Haggai 2:7, 9 NLT - I will fill this place with glory, says the LORD Almighty. ... The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the LORD Almighty. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the LORD Almighty, have spoken!"
There are two types of people in life – those who are looking for the other shoe to fall in life and those who are looking for the blessings of God to come in a new and fresh way. I'm the latter. I'm the one who has experienced so many blessings in my life and can't wait to see what my heavenly father has in store for me in the future. I believe this for my family, for the church I serve and for the High Desert in which I live in. I know things are difficult right now and the economy is not doing very well. These things are important and we know God takes care of our needs but there are so many other areas that God blesses us with. Every day I thank the Lord for peace of mind, my health, protection to and from work. I also give thanks for my family who are all walking with God and for the wonderful church that God has allowed me the privilege of loving and pastoring. I thank Him for the home I live in and I thank Him for the many people that come into my life on a day by day basis that I get to show the love of God to. I am so blessed and thankful in my heart today. God has so much He wants to share with me and with you. There is so much more that God wants to give to you and so much He wants to give to me today. I am looking for His glory to fill my life – even in a greater way then He has ever done before. There is so much more ahead. I'm so excited. Bring it on Lord!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Just Like Dad
Luke 12:32 NLT - "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
Unlike a lot of people, I have been given the blessing of having godly examples in my life – especially in my Father and in both of my grandfathers. They, each in their own way, gave themselves to ministering to their families and passing on the gems of wisdom to each of their children and grandchildren. It could have been the simple task of how to use a screw driver or how to plant a garden or the more difficult task of how to live your life for God and how to walk with integrity in this world. Most of all, they taught me how to minister to my kids and now my own grand kids. My dad and my now deceased grandfathers modeled giving in my life. They lived out the generous life. If there was a need – they would all do anything they could to help others out. It seems, that there was always room at our table for one more. It is with lessons like these and the examples given to us by our Heavenly Father through scripture that I am now able to lead my family and now my congregation. To many, I am the only dad that they've ever had. People look up to me now for help and wisdom and strength. It's a great responsibility but one I accept because I've been trained well. The way that God and my dad and grandfathers have led me are now ingrained in my life and I am so blessed with the opportunity to make a difference on this earth and in the High Desert. It is such a joy to serve each and every person that God puts in my life.
Unlike a lot of people, I have been given the blessing of having godly examples in my life – especially in my Father and in both of my grandfathers. They, each in their own way, gave themselves to ministering to their families and passing on the gems of wisdom to each of their children and grandchildren. It could have been the simple task of how to use a screw driver or how to plant a garden or the more difficult task of how to live your life for God and how to walk with integrity in this world. Most of all, they taught me how to minister to my kids and now my own grand kids. My dad and my now deceased grandfathers modeled giving in my life. They lived out the generous life. If there was a need – they would all do anything they could to help others out. It seems, that there was always room at our table for one more. It is with lessons like these and the examples given to us by our Heavenly Father through scripture that I am now able to lead my family and now my congregation. To many, I am the only dad that they've ever had. People look up to me now for help and wisdom and strength. It's a great responsibility but one I accept because I've been trained well. The way that God and my dad and grandfathers have led me are now ingrained in my life and I am so blessed with the opportunity to make a difference on this earth and in the High Desert. It is such a joy to serve each and every person that God puts in my life.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Your Trial Becomes Your Blessing
Psalms 84:6 NLT - When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs, where pools of blessing collect after the rains!
The Children Of Israel would often make a journey to Jerusalem to worship God. It was a steep mountainous area that went through many valley's. The author describes one of those valley's as the Valley of Baca or the Valley of weeping. Although, we don't know exactly where that valley is - it is symbolic of the valley's each of us must go through in our own journey to be in the presence of God. Growing strong in God's presence is often preceded by a journey through barren places in our lives. The person who loves to be with God will see his/her difficulty and trial as part of the journey that will draw us closer to Christ. It is those dark places that draw us closer to God and His presence. It during those times that we find ourselves calling out to God and for His help. The valley of Baca became a place where the autumn rains would collect and become an oasis to those who travel through it. God sees ever tear you shed and every piece of brokenness that you bear. Your tears have been caught by God and He will not forget you. Your place of hardship will become your place of blessing. Wait for it. Don't give up. God is with you today.
The Children Of Israel would often make a journey to Jerusalem to worship God. It was a steep mountainous area that went through many valley's. The author describes one of those valley's as the Valley of Baca or the Valley of weeping. Although, we don't know exactly where that valley is - it is symbolic of the valley's each of us must go through in our own journey to be in the presence of God. Growing strong in God's presence is often preceded by a journey through barren places in our lives. The person who loves to be with God will see his/her difficulty and trial as part of the journey that will draw us closer to Christ. It is those dark places that draw us closer to God and His presence. It during those times that we find ourselves calling out to God and for His help. The valley of Baca became a place where the autumn rains would collect and become an oasis to those who travel through it. God sees ever tear you shed and every piece of brokenness that you bear. Your tears have been caught by God and He will not forget you. Your place of hardship will become your place of blessing. Wait for it. Don't give up. God is with you today.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
How To Be Strong In The Lord
Daniel 11:32 ESV - ...The people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.
