Lesson in Love 2

1 Corinthians13:1-3

If we are going to talk about love – the love we have for one another, the love we have for God, the love God has for us – then we really need to gain an understanding of what love is all about.  At almost every wedding you will hear the reading of “The Love Chapter” – 1 Corinthians 13.   It is Paul summing up a beautiful definition of love.

We are familiar with the words of Paul on love.  Love is patient.  Love is kind.  It does not envy.  It does not boast.  That seems to be the meat of the love message.  And so we overlook what he has to say at the beginning of this message of love.

What abilities does he mention?  What attitude does he talk about?  What does all of this amount to if we do not have love?

These opening statements in 1 Corinthians 13 lay the foundation of the importance of love.  Paul talks about wonderful and noble qualities that a person or a church might possess.  Speaking in the tongues of men and angels could be a description of any person or group of people who are able to say compassionate and loving things.  We as Christians and as a church may “say” the right things about loving and caring for others.

But if we do not actually possess the ability to love, if we cannot live out love and see that love goes beyond ourselves and our tight circle of friends, then we really have nothing.

If we have all knowledge, if we are brilliant thinkers, if we have faith, or at least claim and believe we have faith we may feel very good about ourselves.  We are great people.  But if we do not possess the ability to care for others, especially strangers and people we may not like, then we have nothing.

Love is more than being patient and kind.  It is more than being humble and selfless.  Love must be at the core of what we do.  And we must see that if we will truly love everyone, if we will love the way God wants us to love, we must be willing to live that love in all we do.

And living love will take us beyond the familiar that we know and beyond the places where we find comfort.  And if we really love we will accept and embrace this adventure of loving.

DAILY CHALLENGE:  Will you take on a new way of sharing love?

By Many or By Few 4

Joshua 23:9-11



Not much to go into battle with, is it?

 In today's passage, it's Joshua's final words to the people of Israel.  But they definitely still pack a punch today.  And it triggers several questions for me:

1. Why, oh why, do we have such short memories?  Joshua has to remind the people that they've defeated a bunch of powerful armies!  You would think that they might just remember that, wouldn't you?  And we're no better.  How many times has God won the battle for us over something we were struggling with (when we let Him - see my next point) and we turn right around and forget.  It's always been that way (see the 10 Lepers!).  But what if we were to live our life not based on fear of the next thing, but rejoicing over the last thing.   And carrying that knowledge with you everywhere you went?
2. Why don't we trust God?  When He proves himself time and time again, you'd think we'd start to learn and trust?  But we don't.  It seems like every situation that arises, every attack and every disappointment becomes a chance for another selfish little pity party and not a chance to let God triumph.  He has promised over and over again that he will take care of our enemies, yet we don't seem to really believe it.  Even after he's done it over and over, we still don't really believe it.  We need to begin to give the battles in our life to God and step back and let him work miracles!
3. What does it mean to love the Lord?  Our understanding of love is so limited.  But the word used here is 'ahab and it's used throughout the Bible as the kind of love between parents and children or husband and wife.  We're supposed to love God in the way we love someone romantically -- be excited to spend time with them, want to know all about them, want to share everything about yourself with them.  That's how we are to love God. 

DAILY CHALLENGE:  What battle has God won for you?  Have you ever stepped aside enough to let Him?

Great Church 3

Hebrews 11:1

When I worked as a corporate trainer for a large manufacturer, my job involved going to various buildings in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio area. Other members of the training team were supposed to have gone before me and placed the materials and books I needed for the training. But the first thing I was to do when I arrived at each location was to check to be sure I had what I needed.

Sadly, I learned that I couldn’t have a lot of faith in my co-workers.

Peter has challenged all believers to build on their faith, to move forward, to increase from being good to being great. But before we move forward perhaps we should more fully understand what faith really is. How does today’s passage describe faith?

This passage presents two different concepts – the concrete and the nebulous, the solid and the squishy. Faith is being “sure” and “certain.” That is the concrete. That is the solid. When we are sure and certain we have a firm belief, a strong conviction. I would say we have an unwavering, unyielding confidence and trust.

