Brian's Daily Bible Study

The Superior Priest - Part 1

2011-02-12T07:46:00.000-08:00

READ: Hebrews 4:14-16
Therefore, having a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is not able to sympathize with our weakness, but one who has been tempted in all things, in like manner, without sin. Therefore, let us approach with confidence to the throne of grace so that we might receive mercy and let us find grace for well-timed aid.

REFLECT
Whenever you see the word "therefore" (or "thus" or the phrase "for this reason"), always reflect on what just came "before". We have a great high priest - the writer has already established that. Because Jesus is a superior messenger (1:1-2:18) and because he is a superior leader (31-4:13), he is also our superior priest (4:14-7:28). Without reading the text above (4:14-16), one could probably guess that a lot of his superiority as our high priest is wrapped up in the fact that he is fully God (1:1-4) and yet fully human (2:10-18). And you'd be exactly right!

The Latin word for priest is pontifex, which literally means "bridge builder". The job of a priest is to connect mortals and deity. All other priests are only human and while they can sympathize with our weaknesses, they really don't know much more about God than other human beings do. They can only help us reach out to God from the shore of humanity. However, only "Jesus, the Son of God" can span the entire gap between those who are mortal and he who is divine.

But right off, the writer wants us to know, that though being deity, Jesus understands, even now, what it means to be human and to live in a broken world where sin and temptation about. He understands how this broken world has damaged each and every one of us and how challenging it is to live for God in the flesh. He gets us! But he also gets God! Jesus can bridge the gap; in fact, he is our bridge. We can walk confidently on the bridge he has built because it covers the complete span from human to divine.

What is so sad to me, is when I see Christians struggling in their relationship with God and thus in their day-to-day lives because they don't have confidence in God's amazing grace. They think they are too far gone, have messed up too badly and thus are not worthy to come to God for the help that they need. They are trying to prove their worthiness to enter the throne room of God. These disciples, unless they get that we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, drift so far away from God that they go back into the world. We have a great high priest! He get us and he connects us with a loving God who get us and wants us to come to him for the help we all so desperately need.

PRAY
Father, when I read and reflect on this passage I am embarrassed by my self-reliance and my lack of trust in your grace. So often I try to prove my worthiness to you. I try to show you by my deeds that I am worthy to come before you. But the reality is that even if I'm doing my very best on any given day to serve and obey you, I am still not worthy. However, because Jesus is my great high priest, I can come into your presence on my best days and on my worst days. I can walk the bridge that Jesus built that leads straight from mortal shores right into the very throne room of the universe. And because of Jesus I can call you "Father". My lack of confidence in coming before you just shows my lack of understanding of the high priesthood of Jesus. Father, as I take time to reflect on the next few chapters of Hebrews, please impress upon both my mind and my heart that I have a great high priest who has paved the way for me to come into your throne room at any time and about any thing! Thank you, God!

OBEY
Do you rely on your own good heart or good deeds to give you confidence before God or do you rely on the worthiness of Jesus as your great high priest to give you the boldness to enter into God's presence? Right now, are you receiving mercy and finding grace to help you in your time of need?

The Superior Leader - Part 5

2011-01-29T16:03:00.000-08:00

READ: Hebrews 4:12-13
For the word of God is living and productive and cuts beyond every two-edged dagger and penetrates as far as a dividing of soul and spirit, both joints and marrow, and is able to discern considerations and intents of the heart. And no creation is unseen before his face, but everything is naked and has been laid bare to his eyes, before whom is our account.

REFLECT
My almost two year old grandson has just learned how to say the word "scary". For the last few months he would say a word that sounded like "seegig" but you could tell he meant "scary" because he would get a look of fear on his face and he would physically recoil from whatever it was that created that fear within him.

For all of us this passage of scripture would be "seegig" if we didn't know (or didn't believe) how much God loves us and how much he wants us to trust him, obey him and ultimately be with him for all eternity. In order for this passage not to be terrifying, we must truly believe that He is on our side.

However, knowing that should not, and can not, take away from the very real and sobering truth of this passage. God's word is not just something to read. It isn't just ink on pages bound up in a nice leather (or hardcover or softcover) binding. It is alive and it is at work in our hearts, cutting through all the surface junk and the outward facades we create and gets down to what really matters: the considerations and intents of our hearts! God knows who we really are and through his word he can put us in touch with our personal reality, if we are willing to listen. It isn't always good news - in fact, there is a whole lot of junk that often accumulates in our hearts - but the good news is that God reveals it so that we can confess it, be forgiven and repent!

No one fools God! He sees all and he knows all! We might fool others or even truly deceive ourselves, but God knows "the very thoughts and attitudes of our hearts". And it will be to him that we must give an account. We can either do that right now, and then on an ongoing basis, where there is grace (mercy + love). Or we can give account on the last day, after the offer of forgiveness has been withdrawn.

PRAYER - see Psalm 139
O, Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord...Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast...For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb...My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

OBEY
Will you give an honest account to God today of the considerations and intents of your heart? Will you open up about who you really are and what you really think and feel before your Creator and Sustainer? Will you trust in his love and allow his word to reveal what lies deep in your soul? Will you bring it all into the light where it can do no more damage? Or will you delay and postpone, being unwilling to let God reveal your real self and thus your need for him? You will either account for your life now and enjoy eternity or you will spend eternity wishing you hadn't waited until you had no choice.

The Superior Leader - Part 4

2011-01-29T15:08:00.000-08:00

READ: Hebrews 4:1-11
Therefore, since there is a promise remaining to enter into his rest, let us be afraid lest any of you should seem to come short. For even we are having good news announced just as those also; but the message preached was of no use for them, not having been united by faith with those who heard. For we, having believed, enter the rest, just as he said, "As I swore in my anger, 'They will not enter into my rest,'" although he works from the foundation of the world have come into being. For it has been said, somewhere, concerning the seventh day, "Even God rested on the seventh day from all his works." And again in this place, "They will not enter my rest."

Therefore, since there remains that some enter into it, and those who formerly had the good news preached did not enter because of disobedience, again he determines a certain day (Today), saying in David after so much time, just as it has been said before, "Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." For if Joshua rested them, he would not have spoken of another day after these.

Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for the people of God. For the one who entered his rest also himself rested from his works just as God also did from his own. Therefore, let us be zealous to enter that rest lest someone by the same example might fall by disobedience.

REFLECT
How did that reading go for you? Are you confused about the different "rests" that the Hebrew writer refers to? I know I am and when you read the commentaries, you can see that even the scholars are. But there is one thing that is clear - no matter what rest it is that God wants to lead his people into, the one sure way to miss it (or "fall short of it") is through disobedience.

For the Israelites, the rest was the promised land. They failed to enter it because they disobeyed God's word as it was preached through Moses. As far as I'm concerned, the rest that God promises to Christians is the eternal rest with him in heaven for all eternity - I'll let theologians debate the fine points. I want to enter that rest. I want to hear my Saviour say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Come in and share your master's happiness." I don't want to fall short of experiencing that rest. How about you?

Hearing the message is not enough - we must combine that hearing with faith. We must truly believe the promise of rest that God has made to us. But even "believing" is not enough, if your idea of belief is "mental assent" or simply "intellectual acceptance." True, saving faith, is always demonstrated in deeds of obedience. Disobedience to the voice of God is evidence of unbelief and unbelief disqualifies us from eternal rest with God.

Jesus came to save us and then to lead us to eternal rest with our Father in heaven. We must follow Jesus as he leads us in this life through his word and the word of his apostles. We must hear the good news of Jesus, combined it with faith and demonstrate our faith through ongoing and persevering obedience. If we give up just short of the goal and fall because of disobedience, then we will not enter that rest. And that would indeed be so very tragic.

PRAY
Father, I want to belief your promises and trust in your word to the point that I obey your will for my life. I haven't come this far to fall short of eternity. I haven't persevered, in spite of my failings, in my efforts to obey, only to become discouraged or allow myself to be distracted now. I desire nothing more than to enter into your presence for all eternity when my life in this world is over. Until then, may I soften my heart so that I hear your voice and respond to it with obedience according to my faith and to the best of my ability. May I strive to imitate the lead of my Lord, Jesus, and may I strive to obey his commands. May I be inspired by the example of those who served you throughout their lives and brought glory to your name. I don't deserve even to have this opportunity. It is only by your grace that I stand and that I will continue to stand. As the song says, "I need Thee every hour." Truly, I need you in this hour!

OBEY
So, in spite of the fact that this passage of scripture is harder to read and perhaps even harder to understand, the main point seems to be clear. Whatever rest God is promising, those who live in disobedience will fall short and will not be allowed to enter it. Are you, right now, faithfully following Jesus? Are you listening to his voice, softening your heart and doing your best to live in obedience to his will? If not, what steps do you need to take, today?

The Superior Leader - Part 3

2011-01-04T10:54:00.000-08:00

READ: Hebrews 3:7-19
Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, "If today you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the provocation, according to the day of the temptation in the desert, in which your fathers tested with an examination and they saw my works for forty years. Therefore, I was angry with this generation and said, 'They are always wandering in the heart. And they do not know my ways.' As I swore in my anger, 'They will not enter into my rest.'"

Beware brother, lest there will be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief in which you withdraw from the living God, but encourage each other, each and every day, so long as it is called today, so that not one of you might be hardened by the treachery of sin. For we have become sharers of Christ if indeed we hold firmly to the beginning of confidence until the end, while it is said, "Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the provocation."

For who, having heard, rebelled? But was it not all the ones who left Egypt through Moses? And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bones fell in the desert? And to whom did he swear, "They will not enter into his rest" if not to those who disobeyed? And we see that they were not able to enter his rest because of unbelief.

REFLECT
As Barclay notes, the Hebrew writer "now leaves argument for exhortation. He presses upon his hearers the inevitable conclusion of this [Jesus'] unique supremacy...it follows that complete trust and complete obedience must be given to him" (page 33). The Israelites tested God when led by Moses. They doubted God's provision and his power and thus did not live obediently to his will. They hardened their hearts and they suffered the consequences of not entering God's rest (i.e., in this context, the Promised Land).

The same can happen to Christians today. When we lose faith in God's provision and power, we "withdraw" from God. I've personally seen it happen literally hundreds of times in over 30 years of ministry experience. A Christian starts doubting God's work in his life and he begins to withdraw from God (i.e., no longer reads his word or prays to him), which then results in a growing doubt and a lessening faith. When either there is no encouragement from other Christians or the withdrawing Christian resists and rejects all attempts of encouragement, his heart becomes hard as it is deceived by the treachery of sin.

Christians are tempted to doubt whenever trouble comes into their lives. The longer it lasts, the greater the temptation to doubt. Unless Christians take aggressive and consistent action to resist temptation or overcome doubt through daily times of mutual encouragement, they will "withdraw" from God. Fudge notes, "The neglect of Christian exhortation is surely among the greatest failings of God's people today...Any congregation that ignores this divine obligation has no right to parade itself as a faithful church of Christ Jesus, regardless of its other qualities or so-called distinctive marks" (page 42).

Discipleship partners, prayer partners, daily renewal partners, etc.; it doesn't matter what we call them, for the reality is that we need to be involved in daily mutual encouragement! Sin is treacherous; our hearts can be deceitful. We need brothers or sisters involved in our lives who truly know us and who can spot when our hearts are becoming distrusting and our lives disobedient to the will of God. Eternity is at stake here; yet so many who call themselves disciples of Jesus today act as if they can get through life, faithful to God, without daily encouragement. The Holy Spirit inspired word of God says very plainly, "No, you cannot"! You need to encourage and be encouraged daily so that your heart will not be hardened by sin's treachery!

PRAY
Father, forgive me for my pride and arrogance that leads me to be independent. I cannot make it on my own. I cannot live faithfully for you in this world without the daily encouragement that comes from other Christians. I am not being obedient to your will if I am not seeking to encourage others daily. Father, we are bombarded, day-in and day-out with the message of independence - that we are sufficient in and of ourselves to live effectively, productively and successfully in this world. That may be true if our definition of success lies in obtaining the things of this world, but if our goal is to please you and to reach our goal of being with you in heaven, then independence is one of Satan's greatest and most effective lies! I am repenting and I will strive to be involved in daily mutual encouragement. I do not want to withdraw from you Father, nor from your people. I want to enter your rest. I want you to be pleased with my life and hear my Saviour say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Come in and share your master's happiness." To that end I ask for your wisdom and guidance! Amen.

OBEY
Who is involved in your life deeply enough and consistently enough that you can receive and give encouragement on a daily basis? If you cannot answer that question right away, then the answer is "No one" and you need to repent of your pride and begin today to seek out other Christians with whom you will commit to a strategy of daily encouragement.

The Superior Leader - Part 2

2010-12-23T12:22:00.000-08:00

READ: Hebrews 3:1-6a
Therefore, holy brothers, sharers of a heavenly calling, consider the apostle and high priest of our confession, Jesus, who is faithful to the one who appointed him, as was also Moses, in all his household. for he has been considered worthy of more glory than Moses, just as the one who built it has more honour than the household. For every household is built by someone, but the one who built all things is God. Indeed Moses, on the one hand, was faithful in all his household as a servant in order to be a witness of the things which would be spoken, but Christ as a son over his household...

REFLECT
Jesus was, and is, both "the apostle and high priest of our confession". An apostle is "one sent forth" but is also the word that can be used of an ambassador. Jesus came into the world to represent God to us. He came to make clear God's will and his love for us both by his word and his deed. He was sent to do for us, what only God could do for us - to be our sacrifice and pay the penalty for our sins. Praise the Father for sending forth his Son into this world!

The Latin word for priest is pontifex, which means a "bridge builder." As our high priest Jesus bridged the gap that sin had created between us and God. Through Jesus, as the Hebrew writer will later tell us, we have access now to God's throne of grace. But Jesus also serves as our high priest now in that he sits at God's right hand and intercedes for us. He is our advocate on an ongoing basis. Day in and day out Jesus continues to bridge the gap between us and our God!

Jesus was appointed by God to be "the apostle and high priest of our confession." And he was faithful to his task. And that is amazing, in that, to represent God to mankind (apostle) and to intercede for mankind to God (high priest), Jesus had to be perfectly faithful! Yes, Moses was faithful, but Jesus was even more faithful! Moses was part of God's household, but Jesus was the builder of God's household (i.e. God's people). Moses was faithful as a servant. Jesus was faithful as a Son.

Reread verses 3 and 4. Jesus is the one who is worthy of more glory than Moses because the one who built the household is worthy of more glory than the household. Jesus is the one who built the household. Yet in verse 4, we read that God is the one who built all things. Therefore, Jesus is God in the flesh! This emphasis is repeated in various ways throughout the Hebrew letter.

PRAY
Father, I love the idea that Jesus is my bridge that leads from where I am right into your throne room of grace. He has bridged the gap created by my sin, that left me separated and alone, cut off from you. For so long, I didn't even see you, until someone introduced me to Jesus. Then, even before I became a Christian, I began to look across the bridge and I could see the destination in the distance and I could see you, Father, in Jesus' words and deeds. Thank you Jesus for being willing to be God's apostle and our high priest and for fulfilling those roles perfectly. I simply can't imagine the temptation you experienced and endured in order to stay perfect in your obedience to our Father. You, Jesus, as John wrote in Revelation, and as the heavenly host proclaims, are worthy to receive glory and honour and praise! Thank you!

OBEY
Take some time to reflect personally on what Jesus as the Father's apostle and our high priest means to you. Then take some time to share that with God and give Jesus the honour that is due him.

The Superior Leader - Part 1

2010-12-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

READ: Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brothers, sharers of a heavenly calling, consider the apostle and high priest of our confession, Jesus...

REFLECT
Logically, from a Jewish perspective, the Hebrew writer moves on to show that Jesus is superior to Moses. For the Jew, "Moses held a place that was...unique. He was the man with whom God had spoken face to face as a man speaks with a friend. He was the direct recipient...of the very Law of God...and Moses and the Law were one and the same thing" (Barclay, page 29). For the Jew, Moses was greater than the angels, so even though Jesus was superior to the angels as a messenger, was he superior to Moses as a leader of God's people?

Our author calls the Hebrew Christians "holy" and "sharers in a heavenly calling." We are reminded here that Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, has called his disciples to come out of the world. Even though we live in the world, we are called to embrace a radically different set of values and thus to live radically different lives than those in the world do, because we are called to "consider" Jesus. "The word translated 'consider' means to look at something or someone with great care. It involves not only looking at, but thinking about. One must spend time to fulfill this word" (Fudge, page 36). "The word means to fix the attention on something in such a way that its inner meaning, the lesson it is designed to teach, may be learned" (Barclay, page 29). See Luke 12:24, where the same word is used by Jesus.

I would suggest that if we are truly going to be "holy brothers" who are truly "sharers of a heavenly calling" that we must "consider" Jesus consistently and frequently in our day-to-day lives in this world; "a detached glance is never enough; there must be a concentrated gaze..." (Barclay, page 29). I would suggest that most of us who consider ourselves his disciples, do not spend near enough time or mental energy concentrating on Jesus. The author will repeat this admonition in chapter 12, a more familiar passage to most of us, where he calls us to "fix our eyes on Jesus".

The first way that Jesus is superior to Moses as a leader is that he has demonstrated for us, to perfection, what a life in this world lived to the glory of God truly looks like. Moses was faithful to his calling, but he was not perfect. Jesus was faithful to his calling and he was perfect. How can we know how to live, and how will we be inspired to live, in this world for God unless we concentrate on Jesus?

PRAY
Father, I thank you for this admonition that I've consider this morning. It is why I've decided to focus my attention for a while on the book of Hebrews - because it is all about Jesus! I have found myself being more easily discouraged and becoming more critical in my spirit of late. Certainly, these are two major traits of my sinful nature. I know that I need to look at Jesus and think about how he was able to live faithfully in this world for you while he faced must more severe circumstances than I face. I need to be challenged and convicted by his example, but also by his example I need to be equipped and inspired. Jesus didn't just pray "may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven;" he lived it! Father, I know that is my calling - to live a life in this world that is holy, or set apart, knowing that I have a heavenly calling to fulfill. Today, please help me to see how I can be more like Jesus in my interaction with my wife, my brothers and sisters in Christ and those in the world. When it is unclear, then please remind me to consider Jesus to gain the clarity of conviction that will result in my obedience to your will. Amen.

OBEY
Are you living up to who you are according to God? Are you living a "holy" life as one who is a "sharer in a heavenly calling"? Are you taking the time to "consider" Jesus in such a way that you are convicted and yet inspired about the life God has called you to live? If not, what are you going to do differently from this day forward?

The Superior Messenger - Part 7

2010-12-20T07:02:00.000-08:00

READ: Hebrews 2:10-18
For it was fitting for him, on account of whom all things are and through whom are all things, having led many sons to glory, to make complete the originator of their salvation through sufferings. For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one; on account of which reason he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, "I will proclaim your name to my brothers; in the midst of an assembly I will praise you in song." And again, "I will be one who has trusted in him," and again, "Look, I and the children whom God gave to me."

Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, he himself also in a similar way shared the same, so that through death he might abolish the one who has the power of death - this one is the devil - and he might set free these, as many as by fear of death through all of life were subject to slavery. For certainly he does not help angles, but he helps offspring of Abraham.

Wherefore, he was obligated in every way to be made like his brothers, so that he might become a compassionate and faithful high priest for the things pertaining to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people, in that he has suffered, himself having been tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

REFLECT
There are so many exciting trees to view in this passage that it is very easy to miss the forest! Jesus came into this world to help us, but to do so he had to become like us in every way. And that involved not only become just like us physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. Though he was, and still is, "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being," he is also just like us in every way! The only difference is that, though he suffered as he was tempted, he never once gave into that temptation. In that way he was made complete (or was adequately prepared) as the originator of our salvation.

Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers. Do you believe that? He knows that we are sinners and are completely dependent on God's grace through his sacrifice to be right with God. He know that when we are tempted, unfortunately, we often give into that temptation and sin. He knows that we are weak in our flesh, even when we are committed in our spirit. He's been here, done that! He knows! Yet he is not ashamed to call us brothers! If you are a disciple of Jesus, you are Jesus' brother and he unashamedly calls you his brother - with all your weaknesses and sins. Jesus, our Lord, our Saviour, and our brother!

No other religion or philosophy in the world has this as its message. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ provides the inhabitants of the world with a merciful high priest, one who is able to help/assist us in our need, whether it be for forgiveness or strength or wisdom or faith!

PRAY
Father, it never ceases to amaze me the lengths to which you have gone to provide for my salvation. From conception through to death, and even now at your right hand, the Word became flesh, in every way just like us. Truly Jesus is my brother and he is unashamed to call me his brother. May I never lose the astonishment and gratitude that I feel at this moment, as I reflect on the reality that God became a human being and faced all the challenges I face in my life, just so he could be the originator of my salvation and my high priest. He became a son of man so that I could become a son of God! I have all that I need in Jesus to manage anything and everything that comes my way today, for it is not angel he helps but Abraham's descendants. May I, Father, today be truly a descendant of Abraham and live my life for you by faith and thus bring you glory and honour and lift up the name of Jesus to the world.

OBEY
Do you truly see what God has done for you so that you might have a relationship with him? Are you filled with joy and excitement and gratitude knowing that Jesus is not ashamed to call you his brother/sister? Do you grasp that you have a high priest who is merciful and faithful and can help you today?

The Superior Messenger - Part 6

2010-12-18T14:31:00.000-08:00

READ: Hebrews 2:5-9
For not to the angels did he subject the world to come, concerning which we are speaking. But somewhere, someone protested, saying, "What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you should pay attention to him? You made him lower, for a short time, than angels; you crowned him with glory and we honour. You put all things in subjection under his feet."

For a while subjecting all things to him, he left nothing that was not made subject to him. Even now, not yet, do we see all things subjected to him. But we see Jesus who, for a short time, was made lower than angels, because of the suffering of death having been crowned with glory and with honour, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for all.

REFLECT
Someone might protest, "If Jesus is greater than the angels, why was he a human being?" The Hebrew writer here reminds us that it was always God's plan to have everything subject to humanity's dominion. In the creation God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground" (Genesis 1:26). Yet, mankind messed up so that we do not now see "all things subjected to him." The reality is that people not only do not have dominion over the rest of creation, they don't even have dominion over themselves, but rather are slaves to sin and to fear!

However, God would not be thwarted. He had a plan and that plan was to send his Son into this world as a human being (i.e., for a short time make lower than angels). And as a human being he suffered death for all and has been crowned with glory and honour. Jesus became a human being (lower than angels) so that he could restore humanity's glory and honour by paying the price for our sins!

Bottom line: God had a plan but mankind messed it up. God then sent his Son into this world to enable mankind to experience his original plan! And that plan involved Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for a short time, but who is now crowned with glory and honour, having experienced death for us all. His is still far superior to angels and so are those who put their trust in him and live in obedience to his will.

PRAY
Father, I am so grateful (wow, I say that a lot!), that you did not allow our failure to stop you from realizing your plan for humanity. You want us to rule over your creation and to be crowned with glory and honour, the glory and honour that we each lost in our sin, but the glory and honour that can be restored through Jesus and his death on the cross! The world to come will be subject to us as we will be allowed to share in Jesus' glory as we rest in your eternal presence. Father, such thoughts put my struggles in this world into perspective. Such truths elevate my spirit and revive my soul. This world wears me out. I have felt frustrated and hurt and purposeless these last few days, all because I lost my focus on the goal of being with you in eternity. When that happens, Father. When Jesus comes back and I hear those words that I long to hear, "Well done good and faithful servant. Come in and share in your master's happiness," then all the pain and the problems of this life will vanish and I will celebrate in joyful worship of my God and Creator!

OBEY
Do you understand who God intended you to be and where God intended you to be? Do you accept the fact that you, like all the rest of us, messed up God's plan through your sin? Do you see how Jesus' death has allowed God to fulfill his original plan for you? He wants you to be with him forever in eternity and rule over his creation. Are you ready? Are you excited? Are you grateful?

The Superior Messenger - Part 5

2010-12-15T14:52:00.000-08:00

READ: Hebrews 2:1-4
Because of this, it was necessary for us to pay much closer attention to the things heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels was certain, and every deviation and disobedience received just punishment, how shall we escape neglecting so great a salvation, which at first, having received it spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard? God also was giving proof with signs and wonders and various powers and distributions of the Holy Spirit, according to his will.

REFLECT
"Lest we drift away." The word I have translated "drift away" is an extremely interesting and important word in terms of helping us understand how someone who is saved can actually lose their salvation and find themselves outside the grace of God. I have been a minister for most of the last 33 years of my life and I have yet to meet a Christian who got up one morning and suddenly, on the spot and completely out of the blue decided that he no longer believed in God. We really don't fall away from God, but rather we "drift away" from God.

Barclay in his commentary says of this Greek word that, "it is used of something flowing or slipping past; it can be used of a ring that has slipped off the finger; of a particle of food that has slipped down the wrong way; of a topic that has slipped into a conversation; of a point which has escaped someone in the course of an argument; of some fact that has slipped out of the mind; of something that has ebbed or leaked away. It is regularly used of something which has carelessly or thoughtlessly been allowed to become lost" (Barclay, Hebrews, page 21).

No faithful Christian just suddenly decides to leave God, but many Christians have gradually drifted away without realizing it, until one day they do wake up and realize that they no longer love God or perhaps even believe in him. How does this happen. It happens by neglecting our relationship with God. Every day we do not consciously work on our relationship we run the risk of drifting away until we are no longer anywhere near to God in our hearts. When we don't pay much closer attention, we allow our ships to drift out of God's harbour and back into the storm tossed seas of a self-centered and worldly life.

