Him, for His cause on earth, that would push us to do the incredible. It is what drives us to fight injustices and destroy evil when we find it. It is what calls us to care for those weaker than ourselves and to provide for those in our charge. It is what should fill our hearts with courage to complete our task every single day. But, do you feel the zeal for the LORD or are you just floating through? Remember that God is not an inactive spirit but, a living God who can and will hold vengeance, justice, and salvation in His hands. What would you be willing to do with that zeal?
"My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words."
Around the time that Jesus was walking the earth there was a group of men in the Germanic regions who would become so consumed by their rages and their passions in battle that they would wage war without armor and yet were seemingly impervious to harm. This group of men were known as berserkers. They would work themselves into a frenzy and become so entranced by their cause or the protection of their homeland, that they would take on animalistic characteristics and would fight to the death without thought. Having zeal is not completely like that... I don't plan on donning a bear skin anytime soon for God. But, I do wonder what it is that consumes you and motivates you to do the unexplainable, the crazy, the counter-cultural warfare that needs to happen? God desires for us to have a deep rooted passion and zeal for Him, for His cause on earth, that would push us to do the incredible. It is what drives us to fight injustices and destroy evil when we find it. It is what calls us to care for those weaker than ourselves and to provide for those in our charge. It is what should fill our hearts with courage to complete our task every single day. But, do you feel the zeal for the LORD or are you just floating through? Remember that God is not an inactive spirit but, a living God who can and will hold vengeance, justice, and salvation in His hands. What would you be willing to do with that zeal?
Monday, March 6, 2017
06MAR17
Proverbs 18:2 ESV
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
Have you ever had a conversation with someone that you knew wasn't listening to you? You could spend all day trying to make a point or be talking about the size of the snozewangler on your dooblerhoofer it wouldn't make a difference to them. They are just waiting for their turn to speek. I find this a LOT in marriage counseling. Spouses sit across from each other trying desperately to communicate with so much wasted breath. I like to say that an argument starts when someone thinks they can "win" a conversation. When they are more concerned about rebutting and what they are going to say than what is being said by their spouse. Funny thing is... we do this to God too. We don't try to understand what God is trying to do in our lives through our circumstances, half the time we don't even ask. Instead we want to tell Him what we think about it and how we think it should go! If we cannot seek after God's counsel and try to understand His will then what hope do we have in trying to understand our spouses? It may be time we do less talking and do more listening... in a lot of areas. Are you seeking understanding today or are you just ready to express your opinion?
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
Have you ever had a conversation with someone that you knew wasn't listening to you? You could spend all day trying to make a point or be talking about the size of the snozewangler on your dooblerhoofer it wouldn't make a difference to them. They are just waiting for their turn to speek. I find this a LOT in marriage counseling. Spouses sit across from each other trying desperately to communicate with so much wasted breath. I like to say that an argument starts when someone thinks they can "win" a conversation. When they are more concerned about rebutting and what they are going to say than what is being said by their spouse. Funny thing is... we do this to God too. We don't try to understand what God is trying to do in our lives through our circumstances, half the time we don't even ask. Instead we want to tell Him what we think about it and how we think it should go! If we cannot seek after God's counsel and try to understand His will then what hope do we have in trying to understand our spouses? It may be time we do less talking and do more listening... in a lot of areas. Are you seeking understanding today or are you just ready to express your opinion?
Friday, March 3, 2017
03Mar17
Ephesians 6:18
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people."
Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the National prayer breakfast here at Fort Hood. It was extremely fancy and everyone was on their best behavior. Command Teams from all over post showed up to support it and we had Christians, Jews, and Buddhist chaplains leading us in prayer for our country. But, the best part of the whole morning came from the simple life story of the speaker. He reflected on how every night his father would come and kneel at his and his brother's bed and pray for them. Not just a generic prayer, like the kind I pray with my children before they sleep, but I powerful prayer for their future. He prayed that his sons would be wise and compassionate. He prayed that his sons would follow God and not falter. He prayed for their safety and their hopes. He prayed for his sons. Even when he came in late from work he would pray. Even when things were not easy he prayed. Even when, I'm sure, he didn't feel like it he prayed. Now that the speaker's mother is sick with cancer his father kneels at the foot of her bed and prays for her in the same way. What a powerful example of what prayer should be. This man puts me to shame and challenges me. Prayer should be one of the easiest and most powerful things we do all day. Have you prayed today?
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people."
Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the National prayer breakfast here at Fort Hood. It was extremely fancy and everyone was on their best behavior. Command Teams from all over post showed up to support it and we had Christians, Jews, and Buddhist chaplains leading us in prayer for our country. But, the best part of the whole morning came from the simple life story of the speaker. He reflected on how every night his father would come and kneel at his and his brother's bed and pray for them. Not just a generic prayer, like the kind I pray with my children before they sleep, but I powerful prayer for their future. He prayed that his sons would be wise and compassionate. He prayed that his sons would follow God and not falter. He prayed for their safety and their hopes. He prayed for his sons. Even when he came in late from work he would pray. Even when things were not easy he prayed. Even when, I'm sure, he didn't feel like it he prayed. Now that the speaker's mother is sick with cancer his father kneels at the foot of her bed and prays for her in the same way. What a powerful example of what prayer should be. This man puts me to shame and challenges me. Prayer should be one of the easiest and most powerful things we do all day. Have you prayed today?
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
1Mar17
Psalm 104:35
May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.
I recently got an apple watch for my birthday and I found a little app on it that reminds me to take one minute every day to pause and breathe. Yup. Breathe. Because sometimes I forget to do that I guess. But seriously, there are all kinds of studies that link the ability to pause and meditate with controlled breathing to better energy, focus, and overall heath. I could just stand there and breathe but the Bible introduced (well over 2,000 years ago) the concept of meditating for a purpose. Taking a minute and connecting with God through thoughts that are pleasing to Him, that focus to His word, and drive us in a direction of His will. So now, when my app reminds me to breathe, I take a moment and pray. One minute a day seems too little. How are your meditations? Are you taking time to breathe with God? Are your thoughts pointed to Him or yourself?
May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.
I recently got an apple watch for my birthday and I found a little app on it that reminds me to take one minute every day to pause and breathe. Yup. Breathe. Because sometimes I forget to do that I guess. But seriously, there are all kinds of studies that link the ability to pause and meditate with controlled breathing to better energy, focus, and overall heath. I could just stand there and breathe but the Bible introduced (well over 2,000 years ago) the concept of meditating for a purpose. Taking a minute and connecting with God through thoughts that are pleasing to Him, that focus to His word, and drive us in a direction of His will. So now, when my app reminds me to breathe, I take a moment and pray. One minute a day seems too little. How are your meditations? Are you taking time to breathe with God? Are your thoughts pointed to Him or yourself?
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
28Feb17
James 4:14
"Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."