But that confidence is in uncertain things – “hope” and “what we do not see.” These are the nebulous, squishy aspects. Hope is an insubstantial vision of what we desire. That which we do not see is even less specific.

Faith is the confidence, the trust and conviction, that what we envision in our minds, and things we can’t even envision, are real. Our faith may be in God – someone we can’t see. Our faith may be in our own goodness – something we hope to achieve or maintain.

What is essential is that we have that conviction, that certainty of feeling in our hearts and souls, that these things are real and genuine. When we have faith that we can be holy and good, that we can serve the Lord, then these insubstantial ideas will become a reality. We can grow in our faith. We can grow as believers. We can live out the love of God.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What is your “hope” that needs to become a reality?

Out of the Depths 5

Isaiah 43:1-3

How often have you ever thought, “If I only knew then what I know now”? How often have you wanted to have a time-machine to take you back so that you can do things the right way? I think back on my earlier life, especially my childhood, and I think with disdain how timid I was in all that I did. I was afraid of everything and everyone. But that all changed when I read this Bible passage.

You see I am one of those silly people who believes the Bible to be true. I am one of those people who trusts in the promises of God. This passage turned me around.

Who is speaking? What assurance does God offer? Who do we belong to? What examples does God offer?

If we really believe in God then this passage should fill us with incredible confidence. God has declared that we are His people. We belong to Him. He has called us by name.

And God has given us incredible promises. Nothing can harm us. Fire and flood and destruction will not bring us harm. God is with us in all the tough times of life. He is there to keep us from destruction.

We may be faced with an uncertain economy. We may be worried about the weather and the impact that it will have on farmers and crops, and subsequently the already fragile economy. Gas prices may frighten us. Our jobs may seem shaky. Our health may make us worry.

But we need to face life with extreme confidence and trust. We need to remember these words from God. He will not let the waters of trouble sweep over us. He will not let the fires of fear burn us.

Not only is God with us but He is our Savior. He has redeemed us from the death of sin. He has redeemed us and freed us from a life of hopelessness and worry. He loves us so much that He embraces us in the darkest of times and He is there to strengthen and guide us through all the snares and pitfalls of life.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you face life with confidence?

This is the last 10/2 Grow Daily Devotion for this spring. We pray that you will have a blessed summer and that you may live a life of goodness and trust in the awesome power and love of your Lord. – Peggy and Roger

Out of the Depths 4

Hebrews 4:14-16

Several years ago the son of one of our members wanted to talk to me. He was upset because his father had cancer and didn’t have long to live. I was able to give some counseling and, I think, a little comfort. It wasn’t just because I am a pastor, but because I had lost my own father who died suddenly and all too soon. I knew what he was going through.

The author of Hebrews gives us some assurance about Jesus. Why should we have faith in Jesus? What is Jesus able to do? How should we feel when we come to God?

Too often when we are faced with difficult situations in life we fall into the trap of thinking that no one knows what we are going through. Too often when life gets hard we think we are on our own, and we can let our fears and worries defeat us. But this is not true.

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has gone through the tough times of life just as we have. Historians believe that Jesus as a youngster was probably witness to the political oppression of Rome. He most likely went through all the stress and turmoil of life growing up within a family. He experienced grief and loss.

He went through times of hope and times of fear. He built up friendships and lost some of those friends. He suffered temptations. He was accused and arrested. He was put to death at a young age.

But he was more than a man who experienced the highs and lows of life. He was the Son of God, God in human form. He was the expression of God’s compassion and love. He existed so that we might be connected to the Lord.

When we face the uncertainty of life we need to turn to the certainty of God. Jesus knows what we are experiencing. He has been through it too. And with that knowledge we are invited to come to God with confidence knowing that God understands our plight and our worries.