PRAY
Help me, Father, today to know exactly where I am in relationship with you. May I not ignore you or your word so that I will remained anchored to the rock and secure in your grace. May I not take this relationship for granted so that through inattention I would find myself one day far away from you. The moment I start to drift, please Father, do something in my life to wake me up. Also, Father, help me to call out to those brothers and sisters who, through their inattention to spiritual matters and priorities, are slipping away without even knowing it. May I throw them the lifeline of your word and may they grab hold and return to the harbour of your grace.

OBEY
Dear brother or sister, are you letting salvation slip away from you because you are focused on everyone and everything else except God and his will for your life? Are you adrift spiritually right now or are you firming anchored to your God by paying much closer attention to his word?

The Superior Messenger - Part 4

2010-12-15T14:23:00.000-08:00

READ: Hebrews 2:1-4
Because of this, it was necessary for us to pay much closer attention to the things heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels was certain, and every deviation and disobedience received just punishment, how shall we escape ignoring so great a salvation, which at first, having received it spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard? God also was giving proof with signs and wonders and various powers and distributions of the Holy Spirit, according to his will.

REFLECT
The Hebrew writer is arguing from the lesser to the greater. If the message spoken through angels was certain and every trespass was justly punished, then how much more serious must we be with regard to the message spoken through the Lord? I really believe that a lot of people who call themselves Christians minimize the seriousness of ignoring God's word under the covenant of grace because they truly do see grace as a licence to sin. Yet this passage, along with several others in Hebrews (and other New Testament writings) tells us the opposite: the covenant of grace should be a motivation for even greater seriousness when it comes to hearing and obeying the word of God.

So let's get practical. This message was confirmed by those who heard it from the Lord Jesus, and even God himself testified to its authenticity by giving proof via the various miraculous signs the apostles were able to perform. We are privileged to be able to hold in our hands and scan with our eyes the very words of the Almighty God! Yet, how seriously (i.e, consistently and deeply) do we listen to him? How much time and effort do we put into hearing God's word, either directly through reading or even indirectly through those who would explain it to us? In our day and age, there is no excuse, especially for those of us in the develop countries - God's word is readily available to us in many forms, and trustworthy teaching is just as easily accessed.

Remember, this passage wasn't written to non-Christians who had rejected, or had never heard about, Jesus. It was written to those who had put their faith in him and made a commitment to follow him. His challenge to not ignore this saving message is to those of us who call ourselves his disciples.

PRAY
Father, there are too many periods of time where I do not take the time nor put in the effort that truly hearing your word deserves. I want a quick fix, an instant reminder, a spark of inspiration, a exciting insight. I am too lazy to get up early or stay up late or too worldly to divert my attention from worldly things or too self-reliant to really believe I need you like a tree needs water. I am so grateful for your grace, Father, that gives me the certain hope that my sins are forgiven, but I do not want to abuse that grace and risk my salvation because I'm either too lazy or too prideful. I pray that the conviction I have at this moment will only strengthen as I devote dedicated times to hearing you speak to me through the message of your Son.

OBEY
Be honest with yourself and with God right now: How seriously do you seek to know God and his will through reading and reflecting on his word? On your list of life's priorities, where does bible study fit in? How much time and energy have you spent this last week listening to the word of God? How much time and energy have you put into your career, your education, your recreation, your hobbies or your relationships this week? Are you at risk for "ignoring so great a salvation"?

The Superior Messenger - Part 3

2010-12-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

READ: Hebrews 1:5-14
For to which of the angels did he ever say, "You are my son; today I have begotten you"?

And again, "I will be a father to him, and he will be a son to me."

And again, when he introduces the firstborn to the inhabited world, he says, "And let all the angels of God worship him."

And to the angels he says, "He is the one who makes his angels winds, and his ministering servants a flame of fire."

But to the son, "Your throne, O God, is for the age of the age, and the staff of righteousness is your staff of the kingdom. You have loved righteousness and have hated lawlessness. Because of this, God, your God has anointed you with the oil of great joy in front of your companions. And you, at the beginning, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth, and the works of your hands are the heavens. They will vanish, but you will remain, and all like a garment will be made old, and as if a covering you will roll them up; as a garment they also will be exchanged. But you are the same and your years will not fail."

And to which of the angels did he ever say, "Sit at my right until I place your enemies as a footstool for your feet"? Are not all of them ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those destined to inherit salvation?

REFLECT
This letter was written to people of Jewish descent who had accepted Jesus as their Messiah, but who now, wearied by persecution, were on the verge of going back to living under the law of Moses. All of this comparison of Jesus to angels and quotations from the Old Testament may seem less relevant to us today who are not struggling with the decision to reverting to Judaism. However, what this section of Hebrews establishes clearly is that Jesus is indeed the Messiah; he alone is the fulfillment of the Messianic prophesies and that he alone is to be worshipped. For them to go back to the law as the basis of their relationship with God would be to miss out on the salvation that only Jesus can bring.

While not tempted to return to Judaism, we can and must grasp the reality that to walk away from our commitment to Jesus, we are at best going to something that inferior or even false. The angels worship Jesus. God the Father, himself, refers to Jesus as "God" and "Lord". The Son is the one who created all things and he is the one who will end all things, because he is eternal. Those who oppose Jesus (and his followers) will be defeated, as they are soon to be a "footstool" for his feet. And he ends this chapter by introducing the encouraging truth that the angels are sent out to minister to those who will inherit salvation (i.e., Jesus' disciples).

In the chapter, the Hebrew writer makes it abundantly clear that Jesus is the Son of God; he is God in the flesh and he is to be honoured, adored, worshipped and obeyed. He is our creator, our sustainer, our saviour and our Lord. The angels worship him and so must we!

PRAY
Father, thank you for sending your son into our world. I acknowledge that Jesus is your son, that he is my creator, sustainer, saviour and Lord. I desire to worship him in spirit and in truth, not just with my lips on Sunday morning, but with my life every day of the week. He, and he alone, is worthy of my total commitment no matter what that cost me. He, and he alone, is the only one through whom I have a relationship with you. Thank you for my salvation that comes to me completely undeserved. Thank you for the gift of your angels. I'm not sure, Father, exactly how they minister to me, but as I wait for the coming of my eternal salvation, I take comfort in the fact that you have provided for my needs. I love you Father. May my heart and my life be acceptable and pleasing to you today.

OBEY
Why don't you spend some time reflecting on who Jesus really is, as revealed clearly by these quotes from the Hebrew Bible, with the goal of refocusing on Jesus and honouring him as your God and your Lord?

The Superior Messenger - Part 2

2010-12-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

READ: Hebrews 1:1-4
"In many times and in many ways, long ago God having spoken to the fathers in the prophets, in these last days, he spoke to us in a Son, whom he appointed heir of all and through whom he made the worlds; who, being the radiance of his glory and the reproduction of his essence and bearing all things by the word of his power, having made purification for the sins, sat down on the right of the Majesty on high, having become so much superior to the angels, so much as he has inherited a name more remarkable than theirs."

REFLECT
As I write this entry, we are fully into the "Christmas Season". The religious world continues to try to make Jesus the focus by reminding people that "Jesus is the reason for the Season" and "Put Christ back in Christmas." The reality is, as far as most people in our society are concerned, Jesus has some stiff competition, especially in the "person" of Santa Claus. The truth is that even when people do acknowledge Jesus at this time of the year, it is about a baby born in a manger in some obscure Jewish town. And that's usually where they leave Jesus until next year.

I always have been a big Charles Schultz fan, so much so that I earned the nickname "Chuck" in high school. It might have also been that I was about as good a pitcher as Charlie Brown! The only bible I knew at that time, and I knew it by heart, was from Luke 2. I can still hear Linus' dramatic reading of, what is perhaps, the best known passage of scripture. And it is a great and majestic passage that gives me chills to read when I try to imagine myself as one of the shepherds that night. However, if that's all people know about Jesus, they don't know much.

Here in Hebrews 1:1-4, we learn at least seven things about Jesus.
1. God appointed him "heir of all".
2. It is through him that God "made the worlds".
3. He is the "radiance" of God's glory.
4. He is the "reproduction" of God's essence.
5. He bears "all things by the word of his power".
6. He has made "purification for the sins".
7. He "sat down on the right of the Majesty on high".

In experiencing humanity, it is absolutely mind blowing that God chose to become a human being from the point of conception on (the true miracle). Truly, as the Hebrew writer will later remind us, Jesus became like us in "every way"! However, let's not miss the point - he came into this world as God's superior messenger, communicating not only the will of God, but demonstrating throughout his life and his death and his resurrection, the very nature of God. However you celebrate Christmas - not at all, as a cultural holiday or as a time of gratitude for the birth of Jesus - don't leave Jesus as a baby in the manger, because you will have missed the point. When Jesus' disciples asked, "Show us the Father and that will be enough for us," Jesus replied, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father."

PRAY
Father, I thank you so much that you, God, decided to take on flesh and experience human existence in this sinful world from the moment of conception on. Truly Jesus was (and is) like us in every way and so I know that I have a high priest who can sympathize with my weaknesses because he was tempted in every way just as I am! While he doesn't know what it is like to sin, because he never did, he knows even more painfully that I do what it is like to be tempted. He refused to give in to that temptation so Satan had to truly pour it on! I am so grateful for you Jesus and your determination to live a life that was totally pleasing to our Father and that because of that you are able to be my Saviour! Thank you seems so inadequate, but it's all that I can say with my words. I pray that today my life demonstrates my gratitude, that through you Jesus, I have access to the throne of God's grace!

OBEY
Do you know God? Are you getting to know him better? Will you take some significant time over the next few weeks to truly fix your eyes on Jesus and get to know God in a deeper and more personal way than ever before?

The Superior Messenger - Part 1

2010-12-02T09:51:00.001-08:00

READ: Hebrews 1:1-4
"In many times and in many ways, long ago God having spoken to the fathers in the prophets, in these last days, he spoke to us in a Son, whom he appointed heir of all and through whom he made the worlds; who, being the radiance of his glory and the reproduction of his essence and bearing all things by the word of his power, having made purification for the sins, sat down on the right of the Majesty on high, having become so much superior to the angels, so much as he has inherited a name more remarkable than theirs."

REFLECT
We're going to slow things down as we work through the letter to the Hebrews and really strive to understand, what I believe may be, the most important message to the church today. At first reading, it may not seem very relevant to any Gentile Christian, because obviously this letter was written to Jewish Christians who had grown so tired in their struggle to be faithful Christians that they were contemplating a return to Judaism. Yet, here in lies the relevance - the author's response to their weariness was to show that Jesus Christ is far and away superior to anything and to anyone.

In our world today and especially in our religious world, it is so easy to grow weary as we strive to live out our commitment to Jesus. What Hebrews teaches us is that we grow weary when we lose sight of what being a Christian is all about - that is, we've lost sight of Jesus. He is at the very centre of the target. He is the very foundation of our faith. He is the reason, the motivation and the goal for all that we do. When we get back to fixing our eyes on Jesus and thus keeping him clearly before us, we find the strength and determination and desire to live out our commitment once again.

Right off the bat, the Hebrew writer tells us that to walk away from Jesus is to ignore the superior messenger. Jesus is God's final and complete revelation to humanity. He is superior to the prophets who spoke to our spiritual forefathers. He is superior to the angels through whom the law of Moses was communicated. Who else is there to listen to, if we don't listen to God's Son, who not only teaches us about God and his will through his word, but who is, in his very being, "the radiance of his glory and the reproduction of his essence" (i.e., his = God's)?

PRAY
Father, help me today to keep my focus on Jesus. Thank you for reminding me through the letter to the Hebrews that Jesus is the supreme and final messenger who not only communicated your will and lived it out in his life, but he was (and is) in his human existence the embodiment of your nature. I know that right now in my personal life I am feeling the spiritual battle more keenly and consistently than I have in a long time. I feel weary many days, but when I take some time to centre my thoughts on Jesus, I find the strength and the motivation to take up your full armour and press on!

OBEY
How focused are you right now on Jesus? Can you honestly say that you have fixed your eyes on him and that your goal today is to do everything you need to do with him as your goal? Are you growing weary in the spiritual battle? Do you know someone who is? What can you do today to open your heart and mind to truly hear Jesus' message?

"In These Days"

2010-11-30T10:07:00.000-08:00

READ: the letter to the Hebrews (see outline below)

REFLECT:
When you examine a painting you usually stand back and first take in the whole picture, before you examine the details up close. This approach is crucial to a proper understanding of any book of the Bible, but is especially so for the book of Hebrews. Therefore, over the next week, read through the entire book, making sure that you don’t get caught up in the details, but prayerfully seek to understand the big picture.

The big picture involves understanding things like: Do we know the author? To whom is this letter written? What circumstances prompted the author to write this letter? What is the letter’s overall theme? What main argument or points is the author trying to make? What are some key words or phrases that are repeated throughout the letter? Each day, try to answer these questions and then take the seventh day of your overview to consolidate your research.

If you have book, “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, read the chapter on the book of Hebrews before you read the letter. If you own a study bible, read the introductory notes for important background information that will help you make sense of the letter. Use the following outline for daily readings

Day 1 The Superior Messenger 1:1-2:18
Day 2 The Superior Leader 3:1-4:13
Day 3 The Superior Priest 4:14-7:28
Day 4 The Superior Covenant 8:1-9:28
Day 5 The Superior Sacrifice 10:1-31
Day 6 The Superior Life 10:32-13:25
Day 7 Do your best to sum up the overall message of Hebrews in a paragraph or two. What impact did reading the book of Hebrews in its entirety this week have on you? What questions were raised? What do you hope to learn from a more careful, chapter by chapter reading over the next couple of weeks?

PRAY & OBEY
Father, I pray that as people read the book of Hebrews this week you will open up their hearts and minds to the message it contains for all people, for all Christians, and especially for each individual person. The Bible is your word, it is the sword of the Spirit and it is designed to convict, encourage, instruct and inspire. I pray that your Spirit, knowing the needs of each person, truly addresses those needs through this very relevant message. Above all, I pray that we all come to a place in our faith where we see and appreciate the centrality of Jesus Christ to our faith and to our lives. I pray we come away from this study with a deeper desire than every to be faithful to him who is always faithful to us and through whom we have access to your throne of grace. Thank you in advance, Father, for all the ways you are going to answer this prayer and inspire Jesus' modern day disciples to greater obedience to your will. Amen.

"Perhaps..."

2010-11-29T09:22:00.000-08:00

READ: Philemon

REFLECT
There are so many lessons to learn from this little letter, that simply cannot be covered in one brief “quiet time”. However, one of the key lessons I’ve learned has to do with the little word Paul wrote in v. 15, “perhaps”. One of my Bible School instructors referred to this as the “providential perhaps”.

Onesimus was a slave who belonged to Philemon. He ran away, all the way to Rome, and somehow met up with Paul. Paul shared the gospel with him and Onesimus became a Christian. He stayed with Paul (who was under house arrest) and served him for a time, but Paul decided to send Onesimus back to his master. To you and me, the reason God allowed this separation between master and slave to happen was so that Onesimus would become a Christian. We would no doubt very confidently state that. But Paul wrote “perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good...as a dear brother.” Paul did not arrogantly and confidently ascribe this to God’s working, but rather was humble enough to say “perhaps”.

We are often so arrogantly confident in ascribing certain things that happen in our lives to God, as if we know the mind of God. Was it God’s will for Onesimus to become a Christian - absolutely! But could Paul say confidently that this is the reason God allowed him to run away - absolutely not! God is able to work in spite of our best or worst decisions, but how and why he work in specific situations is not so clear that we can say, “this is the reason” but rather we should say “perhaps the reason is this”.

PRAY
Father, in my heart and mind, please help me to leave room for you to do what you do. So often I think I KNOW what and why you worked, but, in fact, I don't KNOW, but rather I think or even speculate. You are God. I am not. I do trust that no matter, when I get to heaven, I find out what you did and why, I know this: it will be consistent with your faithful, just and completely loving nature. May I have the humility today and for the rest of my life to not ever presume that I know exactly what you are doing or why, but to have the faith to trust, even when I have no idea, that you are working to bring about my salvation and the salvation of as many as possible.

OBEY
What is your reaction to what I have written? How cautious are you at ascribing certain things to God’s working? Should you add a “perhaps” to your statements?

"At One Time We Too Were Foolish"

2010-11-29T09:14:00.000-08:00

READ: Titus 3:1-15

REFLECT
The very first time the reality of this passage hit me, the year was 1980. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing. I was sitting in my car just prior to starting my shift working in a “Randy Jones” car wash in Escondido, California. I hated that job, but it was all I could find at the time and I had to provide for my wife and our 18 month old son, especially because we had another one due to be born in two months.

I was all of 24 years old, but my manager and my supervisors on the job were between 18 and 21 years old and single and they just loved bossing an “old married man” like me around. They constantly swore, screamed, bragged, told dirty jokes, got drunk, lusted after every female customer and generally created a completely ungodly and difficult environment. And I hated every second I was there; that is, until the Spirit sliced and diced my heart with this passage. God helped me realize that my co-workers were just me without God in their lives. I cried, I prayed and I went to my shift with joy and had a much better time. Humility and perspective is what this passage brought, and still brings, for me. Only by the grace of God, am I any different than the most ungodly person around me. Without God and his grace, I would be no different. “Harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” “Except for the grace of God, there go I.” “At one time [I] too was foolish...”

PRAY
Father, this is a message that I must never forget, yet I do! I look around at others who are not doing what I think they should or even what I know they should (based on your word) and I not only get irritated, frustrated and annoyed, but I get angry and make judgment statements. I know that I am not the judge and I have no right to be. I need to have compassion on people who are living without you in their lives and realize that that person could be me and would be me if it were not for your grace, Father! I am a saved sinner who has been given the grace and the power to change and become, day by day, more the man you want me to be. There is no place whatsoever in my live for pride, arrogance and judgment. There is a great need in my life for me to be filled with compassion and to have the courage and faith to reach out and share my life and the gospel with my fellow human beings who are struggling severely in life without you. Thank you, Father, for your grace by which I stand forgiven even of my arrogance!

OBEY
Re-read Titus 3:3-7, but substitute “I” for “we” and “me” for “us”. How do you feel when you read this passage more personally? How do you see the “ungodly” people that God has put in your life? Do you need to confess pride and repent of your arrogance?

"Make the Teaching About God...Attractive"

2010-11-16T09:02:00.000-08:00

READ: Titus 2:1-15

REFLECT
This is the positive way of saying exactly what Paul said in Titus 1:16. Our teaching (i.e., our claim) needs to show “integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.” But this will not be true of our teaching if our lives (i.e., our actions) are inconsistent with, or in contradiction to, our teaching.

There must be a consistency between what we say and how we live. This is the challenge and the test of truly being a Christian. And it applies to all age groups, both genders and all socio-economic classes. Older men, older women, young men, young women and even slaves who are Christians are called by God to demonstrate their faith in God through how they live their day-to-day lives. When we live what we claim to be, our teaching is attractive. When we don’t, our teaching is mocked and rejected.

What is our motivation for all the effort it is going to take to live consistently with what we claim? It is “the grace of God” that has brought us our salvation. God’s grace is the only motivation that is deep enough and consistent enough to keep us going. If God’s grace doesn’t motivate us to say “No to ungodliness and worldly passions,” what will? Inspiring stories and examples certainly can boost our motivation when it is flagging, but fundamentally gratitude for God's grace in our personal lives is the only lasting motivation that I know.

PRAY
God in heaven, my Father, help me to stay focused on your grace in my life. Remind me of how I need your grace as desperately and as surely today as I did before I became a Christian. May I have as my deepest conviction the reality that I am nothing and can do nothing without your grace. I need your grace in terms of the ongoing forgiveness of my sins, but I also need your grace in terms of the spiritual gifts of strength, wisdom, ability, understanding, courage, etc. Everything I have and everything I do that can be considered good is a demonstration of your grace at work in my life. By myself I can do nothing. Today may my life fit my doctrine; may my attitude be consistent with my actions and my words consistent with my behaviour. And may I give all the glory to you.

OBEY
“In every way” does your life, right now, “make the teaching about God our Savior attractive”? If not, why not and in which aspects of life do you need to change and grow? Can you say that “the grace of God” is your number one motivation for saying “No” to sin? If not, what is?

"They Claim to Know God"

2010-11-13T07:13:00.000-08:00

READ: Titus 1:1-16

REFLECT
“Actions speak louder than words.” “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.” “What you’re doing shouts so loudly that I can’t hear what you’re saying.” “People don’t care what we know until we show that we care.” These statements are each a challenge to all who call themselves Christians and all are based on one simple truth - when our words and our actions are in contradiction, people believe our actions not our words. And according to the Bible, so they should!

Jesus’ strongest rebukes and condemnations were not for the tax collectors, prostitutes or the harassed and helpless crowds, but for those who claimed “to know God but by their actions they” denied him. I think immediately of Matthew 23 and the “Woe to you scribes, Pharisees, hypocrites” statements! For the first 10 years of my spiritual life, I read that chapter arrogantly and applied it to all the religious people I’d met who claimed to be Christians, but whose lives didn’t measure up to what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Then it hit me! All this talk about hypocrisy is meant to humble me and help me to look deeply into my own life in order to make sure that what I claim to be fits with how I am living. Hmmm!

PRAY
Father, it is easy for me to see the hypocrisy in others' lives. I seem to have no problem seeing the inconsistencies between others' words and their actions. I do, however, seem to have a problem seeing the same thing in my own life. I pray, Father, that you will open my eyes so that I might see myself as you see me and that I will have the humility to see any and all hypocrisy in my own life. May I never be among those who claim to know God but by my actions deny you.

OBEY
Do you claim to know God? Do your actions support your claim? Stated another way: Could someone tell that you’re a Christian by how you live without you saying a word?

"Preach the Word"

2010-11-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

READ: 2 Timothy 4:1-22

REFLECT
Herein lies the ongoing, all encompassing, over arching task of any evangelist, “preach the word”! To Christians and to non-Christians, whether they like it and listen or hate it and reject the message - “preach the word” and keep on preaching it. It’s not just about “preaching” but it is also about what you preach. Evangelists need to make the word practical and real to their audiences (whether consisting of one or one thousand), but it is not their job to entertain their audiences. When I hear an evangelist preach, I want to hear the word of God. I want to be confronted with the holy scriptures and challenged to look deeply into the truth and to measure my life by what God says.

It is my opinion that evangelists today feel so much pressure to capture the interest and hold the attention of even their Christian audience. Often, that portion of their message that has anything to do with exposing and explaining the word of God is minimal or lost in the telling of creative and humorous stories or in making some eye-popping visual presentation. Thus evangelists often spend more preparation time on the illustrations, examples and visuals than they do digging deep into the truth of God’s word. I believe, even in our fellowship, that we are in danger of doing exactly what Paul warned Timothy about - “Instead to suit their own desires they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” In our case today, “they will turn aside” to entertaining talks.

I’m not saying that evangelists shouldn’t strive to be relatable and to make their messages interesting and practical, but rather, when the manner of preaching is more important than the message, we all are in a scary place spiritually. Love for the truth and conviction about the truth within the hearts of both the evangelist and the audience are what will make the preaching of the word exciting and compelling.

PRAY
Father, I am so jaded by technology and so bombarded by information and presentations that it is easy to struggle with my attention to both the written and the preached word of God. I feel the pressure to capture and hold the interest of my audience. May I never doubt the power of your Holy Spirit to use the preached word to capture the hearts and minds of those who are truly seeking a relationship with you. May I not give into the worldly pressure I feel to entertain, and to compare myself to those who might be more gifted in telling stories or preparing visuals. May I devote my energy to studying your word, living it out in my own life and then confidently preaching it to the crowds, both Christian and non-Christian. It is your word that moves people, not my speaking ability.

OBEY
How do you evaluate your evangelist’s messages? Is he more focused on preaching the word or on being entertaining? Do you love to hear the word of God being preached? Do you love to hear the truth explained and applied to your life?

"Continue in What You have Learned"

2010-11-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

READ: 2 Timothy 3:1-17

REFLECT
The Bible, from which you’ve just read, is an act of God’s grace. God has given us his word, his truth, a light to our path, wisdom for daily life, inspiration, motivation, instruction and correction for all of life’s many challenges and opportunities. Because of the faith of his mother and grandmother, Timothy, even as a youth, was strong in the grace of God’s truth from infancy. Later in his life, again by God’s grace, he would meet Paul, who no doubt helped clarify and strengthen his convictions.

Most of us didn’t have that kind of instruction in the word of God from infancy. In fact, you were probably at least late into your second decade of life (or later) before you started taking God’s word seriously. But regardless of when our instruction began, our learning and growth can and must continue. We need to build on the foundation of what we have learned and become convinced of from the holy scriptures and allow the word of God to continue to teach, rebuke, correct and train us in righteousness, so that God, by his grace, may equip us for every good work.

PRAY
Father, I see that the challenge here is that we can never stop growing; that we can never think to ourselves, "I have arrived." I need to continue to allow your word to teach, rebuke, correct and train me in righteousness, because regardless of how much, by your grace, I have grown and changed, I still have so far to go. Right now, Father, I am being challenged in regard to trusting in your protection of my life. I need to trust you more with regards to what you are allowing me, right now, to experience. I must confess that I feel overwhelmed and I feel unprotected. I know what your word teaches that I am experiencing nothing that is beyond my ability, as I trust in your grace, to endure. Yet, I feel very close to crashing and falling apart. Please help my heart to hear your word right now so that I can righteously and joyfully endure and have the wisdom to respond in ways that will bring you glory. Amen.

OBEY
Do you thank God for making known his truth to you through the holy scriptures? Do you see the scriptures as “holy” and are you relying on them in such a way that you are being “thoroughly equipped for every good work?” Question: If you've continued to learn from God's word and thus are being equipped for every good work, how involved are you in good works?

