Week 7: Developing Character
Do not waste time speculating on what may go wrong.
Proverbs 14: 22-30
Evil will always talk too long if you stop to listen. Besides murmuring and worrying allows for a negative confession of faith to be sown into your life. Even honest assessments of people can turn into condemnations when we spend our time speculating and predicting what dumb thing they may do next. Whatever it may turn out to be, it won’t be as bad as us planting the evil seeds of unbelief for them to harvest.
Outwardly, abide by the old rule: if you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything at all. Inwardly, how can your prayers and faith change towards what you expect God to accomplish in others? Do you not know the very act of interceding implies that a change in others awaits the change in your praying? How will your praying and speaking change?
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Go with God
Week 7: Developing Character
Go with God.
Proverbs 8: 13-21
If you want to avoid stumbling, know where you are going. At the very least know with whom you are traveling. Help yourself and go with God. Enoch walked with God until God took him up for a more permanent conversation. Abraham walked with God and was given more promises than any man of his generation. Joseph went with God and God pulled him up out of the pit and prison and made him second only to Pharaoh.
Daniel and the three Hebrew children knew to go with God and God delivered them from the mouths of lions and from the fiery furnace. Hebrews 12: 2 tells us to look to Jesus. Go with God as he did. The joy of that journey will give you power to endure and a place to enjoy before God’s throne.
What relationship or responsibility calls for you to go with God, today?
Go with God.
Proverbs 8: 13-21
If you want to avoid stumbling, know where you are going. At the very least know with whom you are traveling. Help yourself and go with God. Enoch walked with God until God took him up for a more permanent conversation. Abraham walked with God and was given more promises than any man of his generation. Joseph went with God and God pulled him up out of the pit and prison and made him second only to Pharaoh.
Daniel and the three Hebrew children knew to go with God and God delivered them from the mouths of lions and from the fiery furnace. Hebrews 12: 2 tells us to look to Jesus. Go with God as he did. The joy of that journey will give you power to endure and a place to enjoy before God’s throne.
What relationship or responsibility calls for you to go with God, today?
Friday, October 28, 2011
Big Head? Amazingly Small Results!
Week 7: Developing Character
Get the big head, if you want your results to be small.
Proverbs 11: 2, 29: 23, Proverbs 18: 12
The scripture is very plain. Humility comes before honor. King Saul was head and shoulders above everybody else but he ended up losing the kingdom to a little, shepherd boy. Learn to know the difference between blessing and bragging.
Daddy tried to warn us. He tried to get us to stop. It was the first game of the baseball season. We were up against the team picked to win it all and we beat them. Instantly, we transformed ourselves from the outhouse to the penthouse. We trash talked to anyone who would listen and some who didn’t about how good we were. We finished 1-15 that year.
You’ve heard it before. “Don’t count your chickens until they hatch.” “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over” Yogi Berra said. Just remember, get the big head if you want your results to be small. Are there any projects, plans, or people in your life where you need to use your head more for serving than for swelling?
Get the big head, if you want your results to be small.
Proverbs 11: 2, 29: 23, Proverbs 18: 12
The scripture is very plain. Humility comes before honor. King Saul was head and shoulders above everybody else but he ended up losing the kingdom to a little, shepherd boy. Learn to know the difference between blessing and bragging.
Daddy tried to warn us. He tried to get us to stop. It was the first game of the baseball season. We were up against the team picked to win it all and we beat them. Instantly, we transformed ourselves from the outhouse to the penthouse. We trash talked to anyone who would listen and some who didn’t about how good we were. We finished 1-15 that year.
You’ve heard it before. “Don’t count your chickens until they hatch.” “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over” Yogi Berra said. Just remember, get the big head if you want your results to be small. Are there any projects, plans, or people in your life where you need to use your head more for serving than for swelling?
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Will You Prevail Against Death?
1. You can’t prevent death but you can prevail against it.
John 11: 25, Romans 5: 20, 6: 23
Have you ever read the Serenity Prayer? “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” Do you want to develop your character? Practice this prayer. Practice reality.
Farm life taught us death and all other consequences of sin are real. I couldn’t prevent it but I could prevail against it. I raised my version of Arnold the pig three different times. The first two times the other pigs became jealous and killed the one I had befriended and trained. The third time, we killed the pet pig for food. I don’t have space enough here to share the pain of those events. I share this much to remind you everything in this world faces death.
