Isaiah 32:15
Ok I have a serious block keeping me from coming up with something wonderful for today's devotion. I'm just sitting and staring at the screen, searching headlines, music sites, anything to come up with an idea. Sometimes I am like batteries that keep going and going and going, then suddenly, they're gone. "This will continue until God pours his Spirit from above upon us. Then the desert will be like a fertile field and the fertile field like a forest (Isaish 32:15 NCV)." Like the Israelites waiting for God to deliver them, we too get dry and weary. It is when we have these moments that we need to recharge like those wonderful rechargeable type batteries, which are great as long as you remember the charger. Thankfully we have a myriad of ways available to us to refuel. Spending some quiet time in God's Word, praying, meditating, spiritual retreats, or one of my favorites is just going out and getting lost in God's creation. In fact I will be starting a blog based on the sacred places I spend time at around where I live in Tucson, AZ. There is nothing like immersing oneself in God's handiwork to cure a lack of inspiration. The more we seek him the closer we will draw to him and our eyes will be opened to even greater things. It is important for us to ask the the Spirit to fall afresh on us, regularly and to breathe new life into us. There is an old hymn I used to sing in church that went, "Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me....melt me, mold me, fill me, use me, Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me." Let us seek more time for the power of God to come upon us.
Showing posts with label devotion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label devotion. Show all posts
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
A Celebrity
Leviticus 26:1
I just saw in the news that Michael Jackson is touring in England for the last time. Of course fans waited for hours just to hear the short announcement of the tour by him and naturally some were even going hysterical just to see him. Now I have to admit I was a fan back in the days of Thriller and probably still have a copy of the album somewhere. But, I'll also admit there isn't any celebrity that I'd go nuts to see. They're people just like all of us. What I see in this is that people are made to worship something. God is the right target of our worship, but for those not in a relationship with him, their worship goes somewhere else, be it towards celebrities, wealth, power, cars, etc... The major problem is all of these things will come to an end just like Jackson's music career, and then what will you have? We must direct our worship towards God and him alone, seeking him with all that we are. He is the only one that will remain when all else fails. That's why He said, " 'Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 26:1 NIV)" In light of this I find it unfortunate that we've named a TV talent search, "American Idol." While I'm fine with looking for talented individuals and helping them realize their dreams, we're promoting this idea that the folks on stage have some kind of special power worthy of our praise. While it's true most people probably don't think about it this way it, we should see it as a warning that our country as a whole treads the dangerous territory of creating idols for ourselves. Worshiping and giving glory to God is the only thing that will also lift us up and empower us and give us a reason to keep going strong each day. Nothing else will satisfy our desire to worship better than praising the One who we were meant to bow to, the One who programmed us with the longing to worship. It would be great to see folks getting as hysterical at worshiping the Lord as they do over human beings or stuff. Pray that you and your house will serve and bow to the Lord and him alone.
Today's music video by TobyMac is a repeat from a previous devotion but it is worth repeating: Lose My Soul.
I just saw in the news that Michael Jackson is touring in England for the last time. Of course fans waited for hours just to hear the short announcement of the tour by him and naturally some were even going hysterical just to see him. Now I have to admit I was a fan back in the days of Thriller and probably still have a copy of the album somewhere. But, I'll also admit there isn't any celebrity that I'd go nuts to see. They're people just like all of us. What I see in this is that people are made to worship something. God is the right target of our worship, but for those not in a relationship with him, their worship goes somewhere else, be it towards celebrities, wealth, power, cars, etc... The major problem is all of these things will come to an end just like Jackson's music career, and then what will you have? We must direct our worship towards God and him alone, seeking him with all that we are. He is the only one that will remain when all else fails. That's why He said, " 'Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 26:1 NIV)" In light of this I find it unfortunate that we've named a TV talent search, "American Idol." While I'm fine with looking for talented individuals and helping them realize their dreams, we're promoting this idea that the folks on stage have some kind of special power worthy of our praise. While it's true most people probably don't think about it this way it, we should see it as a warning that our country as a whole treads the dangerous territory of creating idols for ourselves. Worshiping and giving glory to God is the only thing that will also lift us up and empower us and give us a reason to keep going strong each day. Nothing else will satisfy our desire to worship better than praising the One who we were meant to bow to, the One who programmed us with the longing to worship. It would be great to see folks getting as hysterical at worshiping the Lord as they do over human beings or stuff. Pray that you and your house will serve and bow to the Lord and him alone.