"Strong in the Grace"

2010-11-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

READ:2 Timothy 2:1-26

RFLECT
The answer to fear is faith in the grace of God. No one, no matter how faithful and committed is perfect. Not one of us is competent in, and of, himself. Serving God and following Jesus leads us into waters that are certainly “over our heads”. Grace is not just about forgiveness, though as we strive to serve God, we will absolutely need lots of his forgiveness. Grace is about giving us what we can never deserve, earn or achieve by our own strength. Grace comes in many forms: power, strength, wisdom, opportunity, knowledge, faith, perseverance, etc.

Any person would be out of his mind with pride to think he could serve God and his people without consistent infusions of God’s grace in its many forms. The task before every evangelist, elder and disciple of Jesus is not just formidable, but impossible, apart from complete reliance on, and trust in, the grace of God. Without being strong in the grace no one would be “qualified to teach others also” or able to “endure hardship with us like a good soldier”. Neither Timothy, nor any other Christian, would be able to “present [himself] to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” unless he was totally dependent on the grace of God.

Faithfulness is not about pulling one’s self up by one’s own bootstraps, toughing it out, hanging on for dear life and then going to God for forgiveness once sin is obvious. Faithfulness is about being strong in the grace of God for everything we need, including forgiveness. Either we try to serve God on our own strength or we serve God by being strong in his grace.

PRAY
Father, I know that everything I have in my life that is good is a gift from you. I have neither earned nor deserved anything. I also know that everything that I have done in my life that is good is the result of you, by your grace, giving me what I need to do the job. I can claim no credit for myself. The changes in my character and in my life and the resultant blessings as well as any and all accomplishments are all gifts from you. May your grace be to me not without effect, but may I, like Paul and every other faithful Christian, work harder, give more, sacrifice more willingly and joyfully, not to earn salvation (because I can't), but as an expression of gratitude for your grace in my life.

OBEY
Are you strong in the grace (in all its various forms) that is in Christ Jesus? How do you know?

"Fan Into Flame"

2010-11-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Timothy 1:1-18

REFLECT
I believe that every Christian has been given at least one gift (a talent or ability) by God that he can use to serve God, his church and reach out to the world. From the “strongest” to the “weakest”, from the “oldest” to the “youngest”, I believe every Christian has some significant way that she can contribute to the maturing and growth of the church. And for that reason, even the weaker parts of the body are indispensable (1 Corinthians 12:12-26).

Too often, however, that gift lies unrecognized, unappreciated and therefore not utilized for the glory of God. What we need to do is “find” or “discover” our gift and then “fan” it into flame. What holds us back from doing that? The presence of fear for sure holds us back - fear of responsibility, fear of hard work and sacrifice, fear of failure. As one preacher recently said, “We cannot be a light when we live in fright!” The spirit of timidity that holds us back is not from God and so it must be from Satan. Instead God has given us “a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline” - all the things we need to overcome and conquer our fears.

When we fan our gift into flame, we may indeed put ourselves in vulnerable positions where we can be attacked and thus we might suffer shame or even physical hardship. Yet, we are called to do just that, if necessary, in order to find and fulfill the role and responsibility God has gifted each one of us to do. This gift was entrusted to us. We need to guard it by using it, because if we don’t use it, we’ll lose it.

PRAY
My prayer, Father, is that every disciple of Jesus who lives today would recognize the gift you have given to them in order that they might serve your church and lead souls to your Son. Open our eyes, dear God, and open our hearts. Help us to know and to believe that we are already equipped to serve you and we are already empowered to glorify you. All we have to do is to "fan into flame the gift" we already have. I pray that we do not give into fear, but rather that we submit to the leading of your Spirit and find through him the confidence we need that will inspire us to be the very best we can be for you! You are worthy of any and all sacrifice on our part.

OBEY
Do you know what your gifts are? Have you figured out how to use your gifts to glorify God in the church? Are you currently using your gifts and thus fanning them into flame?

"Command Those Who Are Rich"

2010-10-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Timothy 6:3-20

REFLECT
It is never comfortable to bring up the issue of money. But because the sin of greed is very real, very threatening and very destructive, Paul told Timothy to “command those who are rich” to use their wealth “to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share.” We who are “rich in this present world” need to be reminded and, even at times, commanded to let go of our wealth by using it to help others.

One of the “false doctrines” that is so popular in the religious world today is often referred to as the “health and wealth gospel” - the good news that God doesn’t want any of his people ever to be ill or poor and that if we are faithful to God we can expect to be blessed materially, financially and physically. That sounds a lot to me like those Paul referred to in the first century whom he said were “men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” The temptations of wealth are real and, when given into, lead to ruin, destruction, leaving the faith and many griefs.

If you, like me, live in North America, you are rich in this present world. We can certainly enjoy what God has blessed us with (6:17), but we also need to be so very careful that we are laying up treasure for ourselves for the coming age (i.e., treasures in heaven), through consistent and generous giving to help meet the needs of those who are materially, physically and spiritually impoverished.

PRAY
Father, I know that the temptation of materialism is very real in my life and in the lives of disciples all over the world, but especially in the "first world" countries. I ask that you would make each of us aware of our own tendencies to be consumed by materialism and to get caught up in laying up treasures in this world. Test our hearts, Father, and call on us to give generously in order to meet the physical and spiritual needs of others. May we each be so grateful for what we do have, but recognize that it all belongs to you and thus to seek in your will what you want us to do with our material stuff! We are brainwashed into thinking we need more and newer and better stuff, but the reality is that we have all that we need and so much more. May we each, Father, invest our stuff where it really counts, in helping to build up your church and provide the resources that will encourage and empower the preaching of the gospel to the world.

OBEY
Are you content with food and clothing? Do you long to be rich? Do you love money? Do you put your hope in wealth? Or, is your life rich in good deeds and are you generous and willing to share?

"The Worker Deserves His Wages"

2010-10-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Timothy 5:1-6:2

REFLECT
Counseling, instructing and advising men, women and widows of all ages, along with slaves and masters, lie within the responsibilities of the evangelists and elders of the church. They are to be involved in Christians' personal lives, to provide guidance and encouragement, and where necessary rebuke. They are called to do so without favoritism or haste, so that Christians’ lives will be known for an abundance of good deeds.

Is it any wonder that Paul reminds Timothy that “the worker deserves his wages”? The church needs people who minister to its members in a full time capacity because there is so much work (i.e., teaching and urging) that needs to be done. There are only so many hours in a person’s day and only so much energy that one can spend investing in others, while still taking care of self and one’s own family.

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor.” In other words, they are worthy of financial support. When we find someone who does a great job shepherding and overseeing the church, we need to give that person our full support (financially and in terms of trust and protection from false accusations, 5:19). It may not be possible to support every elder, but how great would it be for every church to have at least one or two mature men who are set free to preach and teach full time!

PRAY
Father, I am so thankful for the financial support I have received most of the last 33 years so that I could devote myself fully to the study and to the preaching and teaching of your word. I have been so blessed for most of my adult life that I have been able to work in the ministry and give my time and talents to work that has an eternal impact. I am so grateful for the brothers and sisters who have put their trust in you and then in me to do the work of an evangelist and/or an elder. It is a privilege to serve in this capacity and I pray that as long as I have the ability, I will be able to do this work for you and your church. May we also be able to find others whom you have prepared that we can train and then support to work as evangelists and elders so that as many as possible might be saved and those who are saved might be equipped for works of ministry.

OBEY
In our fellowship we certainly get behind the idea of supporting evangelists to work full time in the ministry, but have been less aware (or perhaps open) to the need for at least some elders to be supported full time to serve the church. What are your thoughts about this? How would you respond to the idea of financially supporting someone to serve as an elder in your congregation?

"Set An Example for the Believers"

2010-10-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Timothy 4:1-16

REFLECT
The church of Christ is constantly under attack, even when we don’t personally see it or feel it. Satan, our one true enemy, is constantly on the prowl, empowering and directing his demons to deceive and distract. We need constant reminders from “good ministers of Christ Jesus” in order to help keep our heads in the game and not lose sight of the reality of the spiritual conflict we are involved in. If we snooze in this battle, we will lose, because Satan is just waiting for his opportunity to attack.

The role of Christ’s ministers (evangelists and pastor-teachers) is to show people both by word and in deed, through instruction and example, how to truly live for God in this world. It is not either/or. Word without deed is hypocrisy. Deed without word is cowardice. A good minister of Christ Jesus reminds and teaches others what it means to be a real Christian. His life needs to be an open book that all can see. His words need to be carefully weighed and yet courageously shared. His job is not an easy one and Satan will make sure to attack at every opportunity as he strives to exploit any weakness and any vulnerable area of his life. And a good minister of Christ Jesus feels the weight of that responsibility, knowing that he must watch his life and doctrine closely and persevere in both, for his salvation and that of his hearers!

PRAY
Father, I pray for all my fellow evangelists as well as those who serve as elders-teachers in your churches around the world. I pray today that we will indeed set an example for the believers in life, in love, in speech and in purity. I pray that our words and our deeds will always match up and where we fall short we will openly admit our weaknesses and our need for growth. I pray that you give each of us wisdom beyond our years so that we can minister to the precious souls who have been saved by the blood of your son. I pray for each of us to have the strength of deep convictions that are based solidly on your word and that we will courageously share those convictions with any and all who will listen. May we all fan into flame the gifts that you have given us so that Jesus can lead his church through us to your glory and the salvation of as many as possible. Amen.

OBEY
Will you pray daily for the “good ministers of Christ Jesus” that God has put in your midst? Will you encourage them and give them loving input so that they can be the best ministers they can be for Christ Jesus? What can you do or say today?

"A Noble Task"

2010-10-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Timothy 3:1-16

REFLECT
God has clearly established by example and instruction how and by whom he wants his church to be led. Paul went back to churches he had established and appointed elders (Acts 14:23). When Paul left Ephesus, he called the elders together and gave the responsibility of leadership completely over to them (Acts 20:28ff). Paul left Titus in Crete so that he could “appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5). Elders (older men) are to acts as “overseers” and “shepherds” for the church in each city. It is obvious from Paul’s reminder here to Timothy (in a church where there already were elders), regarding this “noble task,” that a church simply can’t have too many elders.

For the church to move forward, in any city, requires the teamwork, not only of all its members (Ephesians 4;16), but of its leaders (Ephesians 4:11). And the role of elder (overseer or pastor) is indeed a “noble task”. Our churches need men (and their wives), who are willing to prepare for and then take on this task. Our evangelists need to see that they cannot lead the church by themselves, but that they need to invest in mature men who can shepherd the church. The members need to understand and respect the “noble task” that God has given the elders and make their work a joy.

PRAY
Father, I pray that the role of elder will once again be honoured in all your churches; that we will get away from the idea of one evangelist led churches and that evangelists who serve where there are no elders will see that one of their primary roles is to appoint elders. Then may there be a spirit of unity and humility that pervades the leadership team in every church, so that as each each evangelist and each pastor-teacher does his work, the saints will be equipped and the body of Christ will grow and build itself up in love. Father, may we honour your plan for leadership in your church and not rely on our own wisdom or borrow from the faulty and unbiblical leadership structures of the religious world. Ultimately we know that it is Jesus who leads his church, but he chosen to do this through the "some" that he has chosen to be evangelists, together with the "some" he has chosen to be "pastor-teachers". Amen.

OBEY
Do you have your heart set on being an overseer? Or do you want to be an elder’s wife? What are you doing right now to prepare yourself for that “noble task”? What can you do to support and encourage those who are willing and able to take on this responsibility?

Apologies for the Interruption!

2010-10-25T08:14:00.001-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been very challenging as my father-in-law became quite ill and then passed away on October 17th in Quincy, Illinois. Sara spent 10 days there with her dad and then with her family and I join her for the last five. We came home in time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Vancouver church planting (September 1990).

I'm pretty discombobulated right now (yes, that is a real word) and hope to get reorganized by the end of this week and back to posting regular Bible studies again. Thank you for your patience and your loyalty to this blog.

I thought I'd post what I shared at my father-in-law's memorial service to give you a better understanding Robert Heightman and my relationship with him over these last 33 years!

In Memory of Robert W. Heightman

My father died suddenly when I was 21years old, just two months shy of our older son's birth. As a result, Bob Heightman was the only grandfather either of our sons would know, the only father I would have for the last 33 years and the closest and most important role model I would have as a father and most recently as grandfather to my five grandchildren.

Among the many things I appreciate and respect that he modeled for me is how he taught us responsibility through autonomy and grace. I saw the evidence of his training in Sara's life from the time we met. She was a strong minded, confident young woman who took complete responsibility for her actions and expected others to do the same. As I learned about her upbringing and then year by year experienced my father-in-law's respect for, and confidence in me (despite the fact that he met me for the first time only one day before I married his Sara-b), I became more confident and yet careful.

I'll never forget our first vacation at the farm. We arrived in early October just in time to harvest the corn. I was amazed that he wanted this city boy, who had only minimal experience helping my uncle bucking bails, to bring the corn from the lower fields up THE hill and then to get it into the silo! With only minimal instruction he set me off on my own, appearing fully confident that I wouldn't dump it all over the road. Later he would send me to the fields to disc.

While he freely offered his advice, I always felt free to make my own decisions in spite of the fact he didn't always agree with my choices. That was especially true when it came to my choice of vehicles whether purchased or rented. You see, I almost always chose Japanese cars and he always made sure that I parked them behind the shed so that his neighbors would not think my foreign car was his!

When my father died, and later mom, his voice was filled with the empathy of someone who had himself experienced great loss! I felt so comforted. When we experienced our own parenting challenges, we experienced not only his acceptance but he openly communicated his confidence and respect for us as parents.

The reality is that I have been adopted three times in my life - first by John Felushko just after my birth; secondly by my heavenly Father when I was baptized into Christ; and thirdly by Bob Heightman when I married his daughter. I have been blessed to benefit not only as I continue to experience the fruit of his life in my now 33 of marriage to his Sara-b, but also as God granted me the privilege of a 33 year long father-son relationship with him.

The final scene from the play Les Miserables is what I envision happening as Bob passed from this world. Fantine, already in heaven, and Jean Valjean share these words...
Fantine: "Come with me, where chains will never bind you. All your grief, at last, at last behind you."
Jean Valjean: "Lord in heaven, look down on me in mercy. Forgive me all my trespasses and lead me to your glory."
Together: "Take my hand and lead me to salvation. Take my love, for love is everlasting. And remember, the truth that once was spoken. To love another person is to see the face of God."

Dad, your seagull-catching, foreign-car-driving, completely apolitical, Canadian, son-in-law will miss you dearly. Rest well. May our God by his grace grant you eternal peace and joy.

"Requests, Prayers, Intercession and Thanksgiving"

2010-10-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Timothy 2:1-15

REFLECT
There are a couple of issues (at least) in this chapter that are controversial and would require several pages of explanation to discuss properly, but in the midst of those one main point often gets lost - Paul urges the church to come together for prayer. The priority and the power of prayer to impact the world’s authorities so that we (Christians) may live peaceful and quiet lives cannot be overstated, but it is often under practiced. And what is the reason why we should pray to live peaceful and quiet lives? Because God wants all men to be saved!

One of the reasons the gospel spread so rapidly in the first century world was because of the existence of the so-called Pax Romana (Latin for “Roman Peace”). While the first century world was not entirely free from conflict, there was a relative peace and resulting prosperity that enabled Christians to travel fairly freely and gave a time for people to focus on more than just their daily physical survival. Our world today is rife with intense conflict, and though we may feel helpless to do anything about it, that’s just Satan’s lie. We need to pray consistently, faithfully and expectantly for “kings and all those in authority” because God wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

PRAY
Father, as one who is by nature a "doer" and who highly values passages such as James 2 (i.e., "I'll show you my faith by what I do"), I must confess that no enough of my "doing" has "to do" with prayer. And as an evangelist in the church, I have not called the church together for times of prayer as Paul told Timothy that he should do. I truly need and want to change that, not to de-emphasize the need for us to work and sacrifice, but in order to help us do so in cooperation with your plans. Father, I think many of us misunderstand the purpose of prayer. It is not to get what we want from you, but rather a way (along with Bible reading and reflection) to bring ourselves into line with what you want from us. As I pray more and more often and encourage the church to do the same, may we always keep the spiritual goal of prayer before us - that we might bring glory to you and souls to your Son.

OBEY
What do you see as the purpose or goal of prayer? Is it to get what you want from God or is to bring your heart and mind into unity with God's purpose? Will you commit to praying for all those in authority in this world today so that we can experience a peace that will allow Christians to freely travel and preach the gospel?

"He Considered Me Faithful"

2010-10-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Timothy 1:3-20

REFLECT
Leaders of God’s church, even apostles, are not perfect, but just like everyone else, they are saved only and completely by God’s grace. They are not better than anyone else nor have they necessarily sinned any less. In fact, as with Paul, God often chooses and raises up those whose lives before Christ were very sinful in order to demonstrate his “unlimited patience as an example”. There is only one perfect person through whom God has ever worked - and he died for our sins! Every other leader is a sinner saved by God’s mercy and kindness.

However, God deeply cares for the welfare of his church (obviously) and so he does appoint to the ministry those he considers “faithful” and then he calls them to live clearly faithful lives before the church and the world. I believe God is still the one who is choosing “some to be...evangelists and pastor-teachers” by means of answering our prayers for wisdom as we strive to apply his expectations to the lives of those who lead and serve his churches.

We live in an age and in a society (in the west particularly) where leadership is considered a joke and where leaders are scrutinized and criticized and undermined and completely disrespected. Such attitudes spill over into the church, but should not; not if you believe that Jesus is still the one ultimately leading and shepherding his church. Never forget that it was God himself who considered your leaders (evangelists and/or elders) faithful and it was God himself who appointed them to HIS service, and that they are accountable to him. Our responsibility is to pray for, encourage, support and imitate those God has put in our lives to lead us. They have made, and will make, mistakes; they have sinned, and will sin again, no doubt. What they need to know is that you are working together with them in your role and responsibility, so that as each part does its work, the body will grow and build itself up in love.

PRAY
Father, I am humbled by the responsibilities of leadership you have entrusted to me. I believe that you have appointed me to your service and to the service of your church. I am challenged by your expectations and by the needs that must be attended to within your family in my city, my country and the world. I am so grateful for all the evangelists and pastors-teachers around the world who, appointed to your service, are giving their lives to meet needs and to preach the gospel. Please strengthen all my brothers and co-workers today with your grace, wisdom and power. I pray that we all rely on you and not on our own understanding. I pray that as we walk with you, we will find the courage to live and to speak faithfully and thus provide an example for those who look up to us as your appointed servants.

OBEY
Do you consider your evangelist(s) and/or elder(s) as those whom God considers faithful, whom God has appointed to his service? If that’s a new thought, how does it impact your attitude toward their leadership? What will you do today (and beyond) to show your support and encouragement of those whom God has appointed to lead you and your local church?

Wow! What a Busy Week!

2010-10-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

Apologies once again for the delay in my postings. Please allow me to pick up where I left off even though these posting will be a week late. I'll just start with today, rather than try to catch up. I hope in the meantime you've had some of your own great bible study.

For September 30: "To Timothy & Titus"

2010-09-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 2 Timothy 1:1-2; Titus 1:4

REFLECT
Paul wrote to both Timothy and Titus to give them very specific instructions regarding their own lives, their work in the ministry and to deal with specific issues that were current in the churches which they were serving - Timothy in Ephesus and Titus on Crete. They were both doing the work of “evangelists” in these contexts and so you might feel that much of the instruction given here is not particularly applicable to you, unless, of course, you are serving as an evangelist.

Yet, even if you’re not an evangelist, I believe God wants all of his people to understand the role and responsibility that he has entrusted to his leaders (evangelists and pastors-teachers, or elders). While the specifics of your church situation may not be identical to that of 1st century Ephesus or Crete, there are in these three books certain timeless principles and priorities that all evangelists and elders (anywhere, any time, any culture) are expected to follow and live consistently with. You may not be an evangelist, but you need to know what God expects of your evangelist so that you can pray for him, support and encourage him, and help him be the best, most faithful and effective evangelist he can be. He has been put in your midst (along with the pastors-teachers) to equip you for works of ministry so that the body of Christ may be built up.

We live in a time when leaders of any kind are not held in esteem, nor honoured, but rather are critiqued, criticized and are often the target of jokes and slander. I believe that at no time has it been harder to be a leader in God's church than it is right now (at least true in my 33 years of ministry experience). God's expectations remain the same, but often there are the feelings of being alone, misunderstood and unsupported.

Yet, fulfilling the roles of evangelist and/or elder is vital to God’s plan both for your personal growth and that of your church. So, please don’t take the reading of these three letters lightly, but see what you can learn about how and by whom God wants his church to be led.

PRAY
Father, I as strive to obey you and serve your church in my leadership roles, I know I often feel discouraged, first because of my own weaknesses and failures. I need to hear Paul's encouragement to Timothy and Titus, but I need to hear it as your encouragement to me personally. I have this responsibility to obey you and to be the best I can be so that I can do the work of an evangelist. I pray for the faith, the courage and the love to do what you want me to do no matter how the world responds and even, no matter, how the church responds. But I pray for those over whom you have given me charge, the church which Jesus purchased with his own blood. I pray that I might lead by example first and then through teaching, encouraging, exhorting and admonishing the Christians to live their lives daily for Jesus. May we cooperate fully with your plans for the church right here where we live.

OBEY
Do you pray for and actively encourage and support your evangelists and/or elders in their leadership roles? In what ways could you be more actively supportive?

For September 29: "Obey Our Instruction"

2010-09-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18

REFLECT
Knowing, accepting and obeying the teachings of the apostles is absolutely essential in terms of being a faithful follower of Christ. Jesus promised his apostles that they would be guided into all truth and through the Spirit made to remember all that he had taught them. Nothing Paul, or the other apostles, taught can be dismissed as unimportant or irrelevant. Paul expected not only that we would obey his teachings, but that we would hold each other to that commitment. To disobey the teachings of Paul is to disobey God’s truth, the inspired word of the Holy Spirit. Ours is not to pick and choose which teachings we are comfortable with or we feel are compatible with 21st century western culture (or any other culture for that matter), but instead to listen and obey.

Reread 3:14-15. That’s a pretty strong statement and it is one of the instructions given in “this letter” which Paul expected the Thessalonians to obey. Yet, how often do we disobey this teaching and excuse ourselves when we know that there is someone among us who is not living according to the apostle’s teachings? Then we wonder why the church is getting weaker, is less inspiring to its own members and less impacting on the world. This is never an easy decision to make, to “not associate” with a disobedient Christian, but in order to be obedient to apostolic direction, we have no choice, at times, except “to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received.” The next time the leadership of your church calls upon you to “keep away from” or “not associate with” an erring brother, remember that they are obeying Paul’s instruction.

PRAY
Father, I want every disciple to know that your word is your word whether is was spoken by Jesus or written by Paul, John or Peter. I trust that you oversaw the process by which people pulled together the "book" we call the New Testament. It is obvious that your hand was completely involved in its preservation throughout the centuries. No other "book" from antiquity has the quantity and quality of manuscript evidence to verify its faithful transmission as does the New Testament. I am amazed that people still doubt its authenticity. Thank you for giving us your word and preserving it and for enabling us to know how and why we can trust it. May I read and obey it and call others to do the same.

OBEY
What is your reaction to Paul’s command to “keep away from” and “not associate with” a brother who does not live according to his (the apostle’s) teaching? Do you trust and support the leaders of your congregation when they have had to make such a decision? Give reasons for your eagerness or hesitancy to get behind such a decision.

For September 28: They Refused to Love the Truth"

2010-09-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

REFLECT
Did you ever wonder how some people seem so sincere about their faith and yet get even basic truths so wrong? How is that possible? The liar is real and he’s out there actively working to distort, distract and deceive and he has a whole bag of tricks (“counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders”) that are designed for that very purpose. The only way to protect oneself against Satan’s lies is to love and to know the truth. We can’t know every lie that is out there or that might come our way, but we can know the truth so well that we can spot a lie on contact. But to know the truth that well, you’ve got to love the truth that much.

Don’t try to convince God that you love the truth if you can’t find the time in your schedule to spend in his word? Don’t tell yourself how much you love God’s word when you can’t find the time in your schedule to attend a Bible discussion group or sit at the feet of a pastor/teacher in your congregation who is teaching the scriptures in a Sunday morning Bible class. Now I’m probably “preaching to the choir” here, but I want to encourage those of you who “love the truth” to help your fellow Christians protect themselves against Satan’s lies. How? Help them “love the truth” as you do and inoculate themselves against the devil’s virus of false teaching. Share your love of the truth with others and you will save many from destruction.

PRAY
Father, my heart breaks when I think about people who call themselves Christians yet don't "have the time" to spend reading, reflecting on and thus learning from your word. People who don't make the time to spend in your word obviously don't love the truth and they, thus, become susceptible to Satan's lies. But I know that there's more to loving the truth, Father, than reading, reflecting on and even sharing your word - it comes down to putting your word into practice in my life. Today I want to be very focused on obeying your word. I want to consciously think about how to putting Jesus' (and his apostles') teaching into practice as I go through my day and face various situations. I know I can't live on auto-pilot, but I must fully engaged my mind to think about how to do your will throughout my day. I want today (and every day) to be the wise man Jesus spoke about who built his house on the rock. Through your word today please, Father, inoculate me against Satan's lies. Amen.

OBEY
Do you love the truth? Are you spending time on a regular and consistent basis reading and reflecting on the word of God? If so, who do you know, right now, in whom you can help to develop a deeper love for God’s truth? What step(s) can you take today to encourage them?