There are all sorts of Christians today from the very immature to the very strong and powerful. I think, for the most part in America, most people would profess that they are a Christian but few even darken the church doors to deepen their faith in Christ. They identify the fact that they are Christian but their lives prove otherwise. On the other hand, there are those who are so devoted to God and spend time with Him on a daily basis – and it is seen and noticed in the way that they live their lives. Daniel, in this passage explains to us how to become a strong and powerful Christian – it is by getting to “know” God. In order for us to understand this – we need to break this word down and find its deeper meaning. The word “know” is the Hebrew word “Yada” which could be defined as “intimacy” in the Bible. Genesis 4:1 tells us that “Adam “knew” (yada) Eve and she conceived. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what “yada” meant to this couple. They we're intimate which produced children. It's the same with us – as we come to “know” (yada) with God – as we are intimate with Him then we will be strong and be able to take action against the enemy of our souls. When Jesus was on the earth the Bible says that He spoke with authority and power (vastly different then the way the Pharisees spoke). To obtain that power He did what each of us should do every day – spend quality time with our Heavenly Father – getting to know Him and be known by Him. As we do that, the Bible says that we will be endued with power from on high and will be filled with the Holy Spirit enabling us to deal with Satan and his cohorts. “We are more than conquerors.” “He that is in me (Jesus) is greater then he that is in the world.” As we begin to spend time with our Heavenly Father on a daily basis – God will do mighty things in our lives.
There are all sorts of Christians today from the very immature to the very strong and powerful. I think, for the most part in America, most people would profess that they are a Christian but few even darken the church doors to deepen their faith in Christ. They identify the fact that they are Christian but their lives prove otherwise. On the other hand, there are those who are so devoted to God and spend time with Him on a daily basis – and it is seen and noticed in the way that they live their lives. Daniel, in this passage explains to us how to become a strong and powerful Christian – it is by getting to “know” God. In order for us to understand this – we need to break this word down and find its deeper meaning. The word “know” is the Hebrew word “Yada” which could be defined as “intimacy” in the Bible. Genesis 4:1 tells us that “Adam “knew” (yada) Eve and she conceived. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what “yada” meant to this couple. They we're intimate which produced children. It's the same with us – as we come to “know” (yada) with God – as we are intimate with Him then we will be strong and be able to take action against the enemy of our souls. When Jesus was on the earth the Bible says that He spoke with authority and power (vastly different then the way the Pharisees spoke). To obtain that power He did what each of us should do every day – spend quality time with our Heavenly Father – getting to know Him and be known by Him. As we do that, the Bible says that we will be endued with power from on high and will be filled with the Holy Spirit enabling us to deal with Satan and his cohorts. “We are more than conquerors.” “He that is in me (Jesus) is greater then he that is in the world.” As we begin to spend time with our Heavenly Father on a daily basis – God will do mighty things in our lives.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
You Are Deeply Loved By God
Daniel 10:19 NLT - "Don't be afraid," he said, "for you are deeply loved by God. Be at peace; take heart and be strong!" As he spoke these words, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, "Now you may speak, my lord, for you have strengthened me."
The other day I was praying with someone when the Lord impressed me to tell them that they we're “so loved by God.” As I began to open my mouth to speak those words God impressed me to add the words, “you are so DEEPLY loved by God.” Instantly this person began to weep with great sobs and tears because of the void within their own lives that any one, especially God, would even care or love them. Other translations use the phrase “you are precious” or “esteemed” to define this deep love that God has for us. When you think and ponder about this – it is an amazing thing – the deep love of God for each and every one of us. This world that we live in can at times be very harsh and cruel by non-Christians and by Christians alike. Love is sometimes non existent. But I'm always amazed that in the midst of all hurt and pain – God's love shows up in the most unusual places – a feeling, a thought, through another person, a blessing in the mail, a kind word, etc. God does DEEPLY love each of us and if we look we will see His hand reaching out to us, reminding each of us again again, “I haven't forgot you. I know what's best for you. I'm here for you. Here... take my hand and I will walk with you because you are so DEEPLY loved by me. You are my child and I am your God. I have a plan for you and it is good. Be still and know that I'm God. Trust me today and I will take care of every need you might have.”
The other day I was praying with someone when the Lord impressed me to tell them that they we're “so loved by God.” As I began to open my mouth to speak those words God impressed me to add the words, “you are so DEEPLY loved by God.” Instantly this person began to weep with great sobs and tears because of the void within their own lives that any one, especially God, would even care or love them. Other translations use the phrase “you are precious” or “esteemed” to define this deep love that God has for us. When you think and ponder about this – it is an amazing thing – the deep love of God for each and every one of us. This world that we live in can at times be very harsh and cruel by non-Christians and by Christians alike. Love is sometimes non existent. But I'm always amazed that in the midst of all hurt and pain – God's love shows up in the most unusual places – a feeling, a thought, through another person, a blessing in the mail, a kind word, etc. God does DEEPLY love each of us and if we look we will see His hand reaching out to us, reminding each of us again again, “I haven't forgot you. I know what's best for you. I'm here for you. Here... take my hand and I will walk with you because you are so DEEPLY loved by me. You are my child and I am your God. I have a plan for you and it is good. Be still and know that I'm God. Trust me today and I will take care of every need you might have.”