What if yesterday was your last day on earth? What if, for some reason, you went to sleep last night and just didn't wake up this morning? What were your last words? Who did you spend your last day with? Was it worth it? If there is one thing that is true in this life it is that we are all going to stop living it at some point. I just tend to find people would rather not think about that, or think that they are going to be the exception to the rule. But, when I get called to go and tell someone that their loved one has died I am soberly reminded that, regardless of your age, death is coming. The uncertainty of that moment should give us motivation. It should push us to make the best use of our time. But, instead we let our moments slip through our fingers with fruitless endeavors; chasing after online "achievements," that are ultimately worthless, or binge watching a show that syphons our minutes into another reality. If yesterday was your last day would you go back and do something differently? Then why would you live today in the same way? It's your time (and it's short) to accomplish the most with it. Make today a day worthy of being your last.
"Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."
What if yesterday was your last day on earth? What if, for some reason, you went to sleep last night and just didn't wake up this morning? What were your last words? Who did you spend your last day with? Was it worth it? If there is one thing that is true in this life it is that we are all going to stop living it at some point. I just tend to find people would rather not think about that, or think that they are going to be the exception to the rule. But, when I get called to go and tell someone that their loved one has died I am soberly reminded that, regardless of your age, death is coming. The uncertainty of that moment should give us motivation. It should push us to make the best use of our time. But, instead we let our moments slip through our fingers with fruitless endeavors; chasing after online "achievements," that are ultimately worthless, or binge watching a show that syphons our minutes into another reality. If yesterday was your last day would you go back and do something differently? Then why would you live today in the same way? It's your time (and it's short) to accomplish the most with it. Make today a day worthy of being your last.
Monday, February 27, 2017
27Feb17
Luke 19:40
"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
Are you better than a rock? I heard a great sermon yesterday about the meaning of praise and our part in the act of worship. It's quite challenging for some people to wrap their head around the act of giving verbal praise to God. Shoot, I think it may be hard for people to give ANY praise to anyone in our society. We horde our complements like social currency. Our "likes" have become the way that we should people if they are worth anything. So, why am I surprised when I don't hear anyone talking about their God, or singing His praises, anymore? I guess, I'm surprised because it is essential to our faith. It is essential to our being. It is essential to our relationship with the Father. Is it any wonder that the largest book in the Bible is made up of songs? Think about that. So, are you better than a rock or are they going to have to do your job for you? Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. How are you going to praise Him today?
"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
Are you better than a rock? I heard a great sermon yesterday about the meaning of praise and our part in the act of worship. It's quite challenging for some people to wrap their head around the act of giving verbal praise to God. Shoot, I think it may be hard for people to give ANY praise to anyone in our society. We horde our complements like social currency. Our "likes" have become the way that we should people if they are worth anything. So, why am I surprised when I don't hear anyone talking about their God, or singing His praises, anymore? I guess, I'm surprised because it is essential to our faith. It is essential to our being. It is essential to our relationship with the Father. Is it any wonder that the largest book in the Bible is made up of songs? Think about that. So, are you better than a rock or are they going to have to do your job for you? Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. How are you going to praise Him today?
Friday, February 24, 2017
24Feb17
Psalm 25:17; 21 NLT
My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all.
May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in You.
David reveals to us the full range of human emotion through the Psalms. In fact, if you were to try and argue that just because you are a Christian you cannot feel depression or embrace grief I would point you straight to the Psalms. David, in beautiful Hebrew poetry, lays out feelings of rage, deep sadness, loss, joy, fulfillment, and contentment throughout his book. But, even when David is feeling like all is lost, even when he writes that he is feeling like everything is on a downward spiral, David continues to acknowledge where his hope lies, who's in charge, and reaffirms his love for God. This is what allows him to get through. In one breath he is screaming, "Everything is going downhill!" and then he remembers that, "But, I know God can get me through this." We have to reaffirm where our hope lies in those moments. We have to be honest with ourselves about how we are feeling but, never give into the hopelessness that our emotions may want to drag us into. No matter what you are going through today, there is hope! Are you ready to rely on His strength when your problems build around you?
My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all.
May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in You.
David reveals to us the full range of human emotion through the Psalms. In fact, if you were to try and argue that just because you are a Christian you cannot feel depression or embrace grief I would point you straight to the Psalms. David, in beautiful Hebrew poetry, lays out feelings of rage, deep sadness, loss, joy, fulfillment, and contentment throughout his book. But, even when David is feeling like all is lost, even when he writes that he is feeling like everything is on a downward spiral, David continues to acknowledge where his hope lies, who's in charge, and reaffirms his love for God. This is what allows him to get through. In one breath he is screaming, "Everything is going downhill!" and then he remembers that, "But, I know God can get me through this." We have to reaffirm where our hope lies in those moments. We have to be honest with ourselves about how we are feeling but, never give into the hopelessness that our emotions may want to drag us into. No matter what you are going through today, there is hope! Are you ready to rely on His strength when your problems build around you?
Thursday, February 23, 2017
23Feb17
Proverbs 25:26
Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
I love watching my kids react to things. It is rarely in a moderate manner. Most of the time everything is a massive ordeal. The other day we were outside at a party and my son looked down at his soda cup (which was pretty important because he rarely gets soda) and screams out, "There's a bug!" So, my response was, "Well, fish it out. It's still good." But, he insisted (probably more correctly than I) that the drink was now contaminated and dirty. He couldn't drink it. A thing he really wanted to drink but, could not because it had a tiny bug in it. That's the way it is with compromise. When we make way for evil to enter into our lives, in any form, we automatically pollute the waters of our accomplishments. When we stand by and allow people to continue to victimize those around us, those we know or don't know, we lose not just a piece of who we are but, it sinks into everything we are. They say that the path to hell is a slow fade. You don't just one day decide you want to go there but, have made the decision over and over to compromise what you know is right until you are so polluted there is no other destination. We all compromise in little ways, we all become polluted, but God is there to help put us back on track and purify our souls. Where are you standing against the wicked? Where are you compromising?
Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
I love watching my kids react to things. It is rarely in a moderate manner. Most of the time everything is a massive ordeal. The other day we were outside at a party and my son looked down at his soda cup (which was pretty important because he rarely gets soda) and screams out, "There's a bug!" So, my response was, "Well, fish it out. It's still good." But, he insisted (probably more correctly than I) that the drink was now contaminated and dirty. He couldn't drink it. A thing he really wanted to drink but, could not because it had a tiny bug in it. That's the way it is with compromise. When we make way for evil to enter into our lives, in any form, we automatically pollute the waters of our accomplishments. When we stand by and allow people to continue to victimize those around us, those we know or don't know, we lose not just a piece of who we are but, it sinks into everything we are. They say that the path to hell is a slow fade. You don't just one day decide you want to go there but, have made the decision over and over to compromise what you know is right until you are so polluted there is no other destination. We all compromise in little ways, we all become polluted, but God is there to help put us back on track and purify our souls. Where are you standing against the wicked? Where are you compromising?