The question is: “How much of us and our world can we turn to face Jesus?” Jesus alone introduces us and gives us access to a reality beyond death. How will you prevail to share that good news with someone today?
John 11: 25, Romans 5: 20, 6: 23
Have you ever read the Serenity Prayer? “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” Do you want to develop your character? Practice this prayer. Practice reality.
Farm life taught us death and all other consequences of sin are real. I couldn’t prevent it but I could prevail against it. I raised my version of Arnold the pig three different times. The first two times the other pigs became jealous and killed the one I had befriended and trained. The third time, we killed the pet pig for food. I don’t have space enough here to share the pain of those events. I share this much to remind you everything in this world faces death.
The question is: “How much of us and our world can we turn to face Jesus?” Jesus alone introduces us and gives us access to a reality beyond death. How will you prevail to share that good news with someone today?
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
What Comes First?
Week 7: Developing Character
The first step in acquiring a skill is appreciating it. Proverbs 15: 33
This also includes developing character. This requires a deep and pivotal choice be made. Must you win at all costs? Or, do you insist, victory is never more valuable than my integrity. If you are to become a person of character then you must appreciate the virtues of character: integrity, courage, patience, and wisdom. Without appreciation you will be a charade rather than a person of character, a machine more than a man.
What does this look like in real life? Let’s say, you want to acquire wealth. Do you appreciate the value of the wealth you already have? Do you display your integrity through tithing? Do you show your courage by saving for what you desire? Do you demonstrate patience by not acting compulsively or wastefully? Do you have wisdom to pursue assets more than liabilities? Do you learn from and appreciate those who already have wealth?
What do you wish to acquire? How will you show your appreciation?
The first step in acquiring a skill is appreciating it. Proverbs 15: 33
This also includes developing character. This requires a deep and pivotal choice be made. Must you win at all costs? Or, do you insist, victory is never more valuable than my integrity. If you are to become a person of character then you must appreciate the virtues of character: integrity, courage, patience, and wisdom. Without appreciation you will be a charade rather than a person of character, a machine more than a man.
What does this look like in real life? Let’s say, you want to acquire wealth. Do you appreciate the value of the wealth you already have? Do you display your integrity through tithing? Do you show your courage by saving for what you desire? Do you demonstrate patience by not acting compulsively or wastefully? Do you have wisdom to pursue assets more than liabilities? Do you learn from and appreciate those who already have wealth?
What do you wish to acquire? How will you show your appreciation?
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Take Your Time
Week 7: Developing Character
Take your time.
Proverbs 23: 17-23
To move with great speed follows great practice. Do not despise small beginnings or incremental change. Give yourself permission for plateaus. Learn how to reserve and recover your strength for when it is needed most. Nothing becomes so mighty as a little bit offered consistently and faithfully done over time.
What about you would you like to change over time? What skill would you like to develop? What habit would you like to kick? I often wonder if instead of always asking Daddy to quit smoking immediately we had asked him to gain his freedom from nicotine addiction over time – to kill his addiction by 1,000 cuts. I believe he would have been able to reach his goal if it had been patiently pursued. In three years he would have quit smoking by slicing off an additional thousandth of what was normal for the day.
Describe your method of transformation and change.
Take your time.
Proverbs 23: 17-23
To move with great speed follows great practice. Do not despise small beginnings or incremental change. Give yourself permission for plateaus. Learn how to reserve and recover your strength for when it is needed most. Nothing becomes so mighty as a little bit offered consistently and faithfully done over time.
What about you would you like to change over time? What skill would you like to develop? What habit would you like to kick? I often wonder if instead of always asking Daddy to quit smoking immediately we had asked him to gain his freedom from nicotine addiction over time – to kill his addiction by 1,000 cuts. I believe he would have been able to reach his goal if it had been patiently pursued. In three years he would have quit smoking by slicing off an additional thousandth of what was normal for the day.
Describe your method of transformation and change.
Time Will Tell
Week 6: Patience
Time will tell.
Proverbs 27: 2
Don’t think too much or too little of yourself at any given time. Mr. Jackson, my social studies teacher gave us an assignment to make a timeline of significant events in Virginia history. I would have gotten an A but was dropped a letter grade because I included my birthday along with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel’s construction in 1959. Mr. Jackson’s red-letter response: “This has not yet proven historically significant.”
Would I still include my name in a timeline of significant events in Virginia history? I probably would. But, I would also agree with Mr. Jackson that time will tell in a more definitive way than I can. Don’t think too highly of yourself. Give God the praise. But, don’t lessen the work of God by listening to those who say our lives and their impact are insignificant. List the people who have made a significant difference in your life and know you are doing the same. Time will tell you I’m right.
