Scripture:
But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in his sin... Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord’s anger was turned aside, and He did not destroyed him completely. And there was still goodness in the land of Judah...But he was an evil king, for he did not seek the Lord with all of his heart.
2 Chronicles 12:1,12,14
Observation:
The son of Solomon, raised in the most luxurious and pampered environment a human being has ever seen, led the people of Judah in a critical time of division and spiritual confusion. Because of God’s promise to David, he became strong and his reign was firmly established. As he became comfortable, he completely walked away from God. The King of Egypt invaded Judah, bringing shame to his kingdom. The prophet Shemaiah exhorted Rehoboam and the king humbled himself before God. He recognized his sin and made some important personal changes. However, he did not seek God with all of his heart. In times of trouble his heart was softened, but once things were better, very quickly he departed from seeking God’s face. He wasted his potential because only as we seek God wholeheartedly, our potentials are maximized.
Application:
One of the worse things to do is to waste our God-given potential. Only in God’s presence we can find our full potential unleashed. But if we don’t seek the Lord with all of our heart, we will always see our potential being wasted. Very often I find myself getting comfortable in God’s blessings and neglecting my intimacy with the Lord. I may not abandon the Lord, but very easily I can put my trust in my efforts and not in God’s grace and mercy. Also, when I realize that I did wrong, I can humble myself quickly. However, when the emotions of apology evaporate, humility also evaporates. Every time that this happens, more potential is wasted. And this lack of stewardship is a shame!
The book of Chronicles is giving people an important answer. We all have the potential to become more like Christ, but we waste it every time that we seek God with reservations or conditions. If our hearts is not fully engaged in seeking God’s face, sooner or later we will see dreams wasted, vision wasted, blessings wasted, and potential wasted. The solution is simple: Let’s seek God with all of our hearts!
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the potential wasted every time I withhold my heart from seeking you. Sometimes I’m more concerned for worthless things and more passionate for selfish ambitions. Please change my heart and give me a strong appetite for your presence. Let me seek you like never before in my life. Help me to maximize the potential you have placed in my life. Let me seek your face when I’m in trouble and when I’m in comfort. Let me be more devoted to you and dependent on your grace and favor over my life. Let me be more like you. Amen!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
WILLPOWER. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him.
Philippians 2:13
Observation:
The Apostle Paul exhorts us to be careful to put into action God’s saving work in our lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. God’s saving work is what He does in our lives with every breath we take. He works overtime in our hearts, giving us the DESIRE to obey His Word, and the opportunities to ACT UPON it. We need both in order to have effective WILLPOWER. Obedience to God cannot stay in intentions. It must be conceived and lived out in our daily affairs. Our good intentions to obey must become real as we make daily decisions in the things we think, the things we say, and the things we do. This is the race we all run as we chose to follow Christ.
Application:
In this race, many people struggle in wanting to do the will of God. Their desire to obey God’s ways is in conflict with their desire to please themselves. Both desires cannot coexist together. One is destined to survive and the other will dissolve. We arrive to a great pit-stop when our desire is to do the will of God, no matter the cost. Now, when we arrive there, we have a greater challenge ahead of us - to act upon our good intentions. This is also very difficult. Willpower is the ability to turn good intentions into reality by combining our motivation do to God’s will with the discipline to execute. This is where the rubber meets the road.
The key part for me to understand here is that “this is the work of God.” My job is not to have the willpower to do it. I can try on my own, but that’s not the way... I need to depend on God to give me the desire and the power to do it. My job is to be intimate and close to my Heavenly father. From His presence flows the willpower we need to run the race in away that brings glory to God. Out of relationship with Jesus my motivation and discipline to live God’s way will be sincere and effective. I need to let God do His work. I cannot take over the shop that belongs to Him. I need to surrender, to submit to his presence, and to trust in His good work in my life. He began a good work in me, and He will be faithful to complete it.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being so faithful to work in my heart and character. Please forgive me for being so stubborn and for taking your place as the One that can do the work. Instead of trying to take your place, let me trust you and bring me closer to you. I need to seek your face and as I draw closer, your glory will fill out my willpower tank. Let me be humble and meek to see your power working in my life. Amen!
