Prayertower

Prayer is like a fruit with an expiration date. 3847.

2012-02-02T05:27:00.000-08:00

"Then he came back to the disciples and said to them, 'You might as well sleep now. The time is near for the Son of Man to be handed over to sinners.'" Mt 26:45

Learn it.
Do it while you can.

Live it.
I was glad our 1-1/2 hour choir practice last night included a prayer concern and a time for someone to lead in prayer for it. The week before, we didn't pray once just as we didn't pray during two successive nights of our Christmas music presentation. It's obvious to me that the absence of public prayer is trending at the church I attend. While not meaning to do so, scheduling and presentation has silently become more important than being on our face before God.

There aren't many who pray like the Brooklyn Tabernacle church. In fact, history records that without prayer at the center of everything, the church wouldn't exist as we know it. For example, the Tuesday night prayer meeting has more worship in it than Sunday. And choir practice at BTC is held on Friday night and runs as long as it takes to pray and spontaneously sing praise while practicing music runs a distant third. Understand, that because BTC prays like that, I don't consider them better than any other congregation, but I'm not sure God doesn't feel that way.

Pray it
I ask You to keep my fire burning, LORD, in the midst of fire retardants.

Following someone, you won't be holding the steering wheel. 3846.

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

"Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD commanded them. " Ex 7:6

Learn it.
Compliance or agreement?

Live it.
I love the television commercials that show what happens after a series of consequences and then warns you not to do what started it all. If only life were that simple. Well, actually, it is - if you listen to God and read His book.

Recently I had the opportunity to help someone understand the difference in God's pre-determined purpose and his heart's desire for how that purpose comes to be. My friend was amazed how simple it was. I compared God's will to several parallel vectors, none of which are forbidden, but one better than the rest because it aligns with God's way of doing things. So, how do you learn it? It requires an intimate relationship with Jesus that comes through spending substantive time alone with Him in prayer. Then, when He shows you what to do, do it right away, in the right way and then get out of the way. Of course, that's usually opposite to what we normally do.

Pray it
Show me Your wondrous way, LORD, and open my eyes to see it plainly.

Confession is the first step in loosening the grip sin has on our lives. 3845

2012-01-31T05:56:00.000-08:00

"After leaving them again, he went away and prayed the same prayer a third time." Mt 26:44

Learn it.
Privilege granted - opportunity missed.

Live it.
I'm sorry, Peggy, but your name has been hijacked and will forever imply something that has nothing to do with you. You've seen the commercial where someone calls for assistance on a toll-free phone number and Peggy answers and asks if she/he can help you. The only problem is Peggy only serves to frustrate you and should you hang up and try again, another Peggy answers and does the same thing.

I wonder if that's not how it is when God talks with us. If we ever begin a conversation with Him, we seldom finish and when we do, what we do afterwards is like having never spoken to Him. Aren't you glad that in the way the name Peggy stirs feelings of frustration, the Name Jesus inspires faithfulness?

Pray it
The joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.

If you don't know God, who has your ear? 3844

2012-01-30T04:56:00.000-08:00

"And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it." Ex 7:5

Learn it.
Evidence leading to wrong conclusion.

Live it.
Two churches, one that heard from God and built a special room for people to do their praying. The other heard from God and concluded when someone feels the need to pray, they need to do it right then - where they are. One said having a team with assignments and planning was the responsible way. The other concluded that praying wasn't a shared responsibility, but required personal initiative and spontaneity.

Did God have two opinions? Of course not. Are both good things good? Sure, but one was man's idea and the other God's. One idea will shrink and fade away with time while the other will likely mature and prosper. I wonder... how long will we do things our way and claim it's His?

Pray it
Thank You, God, that I don't need man's approval to get Yours.

Experiencing God requires walking with Him. 3843.

2012-01-29T05:49:00.000-08:00

"Light is sweet, and it is good for one’s eyes to see the sun." Ecc 11:7

Learn it.
What's the source?

Live it.
I'm not certain what he thought as we exchanged farewells. If he's like most people, he doubted what I did was as natural as contrived. I took my eyes off him and rested them on the first thing I saw, which happened to be a stack of books on his side table. I prayed (with eyes open) using those books as the basis. I explained that was the way David wrote his psalms and what I've not only learned to do, but what I do naturally.

In Ecc 11:7, I see that some things are enjoyable, but I should always consider the source before embracing it. After seeing it from God's viewpoint, you might pray "God, keep me from making rash decisions based on how it makes me feel." I call it, "Object prayer" and it's discussed in my book. But explaining it to someone else usually creates a glaze in their eyes before they shake their head to dismiss the idea. That's all right; you learn it by looking at Jesus more than you do other people and if you were doing that, you'd understand.

Pray it
You sweeten everything in my life, Lord Jesus.

Who knows God well enough to question Him? 3842

2012-01-28T06:08:00.000-08:00

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Pr 9:10

Learn it.
Why.

Live it.
Everyone has their questions when something bad happens: "Why did God let this happen; why now; why must good people suffer; why doesn't God stop sin?" It's strange how we revere our choice over God's sovereignty, but still hold Him responsible like He's some sort of puppet master.

Listening to sports talk radio more than anything else these days, I notice how people are baited into phoning in and giving the so-called pundits new material. Recently I heard these arm-chair coaches criticize a certain professional player saying he is paid so much money, he should display skills worthy of his pay. Within a week that player's team won seven unlikely games in a row. The radio jocks then criticized the team for not winning games by enough margin. It was then I understood something just as true in life as in sports. When things are bad, we whine; when they're good we complain and when it's neither, we will critique - someone else.

Pray it
God, You are faithful and true; forgive me for being faithful to question You.

What you think is right is left to someone else. 3841

2012-01-27T05:25:00.000-08:00

"He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights." Ps 18:33

Learn it.
Self-imposed danger.

Live it.
A few years ago, my wife and I enjoyed a weekend retreat in middle Arkansas located at the base of a mountain. We used binoculars to look round the beautiful landscape hoping to catch a sight of wildlife, but we weren't prepared for seeing a deer trapped on a ledge near the top of a mountain. We were told that while the deer easily navigated down to his precarious position, he might not be able to get back to safety without help. Too often that help came in the form of a predator.

On a similar note, we were recently asked to watch our teen-aged grandkids while their mother enjoyed a couple of days out of town. On our first night of duty, I came home and asked Mimi how her day was and all she could do was shake her head. Now, she hadn't been the fashion police in double digit years, but no sooner than mom had left the house, she was tested. One of the girls trotted out in a dress (for lack of a better word) that was smaller than a headband. When told she couldn't go out that way, she explained that she had bought it with her own money and was planning to wear leggins with it. You know, one morning in Arkansas, we got up and our deer was gone from his ledge. We pretended it made its escape during the night, but truth be known, we feared the worst.

Pray it
I confess it's not doing the impossible that concerns me as much as doing the possible.

Hot can only be defined by contrast to cold. 3840

2012-01-26T06:02:00.000-08:00

"He found them asleep again because they couldn’t keep their eyes open." Mt 26:43

Learn it.
When ritual becomes religion.

Live it.
There's nothing like lying down after a hot shower. But no one steps into hot water, but slowly makes it hot after their body becomes accustomed to warm. It's the same way in our spiritual life. We started out cold, were warmed to the gospel, and might get hot from time to time but seldom if ever, will test our spiritual temperature.

Missions and evangelism are hot terms in church these days. Much is made of a person's profession of faith in Christ as well we should. That's the basic element of Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 overshadowed only by discipleship and teaching people to obey. Most believe the angels rejoice when someone walks down an aisle to be saved. The fact is, you'll never find a single instance where Jesus invited someone to admit anything, but instead expected them to surrender everything, follow Him, endure persecution and expect trouble. But if you're in a cold church, you will never hear an invitation like the one Jesus gave.

Pray it
Test me, O Refiner, and see if there is any wicked way in me I won't acknowledge.

The best man can do is not the worst God can do. 3839

2012-01-25T05:40:00.000-08:00

"Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites." Ex 7:4

Learn it.
First things first; last things next.

Live it.
Last night the President of the United States gave his State of the Union address to Congress. I know this because I caught a glimpse of it while surfing television channels for something interesting to watch. Now, don't think bad of me, but I've never seen any good results from his promises and I can tell you now how it's going to end. Thomas Jefferson said it best: "The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

Pray it
Thank You, God, that my citizenship is in heaven.

You never learn anything without spaced repetition. 3838

2012-01-24T05:54:00.000-08:00

"Then he went away a second time and prayed, 'Father, if this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, let your will be done.'” Mt 26:42

Learn it.
One and doners

Live it.
If anything is worth doing, it's worth doing again.

Pray it
You won't walk very far around our house without seeing one. I call it a Mimi-note and it's created by my wife who wants to teach responsibility and co-operation to a family who obviously doesn't have much of it. She writes down specific instruction of what needs to be done around the house and by whom. And it's not just the grand-kids who get it. I can't make coffee on Wednesday morning without removing the Mimi-note on my machine that reminds me it's trash day and garbage carts need to be rolled to the street for pickup.

I would be lying if I said reminders don't irritate me, but what really gets under my skin is the fact some people will introduce squaller in our life if we allow them. But what might be worse is the fact few lessons are learned and little is done with a good attitude and initiative. It's like prayer. We seldom seek God's face for what to pray, but wait for a reminder. Consider this: The first time I pray about something is letting God know my concern, the next is to remind myself what His Word says about it and the next how my petition aligns with Scripture. The next time I pray, I make an appeal and listen. After that, I'm ready to begin and every time after that, my prayer proves my resolve and acknowledges I'm listening and not just talking. Isn't that how everyone prays?

Hardness is resistance to change. 3837

2012-01-23T05:57:00.000-08:00

"But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, he will not listen to you." Ex 7:3

Learn it.
Futility v finality.

Live it.
In spite of evidence to the contrary, there are many who simply don't believe there is a God. Claiming scientific reasoning as their excuse, they shrug off the obvious design of the universe, believing instead the absurd notion that somehow the thin balance of life we enjoy on earth was accidental. They refuse to consider anything real that they can't see, but will follow anyone who comes up with an twisted idea that sounds feasible.

On the other hand, some like Christian apologist, Josh McDowell, read the Bible in an attempt to prove Jesus is not who He claimed to be. They think he was either a liar who deceived people or a lunatic who believed things that weren't real or didn't happen. In testing God's Word, some like Josh, have been converted to faith in Jesus as Lord (4) instead of proving it wrong. You see, hardened people don't realize their tendency to deny truth, but in denying the Lordship of Christ, they give themselves the title.

Pray it
God, make my heart malleable to Your Spirit and hardened to sin.

You're a pray-er when you don't need motivation to do it. 3836

2012-01-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

"Even though people may live for many years, they should enjoy every one of them. But they should also remember there will be many dark days. Everything that is coming is pointless." Ecc 11:8

Learn it.
Fun in the dark

Live it.
As someone who prays and teaches others how, I've found the biggest challenge is finding people who are interested. I've been in many churches and had many pastors, most of whom focused on prayer and even had special meetings to encourage it. But in the end most returned to their comfort zone of not doing it and took new believers with them.

Most everyone goes to God for help when things are dark, but in the light, not only is motivation lacking, but purpose is as well. I didn't pray for most my life and only recently discovered the reason why: I had no desire and didn't enjoy doing it. So I'm going to ask God to motivate you since I can't. You two work it out in the dark.

Pray it
If I never see You in the light, God, how can I expect to in the dark?

It's not what you know that matters, but what you teach. 3835

2012-01-21T06:21:00.000-08:00

Learn it.
Teachable is usable.

Live it.
Regardless what anyone believes to the contrary, we are all teachers. Our students are always listening and class is always in session. Our students benefit from our instruction by either teaching others the good they learned from us or using us as an example to the contrary. In his book entitled, "On Being a Teacher," Jonathan Kozol wrote, "Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win." In that light, I guess my best battles were the simple ones where I demonstrated how to live God's Word when those around me weren't.

I remember being asked to coach my grandson's church soccer team. The only problem was the fact I didn't know how to play the game. "Not to worry," replied the organizer, "I'll find someone to assist you who does." My first team will probably never be reminded of anything I said, or any details of our undefeated season. That's Ok, because all I aspired was to be a latent image in their mind of a coach who acted the way Jesus might.

Pray it
God, thank you for teaching me what I need to know and not what I ask to know.