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Secret To A Powerful Life
Luke 4:1, 14, 18 NLT - Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit to go out into the wilderness, ... Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit's power. Soon he became well known throughout the surrounding country. ... "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors,
Three times in this passage we see that Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit or that the Holy Spirit rested upon Him. It's interesting... here is Jesus, God's son, in need of the Holy Spirit in His life. The reason: He was just a man living and walking on earth. He needed the same help and the same power that you and I need every day. When He came to earth from Heaven - He laid His God attributes down that He might experience what you and I go through – temptations, trials, difficulties, and the list could go on and on. To deal with each of those issues - Jesus needed the Holy Spirit every day of his life. He had to plug into this power just like you and I do every day in prayer and in meditation. Often, the Bible shows how He would slip away to a quiet place to pray. He, the man, had to fill His tank and had to hear from God. It is no different with you and I today. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit in our lives in order to make it through this day. I want it said of me today that Bill Burnett left his house full of the Holy Spirit and with power and that God used him in a special way to touch the people of the High Desert.
Three times in this passage we see that Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit or that the Holy Spirit rested upon Him. It's interesting... here is Jesus, God's son, in need of the Holy Spirit in His life. The reason: He was just a man living and walking on earth. He needed the same help and the same power that you and I need every day. When He came to earth from Heaven - He laid His God attributes down that He might experience what you and I go through – temptations, trials, difficulties, and the list could go on and on. To deal with each of those issues - Jesus needed the Holy Spirit every day of his life. He had to plug into this power just like you and I do every day in prayer and in meditation. Often, the Bible shows how He would slip away to a quiet place to pray. He, the man, had to fill His tank and had to hear from God. It is no different with you and I today. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit in our lives in order to make it through this day. I want it said of me today that Bill Burnett left his house full of the Holy Spirit and with power and that God used him in a special way to touch the people of the High Desert.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Just Who Is God?
Psalms 130:3-4 NLT - LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.
Just who is God? What is His nature? Is He some God in the heavens just waiting to hit us with a lightning bolt every time we sin or is He a loving God who embraces and loves us and nurtures us along. Many people have it in their mind that He is the harsh judgmental God whose nature it is to punish each and every one of us - but that is not the picture I see. Yes... we will be judged for our wrongs and our sins. God wouldn't be God without that being part of His nature. But God is more than that. He is filled with kindness and love and mercy. He doesn't hold our past against us. He's not looking for ways to make our lives full of pain and suffering. In fact, He's just the opposite. He seeks a relationship with us. He wants to be our friend. He was willing to do anything in order to reach us, even allowing the death of His son – Jesus. I am a product of God's love and mercy. He has reached down and picked me up and set me upon a rock. I was so broken and hurt and filled with so much pain but God lifted me up and gave me a new purpose in life. He has revitalized me and has given me a second chance. I am so glad that He hasn't held my ugly past against me and has loved and restored me from sinful ways. God is so good. I am so blessed to have Him as my God!
Just who is God? What is His nature? Is He some God in the heavens just waiting to hit us with a lightning bolt every time we sin or is He a loving God who embraces and loves us and nurtures us along. Many people have it in their mind that He is the harsh judgmental God whose nature it is to punish each and every one of us - but that is not the picture I see. Yes... we will be judged for our wrongs and our sins. God wouldn't be God without that being part of His nature. But God is more than that. He is filled with kindness and love and mercy. He doesn't hold our past against us. He's not looking for ways to make our lives full of pain and suffering. In fact, He's just the opposite. He seeks a relationship with us. He wants to be our friend. He was willing to do anything in order to reach us, even allowing the death of His son – Jesus. I am a product of God's love and mercy. He has reached down and picked me up and set me upon a rock. I was so broken and hurt and filled with so much pain but God lifted me up and gave me a new purpose in life. He has revitalized me and has given me a second chance. I am so glad that He hasn't held my ugly past against me and has loved and restored me from sinful ways. God is so good. I am so blessed to have Him as my God!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Whatever God Wants
Luke 1:26-38 NLT - In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you! " Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. "Don't be frightened, Mary," the angel told her, "for God has decided to bless you! You will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!" Mary asked the angel, "But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin." The angel replied, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby born to you will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What's more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she's already in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true." And then the angel left.
