Joshua 4:5 1/29/2019*

“… Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, ⁶ to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ ⁷ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord.”

Do you build monuments to God in your life?

We have no problem remembering what we want God to do, but we seem to struggle when it comes to remembering what He has already done.

God realizes that about us… and instructed the Israelites to take twelve stones from the middle of the river He had just parted and make a monument… Each time they, or their children, saw the stones they would remember that those rocks came from the bottom of the river when God stopped the water.

If Israel needed reminders, then so do we… Let’s build prompts into our lives to remind us about the great things God has done. 

When God delivers you from trouble, buy a piece of jewelry that commemorates the occasion.  Start journaling, and schedule times to look back and admire God‘s work in your life. Plant a tree and place a plaque at the base reminding you of a miracle God performed. Find a way to remember what He has done.

Too often we treat God as though He is an attendant at a fast food restaurant…placing our order, picking it up at the window, and continuing along our way.

We need to be still and know that He is God.

We need to be interrupted by physical reminders that God still removes barriers, delivers us from anxiety, and carries us through the storms.

Make it a habit. Begin today setting up physical reminders in your life that will keep your mind on God and His work.  At the end of the day that is really all that matters…the rest is just details.

“Write your bane in a sand, your blessing in a stone.”
― Amit Kalantri

Proverbs 4:18 1/22/2019*

"The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day."

Does your life path look like this?

Is your life getting brighter and brighter as you go?  Do you see growth in your spiritual maturity? According to this verse you should. 

There is a danger in complacency when it comes to our walk with God. 

The path of the “religious” can look deceivingly close to the path of the righteous.

The path of the “good” can fool you into thinking you are headed the right direction.

But if you’re on the path of the righteous you should notice change…it gets brighter and brighter as you become more and more like Jesus.  

God never intended for you to live a stagnate life full of worldly pursuits, He expects you to be renewed daily by His grace until you look a lot like His only begotten Son.

You can’t get on this path by showing up at church and checking a box once a week. It is a trail you must follow day by day, minute by minute with reckless abandon. It is a continual relationship with the Creator of the universe.

Some who live a rigid motionless life will think you are crazy, but that is what we are called to do…be a light that grows ever brighter until those around us can see the truth.

If your world is stale and unchanging, switch paths.  Meet with your Father each morning and chart a new path with power and purpose. If you commit to this in time you will look back and wonder how you ever existed in such a dark and gloomy place.

“If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run, then walk, If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
–Martin Luther King Jr.

Ephesians 4:26-27 1/15/2019*

“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set while you are still angry, and do not give the Devil an opportunity to work.”

There are two poisons that will quickly destroy your life. Pride and unforgiveness. These are the enemy’s strongest tools and he will do severe damage if you allow him to use them in your life.

Carrying these emotions in your heart is like storing nuclear waste in your home.  The question is not “If” but “when” will it destroy you?

Pride makes us easily offendable. Unforgiveness makes sure that bitterness and anger remains and festers.

This verse is the antidote for the problem and it’s not complicated.

It says when you get angry…pause.  

Don’t sin…control your anger don’t let it control you.  What seems sensible to an enraged mind is exposed as foolishness once the anger recedes.

Then forgive… and do it immediately, before the day ends. Make it a priority to eliminate the anger before it takes root.

We all know of people who haven’t spoken to each other for years…  sometimes they are not even sure why…they just know they are angry.

That is how it works…when we let anger grow, we give the devil an opportunity to work, and to destroy relationships… injuring all involved.

Don’t hold toxic waste in your heart…get it out. Make it a priority…pick up the phone or get in the car and make the first move toward restoration.

The enemy is using your bitterness to kill, steal and destroy, and he is not finished….it will grow until you kill it.

Nothing is more important to your spiritual and emotional health than this simple principal, but you can’t just agree with it… you have to act on it.

Today is the day…. go fix it now.

“Not forgiving is like drinking rat poison and hoping the rats die.”
- anonymous

Proverbs 29:1 1/8/2019*

 "Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy."

Are you stubbornly doing the same thing over and over, and hoping for a different outcome? Is there a habit or an emotion that constantly ruins things you try to accomplish?

Arrogance causes us to push ahead even when we know we are wrong. This verse warns us to stop.  This passage says that there is a limit to the number of times you can ignore advice before it becomes expensive. 

A new year calls for a new outlook.  This year pursue humility.

Humility clears your ears. It allows you to hear people who are trying to turn you away from destructive behaviors.

Humility will allow you to respond to a rebuke, instead of reacting to it.

In most athletic events there is someone who sits high in a press box and radios down what they observe to those involved in the contest.  Successful teams have knowledgeable people in this position, pay attention to what they say, and adjust accordingly.