Wanted: Weakling with miracle working God. 3834

2012-01-20T05:39:00.001-08:00

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." Ps 18:32

Learn it.
Perfect is God doing it.

Live it.
Famous for painting bible verse John 3:16 under his eyes as a college quarterback, Tim Tebow was amazing in the Denver Bronco’s win over highly favored Pittsburgh in the 2012 Professional Football Playoffs. Tim's public display of faith in God and kneeling in prayer has ignited a nation. First by naysayers who hate His God, despise his testimony and point out every error he makes. Next, by a nation of underdogs, who associate with his meager skills that appear to be supercharged by God.

Many focused on the incredible 80 yard touchdown overtime pass as Tebow’s triumph over all who derided his faith, all season long. But, even more amazing was his passing statistic after the game. He had 316 total yards for 10 attempts making his average of an unbelievable 31.6 yards per pass, one last apostrophe in the face of his deriders. Tim didn't win against his next football opponent but in the process, won the hearts of countless people and frustrated the others who debunk His God.

Pray it
Open the eyes of the spiritually blind long enough to see You clearly, God.

Weakness finds strength in disbelief. 3833

2012-01-19T05:42:00.000-08:00

"Stay awake, and pray that you won’t be tempted. You want to do what’s right, but you’re weak." Mt 26:41

Learn it.
When is the proper time?

Live it.
Of all the things you can say about prayer, the fact we should do it continually might be the hardest to fathom. At least that's what I thought before I stopped listening to people and started praying. First, let me say that you will never obey God as long as you listen to someone explain away what it says. It will always be amazing to me that some people will claim they take the Bible literally but rationalize what they don't believe. Now the secret: instead of thinking of nothing, fix your mind on God and no matter what you do, see His handiwork in it and acknowledge it. The key to continual praying is to pray like that.

At what point do you think Jesus allowed his mind to drift aimlessly or considered his Father wasn't privy to every conversation? Answer that honestly and you'll probably agree that he seldom if ever did. Now you should understand how it's not only possible to pray continually, but also how it's expected. So, go do it and stop tempting God with your lazy disbelief.

Pray it
Thank You for teaching me, God, what my foes can't see and don't understand.

No one gains desire to be with God when they're on the way to see Him. 3832

2012-01-18T06:08:00.000-08:00

"You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country." Ex 7:2

Learn it.
Who said that?

Live it.
I doubt many people hear God call them as Samuel did, but I think everyone hears Him in different ways - if they listen. I wasn't certain why a pastor and I needed to meet. But when my grand-daughter, who attends his church, outlined his sermon to me while we were eating lunch, I heard God as sure as Samuel did. With her mother out of town, the fact she and her siblings took the initiative to go to church was amazing enough, but I found the fact she listened, took mental notes and thought I should know, a Balaam moment.

In our meeting, I learned my new pastor friend takes Jesus seriously when He said His church should be a house of prayer. He admits he's not certain how to accomplish it exactly, but he has found someone to stand in the gap with him and I can't wait to see what God will do. Question: how will God speak to you if you never listen for it?

Pray it
God, forgive me for all the times I was talking when I should have been listening.

Prayer is easier than we make it and harder when we fake it. 3831

2012-01-17T06:17:00.000-08:00

"When he went back to the disciples, he found them asleep. He said to Peter, 'Couldn’t you stay awake with me for one hour?'" Mt 26:40

Learn it.
Saying it and doing it are two different things.

Live it.
"I'm praying for you" might be a phrase spoken by more people outside the church than within it. In any case, it would be interesting to ask a question of those who say it. "And for what are you praying exactly?" That would probably expose the fact most people use prayer as a greeting and never pray. I imagine most who claim to do it don't and of those who are expected to do it, few actually do. And of the few who might at times, I wonder if they listen to someone else and regard theirs as having done it themselves?

Last night I learned that a young man had died and another was at the point of death. Both killed themselves slowly by drowning their misery with liquor and drugs over a long period of time. Even sadder was the fact both had long severed relationships with anyone who cared for them. Seeing the father of one of those men pass by and not knowing what else to say, someone said tenderly, "Our family is praying for you." Having no relationship with God himself, he nodded his head and continued walking. I wonder if he repressed the tendency to respond, "I'm praying for you too." After all, isn't that what you do when someone greets you?

Pray it
I don't know what to say, God; can I just spend time with You and listen?

Life is what you make it. 3830

2012-01-16T06:11:00.000-08:00

"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet.'" Ex 7:1

Learn it.
Of heroes and saints.

Live it.
I'm holding the football in this photograph and the one to my right is my older brother. He's not perfect, nor does he claim to be. But you couldn't convince me otherwise at the time this picture was taken. He was my hero.

Being the youngest of the children in my family and somewhat unexpected, if you know what I mean, it's easy to feel like an only child. Having three children before me, my parents raised my uncle as the oldest who at the time of this picture, was serving in the Air Force flying B-52 aircraft. I love all my brothers and sisters, but had no close relationship with any of them until I was much older. That's the way it is with most of us. We fail to spend time with those we love until our love turns into fondness before becoming a good memory. Thank God, He showed me that while He was always been with me, it was only when I choose to spend time with Him that I enjoy the relationship.

Pray it
Thank You God for a fellowship made stronger by communication.

In hard times, some will limit the amount of caviar they consume. 3829

2012-01-15T06:23:00.000-08:00

"Light is sweet, and it is good for one’s eyes to see the sun." Ecc 11:7

Learn it.
By comparison.

Live it.
For any business, life is tough these days. Making profit used to be the sign of success, but today it might be staying alive to do it one more day. This week a regional bank sold it's largest asset, a brokerage firm whose building tops the Memphis skyline. I on the other hand, continued living on the edge this week, fell off once or twice, got up, brushed myself off and geared up to give it another go.

Some companies squeeze everyone else to support their high-life, while most others squeeze themselves by tightening their belt just to live within their diminishing budget. But at the end of the day, who is it who's standing? It's God's people who have learned that it's only placing service above margin that makes life profitable and gives them reason to continue.

Pray it
Through You, O God, I've learned my sustenance is my abundance.

Anyone who enjoys rebuking needs rebuking. 3828

2012-01-14T06:11:00.000-08:00

"Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you." Pr 9:8

Learn it.
A compliment is flattery, correction praise.

Live it.
Last night, my wife and I sat and watched a television program about the early days of television. Much of what was shown was comedy, but it was a real trip down memory lane to listen to classic singers like Pat Boone, Johnny Mathis, Mel Torme, Jim Neighbors, Andy Williams and others. There may be a handful of people today who sing with such professionalism, but most either imitate a popular singer's style or create their own by adding trills, moans, and endless runs at the end of a phrase. Quite frankly, it's tacky and I find it dreadful to listen to it.

I still remember the lines on Saturday morning where you stood with sometimes multiple scores of classical or broadway music and waited to be adjudicated by a panel of music instructors. After it was over, you'd find out if you were judged best of the best so you could sing in a special chorale - usually meeting out of town for a weekend. The object of West TN, Allstate and Quad-State competition was to find those who could blend and hold pitch with those around them and NOT stand out. As in most other things, this generation thinks different is better than unity and therefore I fear harmony and dynamics are becoming a lost art. Hopefully, the same is not true of the church.

Pray it
Help me, Father, create a blend among the family of God, wherever it might be.

How can life be a game if my soul is in the balance? 3827

2012-01-13T05:45:00.000-08:00

"For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?" Ps 18:31

Learn it.
Imitations and limitations.

Live it.
Most are familiar with "Paper, Scissors, Rock." Playing another person, you strike the palm of one hand with the fist of the other three times picking one of the three to defeat your opponent. Paper covers a rock but is sliced by scissors which is smashed by a rock.

Have you considered God's character is displayed through all three actions? When we pray, He not only covers our sin, but slices it out of our life and smashes it when it invades again. However, in never praying, sin takes over. It covers every area of our life, cuts out holiness and weights us down like a rock. And you thought it was just a game. How about two out of three?

Pray it
God, I want all of You, and ask You not let sin take any of me.

If it's not voluntary and joyful, it's compulsory and obligatory. 3826

2012-01-12T06:48:00.000-08:00

"After walking a little farther, he quickly bowed with his face to the ground and prayed, 'Father, if it’s possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. But let your will be done rather than mine.'” Mt 26:39

Learn it.
Deference - key essential in obedience.

Live it.
Not everyone knows what it means, but for those in a happy marriage, they do it - a lot. Deference is best described for the believer as limiting one's freedom in order to not offend the tastes of those God called them to serve. For everyone else, it likened to letting the other person have their way and being happy about it. When you stop and think about it, deference is just as important in a prayer life.

Most of us ask for God's will to be done, but we seldom, if ever, wait for an answer. Thinking our "best" option IS His will, we do what we were probably going to do anyway and then expect Him to bless it. Case in point: I wonder how many times God has "called" someone to a position offering less money and fewer benefits, but the one being called didn't go or either went but did it with a sour or persecuted attitude. Know anyone like that?

Pray it
All to Jesus I surrender; all to Him I freely give.

Don't allow "I don't think I can" to become "I don't think I will." 3825

2012-01-11T06:09:00.000-08:00

"But Moses said to the LORD, 'Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?'” Ex 6:30

Learn it.
When words fail.

Live it.
I think the YouTube video with the most hits in 2011 was that of this talking dog. It was so well done that it eventually became a television commercial with different voice-over. In the video, a dog owner said things that seemingly drove his dog crazy. It was so funny, I could watch it over and over, but now that I think of it, I don't know what was being advertised.

Amazingly, many people will be attracted to the face of a dog (above) who normally won't give me the time of day. That fact doesn't concern me, but it does speak to an alarming reality. We humans are more easily influenced by what we see than what we hear. That being said, today is a good day to get someone's attention by joyfully doing something you don't have to do for someone who doesn't deserve it and in a way they notice something different about you. That my friend, is the way Jesus lived and the way the Gospel is supposed to be preached.

Pray it
Remind me, God, that You're in every conversation I will have today.

How can you expect to see what God is showing you if your eyes are closed? 3824

2012-01-10T06:55:00.000-08:00

"Then he said to them, 'My anguish is so great that I feel as if I’m dying. Wait here, and stay awake with me.'” Mt 26:38

Learn it.
Alert v awake.

Live it.
The two-week crusade was over and in closing the pastor of the revival team said the most amazing thing. In every prior meeting, attention was paid to dealing with sin, praying, giving and serving God. Then he said the most remarkable thing. He identified the person God probably regards as the most important person in the church. It wasn't the pastor or anyone most might think, but the person who prays all the time and because he doesn't seek attention, no one is aware of the fact.

My daughter attended the Brooklyn Tabernacle this past Sunday and told us about it last night. About the time she was in that meeting, her teenaged daughter told me of the sermon by her pastor back here in Memphis. I found it amazing she listened, but it was exceeded by the fact God felt I needed to know it. The pastor informed the church that focus would change this year, and his congregation would become the house of prayer God expects. Knowing what I do about this pastor, I'm excited to see what God does; may God help the rest of us!

Pray it
God, may I meet and fellowship with the 7,000 who haven't bowed to the enemy while speaking Your Name.

Changing God's WORD is like playing Russian roulette by yourself. 3823

2012-01-09T06:12:00.000-08:00

"Now when the LORD spoke to Moses in Egypt, he said to him, 'I am the LORD. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I tell you.'” Ex 6:28-29

Learn it.
Saved; Lost; Denomination

Live it.
Have you ever considered what makes one church different from others? Since the 16th century, churches other than the Roman Catholic Church have been labeled part of the "Protestant Reformation." There are hundreds of different Protestant denominations, each one considering their differences biblical and others not so. Yet every church and even many religious cults, consider Jesus Christ their exalted Head. How can that be?

The usual reason a denomination is established is to set doctrines based on accurate biblical interpretation and therefore set itself apart from those who don't. But have you considered that the word "denomination" is not used in heaven? In other words, if you state your denominational affiliation when you stand before God, it might work against you. You see, it's only those indwelt by the Holy Spirit who are saved. If you don't know that before you die, your denomination was a demonic decoy.

Pray it
I wouldn't trade Your Holy Spirit for anything.

Manage your time or someone or something else will. 3822

2012-01-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

"Plant your seed in the morning, and don’t let your hands rest until evening. You don’t know whether this field or that field will be profitable or whether both of them will turn out equally well." Ecc 11:6

Learn it.
I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.