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
22Feb17
John 5:6
When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
I had a running joke while we were deployed to Korea where I would, for the sake of our intelligence officer, put up quotes from Vladimir Putin. One of the quotes was, "If someone is determined to drown; you cannot save them." Putin used it in reference to struggling neighboring nations but, I actually find it to be all to true of people as well. Change starts in the heart and the heart is the thing that someone else cannot change for you. People come to me all the time talking about how they want to be a better Christian or get closer to God but, they are simply unwilling to change anything in their life to do so. They know where the sickness is, and they have had it for a long time, but they are not willing to get well. They are unwilling to make even the smallest change. But, before we judge too harshly, don't we all have something like this? Isn't there an area of your life where you can feel God saying, "Do you want to get well?" but, we like the way it is. We like the sin for the short term and so we suffer the effects of the long run. But, the long run is destined to be VERY long... like eternity long. So, when the question is asked "Do you WANT to get well?" what is your response?
When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
I had a running joke while we were deployed to Korea where I would, for the sake of our intelligence officer, put up quotes from Vladimir Putin. One of the quotes was, "If someone is determined to drown; you cannot save them." Putin used it in reference to struggling neighboring nations but, I actually find it to be all to true of people as well. Change starts in the heart and the heart is the thing that someone else cannot change for you. People come to me all the time talking about how they want to be a better Christian or get closer to God but, they are simply unwilling to change anything in their life to do so. They know where the sickness is, and they have had it for a long time, but they are not willing to get well. They are unwilling to make even the smallest change. But, before we judge too harshly, don't we all have something like this? Isn't there an area of your life where you can feel God saying, "Do you want to get well?" but, we like the way it is. We like the sin for the short term and so we suffer the effects of the long run. But, the long run is destined to be VERY long... like eternity long. So, when the question is asked "Do you WANT to get well?" what is your response?
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
21 Feb 17
Ephesians 4:16
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
I just got back from spending three days in the middle of nowhere, Texas, at a camp with the Fort Hood Garrison youth group. Specifically, I was the middle school boys' leader and group preacher. I want to share with you something that I shared with them this weekend as we moved rocks to form trails, moved rocks to even out landscaping, moved rocks to make BMX tracks, and moved rocks to fill in holes (notice the trend?). I think a lot of times people believe they can do this whole "faith" thing all on their own. That because someone, somewhere, once told them that it was about a relationship and not religion they believe that they don't need the church or Christian community. That's a bold faced lie. It's like trying to win the super bowl without a team... although Tom Brady might be able to pull that off. You need the body. You need to be able to contribute to the body. There isn't a single person who doesn't have a job to do that is drastically and dramatically important to the world's salvation. But, when we separate ourselves from the church, from community, we always stagnate. At that point we will only be as much as we ourselves can be. In fact, the verse prior to the one above states that in order to mature in our faith we HAVE to be part of a community otherwise we stay immature, stunted, childlike, in our understanding. So, who are you connected to? What part are you playing to build up that community?
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
I just got back from spending three days in the middle of nowhere, Texas, at a camp with the Fort Hood Garrison youth group. Specifically, I was the middle school boys' leader and group preacher. I want to share with you something that I shared with them this weekend as we moved rocks to form trails, moved rocks to even out landscaping, moved rocks to make BMX tracks, and moved rocks to fill in holes (notice the trend?). I think a lot of times people believe they can do this whole "faith" thing all on their own. That because someone, somewhere, once told them that it was about a relationship and not religion they believe that they don't need the church or Christian community. That's a bold faced lie. It's like trying to win the super bowl without a team... although Tom Brady might be able to pull that off. You need the body. You need to be able to contribute to the body. There isn't a single person who doesn't have a job to do that is drastically and dramatically important to the world's salvation. But, when we separate ourselves from the church, from community, we always stagnate. At that point we will only be as much as we ourselves can be. In fact, the verse prior to the one above states that in order to mature in our faith we HAVE to be part of a community otherwise we stay immature, stunted, childlike, in our understanding. So, who are you connected to? What part are you playing to build up that community?
Friday, February 10, 2017
10Feb17
Proverbs 24:16 ESV
"For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity."
What do you do when your life just can't seem to get right; when you feel like you've done all the right things but, you keep failing over and over again? It may seem cliché to say but, "You get back up again." If your cause is righteous, and you are following God's purpose for your life, then even when (not if) you fall it is not the end. I like this verse for a number of reasons but, especially because it doesn't presuppose that life is going to be roses and pancakes even if you are totally righteous (meaning living as God wants you to). It just says you will rise back up again and again. I see people struggle almost daily with whether they have the strength to keep going in the face of, what some would say are, some minor or temporary problems in life. When we don't have our hearts set on our purpose in God and haven't spent the time to align ourselves with him then when we fall we make it into a calamity. We turn it into the worst thing ever and let ourselves sink into a pit of despair. But, it is time to rise again. Take a moment, realign your heart today, and stand back up. Struggle, overcome, learn, and accomplish what God has for you today!
"For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity."
What do you do when your life just can't seem to get right; when you feel like you've done all the right things but, you keep failing over and over again? It may seem cliché to say but, "You get back up again." If your cause is righteous, and you are following God's purpose for your life, then even when (not if) you fall it is not the end. I like this verse for a number of reasons but, especially because it doesn't presuppose that life is going to be roses and pancakes even if you are totally righteous (meaning living as God wants you to). It just says you will rise back up again and again. I see people struggle almost daily with whether they have the strength to keep going in the face of, what some would say are, some minor or temporary problems in life. When we don't have our hearts set on our purpose in God and haven't spent the time to align ourselves with him then when we fall we make it into a calamity. We turn it into the worst thing ever and let ourselves sink into a pit of despair. But, it is time to rise again. Take a moment, realign your heart today, and stand back up. Struggle, overcome, learn, and accomplish what God has for you today!
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
08Feb17
Proverbs 20:6
"Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?"
This week I have talked to so many people that have gotten, or are getting, married in a short period of time. I sit down with couples a lot and we talk about their conflicts and their issues that lead them to a place where they just "don't love each other anymore." This verse in Proverbs reminds me of the two types of love that God has for us and expects us to emulate for others. The first is unfailing love. This is the kind of love that motivates you to move mountains, the kind of love that makes you want to spend every waking moment in the arms of another person, or the kind of love that just makes you want to be a better person. This is the kind of love that we normally see at the starting of a relationship but, is scattered throughout a lifetime of wedded bliss. It's an important, and necessary, kind of love. God loves us like this. (Crazy thought right)? But, at some point, you have to incorporate the faithful love. This is love in action, love over time, love "in spite of." This is the choice to love regardless of the faults (Once again, the type of love God has for us!). The first type of love can be seen as quite selfish sometimes because it is about how you feel and getting what you want out of a relationship. But, a faithful love is selfless love. It says, "I know I'm not getting what I want from this relationship right now but, I will remain true." We need less people singing songs about, promising, or claiming to have an unfailing love for someone else. We need men and women who choose to be faithful. Where are you at today in your relationships?
"Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?"
This week I have talked to so many people that have gotten, or are getting, married in a short period of time. I sit down with couples a lot and we talk about their conflicts and their issues that lead them to a place where they just "don't love each other anymore." This verse in Proverbs reminds me of the two types of love that God has for us and expects us to emulate for others. The first is unfailing love. This is the kind of love that motivates you to move mountains, the kind of love that makes you want to spend every waking moment in the arms of another person, or the kind of love that just makes you want to be a better person. This is the kind of love that we normally see at the starting of a relationship but, is scattered throughout a lifetime of wedded bliss. It's an important, and necessary, kind of love. God loves us like this. (Crazy thought right)? But, at some point, you have to incorporate the faithful love. This is love in action, love over time, love "in spite of." This is the choice to love regardless of the faults (Once again, the type of love God has for us!). The first type of love can be seen as quite selfish sometimes because it is about how you feel and getting what you want out of a relationship. But, a faithful love is selfless love. It says, "I know I'm not getting what I want from this relationship right now but, I will remain true." We need less people singing songs about, promising, or claiming to have an unfailing love for someone else. We need men and women who choose to be faithful. Where are you at today in your relationships?
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
07Feb17
1 Corinthians 15:58
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Do you ever feel like what you are doing just doesn't matter? When I started out in the workforce as a fry cook for McDonalds, at the age of 16, I was so excited to actually have a job. I didn't care what I was doing I just wanted that cash and responsibility. But, that luster soon faded and I found myself, day after day, drudging myself into work just to go home covered in grease and smelling like a chicken nugget. I began to ask myself, what is it all for? So, I quit that job and moved onto retail. I was so pumped to be out of fast food... for about a month. Then the same question nagged at me. What am I doing this for? So, I moved departments within the store, eventually quit, worked at a video game store, worked at a bank, worked at a restaurant, and eventually joined the Army. Everywhere I worked, everything I have done, that question has plagued me. But, I finally found the answer. It's about something bigger. It always has been. God can use you no matter what you are doing. But, you have to do it for a higher reason. You can't just do it for money, position, or pride. You have to do it for more or it will always be less than you expect. Then what you do won't be done in vain... it will be done for the Lord. How are you working for Him today?
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Do you ever feel like what you are doing just doesn't matter? When I started out in the workforce as a fry cook for McDonalds, at the age of 16, I was so excited to actually have a job. I didn't care what I was doing I just wanted that cash and responsibility. But, that luster soon faded and I found myself, day after day, drudging myself into work just to go home covered in grease and smelling like a chicken nugget. I began to ask myself, what is it all for? So, I quit that job and moved onto retail. I was so pumped to be out of fast food... for about a month. Then the same question nagged at me. What am I doing this for? So, I moved departments within the store, eventually quit, worked at a video game store, worked at a bank, worked at a restaurant, and eventually joined the Army. Everywhere I worked, everything I have done, that question has plagued me. But, I finally found the answer. It's about something bigger. It always has been. God can use you no matter what you are doing. But, you have to do it for a higher reason. You can't just do it for money, position, or pride. You have to do it for more or it will always be less than you expect. Then what you do won't be done in vain... it will be done for the Lord. How are you working for Him today?
Friday, February 3, 2017
03Feb17
Psalm 90:12 ESV
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
On this day in 1924 American President Woodrow Wilson died at the age of 68. He is quoted as saying, "Tell me what is right and I will fight for it." During his eight years as president he faced many challenges including the entrance of America into WWI and suffering two massive strokes that forced him to use his wife to communicate for him. He also won a Nobel peace prize for his work after WWI in negotiating the Treaty of Versailles and supported the 19th amendment that brought women the right to vote. He is also quoted as saying, "The man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it." His life was not easy, not handed to him, not boring. His life was numbered to this day in 1924 and he did amazing things with it. He worked against the flow in order to bring change he thought was right. He lead America through a World War! He struggled for peace in his time. Not bad for a school teacher with dyslexia. We only have so many days on this earth. What are you doing with them? What's your excuse? What will you do with today?
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
On this day in 1924 American President Woodrow Wilson died at the age of 68. He is quoted as saying, "Tell me what is right and I will fight for it." During his eight years as president he faced many challenges including the entrance of America into WWI and suffering two massive strokes that forced him to use his wife to communicate for him. He also won a Nobel peace prize for his work after WWI in negotiating the Treaty of Versailles and supported the 19th amendment that brought women the right to vote. He is also quoted as saying, "The man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it." His life was not easy, not handed to him, not boring. His life was numbered to this day in 1924 and he did amazing things with it. He worked against the flow in order to bring change he thought was right. He lead America through a World War! He struggled for peace in his time. Not bad for a school teacher with dyslexia. We only have so many days on this earth. What are you doing with them? What's your excuse? What will you do with today?
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
1Feb17
Hebrews 13:5 ESV
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Why do we expect people to supply us with things? It seems like we move from a parental relationship right into another dependent relationship on the systems we find ourselves in. For most of you reading this, that is the Army. We enter into a contract with these organizations who then provide for our needs. But, rarely are we satisfied with that. Just like many other places in life, contentment eludes us. We barely recognize the great thing we have because we are too busy looking at what we think we deserve or desire. But, the Bible makes a stark contrast to this selfish behavior with the fulfilment of God's presence; essentially saying, "You don't need anything else... you've got me." When we downplay the gift that God has given us in His very presence and start to think that having free this, or free that, or nicer digs, or better threads you lose contentment and are stuck in the bottomless pit of envy and ultimately anger or resentment. Is God with you? Then let Him bring you contentment for what you have been provided. Don't mourn over things you've never been given and so have not lost. Life is good. What has been provided for you today? What do you need to let go of?
Monday, January 30, 2017
30Jan17
Matthew 9:36
"Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd."
Sometimes I am not the most sympathetic person. There have been instances where I have looked a Soldier in the eye and said, "Just be a man!" in response to their hurt and frustration. I am so unlike Jesus still. Now, I don't think that Jesus put up with people's shenanigans but, what he did do was connect with them regardless of what they were going through and then reached out with love. Too often I think we take a look at this life and see people who are hurting or lost and our first thought is not about them at all. Our first thought is about what we are normally thinking about... ourselves. We see ourselves as the center of the life we are living instead of side characters in a grander scheme. We value our priorities over others and don't take the time to truly sympathize. We even will use other people's real life pain for our own benefit through all kinds of trickery and manipulation. But, instead, God sent this man down to earth to actually feel our pain, experience our grief, and shed tears, just to be the shepherd we all so desperately need. When you see someone's pain how do you react? What is your first thought? How can you reach out to the distressed and dispirited in your life today?
"Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd."
