Life Journal May 30, 2008
Today's readings: Proverbs 13-15, Romans 11

It's ALL About Him

Scripture

For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

Romans 11.36

Observation

God created everything, is in everything, and exists only because of Him!

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

While I know that God created everything---it is still so easy to take life and all that we see and have for granted. . . .and sometimes even take credit for it. Bottom line is--everything comes from Him--from God.

Today, as I move through my day, I need to look around me and praise God for all of it. I walk through so many days not noticing the gifts He offers me every day. Instead I whine about unimportant things. How different my life would be if I focused on seeing Him in everything. Today may I see "my world" through different eyes.

Prayer

Creator God, forgive my self-centeredness--for only thinking of myself. When I look around me I don't think of all that You have given me--and the gift that is in it all. I get so caught up in my day-to-day life that I miss Your creation, Your gifts, Your blessings. May I see the world through new eyes today.

Life Journal May 29, 2008
Today's readings: Proverbs 10-12; Romans 10

Good News

Scripture

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. . . For "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"

Romans 10.9, 13-15

Observation

Once we have believed it is important that we then share the Good News!

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

We believe and we go on with life. . .not worrying about sharing the Good News with others. Sometimes it is out of fear we don't share. Sometimes because we just don't think about it. Sometimes we don't share because we are sure that has to be someone elses responsibility. But how will they hear unless someone--we--tell them???

We worry about what to say, afraid that we won't get the words right or know all the right Scriptures. When all we need to do is trust the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us. For it is the Holy Spirit who prepares the heart to hear the Good News. Then we share our story--what difference God has made in our lives, how He has helped us, what He saved us from and to. No one can counter our personal experience with God. And, it is important that we also demonstrate His love in all that we do. We live out the Good News in a very real way by loving others (yes, even our enemies).

So, how can I live this out today? I will look for those "God appointments" when God gives me the opportunity to share His love and His light with others today. I will listen to the whispering of the Holy Spirit when I am to share, and then be willing to do it--remembering that it is not me who is talking but the Holy Spirit through me. Today, I will love more and judge less. Today, I will share myself with others.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. May I be sensitive to the nudgings and whisperings of Your Spirit. Today may I be bold and not fearful to be Your instrument and in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today may I love more and judge less. Today may I live a life that brings You glory and honor.

May 11, 2008
I'll be back in two weeks!
Be blessed!

Life Journal May 9, 2008
Today's readings: 2 Samuel17; Psalm 71; Matthew 26

Just Like Pete

Scripture

On the way, Jesus told them, "Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,

'God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there."

Peter declared, "Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you."

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, Peter--this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me."

"No!" Peter insisted. "Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!" And all the other disciples vowed the same.

Matthew 26.31-35

Observation

Even the disciples deserted and denied Jesus.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Jesus predicts that Pete will desert him--Peter claims that there is no way. If we read verse 56 we see that "all the disciples deserted him and fled." And then a little further we read where Pete denies Jesus three times--just like Jesus predicted (verses 69-75).

I see myself in Pete. I proclaim loudly that I will never deny or leave Christ . . . . yet . . . . .I do, over and over. I deny Him everytime I doubt Him. I leave Him every time I choose to go my own way rather than His. I deny Him every time I turn my back on someone with a need--afterall, I can't help them all. I leave Him everytime I walk by a homeless person. I share the Good News within the safety of the Church--but do people on the outside know that I even know Him--let alone serve Him?

I look at Pete and think--not me--yet the reflection of myself is so clear--so glaring.

So, how will I be different today??? By looking and listening with my heart--by trusting God more and more, no matter how things looks--by being the person God has called me to be. And when I fail. . . . when I fall--I will, like Pete, weep bitterly and confess and turn and go the other direction--back toward the One who loves me.

Prayer

Father God, forgive me for all the times I desert You, walk away from You, deny You. Work in me today--change me--help me to be the person You have called me to be.

Life Journal May 7, 2008
Today's readings: 2 Samuel 13, 14; Matthew 24

Keeping Watch

Scripture

[Jesus speaking] "However, no one know the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. . . .

"So, you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming."

Matthew 24.36, 42

Observation

No one, but God, knows when Christ will return--so we must always be ready.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Matthew 24 is Jesus' reply to his disciples when they ask Him: "What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?" Jesus then goes on to tell the things to watch for--here are just a few:

"may will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many."