I never get tired of reading this story. Can you imagine what Mary was feeling? She is going about life as a teenager in the village of Nazareth and all of a sudden an angel shows up and says he has a message from God for her. The scriptures say she was confused and disturbed. I think I would feel the same way. After reassuring her and telling her not to be afraid - the angel continues with the word from God that she had been chosen to impregnate her with the coming Messiah. I love her response... "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true." A simple statement filled with so much truth. As I read and re-read this story today I pondered on these words of Mary. They are filled with so much trust and faith in God and His promise to her. They are the words that should grace each of our hearts today. They are the words that should be our daily prayer - “I am willing to accept whatever he wants...” Many people I talk to say they had some experience like this as a child or as a teenager. It was a time when God called them and spoke destiny to their hearts. But... as they grew older they walked away from what was said over them. It is my prayer today that all of us would look back at the place where God challenged us and where God spoke direction to our lives. I want to be like Mary today with attitude of saying “God, I'll do whatever you want.” I pray that type of obedience will be upon us all today.
I never get tired of reading this story. Can you imagine what Mary was feeling? She is going about life as a teenager in the village of Nazareth and all of a sudden an angel shows up and says he has a message from God for her. The scriptures say she was confused and disturbed. I think I would feel the same way. After reassuring her and telling her not to be afraid - the angel continues with the word from God that she had been chosen to impregnate her with the coming Messiah. I love her response... "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true." A simple statement filled with so much truth. As I read and re-read this story today I pondered on these words of Mary. They are filled with so much trust and faith in God and His promise to her. They are the words that should grace each of our hearts today. They are the words that should be our daily prayer - “I am willing to accept whatever he wants...” Many people I talk to say they had some experience like this as a child or as a teenager. It was a time when God called them and spoke destiny to their hearts. But... as they grew older they walked away from what was said over them. It is my prayer today that all of us would look back at the place where God challenged us and where God spoke direction to our lives. I want to be like Mary today with attitude of saying “God, I'll do whatever you want.” I pray that type of obedience will be upon us all today.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
A Little Bit Of Heaven Now
Revelation 21:3-4 NLT - I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, the home of God is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever."
Think about what life would be like without any pain or suffering. Does it sound too good to be true? John, in Revelation, paints a picture of what heaven will be like and says that God will wipe away all our tears and sorrows. There will be no more death and there will be no more pain. Every day I deal with people's hurts and pains. I speak with those who've given up on life and those who are suffering from the grief of the past. It can be, at times, overwhelming. God, knowing what we endure and go through on life, gives us a glimpse of heaven and He reminds us that we won't always have to deal with the daily burdens of life. Heaven will be a different place. It will be a place of joy. Think about that. We will have unending joy! We won't have the burdens of life on us anymore. We won't deal with death. We won't have to deal with conflict. We won't be sorrowful. And... more than all of that – we will be with Jesus 24/7. Wow! What a promise. What hope. We are on this earth but our real citizenship is in heaven. We are just passing through. You might say... but I want a little bit of heaven right now. God, knowing what we need made a deposit with you and I by giving us the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is the down payment of more to come. Someday we will all be heaven, for those who have given their hearts to Christ. But in the meantime, the Holy Spirit is with us to comfort and lead us and give us a little bit of heaven now.
Think about what life would be like without any pain or suffering. Does it sound too good to be true? John, in Revelation, paints a picture of what heaven will be like and says that God will wipe away all our tears and sorrows. There will be no more death and there will be no more pain. Every day I deal with people's hurts and pains. I speak with those who've given up on life and those who are suffering from the grief of the past. It can be, at times, overwhelming. God, knowing what we endure and go through on life, gives us a glimpse of heaven and He reminds us that we won't always have to deal with the daily burdens of life. Heaven will be a different place. It will be a place of joy. Think about that. We will have unending joy! We won't have the burdens of life on us anymore. We won't deal with death. We won't have to deal with conflict. We won't be sorrowful. And... more than all of that – we will be with Jesus 24/7. Wow! What a promise. What hope. We are on this earth but our real citizenship is in heaven. We are just passing through. You might say... but I want a little bit of heaven right now. God, knowing what we need made a deposit with you and I by giving us the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is the down payment of more to come. Someday we will all be heaven, for those who have given their hearts to Christ. But in the meantime, the Holy Spirit is with us to comfort and lead us and give us a little bit of heaven now.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A Grandpa Story
Psalms 145:18-21 NLT - The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. The LORD protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked. I will praise the LORD, and everyone on earth will bless his holy name forever and forever.
About once a day I receive a call from my call from my daughter Erin. However, when I answer the phone there is no voice on the other side as she has given the phone to her daughter (my granddaughter) to speak to me. For a few seconds I end up speaking baby talk and connecting with my little girl. And... even though we don't see each other we have a great grandpa/granddaughter connection. When she comes to my house or sees me at church – she comes running into my arms because she knows that I'm her grandpa. These moments don't have to be long moments and are often short moments that remind each of us who we are and that we belong to one another. I have that same relationship with my Heavenly Father. There will be moments during my day where I just run to His arms and allow Him to speak His healing power of love over me. I might not be able to stay long but in that short amount of time I remember again who I belong to and who it is I love and serve. Its during those short moments that I am also able to calibrate the bearings of my life for that day – that I keep my focus and do what God wants me to do. I'm never more then a quick prayer away from Him. He is always there and is always looking out for me. He loves it so much when I sneak away from the busyness of life to just communicate with Him and tell Him how much I love Him. When I pick up my granddaughter and have a moment with her – she (in her wiggly state) will soon want back down to go play. But I know this... she'll be back again and again because she is safe in her grandpas arms. It is the same way with God. He is waiting for you today.