Sometimes I am not the most sympathetic person. There have been instances where I have looked a Soldier in the eye and said, "Just be a man!" in response to their hurt and frustration. I am so unlike Jesus still. Now, I don't think that Jesus put up with people's shenanigans but, what he did do was connect with them regardless of what they were going through and then reached out with love. Too often I think we take a look at this life and see people who are hurting or lost and our first thought is not about them at all. Our first thought is about what we are normally thinking about... ourselves. We see ourselves as the center of the life we are living instead of side characters in a grander scheme. We value our priorities over others and don't take the time to truly sympathize. We even will use other people's real life pain for our own benefit through all kinds of trickery and manipulation. But, instead, God sent this man down to earth to actually feel our pain, experience our grief, and shed tears, just to be the shepherd we all so desperately need. When you see someone's pain how do you react? What is your first thought? How can you reach out to the distressed and dispirited in your life today?
Friday, January 27, 2017
27Jan17
1 Corinthians 10:13
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
I have sat with people in some of the worst situations life can throw at you. I watch as families crumble or grow stronger during hardships. I listen as good natured people try to comfort those in troubles with the phrase, "Don't worry. God will never give you more than you can handle." I'm going to rant for a minute on this because that thought, although it may feel good in the moment, is destructive. Look at the verse above. Is God saying He'll never give you more than you can handle? This verse is what people are trying to quote. When we say that God will never give us more than we can handle we are putting the focus in the wrong place. First off, Paul is talking about temptations here... not tragedy. Not hardships. Not the death of a loved one. Secondly, who is providing the way out? When we say, "God will never give us more than we can handle" we attribute God with the hardship but, give ourselves the credit for the solution. We take that on ourselves and say, "I can handle this." But, most of the time you can't. Not by yourself. If God never gave us anything more than what we could handle on our own then we would never have a need for God, or our community, in the first place. We could handle it all on our own. That is such a dangerous thought. Hold fast to the promise that God WILL give you more than you can handle... but, not more than HE can handle. HE will provide a way out. It's not about you... it's about Him. What are you going through in your life right now that requires less of your effort and more of God's effort?
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
I have sat with people in some of the worst situations life can throw at you. I watch as families crumble or grow stronger during hardships. I listen as good natured people try to comfort those in troubles with the phrase, "Don't worry. God will never give you more than you can handle." I'm going to rant for a minute on this because that thought, although it may feel good in the moment, is destructive. Look at the verse above. Is God saying He'll never give you more than you can handle? This verse is what people are trying to quote. When we say that God will never give us more than we can handle we are putting the focus in the wrong place. First off, Paul is talking about temptations here... not tragedy. Not hardships. Not the death of a loved one. Secondly, who is providing the way out? When we say, "God will never give us more than we can handle" we attribute God with the hardship but, give ourselves the credit for the solution. We take that on ourselves and say, "I can handle this." But, most of the time you can't. Not by yourself. If God never gave us anything more than what we could handle on our own then we would never have a need for God, or our community, in the first place. We could handle it all on our own. That is such a dangerous thought. Hold fast to the promise that God WILL give you more than you can handle... but, not more than HE can handle. HE will provide a way out. It's not about you... it's about Him. What are you going through in your life right now that requires less of your effort and more of God's effort?
Thursday, January 26, 2017
26Jan17
Psalm 15:3-5
Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.
How do you want to be remembered? Every day we are putting accomplishments and failures into the jars of our lives. Back in elementary school we would do a craft where we put different colored sands into a jar. We'd start with one color and lay down a layer and then add the next until the jar was full of different colors. Once it was full we'd put the lid on and "voilà "... art. I was so happy with mine... until I shook it up. Then all the colors blended together to reveal a nasty cacophony of color that generally just looked, like mud in a jar, brown. That's how our legacy is built though. Every day we have interactions with people that add sand to the jar. When we keep them consistent with our character, as we see in the verse above, then when it is shaken up at the end people may draw out a great color. But, when we throw in some nasty colors, horrible actions, offenses against people, then we end up with a nasty color that sums up how people remember us. No one wants to be remembered at "that guy" or "he was alright." We want to leave a lasting memory of greatness. So, start today. Add the good sand with every choice you make and every person you interact with. What does your sand art look like today?
Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.
How do you want to be remembered? Every day we are putting accomplishments and failures into the jars of our lives. Back in elementary school we would do a craft where we put different colored sands into a jar. We'd start with one color and lay down a layer and then add the next until the jar was full of different colors. Once it was full we'd put the lid on and "voilà "... art. I was so happy with mine... until I shook it up. Then all the colors blended together to reveal a nasty cacophony of color that generally just looked, like mud in a jar, brown. That's how our legacy is built though. Every day we have interactions with people that add sand to the jar. When we keep them consistent with our character, as we see in the verse above, then when it is shaken up at the end people may draw out a great color. But, when we throw in some nasty colors, horrible actions, offenses against people, then we end up with a nasty color that sums up how people remember us. No one wants to be remembered at "that guy" or "he was alright." We want to leave a lasting memory of greatness. So, start today. Add the good sand with every choice you make and every person you interact with. What does your sand art look like today?
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
24Jan17
Proverbs 20:5
The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.
"Oblah Dee Oblah Dah. Life goes on. Yeah. Nah nah nah nah life goes on." This old Beatles lyric runs through my head when I don't always get what I want or have missed out on an opportunity. I think to myself, "Oh well. Life goes on." And this helps. But, the fact that my life, your life, is a constant stream of time and experience flowing from beginning to end can be a huge eye opener. We don't get to go back. What about all those missed opportunities? What about all those lost moments of our lives? What about the years I just woke up, went to a job I didn't like just for the money, came home, played video games for achievements that meant nothing, watched a movie to experience someone else's life, and went to bed just to do it all again the next day? As life moves on it is important, vitally so, that we grab a hold of the purpose that God put us on this earth for. It's imperative that we take the time to look at ourselves to find the passions of our hearts and then apply some effort to achieving those. Our heart is a deep well. Sometimes we don't pull up the prize with the first bucket. But, if you want to find that feeling of fulfillment you must take the time to draw out of yourself that purpose, that passion, that desire. Every day without it is just another Oblah Dee Oblah Dah kinda day. What is your purpose? Have you taken the time to draw it out?
The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.
"Oblah Dee Oblah Dah. Life goes on. Yeah. Nah nah nah nah life goes on." This old Beatles lyric runs through my head when I don't always get what I want or have missed out on an opportunity. I think to myself, "Oh well. Life goes on." And this helps. But, the fact that my life, your life, is a constant stream of time and experience flowing from beginning to end can be a huge eye opener. We don't get to go back. What about all those missed opportunities? What about all those lost moments of our lives? What about the years I just woke up, went to a job I didn't like just for the money, came home, played video games for achievements that meant nothing, watched a movie to experience someone else's life, and went to bed just to do it all again the next day? As life moves on it is important, vitally so, that we grab a hold of the purpose that God put us on this earth for. It's imperative that we take the time to look at ourselves to find the passions of our hearts and then apply some effort to achieving those. Our heart is a deep well. Sometimes we don't pull up the prize with the first bucket. But, if you want to find that feeling of fulfillment you must take the time to draw out of yourself that purpose, that passion, that desire. Every day without it is just another Oblah Dee Oblah Dah kinda day. What is your purpose? Have you taken the time to draw it out?