Live it.
Not too long ago I moved my books and personal things into floor to ceiling bookcases that occupied two walls in my garage studio. As I placed books according to subject, I put a lifetime of notes and journals in the bookcase and was surprised to find one shelf wasn't enough. There may be some who take as many notes as I do, but I'm fairly certain that few keep track as I do.

TODO is my 365-Day planner with one page per day and three vertical columns. The left and middle have room to record activities in the A.M and P.M., and the right column has room to record notes, things to do, working projects, new ideas and insight gained at the end of the day. You may not know that I'm a task manager by nature, meaning very little is unplanned in a day, but even that is recorded. Because I balance an active business, ministry and personal life, I must stay focused and objective-minded and TODO2012 helps me do it. I've found it profitable, even if I never market it, because I'm an example of how it works.

Pray it
Thank You, God, for teaching me to learn from everything, every decision.

Some pastors have Bereans, but few have any accountability. 3821

2012-01-07T06:13:00.000-08:00

"Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse." Pr 9:7

Learn it.
Questions need asking

Live it.
It was seven years ago that I wrote a little booklet called, "PULSE." Based on 2Corinthians 13:5, it helps someone examine themselves in relation to salvation. Understandably, anyone without faith in Jesus needs to understand and positively respond to the Gospel. And all who express such faith need to periodically perform a check-up. But both need to confess and repent of sin, the Lost so they don't give their life for it and the Saved so they remember their calling to live above it.

I've not seen much interest in PULSE to date, probably because most of us have been taught from childhood that salvation is a one time decision that renders optional results until we die. Few people have a problem hearing the Gospel for the first time, but it seems most don't care to revisit the issue after they've made their "decision." Could it be that even though God commands otherwise, most pastors won't ask any question that might expose the fallacy of their "easy-believism" invitation?

Pray it
Thank You, God, that You never gave up on me when I wasn't looking for You.

We need fewer thrill-seekers and more Jesus-seekers. 3820

2012-01-06T06:22:00.000-08:00

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." Ps 18:30

Learn it.
The Bible is abused more than used.

Live it.
I hear a lot in ministry and some of it is out there, if you know what I mean. Most requests for prayer that I receive is for God to do certain things in a certain way to accomplish certain objectives. If someone claims Scriptural authority, it's usually out of context and no one has ever expected to suffer hardship for their "answer. So I use the Berean approach (Acts 17) to counsel people, telling them to check out what I say. After all. if I use Scripture to make a claim, shouldn't any disagreement pass the same muster? Sadly, what I've found is that surpassing our ignorance of God's Word is our failure to properly use it.

It was in this light that I stopped praying FOR people years ago and started focusing on teaching people how to pray. You know, it's amazing how people lose interest when you want to teach them how to do something they ask someone else to do for them. But, this is exactly what the "Easy-Believism" type of gospel has done to the church. If you disagree, I give you Matthew 22:29: "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God."

Pray it
God, Teach us dependence on Your Word so we don't act stupid.

Where we go is not nearly as important as Who goes with us. 3819

2012-01-05T06:13:00.000-08:00

"He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons with him. He was beginning to feel deep anguish." Mt 26:37

Learn it.
Will you go with me?

Live it.
Last night, most everyone in the choir was taken back by Amy's answer. Someone asked her, "When will you return from your mission to China?" Her answer; "I'm not." Taken back a little by her response, we were surprised to learn she was changing her permanent residence and not going on a short-term mission.

My wife and I spent a few minutes after choir learning how to pray for Amy. I haven't met many people with such enthusiasm and fiery devotion as her. She told me how not long ago she broke off a relationship with a young man she loved and had no regrets about it. Now, she knows starting over in a strange new land will be a big challenge. Just a short distance from free Nepal, she will have to witness in the shadows to avoid being arrested by a Communist government that is anything but free. If you're wondering how to pray for Amy, here's how: do it more than once.

Pray it
Thank You, God, for all those who have set their heart on pilgrimage.

Obeying God is optional, but the consequences for not doing it, are not. 3818

2012-01-04T05:46:00.000-08:00

"Now the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron about the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he commanded them to bring the Israelites out of Egypt." Ex 6:13

Learn it.
Committee compliance.

Live it.
Still early in the new year, most everyone is struggling to keep a resolution of some sort. Of course, many dropped their resolve before the words left their mouth, but others are still doing hand to hand combat with their bad habits. The most popular resolution might be a weight-loss plan to purge a recent food splurge.

God wanted His people out of Egypt and He didn't care if the Israelites were thin, fat, comfortable or sassy. He would prefer Moses be more convincing and Pharoah not be forced into compliance, however failure was not an option. I don't know the date in Egypt, but I know everyone needed a new year weight-loss resolution; wait on God and lose yourself.

Pray it
Thank You, God, for the opportunity to obey You without complaining.

Fellowship is never being alone when you are alone. 3817

2012-01-03T06:06:00.000-08:00

"Then Jesus went with the disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said
to them, 'Stay here while I go over there and pray.'” Mt 26:36

Learn it.
The highest calling.

Live it.
Believe it or not, the hardest place to pray might be in church. That's because, you're seldom alone and when you're in a group, you listen to what someone is praying audibly that makes it difficult to listen to what God might be saying. Then, there's the issue of being asked to be that audible pray-er. Instead of letting God search your heart and responding, now you're asked to speak to God so others can hear, to use language everyone understands and most importantly don't get negative or personal and be brief about it.

The issues I just described may seem foreign to you and that's the saddest part. Most people expect someone to pray for them and never enjoy a moment alone with Jesus. While it's natural to call God's people into a season of prayer when they're together, you shouldn't need a "sinner's prayer" pattern to tell them how. Sadly we, the church, have probably done more harm than good when it comes to teaching people how to worship and pray. If you want to know how to pray, get alone, open God's Word, shut your mouth except to confess your sinfulness, lift your eyes to the hills and listen.

Pray it
Thank You, Jesus, that You will meet me - even when someone else is talking.

As for choice, I choose to defer to God. 3816

2012-01-02T07:24:00.000-08:00

"But Moses said to the LORD, 'If the Israelites will not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with faltering lips?'” Ex 6:12

Learn it.
Understanding and confidence.

Live it.
It's interesting how many decisions are made the first of the new year just to be ignored shortly thereafter. Most come from wanting to improve oneself at a logical starting place. But regardless why it's done, there's no question most of us don't understand the difference between preference and conviction. What's the difference?

Anything we decide to do is preference, but what we purpose to do, regardless the cost, is conviction. In the end, preference will change over and over, but conviction does not. Preference weakens with opposition while conviction stiffens against it. Preference is a product of personal choice while conviction is one of total surrender to God. For example, we walk the aisle to invite Jesus into our life, but Scripture (John 15:16) tells us Jesus has chosen us and not the other way around. That's hard to balance, but who am I to argue with God? Personally, I'm humbled and choose to surrender.

Pray it.
I may not understand Your Word, God, but I choose to believe it.

I'd say more, but I've already told you more than I know. 3815

2012-01-01T06:20:00.000-08:00

"Just as you don’t know how the breath of life enters the limbs of a child within its mother’s womb, you also don’t understand how God, who made everything, works." Ecc 11:5

Learn it.
His way never changes.

Live it.
In a world of polytheism, few will admit their God is one of many. Neither will they admit their's is a fabrication of their mind. Instead, most will likely defend their false belief to the bitter end.

When I'm speaking I often jokingly end by saying, "I'd go on, but I've already told you more than I know." Some people behind the lectern should admit that before they open their mouth. Based on Scripture, however, I'm confident that Jehovah God is real as are His promises and judgments. Revealed to us in the Holy Bible, He is not wholly contained therein. Everything He said is true, but we have much more to learn of Him than we have read of Him. How can I know this for a fact? I believe it because He's God and I'm not!

Pray it
I come to you in confidence, God, because I'm helplessly dependent on You.

Most games are decided sooner than later. 3814

2011-12-31T06:44:00.000-08:00

"Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding." Pr 9:6

Learn it.
End of season?

Live it.
Fourth quarter and behind by one point, the tall and agile forward shot a fall-away three pointer at the buzzer to win the game. Most everyone loves a close game unless it's your team that gets beat by a desperation shot. But it seems some teams play that way. Instead of working diligently to win a game, it seems they try to keep from losing it.

I've never been as frustrated with my home team as I am this year. I wouldn't be surprised if we lead the league in turnovers and missed free-throws. The only thing consistent about us is our inconsistency. You know, I've threatened to watch only the last seconds on television (when the game is decided), but recently missed watching the whole thing and didn't mind. I wonder how many of us are living that way. Just like that last second shot, many of us are cruising through life to get to the end and walk into heaven. But I wonder when time runs out if our reward is what we expected?

Pray it
Help me, God, make today a memorable one that counts for eternity.

The word "impossible" is a personal no-noun. 3812

2011-12-30T07:13:00.000-08:00

"With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall." Ps 18:29

Learn it.
New things.

Live it.
It's down the wire and 2012 is less than 48 hours away. Most people consider change and think how things could be different next year. For others, they hope things don't change. As for me, I'm a little of both. My business has been spiraling down for years, but through it all God has done miraculous things. But what has happened within the last 48 hours is impossible to explain. From the lowest I've been in years, business has improved off the chart. And I did nothing to cause it. It reminds me of what it felt like years ago before the economy started turning south. Actually, it's been even better than that.

There will be challenges this year, the like of which I've never seen and will never see again. But I've seen how God works in both bad and good times and I have no fear of the unknown. God hasn't changed and I'm confident that even when I do, He won't.

Pray it
Thank You,God, for peace in the storm that gives confidence out of it.

Were that our intention was based on retention from paying attention. 3812

2011-12-29T05:42:00.000-08:00

"Peter told him, 'Even if I have to die with you, I’ll never say that I don’t know you!' All the other disciples said the same thing." Mt 26:35

Learn it.
Learning anything?

Live it.
January 1, 2012 is but a few days away and I intend on continuing my old resolution. As a challenge I place this text in all future devotional pages and then replace it daily with action: "For years I've spent mornings in God's Word asking Him for show me things from His point of view. As He has, I've realized it's what He's been doing all my life. What I write is not meant to impress you, but acknowledge Him."

During the day I write down what I notice - from God's point of view. I might write it down in my TODO or use a voice recorder, but later I add it to my written journal, be it private or public. You might find it interesting that this process was slow go at first, but now I can't write fast enough to keep up. It was challenging at first and took diligence on my part but now I can't look at anything without seeing God in it. I don't know your new year's resolution, but if you really want results, put God in the center of it.

Pray it
It's great to use tongues to sing Your praise, God, but I'm running out of ink.

Wink at sin and it views it as an invitation. 3811

2011-12-28T06:23:00.000-08:00

"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Go, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his country.'” Ex 6:10-11

Learn it.
If you can get in, so can someone else.

Live it.
I hate this business. When I'm in need of money, it seldom comes but at the expense of someone who has been a victim of crime and has none. Yesterday, the victim had to borrow from family to make deposit on window burglar bars. I take solace in the fact no one responds quicker than I do, is fairer than I am and works for as little money as I do. But it still hurts.

Since the units are special-sized, they have to be fabricated and that takes time. So I agreed to put temporary plywood over the two windows where the break-in occurred. I left to go pickup up lumber, but on the way back the customer called and asked me to cover two and then three additional windows. She was beginning to understand; as long as any window is unprotected, she isn't protected. Listen Christian. In case you didn't catch it: sin will find a way through the point of your vulnerability, not where you expect it.

Pray it
Thank You, God, for the cover You provide 24/7.

Everyone gets knocked down, but not everyone will get back up. 3810

2011-12-27T05:47:00.000-08:00

"Jesus replied to Peter, 'I can guarantee this truth: Before a rooster crows tonight, you will say three times that you don’t know me.'" Mt 26:34

Learn it.
Failure and response

Live it.
Abe Lincoln once said, "My great concern is not whether you have failed but whether you are content with your failure." I heard a speaker on financial matters say, "I didn't just fail, most of my failures had trailing zeroes behind them." Regardless if your failures are business or personal, they're the one thing common to all of us that we wish weren't. And yet, every successful person has a string of them behind him. Sadly, no success can erase the disappointment of knowing we left someone hurting behind us.

At the end of the year, most everyone evaluates the past year and makes resolutions for the next. Now, I doubt anyone plans to fail, but most of us will to some degree. So, knowing failure is waiting for us, why not make back-up plans and be ready for it. I tell you this truth, anyone who doesn't do this, has already failed and will deny knowing any better.