About once a day I receive a call from my call from my daughter Erin. However, when I answer the phone there is no voice on the other side as she has given the phone to her daughter (my granddaughter) to speak to me. For a few seconds I end up speaking baby talk and connecting with my little girl. And... even though we don't see each other we have a great grandpa/granddaughter connection. When she comes to my house or sees me at church – she comes running into my arms because she knows that I'm her grandpa. These moments don't have to be long moments and are often short moments that remind each of us who we are and that we belong to one another. I have that same relationship with my Heavenly Father. There will be moments during my day where I just run to His arms and allow Him to speak His healing power of love over me. I might not be able to stay long but in that short amount of time I remember again who I belong to and who it is I love and serve. Its during those short moments that I am also able to calibrate the bearings of my life for that day – that I keep my focus and do what God wants me to do. I'm never more then a quick prayer away from Him. He is always there and is always looking out for me. He loves it so much when I sneak away from the busyness of life to just communicate with Him and tell Him how much I love Him. When I pick up my granddaughter and have a moment with her – she (in her wiggly state) will soon want back down to go play. But I know this... she'll be back again and again because she is safe in her grandpas arms. It is the same way with God. He is waiting for you today.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Type Of Heart That I Want
Ezekiel 36:26-27 NLT - And I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new, obedient heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so you will obey my laws and do whatever I command.
My childhood home was a place of butterflies. The rolling hills and the sprawling farms we're a great habitat for these beautiful creatures to make a home for themselves. Now... as a kid, I couldn't just watch them – I had to catch them and observe them. I had a homemade butterfly net and often would take it out and catch the butterflies and bring them home – put them in a cage of some type and would just watch them. What was more fascinating was to find a caterpillar and put it in a jar with some leaves and watch the process of turning into a cocoon and then to watch the transformation and emergence of a beautiful butterfly. This “transformation” is no different then our journey and walk with Christ. There has tom come a dying of our old self in order to be developed and changed into one of God's creatures. Ezekiel states it well that our former self was a life of sin and our hearts we're stony. God's desire is that we would become a heart and life that is filled with His spirit and obedient to whatever God asks of us. I want that for my life and it is my daily prayer. I want this for you also. It is my prayer today that each of us would allow God to come into our life and do whatever He so desires with each and every one of us. I know I have come a long way but there are days that I wake up and realize that there are many places of hardness that is still in my soul. I want that soft and pliable heart and I want to be sensitive to God and to those around me. The on-going dying process is not easy but those who submit to it find that there is a new creature waiting to emerge in all its beauty and grace.
My childhood home was a place of butterflies. The rolling hills and the sprawling farms we're a great habitat for these beautiful creatures to make a home for themselves. Now... as a kid, I couldn't just watch them – I had to catch them and observe them. I had a homemade butterfly net and often would take it out and catch the butterflies and bring them home – put them in a cage of some type and would just watch them. What was more fascinating was to find a caterpillar and put it in a jar with some leaves and watch the process of turning into a cocoon and then to watch the transformation and emergence of a beautiful butterfly. This “transformation” is no different then our journey and walk with Christ. There has tom come a dying of our old self in order to be developed and changed into one of God's creatures. Ezekiel states it well that our former self was a life of sin and our hearts we're stony. God's desire is that we would become a heart and life that is filled with His spirit and obedient to whatever God asks of us. I want that for my life and it is my daily prayer. I want this for you also. It is my prayer today that each of us would allow God to come into our life and do whatever He so desires with each and every one of us. I know I have come a long way but there are days that I wake up and realize that there are many places of hardness that is still in my soul. I want that soft and pliable heart and I want to be sensitive to God and to those around me. The on-going dying process is not easy but those who submit to it find that there is a new creature waiting to emerge in all its beauty and grace.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Waiting In The Midst Of The Darkness
Lamentations 3:25-26 NLT - The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.