I believe God doesn’t always spare us from the tough parts of life, just as he didn’t spare His own Son from them. But I believe God can give us comfort in our dark hours. And I believe God can make good emerge from the troubles if we will trust Him.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Where do you need comfort?

Out of the Depths 3

Mark 5:14-15

There is a young man in our area who has experienced some severe health issues. One result of this is that the family is faced with difficult medical bills. This is very sad.

On the other hand one result of this is that the community came together the other day and put on a carnival with games and prizes to raise money for the family. Hundreds of people turned out to offer their support, not just in presenting and manning the carnival, but also in supporting the fund-raising efforts. What a wonderful thing.

Today’s passage is part of a larger story. Jesus and his disciples have come to the region of the Gerasenes, and in this place was a man who was possessed by demons. He lived among tombs. He had been chained up to help control him, but he broke the chains and spent his days crying out and cutting himself.

But Jesus arrived and cast out the demons, sending them into a herd of pigs. What did the people who tended the pigs do? When everyone came back what was the demon-possessed man doing?

This story is about a man who is living in misery. He has a life that is no life at all. He screams all day and night. He hurts himself. He can’t be contained, and I imagine that anyone who was near the man was frightened and at wit’s end as to what could be done.

But from this chaos came order. Jesus drove out the problems – the demons – and restored the man to normal life. When those who were familiar with the man saw him he was sitting there, dressed and in his right mind. For some reason this frightened the people of that region. They wanted Jesus to leave.

But we as faithful children of God, as believers in the power and presence of Christ, should see this story as one of hope. Jesus took away the problems and brought goodness and calm. And that is something we should come to expect from our Lord and Savior.

No matter what tumult and trouble we can be facing, even those frightening situations that we can’t chain up and control, Jesus can bring us peace. He can restore order and goodness if we will simply learn to trust him.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you let Jesus drive out the demons in your life?

Out of the Depths 2

Genesis 1:1-3

We are nearing the days of our vacation Bible school. Every year as we ready for the event we have a day where we set up for the week. This involves hauling van-load after van-load of materials over to the community center where the VBS will be held.

On that day of preparation we end up with piles of objects – cardboard tubes, blankets, buckets, ladders, hooks, curtains, costumes and stacks of paper. Once everything is there we have a chaotic pile of things. A casual glance just brings a sense of confusion. What can become of all this stuff?

But out of this jumble of objects a very effective program emerges. Things are put where they belong. Sets and decorations are put in place. Costumes are laid out in the order in which they will be used. Lessons are ready. Out of the chaos comes wonderful order.

It was worse than that at the beginning of things. What did God do at the beginning? What did He have to work with? How did things come to order?

The creation story – one that most people are familiar with – is a perfect example of God’s ability to bring goodness and order out of chaos. The world was formless and empty. There was nothing but a swirling void of “stuff,” but God’s Spirit swept over the tumultuous waters and brought about all that we see and hear and feel.

With a few words He commanded light and dark to exist. If you continue reading the whole story you will see that God spoke into existence the oceans and rivers, the mountains, the fields, the plants, the birds of the air, animals and even the complex creatures known as human beings.

It all came out of nothing through the power of God.

We may feel that our planet is spinning out of control. Our lives are out of sync and we are faced with utter chaos and a hopeless mess of things.

But God is with us, and if He can make all the wonderful things He has made out of nothing, He can take the mess we have and bring goodness and order. Let us replace fear with trust. Let us replace worry with hope, and let us have confidence in the good working of God.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you hand your fears over to God?

Out of the Depths 1

Psalm 30:1-3

Well, since you are reading this daily devotional the world did not come to an end on Saturday as some had predicted. The expectation of the world’s ending is something that has been the topic of conversation for a very long time.

Those who followed Jesus expected the Lord to return and bring an end to the world within just a few years of the crucifixion and resurrection. Others expected the world to end at the turn of the millennium in the year 1,000. Still others were certain that the world would end in Y2K – the year 2,000. Yet we are still here.