Time will tell.
Proverbs 27: 2
Don’t think too much or too little of yourself at any given time. Mr. Jackson, my social studies teacher gave us an assignment to make a timeline of significant events in Virginia history. I would have gotten an A but was dropped a letter grade because I included my birthday along with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel’s construction in 1959. Mr. Jackson’s red-letter response: “This has not yet proven historically significant.”
Would I still include my name in a timeline of significant events in Virginia history? I probably would. But, I would also agree with Mr. Jackson that time will tell in a more definitive way than I can. Don’t think too highly of yourself. Give God the praise. But, don’t lessen the work of God by listening to those who say our lives and their impact are insignificant. List the people who have made a significant difference in your life and know you are doing the same. Time will tell you I’m right.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Keep Moving
Week 6: Patience
Keep moving.
Proverbs 13: 4, 21:5
As Mike Litman says, “You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to get it going.” I can hear Daddy repeat that line to us. “Keep moving. We are almost at the end of the row.” Keep working.
When we come to an end of ourselves that is the exact moment when God can begin to shape us into becoming someone new. So, don’t quit. Keep moving. The year we were 0 and 16 playing baseball, we told ourselves “We weren’t losers. We just ran out of season before we could win.” Keep moving. The next year, we won the District Championship!
Where have you been tempted to call it quits? How does God need to work in you to take you beyond where you are right now? How do you need to keep moving with God so that you reach that goal together?
Keep moving.
Proverbs 13: 4, 21:5
As Mike Litman says, “You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to get it going.” I can hear Daddy repeat that line to us. “Keep moving. We are almost at the end of the row.” Keep working.
When we come to an end of ourselves that is the exact moment when God can begin to shape us into becoming someone new. So, don’t quit. Keep moving. The year we were 0 and 16 playing baseball, we told ourselves “We weren’t losers. We just ran out of season before we could win.” Keep moving. The next year, we won the District Championship!
Where have you been tempted to call it quits? How does God need to work in you to take you beyond where you are right now? How do you need to keep moving with God so that you reach that goal together?
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Proving Your Patience
Week 6: Patience
Patience is best proved in the presence of other people. Philippians 2: 12-16
Are you a patient person? Does your wife think so? Is that what your children would say? Are you a steady friend or a short fuse?
If you are left alone would you be patient? But, you are not alone. We all live in relationship to others. So, what does it mean to be proven to be a patient person? It means we know how to live with the big picture of Christ crucified as our focus. The little snapshots of life are building blocks that frame our thinking.
Reflect on this for a minute or two. I prove I am a patient person when I …
Patience is best proved in the presence of other people. Philippians 2: 12-16
Are you a patient person? Does your wife think so? Is that what your children would say? Are you a steady friend or a short fuse?
If you are left alone would you be patient? But, you are not alone. We all live in relationship to others. So, what does it mean to be proven to be a patient person? It means we know how to live with the big picture of Christ crucified as our focus. The little snapshots of life are building blocks that frame our thinking.
Reflect on this for a minute or two. I prove I am a patient person when I …
Friday, October 21, 2011
Haste Makes Waste
Week 6: Patience
Haste makes waste.
Proverbs 19: 2
Go get a glass of water. Walk back to where you are reading today’s devotional and start again.
Alright, hop up again. Refill your glass. This time run back to where you were seated and jump into your chair. Are you wet?
God is on the move but God is never out of control. God can work quickly but God never hurries. The only time God cuts anything short is to benefit the Church (Mark 13: 20). As for you, avoid those who insist you act immediately unless they are asking you to repent. Who or what is urging you to hurry?
Haste makes waste.
Proverbs 19: 2
Go get a glass of water. Walk back to where you are reading today’s devotional and start again.
Alright, hop up again. Refill your glass. This time run back to where you were seated and jump into your chair. Are you wet?
God is on the move but God is never out of control. God can work quickly but God never hurries. The only time God cuts anything short is to benefit the Church (Mark 13: 20). As for you, avoid those who insist you act immediately unless they are asking you to repent. Who or what is urging you to hurry?
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Delay or Accelerate?
Week 6: Patience
Delays are just acceleration lanes into a different opportunity.
James 1: 4
Daddy taught me to play sports. In football, as in every sport, he taught me to be thoughtful in how I played. After all, I wasn’t the biggest or fastest or strongest.