For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him.
Philippians 2:13
Observation:
The Apostle Paul exhorts us to be careful to put into action God’s saving work in our lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. God’s saving work is what He does in our lives with every breath we take. He works overtime in our hearts, giving us the DESIRE to obey His Word, and the opportunities to ACT UPON it. We need both in order to have effective WILLPOWER. Obedience to God cannot stay in intentions. It must be conceived and lived out in our daily affairs. Our good intentions to obey must become real as we make daily decisions in the things we think, the things we say, and the things we do. This is the race we all run as we chose to follow Christ.
Application:
In this race, many people struggle in wanting to do the will of God. Their desire to obey God’s ways is in conflict with their desire to please themselves. Both desires cannot coexist together. One is destined to survive and the other will dissolve. We arrive to a great pit-stop when our desire is to do the will of God, no matter the cost. Now, when we arrive there, we have a greater challenge ahead of us - to act upon our good intentions. This is also very difficult. Willpower is the ability to turn good intentions into reality by combining our motivation do to God’s will with the discipline to execute. This is where the rubber meets the road.
The key part for me to understand here is that “this is the work of God.” My job is not to have the willpower to do it. I can try on my own, but that’s not the way... I need to depend on God to give me the desire and the power to do it. My job is to be intimate and close to my Heavenly father. From His presence flows the willpower we need to run the race in away that brings glory to God. Out of relationship with Jesus my motivation and discipline to live God’s way will be sincere and effective. I need to let God do His work. I cannot take over the shop that belongs to Him. I need to surrender, to submit to his presence, and to trust in His good work in my life. He began a good work in me, and He will be faithful to complete it.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being so faithful to work in my heart and character. Please forgive me for being so stubborn and for taking your place as the One that can do the work. Instead of trying to take your place, let me trust you and bring me closer to you. I need to seek your face and as I draw closer, your glory will fill out my willpower tank. Let me be humble and meek to see your power working in my life. Amen!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
PURE MOTIVES. By Pastor Fernando.
Scripture:
Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely...
Philippians 1:17
Observation:
The Apostle Paul here recognizes the possibility of preaching the truth of Christ with impure motives. He denounced preachers that used their platform to advance their own selfish ambitions and personal agendas. There was a lack of honesty in addressing issues and their pulpits became rocket launchers against Paul’s ministry. His attitude is to be thankful at the fact that the truth is preached somewhere, even if it’s at the cost of his reputation.
Application:
Preaching is a privilege that needs to be stewarded very well. I cannot use the platform of influence God has given me to advance my personal agenda, to manipulate people, or to attack others. Many preachers are known for what they are against. They like to attack and throw rocks because they want to feel good about themsleves. They want their followers to feel superior as if they know something that nobody else knows. They may speak the truth, but they use it to feel better about themselves and to feed their selfish ambitions. What a waste when leaders decide to preach this way!
On the other hand, I want to be known for what I’m for and because of the encouraging way I use the pulpit. There’s a place to confront and the people of God should be taught to discern good doctrine from error. But godly instruction can be done in the proper settings and with the right attitude. I need to check my heart very often when studying and when speaking to people. I need to be aware of my selfish motives that can come and find a nest in my heart at any time.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me a heart passionate about the harvest, willing to redeem whatever is necessary o reach the lost, and passionate about bringing people closer to you with encouraging messages of hope. Please keep my heart pure form selfish motives. reveal to me when my mindset gets cluttered. Don’t let me use the pulpit to put others down. Let me expose the works of darkness in such a way that helps people focus in their own healing. I believe the truth can be preached and false doctrine can be exposed without personal attacks. Help me to be skillful in this as I grow as a preacher and a shepherd for your people. Amen!
Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely...
Philippians 1:17
Observation:
The Apostle Paul here recognizes the possibility of preaching the truth of Christ with impure motives. He denounced preachers that used their platform to advance their own selfish ambitions and personal agendas. There was a lack of honesty in addressing issues and their pulpits became rocket launchers against Paul’s ministry. His attitude is to be thankful at the fact that the truth is preached somewhere, even if it’s at the cost of his reputation.