Today's music video by TobyMac is a repeat from a previous devotion but it is worth repeating: Lose My Soul.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
A Rock
Matthew 7:24
Today as I was out touring around Tucson with my family I spotted a house that was really built on the edge of quite a hunk of rock. It was really taking the idea of building your house upon the rock quite seriously.
(Jesus said:) 24So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock. 25And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.26And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand.27And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell--and great and complete was the fall of it.
I've heard some sad stories in the news of people, even whole families committing suicide over our current economic crisis. This is particularly tragic to me as a Christian because I feel sad for those who have put all their hope in the fragile things of men. For those whose investment is in possessions, stocks, and worldly goods it spells disaster when these temporary items fail. These are the folks who built on the sand and when the times got tough there was nothing to keep their house from taking a great fall. My prayers go out to those in that predicament and I hope they will come to know the one who gives us riches that will never loose their value. For me, even though there are nights I look at my budget and wonder how I've been managing to stay afloat, I know there's nothing to worry about because God has always been there for me and will help me make it through. My house is like the one built on the rock. Believe me, I've had some pretty big storms in my life, yet I still keep battling on, clinging sometimes only to the faith I know will stop me from taking a serious spill. Christ is the solid rock and the firm foundation on which to build and with him in your life you are always in good hands. Like Paul, I don't say these things to boast about myself, but instead that all may understand how the Spirit has given me the endurance to keep running the race of life, which at moments is quite grueling. That same perseverance is available to anyone who has put their lives in God's hands. It is never too late to build your life on Godly principles. Just as houses can be moved, you too can take a life that has been being built on sand and move it to the rock. So, where have you built your house?
An excellent Christian video to go with today's devotion is "American Dream" by Casting Crowns or "Million Dollar Man" by Kutless.
Today as I was out touring around Tucson with my family I spotted a house that was really built on the edge of quite a hunk of rock. It was really taking the idea of building your house upon the rock quite seriously.
(Jesus said:) 24So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock. 25And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.26And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand.27And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell--and great and complete was the fall of it.
I've heard some sad stories in the news of people, even whole families committing suicide over our current economic crisis. This is particularly tragic to me as a Christian because I feel sad for those who have put all their hope in the fragile things of men. For those whose investment is in possessions, stocks, and worldly goods it spells disaster when these temporary items fail. These are the folks who built on the sand and when the times got tough there was nothing to keep their house from taking a great fall. My prayers go out to those in that predicament and I hope they will come to know the one who gives us riches that will never loose their value. For me, even though there are nights I look at my budget and wonder how I've been managing to stay afloat, I know there's nothing to worry about because God has always been there for me and will help me make it through. My house is like the one built on the rock. Believe me, I've had some pretty big storms in my life, yet I still keep battling on, clinging sometimes only to the faith I know will stop me from taking a serious spill. Christ is the solid rock and the firm foundation on which to build and with him in your life you are always in good hands. Like Paul, I don't say these things to boast about myself, but instead that all may understand how the Spirit has given me the endurance to keep running the race of life, which at moments is quite grueling. That same perseverance is available to anyone who has put their lives in God's hands. It is never too late to build your life on Godly principles. Just as houses can be moved, you too can take a life that has been being built on sand and move it to the rock. So, where have you built your house?
An excellent Christian video to go with today's devotion is "American Dream" by Casting Crowns or "Million Dollar Man" by Kutless.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
A Flower
1 Peter 1:23-25 (Isaiah 40:6-8)
Spring has arrived, at least where I am here in Tucson, and the first flower in my garden has awoken from its winter slumber. It is starting that wonderful time of year when the desert is in bloom. In the big scheme of things our lives are like that flower, too. Here one day and gone the next, a mere blip in the history of the universe. Peter talks about this fact, adding a crucial point to a couple verses found originally Isaiah. He writes, "For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. As the Scriptures say, 'People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever.' And that word is the Good News that was preached to you (1 Peter 1:23-25 NLT)." I like what Peter adds when he talks about our new life lasting forever because it is from the word of God. This is an important addition because as the Word is eternal, so we become eternal with it when we give our lives to the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. We are God's, and only our physical body will be just like the flower that is here for a short time and then fades away. So, in reality while our physical body is but a blip in the history of the universe, our spiritual body is eternal and will exist forever, as God exists forever. We are his for all time! So as Jesus did, we should make the most of our time here and be like beautiful flowers displaying the glory of God for the season that we have. But we will always have the hope that as we wither and fade our new life with Him will begin in a place where we will shine forever without fading. With the Lord in us, when faced with the tough questions in life like, "Who am I?," we have a response, "I am yours!"