For September 27: "Every Act Prompted by Your Faith"

2010-09-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

REFLECT
Paul had urged the Thessalonians in his first letter to continue to live in a way that pleases God and to “do this more and more”. When he wrote his second letter to them, a few months later, he was able to say, “your faith is growing more and more and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.” And they grew in their faith and their love while they were persevering through “persecutions and trials”!

Real growth takes place in difficult rather than easy times. When you consider the real growth times in your life, was it when you were having a blast on a vacation or was it when you were undergoing challenges and facing difficult things in your life? I’m not a betting man, but I’d be willing to bet on this one - that there is a direct and proportionate correlation between trials in your life and your spiritual growth. Faith, love and hope are like muscles that must be exercised to grow and they are exercised only when put to the test. No trial is pleasant, at the time. Persecution really does hurt. Challenges are, well, really challenging. But without them, there is no growth.

PRAY
Father, I want to thank you for the recent challenges in my life, the difficult, painful and uncertain times that I have experienced these last few months. I didn't (and don't) enjoy them. They aren't fun and I certainly have found it hard to be joyful in the midst of them. However, I do continue to come back to your word and I trust the truth in it and the promises you have made regarding our trials. I believe that you are absolutely at work, trying to mould me and make me into the man of faith you know that I can be. I pray that I will not resist your efforts, but that I will cooperate with your plan. I trust that you always have my best (and therefore, eternal) interests at heart. I trust that it must cause you pain to see me in pain and that you shed tears over my tears. I don't know what trials lie ahead, but I pray that I will allow them only to bring me closer to you and to trust you more. May I bring glory to you in my life and, when the time comes, in my death.

OBEY
Do you trust God through your trials? Do you trust him to work on your behalf, to strengthen and empower you and to fulfill every act prompted by your faith?

For September 26: "About Times and Dates"

2010-09-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28

REFLECT
Once again, when I read a passage like this, I am amazed at how many times so many in the religious world ignore the direct and clear statements of scripture. So many people today want to talk about “when” the Lord is coming back and some even claim that they know and the signs that will accompany his return. Yet all of this is nothing but sensationalism and speculation (at best), if not outright dishonesty and deception. Both Jesus and Paul made it very clear that no man knows the day or the hour and that there is no need to discuss or speculate.

That Jesus is coming back again is a certainty - the uncertainty is when. However, no matter when, we can and must be prepared. Being prepared daily, that is the real issue. We must “be alert and self-controlled...putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” What does that mean and what does that look like? How can you and I be prepared even if Jesus were to come back today? Context! Keep reading! In verses 12 and following are at least some of the essential aspects of our spiritual lives in this world to which we must attend. Do these things, live this way and pray and God will keep “your whole spirit, soul and body...blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” And “the one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

PRAY
Father, I don't live with the awareness of Jesus imminent return. I just don't. I'm convicted and encouraged every time I read a passage like this that I am missing out on one of the greatest motivational and, therefore, comforting concepts in scripture: Jesus is coming back again to end life as we know it and to inaugurate life in eternity. As surely as Jesus came the first time, he is coming a second and last time. Father, I want and I need to live as a child of light because I don't want to be caught unaware and unprepared. Help me to live faithfully for you each and every day, one day at a time, starting again today! I long to see my Saviour and I long to be in your presence. I don't have any real concept of what that will be like except that there are no words in my vocabulary to describe it, because there is nothing on this earth to compare. Help me to stand firm for Jesus and with Jesus today! Amen.

OBEY
Are you ready for Jesus to come back? Take Paul’s commands in 5:12-21 and ask yourself some questions, such as: Do you respect those who work hard among you and hold them in highest regard? Are you living in peace with your fellow Christians? Are you actively warning the idle, encouraging the timid, helping the weak and being patient with everyone? I think you get the idea.

For September 25: "Do This More and More"

2010-09-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18

REFLECT
The Christian journey is all about growth, moving onward and upward in our efforts to imitate Jesus and obey God’s will. We can never say that we’ve arrived or that this is as far as I can go or that this is as much as I can grow. Even when we are living in such a way that our lives are pleasing to God (as the Thessalonian Christians were doing), the apostle calls us “to do this more and more.” In the areas of purity, he expects us to “learn to control” our own bodies and to live holy lives. He calls us to always be growing in our love and to ensure that our daily lives are winning the respect of outsiders.

I've been a Christian now for 33 & 1/2 years and even on my very best days, I can still "do so more and more". As Paul wrote to the Philippians, "I have not achieved this yet, nor have I been made perfect, but I press on". THAT is the challenge of being a Christian - the challenge to keep on keeping on and moving ever closer toward the goal of being like Jesus. Some days it feels discouraging, but most days it is uplifting and inspiring to know that no matter how much I've grown, there is always room for more growth.

What is the main motivation for making consistent efforts to grow in Christ so that our lives can be pleasing to God? The second coming of Christ! He is coming back again and life as we now know it will end. It could happen at any moment, even today! Here is something that 21st century disciples don't think as much about as they should or could - Jesus is coming back, not necessary immediately, but certainly imminently (i.e., at any time). And when he comes back we will either be ready or we won't!

PRAY
Jesus, if you were to come back today would I be ready? Am I ready right now to see you face to face and to be brought by you into the very presence of our God? Would you say, "Well done good and faithful servant. Come in and share your Master's happiness"? Because I'm saved on the basis of my faith in what you accomplished by dying on the cross and being raised again to life, I am confident that I am ready. As much as I am enjoying my life in this world - at least, on most days - the longer I live the more I'm looking forward to true life, eternal life in the presence of God. You'll come when you come and I just want to make sure that I'm ready each and every day of my life. Today, Father, may I live a life that is pleasing to you and may I strive to do so more and more, to your glory! Amen.

OBEY
Are you ready to meet Jesus in the air today? Honestly? What is the reason for your confidence or lack thereof? This really is the MOST IMPORTANT question you could ever answer!

For September 24: "Out of Intense Longing"

2010-09-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13

REFLECT
We’ve probably all heard and used the phrase “out of sight, out of mind”. In some circumstances that’s probably a good way to live, but not when it comes to loving people. Sometimes it scares me how easily I can move on in my relationships. Due to my work and the choices I have made, I’ve moved many times in my years as a Christian - from the time of baptism until today (33 years), I’ve lived in Vancouver, B.C.; near Lindsay, Ontario; West Monroe and Jonesville, Louisiana; Escondido, California; Monroe, Washington; Pittsfield, Illinois; Kirksville, Missouri; Kingston and Toronto, Ontario; Vancouver, B.C.; Toronto, Ontario, and; Vancouver, B.C.

How invested was I really in lives of the people I had fellowship with and led in the ministry? Sometimes, to my shame, it has been far too easy for me to just move on - to let go of past relationships and embrace new relationships so quickly and, at times, painlessly! That seems so unlike Paul! I realize there are certain practical realities - we all have limited time, energy and emotional capacity; but so did Paul. Yet, over and over again, he somehow kept people on his heart, even when he was absent from them for long periods of time.

Paul went on with his work in other places, building relationships with other Christians, yet he somehow was able to continue to focus on those he had already spent time with and refused to simply “move on” to the next place or assignment. No wonder he could say honestly, “we loved you so much”!

PRAY
Father, I am certainly challenged by Paul's love for the Christians he was with, but even more by his love for the Christians he had been with. He had them on his heart. When he heard they were struggling or experiencing spiritual hardships, they were on his mind and in his prayers. Bottom line, Father, I need to learn, and then to strive, to love more deeply and more intensely. Out of fear of failure and the fear of being rejected or hurt, I hold back and am often too quick to say that's someone else's problem. I find myself at times so overwhelmed by current relationships that I don't even think about, let alone pray for, those brothers and sisters that I used to work so closely with. On the other hand, Father, I want to thank you for continuing to teach me to love others and to grow in my love. I'm not where I want and need to be, but I'm so far from the completely self-focused and self-absorbed person I used to be. Love never fails and certainly your love has not failed to impact my life. Thank you.

OBEY
How easy is it for you to move on to new relationships and leave the old ones? Does this concern you at all? How invested do you think you are in your current relationships? How hard would it be for you to move on?

For September 23: "For You Know..."

2010-09-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

REFLECT
When I want to get “straightened out” and inspired and refocused on what it takes to lead an effective ministry, this is one of the main passages I come back to again and again. (See also Acts 20:17-38.) There are so many important keys in these few passages, especially in terms of motivation (2:1-6a), heart (2:6b-9) and example (2:10-12), that when I train young ministers for their roles I actually spend several sessions on this one text.

It is obvious from these first two chapters the crucial role that a minister’s example plays. People hate hypocrisy. Hypocrisy (perceived or real) is one of the main reasons people give for rejecting Christianity outright or for rejecting a particular ministry. God hates hypocrisy and one of the greatest challenges in any spiritual leader’s life is that of setting an example for all the believers “in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Paul and his companions, while not perfect, obviously did that and he was not afraid or embarrassed to call others to remember how he lived among them (1:5-6; 2:12, 5, 9, 10-12). Wow! Does that challenge me or what?

But even if you’re not an evangelist, elder or teacher, your example as a Christian in your home, workplace, school and neighborhood, is critical to your effectiveness in witnessing for Christ. Never minimize the power of your example that will either inspire non-Christians to consider your message or to give them cause to reject it.

PRAY
Father, please help me see at anytime where or how I am being hypocritical. I know I'm not perfect and will never set a perfect example. My life will always be lagging behind what I profess to be true and the standard, found in your word and in your Son, for which I strive. But while I know I will never be perfect, if there is any part of my life where I am minimizing or ignoring sin or justifying a lack of either energy or humility, please help me to see. Please don't allow me to be blind to anything I am doing that might legitimately create a stumbling block for Christians or non-Christians. I do not want the gospel to be spoken of maliciously because I am not striving to "practice what I preach". At the same time, may I accept your grace with humility and gratitude for those many times when in spite of my best efforts I fall short. You, Father, know my heart. Test it and see if there is any hidden sin or any ongoing sin which I am refusing to acknowledge.

OBEY
Knowing that setting an example is not about perfection, could you, right now, without shame, call others to consider your example as a disciple of Jesus? If not, what areas or aspects of your life need immediate attention and repentance? What will you do today to get started on that repentance?

For September 22: "You Became a Model"

2010-09-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

REFLECT
How long do you think it would take, with only a small mission team, to start and then establish a brand new church that would become “a model to all the believers.” Don’t leave out the fact that while preaching the gospel and helping the new Christians mature, that you were faced with such “strong opposition” that your mission team had no other choice but to leave the city and these new Christians in less than 3 months from the day you first arrived. What chances would give this church of even surviving, let alone becoming a model for all the believers?

The first century church in Thessalonica is proof positive that evangelism, church planting, church growth (spiritually and numerically) is the result of the work of God in people’s hearts and is not a result of our clever plans. We can have plans and we should. But God is the one who causes the body grow (Colossians 2:19). And because it is God who gives the increase, the manner and degree of growth that happens often defies human understanding and explanation.

On the other hand, we do have our part to play in the process and from Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians we can see how he lived and lead his ministry that allowed God to work unfettered among these pagans in such a powerful way, even in spite of strong opposition. As someone once said, “We need to work like it all depends on us, all the while knowing and trusting that it all really depends on God.”

PRAY
Father, I pray for myself and every other Christian today that we will indeed work as if it all depends on us, while at the same time believing absolutely that it all really depends on you. Help us to do our part, knowing that you are always at work around us, in us, through us and even sometimes in spite of us. Help us to be motivated by grace and empowered by faith, trusting in our salvation which is not by works so that none of us can boast. And then with whatever "success" you give us, may we give you all the credit and all the glory. May we considered ourselves privileged to be your co-workers instead of considering ourselves to be burdened as slaves.

OBEY
Are you ready today to "work like it all depends on you"? Do you really believe, however, that it "really all depends on God"? Do you feel like a privilege co-worker or like a burdened slave? Where does grace fit into your motivation to evangelize?

For September 21: "Make the Most of Every Opportunity"

2010-09-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

READ: Colossians 4:2-18

REFLECT
Evangelism is the responsibility of every Christian, young or old, strong or weak. The world needs to hear and to know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that there is no other name under heaven, given to men, by which we must be saved! Evangelism is a matter of eternal significance for every person on the face of the earth. Paul, here, gives two very practical and essential duties that every Christian can fulfill in his/her daily life that would increase, not only the evangelistic focus but, the evangelistic effectiveness of any church.

First, we all need to be praying for those who have been called by God to be evangelists. We need to pray that God will open a door for their message and that they may proclaim the message clearly (and fearlessly - see Ephesians 6:19-20). Your evangelist, especially if there are no elders serving to shepherd your church, has so much on his plate and he needs your prayers so that he doesn’t forget what the main task of an evangelist is - to preach the gospel, clearly and fearlessly. Pray for your evangelist daily!

Second, every Christian needs to go out into the world having prayed for wisdom from God (James 1:5-6) so that he/she can “make the most of every opportunity” and may “know how to answer everyone.” This is a request, if brought before God with sincere faith, that God will not fail to answer, because there is no one who is more concerned or personally invested in mankind’s salvation that our Father. He wants all men to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved and he wants to use each and every Christian’s words and deeds to give every person an opportunity to hear the gospel.

PRAY
What a privilege you have bestowed on us, Father, to preach the good news of your salvation to the world. Every human being has a disease that is eternally fatal in every case. Sin separates every person from you. But you have come up with - at great cost - the cure. Your own son becoming flesh, living among us, dying on the cross and being raised to life is what takes care of our sin problem. Through faith in the gospel we are set free from the penalty and even the power of sin. I pray that today I will have the faith, the courage and the love to share this cure with others. Open doors of opportunity for me and may I then make the most of every opportunity.

OBEY
Will you commit to praying for your evangelist daily so that he can proclaim the gospel clearly and boldly as God gives him opportunity? Will you commit to praying for wisdom every morning before beginning your day so that you can make the most of every opportunity with outsiders?

For September 20: "Set Your Hearts on Things Above"

2010-09-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

READ: Colossians 3:1-4:1

REFLECT
I live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world - no question! On a clear day I can look north and see the mountains that go on for hundreds of miles, or east to the narrowing valley, or west to ocean waters. I can walk 10 minutes from my home and often see eagles, great blue herons, thousands of migrating snow geese and even the occasional harbor seal. Yet sometimes I get so caught up in the daily grind of life I can literally go days and not even take a moment to reflect on the beauty and majesty of God’s creation that is literally right at my doorstep!

I think we can all do the same spiritually. We fail to look up often enough from the challenging tasks of our daily lives and we so quickly lose perspective. We lose sight of Christ seated at the right hand of God who is interceding for us constantly and is preparing to welcome us home on the last great day! When we lose perspective and forget what being a Christian is ultimately all about and where following Jesus faithfully will ultimately lead us, it is so easy to grow lax in the fight against sin and to grow weary in doing good. That’s why we need time with God and in his word at least once every day - to help us keep our perspective and see the challenges (and the pleasures) of this life for what they really are - temporary and insignificant compared to eternity!

PRAY
Father, for me right now, the fight for faith is all about perspective. How quickly I lose perspective and getting caught up in the momentary challenges of life I give in to complaining and discouragement. It is not hard for me, God, to quickly list on the problems in my life and I seem to be able to do so quite automatically with just the smallest of provocation. Yet, how often do I list and truly take stock of all the blessing in my life. Father, forgive me for my ingratitude and help me today to repent. I have every reason to be joyful, faith filled, giving and encouraging today. I have every reason to go about my day today with a smile on my face because of the joy in my heart. I have everything I need to live for you today and since that is what my life is truly all about, I have every reason to share my joy with others. Thank you!

OBEY
Do you see your daily life with its challenges, responsibilities and opportunities from an eternal perspective? Do you consciously try to focus your heart “on things above”? If this is a weakness for you, what can you do, starting today, to obey Paul’s directive to “set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated...”?

For September 19: "Continue to Live in Him"

2010-09-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

READ: Colossians 2:6-23

REFLECT
Satan has a few weapons in his arsenal that have proven effective in virtually every generation. He loves to deceive, to discourage, to distract and to divide Christians, taking them away from their focus on being disciples of Jesus. He loves to introduce competing philosophies and doctrines that are dressed up to look so spiritual and wise and that entice Christians for various reasons.

We never know what philosophies and human teachings Satan is going to throw our way, but one thing is true of them all - they undermine or contradict, in some way, the core convictions that are foundational to real Christianity. These core convictions are what we “were taught” from the beginning. Paul, Peter and John, in their writings, often call Christians back to what they were taught when they first learned about Christ - something we often have called “the first principles”.

How strong are you in your “core convictions” about God, Jesus, the Bible, faith, repentance, baptism, discipleship and the church? How easily is your understanding or acceptance of these core teachings disrupted by some “new” (to you) teaching in the religious world introduced via friends, family or the media? Your continued faithfulness to Christ is only as certain as is the depth of your understanding of, and your commitment to, the core convictions (i.e., the first principles) of Christ’s and his apostles’ teaching.

PRAY
Father, help me to build my life on the foundation of Jesus' teachings. Let me not be moved by all the teachings of men in their deceitful scheming. Let me not be swayed by what is popular or what is shouted the loudest. May I build my "house" on the rock of Jesus and what he and his apostles taught. I need your wisdom when I read your word to decipher what is indeed your word and what are my biases and prejudices. Help me find that "balance" between having an open heart that is always eager to learn (even when that means being corrected in my understanding) and holding on tenaciously to what I understand to be the core principles and teachings of Christ. But most importantly, today, help me live what I believe so that you will be glorified.

OBEY
What are your core convictions? What truths about God, Jesus, the Bible, faith, repentance, baptism, discipleship and the church do you believe are absolutely essential and foundational to real New Testament Christianity and thus to your ongoing faithfulness to Christ? How solid is your foundation, right now?

For September 18: "Struggling With All His Energy"

2010-09-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

READ: Colossians 1:24-2:5

REFLECT
Helping others come to know Jesus and helping those who have become Christians to go on to maturity is hard work! We’d like it not to be, but that is the reality. God will give us the strength and the wisdom we need, if we will but commit to the task and get out and do the work.

We are not responsible for the results, but we are responsible for doing the work of spreading the gospel and for striving to help fellow Christians grow in Christ. But while not directly responsible for what others decide to do, we often are not blessed with the fruit of the gospel in our cities and churches simply because we are not willing to struggle and to strive to sow the seed of the gospel. Paul’s success in the gospel was certainly related to his willingness to suffer, struggle and strive in sharing it.

In our culture, we are trained from birth that we should be able to achieve success with a minimum of effort. At least, that's the dream that marketers try to sell us - and they do a pretty good job at least of bombarding us with this expectation. Generally we are not a people who are willing to suffer to reach our goals. So the call to struggle and to strive and to sacrifice in order to help others become Christians overwhelms us. We need a complete renewal of our minds in order to embrace and live out our calling. To have an impact on this world for Jesus is going to require a willingness on our part to pay whatever price is necessary.

PRAY
I know, Father, that there is no such thing as a "scary prayer," and yet when I pray what I am about to pray I feel some trepidation and hesitation. Yet, I know that my life is in your hands and I want my life to be in your hands. I know you love me more than I can understand and that you want only what is best for me, both in the here and now and certainly in the life to come. So here goes: Father, please do and/or allow whatever it takes for me to bear fruit to your glory, whatever that means. I will draw no lines in the sand as to what level of sacrifice I will accept. Whatever means whatever. I surrender my life into your hands and ask you to use me, however you choose, to make Jesus known and to lead people to faith in your Son. Amen and Amen!

OBEY
Are you struggling with all His energy proclaiming him, admonishing and teaching everyone to the end that you may present others “perfect” (i.e., mature, complete) in Christ? Are you willing to work hard to see that the seed of God’s word is planted and grows in human hearts? Are there any limits to your willingness to sacrifice for God?

For September 17: "We Have Heard of Your Faith"

2010-09-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

READ: Colossians 1:1-23

REFLECT
Unlike the churches in Galatia, Ephesus or Philippi, with whom Paul was personally and intimately acquainted, he knew of the church in Colasse only by word of mouth - the mouth of Epaphras specifically (1:7). Yet, Paul was just an encouraging, just as tender and just as urging with them as he was with those he knew personally. He had heard of their faith and love and that the gospel had been bearing fruit and growing among them since the day Epaphras had shared it with them.

The letter to the Colossians has much in common in terms of content with Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. He shares truths about salvation, about Jesus, about the church and the life every Christian is called to that are universally applicable and not bound by time or culture, and thus just as needed for us to hear today as it was for them in the first century.

We were all alienated from God, and became his enemies because of our evil behavior, but now have been reconciled to God and each other through the death, resurrection and ongoing intercession of the living Christ, if we continue to live by faith. Our goal as disciples of his is live a life worthy of the Lord and to please him in every way as we bear fruit in every good work, grow in our knowledge of God, are strengthened by his power and give thanks for all his blessings. Surely this is our daily, and life-long, challenge.

PRAY
Father, as Jesus taught, I need to live one day at a time, not worrying about tomorrow, for it will have its own challenges. Today has enough challenges of its own! But, today, I can strive to live a life worthy of Jesus and try to please him in every way. As I go to the hospital today to see more doctors and perhaps have more tests, as I try to support my wife as she goes to her specialist later and as I try to support and encourage other Christians in their challenges, may I see this life as a privilege and every challenge as an opportunity to bring glory to Jesus. In a world that doesn't truly know you, because it doesn't really know your Son, may I give myself joyfully over to the purpose of making him known by my life and my words.

OBEY
Have others, who may not know you personally, heard of your faith and love? Is the gospel continuing to bear fruit and grow through your faithfulness? Are you continuing to live a life worthy of the Lord? What will you do today to bring glory to Jesus?

For September 16: "The Peace of God & the God of Peace"

2010-09-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

READ: Philippians 4:1-23

REFLECT
Are you at peace right now? Do you have A peace in your heart, in spite of your circumstances, that defies human explanation? Paul not only displayed that, he commanded the Philippians to have that and he showed (and told) them how. We all want the peace that transcends all understanding (4:7), but we don’t do the things that lead to having the peace of God in our hearts and the God of peace with us.

Pray about everything with thanksgiving (i.e., faithfully, expectantly, confident that God has heard and will answer your prayers according to his loving will). Think about that which is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (see Psalm 119 description of God’s word). Whatever you have learned, received or heard or seen in the godly lives of our biblical or modern day spiritual heroes, put it into practice. We can’t sit there worrying and not praying and expect to have peace in our hearts. We can’t sit around thinking about all that is false, ignoble, wrong, impure, ugly, etc., and expect that the God of peace will be with us. We can’t make excuses about why were are not doing the good we know we ought to do and yet still feel great about our relationship with God.

Paul had peace despite his circumstances because he prayed about everything, thought about all that was right and good and strove to do what he knew was the good he ought to do.

PRAY
Today, Father, I feel the lack of your peace in my life. I feel stressed by what's going on in my life and what is going on in the lives of those I deeply care about and feel responsibility for. I feel that I can't take another phone message that tells me about someone else's problems! I am really challenged, right now, to believe that I can have a peace that passes understanding and yet that is exactly what I need. I pray that today I will do exactly what Paul tells me to do and that I'll do it believing that I will then have both the peace of God and the God of peace in my life. Thank you for giving us the prescription for peace.

OBEY
Do you have the peace of God and the God of peace in your life right now? If not, do you now know why and do you now know what you should do?

For September 15: "Put No Confidence in the Flesh"

2010-09-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

READ: Philippians 3:1-21

REFLECT
One of the reasons I lack joy and am unable to rejoice in this world is that I lack confidence. I am at times extremely insecure. I hesitate doing the things I know I should. I have this inner jackal telling me that I’m nothing and that I can do nothing. I feel beat down before I even start and defeated before I’ve even tried to succeed at something. I tell myself not to expect much in order to prepare myself for my failure. Yuk! As I write these words I can see why so many of my efforts actually do fail - it is like self-fulfilled prophecy.

However, the answer to low self esteem is not to trust in yourself more. Confidence in the flesh - in who you are and what you’ve done and what you know, etc. - is a false confidence, a bravado, an arrogance that will fail you in the end. Rather our confidence must be in Christ, in who he is and what he has done and is doing and in all that we can learn from him. He is our confidence and he is our competence. As long as we stay focused on him, to know him, gain him, be like him, and even share in his sufferings then we will be striving and straining toward the only goal that really matters: heaven!

When we trust in ourselves and focus on our own accomplishments in this world, no matter how great that makes us feel, we are deceived. Our god is our stomach and our glory is our shame and our destiny is destruction because our minds are on earthly things. But when we strive daily to look heavenward and struggle daily to obey and imitate Christ, we will eagerly await our Savior who will one day transform our bodies to become like his glorious body. Knowing that our citizenship is truly in heaven is what will give us the confidence to live powerful and effective lives in this world.

PRAY
Father, as the song says, "This world is not my home, I'm just passing through. My treasure are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from heaven's open doors. And I can't feel at home in this world anymore." Amen, Father, so be it in my life today!

OBEY
How confident are you today? If you are confident is it because you trust in yourself or because you know that you are destined for heaven? If you are not confident, how focused are you really on Christ as your model and as your Savior?

For September 14: "Your Attitude Should Be the Same"

2010-09-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

READ: Philippians 2:1-30

REFLECT
What do you want to be known as or known for? What is the greatest goal for which you strive? What words would you want people who really know you to use in your eulogy or to write on your grave stone? Would it be something like: “Here lies (your name). He was a true servant of God and His people.”? Is servanthood your highest ideal? Do you long to be the greatest servant you can be?

As disciples of Jesus our daily calling is to be as much like Jesus as possible. We strive to obey his teachings and imitate his life so that we can become more and more like him in attitude and action. One word sums up Jesus in terms of his very nature - the essence of his being - “servant”. He “made himself nothing” and took on “the very nature of a servant”. He wasn’t someone who went around doing serving things, he was (and is) in his very nature (the way he saw and thought about himself), a servant! As his disciples our “attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus”.