As a receiver I couldn’t run the patterns haphazardly. I had to be precise. I had to alter the rhythm of what I did. The hitch and go was one of my favorite routes. What is that? The hitch and go is when you run downfield and act as if you are going to turn and when the defender reacts to your cut you instead accelerate downfield. The delay provides the opportunity for success.
What delays have you been counting as dead ends that could really be used to determine the direction towards your success downfield? Keep your head in the game. Determine what direction you need to accelerate.
Delays are just acceleration lanes into a different opportunity.
James 1: 4
Daddy taught me to play sports. In football, as in every sport, he taught me to be thoughtful in how I played. After all, I wasn’t the biggest or fastest or strongest.
As a receiver I couldn’t run the patterns haphazardly. I had to be precise. I had to alter the rhythm of what I did. The hitch and go was one of my favorite routes. What is that? The hitch and go is when you run downfield and act as if you are going to turn and when the defender reacts to your cut you instead accelerate downfield. The delay provides the opportunity for success.
What delays have you been counting as dead ends that could really be used to determine the direction towards your success downfield? Keep your head in the game. Determine what direction you need to accelerate.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Slow and Straight, If You Want to Be Great
Week 6: Patience
Slow and straight, if you want to be great.
Proverbs 4: 23-27
In bowling, in golf, and in life this is sound advice. Daddy went bowling about once a year. What was his average score? I remember somewhere close to 180. In golf he shot a hole in one the first round he played but practiced and learned the game until about twenty years later he scored a 68 when he was 68. More than a great hole, he had a great round!
Daddy would try to help me have good rounds. “Don’t try to hit it so hard. You’re trying to connect with it, not kill it.” Life is like that. You’re not trying to beat it into submission. You’re just trying to swing through. Go slow and straight if you want to be great.
Are there things or people you tend to push rather than draw forward? Do we need to practice waiting on our Maker? Or, are we constantly trying to make things happen? Are there places you need to slow or straighten?
Slow and straight, if you want to be great.
Proverbs 4: 23-27
In bowling, in golf, and in life this is sound advice. Daddy went bowling about once a year. What was his average score? I remember somewhere close to 180. In golf he shot a hole in one the first round he played but practiced and learned the game until about twenty years later he scored a 68 when he was 68. More than a great hole, he had a great round!
Daddy would try to help me have good rounds. “Don’t try to hit it so hard. You’re trying to connect with it, not kill it.” Life is like that. You’re not trying to beat it into submission. You’re just trying to swing through. Go slow and straight if you want to be great.
Are there things or people you tend to push rather than draw forward? Do we need to practice waiting on our Maker? Or, are we constantly trying to make things happen? Are there places you need to slow or straighten?
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Don't Bite Off More Than You Can Chew.
Week 6: Patience
Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Proverbs 23
Don’t put so much in your mouth at one time. It makes eating harder than it’s supposed to be and it doesn’t look very attractive. The same goes for impatience. It makes things harder rather than easier and it never looks good.
A more excellent way is to take appropriate bites. Don’t go for the chipmunk cheek look. You can always take another bite. God’s more excellent way is patient. Love is patient. Literally, it is God’s macro theme, his big picture.
That’s why we don’t bite off more than we can chew. We are trying to show off God’s picture not our big mouth. Where do you tend to show yourself instead of God’s more excellent way? How will that change?
Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Proverbs 23
Don’t put so much in your mouth at one time. It makes eating harder than it’s supposed to be and it doesn’t look very attractive. The same goes for impatience. It makes things harder rather than easier and it never looks good.
A more excellent way is to take appropriate bites. Don’t go for the chipmunk cheek look. You can always take another bite. God’s more excellent way is patient. Love is patient. Literally, it is God’s macro theme, his big picture.
That’s why we don’t bite off more than we can chew. We are trying to show off God’s picture not our big mouth. Where do you tend to show yourself instead of God’s more excellent way? How will that change?
Saturday, October 15, 2011
The Only Thing that Heals What It Cuts
The Word of God is the only thing that heals what it cuts.
Hebrews 4
Every wound it opens the word of God can mend. Wash it out with the truth. Stop the bleeding in love. Stitch it up with forgiveness. Seal it with the Spirit.