"You will hear of wars and threats of wars. . . "

"There will be famines and earthquakes . . . "

All of these things have already taken place. So what does that tell us?? That we need to live as if Jesus were coming back today. Not become complacent thinking it isn't going to happen anytime soon. We get lulled into a sense of "everydayness"--that it isn't going to happen today. But we don't know.

So, today, I need to live my life as if Christ is returning today. How will that be different from any other day? Will it cause me to live boldly? To pursue Kingdom issues--rather than the mundane? To share the Gospel more freely? To love more? To not waste a minute with whining or complaining or negativity? Am I ready if Christ returns today?

The Word reminds me that I have no time to waste--I need to make it all count.

Prayer

Lord, come quickly!

Life Journal May 6, 2008
Today's readings: 2 Samuel 11,12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23

The Perfect Sacrifice

Scripture

You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.

You do not want a burnt offering.

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.

You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

Psalm 51.16-17

Observation

The only thing God wants from me is my heart--broken and poured out for Him.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Yesterday I read about the Great Commandment--"You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." [Matthew 22.37-40] I talked about how loving God this way--and then loving others--required sacrifice on our part. Today, the Psalm tells us what the sacrifice is that God wants--a broken spirit . . . a broken and repentant heart.

The sacrifice God wants is--us. He wants us to recognize our need for Him, to be broken over our sin, to not just confess our sin--but to repent (turn and go in the opposite direction), and to completely turn our lives over to Him. That is the sacrifice that God wants--the only one that will satisfy Him.

This calls for serious self-examination . . . with the help of the Holy Spirit. It requires me to stop denying my sins--to confess them--and to realize my need for a Savior. It means that I must humble myself--lose all pretense of "having it together" and acknowledge that without Jesus Christ in my life, I am nothing. It is time for me to lay my life--all of it--at His feet--as a living sacrifice--willing to do whatever He calls me to do--without whining, complaining, or feeling sorry for myself. Today, I can take that first step.

Prayer (Based on Psalm 51)

Have mercy on me, O God,

because of Your unfailing love.

Because of Your great compassion,

blot out the stain of my sins.

Wash me clean from my guilt.

Purify me from my sin.

For I recognize my rebellion;

it haunts me day and night.

Against You, and You alone, have I sinned;

I have done what is evil in Your sight.

You will be proved right in what You say,

and Your judgment against me is just.

For I was born a sinner--

yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.

But You desire honesty from the heart,

teaching me wisdom even there.

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Oh, give me back my joy again;

You have broken me--

now let me rejoice.

Don't keep looking at my sins.

Remove the stain of my guilt.

Create in me a clean heart, O God.

Renew a right spirit within me.

Do not banish me from Your presence,

and don't take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

and make me willing to obey You.

You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.

You do not want a burnt offering.

The sacrifice You desire is a broken spirit.

You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

So, today, Lord, I once again offer You my heart.

Take it, make it Yours.

Life Journal May 5, 2008
Today's readings: 2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 20; Psalm 20; Matthew 22

The Most Important Commandment

Scripture

But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?"

Jesus replied, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."

Matthew 22.34-40

Observation

If we obey the two most important commandments--loving God and loving others--we will not break God's laws.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Most of us who have been around the church much are familiar with the "Great Commandment"--love God and love others. Sounds easy enough. We hear it and think, 'okay, easy enough--I can do that.' But, we don't live it out then.

Loving God with all our heart, with all our soul and all our mind--means setting aside ourselves--not living a self-centered life. It means putting God first in all things. It means thinking of Him first. It means dying to myself--pouring myself out for God. It means giving my all, holding nothing back, for God. I don't think many of us do that--I know I don't (even though I would like others to think I do).

Loving others as we love ourself. Again, we have to set aside ourselves and our desires. It means putting others ahead of ourselves. Loving others just as God loves them--flaws and all.

It's funny, these two commandments seem so easy--and we like to think that we live this way--but we are so far from it. We are self-centered, loving God and others just enough that we can feel good about ourselves (once again self-focused!).

So, how will I be different today? I'm not sure. I want to be different, I want to change, I want to love God and others more. But, it takes more than words. . . . words are easy. . . .it takes me being willing to open myself up more to God, dying a little more to self, to not be so self-centered, to not think of myself first--but to think of God first. I want to love God with my whole being, with all that I am, but I remain self-centered. I want to love others as I love myself, but instead I judge, lose patience, and find myself critical of others.

There is only one way I can be different today because of what I have just read--I have to give another piece of myself to God . . . . and give it, and give it, and give it, until finally I don't take it back anymore. I have to ask Him to do the hard and painful work in my life that it takes for me to have room for more of Him. I have to be willing to die a little more today, so that He can live in me more and more. And, I have to live it out--treating others with the love and respect that I want, whether I get it or not.

