'O Sovereign Lord,' I replied, 'you alone know the answer to that.'”
v. 1-3
The dry bones represented the people's spiritually dead condition. Your church may seem like a heap of dry bones to you, spiritually dead with no hope of vitality. But just as God promised to restore his nation, he can restore my church, no matter how dry or dead it can be. Rather than give up, pray for renewal, for God can restore it to life. The hope and prayer of every church should be that God will put his spirit into it. In fact; God is at work calling his people back to himself, bringing life into dead churches and spiritually dead people.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Jeremiah 38:1-13
Judah's leaders persecuted Jeremiah repeatedly for faithfully proclaiming Gods messages. For 40 years of faithful ministry, he received no acclaim, no love, no popular following. He was beaten, jailed, threatened, and even forced to leave his homeland. Only the pagan Babylonians showed him any respect. God does not guarantee that his servants will escape persecution, even when they are faithful. But God does promise that he will be with them and will give them strength to endure. As you minister to others, recognize that your service is for God and not just for human approval. God rewards our faithfulness, but not always during our lifetime.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Jeremiah 36
Only three leaders protested this evil act of burning the scroll containing God's Word. This shows how complacent and insensitive to God the people had become. Not only did the king reject God's Word, he tried to destroy it. Speaking out against these actions took courage. Anyone who decides to live for God must be willing to stand for right even if almost everyone else turns away. It is in the climate of darkness and sin that genuine faith shines most brightly.
When I hear things that confront sin in my life, unknown and known, how do I respond? Do I listen and repent, or do I ignore and indulge?
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The Day from Crapville
Today was one of those tuff days that you never want to repeat. However, when you look back on it later in life, it is sure to be a pivotal marker in your development.
It all started with my evaluation. Not that the evaluation went bad, it was actually pretty good. I seem to be above expectations in all areas but one. I understand leadership development and want to grow as a leader, but I learned something today that I am still fleshing out. Today in my evaluation we flew through the things that were above average and spent most of our time on one area that was average. I think there were like 8 things that I was evaluated on but to be honest, I have no idea what the other 7 were because all we really talked about was the 1 area I was average.
Lesson 1: Leaders are Learners I want to be the best leader I can be, but spending more time on the success instead of skimming them to get to the one average area, can cause people to miss the opportunity to celebrate successes. Growth has to happen, and challenges have to be given, but lets not overlook success to get to that point!
Secondly, when you work with volunteers, sometimes it is hard to read what they mean by the way they say certain things. As much as you try not to read into a situation or comment, it is hard not to take things personally. I don't think it was meant to be a personal thing, but it could easily be taken that way if I dwell on it.
Lesson 2: Leaders are Learners I want to be the best leader I can be, but sometimes constructive criticism can be hurtful if you are blind-sided by it or take it in the wrong way or with the wrong attitude.
I know these are times that I am growing and being stretched as a leader, but it isn't fun!!!!!
so a friend sharpens a friend." Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
Refiner's fire
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold
Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You my Master
Ready to do Your will
Brian Doerksen / 1990 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing
Jeremiah 1:1-10
The Lord replied, 'Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!' Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said,
'Look, I have put my words in your mouth!
Today I appoint you to stand up
against nations and kingdoms.
Some you must uproot and tear down,
destroy and overthrow.
Others you must build up
and plant.'" v.6-10
Often people struggle with new challenges because they lack self-confidence, feeling that they have inadequate ability, training, or experience. Jeremiah thought he was 'too young' and inexperienced to be God's prophet to the nations. But God promised to be with him. We should not allow feelings of inadequacy keep us from obeying God. He will always be with us. If God gives you a job to do, He will provide all you need to do it!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Isaiah 53
it was our sorrows[a] that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all." v. 4- 6
This prophecy was fulfilled by the death of Jesus. How could an Old Testament person understand the idea of Christ dying for our sins - actually bearing the punishment that we deserved? The sacrifice suggested this, but it is one thing to kill a lamb, and something quit different to think of God's chosen servant as that Lamb. But God was pulling aside the curtain of time to let the people Isaiah's of day look ahead to the suffering of the future Messiah and the resulting forgiveness made available to all people!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Isaiah 6
Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, 'See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.'