Application:
Preaching is a privilege that needs to be stewarded very well. I cannot use the platform of influence God has given me to advance my personal agenda, to manipulate people, or to attack others. Many preachers are known for what they are against. They like to attack and throw rocks because they want to feel good about themsleves. They want their followers to feel superior as if they know something that nobody else knows. They may speak the truth, but they use it to feel better about themselves and to feed their selfish ambitions. What a waste when leaders decide to preach this way!
On the other hand, I want to be known for what I’m for and because of the encouraging way I use the pulpit. There’s a place to confront and the people of God should be taught to discern good doctrine from error. But godly instruction can be done in the proper settings and with the right attitude. I need to check my heart very often when studying and when speaking to people. I need to be aware of my selfish motives that can come and find a nest in my heart at any time.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me a heart passionate about the harvest, willing to redeem whatever is necessary o reach the lost, and passionate about bringing people closer to you with encouraging messages of hope. Please keep my heart pure form selfish motives. reveal to me when my mindset gets cluttered. Don’t let me use the pulpit to put others down. Let me expose the works of darkness in such a way that helps people focus in their own healing. I believe the truth can be preached and false doctrine can be exposed without personal attacks. Help me to be skillful in this as I grow as a preacher and a shepherd for your people. Amen!
AVOIDING FOOLISH TALK. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes - these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.
Ephesians 5:4
Observation:
In Ephesians 5 Paul mentions a long lists of sinful habits that need to be avoided by the Children of God. Among those, foolish talking is mentioned in the same breath he lists sexual immorality, impurity and greed. What’s the big deal about this? Paul’s point here is to follow the example of God in everything we do and say. And even though God has a sense of humor, He never makes fun of people. There are many things that we can say about others and to others that seem fun and entertaining. But in certain occasions, those words can be very hurtful. We need to have a strong sense of discernment about the things we say and avoid foolish talk. Some people will be offended and our lives will not reflect the image of our Heavenly Father when we don’t avoid foolish talk.
Application:
Recently I received an email of a guy that traveled with me in a mission trip three years ago. His email saddened me because on it he was confronting me for some hurtful things I said three years ago. He has been hurt all this time and his confidence in the church and ministry is in the floor because of certain things I said. And even though I sincerely asked him for forgiveness years ago, he hasn’t been able to recuperate from it. I wasn’t trying to hurt him. I just wanted to have fun at his expense. Oh, how I wish that I was able to go back in time and avoid foolish talking.
I need to be careful in the way I speak. Better to risk to become a boring person rather than to risk someone’s friendship.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my foolish talk. You know my heart and my desire to be a blessing, not a burden. Give me wisdom and self-control to speak only words that encourage others. Give me a sense of humor that doesn’t put others down. Please heal my brother that continues bleeding for what happened years ago. Let your grace and mercy reach Him. Thank you for your blood, that covers my sin and brings healing to those I offended in the past. Amen!
Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes - these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.
Ephesians 5:4
Observation:
In Ephesians 5 Paul mentions a long lists of sinful habits that need to be avoided by the Children of God. Among those, foolish talking is mentioned in the same breath he lists sexual immorality, impurity and greed. What’s the big deal about this? Paul’s point here is to follow the example of God in everything we do and say. And even though God has a sense of humor, He never makes fun of people. There are many things that we can say about others and to others that seem fun and entertaining. But in certain occasions, those words can be very hurtful. We need to have a strong sense of discernment about the things we say and avoid foolish talk. Some people will be offended and our lives will not reflect the image of our Heavenly Father when we don’t avoid foolish talk.
Application:
Recently I received an email of a guy that traveled with me in a mission trip three years ago. His email saddened me because on it he was confronting me for some hurtful things I said three years ago. He has been hurt all this time and his confidence in the church and ministry is in the floor because of certain things I said. And even though I sincerely asked him for forgiveness years ago, he hasn’t been able to recuperate from it. I wasn’t trying to hurt him. I just wanted to have fun at his expense. Oh, how I wish that I was able to go back in time and avoid foolish talking.