Pray it
Thank You, God, that You not only help me get up, but You teach me what I did wrong.

My job is to testify, God's to get an audience. 3809

2011-12-26T05:22:00.000-08:00

"Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and cruel bondage." Ex 6:9

Learn it.
In spite of opposition and rejection.

Live it.
This weekend I watched a portion of an old movie on television called "The Bible." In it, I saw Nimrod stand atop his doomed ziggurat and shoot his arrow up at God . Then as everyone's language was confused, he walked down to the ground stepping over the bodies of workers who had fallen to their death. It was but a few minutes ago that I awoke and felt helpless as I dreamed seeing someone I love fall from a high place and couldn't prevent it. Amazingly, they landed upright in the seat in which they were secured.

You know, I'm fairly certain that what I've eaten recently contributed greatly to my nightmare. But I also know that God uses anything to speak to me because I pay attention. He used that silly dream to answer the heaviest concern on my heart. You should know by now that I record most everything I experience, but no one will ever know the heavy weight I've since off-loaded at my Father's feet. It may not be a dream, but if you ask Him anything and pay attention, He will do the same for you.

Pray it
Heavenly Father, may I make the most of the time I have left and not fret.

Blessing usually awaits my doing something first. 3808

2011-12-25T05:45:00.000-08:00

"Whoever watches the wind will never plant. Whoever looks at the clouds will never harvest."
Ecc 11:4

Learn it.
Wait? For what?

Live it.
I consider the time I spend with Jesus the best part of the day. Every morning I fill my mind with Scripture and expect God to show me things from His Word that I’ve never noticed before (Jer 33:3). Understand this: I haven't been paying for attention most of my life, much less praying. But this morning I will, and that's all that matters.

Many Christians begin their day reading a devotional, but very few will read mine – and that fact doesn’t bother me. You see, what I write is personal so I don’t solicit readers. Just like salvation, it’s in the journey that I’m blessed and not in the delivery. Today is Christmas Day, but it's no more special to me than any other day. I've enjoyed the music all year long and expect to do the same today. My challenge for you today, is to make each day Christmas by always seeking the Savior.

Pray it
I've never seen the Light, but I have no trouble finding You, Jesus, when I care to look.

Common sense: I'd explain it if I thought you'd understand. 3807

2011-12-24T06:56:00.000-08:00

"She says to a person without sense, 'Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine I have mixed.'"
Pr 9:5

Learn it.
Rising waters and dead weight.

Live it.
Federal judges are ruling that states have no right to enforce the nation's laws, even though the government won't do it. Any attempt for states to insure voters are legitimate and vote only once is being struck down by the same government. Soon the same justice system may rule the government has the right to demand its working citizens buy something or the money will taken from their bank account.

For years taxes have enabled the government to operate without a budget and zoom the national debt to double-digit trillions of dollars with no end in sight. It's apparent to me that the house is burning to the ground and this is no time to discuss where to hang pictures on the walls. Anyone with common sense can see our country is in deep trouble, but more and more people are blind to the fact. They either see it and choose to ignore it, or profit by it and don't want to stop the trend. You know something's bad when it can't be fixed on the fly, but only after it dies. You'd think the stink would offer a clue.

Pray it
I wonder if things will look as bad from heaven as it does down here?

Having sight is incredible, seeing without it, a God thing. 3806

2011-12-23T06:56:00.000-08:00

"O LORD, you light my lamp. My God turns my darkness into light." Ps 18:28

Learn it.
Spiritual eye lids.

Live it.
After years of using the method, now I'm finally talking about it. I believe we should learn from the past and live in the present to make a good future. For years I've started the morning writing these daily thoughts impressed with what God shows me that is hidden from most. But I've never talked about how I stay on track and continue to live this way when most don't.

I call it "TODO," my 12-month calendar, day planner, organizer, task manager, project scheduler and idea incubator. In it, I use simple notation to set and mark progress toward goals and projects, writing down thoughts that pop in my head and most importantly, recording what God shows me along the way. You won't find TODO in stores, but if I can create my own, so can you. It's based on what I've written at the top of the first and last day of each year: "You'll never finish what you never start" and "If you don't care, why should God?" (Sorry. I was going to write something else but got distracted and didn't write it down.)

Pray it
Thank You for taking time with me, God; forgive me for not doing the same for You.

It's my intention to always have good intention. 3805

2011-12-22T05:06:00.000-08:00

"Peter said to him, 'Even if everyone else abandons you, I never will.'" Mt 26:33

Learn it.
Intention flip flop.

Live it.
A television commercial now advertises a new worldwide community on the Internet called Triple-X. It stands for an Internet domain identified with ".XXX" as a suffix to a domain name. When I saw it, I wished I had an automatic filter that blocked stuff like that from even reaching the screen. Amazingly, some people will disagree with me thinking the intentions are good. They probably view this as a way to keep porn out of sight like the way convenience stores placed brown bags over the cover of vulgar magazines to protect little curious eyes.

Triple-X is nothing but an address and other way to make money without any "moral" scrutiny. It's not the first nor the last time someone will try to manage sin. Those brown bags on a magazine have today been replaced with a computer where anyone can see those vulgar covers in action 24/7. Truth be known, Triple-X is like legislating that criminals must register their guns or Christians voluntarily line up to be executed; which, by the way, is one step closer today.

Pray it
I recommit today to keep my eyes from sin, LORD.

Without problems, there's no way to test promises. 3804

2011-12-21T05:40:00.000-08:00

"And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD." Ex 6:8

Learn it.
Problems, promises and problems.

Live it.
Corrie Ten Boom said, "Let God's promises shine on your problems," and she knew something about trouble. She helped many Jews escape the Nazi holocaust during World War II and her family was eventually arrested and sent to one of those camps. Ten days later, her father died there, but she lived through it, but not before enduring suffering on every hand. By comparison, most of us seldom suffer persecution, unless you cheapen it to mean disappointment or inconvenience.

I love this season, because reminders of God's love for an undeserving world are everywhere. But I can't think of the baby in swaddling clothes without picturing Him grown and suffering on the cross of Calvary. The Bethlehem baby was a promise, but the Calvary Savior paid for it with his life. His gift is free, but as he demonstrated by his life and death, there's no salvation without corresponding trouble. Mt 16:24-25

Pray it
Thank You Jesus, for bearing Your cross and mine with me.

Because of Jesus, there is life on both sides of death. 3803

2011-12-20T07:15:00.000-08:00

"But after I am brought back to life, I will go to Galilee ahead of you." Mt 26:32

Learn it.
The one enemy who lives to be defeated.

Live it.
This morning an old friend is alert in the hospital after three days in critical care. Found unconscious on Friday, no one knows how long he had been laying there, but it was suspected he had a heart attack and hit his head falling to the floor. I understand the person finding him called 911 and administered CPR to resuscitate him. The doctors felt confident there would be heart and brain damage, so after doing all they could, they called the family to say goodbye to Phil on Saturday 4:46pm. However, his son reported on this Tuesday morning that yesterday at 4:48pm, his father told his mom "God is good," and asked for more applesauce.

Yes, God is good, but we'll never know just how good He is. The amazing thing is that the miracle that has seemingly happened in my friend's life is not the big one. That happens when death is defeated and not just postponed. It's even more amazing that we are just like my friend. He has lived another day to declare the works of the Lord. You can't convince me there are no more signs and wonders.

Pray it
Thank You God, that one day, death will on the left side of life and not in the middle.

In choosing friends we also choose enemies. 3802

2011-12-19T06:19:00.000-08:00

I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.
Ex 6:7

Learn it.
Friend or foe?

Live it.
I'm like most everyone who's used FaceBook in that I'm in a daily love-hate relationship with it. Most think social networking is the best thing since sliced bread, but then again, people thought the maiden voyage of Titanic would be the experience of a lifetime too. Well, I guess it was - in a bad way. You might be wondering what could be bad about something considered so good.

Well, it might be the constant, uncontrollable and unnecessary change that adds unneeded frustration to a life. Then, there's the trite idea that a friend is someone on a list with whom you never spend face to face time. The greatest danger in FaceBook, however, might be the judgment we Christians will face because of it. The charge? We choose mindless games and trivial pursuit over spending time with the One who died to become our Friend. (1Cor 3:13-15)

Pray it
Thanks for reminding me, God, that wood, hay, and straw comes in digital form.

There's no such thing as normal when you're serving God. 3801

2011-12-18T12:37:00.001-08:00

"You don’t know what disaster may happen on earth. If the clouds are full of rain, they will let it pour down on the earth. If a tree falls north or south, the tree will remain where it fell." Ecc 11:3

Learn it.
Expect the unexpected.

Live it.
With the approach of 2012, the fear factor is growing for many who believe December 21, 2012 is the last day for life on earth. Well, for some, that fear is well founded for they will indeed die on that day. But for many others, death will come sooner and for others it will come later. But, there is one thing they all share in common.

God told King Ahab he was a dead man walking, but the king dressed in disguise and added full body armor to avoid being killed in battle. Then he stayed out of the way and cheered from the sideline as someone shot an arrow into the air without taking aim. The arrow hit King Ahab in the only seam in his protective armor and he fell dead out of his chariot onto the ground. And what's the moral of the story? When it comes to facing God, you can run, but you just can't hide.

Pray it
I thank You God, that I am a friend of the One who judges the living and the dead.

Salvation may be the only thing too good and also true. 3800

2011-12-17T06:58:00.000-08:00

"She has sent out her servant girls. She calls from the highest places in the city, 'Whoever is gullible turn in here!'” Pr 9:3-4

Learn it.
Stupid is as stupid believes.

Live it.
What appeared to be a ten-foot tall petrified man was unearthed in 1869, but it was actually created by someone seeking fame and fortune. People everywhere wanted to see it, so the perpetrator, should I say conspirator, charged money for the privilege. Before long, David Hannum bought rights to it and moved it to New York for display. When P.T. Barnum couldn't buy Hannum's fake, he made his own and put it on display claiming his was real and the other a fake.

It's hard to believe, but when newspapers reported the dispute, Hannum said of Barnum's version, "There's a sucker born every minute," something now credited to Barnum. You know, Barnum may have been the consummate con-man. He was so good, he could con another con-man and to top that, he got their famous quotes too. What this says to me is if someone tells a lie long enough and people stop arguing with him, history will record his lies as truth and the truth as falsehood. Do I need to use the quote again?

Pray it
Thank You, God, for proving Your Word true - yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Humility is a position, not a personality. 3799

2011-12-16T05:43:00.000-08:00

"You save humble people, but you bring down a conceited look." Ps 18:27

Learn it.
You don't get humility by squeezing pride.

Live it.
Praying for revival, I wanted our church to embrace 2Chronicles 7:14 and see what God would do when we humbled ourselves and prayed, turned from our wicked ways and to God. I'll never forget my pastor when he replied, "What is humility?" I didn't say it, but thought to myself, "If you have to ask, I can't tell you."

For years I thought that moment could of marked the beginning of a mighty moving of God's Spirit. I now think the absence of revival makes room for the opposite to grow. I'm also convinced that 2 Chronicles doesn't just include humility, but everything else is based on humility.

Pray it
God, I long to see an unexplainable and physical moving of your Holy Spirit.

Faith is listening to God more than my doubt, and then acting like it. 3798

2011-12-15T06:08:00.000-08:00

"Then Jesus said to them, 'All of you will abandon me tonight. Scripture says, "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep in the flock will be scattered."'" Mt 26:31

Learn it.
When it appears everyone and everything is gone, look again.

Live it.
Thursday mornings are stressful. That's when Microsoft loads a week's worth of system updates it believes will "fix" my computer. I didn't know it was broken, but they know things I don't and correct would-be problems before they can become a problem. This morning it appeared they broke my computer trying to fix it. But after I did a forced shut-down and restarted it, my computer came up and here I am - praying I can finish this devotional.

Life is like that actually. I went to bed last night thinking all was fine and today I will discover they're not. I've learned that God already has the solution to my unseen problems in play and for that I'm thankful. But, before you award me a gold star, you should know the only person I doubt more than God, is myself. He doesn't have to do anything to prove Himself, and His forgiveness says the same to me. Let's roll!

Pray it
I can't express myself to match the love You express to me, God.

Just because grace is free doesn't mean it didn't cost anything, 3797

2011-12-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

"Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.'" Ex 6:6

Learn it.
From one to another.