Then I heard the Lord asking, 'Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?'
I said, 'Here I am. Send me.'" v. 5-8
Seeing the Lord and listening to the praise of the angles, Isaiah realized that he was sinful before God, with no hope of measuring up to God standard of holiness. When Isaiah's lips were touched with a live burning coal, however, he was told that his sins were forgiven. It wasn't the coal that cleansed him, but God. In response, Isaiah submitted himself entirely to God's service. No matter how dificult his task would be, he said, "Here I am. Send me." The painful cleansing process was necessary before Isaiah could fulfill the task to which God was calling him. Before we accept God's call to speak for him to those around us we must be cleansed as Isaiah was, confessing our sins and submitting to God's control. Letting God purify us may be painful, but we must be purified so that we can truly represent God, who is pure and holy.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Stealing Internet
It's almost midnight and I have had a slow internet connection all day on my secure wireless network. So just for my own curiosity, I have connected to an un-secure network from one of my neighbors. Though the connection only gives me one bar - it is light speeds faster than mire secure-wireless network that show 4 bars. I think I need a new router. This will be the second one I have replaced in 2 years. What should we get? Wireless G or N. Not impressed with my N right now!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
PDYM Regional - Dallas
Getting ready for day 2 of the PDYM Regional - Dallas. Last night was good. Megan talked about Life Hurts God Heals, starting with an overview of the ministry and moving into practical insights of how it can be used in our ministries, by showing how it is used in their ministry. I think that makes sense. Very good stuff!!! Especially the importance of leaders!
Today, Doug will share about Purpose Driven Youth Ministry. I am excited! I have all of our paid youth staff and some of our volunteers at the conference and look forward to followup conversations with each of them. It will be interesting to see how Doug takes a 3 day conference and packs it all into one day. Should be great learning with the team!
Ecclesiastes 12
A life without God can produce bitterness, loneliness, and hopelessness in old age. A life centered around God is fulfilling and can be richer and more bearable when we are faced with disabilities, sickness, or handicaps. Being young is exciting. Bit the excitement of youth can become a barrier to closeness with God if it makes young people focus on passing pleasures instead of eternal values. Make your strength available to God when it is still yours - during your youthful years. Don't waste it on evil or meaningless activities that become habits and make you callous. Seek God now!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Proverbs 5
examining every path he takes.
An evil man is held captive by his own sins;
they are ropes that catch and hold him.
He will die for lack of self-control;
he will be lost because of his great foolishness." v.21-23
In our world today good men, even men being used by God, are falling into the trap of looking outside of their relationship with their wife, for some type of relationship. Some of them went looking for it while others simply let their guard down. That is why Solomon warns us all to be careful. In contrast to what we read, see, and hear today, this passage urges couples to look to each other for life long satisfaction and companionship. Many temptations cause husband and wives to leave when things become hard, stale, dull, or complacent. They begin to think the grass will be greener on the other side. It may appear that way at first but the reality is that it's not. Don't let God's best for you be wasted on the illusion of greener pastures somewhere else. Instead, rejoice with your spouse as you give yourself to God and each other.