I need to be careful in the way I speak. Better to risk to become a boring person rather than to risk someone’s friendship.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my foolish talk. You know my heart and my desire to be a blessing, not a burden. Give me wisdom and self-control to speak only words that encourage others. Give me a sense of humor that doesn’t put others down. Please heal my brother that continues bleeding for what happened years ago. Let your grace and mercy reach Him. Thank you for your blood, that covers my sin and brings healing to those I offended in the past. Amen!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
BECAUSE HE LOVES ME. By Pastor Fernando.
Scripture:
But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken... But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.
Observation:
The psalmist reflects in God’s faithfulness and unfailing love. Regardless of our poor decisions and mistakes, God’s plan for our lives stand firm forever. His intention to give us a hope and a future cannot be shaken easily. He promised His blessing and favor to be with us, and as long as we depend on Him and fear Him, His promises will not depart from us. In verse 18, the psalmist defines one aspect of the “fear of the Lord” as relying in God’s unfailing love. This is important, because very often we will doubt God’s unfailing love for us.
Application:
Amazing how the enemy uses any opportunity to causes us doubt in God’s unfailing love. When we sin, we thing His love will not cover our faults. When we suffer, we thing His love has forgotten us. When things go right, we think that we deserve His love. for some reason or another, our tendency is to view God’s love in many different ways. God’s Word reminds us how his love really is. Everything happening in our lives, good or bad, occurs because of God’s love. I don’t need to be afraid of missing or wasting blessings. His plans for my life will not change because my mistakes as long as I trust in His love for me and I come back to the right path. Very often I struggle in my mind about loosing God’s favor when I slip. I need to remember that because He loves me, He will not give up on me. I need to find comfort in His unfailing love and confidence that His plans for me are not rewritten every time I fail. He is faithful to me and His good plans for me will continue on track.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me with such unfailing and everlasting love. I don’t deserve your mercy, but I receive your love. Help me to build more confidence in my journey as I defeat my thoughts and fears of abandonment, especially when I slip from your path of righteousness. Help me to remember always hat because you love me, my future is secured and my life is destined for blessing. Thank you for loving me! Amen!
But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken... But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.
Observation:
The psalmist reflects in God’s faithfulness and unfailing love. Regardless of our poor decisions and mistakes, God’s plan for our lives stand firm forever. His intention to give us a hope and a future cannot be shaken easily. He promised His blessing and favor to be with us, and as long as we depend on Him and fear Him, His promises will not depart from us. In verse 18, the psalmist defines one aspect of the “fear of the Lord” as relying in God’s unfailing love. This is important, because very often we will doubt God’s unfailing love for us.
Application:
Amazing how the enemy uses any opportunity to causes us doubt in God’s unfailing love. When we sin, we thing His love will not cover our faults. When we suffer, we thing His love has forgotten us. When things go right, we think that we deserve His love. for some reason or another, our tendency is to view God’s love in many different ways. God’s Word reminds us how his love really is. Everything happening in our lives, good or bad, occurs because of God’s love. I don’t need to be afraid of missing or wasting blessings. His plans for my life will not change because my mistakes as long as I trust in His love for me and I come back to the right path. Very often I struggle in my mind about loosing God’s favor when I slip. I need to remember that because He loves me, He will not give up on me. I need to find comfort in His unfailing love and confidence that His plans for me are not rewritten every time I fail. He is faithful to me and His good plans for me will continue on track.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me with such unfailing and everlasting love. I don’t deserve your mercy, but I receive your love. Help me to build more confidence in my journey as I defeat my thoughts and fears of abandonment, especially when I slip from your path of righteousness. Help me to remember always hat because you love me, my future is secured and my life is destined for blessing. Thank you for loving me! Amen!
I'M CHOSEN. By Renee Takahashi.
Scripture:
Even as He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.
Ephesians 1:4
Observation:
I belong to Jesus. God chose me. Even before the foundation of the world. He chose me to be set apart for Him. Learning more of who God is, I know that God knows everything about me. He knows it all. So the fact that He chose me is so profound. He set me apart above reproach. He knew all my faults and weaknesses and still He chose me. He didn’t choose me only to get disappointed, He already knew of who I am… He created me. I don’t have to carry the burden of guilt for sinning. God offers hope for me. He believes in me. He is working in me.