A great Christian song to go with today's devotion is Who am I by Casting Crowns. This is a rather interesting video using hands to create the imagery in the song.
A great Christian song to go with today's devotion is Who am I by Casting Crowns. This is a rather interesting video using hands to create the imagery in the song.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
A Salt Shaker
Colossians 4:5-6
As I was preparing my food I used a bunch of seasoning on it and some must have been old because I didn't even notice the flavor, fortunately the salt was still fine so my food wasn't totally bland. The Bible mentions that as Christians we need to be like salt to the outside world, seasoning God's grace on those around us. We must always be careful for we never know who is listening or watching our behavior.
5Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity.
6Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you]. (from the Amplified Bible)
Our talk should be attractive, lively, and inspiring to unbelievers. So many have the impression that our faith is dull, boring, and stifling, which is completely untrue. However, some of us may live and act as though it is! Honestly, some churches I have been to could fall into this group. Church should be invigorating, inspiring, uplifting, with people blowing the roof off the house worshiping God! We should be the most joyous, seasoned people anyone could come across because honestly we have a monopoly on the joy market. There is nothing more joyous than having a relationship with God and having an invitation into his eternal kingdom. We should also come across as sanctified and holy in how we behave, so it is obvious that we are set apart by God, living for him, not worldly things. What the world needs to see is Christians "marketing" our faith through action and lifestyle, and using words as needed to give an answer as to why we live like we do. So don't wait, always be out there being the salt and shining God's light on those around you, giving him glory. It won't be long before others want to know what's up with you.
The song that goes with today's devotion is "Don't Censor Me" by Audio Adrenaline. It goes back a few years, so the best I could do is find an mp3 (click above).
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Food
John 6:27
But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval (NLT). It's no surprise to me during the tough economic times we're in, to hear on the news that things like shoplifting are on the rise.
http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/40226992.html?source=enews&c=y
http://www.wnyc.org/news/articles/123322
I can sympathize with those so desperate that they're stealing food and have helped others in need of that when they have asked. However, some of the stealing comes down to how important material goods and status are in our lives. There are some things we can learn to just live without. Maybe those new shoes, designer clothes, gadgets, pay-per-view, or other luxuries may have to take a backseat to everyday living expenses. Maybe it means finally giving up expensive bad habits like drinking and smoking. Even small things like drinking water instead of lattes and soda can add up. ( Check these sites for ideas: http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/2009/02/save-fifty-a-day-and-feel-no-pain.html and http://www.feedthepig.org ) I know things are tough, I've had to scrutinize everything I'm spending money on to make ends meet. For those seriously desperate the church, food pantries, and the government are also there. Asking others for help should always be first as stealing is a bad choice to solve your problem and could make things worse for you and your family if you get caught (and that's not even mentioning the 8th commandment). There are also those using the difficult economy as a reason to steal and they will deserve what comes to them. As Christians we need to be there for our neighbors as much as we can during these trying times. We need to be even more willing to answer the call from God to show our faith in action through good deeds. God's people need to be about bringing hope, unity, and a helping hand in our world. Our nation has faced challenges before and we can again if we are willing to rise up and work together. We also need to spend much time in prayer. God can heal and help us and our country if we make the choice to seek him first. As our leaders roll out plans to repair this problem let us also keep them in our prayers that God will give them wisdom.
TobyMac has an excellent song about this issue so go check out the brand new video on YouTube: Lose My Soul by TobyMac
If you don't have his amazing album, "Portable Sounds" follow the link above to find it at Amazon.