If you are single, don't think this doesn't apply to you. Don't settle for less than God's best! Be patient, and God will bless!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Proverbs 4
for it determines the course of your life." v23
Our heart - our feelings of love and desire - dictates to a great extent how we live because we we always find time to do what we enjoy. Solomon tells us to guard our hearts above all else, making sure we concentrate on those desires that will keep us on the right path. Make sure your affections lead you in the right right directions. Put boundaries on your desires: Don't go after everything you see. Look straight ahead, keep your eyes fixed on your goal, and don't get sidetracked on detours that lead to sin.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Psalm 145
he is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen
and lifts those bent beneath their loads." v. 13-14
Sometimes our burdens seem more than we can bear, and we wonder how we can go on. David stands as this bleak intersection of life's road and meditates on the Lord, the great burden bearer. God is able to lift us because:
1. His greatness is beyond discovery
2. He does mighty acts for each generation
3. He is full of majestic, glorious splendor
4. He does awe-inspiring deeds
5. He is righteous
6. He is kind, merciful, patient, loving, and compassionate
7. He rules over an everlasting kingdom
8. He is our source for all our daily needs
9. He is righteous and kind in all his dealings
10. He remains close to those who call on him
11. He hears our cries and rescues us
If you are bending under a burden and feel that you are about to fall, turn to God for help. He is ready to lift you up and bear your burden.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Psalm 139
and know everything about me." v.1
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life." v.23-24
Sometimes we don't let people get to know us completely because we are afraid they will discover something about us they won't like. But God already knows everything about us, even the number of hairs on our heads and he still accepts and loves us. God is with us through every situation, in every trial - protecting, loving, guiding. He knows and loves us completely.
David ask God to search for sin and point it out, even to the level of testing his thoughts. This is exploratory surgery for sin. How are we to recognize sin unless God points it out? Then, when God shows us, we can repent and be forgiven. Make this verse your prayer. If you ask God to search yor heart and your thoughts and to reveal your sin, you will be continuing on "the path to everlasting life".
Monday, April 14, 2008
Psalm 103
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me." v. 1-2
David's praise focused on the good things God was doing for him. It is easy to complain about life, but David's list gives us plenty for which to praise God: He forgives our sins, heals our diseases, redeems us from death, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires, and gives righteousness and justice. We receive all of these without deserving any of them. No matter how difficult your life's journey, you can always count your blessings-past, present, and future. When you feel as though you have nothing for which to praise God, read Davids list found in this psalm.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Package From Nanna
Josiah got a package from Nanna a couple of days ago. Every-once in awhile she will send him a care package. This time it had six-lets and clothes inside. This afternoon, Josiah went to change into some shorts, so i thought. But instead of shorts, he put on one of his new outfits. As I walked into his room this is what he told me, "This outfit make me look soooooo good!" Here is a pic of his new outfit that makes him sooooo look good. Thank you Nanna!!!
Prayer for Jackson pt 2
Well I don't know where to start. Stephanie took Jackson the the pediatrician on Friday who told her they didn't think Jackson had a Febrile Seizure but that another type of seizure might be trying to surface. The doctor said we need to see our neurologist to see what the next steps are. I am so sick of going to the doctors!!!!!
So the news Friday was not the news we wanted to hear. Jackson is doing ok. He has pneumonia and is on an antibiotic and motrin/tylenol along with his meds for the mioclonic seizures that he has been on since January. Which until Thursday, was doing amazing things. So we are praying! Praying that God would again intervene like He has Jackson whole life. Even though short, He has a testimony and so do we. Please pray with us, as we pray for his health and our sanity.
LIfe Lesson: Life is fragile, handle it with care and take advantage of the moments you have, you never know how many are left!
Psalm 51
because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
blot out the stain of my sins." v.1
This psalm expresses one of the clearest examples of repentance in all of scripture. Countless broken sinners have found in these words an exquisite expression of their deeply felt need for God's mercy and forgiveness. David's confession has helped people examine excuses, half-hearted repentance, and lack of sorrow over sin that can keep them from experiencing pardon. David's words also demonstrate the place of hope within confession. Use this psalm as a starting point when dealing with a sense of distance or with guilt that is affecting your relationship with God. It will help you identify and rectify sin in your life through confession and repentance.
Prayer for Jackson pt 1
WOW! God is so big. The devo I read for Friday was supposed to be my devotional for Thursday, but sadly I let the day get away and simply ran out of hours when a family crisis happened in the early Evening.