Application:
I receive God’s love. I will thank Him for it. I will receive that I belong to Him. I am not a puppy that didn’t turn out the way the buyer expected him to, only to give him back. No, God knew all about me and chose me anyway. Jesus knew I was going to sin and died for me anyway. How will I be different today because of what I have just read? I will spend time worshiping God and thanking Him for choosing me; for giving me a place to belong.
Prayer:
Father God, thank you that your are good. Thank you for choosing me as yours. I belong to you. I lift your name. I adore you. I receive your love and want to be a channel for it to flow freely through.
Even as He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.
Ephesians 1:4
Observation:
I belong to Jesus. God chose me. Even before the foundation of the world. He chose me to be set apart for Him. Learning more of who God is, I know that God knows everything about me. He knows it all. So the fact that He chose me is so profound. He set me apart above reproach. He knew all my faults and weaknesses and still He chose me. He didn’t choose me only to get disappointed, He already knew of who I am… He created me. I don’t have to carry the burden of guilt for sinning. God offers hope for me. He believes in me. He is working in me.
Application:
I receive God’s love. I will thank Him for it. I will receive that I belong to Him. I am not a puppy that didn’t turn out the way the buyer expected him to, only to give him back. No, God knew all about me and chose me anyway. Jesus knew I was going to sin and died for me anyway. How will I be different today because of what I have just read? I will spend time worshiping God and thanking Him for choosing me; for giving me a place to belong.
Prayer:
Father God, thank you that your are good. Thank you for choosing me as yours. I belong to you. I lift your name. I adore you. I receive your love and want to be a channel for it to flow freely through.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
BOLD S A LION. By Renee Takahashi
Scripture:
The wicked flee when no man pursues them, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1
Observation:
Even if no one is truly after them, the wicked, because of their conscience and their guilt always feel like they have to look over their shoulder. They are always running in fear of being exposed. On the contrary, someone who is righteous can be bold like a lion. Being bold means to be steadfast in what we believe and to act accordingly. And being bold will mean making mistakes along the way, but the difference is to keep trying. Being bold means to step out in faith when stirred by the Holy Spirit and if I heard wrong, then to not give up but to try again. It is a process we learn, to sharpen our ears to the Spirit.
Application:
I want to be a lion! To have the heart of a lion… BOLD! Not in me, but in Jesus. I don’t want to hide behind my personal brokenness, fears, insecurities any longer. Instead I want to exchange that for what the Lord is offering me… boldness in Him. I want to be all that God has called me to be. I want to ROOOAARR His goodness! How will I be different today because of what I have just read? I will surrender to where the Holy Spirit will lead me and step out in faith to the things the Lord is calling me to.
Prayer:
Father God, thank you that you give me the boldness of a lion through the Holy Spirit. May I be keen to the prompting of the Spirit and quick to obey by putting it to action. I ask for your grace Father if I was not clear and make a mistake and ask that you would put me on track quickly. Here I am Lord, your willing servant… In Jesus’ mighty name… amen
The wicked flee when no man pursues them, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1
Observation:
Even if no one is truly after them, the wicked, because of their conscience and their guilt always feel like they have to look over their shoulder. They are always running in fear of being exposed. On the contrary, someone who is righteous can be bold like a lion. Being bold means to be steadfast in what we believe and to act accordingly. And being bold will mean making mistakes along the way, but the difference is to keep trying. Being bold means to step out in faith when stirred by the Holy Spirit and if I heard wrong, then to not give up but to try again. It is a process we learn, to sharpen our ears to the Spirit.
Application:
I want to be a lion! To have the heart of a lion… BOLD! Not in me, but in Jesus. I don’t want to hide behind my personal brokenness, fears, insecurities any longer. Instead I want to exchange that for what the Lord is offering me… boldness in Him. I want to be all that God has called me to be. I want to ROOOAARR His goodness! How will I be different today because of what I have just read? I will surrender to where the Holy Spirit will lead me and step out in faith to the things the Lord is calling me to.