Live it.
When God selects someone to pass on His Word, He does so knowing it will be a problem and most will not pay attention. The fact that someone would appear chosen and others feel offended while suffering loss, has never changed His way of doing things. Demonstrating His power through weakness has always been God's way of confirming what most don't want to hear, let alone believe.

This Christmas when we think of Jesus' birth, we should also remember that while the Romans crucified Him thirty years later, it was the religious leaders who put Him there and mindless followers who cheered them on. Sadly, after all this time, it appears neither sin nor those controlled by it, have changed.

Pray it
Thank You for the Word of Truth; may it give me backbone to speak it boldly.

One song remembered is worth one-hundred sermons forgotten. 3796

2011-12-13T06:30:00.000-08:00

"After they sang a hymn, they went to the Mount of Olives." Mt 26:30

Learn it.
Value lingers, trinkets do not.

Live it.
When I have opportunity to consult with churches regarding their website and prayer ministry, my first advice is the most important. It's very simple. People may be attracted by flashing lights with smoke and mirrors in the beginning. But in the end sites are judged on content and update, not on presentation. Looking around, it appears someone didn't ask for advice or didn't listen when they got it. And it's not just websites I'm talking about.

Sunday night after church my wife and I enjoyed eating dinner with a couple from church who we didn't know well. The conversation came down to whose Sunday School class we were in. I was silent as we went around the table. But when the nice lady asked me directly, I told her I spend the hour prayer-walking if possible. So she was interested in what I thought of our new prayer room at church. I don't even know where it is, but after giving her Scriptural reasons to question it, I told her it appeared to be another step in the wrong direction, doing the wrong thing for a seemingly good reason. I likened it to the tiny gap in Ahab's armor that was never considered a problem until the person finding him dead knew it was. (1Ki 22). And how was that even relative? When enough people agree, you don't need to ask God, right?

Pray it
I can forget everything else, but don't let me forget You, God.

If this isn't good, what is? 3795

2011-12-12T06:08:00.000-08:00

"Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant." Ex 6:5

Learn it.
Saving for good.

Live it.
The license plate read, "I'm spending my children's inheritance." Funny thought, but few do it. In fact, there comes a time when someone sifts through someone else's stuff to determine what's worth keeping and what's not. You know, having done that recently and packing things for storage, I know I heard the dining room walls echo, "Don't touch that, we're saving it for good."

Yes, it's human nature to save things for a "special" occasion. But, I'm sure if most of us knew that today was our last, we'd hold nothing back. But then again, I'm just as sure some would still leave certain things untouched. I know that because of the many layers of dust on the cover of God's promises. We're saving that for "good."

Pray it
Sing them over again to me; Wonderful Words of Life.

Here she comes (speaking of life), whether we're ready or not. 3794

2011-12-11T05:47:00.000-08:00

"Divide what you have into seven parts, or even into eight, because you don’t know what disaster may happen on earth." Ecc 11:2

Learn it.
Preparation involves perspiration.

Live it.
I thought I solved a recurring problem all too frequent in my golden years. That's when you have a financial obligation coming up and you're afraid you'll spend what you have on something else before hand. So I decided to hide what I needed and not think about it until I absolutely needed it. Of course, I failed to consider one factor: I didn't tell anyone else what I did and I forgot where I put it. Sigh...

That's like what happens when I pray and read the Word. I'm blessed when God shows me answers, but too often I fail to hide it in my heart. Then when someone asks the question, I'm not ready to give the answer. Double sigh...

Pray it
Remind me that it's Your Word I should give every man who asks.

Preparation is vital to proper presentation. 3793

2011-12-10T06:29:00.000-08:00

"She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has set her table." Pr 9:2

Learn it.
Adhesion require receptivity

Live it.
My daughter made dressing at her home to bring to our house for Thanksgiving dinner. She told us later that she threw out the first batch because she noticed a finger nail missing from her hand while making it. I had a similar experience as I noticed a bandaid missing from my injured finger and never found it. Thankfully, I wasn't mashing potatoes. You should know, had there been any chance it was in the food being prepared, it would have been discarded too.

I wonder how many times I go to God in prayer and start off making requests but never consider my hands are dirty and my heart proud and unrepentant? We like to say God hears and answers ALL prayer, but I wonder... I wonder how many times we've prayed but weren't humble, seeking or repentant, yet claimed He heard, forgave and healed?

Pray it
God, forgive us for praying to suit ourselves and ignoring our condition.

Calling someone intelligent makes us both an oxymoron. 3792

2011-12-09T06:32:00.000-08:00

In dealing with faithful people you are faithful, with innocent people you are innocent, with pure people you are pure. In dealing with devious people you are clever. Ps 18:25-26

Learn it.
"Dumb as a rock" insults the rock.

Live it
Don't you love watching Christmas movies this time of year? I do, in spite of the fact the morals promoted by most producers is laughable. Last night, Mother Nature, Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy worked in concert for the good of Christmas. It was fun - as long as you realize it was made by someone trying to promote their twisted world view on the rest of us when our guard is down. Later I watched a video of David Phelps singing "O Holy Night." Now, that's the Christmas I'm talking about!

God is amazing, is he not? He can't be avoided, even by those who doubt His work and argue His existence. I thank God for showing me something else. Years ago, the wise men sought Jesus and found Him. I started seeking Him in earnest a few years ago and found His fingerprints on everything along the way. No doubt, Christmas is a special time to give because God showed us how to do it. My gift to you is the daily privilege of showing you what He has shown me.

Pray it
May what I do in December, God, prove what I said in November.

Some falsely think that desires become holy when they arrive in heaven. 3791

2011-12-08T06:20:00.000-08:00

"I can guarantee that I won’t drink this wine again until that day when I drink new wine with you in my Father’s kingdom." Mt 26:29

Learn it.
As sure as the One who promised it.

Live it.
The note sent to school stated, "Sally won't be in school a week from Friday. We have to attend her funeral." Obviously, Sally's parents meant something else, but the excuse note must have gotten laughs when the office received it.

Everyone should keep a record of planned events. But have you ever recorded a date for something just to arrive and find no one there? Fault can go either way in that case. Either someone failed to notify you of a change or you didn't confirm the meeting before you show up for it. It's the same way for someone expecting to go to heaven when they die. They never receive confirmation, but think it unimportant to ask if they're expected.

Pray it
Jesus, I look forward to tasting wine for the first time when we share it together.

We may possess it, but God owns it. 3790

2011-12-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

"I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they lived as aliens." Exodus 6:4

Learn it.
Changing hands.

Live it.
These days, people are losing their homes right and left. This because they are either out of work or they lost savings and/or retirement or pension. The problem can be linked to the ever increasing size of government and their manipulation of the banking industry. How so? Government increases property value assessment on homes that are losing value and can't be sold for nearly that amount. Should the homeowner finally surrender to the bank, "investors" then use bank loans, guaranteed the government, to capitalize on the owner's loss. Amazingly, many former homeowners now pay rent for one of these houses at a higher monthly rate than their previous mortgage payment.

Depressed? Don't be. Look at this way: no one owns anything that wasn't someone else's before, and will be someone else's after. It's always been true that the only thing that is prospering is the One who has everything and promises it to His children. And here's the best part: the only mortgage is a grateful heart and obedient spirit.

Pray it
When I look at anything but you, God, all I see is dead people.

Just because we consider sin inconsequential doesn't mean God does. 3789

2011-12-06T06:46:00.000-08:00

"This is my blood, the blood of the promise. It is poured out for many people so that sins are forgiven. Mt 26:28

Live it.
Someone saw me using sign language last Sunday in what I thought was a private moment and asked how I learned to do it. I explained that not too long ago I wanted to express myself to God in a new and different way. I'd seen sign used before, but didn't understand it without someone interpreting it. So I set out to learn the "new" way I might converse with God.

My first step in learning was to create flashcards of words needed in prayer. So, I made three stacks of cards; one for worship and praise, another for sin and a third for what was needed to tie the first two together. Then I learned to sign by praying. Pretty neat idea, huh? You might find it interesting that my stack of sin words was the tallest and is still growing. But I can't help but wonder how it's possible for someone to pray and never use terms in the tallest stack?

Pray it
No sin I have done or will ever do, can diminish what You've done for me, Jesus.

A sharp mind is one honed through prayer. 3787

2011-12-05T06:02:00.001-08:00

"God also said to Moses, 'I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them. '" Ex 6:2-3

Learn it.
Privilege is not always earned.

Live it.
When we're young, we tend to take good memory for granted. But one of the effects of growing older is the ever increasing inability to remember things, like a person's name. Now, I'm not qualified to suggest why that's so, but I can report what I've found to be true in my own life.

When I care about someone, I will not only know their name, but speak it. I've found the only way to do that, is to use it and use it often. And what better way than repeat it when I see them and when God brings them to mind for me to pray for them?

Pray it
God, forgive me for forgetting so many who You sent my way to be remembered.

A sharp mind is one honed through prayer. 3787

2011-12-05T06:02:00.000-08:00

"God also said to Moses, 'I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them. '" Ex 6:2-3

Learn it.
Privilege is not always earned.
Live it.
When we're young, we tend to take good memory for granted. But one of the effects of growing older is the ever increasing inability to remember things, like a person's name. Now, I'm not qualified to suggest why that's so, but I can report what I've found to be true in my own life.

When I care about someone, I will not only know their name, but speak it. I've found the only way to do that, is to use it and use it often. And what better way than repeat it when I see them and when God brings them to mind for me to pray for them?

Pray it
God, forgive me for forgetting so many who You sent my way to be remembered.

In searching for wisdom, I found that to be a wise decision. 3786.

2011-12-03T07:06:00.000-08:00

"Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars." Pr 9:1

Learn it.
Repentance that leads to salvation.
Live it.
I've had the same argument with a couple of ministry friends for years. They question the value of investing time preaching repentance to an unrepentant church. They advise to begin anew where the soil is fresh and fertile and not already hardened in years of disbelief.

You should know I've disregarded their counsel to date, asking God to spare the city for the sake of a few. And how's that working? Well, the jury is still out I suppose, but I've not given up hope. Paul said, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret (2Cor 7:10). You can find repentance in Nineveh, but you won't in Sodom where one turned and the other burned. I know this: once you've tasted repentance, you can't explain salvation without it unless you offer another plan.

Pray it
Your sacrifice, God, deserves more than a casual agreement and an unchanged life.

If we claim to follow God, why are we giving Him directions? 3785

2011-12-02T06:02:00.000-08:00

"The LORD paid me back because of my righteousness, because he can see that my hands are clean." Ps 18:24

Learn it.
Motives are visible to God.

Live it.
I asked God to show me how to reach more people with the Gospel, so I looked around and saw the obvious. There's no question more people in America calling themselves a Christian, are lost than are saved. So I wrote a little booklet called PULSE. One side asks pertinent questions of someone claiming to know Jesus and the other side someone who doesn't.

PULSE is perfect for use by a disciple-maker who isn't afraid to ask questions to anyone concerning their sinful condition. As it is, lost people in the church stay lost because no one asks them anything after they profess faith in Jesus. It was this lethargic attitude that caused one church to print a few copies not long ago and then subsequently discard them. PS: I'm not angry; evidently God showed me something He didn't show them.

Yesterday PULSE was eagerly received by a pastor serving in a land hungry for the Word. Translated in three languages, we believe the Word of God will go viral in Asia by way of a simple tool created by a simple man who is learning you'll never hear anything if you never listen.

Pray it
I surrender all my expectation for the sake of experiencing You, God.

Thanksgiving should be a lifestyle, not a seasonal reminder. 3784

2011-12-01T05:49:00.000-08:00

"Then he took a cup and spoke a prayer of thanksgiving. He gave it to them and said, 'Drink from it, all of you.'" Mt 26:27

Live it.
It's amazing what and how much food is consumed on the fourth Thursday of November. This year I noticed our children, now seemingly gourmet chefs, busy baking their specialties in our small kitchen area. How these adults maneuvered around each other to coordinate use of the sink, stove and and oven was amazing. Were these the same children who seldom walked in the kitchen growing up, except to find their mother? But, they're not the only ones to change over the years.

At one time, I considered Thanksgiving morning a day to watch Macy's parade with the kids as the odor of bacon, cinnamon and coffee saturated the air. Now I anticipate the arrival of family and friends throughout the day to share food and memories. It's funny how things change. We used to do the same thing at our parents' house. Sigh. I vote to change the name of Thanksgiving to Family Day. After all, we give thanks to God everyday, but it takes family coming together to really celebrate. Can I get a second?