If you need food assistance here are some links:
Federal food assistance: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/
Food Banks: http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx
But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval (NLT). It's no surprise to me during the tough economic times we're in, to hear on the news that things like shoplifting are on the rise.
http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/40226992.html?source=enews&c=y
http://www.wnyc.org/news/articles/123322
I can sympathize with those so desperate that they're stealing food and have helped others in need of that when they have asked. However, some of the stealing comes down to how important material goods and status are in our lives. There are some things we can learn to just live without. Maybe those new shoes, designer clothes, gadgets, pay-per-view, or other luxuries may have to take a backseat to everyday living expenses. Maybe it means finally giving up expensive bad habits like drinking and smoking. Even small things like drinking water instead of lattes and soda can add up. ( Check these sites for ideas: http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/2009/02/save-fifty-a-day-and-feel-no-pain.html and http://www.feedthepig.org ) I know things are tough, I've had to scrutinize everything I'm spending money on to make ends meet. For those seriously desperate the church, food pantries, and the government are also there. Asking others for help should always be first as stealing is a bad choice to solve your problem and could make things worse for you and your family if you get caught (and that's not even mentioning the 8th commandment). There are also those using the difficult economy as a reason to steal and they will deserve what comes to them. As Christians we need to be there for our neighbors as much as we can during these trying times. We need to be even more willing to answer the call from God to show our faith in action through good deeds. God's people need to be about bringing hope, unity, and a helping hand in our world. Our nation has faced challenges before and we can again if we are willing to rise up and work together. We also need to spend much time in prayer. God can heal and help us and our country if we make the choice to seek him first. As our leaders roll out plans to repair this problem let us also keep them in our prayers that God will give them wisdom.
TobyMac has an excellent song about this issue so go check out the brand new video on YouTube: Lose My Soul by TobyMac
If you don't have his amazing album, "Portable Sounds" follow the link above to find it at Amazon.
If you need food assistance here are some links:
Federal food assistance: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/
Food Banks: http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
A Washcloth
Ezekiel 36:25
Just as we get dirty physically each day from all kinds of sources, so too do we find many ways to dirty ourselves on the inside. God always has an offer on the table to clean us up and put us in right relationship with him again.
25I'll pour pure water over you and scrub you clean. I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands (Ezekiel 36:25-27 MSG)
No different than a shower, we will experience true cleansing and refreshment when God has purged us of the wrong things we have done. As we seek him and seek to keep his commands he works on our heart and spirit drawing us closer to him and further from our flesh. It is in that place where we have left ourselves behind and have been washed by him that an overwhelming peace and joy is felt. It is not easy to stay in that place as our flesh is always trying to pull us into the pleasures of sin. It is almost as if we are two people, like Jeckyll and Hyde. Yet as long as we are in this world of imperfection we will struggle and often repeat the process of sinning and cleansing. It is most fortunate for us that Jesus bore the weight of our sins upon himself and stands before the Father on our behalf. Jesus has set us free from bondage to sin and death and opened the gate for us to live a joyous life in him. Don't despair, pray for Jesus to free you from your guilt and shame and be renewed and restored. When you take your shower pray that God will be washing you on the inside while you are taking care of the outside.
The Christian music video to go with today's devotion is Further From Myself by Pillar. A mp3 is available by clicking the link in the upper right.
Just as we get dirty physically each day from all kinds of sources, so too do we find many ways to dirty ourselves on the inside. God always has an offer on the table to clean us up and put us in right relationship with him again.
25I'll pour pure water over you and scrub you clean. I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands (Ezekiel 36:25-27 MSG)
No different than a shower, we will experience true cleansing and refreshment when God has purged us of the wrong things we have done. As we seek him and seek to keep his commands he works on our heart and spirit drawing us closer to him and further from our flesh. It is in that place where we have left ourselves behind and have been washed by him that an overwhelming peace and joy is felt. It is not easy to stay in that place as our flesh is always trying to pull us into the pleasures of sin. It is almost as if we are two people, like Jeckyll and Hyde. Yet as long as we are in this world of imperfection we will struggle and often repeat the process of sinning and cleansing. It is most fortunate for us that Jesus bore the weight of our sins upon himself and stands before the Father on our behalf. Jesus has set us free from bondage to sin and death and opened the gate for us to live a joyous life in him. Don't despair, pray for Jesus to free you from your guilt and shame and be renewed and restored. When you take your shower pray that God will be washing you on the inside while you are taking care of the outside.
The Christian music video to go with today's devotion is Further From Myself by Pillar. A mp3 is available by clicking the link in the upper right.
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