If you feel like making the excuse, “That was Jesus, the perfect Son of God, but that’s beyond you and me,” then you need to consider the three human examples Paul then gives (2:17-30): himself, Timothy and Epaphroditus. These were saved, but sinful human beings like you and I with all the challenges and potential worries of life that you and I have, but they stayed focused on being like Jesus from the inside out and thus they lived and spent their lives as servants.

PRAY
Father, this is complete and total reversal of everything we are taught in our society. We are taught, Father, to look out always for ourselves and to never let anyone use us. The greatest among us, we are told, are those who are served by others. Yet Jesus tells us in both word and deed, that the greatest in the kingdom of God are those who are truly servants. I need to constantly die to myself so that I can live for you, God, and serve my fellow Christians and my fellow human beings. I need to consider the needs of others more important than my own and give to meet the need to the best of my ability. I need to look for ways to serve, not only serve when I am asked. Father, I want to be like Jesus. I want to have his heart for you and for people. I want to be able to put my needs to the side in order to serve others. Help me today to grow in my selflessness, trusting that as I do so that you will meet my needs.

OBEY
What do you truly want your life to be like - that of a king or that of a servant? Who are you really striving to imitate, Donald Trump or Jesus Christ? Do you really grasp what it means to be a disciple of Jesus? Do you really want to?

For September 13: "The Important Thing Is..."

2010-09-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

READ: Philippians 1:12-30

REFLECT
How was Paul able to rejoice in his circumstances? He was in chains for Christ. And some “brothers” were trying to stir up trouble for him while he was in chains. He wasn’t certain if he was going to live or die. And, to add insult to injury, those he had on his heart were being opposed in their efforts to live for Christ in Philippi. Yet his confidence and his joy seemed to know no limits. Again, I ask, how is that possible?

The key is found in 1:21, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Therefore, the most important thing for him was not his comfort or convenience, nor was it that the Philippian Christians should have comfort or convenience, but rather that no matter what the circumstance Christ is being preached! If that was happening, he was truly fulfilled and excited - whether he lived or died, whether free or in prison, whether unopposed or persecuted, whether having plenty or in need. His life was being used by God to inform others about Jesus and to inspire his brothers to preach the gospel more courageously. His purpose and focus in life was being fulfilled and so he could do nothing other than rejoice!

PRAY
Father, I am so challenged by Paul's incredible focus on Jesus. His goal in life was to bring glory to Jesus, no matter what and no matter how. His joy came as a result of knowing that his life was being used by you to help others hear about Jesus. To that end he joyfully accepted difficult and uncertain circumstances. Today as I wake up in some pain and some uncertainty as to my health, help me to rejoice and to pray that you will use me in my circumstances to help others hear and know about Jesus. If by struggling with my health issues, others Christians can be inspired to be more courageous for you and non-Christians can be moved to seek you, then so be it. My life is not my own. It belongs to you, Father. Use it as you see fit. Do whatever it takes to bring glory to Jesus in my life.

OBEY
You can tell what someone is living for by what makes him truly happy? What makes you truly happy? What brings the greatest joy to your heart? Is it knowing that God is using your life to tell others about Jesus and your trials to encourage others to preach the gospel with more courage? What words would you put in the following blank spaces: “For me to live is __________, and to die is ____________”? Be honest with yourself and God as you consider this question.

For September 12: "I Have You in My Heart"

2010-09-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

READ: Philippians 1:1-11

REFLECT
This may have been the church that Paul had the most intimate relationship with; it would seem so from the comments he makes throughout the epistle. Paul wrote this letter, as he did the letters to the Galatian, Ephesian and Colossian disciples, while under guard in Rome, with such incredible joy. Despite his circumstances and the challenges facing the church in Philippi, Paul had such faith in God’s work in his life and theirs that he could not hide his excitement, anticipation and joy.

He had a very special relationship with this church because of their “partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” You will see, as you read, that they shared in Paul’s work in various ways and thus continued to strengthen the bond between them that began with the actual time Paul spent in their city preaching the gospel and winning souls to Christ (see Acts 16).

I am blessed to have an incredible relationship with many Christians in many churches throughout North America. However, I have to ask myself, do I have these brothers and sisters on my heart as Paul did? Do I thank my God every time I remember them? Do I pray with joy because of our partnership in the gospel? Do I see them as partners in the gospel, who share in God’s grace with me? Do I long for them with the affection of Christ Jesus? Do I pray that they their love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that they may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless, filled with the fruit of righteousness? Do I really have these brothers and sisters on my heart?

PRAY
This morning, Father, let me repent. For the disciples of Jesus in the Canadian churches, I thank you that we do have a partnership with them in striving to fulfill the mission of Christ. I thank you for the faithfulness of each and every disciples from Halifax to Vancouver. I pray for their relationships with you, that each one may come to know you better. I pray for their relationships with one another that each one may grow in her/his love for other disciples and that as individuals and as churches we may be known in our respective cities as disciples of Jesus because of our love for one another. I ask that you give each Christian wisdom to discern what is best in all that they do today (and beyond) so that they may remain pure and blameless before you as they grow to become more like Jesus. I know that you are not finished your work with any of us, but that you will do so in time. You haven't given up on any of us and I pray that we will never give up on you or each other!

OBEY
With what group(s) of Christians has God blessed you as their partners in the gospel? Go through the questions in the last paragraph and ask them of yourself with respect to those whom you have in your heart? Offer today a prayer for your brothers and sisters in Christ, modelled after Paul's.

For September 11: "Put On the Full Armour of God"

2010-09-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

READ: Ephesians 6:10-24

REFLECT
How dumb would it be to march into battle only partially equipped - perhaps with no rifle or helmet or flak jacket? How dumb would it be to run out onto the football field or skate onto the ice without part of your protective padding or without your hockey stick? Those observing, and your fellow soldiers or team mates, would be screaming at you to get back and get fully equipped.

How foolish is it to wage a spiritual battle day-in and day-out only partially equipped? Yet you and I do it so often and we see other Christians do it virtually every day. Is anybody shouting at us when we are not fully equipped for spiritual battle? Do we strive to call other Christians’ attention to their deficient armour? No wonder so many of us get so often wounded (sometimes mortally) in the spiritual battle against Satan!

I’ve heard Christians say, “The Bible doesn’t say we need to have daily quiet times.” True, but it does say that before we go out and engage in battle we need “to put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the devil’s schemes.” We are either so arrogant or so ignorant about the spiritual battle that we think we can go out there into the world and survive Satan’s attacks when either completely unequipped and deficient in our armour. Call it what you want - quiet time, Bible study and prayer, or time with God - but don’t go out for the day without your armour on!

PRAY
I am so grateful, Father, for those who taught me that I must allow your word to equip and empower me and that without time in the word I will face the full fury of Satan unprotected. I desperately need the wisdom and inspiration and comfort and direction that comes directly from you speaking to me through your word. I thank you that for the last 33 years your word has sustained me and enabled me to continue and to fight on when I thought I really couldn't take another step - when I was ready to give up or give in. Help me to unashamedly insist that my brothers and sisters find a way to spend time with you every day so that I do not allow my family, whom Jesus died to save, venture into Satan's world without the protection you provide. Give me courage to speak up and to lovingly, persistently insist on it!

OBEY
Do you have a daily time with God before you venture fully into the world? If not, why not? Do you think you can stand against Satan’s schemes or win the struggle against the powers of this dark world without the full armour of God on? What parts of God's armour are you missing right now?

For September 10: "Submit to One Another"

2010-09-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

READ: Ephesians 5:21-6:9

REFLECT
Many are they who misunderstand and thus think that the Bible teaches that submission is only for wives. Paul begins this section on relationships (husband-wife, parent-child, master-slave) with this command: "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

Submission to others is something all Christians must practice with each other - husbands to wives, parents to children and masters to slaves. This teaching was revolutionary in the first century where husbands owned wives, parents their children and masters their slaves. That husbands, parents or masters had any real obligations to look out for the interests of wives, children or masters was unheard of in the Roman (or even Jewish) world.

While God acknowledges, accepts and promotes the distinction of roles he does not support any distinction in value - therefore, regardless of the role, we are called to consider and to act in the best interests of those with whom we are in relationship. Wives are to respect their husbands and husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Children are to obey their parents and parents are not to frustrate their children but to raise them up in the Lord. Slaves are to obey their masters and masters are to treat their slaves with respect. Wow! This was radically revolutionary then, and (unfortunately) even now! Mutuality in relationship - concern, respect, service and submission to one another is the goal of all Christian relationships!

PRAY
I pray, Father, that I will live out this mutuality of submission in all of my relationships, regardless of my own personal role and responsibilities. To show true respect for all others and to relate in a spirit of love, grace and acceptance, no matter what over-reaction is popular in society, is my goal. I will not submit to the world's standard for relationships and I will not react to the world's practice of relationships so as to miss your plan - mutuality of submission; the giving up of my rights for the sake of another, no matter who that other is. Jesus submitted to us in that he gave up his rights and sacrificed himself in order to meet my needs. Help me today, Father, to know how to apply this teaching to every encounter I have with another human being, whether family, friend or stranger.

OBEY
Is there mutuality in all your relationships? Do you submit yourself to your spouse, your parents or children and others who have “authority” in your life? Even if your spouse, parent, child, boss or employee is not a Christian, do you treat them with respect and obey or serve them as you would the Lord?

For September 9: "Let No One Deceive You"

2010-09-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

READ: Ephesians 5:3-21

REFLECT
How easily are we taken in by liars, sham artists or con men? How easily deceived are you by the world and its philosophies? If you hear that there are genes for homosexuality and alcoholism and aggressive behaviour do you immediately begin to doubt the word of God and soften your convictions about the sinfulness of these behaviours? How quick are you to doubt the clarity of God’s commands when the unbelieving world or even the religious world gets on the excuse-making, sin-rationalizing, immoral-lifestyle supporting band wagon? We so often have our guards up when it comes to not being taken in by the lies of salesmen and marketers but at the same time are so easily swayed by those who want to excuse and promote blatant sin.

Is God’s stand against sin hard lined? Absolutely. Have nothing to do with it! Don’t even talk about what sinners do in secret! Be wise how you live because the days are evil. Don’t be partners with them. Let no one deceive you - sin is still sin, no matter what the world says!

PRAY
Father, I pray that every person who consider himself or herself a disciple of Jesus will right now, as they read this, recommit to living as a slave to righteousness and to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live a self-controlled, upright and godly life in this present age. I know that you have not called us to do the impossible, so I know it is possible for me to live righteously in this sinful world and to take a stand for righteousness with grace and respect. Since it can be done, because you so command it, then I will commit to living as righteously as I possibly can.

OBEY
How far away from immorality and impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk and coarse joking are you staying? How much time and energy and mental focus do you put into finding out what pleases the Lord? I believe that our lifestyles will be most consistent with where we focus the majority of our free time and energy. Are you being very careful how you are living?

For September 8: "Put Off and Put On"

2010-09-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

READ: Ephesians 4:17-5:2

REFLECT
This is God’s constant call to his people throughout both the Old and New Covenants: “You must no longer lives as the Gentiles do”. God calls his people to come out from the world and be separate; to live holy lives; to be set apart in attitude and action; to be different! We are called to get as far away from sin as possible and to fight and struggle to be pure and uninfected by the world’s philosophies and lifestyles.

He reminds the Ephesian Christians that they were taught this from the very beginning of their instruction about Jesus. They were taught to “put off the old self” and to “put on the new self”. This is the practical side of repentance - take off the old dirty clothes, stained and soiled with sin and put on the garments of righteousness and holiness. This is the specific side of repentance - put off stealing, unresolved anger, bitterness, selfishness, and immorality, and put on hard work, sharing, compassion, forgiveness, purity and love. Putting off and putting on must go together otherwise we are left naked!

To be able to do this day after day, year after year, until we die or Jesus comes back, requires a continual renewing of the mind. Ephesians 4:17-5:2 is the practical expansion of Romans 12:1-2 where we are called to no longer conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. And how are our minds renewed? They are renewed daily by what you are doing right now - spending time reading and reflecting on God’s word!

PRAY
I love your word, God. I love the fact that I have direction for my life. I love the fact that I can know what things are always right and what things are always wrong. But mostly I love the fact that when I read your word I am hearing your voice and when I reflect on your word I am listening to your voice. When I pray, I am responding to your voice and when I obey I am obeying your voice. Your word has made my relationship with you possible on a day to day basis. Anytime, anywhere I can read, reflect, pray and obey and for me, that's what it's all about. Thank you for making my life...this life in Christ...possible.

OBEY
Are you consciously putting off and putting on? Practically, what are you today striving to put off and what are you striving to put on? If you don’t have an immediate answer to this question then I would suggest to you that you are not truly involved in ongoing repentance.

For September 7: "Therefore..."

2010-09-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

READ: Ephesians 4:1-16

REFLECT
Whenever you see a “therefore” or even a “then” in the NT letters, it is there because of what came before. In this context, since God is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, therefore, we are urged to live lives worthy of our calling. We have the power (God’s power) at work within us and this is how we bring God glory in the church (by how we live). God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing (chapter 1), he has made us alive together with Christ so that we are fellow citizens with God’s people (chapter 2) and he has made known to us through the apostle the mystery of his grace (chapter 3). Therefore (then or thus) we are urged to live lives worthy of our calling.

Making every effort to keep the bond of peace and each part doing its work so that the body grows and builds itself up in love should be motivated by all that God has done for us. He has blessed us and continues to do so, so we should strive to live our lives in a way that is worthy of what God has done. We can never deserve God’s blessing, but we can surely show how much we appreciate God’s blessings. We can never be truly worthy of our calling, but we can surely show how much we love and cherish the reality of God’s calling.

If living to please God seems burdensome to you or it seems like God is asking or expecting too much from you and if the sacrifices you need to make in order to be equipped for works of ministry and the efforts you need to make in order to do your part as a member of the body of Christ seem overwhelming, could it be that you just don’t get, understand or appreciate how incredibly much God loves you and how freely and completely God has blessed you?

PRAY
Father, you have blessed me beyond belief. You have given me everything I need and then some. I know I complain at times (in fact, way too often) that I am in need, when in reality I have what I need, but I just don't see it or have the faith to take hold of it. More than anything else, Father, I have my salvation, freely provided by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. No one can ever take that from me no matter what happens in my life. With whatever time I have left in the world, whether it be days, weeks, months, years or decades, may I strive to live a life worthy of the calling I have received - the call to be holy, set apart and pure - one day at a time.

OBEY
Honest to God, how do you feel when you read from the Bible or hear from your spiritual leaders that God has called you to make every effort to live your life worthy of his calling? Do you really get how much God has blessed you?

For September 6: "To Him Be Glory"

2010-09-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

READ: Ephesians 3:1-21

REFLECT
What an incredible chapter, written by a man who was, as he wrote this, “a prisoner of Christ Jesus”. There is not a hint of discouragement, self pity or faithlessness here, but rather an emphasis on gratitude, faithfulness and giving glory to God.

The ministry he was given, which was directly related to the sufferings he was presently experiencing, he acknowledges as a gift of God’s grace. He considered himself privileged to “preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ”. Therefore he asked them “not to be discouraged because of [his] sufferings”. These sufferings were for them and their glory.

He then prays for their growth through strengthening with power and through grasping the incredible (truly unlimited) dimensions of God’s love. And the point of all that growing and knowing is that God might be glorified through the church.

I read this and am so convicted about how self absorbed I am. Everything is about me and how something impacts me or involves me or obligates me. For Paul everything was about how God was working in and through his life for his own glory through the spreading of the gospel and the growth of other Christians. Could this non-self centered mindset and perspective be the key to Paul consistent and persistent joy and effectiveness? I think so!

PRAY
Father, I am always convicted whenever I consider Paul's letters to the Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians, especially in light of his circumstances - imprisonment without the certainty of ever experiencing freedom again! Since I became a Christian, my life is not about me any more, but it is about you working in me and through me. As one sister shared recently with me, "My life is a gift I have given to God", and therefore, it is "his now to do with what he wills." Some days I'm there, Father. But some days I'm not, though I want to be. In my present circumstances I ask that you would remind me often that my life is not my own, but rather it belongs to you and that the greatest thing I can do in this world is to live in such a way that I am able to glorify you and lift up the name of Jesus. To that end I pray, Amen.

OBEY
What ministry (or what part in the ministry) has God given you? Do you consider that ministry a gift of God’s grace? Do you consider it a privilege to be able now, because you have been set free, to tell others about the unsearchable riches of Christ? Do you see that the goal of God’s power at work within you is so that you (and other Christians) can bring glory to God?

For September 5: "The Gift of God"

2010-09-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

READ: Ephesians 2:1-22

REFLECT
I love to give gifts to those I love; I enjoy the whole process of thinking it through, saving up the money, searching out just the right gift, buying it, wrapping it and then presenting it to my loved one! My only hope is that he/she will accept it, appreciate it and use it. Salvation is a gift! If it is a gift, it cannot be earned or deserved. It is something given to you by God at great cost, but with great joy and the expectation that you would accept it, appreciate it and use it.

There is no question that we needed this gift and there is no question we couldn’t go out and get it for ourselves - we were dead in our transgressions and sins. The last time I saw a dead body, it couldn’t do anything for itself. But God has given us life in his Son. We were outside looking in. We had nothing and there was nothing we could do about. But God, on his own initiative, at great personal cost, has given us everything we could possibly need. And now, we are fellow citizens of his kingdom and members of his family. We, who were once cut off from God and objects of his wrath, are now a holy temple in the Lord, where God dwells through his Spirit.

From the garbage heap to the palace. From the depths of spiritual poverty and hopelessness to the heights of eternal prosperity and belonging. And now, what does God expect of us? Only that we busy ourselves with the good works that he has prepared in advance for us to do - not on our own, but with his help and direction.

PRAY
Father, this morning, the words of this song are my prayer to you.
"You said you'd come and share all my sorrows. You said you'd be there for all my tomorrows. I came so close to sending you away. But just like you promised, you came here to stay. I just had to pray."
"Your goodness so great, I can't understand. And dear Lord I know that all this was planned. I know you are here now and always will be. Your love loosed my chains, but in you I'm free. But Jesus, why me?"
"Jesus, I give you my heart and my soul. I know that without you I'd never be whole. Saviour you've opened all the right doors. And I thank you and praise you from earth's humble shores. Take me, I'm yours!"

OBEY
Do you accept that your salvation is totally and completely a gift? How has this gift changed your life? To which of God’s prepared good works are you devoting yourself?

For September 4: "Every Spiritual Blessing"

2010-09-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

READ: Ephesians 1:1-23

REFLECT
I absolutely love Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Next to the gospels, no other book of the Bible has helped, encouraged, inspired, directed and motivated me more in my three decades of following Jesus. If I was left stranded on a deserted island or alone spiritually in some foreign country, I believe I would have all I need as long as I had one of the gospel accounts and Ephesians!

I am reminded here by Paul that I “have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ”. There is no blessing that God bestows that is not mine as a Christian. There is nothing I need that I don’t have in Christ. God has blessed me in Christ according to his good pleasure, the riches of his grace and the pleasure of his will. All this, he has lavished on me.

I, however, often lose sight of how blessed I truly am and so Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian disciples is appropriate also for me, that I may know him better so that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened to know “what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance and what is the surpassing greatness of his power.” As rich as I am in Christ, I often live like I am impoverished spiritually. But the reality, whether I “see” it or not, is that I am wealthy beyond my wildest dreams!

As I post this, I was just diagnosed earlier this week with cancer. We don't fully know the extent or grade of the cancer yet, and I will probably, like so many people, live with cancer (or at least the more probable threat of cancer) for many, many more years! However, this is a time in my life when I really need to hear that I have every spiritual blessing in Christ. All that I need, I already have. Regardless of whatever happens with the cancer and my various other health issues, I have more than I could ever ask or hope for and certainly all that I need, even at this hour of my life.

PRAY
Father, this morning my heart is filled to overflowing with gratitude and joy. I have what I need, all that I need, because of Jesus! His death on the cross, his resurrection and his ascension to high priest at your right hand, provide me with every blessing I could possibly require and even way beyond what I think I need. You give without measure, extravagantly pouring your love and grace down on us, in just the right ways at just the right times! Today, I am more grateful to be a Christian, living under the umbrella of your amazing grace, than perhaps I've ever been. I pray for those who are your sons and daughters today, especially those who are weighed down by life's challenges, that they will lift their eyes and see, and truly believe, that they are rich beyond their wildest dreams. I pray, even more so, for all those who are not protected and blessed by your grace, either because they've never heard about it or because they've refused to believe. May something happen in their lives today to open their eyes and hearts to your love. Amen.

OBEY
Do you believe you have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ? Will you live today fully aware of the eternal hope, unbelievable wealth and incomparable power you have in Christ? Do you know anyone today who does not believe or has not received God's grace? What can you do today to be used by God to help open their eyes?

For September 3: "Let Us Not Grow Weary"

2010-09-03T03:47:00.000-07:00

READ: Galatians 6:1-18

REFLECT
One of the lessons taught and demonstrated throughout the entire Bible is that we are individually and personally responsible for what we do with the life God has given us. We will always reap in kind what we have sown - no excuses accepted, no blaming allowed, no self-justification permitted.

If we sow to please the flesh, we will from the flesh reap corruption, but if we sow to please the Spirit we will from that Spirit reap eternal life. Most people become Christians because they’ve come to the realization that by living to please the flesh they have really messed up their lives. They have hurt themselves, others and their God. So they decide to repent and through God’s grace they are freed from the power of sin and receive the Spirit. But living to please the Spirit (according to the Spirit) is an ongoing decision we all consistently reaffirm. We still must choose, day in and day out, to do good and to not grow weary in that pursuit.

The older I am the more I see just how critical perseverance is in my faithfulness to God. To consciously and purposely make the decision day after day, and in numerous situations every day, to persist in doing what is good is the real challenge of freedom in Christ and thus in faithfulness to God. I have been a Christian now for 33 years. How sad it would be now to grow weary in doing good?

PRAY
But Father I feel weary sometimes. I want to give up or hold back. I feel that I need a break, some time off spiritually, time when I can indulge in some selfishness and put me first. I know, however, I'm listening to Satan's lies and I am envying the world's approach to finding happiness and fulfillment. The way to true joy is not found by giving into selfish desires and putting my wants ahead of the needs of others. That may feel good for a moment or two. It is by persevering in doing good, in denying self and saying "No to ungodliness and worldly passions" that true joy and fulfillment are experienced. Right now, Father, I am weary in my body and in my mind and thus I know I really susceptible to the temptation of giving up and giving in. I want to convince myself that it's only for a hour or two. Help me today to not grow weary, but to persevere in doing what is right in your sight. Give me today the opportunity to continue to do good and to wait patiently for the harvest of righteousness that will surely follow. Amen!

OBEY
Are you continuing to bear others’ burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ? Are you continuing carry your own load? Are you persisting in doing good or are you growing weary? If you are growing weary, what can you do today to get back on track?

For September 2: "For Freedom Christ Has Set Us Free"

2010-09-03T03:38:00.000-07:00

READ: Galatians 5:1-26

REFLECT
We love that word “freedom”, but we must take care to understand what it means and that our definition fits with what the Spirit is really saying. Is freedom in Christ about being completely independent, autonomous and unaccountable to anyone? Does it mean we can do anything we want, say anything we want and go anywhere we want anytime and that no one should feel, think or say anything about it?

I certainly have heard people use this passage to defend independence, to deflect input and to minimize instruction. But the “yoke of slavery” here is not about being committed to or dependent upon other people, but rather about striving to justify oneself by obedience to law. In fact, Paul makes it very clear that we are not to use our freedom selfishly but rather “through love become slaves to one another” (5:13, RSV)! We are obligated to one another and we are obligated to the Spirit, who now indwells us, to live according to him (5:16-26).

Christ has indeed set us free from slavery to sin, from its power and its penalty and from the impossible burden of striving to justify ourselves. Now we are indeed free - free to serve others and free to follow the Spirit’s guidance in our lives. We are free to love others and to live for God and bear fruit to his glory!

PRAY
Father, I realize that my freedom in Christ is not about being independent and unaccountable. Rather Christ has set me free from slavery to sin and to self, so that I am free to obey you and free to serve others. Help me today to use my freedom, not to indulge my flesh and fulfill its self-focused desires, but rather to freely serve my wife, my children, my brothers and sisters in Christ and my neighbours. I pray that I will make the most of being set from from the power and the penalty of sin in order to give of myself freely to you that you might accomplish your will through me. I freely make myself a slave to righteousness so that I will not once again become a slave to sin. I am free to serve you, my God, and free to help others. Thank you!

OBEY
From what has Christ set you free? What has Christ set you free to do? What are you doing with your freedom in Christ today?

For September 1: "No Longer a Slave, but a Son"

2010-09-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

READ: Galatians 4:1-31

REFLECT
Under law, striving to justify ourselves by our obedience to the commands of God, we are all slaves. In order to justify ourselves before God we must obey perfectly and since none of us is able to perfectly obey, we are slaves of sin - not justified before God, but condemned, not free, but enslaved. It makes no difference what “law” we are attempting to obey, whether the law of Moses or the commands of God in the New Testament.

Paul was in agony for the souls of the Galatian Christians. They had turned away from the gospel of grace by which he had brought them into a right relationship with God and instead they had embraced a teaching that would result in their fall from grace. He pleaded with them from the perspective of personal relationship (4:12-20) and strove to reason with them from a theological perspective (4:21-31). His goal was that he wanted them to hold on to the freedom they had in Christ under grace. He passionately, purposely and persistently pleaded because it was their eternal destiny that was at stake.