Pray it
We worship You, O God, and thank You for loving us in such a creative manner.

The Almighty is not concerned with what anyone thinks. 3783

2011-11-30T06:09:00.000-08:00

"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country.'” Ex 6:1

Learn it.
God won't wait forever.

Live it.
Most Americans are conservative and their patriotism affected the 2010 election by sending many like-minded representatives to Congress. In reaction to the grassroots "Tea Party," "Occupy Wall Street" was conceived. Manned by union and government workers along with mostly radical young people, the protestors camp in the street demanding more government entitlement and no capitalism.

Because the wealthy liberal mind-set, whose wealth is a product of capitalism, supports OWS, elaborate provisions are provided, including fancy meals. And because the meals are "free," homeless people found their way to it. After all, they called the street "home" long before the whiners did. But the loophole was quickly closed when it was discovered the entitlement benefited someone who didn't agree politically with the provider. Sounds familiar, huh?

Pray it
With a grateful heart I acknowledge that I have more than I deserve, God.

Prayer is the result of a growing relationship. 3782

2011-11-29T06:24:00.000-08:00

"While they were eating, Jesus took bread and blessed it. He broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said, 'Take this, and eat it. This is my body.'” Mt 26:26

Learn it.
ROI - Return on Investment.

Live it.
It's been nearly a year since the traveling revival team dispensed tough love message to a church regarded as the best of the best. Their intention was good but it's interesting to note they're still looking for a lasting "revival" anywhere they've ministered. It's becoming obvious we will never learn the first step in revival is destruction, not instruction or construction. Build on anything less and all you do is gain an excellent reputation for a few victories.

Pray it
Father, help us be receptive to not only when and how to serve, but where.

God has no entitlement programs. 3781

2011-11-28T05:45:00.000-08:00

"Moses returned to the LORD and said, 'O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.'” Ex 5:22-23

Learn it.
Teaching and learning.

Live it.
One of my grandchildren in high school brought home a graded paper and showed us how her grade was reduced. The explanation across the top of the paper read, "5 points off for bad grammer" (Yes Spell-Checker, I know how the word is spelled).

All this would be surprising except one of our children in college jokes how one of her professors regularly mispronounces basic words. I don't think you could have ever convinced me that my teachers in school didn't know everything. While I know it's not true for all teachers, today we encourage our kids by saying, "If your teacher can graduate and get a good job, so can you!"

Pray it
I am due nothing, God, but what You give me, I want to use and not abuse.

Slander is advanced with too much information; it finds fruition with too little. 3780

2011-11-27T13:01:00.000-08:00

"Don’t curse the king even in your thoughts, and don’t curse rich people even in your bedroom. A bird may carry your words, or some winged creature may repeat what you say."
Ecc 10:20

Learn it.
Casual words, collateral damage?

Live it.
Solomon must have had a parrot in the bedroom who repeated something he said in private. As king, I imagine he wanted to pluck that bird, but it probably belonged to one of his many wives. Stray words are bad enough so I want to apologize in advance for what I'm about to say.

Visiting a church recently, I sat in the middle of the pew with my family. We were greeted by a nice man who struck a conversation with my wife saying "I went to school with your Brother Danny." I now know he was referring to our pastor, but I thought he said, "I went to school with your brother Denny." So I jokingly replied back, "I wouldn't spread that around if I were you." My wife elbowed me as the man had a shocked look on his face and turned to greet others. Lesson learned: don't talk to someone who won't ask for clarification.

Pray it
Thank You, God, that when no one else understands me, You do.

http://prayertower.org/Cal/2011/1126/index.htm

2011-11-26T06:27:00.000-08:00

"Whoever sins against me harms himself. All those who hate me love death." Pr 18:36

Learn it.
Sin - sleight of man.

Live it.
Paul earned the right to be financially supported by the churches to whom he served. But not wanting to burden them or give rise to wrong impression, he supported himself as a tent-maker and ministered as he could (1Th 2:9;Acts 18:3). My ministry is before the throne of intercession for those who aren't aware of it.

Working in the world of home break-ins and burglaries, I physically repair what sin has destroyed. But because of where I work, I often find myself in harm's way. But the real danger may be in the church. I doubt there's a single person to whom I've sold security products who says anything negative about me or wishes me harm. If only the same could be said of those to whom I've sold nothing, but serve in the shadows.

Pray it
Jesus, if punching a church time-clock diminishes my time with You, I don't want it.

We can't get past our past if our past is bigger than our present. 3778.

2011-11-25T06:31:00.000-08:00

"I was innocent as far as he was concerned. I have kept myself from guilt." Ps 18:23

Learn it.
People, problems, posturing and peace.

Live it.
A failure can be either a life-changing event or a temporary setback on the way to success and happiness. For example, a bankruptcy might grant relief for a while but stupidity can create a do-over. And divorce might be unavoidable, but when it includes children, it can live to repeat itself again and again for generations. In marriage, one party might be deemed innocent by some, but what man joins together seldom stays together.

Everyone fails at some point, but every person must determine how it will influence the rest of their life. Saying you're sorry to the right person might start the healing, but without remorse, restitution and recommitment, there's no hope of reconciliation. It's much like confessing that Jesus is Lord with your mouth, but never 1) turning from your sin 2) to embrace God in order to 3) serve the living and true God. (1Th 1:9) You don't hear it much, but it's called repentance and no one is saved who hasn't done it. Doing anything less and your failure is eternal.

Pray it
How can I serve You today, Lord?

Failure exposes our breaks, but doesn't cause them. 3777

2011-11-24T06:22:00.000-08:00

Learn it.
Failure - broke, broken with brokenness.

Live it.
He was minding his own business and not bothering anyone, but shouldn't have been standing on the dinner table. Then it happened. Just like that, someone turned the carousel on which he stood and he fell to the floor. The break just above his feet, knees and right hand left him shattered in pieces. If that wasn't bad enough, Mr. Pilgrim, the seasonal figurine bought on sale, was considered unusable. Sadly, Mrs Pilgrim would have to decorate the Thanksgiving table alone.

I saw the disappointment in my wife's eyes and immediately empathized with him seeing myself - broken, down and out, unfixable and forgettable. "I can fix him," I said and as I gathered all the parts of his broken body I could find. Then, over several days I used glue, sculpturing tools and colored polymer clay to make his breaks undetectable (except for the gaping hole in his back). Today is the big day and Mr. Pilgrim is back, but this time he's ready to tee off. And what have we learned class? Broken is good if the right Person sees value in you and you let Him put you back together.

Pray it
My defects remind me, not of my failures, but of Your relentless resourcefulness, God.

Blaming someone else doesn't abdicate ourselves as much as implicate us. 3776

2011-11-23T06:59:00.000-08:00

"When they left Pharaoh, they found Moses and Aaron waiting to meet them, and they said, 'May the LORD look upon you and judge you! You have made us a stench to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.'” Ex 5:20-21

Learn it.
Cause and neglect.

Live it.
"No pain, no gain." I still remember those words of my coach as I did sit-ups on the football practice field. I can't say that occasional exercise did much beside let me know what was required to get playing time. If I worked hard and listened to instruction, I might earn the opportunity to compete. It's a lot like being a Christian.

As I read Scripture this morning, I think about the Word of God in my life. Some of us read it everyday in the process of ministry, some even all the way through a little at a time. Some will refer to it when they hear preaching or read a devotional. But beyond that, only a few will meditate on it, memorize it and experience it through the day. Even fewer will use it as the basis of their prayer life - if they have one. And only rarely will one of them allow God to speak it through them to someone who needs to hear it. So, what do you say, Christian; want to get off the pine?

Pray it
I'm learning, Father, that teaching is difficult, but teaching the right thing dangerous.

Choice reflects the heart, not the other way around. 3775

2011-11-22T06:50:00.000-08:00

"The Son of Man is going to die as the Scriptures say he will. But how horrible it will be for that person who betrays the Son of Man. It would have been better for that person if he had never been born." Mt 26:24

Learn it.
Choice regrets.

Live it.
Only a spiritually blind person would argue the absolute depravity and degenerate heart of man. Adam was the first to display it, but we all have the same problem. There's not a minute that goes by that we don't think or do something that violates God's expectation. It should cause us to question how we can be so inherently evil through and through and then make one decision that we believe changes everything in His eyes. This even though we never really change anything but the new crowd we might hang around. It's sad the majority of us who take Jesus' name as our own, don't even see a problem with this, much less the obvious contradiction we pose to the "lost."

Pray it
I am so sorry for my sinfulness; God, be merciful to me - the worst sinner ever.

God's expectation is more evident when the heat is turned up. 3774

2011-11-21T07:32:00.000-08:00

"The Israelite foremen realized they were in trouble when they were told, 'You are not to reduce the number of bricks required of you for each day.'” Ex 5:19

Learn it.
Expectation and determination.

Live it.
Early yesterday morning I responded to a call for help after emergency services broke down the door of an 84-year old woman with Alzheimer's who was living by herself. While in the hospital with non-fatal injuries, her family needed someone to fix the damage. Because it was Sunday, there was no one else to help, so I agreed to drive to Horn Lake Mississippi to do so. On the way, I was nearly the victim of a wreck on the expressway multiple times. This was not because of anything I was doing, but the other drivers who showed no regard for the law or the life of anyone in their way.

Because I work alone, I find driving time my best opportunity to pray. When I do, God always prompts me with Scripture and yesterday He reminded me of Jesus' words, "And when these things begin to happen, then look up for your redemption is very near." My first thought was to pull over (if possible), but then I realized I'd been seeing unregenerate man everywhere I look, in increasing measure - daily. (Note: I just heard the loudest clap of thunder ever. It was so loud that our dog, who normally barks at such, was speechless. I'd thought we'd heard the worst with all the thunder and lightning last night, but I think this served as God's reminder it can always get worse.)

Pray it
There is nothing so bad that Your grace and mercy, God, is not greater.

Money is not the issue, but a lack of it may be. 3773

2011-11-20T06:24:00.000-08:00

"A meal is made for laughter, and wine makes life pleasant, but money is the answer for everything." Ecc 10:19

Learn it.
To have or not to have.

Live it.
Someone said money isn't the most important thing, it's the only thing. Well obviously, I don't agree with that statement nor do I think it fixes all problems. They say it can't buy you love either, but it can buy a lot of affection and attention. I am sure of this: the fastest way to stop a sales presentation is to interrupt the salesman and say "I'm sorry, but I have no money, credit or influence." I guess Solomon was right when he said money (or the lack of it) is an answer for everything.

Pray it
I don't have much, but what I have is Yours, God.

You won't find what you don't look for. 3772

2011-11-19T05:37:00.000-08:00

"Whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD." Proverbs 8:35

Learn it.
Seeking and leaking; life and strife - sorry!

Live it.
It's in this time of year that we hear of the wise men who sought and worshipped the Christ child. But in typical fashion, we who are biblically oriented, don't understand the principle much less practice it. Seeking God is not a seasonal exercise, but a life-style of anyone who calls themselves a believer.

Most everyone counted as being a Christian acknowledged Jesus as Lord one time in their life, but don't know Him much less worship Him. You don't have to believe me. In Matthew 7:22-23 Jesus said at Judgment many will believe themselves saved, but aren't. That means they practiced some sort of religious exercise here on earth, but are no different than a Jesus-hater. Dare you ask if you will be among them? Have you ever considered the greatest torment of hell might be regret when they don't find someone they know suffering with them?

Pray it
Search me, O God, and show me anything You find that's not like Jesus.

Why ask God's will when we know His way? 3771

2011-11-18T06:20:00.000-08:00

"He paid me back because I have kept the ways of the LORD and I have not wickedly turned away from my God, because all his judgments are in front of me and I have not turned away from his laws." Psalm 18:21-22

Learn it.
You can only follow one person.

Live it.
It's like an emotional rocking chair when we allow someone in authority to make decisions for us. As a child, we lived under the umbrella of our parents' authority. Even when we disagreed with a verdict, we knew we were exactly where God wanted us to be. As an adult we still live under some earthly authority. So, what does God expect of us when those in charge stop listening to Him? We can always appeal and point out the problem to those in charge, but if they won't listen to God, why would they listen to the voice of reason from anyone else? (Re: Ahab in 1 Kings 22)

Some consider it an appeal to remain obstinate and accusatory around those in authority, But that attitude is a worse offense than what they protest. The right thing to do, regardless how difficult, is to take yourself out of the situation and ask God to direct you where He's the only Authority in play. One thing for sure; stay too long where the opposite is true and before long, you won't listen to God either.