We have recently been witness to tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes and excessively wet weather. People frequently wonder if the world will end soon, or at least they wonder how much turmoil we can endure.

The world has always been a place of turmoil as well as comfort and the psalmist expresses some trust in God. What attitude does the psalmist have? What has God done?

Life is not always easy. Things don’t always go our way and I don’t believe that the cataclysmic episodes we witness are punishment from the Almighty nor indications that our doom is imminent.

Life happens. Good things come about as well as bad things. Our planet is a living, breathing entity which goes through changes now and then. Tectonic plates shift and cause earthquakes, and with each shift other plates of stone must move to a new position – new earthquakes and new tidal waves.

While the world is unpredictable we can find comfort and assurance in the constancy of God. The Lord is always with us. The Lord always loves us, even when we are disobedient and far from the holy people we should be.

We can’t always plan for the troubles of life. But we always have a choice. We can sink in the mire of despair and sorrow, or we can trust that the Lord can make good things emerge from the bad we see.

If we can trust in God and hand over control to God, if we can worship God even in the frightening times the Lord will be generous and good. He alone offers healing and comfort. He alone can save us.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you show trust in God?

Submit 4

2 Corinthians 9:7

Over the years I have been blessed with many gifts. Some have been expensive gifts – like a nice leather coat. Others were inexpensive – like a small tray big enough to hold a glass of milk and a few cookies. But I treasure them all.

The reason I treasure them is because of the truth of the old saying, “It isn’t the gift but the thought that counts.” These gifts are important to me because someone I love cared enough about me to give me the gift.

When we consider our relationship with God and we look at how we can submit to God we may wonder how we should express our commitment to God through financial gifts. In the second letter to the church at Corinth Paul addresses the attitude we should have. How much should we give? What should our attitude be? Why?

When giving to the church we may be intimidated by the people who have the financial ability to be extremely generous. Those who have the means to fund big projects, to finance major renovations, or simply present a fat check can make us feel that our gift is not valuable. On the other hand we may look down on those who are not able to give as much as we do, people who are struggling to make ends meet or who have jobs with a lower income.

But it is not the amount of money that is given that is important. What is important is that we first determine how much we are willing to give, and then give it faithfully and joyfully.

No matter what our financial means may be – a little or a lot – we are called on to express our submission to God, our faithfulness to God through tangible contributions. Whatever the dollar amount given it should be a genuine expression of our gratitude and trust in God.

Whatever the size of the gift, whatever the sacrifice you are willing to make, it is a measure of our faith and submission to God. Our gifts should be offered cheerfully and willingly.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be sure to give cheerfully?

Rely on God 5

Daniel 6:20-22

One of the best examples of relying on God comes from the Book of Daniel. In the sixth chapter there is the story of how advisors to the Babylonian king Darius planned the undoing of Daniel. He was, after all, a foreigner, brought into Babylon from Judah. But they could find no fault or flaw in him. He was devoutly religious and an upstanding servant to the king.

So these advisors used Daniel’s religion as a trap. They convinced Darius to make a law that everyone must pray to him and no other god for thirty days (Daniel 6:6-9). Those who did not obey were to be thrown to the lions.

Of course, Daniel was a devout Jew who worshiped the one true God of Israel, so he did not bow down to worship Darius. Now, caught in his own snare, Darius had no choice but to punish this servant he liked so well (Daniel 6:14-16).

What is the king’s concern and question the following day? What did Daniel answer?

It is apparent that the king recognized, or at least hoped in, the power of Daniel’s god. He asked if the one true god had indeed saved him from the lions, and in fact God had done just that.

Daniel was in a difficult situation to say the least. He was sealed up in a den full of hungry lions, but God sent an angel to keep the lions from killing Daniel. Daniel knew in his heart that he could rely on God for his protection. He knew he could trust God to save him.

But he also pointed out that he was innocent. He was a blameless victim of circumstances, and we can assume it was his innocence that was at least partly responsible for his salvation.