Prayer:
Father God, thank you that you give me the boldness of a lion through the Holy Spirit. May I be keen to the prompting of the Spirit and quick to obey by putting it to action. I ask for your grace Father if I was not clear and make a mistake and ask that you would put me on track quickly. Here I am Lord, your willing servant… In Jesus’ mighty name… amen
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
COURAGE TO BE RESPONSIBLE. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
Don’t try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn’t know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul, and He knows you knew! And He will judge all people according to what they have done.
Proverbs 24:12
Observation:
One of the greatest tragedies in our world today is the constant ditching of responsibility. Rather than finding courage to embrace responsibility, people become increasingly creative finding excuses to ditch it. Solomon mentions an excuse that seems to be effective when avoiding responsibility - the “I didn’t know” excuse. When you think about it, this kind of excuse is almost perfect. How can you make someone accountable for something they did not know about it? But Solomon has an important disclaimer about this. Very often we know what to do, but because wasn’t verbally and directly communicated, we find opportunity to ditch responsibility. We say, “O, I was never told about that.” or “Well, that wasn’t part of my job description.” But deep inside, we know that we are ditching responsibility and we want to find a safe place to hide. According to Solomon, God hates this kind of internal thought processing.
Application:
As a parent I can see how easy is to ditch responsibility when raising my kids. Even at home, I try to use this excuse when I want t o avoid helping around the house. My excuse about not picking up around is. “I didn’t know I was supposed to do this.” How lame! Of course I know I’m supposed to help around the house. The truth is that I’m waiting for someone else to do what I don’t want to do. And instead of embracing the responsibility, sometimes I try to spin the situations and then blame my wife for not communicating clearly to me her expectations.
When it comes to my leadership and authority, I need to avoid excuses and embrace the responsibility God has given me. I want to communicate clearly my expectations and I need to spell out instructions. But at the same time, I need to build a team that is responsible and that helps each other to accomplish goals. I cannot allow people ditching responsibilities. I need to hold them accountable and encourage them to have courage, to be honest, and to be effective.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the many times I have ditched my responsibility with lame excuses. Thank you because you didn’t create me stupid! I know who I am and what I am supposed to do. Please help me to have courage to be responsible. also help me to create a culture in our ministry team where people are responsible, honest with themselves, and willing to avoid excuses when somethings don’t go as intended. Help us to bring honor to your name by the way we embrace our responsibilities. Amen!
Don’t try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn’t know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul, and He knows you knew! And He will judge all people according to what they have done.
Proverbs 24:12
Observation:
One of the greatest tragedies in our world today is the constant ditching of responsibility. Rather than finding courage to embrace responsibility, people become increasingly creative finding excuses to ditch it. Solomon mentions an excuse that seems to be effective when avoiding responsibility - the “I didn’t know” excuse. When you think about it, this kind of excuse is almost perfect. How can you make someone accountable for something they did not know about it? But Solomon has an important disclaimer about this. Very often we know what to do, but because wasn’t verbally and directly communicated, we find opportunity to ditch responsibility. We say, “O, I was never told about that.” or “Well, that wasn’t part of my job description.” But deep inside, we know that we are ditching responsibility and we want to find a safe place to hide. According to Solomon, God hates this kind of internal thought processing.
Application:
As a parent I can see how easy is to ditch responsibility when raising my kids. Even at home, I try to use this excuse when I want t o avoid helping around the house. My excuse about not picking up around is. “I didn’t know I was supposed to do this.” How lame! Of course I know I’m supposed to help around the house. The truth is that I’m waiting for someone else to do what I don’t want to do. And instead of embracing the responsibility, sometimes I try to spin the situations and then blame my wife for not communicating clearly to me her expectations.
When it comes to my leadership and authority, I need to avoid excuses and embrace the responsibility God has given me. I want to communicate clearly my expectations and I need to spell out instructions. But at the same time, I need to build a team that is responsible and that helps each other to accomplish goals. I cannot allow people ditching responsibilities. I need to hold them accountable and encourage them to have courage, to be honest, and to be effective.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the many times I have ditched my responsibility with lame excuses. Thank you because you didn’t create me stupid! I know who I am and what I am supposed to do. Please help me to have courage to be responsible. also help me to create a culture in our ministry team where people are responsible, honest with themselves, and willing to avoid excuses when somethings don’t go as intended. Help us to bring honor to your name by the way we embrace our responsibilities. Amen!