Friday, January 20, 2017
20Jan17
Mark 2:17
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Recently I have been obsessed with the song "Heathens" by 21 Pilots. The main lyric is, "All my friends are heathens take it slow. Wait for them to ask you who you know. Please don't make any sudden moves. You don't know the half of the abuse." It just resonates so deeply with what we deal with in the Army on a frequent basis. I have been surprised by the level of monstrous experiences that many Soldiers have overcome, or are working on overcoming, to get to where they are today. Often I am convicted that, given the chance, Jesus would rather hang out with some of them than me. It is what drove me to the Army in the first place. I often will say, "I joined the Army, not the girl scouts." But, as Christians we are so eager to make sinners act like saints. We are so quick to group up and spend our time only with the like-minded in our lives. The problem with that is Jesus. All His friends were heathens and He loved them, respected them, even honored them. It's the most effective way to share the love with the world... act like He did. Who are your friends? Are you a loving influence in their lives?
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Recently I have been obsessed with the song "Heathens" by 21 Pilots. The main lyric is, "All my friends are heathens take it slow. Wait for them to ask you who you know. Please don't make any sudden moves. You don't know the half of the abuse." It just resonates so deeply with what we deal with in the Army on a frequent basis. I have been surprised by the level of monstrous experiences that many Soldiers have overcome, or are working on overcoming, to get to where they are today. Often I am convicted that, given the chance, Jesus would rather hang out with some of them than me. It is what drove me to the Army in the first place. I often will say, "I joined the Army, not the girl scouts." But, as Christians we are so eager to make sinners act like saints. We are so quick to group up and spend our time only with the like-minded in our lives. The problem with that is Jesus. All His friends were heathens and He loved them, respected them, even honored them. It's the most effective way to share the love with the world... act like He did. Who are your friends? Are you a loving influence in their lives?
Thursday, January 19, 2017
19Jan17
Daniel 3:17-18
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
Compromise. We are told by relationship professionals that compromise is the key to a happy healthy marriage, workplace contentment, familial harmony, and many other things. The problem is that we are consistently told that we need to yield in so many areas of our lives for other peoples' benefit and to ensure that they are not "offended" by us that it slowly seeps into our faith. Forget that. It doesn't slowly seep... it makes a quick jump. I was challenged on this while leading the Garrison's high school boys in Bible study last night. In Daniel chapter 3 we see the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being told they have to bow down to the golden statue of the king they, and their nation, is enslaved by. When they refused due to their faith in God, they are given one more personal chance by the king. But, they respond with the above passage of Scripture. They don't make excuses. They don't rationalize their position. They could say something like, "well, God's forgiving. I can just do this and ask for forgiveness." They don't rationalize and say, "I can do so much for my country and my faith in the position I'm in. If I do this then I can do so much more good later on." Nope. They don't compromise and they are thrown in a furnace to die. You can read the rest of the story from there. But, today I want you to think about where you are compromising. Are you willing to die for your faith? Are you willing to live for it? What is it that you rationalize doing in your own life?
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
Compromise. We are told by relationship professionals that compromise is the key to a happy healthy marriage, workplace contentment, familial harmony, and many other things. The problem is that we are consistently told that we need to yield in so many areas of our lives for other peoples' benefit and to ensure that they are not "offended" by us that it slowly seeps into our faith. Forget that. It doesn't slowly seep... it makes a quick jump. I was challenged on this while leading the Garrison's high school boys in Bible study last night. In Daniel chapter 3 we see the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being told they have to bow down to the golden statue of the king they, and their nation, is enslaved by. When they refused due to their faith in God, they are given one more personal chance by the king. But, they respond with the above passage of Scripture. They don't make excuses. They don't rationalize their position. They could say something like, "well, God's forgiving. I can just do this and ask for forgiveness." They don't rationalize and say, "I can do so much for my country and my faith in the position I'm in. If I do this then I can do so much more good later on." Nope. They don't compromise and they are thrown in a furnace to die. You can read the rest of the story from there. But, today I want you to think about where you are compromising. Are you willing to die for your faith? Are you willing to live for it? What is it that you rationalize doing in your own life?
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
18Jan17
Jeremiah 32:17
"Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."
On our vacation I had the chance to go to the Grand Canyon for the first time in my life. When we arrived it was late and the sun had already gone by. I was 10 hours into driving, the kids were being a little rowdy, and the roads around that area were not well marked or lit. So, I got a little turned around while we were trying to find our cabin in the middle of the night. We finally found it and I went to sleep. We got up the next morning and walked about half a mile to the edge of the canyon to watch the sunrise. It was one of the single most beautiful things I have ever seen. I felt really small. But, what I found interesting is that, while driving around the night before, I had driven right next to the canyon. I was right next to this amazing work of God's hands and I couldn't see it! I was frustrated, tired, and it was dark. But, right next to me was an experience that would change my perspective on my place in the world.
Sometimes when we feel overwhelmed, like something is too big for us, or tired we completely miss out on what God is trying to show us. The world seems really dark but, all we have to do is wait until morning and there is something amazing waiting at the sunrise. Nothing is too difficult for God to handle. While I looked at that huge hole in the ground, feeling so insignificant in the grand scheme of things, I was reminded that when you serve the God who could create something like that in an instant... nothing this world could throw at me would be too hard. I just may have to wait until the morning to see it.
"Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."
On our vacation I had the chance to go to the Grand Canyon for the first time in my life. When we arrived it was late and the sun had already gone by. I was 10 hours into driving, the kids were being a little rowdy, and the roads around that area were not well marked or lit. So, I got a little turned around while we were trying to find our cabin in the middle of the night. We finally found it and I went to sleep. We got up the next morning and walked about half a mile to the edge of the canyon to watch the sunrise. It was one of the single most beautiful things I have ever seen. I felt really small. But, what I found interesting is that, while driving around the night before, I had driven right next to the canyon. I was right next to this amazing work of God's hands and I couldn't see it! I was frustrated, tired, and it was dark. But, right next to me was an experience that would change my perspective on my place in the world.