The Spirit of God is in the world to convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and judgment (John 16: 8). For the Christian that means the Spirit will prepare us for that battle (Ephesians 6:13): the battle to cut and heal the souls of men. The Word will then cut us first, opening us to truth and righteousness. The Word will prepare us and shield us through the gospel of faith in Jesus Christ. We will be covered and crowned with salvation, interceding and intervening to bring the soundness of the Scripture to others.
But, first in what ways do you need to be cut open today? In what ways do you need to be healed?
Hebrews 4
Every wound it opens the word of God can mend. Wash it out with the truth. Stop the bleeding in love. Stitch it up with forgiveness. Seal it with the Spirit.
The Spirit of God is in the world to convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and judgment (John 16: 8). For the Christian that means the Spirit will prepare us for that battle (Ephesians 6:13): the battle to cut and heal the souls of men. The Word will then cut us first, opening us to truth and righteousness. The Word will prepare us and shield us through the gospel of faith in Jesus Christ. We will be covered and crowned with salvation, interceding and intervening to bring the soundness of the Scripture to others.
But, first in what ways do you need to be cut open today? In what ways do you need to be healed?
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Your Greatest Choice
Week 5: The Word of God
Your greatest choice is the choice to hear and heed God’s words.
Proverbs 1: 8-9
Our world seems to move from one crisis to another. Some of these crises seem accidental and natural. Others seem to be manufactured and forced. No matter what the cause the word of God can have us prepared and ready to face each challenge. The word teaches us how to remain free: spiritually, mentally, and financially.
List the action steps you and your family have enacted and planned to remain free people no matter what happens in the world. How will these steps honor God, protect your family, and demonstrate love to your neighbor?
Your greatest choice is the choice to hear and heed God’s words.
Proverbs 1: 8-9
Our world seems to move from one crisis to another. Some of these crises seem accidental and natural. Others seem to be manufactured and forced. No matter what the cause the word of God can have us prepared and ready to face each challenge. The word teaches us how to remain free: spiritually, mentally, and financially.
List the action steps you and your family have enacted and planned to remain free people no matter what happens in the world. How will these steps honor God, protect your family, and demonstrate love to your neighbor?
Our Ultimate Safe Haven
Week 5: The Word of God
Hearing the word of God is our ultimate safe haven.
Proverbs 19: 16, Nahum 1: 7-8
The most secure location is surrendered and locked into Jesus. You cannot prepare entirely for what is unforeseen but you can be kept ready to respond to the unforeseen when your faith is in God.
March 15, 1989. I would have been on my way from our home in Nashville to Greensboro College. I had been invited to sing and preach for Thursday morning chapel the next day. But after saying “Yes” to this breakthrough opportunity I had to call them back and cancel. I couldn’t say why. I didn’t know why but I felt such uneasiness about going I made the call.
March 14, 1989. I was into my second week of my new job at Trabue, Sturdivant, & DeWitt. That night, my parents called asking me for my work number. It was late. They couldn’t give me a reason they waited up so late. They just felt as if they needed the number.
The next morning, March 15, 1989, my sister, Janet was in a very serious car wreck. We went straight home when we got the call. What set of circumstances do you believe God has had you change? Remind yourself of a time when God has kept you safe and available to respond in a moment of crisis.
Hearing the word of God is our ultimate safe haven.
Proverbs 19: 16, Nahum 1: 7-8
The most secure location is surrendered and locked into Jesus. You cannot prepare entirely for what is unforeseen but you can be kept ready to respond to the unforeseen when your faith is in God.
March 15, 1989. I would have been on my way from our home in Nashville to Greensboro College. I had been invited to sing and preach for Thursday morning chapel the next day. But after saying “Yes” to this breakthrough opportunity I had to call them back and cancel. I couldn’t say why. I didn’t know why but I felt such uneasiness about going I made the call.
March 14, 1989. I was into my second week of my new job at Trabue, Sturdivant, & DeWitt. That night, my parents called asking me for my work number. It was late. They couldn’t give me a reason they waited up so late. They just felt as if they needed the number.
The next morning, March 15, 1989, my sister, Janet was in a very serious car wreck. We went straight home when we got the call. What set of circumstances do you believe God has had you change? Remind yourself of a time when God has kept you safe and available to respond in a moment of crisis.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Resolve is the Harvest of Revelation
Week 5: The Word of God
Resolve is the harvest of revelation.
Romans 4: 16-25
My granddaddy never had an abiding sense of assurance. He had been taught it was presumptuous to say you were saved. His hope was high even though his faith was not strong. Do I believe he was a Christian? Yes, I do. But he was a Christian that needlessly was anxious about things that should have inspired peace.