This issue of grace versus works is no small problem, nor is it something that only theologians can understand and discuss. This is an essential issue when it comes to our salvation. If we strive to justify ourselves through obedience to law we submit ourselves again to the slavery of sin and are no longer sons, but slaves, and therefore lost! Trust not in yourself or your own understandings. Rely on God's grace for your salvation, not on your performance.

PRAY
Father, thank you for this letter, which at first seems so unrelatable to me, a Gentile in the 21st century. Yet it's message is as significant to me as it was to the Galatians. It is just as vital that I get this through my thick and prideful skull, that I can do nothing to deserve or earn salvation, but that I am saved totally and completely by grace. All I can do is accept by faith what you have done through Jesus and rely on his perfection and his sacrifice as my only hope and then do what I do in obedience to you out of gratitude and with joy. Father, I need to hear this message every day - and often many times every day. You saved me and you continue to save me. I cannot ever save myself, except to accept your grace! I love your grace, Father. Let me bask in its glory today.

OBEY
How passionately and persistently do you plead for the souls of your straying brothers and sisters? When Christians embrace a salvations by works approach to life are you stirred to action? Do you speak up? Do you see the issue as slavery versus freedom; condemnation versus salvation?

For August 31: "By The Law No One is Justified"

2010-09-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

READ: Galatians 3:1-29

REFLECT
The Galatian misunderstanding is very common today. They accepted Jesus as their Savior and were baptized into Christ by faith, believing that salvation was a gift given by God. But then as they lived their Christian lives they began relying on their obedience as the basis for their right standing before God. To put it in Paul’s words, they began with the Spirit by faith, but then strove for perfection with the flesh.

Again, this is a common misunderstanding that I have seen many times over in 30 years of ministry. At baptism people know they in no way they deserve salvation - it is totally and completely a gift from God. But then as they grow as Christians and their lives are actually becoming more righteous, they start relying on their obedience as the basis for their right standing with God.

The problem is that Christians who approach their salvation this way either deceive themselves or they become discouraged. The reality is that the only way to be justified by works is if our obedience is perfect. If we sin at all, then we are guilty before God! And we all sin! Even as Christians, we sin. What a miserable way to live! And what an insult to the grace of God! As sinners (before and after baptism) our only hope is our faith in the sacrifice of Christ as completely sufficient for our salvation.

PRAY
Father, I'm a doer by nature. You know that my favourite passage is James 2, "Show me your faith without deeds and I'll show you my faith by what I do." And while works are an expression of my faith, it is not my works that save me. I cannot save myself. I am lost with the work that Jesus did by coming in the flesh, living a perfect life and offering himself up as a sacrifice for my sins. He became sin for me so that in him, and only in him, I am righteous in your sight! May my works today not be a effort to prove my worth or to try to earn salvation, but rather an expression of my gratitude for my salvation and my commitment to you, Father, as the one who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that I might be with you for eternity.

OBEY
When you were baptized did you think you were earning or deserving your salvation by trusting in Christ’s death? If you were forgiven at the start of your Christian life solely on the basis of God’s grace, should it be any different now that you’ve been a Christian for a period of time? Why do you choose to obey God and strive to please him? Are you trusting in your "righteousness" or in the righteousness that is by faith in Jesus.

Thanks for your patience

2010-09-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the delay in getting recent bible studies up. I've had a few health challenges this past week and was unable to focus on posting my studies. I will catch up over the next day or two and get back on track.

-BGF

For August 30: "Then Christ Died for Nothing"

2010-08-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

READ: Galatians 1:11-2:21

REFLECT
What was this “different gospel” which the Galatians had so quickly and easily embraced, which was no gospel at all? It involved the teaching that Christ’s death alone was not sufficient for salvation, but that a person must also obey the law of Moses. These false teachers taught the Gentiles that in addition to believing that Jesus was the Messiah, they must conform their lives in obedience to the Old Testament laws - otherwise, they could not be saved.

Paul’s point was that if we have to add anything to what Jesus did, then Jesus death was for nothing. If we could save ourselves by obedience to the law of Moses then Jesus didn’t have to die. It’s not Jesus plus anything (or anyone) else that saves us. It is Jesus alone. His death was (and is) sufficient and to add anything to it means that it wasn’t enough! Paul starts his argument by establishing clearly that the gospel he preached to them came not from men but from God himself and that when he finally met the apostles and leaders of the church in Jerusalem, they accepted and endorsed his message and supported his apostleship.

This “different gospel” is still being preached today, though in many different forms, and it is the same message that we must justify ourselves through obedience to God’s commands. But if we add anything to the death of Jesus as essential for salvation, then we nullify the grace of God. The good news of the gospel is this: salvation cannot be earned, so stop trying and accept what Jesus has done as completely sufficient.

PRAY
I know, Father, that it is our sinful (that is, prideful) human tendency to try to prove ourselves worthy and we do so by adding "requirements" to the gospel that we must meet in order to be right with you. Yet, the most amazing and truly "unbelievable" aspect of the gospel is that salvation is a free gift. All we have to do is accept it. Help me to be strong in your grace and my all my efforts today to live for you be, not the result of trying to justify myself but, the result of accepting your grace in my life. I cannot save myself. Only you can save me, and you have saved me. May gratitude for that salvation be my motivation.

OBEY
In what ways do we often try to add something to Jesus’ death as essential for salvation? If salvation is a gift and not a reward for obedience then what role does obedience play with respect to salvation? Is it your tendency to try to justify yourself to God? If so, what can you do to resist that tendency?

For August 29: "No Gospel at All"

2010-08-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

READ: Galatians 1:1-12

REFLECT
If the situation in Corinth in terms of urgency was an “yellow alert”, then the situation in the Galatian churches was a “red alert”. If the situation in Corinth in terms of the level of spiritual warfare was DEFCON 2 (Defense Readiness Condition), then in the Galatian churches it was DEFCON 1 (i.e., there is no higher level). Paul had no words of praise or even hope as he began this letter, but rather strong words of rebuke and correction, not only for the Christians but for those who were leading them astray.

There is only one gospel and it is very specific and clear. Any variation on the gospel Paul and the other apostles preached is a different gospel and “a different gospel is really no gospel at all.” For, indeed, it is not “good news” but rather “bad news” because any who preaches a different gospel will be eternally condemned and anyone who accepts a different gospel is “alienated from Christ” (5:3).

The only message that has the power to save is the one preached by the apostles and recorded for us in the Holy Spirit inspired scriptures we call the New Testament. Why? Because it is not something man made up, nor something that the apostles received from any man, but rather they received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. Any other gospel, or any variation from the gospel preached by the apostles, is man made and therefore unable to save.

PRAY
Father, help me to understand that I cannot help people get right with God if I give into sentimentality, but only if I stick to the Holy Spirit inspired truth. Either the New Testament is your inspired word or it is not. If it isn't then I am deceiving myself, as are millions of others. If it is, then I can only help people by preaching your word as it is written, no matter what others think or say. Father, I need courage and an unwavering faith in your word. I need to love my fellow human beings enough to tell them what they need to hear, instead what they might want to hear. May I preach the gospel of your grace with clarity and without fear. Amen.

OBEY
What do you understand the fundamental truths of the gospel, as preached by the apostles, to be? Have you ever heard about and/or accepted a “different gospel” than the one preached by the apostles? Do you see the problem of "preaching a different gospel" as seriously as the apostle Paul did?

For August 28: "Examine Yourselves"

2010-08-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Corinthians 13:1-14

REFLECT
Paul took responsibility for doing everything that he could to bring the Corinthians to faith and then to maturity. But he never took responsibility away from them. As he told the Philippians to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, he challenged the Corinthians to examine themselves and test themselves to see whether they were in the faith.

From your reading of and reflection on Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, you no doubt have seen many areas of faithful living in which the Corinthians needed to examine or test themselves. But if your time in God’s word is going to accomplish the purpose God ordained (2 Timothy 3:16-17), you’ve got to look now at your life and see in what areas of your life you need to examine yourself.

This can be scary, like going for medical tests when you know you aren't feeling well because you know it’s possible you might get some bad news. Many people sadly die prematurely of illnesses that could have been treated and cured had they been diagnosed earlier. And many of those tragically die not because they didn’t have a sense that something was wrong but because of fear, they refused to be examined. Spiritually, exactly the same thing happens, over and over again. But the good news is that if we are willing to do this, we can find those aspects of our spiritual lives that are lacking or under attack and we can fight back and win.

PRAY
Father, as I examine myself, please help me be completely honest. Open my heart to see myself as you see me. I don't want to be self-deceived, but no matter how "bad" the news is, I want to know where my life is lacking and I especially need to know where I am deceiving myself about sin. I know that I am in a good place because of your grace, no matter what is exposed. I will trust in your salvation and I will strive to repent and I will make the effort to grow until Jesus comes back. You've brought me a long, long way from when I was an unbeliever, but I am still a long way from my goal - to be like Jesus. May I never grow weary of self-examination and repentance. Amen.

OBEY
Will you take Paul’s challenge in 2 Corinthians 13:5 seriously and personally today? Do you need some objective help? What trusted and mature disciples will you seek out and truly listen to? Will you take full responsibility for your spiritual growth and maturity?

For August 27: "If I Love You More..."

2010-08-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Corinthians 12:1-21

REFLECT
Do you hear the pain in Paul’s voice? If, not read this passage again and really try to "listen" to Paul's heart. Paul’s example of complete vulnerability for the sake of winning over the Corinthians again to God’s truth is convicting to me. He laid himself out to be mocked and trodden upon by the “super apostles”. He poured himself out for them, as a parent would for his children, and expected nothing in return except their love.

There is a very real and significant price to be paid in order to truly love others with the goal of winning them to Christ and/or maturing them in Christ. There is always the very real possibility that whatever you do for the sake of others may one day be thrown in your face as manipulation or self-promotion, as the motives behind your actions are judged and condemned. Only those who are willing to pay such a price will be effective and enduring in their efforts to share their lives and the gospel.

It is this price that so often holds us back from truly loving others. We want the assurance that our efforts to love will not be rejected or, if accepted, will not later be used against us. Yet, life and love do not come with such guarantees. We must be willing to lay our hearts on the line if we are going to have any impact on this world. Loving others unconditionally is not an easy calling, yet it is the calling of Lord.

PRAY
Father, I have certainly felt the pain of being turned against by those whom I thought I had loved to the best of my ability. And I must confess that the experience of that pain is often what holds me back from loving others. Yet, it is the risk of unconditional love. I know that but I want it to be easier, safer and risk free. And yet I know that is not possible. Help me today to reach out with an open, honest and vulnerable love to everyone I encounter, knowing full well that some may reject my love or try to use it against me, now or in the future. Soften my heart as I focus on the risk that Jesus ran in coming into the world in the flesh and dying for me, and every other human being. I know that the only way to win others is to pour myself out for them. That is my responsibility, Father. How they respond is theirs. Help me to focus on those who respond positively to both your love and mine. Thank you for the opportunity to love others and the example that shows me how to do it!

OBEY
Have you ever been in a situation similar to Paul’s with the Corinthians, where your actions and your motives were being judged and condemned? What do you learn from Paul’s letter here about how to react or respond under such conditions?

For August 26: "You Put Up With It"

2010-08-19T04:47:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Corinthians 11:1-33

REFLECT
What Paul wrote here is both an expansion and illustration of what Jesus taught regarding false teachers, especially in Matthew 7:15-23. There always have been false prophets, false teachers and false apostles, and, until this world as we know it ends at the return of Christ, there always will be. And while Satan’s servants masquerade as servants of righteousness, there is a way to distinguish the true from the false every time: by their lives. Words are cheap, but how a person truly lives cannot be faked for long.

Yet, today it is not “politically correct” in the religious world to call anyone a “false teacher” and I think we are in danger, even in our fellowship, of “putting up with it easily enough”, when we hear a different Jesus, a different spirit or a different gospel (11:4). I really don’t think we can afford to be any less diligent today about discerning truth from error and the true preachers of the gospel from the false. In fact, I think we’ve got every reason to be more diligent due to the plethora of false Christs, false spirits and false gospels that are being proclaimed and promoted by those masquerading as angels of light. Let us not think of ourselves as so wise that we “gladly put up with fools” (11:19).

PRAY
Father, as Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, may we "test every spirit." May we "hold to what is good" and "avoid every kind of evil." Open our eyes to the reality that there are people out in our world who, even if they are sincere, are wrong is what they preach and teach about you, your Son and the gospel of Jesus. While we must not be self-righteous and think we have all the answers or that we've spiritually got it all together, we also must not be naive and cowardly and afraid to be politically incorrect. We must "call a spade, a spade" whenever and as necessary so that we might not be led astray and so that we might protect others from Satan's masquerading angels. This takes faith in your word, humility and courage. Please grant us the wisdom to discern truth from error, masquerading angels of Satan from true prophets of God. Please keep us on the one true road that leads to heaven. Amen.

OBEY
What do you really think about what is written in that last paragraph? Do you agree or disagree that we need to be more diligent than we are right now in terms of what teaching and what teachers we accept as true or false? How concerned are you that we are easily putting up with those who preach a different Jesus or gospel, because we afraid to be criticized as judgmental or self-righteous?

For August 25: "The One Whom the Lord Commends"

2010-08-19T04:36:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Corinthians 10:1-18

REFLECT
In Paul’s absence from Corinth, there were a number of men who were trying to undermine his ministry by attacking his credibility. I’m sure as Paul heard these comments and accusations under the guise of “Some people say...” he must have felt to some degree the temptation to react or retaliate in a similar fashion. Yet, he resisted that temptation and determined that he would “not wage war as the world does.” He was in a war, as are we, but it is a spiritual war that must be fought with weapons that are not of this world; weapons that have divine power and that do not attack the person but the problem.

Paul defended himself and his ministry among the Corinthians not to protect his good name but to defend the gospel. His concern was not that the Corinthians might not like or accept him, but that they might be led astray by those who were boasting. He didn’t care what people said or thought about him, especially those in Corinth who were commending themselves. Rather he cared only what the Lord thought (and said) about him. He understood - and it is very important for us today to understand - that “it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”

PRAY
Father, I know that I am often way too concerned about what others think of me and I am motivated to say or do something in my defence. I do want people to like and accept me and I really struggle in my heart when I know that "some people" speak negatively about me or my ministry. I need, Father, to be more like Paul who defended himself and his ministry only so that your message would not be maligned or discredited, but not because he cared about public opinion or because he wanted to be liked or popular among the Christians. He had died to himself and he kept on dying. I, too, need to die to myself so that I can truly live for Jesus and his glory. Who is Brian? Only a servant through whom others may hear the word! So be it, Lord!

OBEY
In the war you are waging, are there any worldly weapons that you use or are tempted to use when you are being attacked? What are the spiritual weapons (i.e. “not the weapons of the world”) that you need to use instead? Spend some time thinking about this and be specific in your answers.

For August 24: "Not Reluctantly or Under Compulsion"

2010-08-18T08:12:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

REFLECT
It is obvious that Paul was concerned about the Corinthian disciples’ attitude toward completing this contribution. He wanted them to contribute and he wanted them to finish what they said they would do, so he sent some brothers in advance of his coming “to finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised.” Unlike the Macedonian churches, it seems that the Corinthians needed to undergo an attitude adjustment regarding their giving. Thus we have chapters 8 & 9, where Paul wrote to convict, inspire, encourage and instruct them towards a spiritual attitude and a generous heart.

Giving, true sacrificial and generous giving, tests our faith. It is very hard to be a cheerful giver if we don’t trust that God is both willing and able to provide for our needs while he uses us to provide for the needs of others. If our question is, “What’s left for me?” then, if we give at all, it will probably be a small amount and, even at that, given reluctantly. But when we truly trust that we simply can’t outgive God (Luke 6:38), but that he “supplies seed to the sower” and increases the sower’s “store of seed” in order that we “will be made rich in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion”, then we will joyfully, willingly, and expectantly give from what we have to help others and to bring glory to God.

PRAY
Father, again today, I pray to have a generous heart; to imitate my Lord and thus be willing to sacrifice to meet the needs of others. I know that I will only be willing to joyfully sacrifice in my giving if I fully trust your promises to meet my needs (and those of my family); otherwise, I will hold back to ensure that my needs are met. Father, I do trust you. You've already proven your willingness to give abundantly not only through sending Jesus into this world for my sins, but in taking care of me over the last 54 years! I am the beneficiary of your love and your grace poured out on me abundantly! How can I accept your generosity and not myself strive to be generous to others. Right now millions are suffering in Pakistan. Help me to do something to meet their needs. Give me wisdom and a generous spirit today!

OBEY
Do you trust that God will meet your needs when you are willing to give from what you have to meet the needs of others? Do you truly want God to be glorified as your generous giving results in thanksgiving to God? Does your giving reflect that kind of deep and abiding faith?

For August 23: "Excel in This Grace of Giving"

2010-08-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

REFLECT
Excelling in the grace of giving is not about what one has materially, but about one’s heart. A generous person always wants to give, even when practically it would seem impossible. A generous person does not have to be convinced and begged or even, sometimes asked, to give. A generous person looks for needs and will do whatever he or she can to meet those needs, on their own or with others’ help. A generous person considers the opportunity to give a “privilege”, not a burden or a responsibility. A generous person doesn’t ask, “How much do I have to give?” but rather “How much am I able to give?” and will strive to “excel in this grace of giving” by imitating the example of his Lord.

A major part of excelling in the grace of giving at a congregational level is in “taking pains” to administer all contributions so as “to do what is right not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.” Those administering the funds need to be proven and trusted disciples whose lives justify the confidence the contributing Christians demonstrate through their generosity. Then we place no stumbling block in the path of the Christian’s generosity.

Perhaps you have experienced some mistrust in your heart when it comes to giving. Let the past be in the past and ask yourself, “Are there really any ongoing issues regarding the administration of funds now?” If so, then go to those in charge and get it worked out. If not, then get on with challenge God lays before you to “excel in this grace of giving.”

PRAY
Father, I need to thank you for the privilege of giving, first because I am able to give and second because I know you can do so much through my generosity. I need to think more about being a generous person, rather than simply asking myself, "Am I giving enough to the weekly contribution?" Help me to be generous on every occasion and take advantage of every opportunity to give of myself in whatever way will meet the need, whether my time, my energy, my talents and/or my material resources. Help me to remember that giving is not a burdensome duty, something meant to restrict my ability to function in this world, but it is a privilege and thus a blessing. May I today truly believe that "it is more blessed to give than to receive" and thus be a generous giver! Amen.

OBEY
Based on the example, both in attitude and action of the Macedonian churches, how generous are you? Do you consider it a privilege to give and do you strive to “excel” in your giving? Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-24. Yes, we are facing real financial pressures, but God expects us to give nonetheless.

For August 22: "As Servants of God"

2010-08-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Corinthians 6:3-7:16

REFLECT
Paul didn’t want to put a stumbling block in anyone’s way, so he strove to be an example and was willing to face all kinds of challenges, temptations, opposition and persecution. Reread 6:3-10 and see what kinds of things commended Paul and his companions as servants of God.

As a servant of God he did not hold back his affection and he challenged the Corinthians to do the same - as a fair exchange. He shared his sorrows and his pains. He had some hard things to say and he called them to high standards out of his love for them and because he had confidence in their willingness and desire to repent. He was willing to hurt them - for a little while - so that through sorrow they might be led to repentance. And he was overjoyed to find that Titus had returned with news of their earnestness, eagerness, indignation, longing, concern and readiness to see justice done. They had, once again, embraced the promises of God and were moving toward holiness out of reverence for God!

When disciples are in sin and are no longer living for God, those who love them must be willing to cause them sorrow by lovingly and honestly confronting them in their sin and calling them to repentance. It hurts to do that and it is scary because you don’t know for sure how they will respond - but it must be done to save their souls and to glorify God.

PRAY
Father, Paul's heart and life are so convicting. Thank you for this portion of his letter where he opens up so completely about his motivations, desires and difficulties. We get to see right into his heart! My heart is often fearful. I am especially afraid to confront other Christians and call them on the sin that is obvious in their lives. I hold back because I don't want to deal with the possible negative reactions. But the bottom line is that I don't love my brothers and sisters enough to be uncomfortable. I want so much to be liked, accepted and approved of. Plus, I know that if I do confront when necessary, I open my life up to examination and the possibility of being confronted on my sin. Father, help me to get out of this mindset of seeking my own comfort. Following Jesus is not about being comfortable, it's about bearing my cross and denying myself. Help me to speak the truth in love in any way that your Spirit prompts me, trusting my brothers' hearts for you. May I be a servant of God today.

OBEY
Are you willing to hear words that hurt for a little while from loving Christians who are concerned for your soul? Are you willing to share such words with other Christians so that their sorrow may lead them to repentance? Are you God's servant?

For August 21: "The Ministry of Reconciliation"

2010-08-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2

REFLECT
Reconciliation is what the gospel is all about! Because we are convinced that one died for all and therefore all died, we are new creations in Christ - we are reconciled to God through the one who had no sin, but became sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God! God has reconciled us to himself and he has given us the ministry of reconciliation by committing to our care the message of reconciliation. We are to live in this world as Christ’s ambassadors so that God can make his appeal through us as we implore people to be reconciled to God. We are God’s fellow workers and we urge people not to receive God’s grace in vain, because today is the day of salvation.

Wow! What a privilege - to be ministers of reconciliation; to be Christ’s ambassadors and God’s fellow workers. Or is it a privilege? Isn’t it rather a burden and duty and responsibility that we’d rather excuse ourselves from, because we’ve got better, more important things to do? Not if we are compelled by Christ’s love and have made the decision to no longer live for ourselves but for him who died for us and was raised again! We are disciples of Jesus. We have been blessed and now we can bring that blessing to others’ lives - others whom we no longer see from a worldly point of view, but rather see as needing, more than anything else, to be reconciled to God.

PRAY
Father, I find it so easy to excuse myself from any responsibility for the ministry of reconciliation. I confess that I often think of evangelism as a burden and a duty rather than the awesome privilege it is to be your fellow worker! I focus on the "negatives" of the task and I fail to see people from a spiritual perspective. Instead I focus on myself and my needs and my desires and rest on my backside while almost everyone around me is heading straight toward an eternity without a relationship with you. Yet, I have the message that can save them from the fate, the message that will reconcile them to you. Father, forgive my selfishness and cowardice and help me to focus on the greatest need of every person I will meet today - their need for salvation. Lead me to open people, but help me persevere and refuse to get discouraged by those whom Satan has blinded. Today and for the rest of my life may I live as Christ's ambassador. Thank you for the privilege of being your fellow worker.

OBEY
What does evangelism mean to you? Are you compelled by Christ’s love to be a minister of reconciliation? Do you try to persuade men through the message of reconciliation? If not, why not? What do you think Paul would say to all our “reasons” for not being engaged evangelistically?

For August 20: "We Do Not Lose Heart"

2010-08-13T03:34:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Corinthians 4:1-5:10

REFLECT
I can lose heart. I can lose heart when non-Christians don’t respond to the gospel and when Christians don’t respond to the preaching of God’s word. I can lose heart when I feel pressured by expectations or perplexed by negative feedback or persecuted when my motives are questioned. I can lose heart when I simply feel physically drained, weary or ill. Perhaps you can identify with me.

Paul faced all these things and so much more and yet he didn’t lose heart. He didn’t lose heart because he understood that it was his responsibility to set forth the truth plainly and that it is Satan who blinds the minds of unbelievers. He didn’t lose heart because he understood that we are jars of clay and that external pressures show us that our power is from God. He didn’t lose heart because he knew what he believed and that speaking would result in God’s grace reaching more people. And he didn’t lose heart because he saw all his troubles as “light and momentary” compared to the eternal glory of our heavenly dwelling. He kept his eyes fix on what is eternal and he made it his goal to please God.

I lose heart because I lose sight of God, his power and his glory. I forget that God made me for this very purpose and has given me a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. But when I get my eyes fixed back on what really matters I am confident and can live by faith and stay focused on living to please my God. Thank you, Paul, for sharing your heart with me and thus pulling me out of my discouragement, time and time again!

PRAY
Wow, the timing of this passage right now in my life is amazing. Here I sit, Father, on my hotel bed in the middle of the night, unable to sleep, in part, because I am struggling to "not lose heart." I have struggled these last two weeks with whether or not I can continue to serve in the full time ministry. I feel weary and beaten down by what one brother referred to as "the perfect storm" of trials in my life. Father, help me to see my troubles as "light and momentary" because they certainly don't feel that way at this moment. Rather they feel very heavy and ongoing. Help me to see my life from your perspective, from a spiritual perspective, and to realize that these afflictions are achieving for me an eternal glory that far outweighs any trouble in my life.

OBEY
When and why do you lose heart? How does Paul’s example help you to overcome discouragement and to persevere in your efforts to please God and share the gospel?

For August 19: "Confidence"

2010-08-13T03:20:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Corinthians 2:12-3:18

REFLECT
There is a major diversion here from a focus on the Corinthians to a focus on Paul and his ministry. Paul opens wide his heart (see 2 Corinthians 6:11) to the Corinthians to let them know what moves, inspires, motivates, encourages and compels him to do the things he does for them and for others. This is one of my favorite sections of the New Testament, both as a Christian and as an evangelist. I am encouraged and convicted, inspired and challenged, touched and troubled by what I read, every time I read it! In this section of the letter, Paul gives us every reason there is for living lives that minister to others, that proclaim the gospel and that endure every trial. No matter how beaten up you are at this moment, surely you will find something in these next four chapters that will move your heart and lift your eyes up to God. I pray so!