Pray it
Don't allow me, God, to turn down the volume if the Holy Spirit is in the mix.

An enemy is someone who is not WITH you when God is. 3770

2011-11-17T05:27:00.000-08:00

"Jesus answered, 'Someone who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.'" Matthew 26:23

Learn it.
Keep your enemies closer?

Live it.
Have you ever noticed how some church congregations are more friendly than others? Some never leave their own church to visit others, so they might never consider theirs has become only "functional" friendly. That's where you give the impression you're friendly to possible new members, but in reality that unusual behavior never leaves the walls of the sanctuary. What must the world think when they take notice?

In building a disciple ministry I've asked God to show me how. The first thing I learned that true discipleship is based on a personal relationship with Jesus and someone extending that to include someone else. Then I looked at Jesus' disciples and noted they weren't friends at first, but the twelve were more curious followers. If anything, Jesus invested time and prayer in them knowing that through trouble, some would leave and others would stay. It appears that a disciple-maker risks losing most for the sake of gaining one. Sound radical? Before I lose you completely, understand that's the way salvation works.

Pray it
Thank You, Jesus, for being my True Friend.

Expectation is good if it's in God alone. 3769

2011-11-16T06:16:00.001-08:00

"Pharaoh said, 'Lazy, that’s what you are—lazy! That is why you keep saying, "Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD." Now get to work. You will not be given any straw, yet you must produce your full quota of bricks.'” Ex 5:17-18

Learn it.
Expectation has more than one side.

Live it.
I think about Egypt and I see a dust bucket with a few Pyramids all but destroyed with passing time. But at one time, Pharaoh's nation was the most powerful one on earth. And it's highly likely that somewhere in the middle of that pyramid lay a mummified corpse with all his kingly possessions around him - just as they were when the tomb was sealed. I imagine Pharaoh had higher expectations for the future.

I often joke, telling friends I plan to join every church in Memphis before I'm done. That's because I've attended many in my lifetime. The first was where I was on the cradle roll and the second when they needed my pee wee pitching arm. Then there was the shelter that one provided when mine moved to a more charitable neighborhood. Next I served in ministry for many churches to later "retire" where I didn't. Eighteen years later my family moved when we needed a good pastor, but that became musical prison after he left. These days I find the music better, but I'm confident even Pharaoh packed a flute and lyre.

Pray it
I ask Heavenly Father, that You never let me confuse light with The Light.

Love is proven in the rain, not the sunshine. 3768

2011-11-15T06:58:00.000-08:00

"While they were eating, he said, 'I can guarantee this truth: One of you is going to betray me.' Feeling deeply hurt, they asked him one by one, 'You don’t mean me, do you, Lord?'” Matthew 26:21-22

Learn it.
Love, loyalty, license and loss.
Live it.
It was a well respected and growing church in a highly populated area. The new sanctuary sat 200 and the congregation over 3,000 when a young man was asked to build a youth choir where one didn't exist. From a core group of enthusiastic kids and adult sponsors, the choir grew quickly. The unspoken challenge of the leader, however, was to see spiritual growth among the young people with corresponding enthusiasm. With approval, a mini-tour was planned for the summer giving the kids a reason to be faithful and quiet at rehearsal. Things were going well until word came down from the top that the tour was cancelled.

Church leaders thought the size and sound of the choir was not reflective of the desired image of the church. So the choir leader quietly resigned, allowing people to think he quit, rather than answer questions that would prove divisive. And the sponsors took the kids to a theme park. Years later with the church leaders dead or gone, the membership is down to a handful of stalwarts. But a few chairs are moved to the large stage area behind the pulpit on Sunday. As for the large sanctuary and the 200-seat choir loft, it's filled with artificial trees and they can't sell the building. And what have we learned from the pain? It appears God still has no tolerance for arrogance, but He does have a sense of humor.

Pray it
Thank You, God, for teaching us lessons that don't kill us; help us learn.

Bad is good when God can use it. 3767

2011-11-14T06:01:00.000-08:00

"Your servants are given no straw, yet we are told, ‘Make bricks!’ Your servants are being beaten, but the fault is with your own people.” Ex 5:16

Learn it.
When things go hopelessly - good.

Live it.
It was just this week that things hit an all-time low in my business and church life. By all standards, my professional career should be over. In fact, my credit card merchant, bank and some vendors consider me dead so it appears they want to bury me alive. My failure is that I don't have enough business to support and pay monthly non-activity fees. The kiss of death however, might be the fact my primary vendor now expects me to pay for things I've sold before I'm paid for them. It's apparent that this business should be sub-titled "My undercapitalized (ad)venture." It's also apparent that continually putting your finger on a bleeding problem in church renders you an outlaw with leprosy.

As I explained to an understanding friend last week, it seemed I was making brick without straw, but now expected to make it without straw or water. That was the bad news. The good news was what brought my problem to light was receiving a nice order and making a deposit for services that was above my daily balance. You might be wondering why I would share such "personal" and potentially embarrassing information. It's because the best my enemies can do is to provide window dressing for the miracles God is preparing.

Pray it
I hail You, Jesus, as my matchless King through all eternity.

For every over, there's an under. 3766

2011-11-13T13:12:00.000-08:00

"A roof sags because of laziness. A house leaks because of idle hands." Ecc 10:18

Learn it.
Maintenance required.

Live it.
It's sad to see the Pyramid in downtown Memphis being gutted for use by a commercial business. When it was built years ago, the view of the structure on the banks of the Mississippi River set this city apart from any other. But the Pyramid wasn't built without controversy.

The primary user of the facility was the University of Memphis basketball team. Before the Pyramid, it's home was the Mid-South Coliseum, a place that afforded concerts, ice hockey, the circus and pro wrestling a fine place to function. But when the Pyramid opened, the Coliseum effectively shut down. Now years later it's ironic to consider the same fate applied to the Pyramid with the arrival of the FedEx Forum. Sigh... It appears some things only exist to make room for other things.

Pray it
Thank You, God, that You nor Your expectation ever changes.

Wisdom is not what we make of it, but what it makes of us. 3764

2011-11-12T13:56:00.000-08:00

"Blessed is the person who listens to me, watches at my door day after day, waits by my doorposts." Pr 8:34

Learn it.
Perspective comes and goes.

Live it.
I'm not one for the talent shows on television these days. I do watch them every now and then, in curiosity more than anything else. The biggest show was started by record producers trying to find raw talent with the plan to shape them into a unlikely recording star. After several years however, the show has gotten stranger and stranger as it exploits weird behavior and favors the weirdest among them. Some are legitimate diamonds-in-the-rough, but most have their moment of fame in the lime-light just to slowly fade from view.

Now that I think of it, the scenario above reminds me of what happens when most people profess faith in Christ. They were attracted to the Light of Jesus, but opted for something beside following Him. What I mean is they live the way they want and in the end expect eternal life where they plan to do things in heaven they don't enjoy on earth. If that sounds like you, you need to know you don't win by signing-up or someone giving you a trophy along the way. You win as you finish the race and Jesus says "Well done!" You have to wonder if most Christians even read their Instruction Manual.

Pray it
I ask You, God, to strengthen me, not just to endure the race, but to win it.

Time is like money in that it runs out sooner rather than later. 3764

2011-11-11T05:53:00.000-08:00

"The LORD rewarded me because of my righteousness, because my hands are clean." Ps 18:20

Learn it.
This may be your time.

Live it.
You can't ignore it, why even try? I'm speaking of what happens in roughly four hours from now, specifically at 11 minutes and 11 seconds after 11 o'clock on the 11th day of the 11th month of 2011. It would be nice to talk to someone surviving this day in 1111, so we could fully appreciate what might happen today. Such a phenomena of dating has occurred many times in the past, but after next month's 12/12/12, there will be no more - at least in our lifetime. But that's ok, because on that day next year, the Mayans believed we'd have but nine more days to live anyway.

They were masters of keeping time, but the Mayans stopped doing it at December 21st in 2012. That was probably due to the fact they found the date, in conjunction with a coinciding astronomical event, too significant to ignore or bypass. I wonder if they accounted for February adding another day to 2012? Then again, maybe the Mayans reached the end of their rock on which they were scratching. We'll never know, but standby; in 406 days, some of us will find out if there will be 407.

Pray it
Help me redeem whatever time I have - for Your glory, God.

For the Believer, the word "alone" has no application. 3763

2011-11-10T05:54:00.000-08:00

"When evening came, Jesus was at the table with the twelve apostles." Mt 26:20

Learn it.
Dependable and Trustworthy.

Live it.
It was just a couple of days ago that I wrote in my personal journal, "I quit." It wasn't that things were any worse than usual, but the fact I felt alone in facing them. Obviously I didn't quit or I wouldn't be here today. So, what happened for me to say such a thing and then take it back?

In one day, all the negative energy, religious avoidance, ignorance, and persistent problems finally reached a point I couldn't ignore them and keep going. It seemed I'd lost all hope of surviving much less overcoming anything. Not much has changed since then, except the morning came: I looked up and saw Jesus still there. He's never quit and it appears He won't accept my resignation either.

Pray it
Thank You, Jesus, for reminding me that You've never missed a meeting and never will.

Don't go to a candy shop to protest sugar. 3762

2011-11-09T05:17:00.000-08:00

"Then the Israelite foremen went and appealed to Pharaoh: 'Why have you treated your servants this way?'" Ex 5:15

Yesterday the fine people of the state of Mississippi voted down the obvious fact that life begins at conception. It's sad that intelligent people close their eyes on the issue, thinking a baby is like the universe: You conveniently dismiss it until it grows too big to ignore. Then you explain it anyway you can, leaving the obvious out of the equation.

The vote was a valiant plan by strategists to redefine the debate of abortion versus life. You'd think those who fight secularism by forcing godly principles on ungodly people would get it by now. Our nation lost the right to sing "God Bless America" when our justice system said it's all right to kill babies and we accepted their decision. What's changed in all the time that's passed and who in their right mind really expects to make it right where it went wrong?

Forgive us God, for ignoring You and pretending we get a pass.

Fellowship is spending personal time with the One you follow. 3761

2011-11-08T06:16:00.000-08:00

"The disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover." Mt 26:19

Learn it.
Showing regard for someone who regards you.

Live it.
Every day must have been an exciting one for the twelve disciples of Jesus. They heard people constantly claim he was nothing special, but then everything Jesus did proved them wrong. It was a special time for sure, but being one of His followers was an honor above anything someone might aspire. And yet, you have to wonder if and when they realized how special they were. In humility, I doubt any of them ever did.

In a way, that particular Passover night was a preview of heaven. One of the Twelve deserted his position and turned against Jesus. But of the eleven who remained faithful and were martyred, you can say they earned the privilege of enjoying that fellowship on the other side of the grave. And then there's us. Most who claim to be a follower of Jesus today have never enjoyed a minute of fellowship with Him down here. I'm wondering what Scripture supports the fanciful idea that someone who doesn't enjoy spending time with Jesus down here will live to do it up there?

Pray it
I pray that seeing you face to face, Jesus, will be but a comma in our conversation.

Why fight when your enemy has surrendered? 3760

2011-11-07T05:46:00.000-08:00

"The Israelite foremen appointed by Pharaoh’s slave drivers were beaten and were asked, 'Why didn’t you meet your quota of bricks yesterday or today, as before?'” Ex 5:14

Learn it.
A battle is not over until someone's spirit surrenders.

Live it.
Every war has a victor. That's where one side prevails over, or at least outlasts the other. But some battles are still being fought even though the war is said to be over. That's because you can kill, disarm and take captive all the soldiers, but until you subdue the spirit of your enemy, you can't win. Some say the only way to win a war is to cut off the head of your enemy, but if you can't find it, how exactly do you do that?

It was reported that after Pearl Harbor, a Japanese Navy officer remarked, "I fear all we have done in attacking the United States, is to awaken a sleeping giant." He may have been speaking of the force of the military, but in the end he learned it was the resolve of the American people that God blessed and gave victory. Watching the way our nation has since turned and inclined toward His enemies, it appears both our resolve and God's blessing may have dissolved.

Pray it
God, it's not the Mayan's prediction we should fear, but Your plans for sin we embrace.