Daddy did not have this problem. He had a deep and abiding assurance that what Jesus accomplished on the cross and secured through his resurrection had been applied and received by him. How did this happen? He was taught that it was faith, not presumption that allowed him to testify to God’s grace. He didn’t have to wait until heaven and hope to know the goodness of God. His resolute faith came by revelation.
I pray you share that revelation of God from his Word. Write down the things you are sure God’s grace provides for you. If your list is small, ask God for greater revelation. Apply yourself to the Bible.
Resolve is the harvest of revelation.
Romans 4: 16-25
My granddaddy never had an abiding sense of assurance. He had been taught it was presumptuous to say you were saved. His hope was high even though his faith was not strong. Do I believe he was a Christian? Yes, I do. But he was a Christian that needlessly was anxious about things that should have inspired peace.
Daddy did not have this problem. He had a deep and abiding assurance that what Jesus accomplished on the cross and secured through his resurrection had been applied and received by him. How did this happen? He was taught that it was faith, not presumption that allowed him to testify to God’s grace. He didn’t have to wait until heaven and hope to know the goodness of God. His resolute faith came by revelation.
I pray you share that revelation of God from his Word. Write down the things you are sure God’s grace provides for you. If your list is small, ask God for greater revelation. Apply yourself to the Bible.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Sow Strength into Your Heart
Week 5: The Word of God
Strength is sown in the heart when we hear what God speaks.
John 6: 63-71
When we were in high school, Daddy began to carry the mail. It was hard to make it as a farmer and three of his children would be entering college within five years of each other. But, the biggest blessing of carrying the mail was not the financial benefits.
The biggest change in Daddy, the way he conducted himself, occurred because as he carried the mail he listened to Christian radio. He listened primarily to the preaching and teaching ministry of WRVL 88.3FM in Lynchburg, VA.
Instead of coming home at the end of the day, tired and short-tempered because there was still work to do on the farm, Daddy jumped into the work with more joy, sharing the insights and the lessons of the day with us as we worked. Do you need that kind of change in your life? How will you conduct yourself so you can hear the word of God more?
Strength is sown in the heart when we hear what God speaks.
John 6: 63-71
When we were in high school, Daddy began to carry the mail. It was hard to make it as a farmer and three of his children would be entering college within five years of each other. But, the biggest blessing of carrying the mail was not the financial benefits.
The biggest change in Daddy, the way he conducted himself, occurred because as he carried the mail he listened to Christian radio. He listened primarily to the preaching and teaching ministry of WRVL 88.3FM in Lynchburg, VA.
Instead of coming home at the end of the day, tired and short-tempered because there was still work to do on the farm, Daddy jumped into the work with more joy, sharing the insights and the lessons of the day with us as we worked. Do you need that kind of change in your life? How will you conduct yourself so you can hear the word of God more?
The Most Valuable Treasure
Week 5: The Word of God
The most valuable buried treasure is the words of God you hide in your heart.
Psalm 119: 11, Proverbs 2
Daddy prayed and read his Bible every night. This was not a one minute, one page devotional time. This was an extended period of time spent kneeling beside the bed and sitting up in the bed to hear from God. He sought God’s wisdom as hidden treasure. His example was a secret map he shared with us, his children. He told us to study this map every night as we were commanded to read our Bible and say our prayers before we went to sleep.
Why are the words of God so valuable? The Psalmist asks, “How can a young man keep his way pure? [He does it] by living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119: 9-11).
Notice the two big reasons God’s word is so valuable: it keeps us from sinning and it instructs our living. “The Holy Spirit and the Scriptures are equal partners in the work of revelation”, Rick Bonfim says, “If you know the scripture you are already halfway to where you need to be.” How far along are you? How are the words of God adding value to your life?
The most valuable buried treasure is the words of God you hide in your heart.
Psalm 119: 11, Proverbs 2
Daddy prayed and read his Bible every night. This was not a one minute, one page devotional time. This was an extended period of time spent kneeling beside the bed and sitting up in the bed to hear from God. He sought God’s wisdom as hidden treasure. His example was a secret map he shared with us, his children. He told us to study this map every night as we were commanded to read our Bible and say our prayers before we went to sleep.
Why are the words of God so valuable? The Psalmist asks, “How can a young man keep his way pure? [He does it] by living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119: 9-11).