Waiting has never been one of my strong suits in life. It doesn't come easily and it is a grind every time I have to put it into practice. Jeremiah, in this passage, had just seen the take over and destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon (present day Iraq) because of the sins of the priest and of the people of Israel. The military advance on the city had left the city of Jerusalem in ruins and the people in disarray. Famine had brought much death and disease, leaving the people with little or no strength left. Many we're taken into captivity and taken from their homeland, never to see their beautiful city or homes again and others we're left to deal with what remained as the aftermath of war. Jeremiah went into a deep depression and wondered if God had left them completely. His grief left him wondering about his own trust and faith in God. And... when things seemed liked they we're at rock bottom – God showed up. Light began to dawn on darkness and life began to spring forth into Jeremiah's heart. He began to see the hand of God and he began to see the big picture. God had a plan and God hadn't forgot or walked away from His people. Perhaps you are in a difficult situation today and you've lost all your hope. It might be that your dreams have come to an end and you can't see what God is doing. Don't give up – your dawn is yet to come. God will come through and will bring you to the place you need to be. Call out to Him and let Him know that you are trusting Him no matter what the enemy has said or has done in your life. God is still sovereign and God is still in control. You can count on that today!
Waiting has never been one of my strong suits in life. It doesn't come easily and it is a grind every time I have to put it into practice. Jeremiah, in this passage, had just seen the take over and destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon (present day Iraq) because of the sins of the priest and of the people of Israel. The military advance on the city had left the city of Jerusalem in ruins and the people in disarray. Famine had brought much death and disease, leaving the people with little or no strength left. Many we're taken into captivity and taken from their homeland, never to see their beautiful city or homes again and others we're left to deal with what remained as the aftermath of war. Jeremiah went into a deep depression and wondered if God had left them completely. His grief left him wondering about his own trust and faith in God. And... when things seemed liked they we're at rock bottom – God showed up. Light began to dawn on darkness and life began to spring forth into Jeremiah's heart. He began to see the hand of God and he began to see the big picture. God had a plan and God hadn't forgot or walked away from His people. Perhaps you are in a difficult situation today and you've lost all your hope. It might be that your dreams have come to an end and you can't see what God is doing. Don't give up – your dawn is yet to come. God will come through and will bring you to the place you need to be. Call out to Him and let Him know that you are trusting Him no matter what the enemy has said or has done in your life. God is still sovereign and God is still in control. You can count on that today!
Waiting In The Midst Of The Darkness
Lamentations 3:25-26 NLT - The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.
Waiting has never been one of my strong suits in life. It doesn't come easily and it is a grind every time I have to put it into practice. Jeremiah, in this passage, had just seen the take over and destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon (present day Iraq) because of the sins of the priest and of the people of Israel. The military advance on the city had left the city of Jerusalem in ruins and the people in disarray. Famine had brought much death and disease, leaving the people with little or no strength left. Many we're taken into captivity and taken from their homeland, never to see their beautiful city or homes again and others we're left to deal with what remained as the aftermath of war. Jeremiah went into a deep depression and wondered if God had left them completely. His grief left him wondering about his own trust and faith in God. And... when things seemed liked they we're at rock bottom – God showed up. Light began to dawn on darkness and life began to spring forth into Jeremiah's heart. He began to see the hand of God and he began to see the big picture. God had a plan and God hadn't forgot or walked away from His people. Perhaps you are in a difficult situation today and you've lost all your hope. It might be that your dreams have come to an end and you can't see what God is doing. Don't give up – your dawn is yet to come. God will come through and will bring you to the place you need to be. Call out to Him and let Him know that you are trusting Him no matter what the enemy has said or has done in your life. God is still sovereign and God is still in control. You can count on that today!
Waiting has never been one of my strong suits in life. It doesn't come easily and it is a grind every time I have to put it into practice. Jeremiah, in this passage, had just seen the take over and destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon (present day Iraq) because of the sins of the priest and of the people of Israel. The military advance on the city had left the city of Jerusalem in ruins and the people in disarray. Famine had brought much death and disease, leaving the people with little or no strength left. Many we're taken into captivity and taken from their homeland, never to see their beautiful city or homes again and others we're left to deal with what remained as the aftermath of war. Jeremiah went into a deep depression and wondered if God had left them completely. His grief left him wondering about his own trust and faith in God. And... when things seemed liked they we're at rock bottom – God showed up. Light began to dawn on darkness and life began to spring forth into Jeremiah's heart. He began to see the hand of God and he began to see the big picture. God had a plan and God hadn't forgot or walked away from His people. Perhaps you are in a difficult situation today and you've lost all your hope. It might be that your dreams have come to an end and you can't see what God is doing. Don't give up – your dawn is yet to come. God will come through and will bring you to the place you need to be. Call out to Him and let Him know that you are trusting Him no matter what the enemy has said or has done in your life. God is still sovereign and God is still in control. You can count on that today!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Right Foundations
Matthew 7:24-29 NLT - "Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash." After Jesus finished speaking, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught as one who had real authority--quite unlike the teachers of religious law.
I'm really looking forward to this day as I get to speak to the children from New Life Christian Academy. These young children are such a joy to me and I love to see their lives grow in the ways of the Lord before my own eyes. Today... I'm going to talk about building the right foundations for their life by using this story of two men who built their houses – one upon the sand and the other upon a rock. The houses we're both tested by storms and only the one on the rock stood. It's so important for them to make right choices now as it will effect the way they live out their lives as adults. Choices are so important – especially in the formative years where foundations are being built. The storms of life will come to every person but only those who have built their lives upon the Lord Jesus will stand strong. Think about your foundations today. What are you standing upon? Is the ground solid and strong or is it shaking and sand-filled? I would encourage each and every person today to begin to focus on your foundations. Shore up anything that is weak and build the right pillars for future rooms to yet be built. Build your house on the ROCK – Jesus Christ.