Yesterday is a day I never want to repeat. I put Jackson down for a nap but when he woke up he was lethargic and not that responsive. Stephanie picked him up out of a pool of drool and ran him down the stairs. As I held his limp, warm, wet body, I knew we needed to get him to a hospital. As a dad, every good and bad thought was running through my mind. Not knowing for sure if we could make it to the hospital, we stopped at the fire station just down the road from our house. As I handed him to the EMT, he immediately took Jackson to the ambulance. After a short stay, they took him to the hospital with lights and sirens. Stephanie rode with him while Josiah and I followed in our own vehicle. We were heading to the hospital in the middle of Rush Hour. All I could do was pray. I had no idea what was happening in the ambulance, was he getting better, was he getting worse. I called one of our friends to ask them to pray and to let them know we were going to the hospital.
As we got to he hospital they put us in a room, the waiting room sign said the wait was 4-5 hours, how can a hospital seriously make people wait that long?? Thats beside the point, we had a room and I was headed there not knowing what I would walk in on.
Jackson was laying there kinda just staring off into space, almost as if he could see us but couldn't do anything to acknowledge us. After a few questions, and a few test, and 4 hours of not knowing what had happened, Jackson started to return to his normal self. Thankfully, our friends met us there and took Josiah for us. The doctor came in and told us that Jackson has a stint of pneumonia and probably suffered from a febrile seizure. He put him on an antibiotic and told us to give him Motrin and Tylenol. He said they could admit him but he didn't feel it was necessary since the blood-work looked so good and the x-ray showed a very small development of the pneumonia. As we drove home we couldn't help but be thankful that Jackson was ok. We were exhausted. Neither one of us slept very well last night. Every cough and move Jackson made last night caused us to look to see if he was ok. He has a doctors appointment today and we will see what the pediatrician has to say.
Last night put a new meaning to verse 4 and it will forever be etched in my heart,
"Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me."
Friday, April 11, 2008
Psalm 23:1-6
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever." Psalm 23:1-6
Death cast a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies - pain, suffering, disease, injury - but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word. Only one person can walk with us through death's dark valley and bring us safely to the other side - the God of life, our shepherd. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this shepherd who offers us eternal comfort.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Music Rant
I don't know about you, but it is hard for me to do anything without some form of music. I love music, but I am finding myself listening to the words more closely now. I think this started happening when I was with some of my interns at the time and "Candy Shop" came on the radio for the first time. We couldn't believe what we were hearing.
Now l have always said, "I don't listen to the words to much I just like the song." Teenagers tell me this all the time. When I look back at my life there are certain songs that I still like. For example, I still like Creed, Metallic, and Live. (Yes I am a youth pastor so go ahead and re-read what I just wrote). Last week I was working on my talk weekend listening to The Unforgivin by Metallica. (thats out of the box) One of my favorite songs this summer was by Lincoln Park called "What I've done". Today, I found myself listing to Creeds, "My Sacrifice". These song remind me of different things in my life but there are some deep words and meaning in these songs. I have found myself listing to these songs through a christian world view and it has caused me to like some of them even more.
Here is my learning, even though the artist may not have Christian values, God can still share truth with us through their songs. We used this video this weekend and it was amazing!
Any thoughts?
Psalm 8
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2 You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.
3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?
5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority—
7 the flocks and the herds
and all the wild animals,
8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.
9 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
To respect God's majesty, we must compare ourselves to HIS Greatness. When we look at the vast expanse of creation, we wonder how God could be concerned for people who constantly disappoint him. Yet God created us only a little lower than himself and the angels! The next time you question your worth as a person, remember that God considers you highly valuable. We have great worth because he put a stamp of approval on us at creation!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Puttin' On The Hit's 2008
Tonight, Josiah and I attended the Allen High School Talent Show. Two students from our ministry performed. They both did such a great job. As I sat in the stands I couldn't help but admire the courage each of them had to perform in front of their peers. I sat with two sets of parents who were just gleaming with pride as they watched their teenager perform and wow the audience. It was a special moment for me and I am glad I got to be a part of it! What an awesome night!!!
Psalm 1
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do." v.1-3
You can learn how to follow God by meditating on his Word. This means spending time reading and thinking about what you have read. It means asking yourself how you should change so you will live as God wants. Knowing and thinking about God's Word are the first steps toward applying it to your everyday life. If you want to follow God more closely, you must know what he says.