Opportunity: wait and lose. 3759

2011-11-06T05:40:00.000-08:00

"A country is blessed when the king is from a noble family and when the high officials eat at the right time in order to get strength and not to get drunk." Ecc 10:17

Learn it.
Things are right when we are.

Live it.
Edwards; that's his last name. I mentioned a few days ago not being able to remember the last name of a long-time acquaintance. God gave me opportunity yesterday and I took it. Driving past what I knew as his last place of business thirty years ago, I stopped, went in and asked questions of strangers until Tom and I stood there face to face. For a few minutes, we spoke fondly of family, friends and old times as he gave me the nickel tour of his incredible facility.

You'll be glad to know I confessed my sin. Well, it wasn't sin unless you consider him being four years younger and the fact I didn't associate with him in our church youth group. But I did confess telling someone I knew he would account for something later in life. I knew that because he seemed to have his head screwed on straight when most others (including me) tested how far we could loosen it and still be able to walk. Lesson? Some things will never be known unless and until we ask, but waiting too long to do it, we probably won't like the answer. Next stop: talk some more over a chili cheese dog.

Pray it
Thank you, God, for memory and time to nuture it.

Staying the course requires knowing the course. 3758

2011-11-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

"Listen to discipline, and become wise. Do not leave my ways." Proverbs 8:33

Learn it.
Pleasing someone else...

Live it.
Robert Louis Stevenson. said, "Most of our pocket wisdom is conceived for the use of mediocre people, to discourage them from ambitious attempts, and generally console them in their mediocrity." His grandfather was a minister and not only did Robert bear his name, but spent much time as a young boy under his influence. His parents on the other hand, wanted their son to become a lawyer, which he eventually did. But when he had free time, Robert chose to spend it writing stories. One day his dad found one of the stories laying around and chided him to "give up such nonsense and mind his business." Robert did, eventually becoming one of the most revered writers in history.

Most of us live long enough to do what eventually becomes our legacy, and sometimes it's to the chagrin of our parents. For instance, my mom thought I would become another George Beverly Shea, but all I wanted to do was enjoy life. You know, if she were here today, I'd probably sing, "How Great Thou Art" to her. But knowing what I do these days, I'm confident she'd like it more than being Shea's mother: I spend time with the One she's with today and then write about it.

Pray it
One moment with You, Jesus, is the greatest Treasure Island there is.

Trouble is what you make it. 3757

2011-11-04T06:08:00.000-07:00

"He brought me out to a wide-open place. He rescued me because he was pleased with me." Psalm 18:19

Learn it.
Cornered options?

Live it.
Scripture tells us there's a way that's seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. (Prov 14:12; 16:25) So how can a person know for certain what's the right thing to do? It's good to ponder the question, but better to do it before stepping out. Standing in the middle of a busy street intersection while thinking about it, and trouble might find you.

Very few people recognize they're in trouble when things are going well. Most people take action that appears right but only results in making their situation worse. Then one day as they stare unavoidable consequences in the face, they wonder at what point they went wrong. I doubt anyone totally escapes that inevitability. But judging by my typical situation, it appears some of us escape it less than others. Then again, if trouble leads you to a closer walk with the Lord than most, why would you want to avoid it?

Pray it
It's only trouble, LORD, if I can't see You standing nearby.

Forgettable is regrettable when someone proves expendable. 3756

2011-11-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

He said, “Go to a certain man in the city, and tell him that the teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’ ” Mt 26:18

Learn it.
We might forget, but our God does not.

Live it.
"I can't remember his name." I wonder how many time in my life I've spoken those words. Every time I drive past the metal shop in Cordova, Tennessee, I look at the business just off the road and mention his first name, but can't remember his last. Tom was a slightly younger man than me when we were members of the same church youth group over forty years ago. Though not close, I remember him being a diligent person at a young age and fifteen years later proving it by running that business.

I think of him often, perhaps because I drive past his shop frequently. But the next time I do, I plan to stop. I might appear foolish, but I want to ask someone still working there to help me - if they can. And why would I do such a thing? To me, ignoring my memory "lapse" is not just failing to listen to a prompting, but being presumptuous on the future. I'm asking God to give me one more opportunity to talk to Tom, hopefully not about him. I need to find out if my memory of his lost condition needs to be updated. In either case, how can I pray if I don't inquire?

Pray it
I ask, God, for help remembering so I can do what I should have already done.

Dependency can be good or bad, based on Whom we depend. 3755

2011-11-02T06:13:00.000-07:00

"The slave drivers kept pressing them, saying, 'Complete the work required of you for each day, just as when you had straw.'” Ex 5:13

Learn it.
When push comes to shove...

Live it.
What will it take for me to do what I really should do, but really don't want to do? Today many people will ask that question of themselves, without waiting for an answer. The Israelites, under the yoke of Egyptian taskmasters, didn't have such luxury. They either did the unpleasant thing asked of them or suffered the immediate and harsh consequences.

I wonder sometimes if most of us don't lie when we claim to trust God. We're big on singing songs of praise in church, but we groan and complain when life gets tough. You know, that might be the Laodicean creed: Why trust God when you don't need anything or wait for Him to come through when you can take care of it yourself?

Pray it
God, I am nothing without You, but more than a conqueror with You.

What fool waits for Judgment before gathering evidence? 3754

2011-11-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

"On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples went to Jesus. They asked, 'Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?'” Mt 26:17

Learn it.
Questions should fit the need.

Live it.
The easy part was writing a booklet for use in discipleship. It needed to be brief, but comprehensive at the same time. It needed to get attention, be inexpensive to produce and address issues for both the lost and those claiming to be saved. PULSE was the name I gave it in 2003 and it did all these things. But trying to get anyone in America to see the need for it has proven more challenging than I expected. Since then I've condensed it and am presently translating it into the Hindi language for a gospel hungry pastor in Nepal.

Paul told the believers in 2Cor 13:5 to examine themselves to see if they were in the faith. In other words, he challenged them to find evidence their profession of Jesus equaled possession. The disciple-maker saw the need in the first century and I'd say the need is even greater in the twenty-first. We should all take the test, but then again, who wants to know the answer to a question they see no need to ask?

Pray it
Forgive me, God; I don't think I deserve to be awakened from my slumber.

When the unthinkable becomes inevitable, the improbable becomes believable. 3753

2011-10-31T05:55:00.000-07:00

"So the people scattered all over Egypt to gather stubble to use for straw. The slave drivers kept pressing them, saying, 'Complete the work required of you for each day, just as when you had straw.'” Ex 5:12-13

Learn it.
Doing the unthinkable requires more...

Live it.
Daniel had his dreams and David his slingshot, but both had God on their side. Their stories are well known, but countless everyday people have taken paths they didn't choose or understand and found God waiting to see them through.

Jesus told his disciples that he was sending them out like sheep among wolves. He commanded them to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. He warned to be on guard against men who would turn on them and even beat them. But not to worry, because when that happened, God would tell them what to say and His Spirit would speak through them. You might conclude that kind of power would be needed to advance the gospel in the world. But Jesus was actually talking about preaching to people who professed faith in God but didn't know Jesus, much like what you find in the church today.

Pray it
I'm willing, God; forgive me for my pessimism.

Ruling shouldn't hurt, especially those being ruled. 3752

2011-10-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

"How horrible it will be for any country where the king used to be a servant and where the high officials throw parties in the morning." Ecc 10:16

Learn it.
Change is bad when it hurts the innocent.

Live it.
In the United States of America, anyone can be voted to office in Congress to make laws for everyone else to follow. Some even make it to the highest office in the country, that of President of the United States. And others are placed in a lifetime office to interpret those laws. But inside those robes and suits are people who were nothing of consequence a few hours before they took office.

I love the stories of someone who worked hard and served faithfully to be elected to public office by their fellow countrymen. It's great to see them stand on strong conscience and moral integrity, but just the opposite when they don't. We may never know how some slither into office by making shady deals and using their power to intimidate and corrupt lesser officials. We know that exposure to radioactivity can make someone crazy. But I wonder if exposure to new-found power makes someone forgetful as well?

Pray it
May we see You, God, in everything our government does, good or bad.

Every good leader is a better follower. 3751

2011-10-29T06:32:00.000-07:00

"Now, sons, listen to me. Blessed are those who follow my ways. Listen to discipline, and become wise." Pr 8:32-33

Learn it.
Of direction, distraction and determination.

Live it.
The most productive times of my life have been when I wasn't leading anyone. As a Youth Pastor, I had the privilege of leading many young people, but when I coached their soccer and basketball teams, I think my role was more important. As a Chairman of Deacons, I was always in the discussion of church matters, but when I wasn't leading deacons, I was doing things that deacons should do. The only thing common to these examples is this: You can be the most productive leader ever, but in swapping your ministry time to teach and lead someone else, it's easy to confuse business with serving.

Pray it
God, if my intentions were pearls I'd be rich, so why do I feel like a pig-farmer?

On what basis do fools separate themselves from fools? 3750

2011-10-28T06:04:00.000-07:00

"On the day when I faced disaster, they confronted me, but the LORD came to my defense. He brought me out to a wide-open place. He rescued me because he was pleased with me." Ps 18:18

Learn it.
My survival comes from my Sustainer.

Live it.
I'm learning to walk all over again. By that I mean that something happens when you get older and have more capacity to serve than most of the younger crowd. First there's isolation because who wants to hang with their friend's parents? Then there's what I call friendly ignorance. That's where you're nice to anyone with gray hair, but you isolate yourself from anyone not your age. You figure if anything needs doing, someone close to your age, maybe eventually you, will do it.

Every generation does it. Being young you feel untouchable, if not invincible. I know because I felt the same way. There's a feeling you can live the way you want and decide your own future. And if not, the percentages of being in error are still in your favor. But then there comes the wake up call. First you learn that you're not invincible and then the ultimate depression. As you mature, you finally learn something, but no one will listen to you. And it all started when adults adopted age-segregated education, not only in the world but in the church. God better save us because we've dug a hole so deep, we can't see out of it, much less climb out of it.

Pray it
Thank you for godly adults who influenced me in a positive way.

What you think you see may not be. 3749

2011-10-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

"He asked, 'What will you pay me if I hand him over to you?” They offered him 30 silver coins. From then on, he looked for a chance to betray Jesus.'" Mt 26:15-16

Learn it.
Impression, ignition and mission.

Live it.
I have a file folder in my cabinet entitled "PORN." Before you stop reading and start the rumor mill, it contains articles about the subject and not porn. Now that I think of it, I understand someone can look at my computer's search history and discover what I'm trying to find in my private time. If they did, they might find the phrase, "dirty pictures," but please let me explain before you start another rumor. Recently I looked for a picture to accompany my morning devotional regarding being messy. What I learned was it's nearly impossible to build a narrow search phrase to find pictures like that without getting all sorts of bad information back.

On the subject, last night I encountered someone who attended a church I left to join my current one. He immediately started explaining his reason for leaving and I did what anyone should do. I cupped my hand over my ears and asked him not to tell me, but it didn't stop him. His words weren't malicious and I have no reason to disbelieve him, but it was irrelevant to me. No longer part of his problem or solution, I didn't belong in that conversation. All my friend did was put stuff in my head that I didn't want and doesn't belong there. Maybe I should Google "thinking bad thoughts." No, I'll let time and God's Word be my Eraser instead.

Pray it
God, I may the world's worst of going on mission based on the wrong impression.

All followers are not disciples, but all disciples follow - someone. 3748

2011-10-26T05:51:00.001-07:00

"Then the slave drivers and the overseers went out and said to the people, 'This is what Pharaoh says: "I will not give you any more straw. Go and get your own straw wherever you can find it, but your work will not be reduced at all.”'" Ex 5:10-11

Learn it.
Some followers follow other followers.

Live it.
All of Jesus' disciples ran away and hid when He was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt 26:56). But that wasn't the first time there was desertion among the rank and file. Early in His ministry many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him (John 6:66). The Twelve stayed the course, but we know that one of them was a worse than a deserter - Judas was a deceiver. But we shouldn't judge him too harshly. That's because our mantra says "Jesus is Lord," but most of us follow something else or someone other than Jesus.

I can't speak for worldly followers because they're deceived themselves. But for the countless number of people who think there is salvation outside the Lordship of Jesus Christ, I can only grieve. After the multitude of disciples left Jesus, He asked the Twelve if they wanted to go too. If only we understood what Peter was really saying when he rhetorically asked, "And go where?"

Pray it
I ask You to let me know when I call You Lord, but don't make You Lord.