JUSTIFIED BY GOD. By Renee Takahashi
Scripture:
For we hold that a man is justified and made upright by faith independent of and distinctly apart from good deeds. Romans 3: 28
Observation:
We must know without a doubt that faith justifies us and makes us right with God. There is nothing we can do (works) that will justify us as is confirmed in Ephesians 2: 8 and 9. When we have faith in God, good work will come naturally out of an overflow of that faith. The things we do are an expression of our love for God, not a bargaining tool to gain acceptance from Jesus. It should never feel as a burden because it is out of an overflow.
Application:
It can be easy to get caught up in the doing. This scripture reminds me how to keep it straight. If I find myself doing to please my flesh in hopes of trying to “earn” a right standing with God or with man, then all I need to do is to pull back and remember that I cannot be justified any other way than by the simple grace of Jesus Christ. There is nothing I can offer to make myself right before God. It is He who makes me right. How I delight in this scripture today as I face another week of being at home, recovering from my surgery. How I delight in the joy of not being able to do a single thing to make me right before God. How freeing to know that I can just sit at His feet and spend the next week receiving His gentle mercy.
How will I be different today because of what I have just read?
I will look for opportunities, especially in volunteers to confirm this truth.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, meet me where I am this week. I want to take this time of being “grounded” as a rich time of solitude. You have called me to be still. I am excited to spend time basking in your love and in your truth. Open my eyes to more of you dear Lord. I want to know you more… deep inside my soul I want to know you, Lord I want to know you… to feel your heart and know your mind… to be one with you…. The more I know you, I can’t help but love you more and more! In your precious and powerful name I pray… amen
For we hold that a man is justified and made upright by faith independent of and distinctly apart from good deeds. Romans 3: 28
Observation:
We must know without a doubt that faith justifies us and makes us right with God. There is nothing we can do (works) that will justify us as is confirmed in Ephesians 2: 8 and 9. When we have faith in God, good work will come naturally out of an overflow of that faith. The things we do are an expression of our love for God, not a bargaining tool to gain acceptance from Jesus. It should never feel as a burden because it is out of an overflow.
Application:
It can be easy to get caught up in the doing. This scripture reminds me how to keep it straight. If I find myself doing to please my flesh in hopes of trying to “earn” a right standing with God or with man, then all I need to do is to pull back and remember that I cannot be justified any other way than by the simple grace of Jesus Christ. There is nothing I can offer to make myself right before God. It is He who makes me right. How I delight in this scripture today as I face another week of being at home, recovering from my surgery. How I delight in the joy of not being able to do a single thing to make me right before God. How freeing to know that I can just sit at His feet and spend the next week receiving His gentle mercy.
How will I be different today because of what I have just read?
I will look for opportunities, especially in volunteers to confirm this truth.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, meet me where I am this week. I want to take this time of being “grounded” as a rich time of solitude. You have called me to be still. I am excited to spend time basking in your love and in your truth. Open my eyes to more of you dear Lord. I want to know you more… deep inside my soul I want to know you, Lord I want to know you… to feel your heart and know your mind… to be one with you…. The more I know you, I can’t help but love you more and more! In your precious and powerful name I pray… amen
MY PERSONAL CAMPFIRE. By Renee Takahashi
Scripture:
Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor, be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11
Observation:
The character of a servant is one who is zealous and pure in motives. She is on fire for Jesus. In Revelations, although they were doing wonderful things, the charge against the church of Ephesus was that they lost their love they had at first for Jesus. How do we keep up our love, our zeal, our fire for Jesus? The thought that came to me as I started my devos is that I love campfires…the whole of it. All that goes into making it. Preparing the spot, gathering the wood, finding the light, singing around it, telling goofy stories, and just being embraced in the warmth and fun of the times. I love the energy that is sparked as we throw on new wood. I also love the times when the fire is low and quiet. I love the campfire itself, but I also love what happens because of it. We may have individual pathways to keep the fire burning, but for the most part it is by being renewed in Jesus daily through His word, by sitting at His feet, by spending time in prayer and listening to Him. It is by giving thanks in everything as much as it is to give thanks for everything. It is by having a huge heart of humility. It is by being obedient to Jesus and acting upon that obedience quickly. It is by doing all things to the glory of Jesus. It is also by walking alongside others and encouraging them to keep their fire burning.