Few of us, if any, are as blameless and devout as Daniel, but we can still learn from his situation. He trusted God completely and his intentions were to always serve God. If we can pass through the trials of life, and the challenges and temptations of the world with a spirit devoted to God, then we can rely on God for assistance and protection with the utmost of confidence.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you rely on God as you face the lions of life?

Rely on God 4

James 1:5-6

I have heard so many prayers begin with, “God, if you are there . . .” or “God, if you are listening . . .” One of my first thoughts when I hear this type of approach is to have little confidence that these prayers will be answered. I suppose the person praying is being humble in some way, but it leads me to think that the person has no faith, no firm belief in God.

James gives us a quick and simple lesson on how to approach God. What should we do when we want wisdom? Why will God give us this? What should be our attitude?

Now the words of James are that God will give us wisdom if we ask, but I believe this same concept applies to anything we might pray for as long as it is meant to glorify God and serve His kingdom. If we need wisdom we can ask for it. God is generous and loving and He wants what is best for us, so He will grant us that wisdom.

But I think the same will be true when we ask for strength, guidance, a more merciful heart, or more ability to do good things. God is loving and generous and wants what is best for us. If we pray with the intention of being a humble servant of God I believe God will grant our requests.

We need to have faith in this. We need to be confident when we pray. We need to be bold in our requests and ask God for the things we need to be good servants of His kingdom.

This is part of relying on God. We must know that we can rely on God to supply us with what we need especially when it is meant for His glory.

And when we pray we must have strong faith. We should not doubt. When we doubt we find ourselves tossing back and forth between belief and disbelief, between confidence and fear. We need to be strong and steady in our faith, relying on God with firm confidence.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you have confidence in your prayers?

Rely on God 3

Proverbs 16:3

I caught a minute or two of a basketball game the other day, and I thought about the small square that is painted on the backboard above the hoop. The concept is that if you shoot the basketball and hit inside the square on the backboard the ball will almost always go through the hoop for a score. The square acts as a guide for success.

In Proverbs we have our own guide for success. What are we to do?

Such advice may seem too good to be true, and in some sense it is. I do not believe that if you pray to God before you buy a lottery ticket you are guaranteed a win. I do not believe that if you organize an event or ministry intended to help the kingdom of God you are guaranteed no problems.

Using the Lord for personal gain is no promise to success. Having the work of God in mind is no promise of success. We are subject to the laws of nature and we are bound to have good days and bad days, even if our intentions are completely pure.

So, what does this passage mean when it says “commit to the Lord?” I believe that you commit to the Lord what you do when the thing that you are doing is intended to help the kingdom of God. Service projects to help the needy, outreach events to spread the word of God, fund-raisers meant to make money for mission work – all of these can be committed to the Lord.

Committing yourself to the Lord is when your actions are intended to advance the kingdom of God, or your attitude is intended to benefit the Lord. Committing yourself to the Lord may involve an intention to stop sinning, to gain wisdom, to be more merciful, or to have a better prayer life. I believe God gives us success in these.

Some will say that even in these we are not guaranteed success. Sometimes the bake sale gets rained out. Sometimes people slam the door in your face. Sometimes the temptations are too much. But when you commit what you do the Lord, you may be surprised at how much success you will experience.

We may not always see what we have committed to the Lord be the success we want. What we see as success may not be the success God intended, and the success God gives us may not be something we see. What we must do is rely on God, trust in God for a success, and rely on God to know what type of success is needed.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you commit to the Lord?

Rely on God 2

Psalm 16:7-8

At lunch on Sunday one of our members said she doesn’t always look at the “10/2 Grow” first thing in the morning. She saves it for that time of day when she needs a break from the pressures of work. She can step away from the troubles of her job and spend a few minutes focusing on God.

And I thought how very much that is a lesson for all of us. It isn’t that we should avoid doing our daily devotion first thing in the morning. Rather, we should remember that we need to spend time every day in communion with our God. God is the source of our comfort. He is the One who can impart wisdom and help us to know we are not alone in our struggles. There is no set time to be in the company of God. We are to rely on God at all times.