Today, hour-by-hour, moment-by-moment, I have to turn my life over to God, trusting Him . . . and Him alone . . . . to be in charge of my life. Today, I have to love Him more than I love myself. And in doing so, I then walk in the new freedom that comes from Him reigning in my life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I confess today that I don't love You as much as I should--I love You, but not to the point of true sacrifice. I love You to the point that it looks good, but doesn't require true sacrifice on my part. I love You as long as the cost is something that I am willing to pay......so there is truly very little cost. You gave Your Son, Jesus Christ, for me--You poured out Your love and Your heart for me--and this is how I say thanks--I withhold my love, my devotion, my sacrifice. Forgive me Father. I don't want to live that way--I want to belong to You completely. I know that means I have to die to myself and my wants and my desires--I cannot do it on my own--only with Your help and the work of Your Holy Spirit in my life can I be the person You want me to be. Fill me, Lord, with Your Holy Spirit. Fill me with Your love. Take my life. . . . and keep it. And when I try to take it back, don't let me. Lord, I want my life to completely reflect You. I don't want to settle--I want to serve You. Lord, help me--grow me--fill me--take me, I am Yours. Today may I love You more and demonstrate it by loving others.

Life Journal May 4, 2008
Today's readings: 2 Samuel 8, 9; 1 Chronicles 18, 19; Matthew 21

If You Have Faith

Scripture

Then Jesus told them, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it."

Matthew 21.21-22

Observation

When we are completely filled with Jesus [having died to ourselves] then anything is possible.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Faith enough--how much is it? We pray for things to happen--or not happen . . . and when it doesn't, we shake our heads and believe that it was because of our lack of faith. We find ourselves second guessing ourselves thinking there must have been some doubt in there somewhere. So we examine our prayers. We examine ourselves. Wondering, guessing where the chink in our armor of faith was.

What if "having enough faith and not doubting" comes not from something WE do, but something that God does in us. What if it comes when we die to ourselves--emptying ourselves and allowing God to fill us, completely. What if having enough faith means trusting God --completely--no matter the outcome--no matter how things appear--no matter what it "feels" like.

So, how much faith is enough? In Matthew 17.20 Jesus tells us that if we have "faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Tiny, tiny amount of faith is all it takes. Don't I have at least that much faith?

So, today, how can I strengthen my faith so that I have "faith enough?" Trust God more and more with everything--not ask Him for something and then take off on my own or trust my own way or skills. It means laying it all down at His feet and walking away--not picking it back up and manipulating it so it will come out the way I want it to [or at least trying to--then blaming God when it doesn't]. It is not going to happen all at once. But it can and will happen one step at a time . . . laying more and more down . . . and leaving it because I trust Him to take care of it in His time in His way. It is realizing that I will never have faith enough on my own--then it would be me doing it--but that it is only when I allow God to come into my life more and more and fill me more and more that my faith will truly grow into 'faith enough.'

Prayer

Lord, I confess that my faith is weak--that I don't trust You with the little things in life, let alone the big things. I say I do, but then I try to handle it all. Forgive me. Lord God, come and fill me with You and Your Holy Spirit. Build my faith . . . not so people will look at me and say--look at all her faith. . .but so people will look at me and see only You. Father, make my will match Yours. Make my heart become Yours and beat for You alone. Consume me. Fill me to overflowing with You. I am Yours.

Life Journal May 3, 2008
Today's readings: 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17; Psalm 2; Matthew 20

A Kingdom Mindset

Scripture

[Jesus speaking] "For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay the normal daily wage and sent them out to work.

"At nine o'clock in the morning he was passing through the marketplace and saw some people standing around doing nothing. So he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day. So they went to work in the vineyard. At noon and again at three o'clock he did the same thing.

"At five o'clock that afternoon he was in town again and saw some more people standing around. He asked them, 'Why haven't you been working today?'

"They replied, 'Because no one hired us.'

"The landowner told them, 'Then go out and join the others in my vineyard.'

"That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. When those hired at five o'clock were paid, each received a full day's wage. When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day's wage. When they received their pay, they protested to the owner, 'Those people worked only one hour, and yet you've paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.'

"He answered one of them, 'Friend, I haven't been unfair! Didn't you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?"

"So those who were last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last."