Notice the two big reasons God’s word is so valuable: it keeps us from sinning and it instructs our living. “The Holy Spirit and the Scriptures are equal partners in the work of revelation”, Rick Bonfim says, “If you know the scripture you are already halfway to where you need to be.” How far along are you? How are the words of God adding value to your life?
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Good as Your Word
Week 5: The Word of God
You are only as good as your word.
Psalm 22: 1
This is why God is good. You can count on his word. Whatever God initiates through his word will be accomplished. This is why David says, “I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name” (Psalm 138: 2). God keeps his word.
We grew up in an era where your word was your bond. Your conversation was collateral. Your promise was payment. You were good for it even if circumstances weren’t. Daddy and so many others of his generation allowed for that kind of business because of their integrity.
How does business have to be conducted with you and me? How good is our word? Has our word been stretched thin because of how much we have asked it to cover? How does our house need to come in order to make our word good?
You are only as good as your word.
Psalm 22: 1
This is why God is good. You can count on his word. Whatever God initiates through his word will be accomplished. This is why David says, “I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name” (Psalm 138: 2). God keeps his word.
We grew up in an era where your word was your bond. Your conversation was collateral. Your promise was payment. You were good for it even if circumstances weren’t. Daddy and so many others of his generation allowed for that kind of business because of their integrity.
How does business have to be conducted with you and me? How good is our word? Has our word been stretched thin because of how much we have asked it to cover? How does our house need to come in order to make our word good?
Is Jesus in the House?
Week 4: Distinguishing Marks
Joy is the best sign that Jesus is in the house!
Nehemiah 8: 10, Luke 13: 10-17, Acts 5
Why is joy the best sign of God’s presence? Joy is best because it means we are joined to God. It’s best because it can be expressed both outwardly and inwardly. What does joy do? Look at Luke and let’s see.
It gives us a spirit of strength that can overcome the spirit of weakness and infirmity in others. Joy can be communicated so the one who’s been bent together can be opened up, lifted up, and set free. Joy can touch the person and transfer its power to them. Joy can put to shame any other program or remedy that you can try. Do you need to be filled with the presence of Jesus? Do you need to be filled with joy?
How will your day be shaped by joy? Excuse me, how will you shape your day in joy?
Joy is the best sign that Jesus is in the house!
Nehemiah 8: 10, Luke 13: 10-17, Acts 5
Why is joy the best sign of God’s presence? Joy is best because it means we are joined to God. It’s best because it can be expressed both outwardly and inwardly. What does joy do? Look at Luke and let’s see.
It gives us a spirit of strength that can overcome the spirit of weakness and infirmity in others. Joy can be communicated so the one who’s been bent together can be opened up, lifted up, and set free. Joy can touch the person and transfer its power to them. Joy can put to shame any other program or remedy that you can try. Do you need to be filled with the presence of Jesus? Do you need to be filled with joy?
How will your day be shaped by joy? Excuse me, how will you shape your day in joy?
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Instruction Follows Improvement
Week 4: Distinguishing Marks
Your ability to instruct begins with your ability to improve.
2nd Peter 3: 11-18
If you can’t improve most don’t expect you to help them. Why? They can see you are having a hard enough time trying to keep yourself straight. Imagine yourself to be in a foursome playing golf. If your team does well you can get your entry fee back. On the first tee one member of your team tops his drive. The next slices his drive off to the right. The third member hooks his drive. You pray for improvement as you get ready to address your ball.
The next tee brings the same result. The first person lifts their head before they make contact with the ball. The second swings too hard and the third pulls his foot back before he pulls the ball. This hole, you pray for a different team. You know you won’t be picking up a lot of pointers from your teammates.
What are others praying when they are teamed up with you? How are you improving today?
Your ability to instruct begins with your ability to improve.
2nd Peter 3: 11-18
If you can’t improve most don’t expect you to help them. Why? They can see you are having a hard enough time trying to keep yourself straight. Imagine yourself to be in a foursome playing golf. If your team does well you can get your entry fee back. On the first tee one member of your team tops his drive. The next slices his drive off to the right. The third member hooks his drive. You pray for improvement as you get ready to address your ball.
The next tee brings the same result. The first person lifts their head before they make contact with the ball. The second swings too hard and the third pulls his foot back before he pulls the ball. This hole, you pray for a different team. You know you won’t be picking up a lot of pointers from your teammates.
What are others praying when they are teamed up with you? How are you improving today?
Monday, October 3, 2011
Change Follows Responsibility
Week 4: Distinguishing Marks
If you want to change something, take responsibility for it.