What specific time does the psalmist mention praising God? What confidence does the psalmist have?

Night is specifically mentioned in this psalm, because night is often a time of fear and worry. When the sun sets and light fades we can be fearful of those things we cannot see in the dark. Around us is the unknown, the unclear, the hidden. Yet, in this time of apprehension we can know that God is with us.

But perhaps night is not a time of stress for you. Perhaps night is actually a time of ease, a time when work is done and you can find rest in the comfort of your home. It may be that bright day is the time of trouble for you – a time when you are confronted with challenges and hardships, a time when other people or just the circumstances of life test your patience and push you to the edge of reason.

No matter. At any time of the day or night we must remember to set the Lord always before us. Remember that God is always beside you – day and night, work or rest – and the worries and stresses of life will not be able to overwhelm you. When you learn to rely on God you will not be shaken.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can remind you that God is with you at all times?

God Is There 4

Hebrews 13:5-6

As I prepare for two weddings which are coming up the meaning behind marriage is foremost in my mind. It is more than simply a legal binding together of two people, it is a spiritual commitment of one to the other. Marriage is a ceremony celebrating and marking the pledge of constant companionship and support, mutual and enduring strength and encouragement, and of the uniting of two spirits and two minds.

As time goes on there will be those rough patches in the road of life. There will be times of doubt and times of challenge, of setbacks and pain. But the marriage pledge is a commitment to always be there for the other person no matter what the circumstances. And the wedding ceremony is a reminder that God is part of that joining together.

As powerful as a pledge made in marriage can be, God’s pledge is stronger. The author of Hebrews offers some assurance in life. What instruction is given? What pledge has God made to all of us?

Whether married or single each one of us can count on the promise of God. Although we face uncertainty in our lives, fears and worries about income and the economy, struggles with our jobs, challenges in our relationships, uncertain health, even questions about our place in God’s Kingdom, we can rely on the certainty of God. We are never alone no matter what the challenge is before us.

No matter how difficult life may feel, no matter how much we may wonder if we have the ability to push through the hard times, God is with us. God is able at all times to strengthen us and surround us with His Spirit of love, mercy and comfort.

Our enemies and the evils of this world may try to convince us that we are weak and alone. We may even tell ourselves that we have no one but ourselves to rely on. But that is not true at all.

God is with us at all times. We must learn to trust in our God and place our confidence in the sure knowledge that God is with us and will never leave us.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can help you remember God’s eternal presence?

God Is There 3

Proverbs 3:5-6

When our children were very young they used to follow me when I mowed the lawn. They liked to walk where I had been. They pretended that they were in cars and that the cut path was a road for them. As I mowed the swaths I had cut became intersecting avenues that allowed them to go in various directions. My children trusted me to provide them with safe, smooth and interesting ways to go. It wasn’t the fastest and most efficient way to mow the lawn, but it was a lot of fun for the kids.

While we may feel daunted by the prospect of going forward in our life or exploring the challenges of our faith, we need to remember that God has gone before us in all things. When we hesitate and worry about what might be, what might happen, what terror could be awaiting us around the next corner, we must have the faith to know that God has walked before us.

His teaching and guidance exists in the form of the Bible. Over the ages He has spoken to us and offered instruction and counsel. He has laid out His promises and professed His love. And He has given us His assurance.

How are we to behave toward God? Are we to rely on our own understanding? What does God do for us?

It can be difficult to step forward in faith, but we are called to follow God. We are called to turn to His word – the Bible – and find His wisdom. Through the word of God we can find the knowledge of God, which can and should replace our own, fallible understanding.

We should recall that our Lord is a loving God who cares for us very deeply. As a father leads his own children in safety and righteousness, as a father may prepare a path of goodness for his little ones, so God prepares the paths in our lives so that we might follow Him. We should learn to trust in our God, to lean on Him and rely on His love as we walk through the paths of life.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you follow God with more assurance?