The more we delight in obeying God, the more fruitful we are. On the other hand, the more we allow those who ridicule God to affect our thoughts and attitudes, the more we seperate ourselves from our source or nourishment. We must have contact with unbelievers if we are to witness to them, but we need to be careful to set an example for them and not become a hinderance for them coming to Christ.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Job 42
The main question in the book of Job is timely: Why do believers experience troubles and suffering? Through a long debate, Job's supposedly wise friends were unable to answer this question. Job's friends made a serious error for which God rebuked them. They assumed that trouble comes only to people that sin. People make the same mistakes today when they assert that sickness or lack of material blessing is a sign of unconfessed sin or lack of faith. Though normally following God leads to a happier life, and rebelling against God normally leaders to an unhappy life, God is in control. In our world of sin, calamity and suffering come to good and bad alike.
This doesn't mean that God is indifferent, uncaring, unjust, or powerless to protect us. Bad things happen because we live in a fallen world, where both believers and unbelievers are hit with the tragic consequences of sin. God allows evil for a time although He turns it around for our good. We may have no answers as to why God allows evil, but we can be sure He is all-powerful and knows what He is doing. The next time you face trials and dilemmas, see them as opportunities to turn to God for strength. You will find a God who deeply loves you and wants to show you His love and compassion. If you can trust Him in pain, confusion, and loneliness, you will win the victory and eliminate doubt, one of Satan's greatest footholds in your life. Make God your foundation. You can never be separated from His Love!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Thomas the Train
Today was the second part of Josiah's b-day. He loves Thomas the Train, and today was his special day to see Thomas in person, It was awesome! He got to see Sir Topham Hat, Thomas the Train, the Conductors, watch a Magician, get a tattoo, jump in a bounce house, ride in one of Thomas's Coaches as Thomas pulled the train, as well as drive a little train by himself. The day was great, both Jackson and Josiah were pretty good and the excitement was priceless. We had a blast as a family. Josiah was in Thomas Heaven . . . especially when he was the first one to be able to load the the train after the conductor shouted, "All aboard!!!"
What a day! My wife described it as a Star Wars convention for kids. I thought that was pretty funny . . . when you think about it, that isn't far from the truth. Anyways, we had a great time and if a day with Thomas is going to be in your area and you have a Thomas Fan, we would encourage you to check it out. Here are some pictures from today.
Job 38
My God is so Big so Strong and so Mighty, there's nothing my God can't do. As we drove our youngest to the Hospital in November, this is the song Josiah, our 3 year old at the time, began to sing. I had never heard him sing it, but talk about appropriate. This will forever be etched in my mind of just how Big our God is.
In this passage as the Lord speaks back to Job, we see how Strong, Big and Mighty He is. Just by looking at our everyday world we see how big God is. He controls all the elements, like rain, hail, wind, lightning, the rising and setting of the sun, and the list goes on . . . and on . . . and on. The next time you see any of these things let it be a reminder that God is Strong, Big, and Mighty!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Leaders Summit
I have just spent the last two days attending the Leaders Summit. Must say, it is fantastic, practical, challenging, but going to requires growth as it stretches me to become a better leader. I am excited to see what it looks like for me and our ministry. You can take a free online assessment. If you can attend one of their two day conferences it will be well worth the money.
Right now my brain feels fried, a lot of thoughts going on as i process through the material!!! Definatly will have to go back through this book.
Here are the main things the conference covers:
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Job 2
Many people think that believing in God protects them from trouble, so when calamity comes, they question God's goodness and justice. But the message of Job is that you should not give up on God because he allows you to have bad experiences. Faith in God does not guarantee personal prosperity, and lack of faith does not guarantee troubles in life. If this were so, people would believe in God simply to get rich. God is capable of rescuing us from suffering, but he may also allow suffering to come for reasons we cannot understand. It is Satan's strategy to get us to doubt God at exactly this moment. Here Job shows a perspective broader than seeking his own personal comfort. If we always knew why we were suffering, our faith would have no room to grow.