Paul knew that he was not equal to the task, but his confidence was from God. He knew that God had not called him to be or do something that he would not also equip him to be or do. In Christ God wants to lead us in triumphal procession. Through the Spirit and impact of the new covenant, God wants to transform us into the likeness of his Son with ever increasing glory. He desires to take us on a journey toward heaven, a victorious, life transforming and incredibly impacting journey. What we have to do is live in Christ and God will lead us, making us competent to be ministers of the new covenant, “not of the letter, but of the Spirit” and “the Spirit gives life.”

PRAY
Father, I know at this moment in my life I lack confidence because I am looking at myself instead of the glory of Jesus. Yet I see my sins, my failures and my weaknesses so clearly. I do not feel that I am being transformed into Christ's image, but rather that I lack strength to act or even the wisdom to know how to act properly in my given situation. I believe with my mind the truth about the power of the New Covenant. I know it is you who make us competent. But I feel so unworthy of your equipping and so unable to live with confidence. I stand before you today so conflicted. I need to trust in and rely on your grace and not on myself. Help me today to live according to what I know to be true and not what I feel.

OBEY
Do you see yourself right now being led in triumphal procession in Christ? Do you consider yourself as one who is being made competent as a minister of the new covenant? Are you contemplating (3:18 footnote) the Lord’s glory and being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory? If not, do you want to be?

For August 18: "The Depth of My Love"

2010-08-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:10

REFLECT
Paul had written 1 Corinthians “out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears.” It was a very strong and very direct letter that addressed many of the problems facing, and within, the Corinthian assembly. He also had planned to visit them (1 Corinthians 16:7), but did not stop by on his trip to and from Macedonia. Now, apparently, there were those opposing him in Corinth who were casting doubt on his motives and his love for the Corinthian disciples. Paul wrote here to let them know that his plans were not made lightly and that he had reasons, both for his strong first letter and for not visiting them on his trip to and from Macedonia.

The person he referred to in 2:5-11 is speculated by most to be the man referred to in his first letter who had his fathers wife! Apparently the Corinthian church withdrew its fellowship from him and he was brought to repentance. Now he wanted them to “forgive and comfort him.” If this speculation is true, here we see the purpose of withdrawing fellowship from an unrepentant Christian fulfilled - something I have seen happen a few times in 30 years of ministry. The repentant disciple needs to be welcomed back with the same enthusiasm as the prodigal son in Luke 15. While "disfellowship" is a last and desperate action, it is sometimes necessary and sometimes moves a person to repent.

PRAY
Father, I pray that I will fight every temptation to judge another person's motives or heart. Only you know the "thoughts and attitudes" of a person's heart and only you are qualified to judge. I can comment on what I see and hear, the actions and the words, and I might speculate on the motive (when over time actions and words are consistent). But even then I need to do so wit respect and with humility, with the hope that I can help someone examine their own heart before you. Again, I pray, Father, for the strength and humility to respond to judgement as Paul did, who was imitating our Lord Jesus. Amen.

OBEY
How easy do you find it to practice what is commonly referred to as “tough love”? Can you say the strong things and do the hard things when necessary, not out of frustration, personal hurt or vengeance, but out of love for the erring person? If not, what holds you back from obeying God in these circumstances?

For August 17: "About the Hardships We Suffered"

2010-08-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

READ: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

REFLECT
Paul probably wrote 1 Corinthians during the three years he spent in Ephesus and 2 Corinthians sometime after his departure, probably from either Philippi or Thessalonica (Acts 20:1-4). Ephesus was in Asia (now modern day Turkey) and Paul certainly faced much hardship while he was there (Acts 20:19, 35) both in terms of persecution from the Jews and plain hard work.

Paul’s view of hardship was so faithful; one we would all do well to imitate. He saw the troubles of his life for how serious they really were (e.g. “we despaired even of life,” “in our hearts we felt the sentence of death”). But he also knew that God was comforting him, so that he could comfort others. Though troubles he learned to rely on God rather than himself and that as he was delivered from his various trials many would give thanks to God. Therefore, he willing accepted his suffering. What an incredibly spiritual perspective!

I don't know about you, but I need to grow in my faith when it comes to experiencing trials. How easily I get discouraged! How easily even minor troubles cause me to doubt my effectiveness and look for a way out. I am very worldly many times in how I respond to trials in the moment, although I can speak spiritually after I have, by God’s grace, been brought through to the other side.

PRAY
Father, you have my confession. This area of responding to trials is an area where I so need to grow, especially those where my motives are maligned and my character is attacked. I need to respond faithfully knowing that you are always with me. I need to respond humbly knowing that Jesus was willing to suffer so much more for me. Give me strength to not even hide in my cave, but to stand up and keep on working for you. Amen.

OBEY
How do you respond during the trials of your life? Are you faith filled in trials? In this letter you are going to read a lot about Paul’s trials and challenges. Paul’s attitude and efforts both during and after his trials will, no doubt, convict and challenge you, but also allow Paul to inspire and equip you.

For August 16: "Some Time With You"

2010-08-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Corinthians 16:1-24

REFLECT
There certainly seems to have been a lot of coming and going in the early church. Many brothers traveled to churches for their strengthening and from churches to help others, like Paul, who were working in other cities. In spite of the absence of technology, there was communication and cooperation between the churches and a sharing, not only of financial resources in times of crises but also, of human resources.

It would seem that some brothers (e.g. Paul, Timothy and Apollos), did not see themselves as fixed to any one church, but traveled about as opportunity and/or need presented itself. And yet there were others who were stationary, such as Stephanas in Corinth. Obviously, the apostles were not stationary, nor, it seems, were the evangelists. However, other leaders, probably the pastor/teachers (i.e. elders), were those who remained in each city to shepherd the church.

As I look at our fellowship of churches today, I think we could benefit greatly from returning to what seems to me to be a Biblical pattern: elders (pastor/teachers) appointed in every town who oversee, shepherd and equip the assembly in that city, while evangelists travel where they are needed most, staying for as long as the opportunity or need remains or until a greater opportunity or need arises in another church. We need the same kind of sharing of human resources that was apparent in the New Testament church, so that Christians in every city can be strengthened and encouraged to remain true to the faith and elders can be appointed in every town (Acts 14:22-23). I believe we need to avoid the extremes of independence, on the one hand, and complete dependence, on the other. It seems clear to me that we need to strive for voluntary interdependence.

PRAY
It has always been difficult for us to understand, Father, what examples in the New Testament are there for us to inspire, inform and imitate and which ones are there to inspire and inform only. As we struggle to know your will for us as a worldwide fellowship of churches, may we cooperate in manners that show respect for congregational leadership and yet also show concern and compassion, and thus involvement. May we be open to and even seek input and help as necessary and may we be willing to give and get involved wherever we can help. Surely, Father, with today's technology, we have no excuse for not being connected, but then spiritual connection has never been a matter of technology, but a matter of the heart. Please help us have humble and compassionate hearts.

OBEY
Who oversees the church you are part of? If you have elders, what is their role and responsibility? If you have an evangelist, what is his role and responsibility? Do think there is a clear pattern in the New Testament church for leadership roles and responsibilities that we need to follow today? Why or why not?

For August 15: "Christ Has Indeed Been Raised"

2010-08-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Corinthians 15:1-58

REFLECT
Bishop Spong of the Anglican church has written several books in the last twenty years in which he argues against the facts of the gospel as preached by Paul, especially regarding the resurrection of Christ. He is not alone in the 21st century world of Christendom as he preaces that Christ has not been raised from the dead. Those who would strive to undermine Christianity know that there’s not a better place to focus their attack then on the resurrection. Because, as Paul wrote, “And if Christ has not been raised from the dead, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.”

The written testimony and the lives and deaths of Paul, the other apostles and literally thousands of first century Christians would beg to differ with Bishop Spong. Both cannot be right. Either Jesus died on the cross and was raised to life or he died on the cross and is still dead. The entire corpus of the New Testament rests on this claim: that Jesus was raised bodily from the grave and that he lives now in heaven at God’s right hand interceding for us. If Jesus has not been raised from the dead then everything Paul wrote in 15:50-58 is at best a pipe-dream and at worst a bold faced lie. But, if Christ has indeed risen, then “this world is not my home; I’m just a-passing through! My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue” and my life in this world lived for Christ is not in vain.

So, whether it’s OK Bishop Spong, or not, I’ll believe the apostle Paul and others claiming to be eye-witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection and will continue to live for Jesus and look forward to my own bodily resurrection!

PRAY
Father, I do believe that you raised Jesus from the dead. I do believe that he ascended into heaven and is now sitting at your right hand, as our high priest, interceding for us. And I believe that he is coming back again and that we, who are his, will be caught up with him in the clouds, meeting him in the air. And so we will be with him, and each other, forever! In this day and time, help all of us who believe that to convey that clearly both in words and in our deeds. Give us strength both to proclaim our faith in Jesus' resurrection and to live out our faith in our day to day lives. I realize that each individual will have to make his or her own decision, but I pray that we are able to give as many as possible that chance. It's either Bishop Spong or the apostle Paul. May we live in the spirit of the apostle and share his testimony.

OBEY
How firm is your faith in Jesus’ resurrection? Upon what is your faith based? Could you defend or explain your belief in the resurrected Jesus to those who would ask? If not, remember that Peter urged us to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have and to do so with gentleness and respect (See 1 Peter 3:15).

For August 14: "Not Disorder but Peace"

2010-08-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Corinthians 14:1-40

REFLECT
I’m not sure how modern “tongue speakers” can read this passage and still believe that they are following the scriptures. First of all, the fact is that “tongues” in the first century is the word used for the physical tongue or for known languages. It is unfortunate that the KJV added the word “unknown” to its translation, when the word “unknown” is not found in the manuscripts. Going all the way back to Acts 2, it is obvious that people heard the apostles speak in their own languages! Secondly, tongues, as well as all other miraculous gifts, were intended to be in use temporarily (1 Corinthians 13:8).

In today’s charismatic religious world tongues are the number one most sought after gift. Is that what Paul wrote about tongues? They are totally under the control of the gifted person and they are never to be used in public unless someone there has the gift of interpretation. I’m sure Paul found his own gift of tongue speaking (14:18) very useful as he traveled throughout the Roman Empire, but in the church he “would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue” (14:19).

Even for us, who are non-charismatic, this chapter has much to say in it about how God expects our assemblies together to go. Bottom line, whatever we do, our assemblies must be orderly in conduct and edifying in content. The goal is for the church to be instructed, encouraged and built up by using whatever gifts our church has in an orderly fashion. This, too, is the Lord’s command (14:37).

PRAY
I am so thankful, Father, that you are not a God of disorder, but a God of peace. I pray for peace in our assemblies, both between churches and within churches. I pray that when someone from the outside enters any of our assemblies that they are impressed by the obvious signs of your presence in that there is order, but also that there all is done with the goal if edifying (i.e., building up) every Christian. Help us to recognize Satan's schemes among us and to repent of all bitterness, anger, pride and selfish ambition. May we celebrate and utilize the diversity of gifts you have given to us. No one of us has it all together, but together we have it all! Thank you for the clear direction we find in this passage. May we obey the Lord's command.

OBEY
Based on this chapter alone, write down what Paul’s instructions were the Corinthian church for conducting an orderly and edifying assembly. Does the congregation, of which you are a member, follow these guidelines in principle? Do you have any questions or concerns about the orderliness or instructional value of your assemblies? If so, are you willing to respectfully and encouragingly approach your congregational leaders and share honestly?

For August 13: "Love Never Fails"

2010-08-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

REFLECT
The most excellent way for which we all must strive is the way of love. And love is not a feeling you’re feeling, when you’re feeling a feeling that you’ve never felt before. Here, love is practically described in clear terms that hold each and every one of us accountable. Here is an exercise that I have used many times in my life and have found it revealing, convicting and encouraging: I’ve substituted my name for the word “love” in 13:4-7 in the context of individual relationships. From that, I’ve been able to see the strengths and weaknesses of my love for specific people and have been able to repent and grow where necessary.

Perhaps this seems a little “clinical”, a little too practical, to you. Yet, in our culture where love can and does mean anything we want it to, and often nothing substantive at all, I think we need to “err” a little on the side of clinical in order to swing the pendulum back to what true, biblical, godly love is all about. When I’ve really struggled in specific relationships to love as I know I should and can, this passage has helped me to begin to “act my way into a different way of feeling” instead of waiting for the feeling to hit me out of the blue (which I don’t think ever happens), and thus to turn an unloving relationship into a loving one. It has never ceased to amaze me, when I really decided on my part to act in loving ways, how quickly the feelings come back and how positively most people respond to my renewed loving efforts. When I don’t know what else to do, I can always do this: I can love, because “love never fails”.

PRAY
Father, as I struggle today with some very unloving feelings related to a specific relationship, I know that I must, and that I can, overcome. Feelings are, just that, feelings. They are not my master. I can consciously decide to respond to these unloving feelings by being patient, kind, not boasting in myself or trying to defend myself, keeping no record of wrongs and striving to trust, hope and persevere. Please, Father, today, help me to live a life of love and sacrifice and to forgive others just as I've been forgiven in Christ. Amen.

OBEY
Are eagerly desiring the greater gifts? Are there any relationships in which you need to “act your way into a new way of feeling”? Who are those people and what are you going to do today? Do you really believe that “love never fails”?

For August 12: "There are Many Parts, but One Body"

2010-08-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31

REFLECT
The body of Christ, the church, is made up of many parts; parts which are different from one another. Unity in the body of Christ is not about us all being the same and doing the same work, but about each part doing its own work and working toward the common good. The Spirit has given gifts to the various parts of the body as he desires and God has arranged the parts of the body, every one of them, just as he wants them to be. Uniformity is not the hallmark of God’s church, but rather diversity is!

We are not all the same, but in fact God calls us and equips us to be very different, as different as an eye is from an ear, as different as a hand is from a foot. There is no body when there is uniformity of gifts and functions, but only when there is diversity of gifts and functions. Therefore, we need not fear diversity, but we should embrace, encourage and celebrate it! No part is more important than another and even the weakest parts are indispensable! If one part suffers, any part, we should all suffer with it! There is dichotomy of parts in the body of Christ; no clergy/laity, no first class/second class, no more important/less important. God has a use and a purpose and a work for each and every Christian no matter who he or she is and no matter what he or she can do. It is only when we embrace, encourage and celebrate that diversity that the body of Christ will grow.

PRAY
I need, Father, to accept all my brothers and sisters, every part of the body of the Christ, as an indispensable (i.e., essential), member of the church. I know there are Christians I don't automatically "click" with or that I find hard to understand (literally, culturally or even spiritually), and I know there are Christians who feel that way about me. Yet, every one of us were made in your image and every one of us have been bought by the blood of Christ and every one of us has been given the gifts of salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And every one of us have been enabled by that Spirit to contribute to overall health and growth of the body of Christ. I pray that I, and every member of our congregation, celebrates daily the diversity you've created and that we value each and every member. Amen.

OBEY
Do you personally embrace, encourage and celebrate the diversity in the local body of Christ of which you are a part? Do you wish you had the abilities and responsibilities that some others had or are you content to use what God has given you for the common good? What are your gifts? How are you using them to build up the body of Christ?

For August 11: "Praise...No Praise"

2010-08-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Corinthians 11:2-34

REFLECT
1 Corinthians 11:2-16 is one of the controversial passages in the New Testament. Is this direction for us today or was it specific to the first century due to the culture of the day? While there are those churches today who consider this to be God’s will regardless of culture, obviously most have have taken Paul’s directives to be culturally specific. This raises a larger question regarding the concept of restoring New Testament Christianity. How much of what is commanded in these letters is congregationally or culturally specific and how much is universally applicable? This is something we must explore and have convictions about, lest in the name of “restoring New Testament Christianity” we, in actuality, find ourselves guilty of cafeteria-style exegesis and thus simply creating just another form of denominational Christianity.

In contrast, we have taken the second matter in this chapter, the Lord’s Supper, extremely seriously and have treated the teaching and practice of it as central to our faith and requiring our full obedience. Yet, we must be careful, even with this, that we are not just going through the motions and yet missing the heart. There is nothing mystical or magical about the bread and the cup. It is about the state of our hearts as we eat the bread and drink the cup that matters. We must not only restore the action, but we must restore the heart of New Testament Christianity.

PRAY
I so much need your wisdom, Father. I can pray this prayer enough. I love reading and studying your word and I can't help but come to conclusions and applications as I do so, both for me personally and for all who call themselves disciples of Jesus. Yet, I know that even though I accompany my Bible study and preaching with the prayer for wisdom, that I have my own "glasses" through which I see your word. I know that my experiences, my culture, my pride, etc., have an impact on how I see your word applying to our lives. Help me to live out my convictions that result from Bible study and prayer, but always help my heart to be open to the perspective others may share with me or new insights I might gain. Help me to have the heart of Apollos, that I am always willing to be taught your will more adequately. Amen.

OBEY
Why would Paul insist on women praying with their heads covered and men with their heads uncovered? Do you think this practice should apply to us today? Why or why not? Do you prepare yourself to take the Lord’s Supper by first examining yourself and then “recognizing the body of the Lord”?

For August 10: "For the Glory of God"

2010-08-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Corinthians 10:1-11:1

REFLECT
If you are truly a disciple of Jesus, then I know this about you: you want, more than anything else, to bring glory to God with your life. This chapter contains some essential principles that will convict, guide and inspire you. First, listen and learn from the past. The God of the Israelites is our God as well. His nature and will have not changed. He is just as opposed to sin now as he was then and is just as serious about those who persist in sin as he was then. “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us.”

Second, while there are many things we have the freedom to do in Christ, we must choose what we do based not only on our freedom, but on what is good for others. Independence is highly valued in our society. We don’t want what we do to have any impact on others, but unless we live in complete isolation (a virtually impossibility) from all others, what we do does have an impact on others, and especially within the family of God, the church. Before we act, we must take into consideration whether or not our actions will have a positive or negative impact on either Christians or non-Christians.

Third, ask yourself this question, “Whose example are you following?” We’re not in this alone. One of the awesome things about being part of the family of God is that there are others whose lives we can look to, not only for inspiration, but for practical direction. If you can’t name those you are following as they follow Christ, then you aren’t following anyone’s example. Imitation doesn’t happen by accident, but only on purpose.

PRAY
Truly, Father, it is my desire to bring glory to your name. I want to live a life that is as free from sin as possible, yet I know that I will never be perfect. Therefore, I pray that I might have a heart of repentance, that recognizes and in humility confesses and turns from sin as soon as it is detected. May I strive more to consider the impact of my actions on others and be willing to make choices that do not cause others to struggle. I am grateful for the people you've put in my life who are incredible examples to me. May I have the humility to imitate them as they follow Jesus. Amen.

OBEY
Right now, whatever you are doing, are you consciously doing it all for the glory of God? What are your strengths and your weaknesses in terms of living a life for the glory of God?

For August 9: "The Lord Has Commanded"

2010-08-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Corinthians 9:1-27

REFLECT
I am amazed sometimes at the issues we often struggle with and debate amongst ourselves when the Bible is so clear as to what the Lord’s will is! Paul preached the gospel among the Corinthians. He had sown spiritual seed. Therefore, he had the right to be supported financially or materially by them. If oxen are not to be muzzled while they tread out the grain and if plowmen and threshers work with the hope of sharing in the harvest, why shouldn’t those who preach the gospel receive their living from the gospel? Indeed, it is what “the Lord has commanded” should be done.

Yes, there are times and circumstances in which such an arrangement is either not possible or advisable and so the one preaching the gospel has the the choice whether to make use of his rights or not. However, those who benefit by his preaching and teaching do not have the choice of not supporting him. God expects those who hear and respond to the gospel to help support the one from whom they hear the gospel! In our fellowship, that is certainly the understanding and practice at a congregational level.

However, my observation has been that there are some, considered members of our churches, who sit week after week in church services, Bible classes, midweek discussion groups and workshops who contribute little or even nothing, for weeks and months on end, to the support of those who serve and lead them spiritually. Brothers and sisters, this should not be! If someone is financially and materially impoverished, he should go to the leaders of his church and ask for financial assistance and counseling. But my experience has been that the majority of our poorest members give both sacrificially and consistently, and that is it often those who own homes, put their children in multiple extracurricular activities, and enjoy many personal hobbies, that contribute the least and who often have attitudes toward what the church is paying its staff.

We all need to make sure that every member has a great attitude and does his or her part fiancially to ensure that those among us who preach the gospel and are sowing spiritual seed are receiving their living from the gospel.

PRAY
This is what you have commanded, Lord. This is your plan. We need more workers who are able to work full time in the harvest field and who thus are dependant on the local disciples for their support. I pray we will all have it on our hearts to do all that we each can to share what you, Father, have given us so that more and more people will hear the gospel preached and many will respond.

OBEY
Is your giving consistent with God’s will? Are you doing your part to support those who preach the gospel in your city and church? Do you know anyone, considered to be Christian, who either has an attitude about supporting their spiritual leaders or is not contributing at all? Are you willing to have a talk with that person?

For August 8: "I Will Never Eat Meat Again"

2010-08-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

REFLECT
I’m so glad I do not live in a day in which the only meat I can buy in the market is from an animal that had been offered in sacrifice to an idol. As a meat eater, I don’t have to worry about violating my conscience or that of another Christian. However, this was a very real issue in the first century church. Bottom line, Paul said since we know there is only one God and one Lord, it did not matter that these animals had been offered by others to false gods.

However, the principle that applies to us for sure is that we must always be careful that we do not exercise our freedom in a way that becomes a stumbling block to other Christians; for to do so is to sin against that brother and against Christ! Therefore we might have the freedom to do a certain thing, but not if in doing so we are causing others to stumble. There are many things that most of us feel we have the freedom to do in Christ, but other sincere Christians may not. Paul’s conviction here, challenges me: “if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.” Now that’s true for one another Christianity. Instead of arguing for his right to do what he has the freedom in Christ to do, he would willingly give up that up in order to spare the consciences of other Christians. I hope you’re called higher. I know that I am!

PRAY
How many times, Father, have argued (at least in my mind) for my right to do or say whatever I believe is right. Yet, if it is a matter of opinion, then by insisting on my way, I probably caused others to struggle in their faith. Father, if in any way I have done that and not already known it and apologized, please make me aware of such an incident, especially if the brother or sister has not let go of it personally. Help me to be more aware and sensitive towards the needs of others and to act only when concerns have been addressed and opportunities have been given for discussion. In matters of opinion may I have the attitude Paul had in saying that if eating meat caused his brother to stumble, he would never do it again! Father, I'm challenged!

OBEY
Can you think of any practices that you believe you have the freedom to do, but which might cause some Christians to struggle? Make a list of practices over which there is some controversy in your culture? Examine your heart closely on this one and answer the following question honestly: Would you be willing to give that practice up so that you might not cause your brother to fall?

For August 7: "Each Man Has His Own Gift"

2010-08-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Corinthians 7:1-40

REFLECT
This passage can be very confusing if not read very slowly and carefully. If you’ve read the chapter and are confused, please go back and re-read it slowly, using the following “outline” for clarification.
-Are sexual relations within marriage sinful? (7:1-7)
-Should unmarried and widowed Christians marry? (7:8-9)
-Should married disciples separate? (7:10-11)
-What should a Christian married to a non-Christian do? (7:12-16)
-Paul’s recommendations regarding marriage and his reasons (7:17-38)
-A widow must remarry in the Lord (7:39-40)

Paul wished that every Christian could be singularly devoted to the Lord’s affairs and not burdened by the affairs of this world, during “the present crisis”. But due to the facts that: 1) there is so much immorality, and; 2) each man has his own gift, (thus it is better to marry than to burn), Paul concedes that each “should do as he wants.”

PRAY
Father, it is with passages such as this that I pray for much wisdom. These words of Paul have been used to teach so many, often contradictory, things that proves this is a confusing passage for us. Help me to hold to my convictions and yet at the same time have an open heart and open mind to see things from a different perspective. Help me not to be judgmental or self-righteous and yet, until you provide for me a better understanding, may I live and teach my convictions consistently and clearly, but always with grace.

OBEY
What is your marital status? Are you unmarried, widowed, married to a disciple or married to a non-Christian? What direction from Paul specifically applies to your current life situation? How do you feel about what Paul wrote? If you struggle with anything, what is it and why? Discuss your reaction to this chapter with a mature, knowledgeable leader in your church, if you are feeling “unsettled”.

For August 6: "Flee From Sexual Immorality"

2010-08-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Corinthians 5:1-6:20

REFLECT
Corinth was an extremely immoral city, even by pagan standards. There was a saying in the Roman world that if a person was living a life of obvious and consistent promiscuity, that person was said to be “Corinthinized”! And yet, there was sin going on in the Corinthian church at this time of such a nature that even the pagans could not accept - one of the members was having a sexual relationship with his own father’s wife! This situation led to Paul writing some of the strongest statements about the nature of sexual sin in the New Testament.

Sexual sin is alive and well in our world, as it was in the first century Roman world. It was pervasive among non-believers, accepted, encouraged and promoted. God’s standard of absolute purity is extremely challenging to live up to, yet it is a standard God fully expects us all to live up to. When sexual sin gets into the church, the unrepentant must be dealt with seriously: “...you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral...with such a man do not even eat!” Why such a strong stand? Because “a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough. Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast.”

But sexual sin gets into the church via individual Christians who do not have spiritual thinking and deep convictions about the seriousness and danger of this sin. Thus they “play” around with temptation and “try to resist”, but the only way to deal with sexual sin is to “flee”. Why? Because “you are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”

PRAY
Father, the challenge to live a pure life is ever before me. Only by having spiritual thinking and seeing people from a spiritual perspective can I lessen the temptation. Help me today to hard-lined on what I allow my eyes to focus on and what I allow my mind to think about. May I run from any situations where there is sexual temptation and if, for whatever reason, I am unable to flee, give me the strength to resist. May all my relationship and interactions today be absolutely pure.