God Is There 2

Matthew 28:19-20

I remember when I first started school. Tony Mayor, the boy next door, was my age so we walked together to Kindergarten, about three-quarters of a mile through the suburb where I grew up. It was a frightening prospect, the two of us going off on our own every day. But one thing that made it easier was that Tony’s mom walked behind us that first week.

We had the task of going to school, but she went with us from the house to the school, walking behind us the whole way, carrying a walking stick to fend off any bullies or dogs. I must admit the idea of going to school was much easier knowing Mrs. Mayor was right behind us.

At the end of Matthew we have Jesus speaking to his disciples, offering them a charge. What are they to do? What promise is given?

The term “comfort zone” appears to have lost some of its popularity in our current culture, but years ago it seemed that all I heard was about being in or out of our comfort zone. The focus was on what you were okay with – what doesn’t bother you and what does bother you?

I frequently preached that there are no comfort zones for anyone who follows Christ. And here is a perfect example. Jesus is leaving and he is telling his followers what they should do with the rest of their lives. Go! Go out into the world and make disciples. Preach. Teach. Baptize. Spread the word of God.

And this is not going to be a simple task, but there is one wonderful promise made. Jesus will be with all of those who do his work. He will be with them in the good times and in the tough times. He will be with them in the frightening times and the challenges. He will be with them always – ALWAYS – forever, until the end of time.

We are supposed to do the work of Christ – spread the word, preach, teach and make more followers. And that idea can be very frightening. But we need to remember that Jesus is with us in all that we do. We are never alone. He is right behind you as you go to do his work.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can help you remember the promise of Christ?

Plan Your Ministry 5

Jeremiah 29:11

As an adult I love most vegetables and I have taken on much healthier eating habits in the past year than I have ever had. But when I was a child I was just like any other kid. I hated vegetables and sometimes wondered if my mother was actually trying to poison me by making me eat some of those strange things on the table.

Of course she was not trying to poison me. In fact, just the opposite was true. She wanted me to eat well so I would be healthy and strong. So often our present circumstances keep us from seeing the good intentions meant for us.

There are many times when we may question what is happening around us and what is happening in our society or our very church. Does God want evil to prevail? Does God want the church to fall apart?

No, of course not. God wants what is best for us and wants the good and holy work of His church to succeed. This sentiment is pointed out in this passage from Jeremiah. What does God know? What assurance does He give?

This was the message for the Israelites living in exile, living a life with little hope. They felt defeated and lost. But God reminded the people through His prophet that God had plans for them – good plans, plans of hope and prosperity.

We may need to remember this assurance from God ourselves. God knows what the future holds. He wants us to succeed and be happy and holy. He has plans for us – big plans of accomplishment and success.

We may not understand what God is doing all the time, but we must trust that His plans are for our good, for a bright and hopeful future. We may not understand what we are to do, but we must trust that God’s plans are for the good and we should live out those plans.

How can we get to this future God has for us? God has the plans for our future; we simply need to get those plans from God. Through prayer and diligent seeking we can learn the plans God has for us and then live them out. Through careful organization and prayerful thinking we can set our ministries into motion to serve God and humanity and to glorify the Lord.

With the right source of inspiration, the right attitude and approach, we can live into the bright future God has planned for us.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What plans does God have for you?

Picture What God Wants 5

Joshua 6:2-5

Our teen-age children came back from a week-long ministry experience in Cincinnati this summer with stories of how their groups prayed for ministry opportunities and were given visions of very unlikely scenarios. On one occasion they had a picture of a man in a red shirt, a gas station, and a van. It seemed odd, but they trusted in God and went to the nearest gas station with money in hand willing to help someone in need.

Sure enough, a man in a red shirt came in needing gas which the teens paid for. He was so impressed he passed the blessings on to others as an act of gratitude, helping another person – in a van – whose need was greater.

Allowing God to give us a vision for ministry is not always as simple as what our children went through, but the attitude and process are the same. Pray. Ask. Trust. Do.