Sometimes when we feel overwhelmed, like something is too big for us, or tired we completely miss out on what God is trying to show us. The world seems really dark but, all we have to do is wait until morning and there is something amazing waiting at the sunrise. Nothing is too difficult for God to handle. While I looked at that huge hole in the ground, feeling so insignificant in the grand scheme of things, I was reminded that when you serve the God who could create something like that in an instant... nothing this world could throw at me would be too hard. I just may have to wait until the morning to see it.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
17Jan17
Isaiah 43:2
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
Life isn't raindrops and gummy bears most of the time. In fact, there are a lot of times that I, like King David in the Psalms, pray, "Where are you
God?" or, "Why?" But, I was reading in my devotional the other morning and came across an idea that I want to share with you. When we are suffering in one area of our life we have a choice to make. We can become supremely myopic and focus in on that issue, on that one area of our life, and let it consume us and cut us off from God or recognize a truth about life and that is this: life is not one set of railroad tracks going from point a to point b. It's more like a whole bunch of intersecting and parallel tracks that are all moving at the same time. On one track you may be in a tunnel or deep in a valley but, on others you may be on the mountaintop or along the smooth plains. You see, God doesn't leave us alone. He's there and blessing you. But, sometimes the blessing isn't on the track that you are focusing on in the moment. Lift your eyes and cling to the hope of those blessings, clinging to the good while riding through the seemingly bad. Rarely have I experienced a time in my life where every track has been awesome. But, there has never been a moment when I was not loved by Him. What track are you focused on today?
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
Life isn't raindrops and gummy bears most of the time. In fact, there are a lot of times that I, like King David in the Psalms, pray, "Where are you
God?" or, "Why?" But, I was reading in my devotional the other morning and came across an idea that I want to share with you. When we are suffering in one area of our life we have a choice to make. We can become supremely myopic and focus in on that issue, on that one area of our life, and let it consume us and cut us off from God or recognize a truth about life and that is this: life is not one set of railroad tracks going from point a to point b. It's more like a whole bunch of intersecting and parallel tracks that are all moving at the same time. On one track you may be in a tunnel or deep in a valley but, on others you may be on the mountaintop or along the smooth plains. You see, God doesn't leave us alone. He's there and blessing you. But, sometimes the blessing isn't on the track that you are focusing on in the moment. Lift your eyes and cling to the hope of those blessings, clinging to the good while riding through the seemingly bad. Rarely have I experienced a time in my life where every track has been awesome. But, there has never been a moment when I was not loved by Him. What track are you focused on today?
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
11Jan17
Galatians 5:13
For you, brothers, were called to freedom. Only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity to gratify your flesh, but through love make it your habit to serve one another.
I have a tendency to get distracted when I am talking to people. If there is a TV on I will glance over and check out what's on even if I'm not at all interested in the show. If there is a notification sound I feel the impulse to stop whatever I am doing and check it even though I know it will not be an emergency. If there is something shiny, or a squirrel passes by, it grabs my attention. The problem with this is that I am sending a message to the person I am interacting with when I get distracted by these things. That message is, "This is more important to me than you." That's not the message I want to send but, I have set myself up for it. I have used my freedom to choose what I do to cater to my own entertainment and gratification so much that it overrides other peoples' priority.
One of the major lessons I have always tried to teach my children is that people come first. People come first before your money. People come first before your time. People come first before you. I have to drill this in because this is not the way that our society thinks. America is the land of individual freedoms. It's all about me. But, when you are looking at Facebook while sitting on the couch with someone you supposedly love what are you saying to them? When you answer the phone to talk to someone else when you are supposed to be spending quality time with them what are you saying? When you hear a "ding" and you HAVE to check you phone in the middle of a conversation what are you saying? What really comes first?
For you, brothers, were called to freedom. Only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity to gratify your flesh, but through love make it your habit to serve one another.
I have a tendency to get distracted when I am talking to people. If there is a TV on I will glance over and check out what's on even if I'm not at all interested in the show. If there is a notification sound I feel the impulse to stop whatever I am doing and check it even though I know it will not be an emergency. If there is something shiny, or a squirrel passes by, it grabs my attention. The problem with this is that I am sending a message to the person I am interacting with when I get distracted by these things. That message is, "This is more important to me than you." That's not the message I want to send but, I have set myself up for it. I have used my freedom to choose what I do to cater to my own entertainment and gratification so much that it overrides other peoples' priority.
One of the major lessons I have always tried to teach my children is that people come first. People come first before your money. People come first before your time. People come first before you. I have to drill this in because this is not the way that our society thinks. America is the land of individual freedoms. It's all about me. But, when you are looking at Facebook while sitting on the couch with someone you supposedly love what are you saying to them? When you answer the phone to talk to someone else when you are supposed to be spending quality time with them what are you saying? When you hear a "ding" and you HAVE to check you phone in the middle of a conversation what are you saying? What really comes first?
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
10Jan17
John 16:33 ESV
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
I have never been a huge sports guy. In fact, I think I have cared more about sports over the last year, due to my awesome Chaplains Assistant's interest, than I ever have in my life. I had to go out and learn what teams play basketball and which ones play football just so I could have conversations. (I'm not really that bad). I say this because there is a phenomenon that I don't understand. I don't understand the whole "my team won, I'm so happy" or "my team lost, my day is horrible" mentality. We wrap up so much of our lives into whether our "teams" win or lose. It affects our mood, our outlooks, our hopes. But, I just haven't understood that very well because my team has already won. Wins every day. Will win forever. I don't identify with a sports team. I identify with a Savior. This doesn't mean that there won't be problems or bad days. It means that I will have peace regardless. What do you identify with? Whose your "team?"
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
I have never been a huge sports guy. In fact, I think I have cared more about sports over the last year, due to my awesome Chaplains Assistant's interest, than I ever have in my life. I had to go out and learn what teams play basketball and which ones play football just so I could have conversations. (I'm not really that bad). I say this because there is a phenomenon that I don't understand. I don't understand the whole "my team won, I'm so happy" or "my team lost, my day is horrible" mentality. We wrap up so much of our lives into whether our "teams" win or lose. It affects our mood, our outlooks, our hopes. But, I just haven't understood that very well because my team has already won. Wins every day. Will win forever. I don't identify with a sports team. I identify with a Savior. This doesn't mean that there won't be problems or bad days. It means that I will have peace regardless. What do you identify with? Whose your "team?"
Monday, January 9, 2017
09Jan17
Hosea 12:6
"Therefore, return to your God, Observe kindness and justice, And wait for your God continually."
When I was starting college I made the decision to stay in Alaska while may family moved South to CA. I wanted to do things my way and on my own but, I eventually (through some pretty rough lessons) decided I needed to return home and start over again. So, I moved to Benicia, CA and started some community college classes there as well. Then my parents moved again and I stayed to finish out my semester alone in CA. I returned to my family again in Puyallup, WA and then they moved off to Springfield, IL. I don't think I was getting some kind of hint here but, I just kept returning. Every time I struck out on my own and then had to return to my family system, to my father's rules, there was a period of adjustment. I knew what was right but, I was so used to doing things my own way. The same is true of returning to anything: work, school, job, family. There is a period of adjustment. But, if you think they need to adjust to you and not visa versa then there is a problem. When you return, remember what you are returning to. The standards have not changed, although you may have. God welcomes you back every time you return, just like my family did, but He may need to send you through a period of adjustment. Don't think for a second He is going to conform to your rules. Return to God and do what He asks in order to be a part of His family, then you will be home. How are you adjusting to the "returns" in your life? Is it time for a return for you?