OBEY
Are you involved in any sexual sin? Are your relationships absolutely pure? Are you surfing pornographic sights on the internet or watching sexual stimulating scenes on TV or in movies? Do you “flee” from situations and people that tempt you to sin sexually?

For August 5: "Imitate Me"

2010-08-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

REFLECT
Paul spent almost two years in Corinth preaching the gospel and equipping the saints. He had a very personal relationship with the Christians there. Yet that relationship was being undermined in his absence by some among them who had become arrogant and were dismissing his impact. Others, in defense of Paul, were boasting about him. Both groups were guilty of worldly thinking.

The Corinthians needed to understand that Paul was a servant of God and the only judgement that concerned him was God’s. What talents he possessed and what impact he had were gifts from God. Yes, he sacrificed much in his service to God and to them and had to endure much hardship and slander. He was their “father...through the gospel” and they needed to take his teaching and his life seriously. He was their example of how a Christian should live and because they needed to be reminded of that lifestyle, he was sending Timothy to them. But if they did not listen and repent, he would come to them with power.

We, human beings, can be so “all or nothing”. Either we boast about leaders, put them on a pedestal and idolize them, or we point out all their flaws, focus on their weaknesses and sins and completely disrespect them and reject their authority in our lives. This “all or nothing” response is not spiritual. Leaders are servants of God to whom God has given the ability and the opportunity to lead. Therefore, our boasting needs to be about what God has done. Nevertheless, spiritual leaders are our examples; they work hard among us and they are over us in the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13) and have the responsibility to admonish us. Therefore, we need to imitate them as they imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). While we shouldn’t boast about our leaders, we need to hold them in the highest respect in love, consider their lives, imitate their faith, and obey them (Hebrews 13:7, 17).

PRAY
Father when I read this I know how easy it is to be on both sides of the fence: at one time a fan and then so soon to become a critic. We are fickle people, filled with pride, who need to be on the "right side". As if there is a right side when we choose to be anything but a fan of Jesus Christ. I pray I will respect and support those who are my leaders and that I will strive to build up and encourage those who work so hard among us.

OBEY
What is your attitude toward the spiritual leaders God has placed in your life? If you have spiritual men in your congregation who serve the church as evangelists, elders, teachers or deacons, you need to consider yourself blessed. Do you? Do you look to these men and their wives as either your “parents” or at least “guardians” in Christ and give them the respect they are due?

For August 4: "No More Boasting About Men"

2010-08-03T16:19:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Corinthians 3:1-23

REFLECT
This is one of the sure signs that we are being influenced by the world’s wisdom and not by God’s - we boast about men. It’s one thing to have human spiritual heroes; it’s completely something else to align yourself behind a particular person. Who are our spiritual heroes - the men and women we respect as examples and teachers in our lives? They are God’s servants. They have been given tasks by God and, if they are faithful to their tasks, God is able to work through them to build and mature his church. But all the glory must go to God.

Paul was given the task of laying foundations as an expert builder. The resulting “building” was not the church of Paul, but the temple of God. Paul understood that he had this ministry “by the grace of God.” In other words, it was not because he was deserving of his task, but that God chose him in spite of being undeserving of it! While we need to respect those who work hard among us and who are over us in the Lord, we must remember (and those servants would want us to remember) that they are mere servants, given a task by God’s grace, which they are striving to faithfully carry out! No one is truly “wise” in God’s sight. If we think we are, we are indeed “fools”. In fact, the only truly wise person is the one who recognizes that he is a fool - then he can become wise!

PRAY
Father, I know I am nothing and can do nothing apart from you in my life. I have no wisdom or power to use the abilities you have given in any productive way. I am a truly a fool if I think I can do anything on my own. I know that I accept praise from people far more than I should. I rationalize that they are just encouraging me - and perhaps that is their intention. But it so easily goes to my head and I forget to acknowledge that I am a mere servant who has been given a task to do and that it is only by your grace that I have this ministry. May I today be a faithful steward of all the gifts and abilities and opportunities you have provided for me.

OBEY
Think about the good that has been accomplished in and through your life since you’ve become a Christian. To whom do you honestly give the credit for your growth and impact? Think about some of your spiritual heroes. Do you see them simply as “servants” of Christ? What can you do today to be a servant of Christ?

For August 3: "The Wisdom of God"

2010-08-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16

REFLECT
A man was taking his restored Model T Ford out for a drive when the engine started sputtering and then died. He was standing by the roadside with his head under the hood, when an older man approached him and asked if he could help. Considering himself an Model T expert, he at first declined, but when he was unsuccessful after several attempts to restart the car, he let the older man take a look. He fiddled with a few things and then told the younger man to start it up. He didn’t think it would work, but in order to humor the old man he got in the driver's seat and pushed the starter. The engine immediately started and ran smoothly. Amazed, the younger man asked, “How did you know what to do so quickly?” The older man replied, “Son, I’m Henry Ford and I built this car!”

God, who created and sustains all that is, knows exactly what we need. He knit us together in our mother’s wombs and knows the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. He has shared his wisdom with us both in and through his Son, “Christ Jesus who has become for us wisdom from God,” and in and through “words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.” God’s wisdom is so different from the world’s and in fact is often absolutely contradictory to what the world calls wisdom (e.g., reread the beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12). If we listen to and apply God’s wisdom to our lives and our churches we will succeed spiritually. But if we insist on adhering to and apply worldly wisdom we will surely fail.

PRAY
Father, may I seek wisdom above all today and for the rest of my life. May I always seek your wisdom - heavenly wisdom, not worldly wisdom. Sometimes I'm so impressed by what some people or organizations are doing and I get caught up in learning and applying their wisdom to my life and ministry, but then realize that it is, at least in part, worldly wisdom that is in conflict with your will and your word. I pray that today I'll have the courage to apply your wisdom to my life, even though it my fly in the face of what my family, friends and neighbours consider to be true and helpful. May I embrace your wisdom with all my heart.

OBEY
The only way we can live our lives in this world in a way that pleases and glorifies God is to accept and apply God’s wisdom and to reject wisdom that is from this world. Think of several examples of where God’s wisdom is considered foolishness by the world. Do you fully embrace God’s wisdom and look to it, both in the life of Jesus and in the word of God, as the solution for the problems, issues and challenges of life?

For August 2: "God is Faithful"

2010-08-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

READ: 1 Corinthians 1:1-17

REFLECT
If you were reading Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church for the first time, the first nine verses of chapter one would probably give you the impression that this church was spiritually strong and mature. He thanks God for them; they have been enriched in every way; they do not lack any spiritual gift; they eagerly await the coming of the Lord. But the truth is that the Corinthian church was in a spiritual mess - their problems were many and serious, as the reader will soon see.

I think many of us wouldn’t have started a letter to the Corinthian Christians with the tone Paul did. I think that the last verse in the introduction is the foundational one: “God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” Paul was confident because he trusted in God’s faithfulness, not in man’s. He trusted that God was still working in their lives in spite of their sin and even using their sin to help them change and grow!

Their solution to resolving all their issues was to line up behind their favorite human leader and then quarrel about who was right. Instead of resolution, divisions were occurring which threatened to irrevocably divide the body of Christ. The problem in Corinth was not that they were having problems, but rather that their method of helping was to apply human or worldly wisdom to their circumstances. They needed a good dose of spiritual wisdom and that’s what Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is about - applying spiritual wisdom to correct spiritual problems. And that was the reason for Paul’s confidence.

PRAY
Father, I am so grateful that you are not quick to give up on us. As some wise man once told me, "The best of us is a mess." From your perspective, Father, there is no one person and no one church that is not a mess - it is a question of degree. None of us have it all together; none of us have it all figured out, either in terms of our doctrine or in terms of our lives. I know your word is truth and that the truth saves us, but no one has a perfect handle on your word, so it is still by grace that we are saved as we continue to strive to know your truth and struggle to live it out in our lives. Thank you for your patience with me, my ministry and my somewhat dysfunctional, but truth-seeking, spiritual family! Amen.

OBEY
Do you believe that any problem or issue in your life or in your church fellowship can be corrected by applying true spiritual wisdom? But even in the church, is God’s word the first place we always go to for help when problems arise? If not, why not?

For August 1: "My Ambition"

2010-08-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

READ: Romans 15:14-16:27

REFLECT
Paul’s ambition was “to preach the gospel where Christ was not known.” Over the last 33 years of my life I have been privileged to know, to learn from and be inspired by Christians who have had a very similar ambition. Christians with this kind of ambition are the ones who help ensure that the gospel is spread throughout the world. We need to have men and women with Paul’s ambition in our churches today. But there are other spiritual ambitions worthy of having and pursuing which are also necessary for the building up and maturing of God’s church.

My spiritual ambition is to be used by God for “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith” and to see that elders are appointed in each church that is currently without an eldership. See Acts 14:22-25. It is my passion to teach and preach God’s word to the disciples, with the goal of equipping them for works of service by means of an ever deepening knowledge of the scriptures and a growing ability to handle the word of God correctly. That doesn't mean that I don't have a passion for the lost, but I do believe that each of us have God-given strengths (i.e., abilities, talents, gifts) that we must use in ways that are consistent with God's will.

PRAY
Father, may I be true to your will today and may I use my talents - those abilities you have given me and helped me develop - to build up your church. I want to strengthen all who follow Jesus with a deeper knowledge of your word and to pass on the ability to use your word correctly so that its full power can be unleashed in our lives and through us to the world. I commit myself to the equipping of your people for works of ministry and to helping each member of the body of Christ do his/her part so that the body might grow and build itself up in love. Help me today to "warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak" and to "be patient with everyone." Amen.

OBEY
How about you? What is your spiritual ambition? What do you believe you are gifted by God to do in, and for, his kingdom? What do you have an inner passion to accomplish for the glory of God through the church? What are you doing right now to fulfill your ambition?

For July 31: "Accept One Another"

2010-07-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

READ: Romans 14:1-15:13

REFLECT
To “accept one another” is so much easier said than done, especially when you see what “accept one another” meant to Paul in Romans 14 & 15:
-Not passing judgement on disputable matters
-Not looking down on the brother who sees things differently that I do
-Not putting a stumbling block or obstacle in my brother’s way by being sensitive to his conscience and convictions
-Making every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification
-Keeping what I believe about disputable matters between myself and God
-Seeking to please my brother for his good, to build him up
-Doing all that I can to live out a spirit of unity

I find it so easy to believe that what I think about a subject is the only right way to think about that subject; that my convictions about a particular practice are always right and that those who see it or do it differently are at the very least “weak” and may even be “wrong”. Yet while there are many, many issues clearly laid out in scripture regarding right and wrong, righteousness and sin, there are many other issues for which there is no clear directive from God. In these “disputable matters” I need to be open to what others think and do and accept those who see and practice it differently than I do.

PRAY
Father, I think that one of my most consistent sins is that of passing judgment on my brothers. I eventually get to the point of acceptance but it often takes too long and involves a period where I am judging a Christian's motives, actions or practices. I know that I don't want to be treated that way and I know it does nothing good for me to treat others that way, even if they never know what I've thought about them in my heart. I need to recognize the temptation to judge my brothers so much more quickly and decide immediately to trust their hearts and your work in their lives and mine. Who am I to judge your servants? With those who are truly weak in their faith, may I be a servant to them overflowing with patience and grace. Surely, from your perspective, Father, I am always weak! Thank you for the ongoing grace you show me.

OBEY
Think of some specific “disputable matters” concerning which you are in disagreement with other Christians about what should be thought, taught or practiced. Can you live in a spirit of unity with those who hold different views on these matters? If so, how? If not, why not?

For July 30: "Your Spiritual Act of Worship"

2010-07-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

READ: Romans 12:1-13:14

REFLECT
I’ve often thought, “I’m sure glad that I was born in the times of the New Covenant!” When I read the Old Testament and see all that is involved in following the law, especially all the sacrifices that were required, I am very grateful for a new and better covenant. However, worshiping God, even under the New Covenant, still is all about offering sacrifices - not those of bulls and goats, but the offering of myself (my time, talent, resources, knowledge, etc.) to do God’s will. If my worship of God is not sacrificial, then it isn’t true worship.

God has given each of us a specific and individualized gift set - a grouping of talents and/or abilities that I can either use only for myself and my betterment and success, or that I can also use to accomplish God’s will in my life, the church and the world. But to do so on a consistent basis requires a transformation by the renewing of my mind. It means not conforming to the world’s pattern of selfishness, but like our Lord, using all that I am and all that I have to do God’s will. My worship is not restricted to a Sunday service, but is offered by living day-in and day-out for God. Some of the specifics of what it means to offer our bodies as “living sacrifices” are found in Romans 12:9-13:14. Living that way every day for God will involve sacrifice and living a life of sacrifice is my spiritual act of worship!

PRAY
Father, my flesh balks at the idea of sacrifice. I long for comfort and convenience. I want to make sure my needs are met first and then if I have anything left over I will give something to or for others. Everything in my flesh calls me to seek first myself. Yet, everything about you, Father, calls for seeking first the needs of others. You are a sacrificial God who held nothing back in your efforts to help us; not even your own son. I know in calling us to live sacrificially you are not expecting anything from us that you have not demonstrated yourself. I pray that today I will live sacrificially so that my worship of you today will not be in vain, but will be pleasing to you. Amen.

OBEY
After reading these verses, how would you say you are doing in terms of offering your body as a living sacrifice? Do you see living daily for God as your spiritual act of worship? Are you being transformed by the renewing of your mind? If so, what does that involve?

For July 29: "Righteousness for Everyone Who Believes"

2010-07-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

READ: Romans 10:1-11:36

REFELCT
It was by an act of God’s mercy that I met Ron Surrey in the youth group of that United Church, who then introduced me to Roy Jeal, who then shared the gospel with me at a time in my life when I was searching for truth. I did nothing, nor could do anything, to deserve that opportunity. God by his grace worked that out in my life. I remember exactly and precisely the moment that reality hit me for the first time. I was driving between Kirksville, Missouri and Pittsfield, Illinois (about 150 miles) in the late spring of 1982 and singing spiritual songs with the car windows rolled down. I was singing the second verse of a song entitled “For Those Tears, I Died” (see prayer below). I starting shaking, and tearing up and almost had to pull over to the side of the road. I realized how much I deserved exactly the opposite of what God gave me and that me being a Christian was simply and only an act of God’s grace.

It’s not that some are predestined to destruction and some are predestined to life by an arbitrary God. All who hear the gospel and believe the gospel and get to call on his name are richly blessed. Getting to hear the gospel at a time in your life when you are open to the gospel is the result, not of chance or circumstance and most certainly not of merit but, of God’s mercy. We need to respond to that grace by continuing in faith and not being arrogant and boastful as if we’ve done something special to deserve God’s favor. We also need to respond to God’s mercy in our lives by sending out as many as possible to preach so that as many as possible will hear and believe.

PRAY
"Your goodness so great, I can’t understand. And dear Lord, I know that all this was planned. I know that you’re here now and always will be. Your loved loosed my chains and in you I’m free. But Jesus, why me? Jesus I give you my heart and my soul. I know that without you I'd never be whole. Saviour you've opened all the right doors. And I thank you and I praise you from earth's humble shores. Take me, I'm yours."

OBEY
In the whole issue of salvation what is our part and what is God’s? What choices must we make when we hear the gospel? What choices must we make now that we’ve heard the gospel so that others will hear it also and as many as possible will get the same chance we have had to be saved? How grateful are you for your salvation?

For July 28: "Is God Unjust?"

2010-07-27T06:33:00.000-07:00

READ: Romans 9:1-33

REFLECT
The next few chapters of Romans are really challenging to understand and even when understood they can be hard to accept. A principle of biblical interpretation is that more difficult passages of scripture must be interpreted in light of clearer passages. Another principle of hermeneutics is that truth cannot contradict itself. Whatever you think Paul is saying in Romans 9-11 he is not saying: 1) that people are not free will agents, or; 2) that God arbitrarily determines our spiritual state now and eternally, or; 3) that all who call themselves Jews today will be saved irrespective of whether or not they accept Jesus as the Messiah.

But I do believe Paul is saying: 1) that every person, whether Jew or Gentile, receives God’s mercy or wrath depending on his faith in Christ, and; 2) that God is not obligated to call everyone who has ever lived via equal opportunities (in quantity or quality) to come to faith, and; 3) that the only true Jew is anyone (Jew or Gentile) who accepts Jesus as the Messiah (or Christ).

It is not unfair on God’s part that “only the remnant will be saved” and that many Jews and Gentiles will be lost. What is unfair is that we, who have come to faith in Christ, were given a chance to hear and obey the gospel and thus be saved. God is the potter and he owes the clay nothing.

PRAY
Father, I often wondered and ponder the question, "Why me?" Why, out of all the people in the world, was I given an opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel of Christ? Why was I "chosen" and led to faith in Jesus, when so many of my friends and family were not? I know that you love all people equally and desire for all people to be saved. I know that you have given to every person something we call "free will" and thus people are unable to blame you if they choose not to respond to the gospel. Like the Romans to which Paul wrote, I have been grafted onto the tree and have been set apart for your glory, when I chose to hear and obey the gospel of Christ. I still don't understand exactly how your foreknowledge and predestination work with our free will and I guess I never will - at least this side of heaven. But I accept your knowing and choosing beforehand just as I accept the responsibility I have to continue to live out my faith in Jesus. Father, you, your plan and your working in the world are beyond my comprehension, so I'll just do my best to bring glory to your name. Thank you for my salvation.

OBEY
Do you realize that you are a Christian today only because of God’s mercy that allowed you to hear and respond faithfully to the gospel? Not everyone who has lived, or will live, has, or will have, been given this chance. How incredibly special do you feel today that God chose you to hear the good news of Jesus Christ at a time in your life when you were willing to accept it?

For July 27: "More Than Conquerors"

2010-07-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

READ: Romans 8:18-39

REFLECT
Having the Spirit of God living in you doesn’t mean that you won’t have any problems in your life. We live in a fallen world - that is, in a world that is ruled by and affected by sin. It is not what God intended when he created everything; we are part of a creation that is groaning “as in the pains of childbirth.” Even as Christians, we do not yet have the full experience of salvation as long as we live in the world.

We live in sin and in weakness. But we do have all that we need to live triumphantly and victoriously in this world. We have the Spirit of God living in us so that we can not only, by his power, put to death the misdeeds of our bodies, but through him we can know that God in heaven knows our hearts and our minds. The Spirit of God “intercedes for the saints” (that’s “us” ) even when we groan in this life and know not how we ought to pray! Not only that, but Jesus himself - who is at the right hand of God - “is also interceding for us”.

God, who didn’t spare his one and only Son in order to save us, has not left us to fight for righteousness alone, but he is fighting with us both on the inside and on the outside and up in heaven! If we choose to live according to the Spirit and continue to renew and remake that decision day by day, we are conquerors. So sure is our victory in Christ that we are actually “more than conquerors” for nothing in all the universe can “separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus”! AMEN!

PRAY
Father, it is by your grace and your grace alone that I can experience the life as a conqueror rather than as a victim. No matter what happens to me or around me you are always there with me and you never stop loving me. Forgive me when I doubt your love and provision and help me to trust in your grace and mercy always. I know that you know what is on my heart even when I don't speak. You have a direct link to the very its thoughts and attitudes - which are not always righteous. I am so grateful that you've not left me alone to make it on my own, but that you are with me every step of the way. As much as I believe that and rely on you today, I know that I will be a conqueror.

OBEY
Are you living today as one who is “more than a conqueror”? Are you celebrating your salvation and utilizing all the tools and blessings at your disposal? Are you unshakably confident that nothing anyone or anything can do to you can separate you from the love of God? How will reflecting on and believing what this passage teaches impact how you live today?

For July 26: "We Have An Obligation"

2010-07-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

READ: Romans 7:1-8:17

REFLECT
Prior to becoming Christians, we had no option, no opportunity and no power to resist the sinful nature. We were without the Spirit and we were unspiritual and sold as slaves to sin. Even when we wanted to do good, we found another power at work in our bodies and we couldn’t do the things we wanted to. We were wretched and in need of healing. We were enslaved and in need of rescue. Sin was alive in us, but the Spirit of God was absent.

Then we heard about Jesus Christ and put our faith in his death and resurrection as our only means of salvation. We turned from our sin and died with him in baptism so that we were raised to “serve in the new way of the Spirit.” Not only was there now “no condemnation” because we were in Christ, but we were no longer powerless to overcome sin in our lives because the Spirit of God had come to live in us. We were now able to make a choice when faced with temptation: we could choose to submit ourselves to the sinful nature (Greek, sarx = flesh), continue in sin and thus die, or we could choose to live according to the Spirit, “put to death the misdeeds of the body” and live.

Romans 7:14-21 describes the person who tries to live righteously without the Spirit. Despite his or her best intentions, without the Spirit of God living within, there is no power to overcome sin. However, the person who has become a Christian is not only living under God’s grace, but is indwelled by the Spirit of God and now has the choice to live either according to the flesh or according to the Spirit. And that person’s experience is described not by Romans 7:14-21, but by Romans 8:1-4, 5b, 6b, 10-11, 13b-17! We, who are Christians, have a choice: enslavement/death or freedom/life - flesh or Spirit.

PRAY
Father, my prayer today is simple: may I resist the temptation to give into the flesh and thus sin, but instead choose to live according to your Spirit and thus live righteously. I know I will be faced with many situations today in which I will need to choose either the flesh or the Spirit. Help me to be conscious whenever I am faced with that choice and by your grace and power choose the Spirit. I know your will for my life through your revealed will in the Scriptures. May I also be aware of the leadings of your Spirit in my life and not quench his efforts to guide and empower me. Thank you that through Jesus I have the choice to overcome and put to death the deeds of the flesh in my life. Amen!

OBEY
If you have not yet put your trust in Jesus, repented of your sins and been baptized into Christ, then Romans 7:14-21 describes you. Do you want to be set free, live without condemnation and with the power of the Holy Spirit say “No” to sin? If you are a Christian and thus have the indwelling of the Spirit, then Romans 8 should describe your life? So which chapter, Romans 7 or Romans 8, describes your life best?

For July 25: "We, Too, May Live a New Life"

2010-07-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

READ: Romans 6:1-23

REFLECT
A proper understanding of, and reliance on, God’s grace does not encourage sin, but rather encourages righteousness. It works like this. When we were baptized into Christ we were raised so that we may live new lives. We are no longer slaves to sin and therefore we now have the choice to obey sin or to obey the Spirit. Prior to dying, being buried and being raised with Christ in baptism we had no choice; we were enslaved to sin and destined to be punished as sinners. When our old self was crucified with Jesus and the body of sin was done away with, we were set free from both the power and the penalty of sin!

Now we have a choice, a choice we will have to make many times over every single day; but we have a choice! We can choose to obey sin and become slaves again, or we can choose to remain free by obeying righteousness. A righteous life is not automatic for a baptized believer, but it is now possible. Our default mode is sin; indecision is a decision to sin. But if we consciously choose righteousness over sin we make ourselves slaves to God and “the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” Choose life!

PRAY
Father, I am so grateful today that I have a choice, that I am no longer a slave to sin. I can choose to obey your will and thus live righteously in this world. I have your love and grace, I have Jesus' example and teaching and I have the Holy Spirit. I have brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage me both by their words and their deeds. I have everything and everyone I need to be motivated and empowered to say "No" to sin and "Yes" to righteousness. Today, I pray, that I will choose righteousness over sin. I pray that I will be aware of temptation and quickly turn away from the opportunity to sin. I thank you for the power. I thank you for the grace. I thank you for the motivation. Today I choose life. Amen.

OBEY
How’s it going in the new life to which you were raised at your baptism? Are you offering the parts of your body to sin or to God as instruments of righteousness? Are you a slave to sin or a slave to God? Which will you choose today - the slippery slope of sin or the road to righteousness? You have the power; you have the knowledge; you have the example. Will you choose life?

For July 24: "While We Were Still Sinners"

2010-07-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

READ: Romans 5:1-21

REFLECT
The gospel is all about God’s love for us. In spite of our sin, in spite our disbelief, our wrong choices and the hurt we have caused ourselves, others and God, God loves us while we were still sinners! Oh that we would believe that, really believe that! He hates our sin, but he loves us. That’s so hard for us to grasp, because we don’t often experience unconditional love in our world whether from others or to others. But God’s love is perfectly unconditional. He loves us in our powerlessness. He loves us in our ungodliness. He loves us in our rebellion, even as sinners and enemies.

How much does he love us? Completely, perfectly, practically! Paul says it best with these words, “For if when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” It just doesn’t get any better than that!

Yet I speak with Christians quite frequently who doubt whether God really loves them and my question to them is always this: What else does God need to do to show you that he loves you? If he loved you when you couldn’t care less about him and were living in open rebellion to his will, does he love you less now that you are striving to follow Jesus? We’re not saved by grace at baptism and then saved by works after baptism. Salvation is always based on God’s grace and always will be and it comes through faith in Christ Jesus.

PRAY
I am still blown away by this passage, Father, every time I really reflect on it - even after 33 years as a disciple! God, it is amazing, astounding and awesome to know that you have always loved me and that your love for me is not based on anything I do, but on your choice. You even love me when I doubt your love for me. As the song states, "I need your love...I can't get enough..." I pray that I will trust in your love for me always and that I will look at others (all others) as individuals whom you love in just the same way that you love me. May I learn today to love more and more unconditionally and thus be more like Jesus. In his name I pray. Amen.

OBEY
Do you believe that God really loves you, even when you don’t think you are doing well spiritually? Do you think God had unconditional love for you before you were a Christian, but now that you are a Christian he has a conditional love for you? Be honest. How will reflecting on and trusting in God's unconditional love motivate and move you today?