Joshua has led the Israelites into the Promised Land only to be blocked by the fortified city of Jericho. But God gave a picture of what Joshua was to do. What promise does God give? What are the instructions? What is the result?

The story of Joshua fighting the battle of Jericho, bringing down the walls with the sound of trumpets and shouts, is one most are familiar with. We can imagine the thoughts that might have gone through Joshua’s mind. The picture God created for him may have seemed rather ridiculous, but Joshua trusted and obeyed.

The result was a victory without the loss of a single man. God’s plan worked and the picture became a reality.

God may give us a picture of what needs to be done. We may have an image or idea for a ministry and that image may seem impossible or ridiculous. But, if we feel certain that God has given us the picture and if the intent is to serve God, then God’s picture can become reality. The ministry can be done. We need to trust in what God has given to us and obey His desires.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Where can you trust God’s vision?

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1 Samuel 16:11-12

“Ah-ha!” “Eureka!” “That’s it!” These are all familiar expressions people use when the light comes on in the mind and suddenly everything is made clear. Sometimes we can think and worry and wonder for days and days feeling hopeless about what we are supposed to do, when suddenly we have God’s inspiration enter in and we realize God has given us His vision.

Samuel is looking for the next king of Israel, and he knows the new king is to be from Jesse’s family, but he worries he has exhausted his possibilities. What does he ask? Who is left? What happens when the young man enters?

All of the fine, strapping young sons of Jesse have been rejected. Samuel was certain one of these stronger, older brothers would be chosen and I am certain he was baffled when none from the first seven were chosen.

But there is one more opportunity in the youngest son, David, a shepherd boy. It seems unlikely, but Samuel gives it a shot. And that is when God speaks to Samuel. This is the one!

We are frequently challenged with new ministry ideas. What can we do? Who will we help? And so often we can create a list of ideas only to dismiss every one for this reason or that.

But there is great excitement and peace in my heart when at last we come across a ministry opportunity that jumps out at us. There have been many times in the past several years where a ministry idea may at first seem unlikely, but then there is that spark from God that lets us know – this is it.

As we examine our ministry opportunities we need to be open to that leading from God. Let God create the vision. Let God take the lead. Through devout and earnest prayer you can trust that God will turn on that light of inspiration so that the right ministry is ready for you to live out.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you open yourself up to God’s leading?

Picture What God Wants 3

1 Samuel 16:6-7

Whenever a person starts a new job there is usually a certain excitement and anticipation about what will be encountered. The mind can start imagining how work will be done, who you will meet, and how things are going to be.

The same is true of ministry. We can imagine the wonderful things we want to do for God, the great places we will go, the kind deeds, and so on. But so often the ministry God wants for us is not exactly what we originally pictured.

Samuel experienced a change in what he expected when God sent him to Bethlehem to anoint a new king. Why do you think Samuel expected Jesse’s oldest son, Eliab, to be the chosen one? What was God’s message? What is God’s approach?

Samuel had anointed Saul as king of Israel, but in time Saul did not live out what God expected him to do. So God rejected Saul and needed a new ruler for His people.

God sent Samuel to the city of Bethlehem to find a man named Jesse. It would be from Jesse’s family that the next king would be selected. And, of course, the first person Samuel meets is the strong and handsome Eliab, the oldest of eight sons. But God tells Samuel that He examines the heart – the soul and spirit of a person – to determine who will serve Him.

It was a lesson in trusting God. It was a lesson in seeing that there is more involved with God than outward appearance, and also that what we might choose is not always what God wants.

When Peggy and I entered the ministry we had visions of what we would do and how we would go about serving God. But most of what we initially imagined wasn’t what God wanted. He had His vision for what we were to do and we needed to learn to follow God’s vision for our ministry.

As we examine where we might serve God, we must learn to set our own pre-conceived ideas and plans aside and allow God to put His vision of His ministry in our hearts.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to put God’s vision ahead of your own?