Proverbs 14: 6-8, Romans 12: 21
You cannot solve a problem if it is someone else’s fault. Blame makes nothing better. But, if you can take responsibility for the problem then you can change it. Do you not see? You can change yourself. Other people are a whole lot harder if not impossible to change.
If we need answers but continue to blame others for our need, the solutions will always be beyond our grasp. They belong to the one we’re blaming. But, if we take responsibility for meeting our problems the solution will be held in our hands. When you pray today, tell God you are ready to accept responsibility for your situation. I am confident God is ready to supply you with the remedy. The question is how will you obey God? The answer is...
If you want to change something, take responsibility for it.
Proverbs 14: 6-8, Romans 12: 21
You cannot solve a problem if it is someone else’s fault. Blame makes nothing better. But, if you can take responsibility for the problem then you can change it. Do you not see? You can change yourself. Other people are a whole lot harder if not impossible to change.
If we need answers but continue to blame others for our need, the solutions will always be beyond our grasp. They belong to the one we’re blaming. But, if we take responsibility for meeting our problems the solution will be held in our hands. When you pray today, tell God you are ready to accept responsibility for your situation. I am confident God is ready to supply you with the remedy. The question is how will you obey God? The answer is...
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Creating for Others
Week 4: Distinguishing Marks
You are separated from others by what you create for others.
Proverbs 20: 11
Mama made biscuits. My grandmother created an atmosphere of peace. My wife, Karen brings a sense of order and grace. I make music and write. We all have something we do that distinguishes us from others. B. Joseph Pine and James H. Gilmore described this proverb in their book, The Experience Economy. As Daddy would point out, we are recognized by our contributions, by what we give and create. What do you have to offer today?
Review the post "Transformation is Normal" posted 9/22/2011 and "Plant Your Seeds. Dream Big Dreams." from 9/19/2011. How will your dreams make a difference in the lives of others?
You are separated from others by what you create for others.
Proverbs 20: 11
Mama made biscuits. My grandmother created an atmosphere of peace. My wife, Karen brings a sense of order and grace. I make music and write. We all have something we do that distinguishes us from others. B. Joseph Pine and James H. Gilmore described this proverb in their book, The Experience Economy. As Daddy would point out, we are recognized by our contributions, by what we give and create. What do you have to offer today?
Review the post "Transformation is Normal" posted 9/22/2011 and "Plant Your Seeds. Dream Big Dreams." from 9/19/2011. How will your dreams make a difference in the lives of others?
Distinguished from the Crowd
Week 4: Distinguishing Marks
Your spirit not your stature distinguishes you from the crowd.
Proverbs 16: 32
The most mature fruit of the Spirit is self-control yet it is the first quality we teach our children. We teach them to keep their food somewhere between their plate and their mouth. We teach them to control their responses in gratitude and say, “Thank you.” We teach them to ask for things humbly by saying, “Please.”
For us as adults what sets us apart from others is our ability to exercise self discipline and control. An author is distinguished by their time writing. An athlete or artist is set apart by their training and practice. A teacher is set apart by her preparation and attention to detail. A coach is set apart by how he focuses his passion for the game into the heart of the players on the team. A person of business is set apart by her diligence and focus on the bottom line.
When we raised grapes we had optimal growth because everything began in a growth funnel, and then as they matured the vines were aligned and banded to the wires of the trellis. The harvest was far above what was expected because we controlled and pruned the vines so vigorously. In what ways do you need to be vigorous in self-control? How would this make you exceptional?
Your spirit not your stature distinguishes you from the crowd.
Proverbs 16: 32
The most mature fruit of the Spirit is self-control yet it is the first quality we teach our children. We teach them to keep their food somewhere between their plate and their mouth. We teach them to control their responses in gratitude and say, “Thank you.” We teach them to ask for things humbly by saying, “Please.”
For us as adults what sets us apart from others is our ability to exercise self discipline and control. An author is distinguished by their time writing. An athlete or artist is set apart by their training and practice. A teacher is set apart by her preparation and attention to detail. A coach is set apart by how he focuses his passion for the game into the heart of the players on the team. A person of business is set apart by her diligence and focus on the bottom line.
When we raised grapes we had optimal growth because everything began in a growth funnel, and then as they matured the vines were aligned and banded to the wires of the trellis. The harvest was far above what was expected because we controlled and pruned the vines so vigorously. In what ways do you need to be vigorous in self-control? How would this make you exceptional?
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