Matthew 20.1-16

Observation

No matter when we accept the offer of the "landowner"--we all get an eternal payoff.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Funny how we think God should do more for us just because we have believed longer. Like the workers, we believe our pay-off should be more than those who step on the scene at the last minute--rather than celebrate that they have decided to join us.

This parable was lived out with the thief on the cross--who, while hanging next to Jesus, dying--asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His Kingdom. Jesus responded, "Today you will be with me in paradise."

It's easy to think--'wait, that's not fair--he didn't have to do anything.' That's the great thing about grace--we don't have to do anything to earn it--we just have to be willing to receive it!

Today, may I celebrate all who come to the vineyard--whether they have worked for 80 years or one hour. May I look at them through Kingdom eyes--not judge them based on worldly notions. May I continue to invite and welcome everyone to join me--for it is never too late.

Prayer

Father God, I thank You that You extend Your gift of grace up until the very end of our lives. Lord, I pray that many will accept Your amazing gift and find themselves in Your Kingdom. Lord, may I embrace those that You send into the Vineyard--even at the last moment--celebrating that they have come, that they have accepted Your invitation. Father God, as I work in Your vineyard--may I do it with a joy-filled heart--inviting, welcoming, encouraging, and working with all You place there.

Life Journal May 2, 2008
Today's readings: 1 Chronicles 16; Psalm 106; Matthew 19

Where Is My Treasure?

Scripture

Someone came to Jesus with this question: "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?"

"Why ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. But to answer your question--if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments."

"Which ones?" the man asked.

And Jesus replied: "You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself."

"I've obeyed all these commandments," the young man replied. "What else must I do?"

Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Matthew 19.16-22

Observation

To follow Jesus, we must be willing to give up everything and anything that would come between us and Him.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

We all like to know exactly what we need to do to be a follower of Christ--we like to have it all spelled out--clearly, precisely--that way we won't do anymore than necessary--and yet we are sure we are "covered" because we have done all that is "required." We live so much of life this way.

So, what is required of me--to give up anything that stands in my way of serving God/following Christ with my all. It can be money, possessions, traditions, religion, people . . . whatever gets in my way of focusing only on Jesus. As long as I have other things that are too important for me to let go of--they will stand in the way of me giving myself completely to God.

So, what stands in my way--what "things" keep me from following Him and giving myself completely to Him?? My self-centeredness. . . me and what makes me happy. I like things my way--sometimes even using God to justify my actions/thoughts/desires. But, bottom line is--I am more concerned about what makes me happy--than what makes God happy. I will give up "things" to a certain extent, but then draw the line. . . not willing to go any further.

So, today--how will I be different? Changing my attitude is a big part--and, dying to myself, yet again. I have to make the decision--everyday--what is most important--giving it all to God and finding life--or holding on tightly to what is truly unimportant and losing my life. Today, I choose to lay it all aside and follow Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am so slow to learn and to follow what You tell me--forgive me for clinging to life here. Forgive me for not putting You first in all areas of my life. Help me to learn and to lay it all aside for You. Help me to choose life. Help me to see what is truly important--not getting my way, but doing it Your way. Lord, I want to follow You . . . no matter the cost. I trust that You will take care of me. I trust that You love me. Lord, today, help me to lay aside my selfish ambitions and take on the life You have called me to. Your Word says that "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with You, God, everything is possible." It is only possible with You. Thank You for making it possible.

Life Journal May 1, 2008
Today's readings: 1 Chronicles 14-15; Psalm 132; Matthew 18

Asking God

Scripture

[David speaking] "Because you Levites did not carry the Ark the first time, the anger of the Lord our God burst out against us. We failed to ask God how to move it properly."

1 Chronicles 15.13

Observation

Even if what we are doing is the "right" thing--we need to ask God how it wants us to do it.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

How often do I not bother to ask God how He wants me to do something--because I know what needs to be done?? It may be the right thing to do, but what is the right way--God's way--to do it?? Sometimes I get so caught up in doing the right thing (just like David did in moving the Ark) that I don't bother to ask God how He wants it done . . . I forget He doesn't always do things my way. [smile?!]

I need to begin asking God how He wants things done--not just take it for granted--even though I may be headed in the same direction--I need to ask and then listen for His direction.

Prayer

Lord God, I ask for forgiveness for not asking HOW you want me to go about something. I see where we need to go and head off in that direction--not always seeking how You want us to get there. Lord, help me to remember to ask You and then listen and watch for Your direction in all things. It is arrogant of me to think that I know Your mind--forgive me. I am Your servant--not the other way around. I want to follow Your path--Your way. May I be faithful in seeking You.