I'm really looking forward to this day as I get to speak to the children from New Life Christian Academy. These young children are such a joy to me and I love to see their lives grow in the ways of the Lord before my own eyes. Today... I'm going to talk about building the right foundations for their life by using this story of two men who built their houses – one upon the sand and the other upon a rock. The houses we're both tested by storms and only the one on the rock stood. It's so important for them to make right choices now as it will effect the way they live out their lives as adults. Choices are so important – especially in the formative years where foundations are being built. The storms of life will come to every person but only those who have built their lives upon the Lord Jesus will stand strong. Think about your foundations today. What are you standing upon? Is the ground solid and strong or is it shaking and sand-filled? I would encourage each and every person today to begin to focus on your foundations. Shore up anything that is weak and build the right pillars for future rooms to yet be built. Build your house on the ROCK – Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Where Is God?
Psalms 48:9-10 NLT - O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple. As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory.
I walked outside this morning to get the newspaper and immediately looked up and saw the stars and the different formations. I didn't say it verbally but within my heart I spoke the words “Thank you Lord.” It was a simple but honest prayer because the thoughts of God and His handiwork always with me. David talks about worshiping God in the Temple but, in reality, the temple of God is not just an awe inspiring building with stain glass windows and with beautiful decorations but it is everywhere I go. His presence is my temple and I take this with me – always. I speak His name often and I tell Him how much I love Him. My life is consumed with who He is and what He does. In fact, if the truth be known – I give Him praise in my dreams while I am asleep in bed. He is part of every decision in my life – major and small. Looking back, I know that He has always been with me and He will always go with me. His strength is seen in His right arm as it comes alongside me with victory every day. So, I come again today to “meditate” - think, dwell and ponder on who God is and am reminded once again about how great our God is and the many blessings He has placed upon my life. I am so blessed!
I walked outside this morning to get the newspaper and immediately looked up and saw the stars and the different formations. I didn't say it verbally but within my heart I spoke the words “Thank you Lord.” It was a simple but honest prayer because the thoughts of God and His handiwork always with me. David talks about worshiping God in the Temple but, in reality, the temple of God is not just an awe inspiring building with stain glass windows and with beautiful decorations but it is everywhere I go. His presence is my temple and I take this with me – always. I speak His name often and I tell Him how much I love Him. My life is consumed with who He is and what He does. In fact, if the truth be known – I give Him praise in my dreams while I am asleep in bed. He is part of every decision in my life – major and small. Looking back, I know that He has always been with me and He will always go with me. His strength is seen in His right arm as it comes alongside me with victory every day. So, I come again today to “meditate” - think, dwell and ponder on who God is and am reminded once again about how great our God is and the many blessings He has placed upon my life. I am so blessed!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Living Without Regrets
Psalms 25:1-2 NLT -...To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. I trust in you, my God!
I love to wake up every morning and immediately talk to my heavenly Father and to tell Him what a privilege it is to be His son. I think most parents enjoy hearing those words – I know I do. My family is very close and we enjoy just being with one another and hanging out together – as we did yesterday for Labor Day. It was a great feeling to have my grand kids over and to have them sit on my lap. It was an awesome feeling to also have my mom and dad over and to enjoy their presence. I made a special effort yesterday just to get next to my dad and mom and let them know how much I love them. I am so grateful for the impact that they have had and are having in my life to this day. I know my season with them is getting shorter and shorter but I made sure that we had the camera out yesterday and I made sure that I verbally told them how much I love them before it will be too late. This point became all the more clear as I received a phone call from someone in our church who had been told that his dad had only a few days to live. I never want to have any regrets about my love to God, to my wife, to my kids and grand kids, and to my parents. I never want to regret that I didn't spend enough time with any of them. So... every day I lift up my soul to God and tell Him how much I love Him and I try to every day let my family know how important they are to me. I never want to look back and say I wish I would have said this or have done that. I want to live without regrets!
I love to wake up every morning and immediately talk to my heavenly Father and to tell Him what a privilege it is to be His son. I think most parents enjoy hearing those words – I know I do. My family is very close and we enjoy just being with one another and hanging out together – as we did yesterday for Labor Day. It was a great feeling to have my grand kids over and to have them sit on my lap. It was an awesome feeling to also have my mom and dad over and to enjoy their presence. I made a special effort yesterday just to get next to my dad and mom and let them know how much I love them. I am so grateful for the impact that they have had and are having in my life to this day. I know my season with them is getting shorter and shorter but I made sure that we had the camera out yesterday and I made sure that I verbally told them how much I love them before it will be too late. This point became all the more clear as I received a phone call from someone in our church who had been told that his dad had only a few days to live. I never want to have any regrets about my love to God, to my wife, to my kids and grand kids, and to my parents. I never want to regret that I didn't spend enough time with any of them. So... every day I lift up my soul to God and tell Him how much I love Him and I try to every day let my family know how important they are to me. I never want to look back and say I wish I would have said this or have done that. I want to live without regrets!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Our Amazing God
Psalms 111:2-3 NLT - How amazing are the deeds of the LORD! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails.