Application:
How am I keeping the flame of the love for Jesus aglow? A lot of my fire is by being a witness to the wonderful things the Lord is doing so personally in people’s lives. I have been given the enormous privilege of spending time with others and sharing the beauty of what the Lord is doing in our lives. Not all things are easy, not all things make sense, but all things are good… because God is good. Finding out more of who Jesus is also keeps me on fire. Recognizing God’s intimate touch in my life as well as others keep me zealous and wanting for others to draw close to God. Having a sense of urgency, not passivity, procrastination or laziness keeps me throwing on the new wood. But there are also times of rest that I need, when the fire is low, to just sit and be. Those times are invaluable as well… the balance of it all keeps my personal campfire just right.
How will I be different today because of what I have just read?
Today, I am thankful for the campfire metaphor…. I will find a picture of a campfire and write this scripture and be visually reminded that I must keep burning for Jesus.
Prayer:
Thank you dear Lord for how very, very personal and intimate you are. That you know me so well… that you know my desires and you bring them to mind to give me strength of mind and will. You are such an awesome God. Thank you Jesus for revealing more of who you are and who I am in you that serves to keep my fire going. Thank you that you believe in me to listen to others and to encourage them in your truth and that keeps my fire burning, too. Father, help me to stay close to you that I may never leave my first love. That I may be zealous for you always, and that I may always glow as I serve you. I love you! In the mighty name of Jesus I pray… amen
Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor, be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11
Observation:
The character of a servant is one who is zealous and pure in motives. She is on fire for Jesus. In Revelations, although they were doing wonderful things, the charge against the church of Ephesus was that they lost their love they had at first for Jesus. How do we keep up our love, our zeal, our fire for Jesus? The thought that came to me as I started my devos is that I love campfires…the whole of it. All that goes into making it. Preparing the spot, gathering the wood, finding the light, singing around it, telling goofy stories, and just being embraced in the warmth and fun of the times. I love the energy that is sparked as we throw on new wood. I also love the times when the fire is low and quiet. I love the campfire itself, but I also love what happens because of it. We may have individual pathways to keep the fire burning, but for the most part it is by being renewed in Jesus daily through His word, by sitting at His feet, by spending time in prayer and listening to Him. It is by giving thanks in everything as much as it is to give thanks for everything. It is by having a huge heart of humility. It is by being obedient to Jesus and acting upon that obedience quickly. It is by doing all things to the glory of Jesus. It is also by walking alongside others and encouraging them to keep their fire burning.
Application:
How am I keeping the flame of the love for Jesus aglow? A lot of my fire is by being a witness to the wonderful things the Lord is doing so personally in people’s lives. I have been given the enormous privilege of spending time with others and sharing the beauty of what the Lord is doing in our lives. Not all things are easy, not all things make sense, but all things are good… because God is good. Finding out more of who Jesus is also keeps me on fire. Recognizing God’s intimate touch in my life as well as others keep me zealous and wanting for others to draw close to God. Having a sense of urgency, not passivity, procrastination or laziness keeps me throwing on the new wood. But there are also times of rest that I need, when the fire is low, to just sit and be. Those times are invaluable as well… the balance of it all keeps my personal campfire just right.
How will I be different today because of what I have just read?
Today, I am thankful for the campfire metaphor…. I will find a picture of a campfire and write this scripture and be visually reminded that I must keep burning for Jesus.
Prayer:
Thank you dear Lord for how very, very personal and intimate you are. That you know me so well… that you know my desires and you bring them to mind to give me strength of mind and will. You are such an awesome God. Thank you Jesus for revealing more of who you are and who I am in you that serves to keep my fire going. Thank you that you believe in me to listen to others and to encourage them in your truth and that keeps my fire burning, too. Father, help me to stay close to you that I may never leave my first love. That I may be zealous for you always, and that I may always glow as I serve you. I love you! In the mighty name of Jesus I pray… amen
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