"Therefore, return to your God, Observe kindness and justice, And wait for your God continually."
When I was starting college I made the decision to stay in Alaska while may family moved South to CA. I wanted to do things my way and on my own but, I eventually (through some pretty rough lessons) decided I needed to return home and start over again. So, I moved to Benicia, CA and started some community college classes there as well. Then my parents moved again and I stayed to finish out my semester alone in CA. I returned to my family again in Puyallup, WA and then they moved off to Springfield, IL. I don't think I was getting some kind of hint here but, I just kept returning. Every time I struck out on my own and then had to return to my family system, to my father's rules, there was a period of adjustment. I knew what was right but, I was so used to doing things my own way. The same is true of returning to anything: work, school, job, family. There is a period of adjustment. But, if you think they need to adjust to you and not visa versa then there is a problem. When you return, remember what you are returning to. The standards have not changed, although you may have. God welcomes you back every time you return, just like my family did, but He may need to send you through a period of adjustment. Don't think for a second He is going to conform to your rules. Return to God and do what He asks in order to be a part of His family, then you will be home. How are you adjusting to the "returns" in your life? Is it time for a return for you?
Friday, January 6, 2017
06Jan17
Psalm 119:105
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
This morning I Googled "Read through the Bible in a year" and got about 47,700,000 results. First off, it's a computer search engine why does it not know exactly how many results it got?. Secondly, that's 47 million ways for you to read through the Bible this year. I use an app on my phone called youBible and it reminds me every morning with "bite sized" chunks of Scripture to read. But, I would encourage you to get into it this year! Don't wait. Even if it takes you two years to get through, START TODAY! You can do it. But, more importantly, if you call yourself a Christian you SHOULD do it. I find this true of anyone who claims a faith that has written scriptures. How can you claim to be a member of a faith that you have never personally researched at all? Some say they are Christians but, really what they are saying is, "I follow the Jesus that my pastor talks about on Sundays." The great thing about our modern culture is you don't have to do that. You shouldn't do that. Make your faith real and your own by reading it for yourself. One time through. You can do it. It will change you, your direction, and your purpose... I promise. In the time it took you to read this you could have already been started. What is it that is stopping you from digging into the Word today?
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
This morning I Googled "Read through the Bible in a year" and got about 47,700,000 results. First off, it's a computer search engine why does it not know exactly how many results it got?. Secondly, that's 47 million ways for you to read through the Bible this year. I use an app on my phone called youBible and it reminds me every morning with "bite sized" chunks of Scripture to read. But, I would encourage you to get into it this year! Don't wait. Even if it takes you two years to get through, START TODAY! You can do it. But, more importantly, if you call yourself a Christian you SHOULD do it. I find this true of anyone who claims a faith that has written scriptures. How can you claim to be a member of a faith that you have never personally researched at all? Some say they are Christians but, really what they are saying is, "I follow the Jesus that my pastor talks about on Sundays." The great thing about our modern culture is you don't have to do that. You shouldn't do that. Make your faith real and your own by reading it for yourself. One time through. You can do it. It will change you, your direction, and your purpose... I promise. In the time it took you to read this you could have already been started. What is it that is stopping you from digging into the Word today?
Thursday, January 5, 2017
05Jan17
Colossians 3:23
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,"
It's about that time when we throw back the covers of our bed so early in the morning and, after a nice break for the Holidays, go back to work. For some of you there may be a dread in your heart for this moment because maybe your work doesn't bring you fulfillment or purpose, or maybe you really don't like who you work for or with. But, God is very clear that regardless of your job, from paper pusher to burger flipper, you are significant. God cares about how you do the work you do. Because God is all about the heart, it is not a stretch for me to say that the way that you approach your job in the morning, the way you approach your boss in the morning, is a telling example of how you will approach your real boss (God) one day when He asks you to do something. God uses these jobs, bosses, and coworkers to teach us something about what it means to be a servant. The goal in heaven is NOT to be your own boss but, just like a lot of things on earth, it is the exact opposite. We should be training to be the lowest we can be, the most helpful we can be, and the most satisfied in that work. So, if you are dreading work, bosses, co-workers this morning... remember they're just helping to train you to be a better follower of God. Work for Him, not them.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,"
It's about that time when we throw back the covers of our bed so early in the morning and, after a nice break for the Holidays, go back to work. For some of you there may be a dread in your heart for this moment because maybe your work doesn't bring you fulfillment or purpose, or maybe you really don't like who you work for or with. But, God is very clear that regardless of your job, from paper pusher to burger flipper, you are significant. God cares about how you do the work you do. Because God is all about the heart, it is not a stretch for me to say that the way that you approach your job in the morning, the way you approach your boss in the morning, is a telling example of how you will approach your real boss (God) one day when He asks you to do something. God uses these jobs, bosses, and coworkers to teach us something about what it means to be a servant. The goal in heaven is NOT to be your own boss but, just like a lot of things on earth, it is the exact opposite. We should be training to be the lowest we can be, the most helpful we can be, and the most satisfied in that work. So, if you are dreading work, bosses, co-workers this morning... remember they're just helping to train you to be a better follower of God. Work for Him, not them.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
04Jan17
Matthew 4:22
They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind
Happy New Year! Merry Christmas! It's good to be back at FT Hood and recharged from a great time of leave with my family. I hope and pray it was good for all of you as well. I talked to a number of people this year about "resolutions" for the New Year and found a disturbing trend. People aren't making them. Because year after year they try and they fail they have now given up on the attempt. They've become jaded. I want to encourage you this morning and spur you on to good things. The verse today was taken from the calling of James and John while they were fishing. Jesus asked them to follow Him and they "immediately" followed Him. These two brothers would make mistakes, deny Christ, and call for the blood of innocent people while Jesus still lived. Some, looking at those moments, would wonder why they started in the first place. But, they started "immediately" and finished well. Your journey may be rough and you may make mistakes but, don't give up. Even if there is the slightest chance for success... start. Start now. Start Immediately. Start your new year with a goal in mind. God bless you!
They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind
Happy New Year! Merry Christmas! It's good to be back at FT Hood and recharged from a great time of leave with my family. I hope and pray it was good for all of you as well. I talked to a number of people this year about "resolutions" for the New Year and found a disturbing trend. People aren't making them. Because year after year they try and they fail they have now given up on the attempt. They've become jaded. I want to encourage you this morning and spur you on to good things. The verse today was taken from the calling of James and John while they were fishing. Jesus asked them to follow Him and they "immediately" followed Him. These two brothers would make mistakes, deny Christ, and call for the blood of innocent people while Jesus still lived. Some, looking at those moments, would wonder why they started in the first place. But, they started "immediately" and finished well. Your journey may be rough and you may make mistakes but, don't give up. Even if there is the slightest chance for success... start. Start now. Start Immediately. Start your new year with a goal in mind. God bless you!
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