One of my favorite vacation spots is Yosemite National Park. It is a place where my family has gone camping for many years and is one of the most scenic places in the whole earth with mountains rising up from the valley floor of over 4,000 feet. It is awe inspiring and stunning to spend a day or a more there – hiking or camping out. It is interesting that most people come into the Yosemite Valley, spend a few hours or days and enjoy its beauty but few people make it to the top of the mountains and look down. I've been able to do that a number of times. It is the most amazing experience to overlook the valley from Half Dome or from Glacier Point from which you can see cars that look like ants and you can see the river snaking through the valley. It is God-inspiring. This passage from Psalms encourages us to just stop and experience the presence of God. Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty. Just like looking over those cliffs that take your breath away – so should we look at God and the works that He has done and is doing. Its easy sometimes to look at life and see just the problems or the negative things that are happening but if you look a little closer you will find that God is at work and He is doing things even when we don't see Him. In fact... He often does His best work in the dark – when I can't see what it is that He is doing. God never fails. His word and work will prevail. Take time today and just “ponder” the blessings of God in your life and remember that you too are one of His creations and He is not finished with you yet.
One of my favorite vacation spots is Yosemite National Park. It is a place where my family has gone camping for many years and is one of the most scenic places in the whole earth with mountains rising up from the valley floor of over 4,000 feet. It is awe inspiring and stunning to spend a day or a more there – hiking or camping out. It is interesting that most people come into the Yosemite Valley, spend a few hours or days and enjoy its beauty but few people make it to the top of the mountains and look down. I've been able to do that a number of times. It is the most amazing experience to overlook the valley from Half Dome or from Glacier Point from which you can see cars that look like ants and you can see the river snaking through the valley. It is God-inspiring. This passage from Psalms encourages us to just stop and experience the presence of God. Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty. Just like looking over those cliffs that take your breath away – so should we look at God and the works that He has done and is doing. Its easy sometimes to look at life and see just the problems or the negative things that are happening but if you look a little closer you will find that God is at work and He is doing things even when we don't see Him. In fact... He often does His best work in the dark – when I can't see what it is that He is doing. God never fails. His word and work will prevail. Take time today and just “ponder” the blessings of God in your life and remember that you too are one of His creations and He is not finished with you yet.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Finding God
Psalms 70:4 NLT - But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "God is great!"
Have you ever lost something that was very dear to you – a ring, a photo or perhaps even a friend or family member? I think we all have. As a result we deal with those losses in varied ways and try to compensate their loss in the way we live our lives. I was down in Costa Rica one time speaking at various churches. My friend who was a missionary there was my guide and translator. On one very hot day – he asked me if I wanted to go swimming in a creek off the road a ways. While we we're swimming my friend came up out of the water with a panic saying he lost his wedding ring. We dove down and looked for it over and over (the water was about 6 feet deep). Finally, we gave up. We got out of the water while one of the young men that was with us said he was going to try one more time. A few minutes later he pops out of the water screaming that he found it. The joy on my friends face could be seen everywhere. Every time we get together we rehearse and tell that story over and over again. It is the same way with God – when you search for Him – you will find Him. The joy of finding Him will over flow in your life and you will want to just keep saying, “God is great! God is great!.” I would like to encourage each and every one of you today to begin a daily journey of searching for God. As you hunger and search for Him – He will make Himself known to you. Your heart will be filled with much joy and you will be blessed over and over again with how good and how great God is.
Have you ever lost something that was very dear to you – a ring, a photo or perhaps even a friend or family member? I think we all have. As a result we deal with those losses in varied ways and try to compensate their loss in the way we live our lives. I was down in Costa Rica one time speaking at various churches. My friend who was a missionary there was my guide and translator. On one very hot day – he asked me if I wanted to go swimming in a creek off the road a ways. While we we're swimming my friend came up out of the water with a panic saying he lost his wedding ring. We dove down and looked for it over and over (the water was about 6 feet deep). Finally, we gave up. We got out of the water while one of the young men that was with us said he was going to try one more time. A few minutes later he pops out of the water screaming that he found it. The joy on my friends face could be seen everywhere. Every time we get together we rehearse and tell that story over and over again. It is the same way with God – when you search for Him – you will find Him. The joy of finding Him will over flow in your life and you will want to just keep saying, “God is great! God is great!.” I would like to encourage each and every one of you today to begin a daily journey of searching for God. As you hunger and search for Him – He will make Himself known to you. Your heart will be filled with much joy and you will be blessed over and over again with how good and how great God is.
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