If you wish to be successful listen to good advice.  Make it your goal to have intentional conversations with people who have a good vantage point from which to watch your life, and who will deepen you. 

Find someone who can be a “press box guy” in your life. And when you are rebuked don’t be stiff-necked …. listen and adjust.

The Cross has given you freedom from the power of sin - so reject sin when it is pointed out to you.

Humility will give you wisdom. Arrogance will destroy you.
… It’s your choice.

“Insanity Is Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again and Expecting Different Results.”
-Anonymous

Isaiah 43:18-19 1/1/2019*

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

God is a God of new beginnings. He instructs us not to dwell in the past.

New days, new months, new years…are all things God has ordained to give us fresh starts.  We are not obligated to carry a ledger of past failures.

You have been given a clean slate, a fresh canvas…and God is doing something. You need to see it. Even if you are walking through a wasteland, He is making a way, and providing streams in the dessert.

Do not let fear and negativity make you a history major…don’t dredge up old failures and pollute new opportunities. God paid a tremendous price for you to be redeemed and unstained. Nothing you have done is more powerful than His blood and your account has been paid.

Don’t waste this redemption. Choose today to begin anew.  Make it positive. Make progress. Improve.

Don’t make resolutions, set goals.  You can fail a resolution, but goals remain until they are achieved.  

Make small steps if necessary… but move forward.

God has a plan and He wants you to be a part of it. Forget the past. Drop the burden you’ve been carrying and follow Him.

“Right actions in the future are the best apologies for bad actions in the past.”

 Tryon Edwards

Deuteronomy 8:2 12/25/2018*

^“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.”

An often-quoted verses regarding Israel’s time in the wilderness is Numbers 32:13 “The LORD's anger burned against Israel and he made them wander in the wilderness for forty years”.

To us the word “wander” implies being lost, but that was not the case for Israel.  This verse in Deuteronomy states that God was leading them during that time.

Israel was suffering the consequences of their iniquity. They were enduring the penalties for their sin…. but they were not abandoned, and they were not alone. God was leading them every step of the way.

At times during the Christmas holidays, we can feel alone.  Our failures seem to be highlighted. When we have time to reflect, the consequences of our sin appear magnified.

As others celebrate, it is easy to fall into sadness and depression thinking our failures have ruined relationships and circumstances beyond repair.

But while sin causes hurt, God does not waste pain. And while at times we feel lost, God is still leading our journey and there is purpose in the struggle.

The nation of Israel felt lost and hopeless, but God stilled loved them.  He led them, met their needs, and protected them as their hearts were being tested and strengthened.

If you are “wandering” during this season take comfort in the fact that God is with you…There is still a plan and you are still part of it.

Humble yourself and examine your heart. Keep his commands and know that there is a purpose in the pain.

Cling to the fact that nothing can diminish the bond you have with your Heavenly Father and find peace in knowing you are not lost…He is with you, and He is leading you through the wilderness.

“Sometimes life takes you into a dark place where you feel it's impossible to breathe. You think you've been buried, but don't give up, because the truth is, you've actually been planted.”
― Karen Gibbs

Luke 19:10 12/18/2018*

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Jingle bells, hot chocolate, and snowmen are a great part of the holiday season… but this verse details the actual meaning of Christmas.

Jesus wasn’t sent to improve your life. He didn’t come to advance your situation, or to give you techniques to develop your career.

He came on a rescue mission. To seek and to save you … and the reason you needed seeking and saving is because you were lost. Not just a little confused or off course…you were utterly and completely lost.

So, God sent a solution. He sent a Savior. Jesus isn’t an addition to your life, He is your Redeemer.  He has completely altered your identity and destination and that is the true message of Christmas.

You were imprisoned and in great danger. You were in a hopeless situation that was unsolvable with your own strength.  And on a Holy night 2000 years ago a mission was launched to rescue you.

A child was born who would grow up and die for you.  Not to make you better, but to make you new....a clean slate with “paid in full” stamped on your old ledger. To give you a Redeemed life with a new direction and purpose.

If you are just looking to improve your situation by adding things to your life, then watch the shopping network, and infomercials.  But if you have realized that you need a Savior. If it has dawned on you that you need to be reborn and made new.  Then fall to your knees and thank God for Christmas.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” …and you and I were lost… but Christmas morning He came to find us, pay our debt, and set us free.

“The heart of the gospel is redemption, and the essence of redemption is the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. “- Charles Spurgeon

2 Corinthians 9:7 12/11/2018*

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

God doesn’t need your money. 

When it comes to giving, it is you that has a need… There is a freedom in joyful giving that God loves to see in His children.

“Generosity” is a lifestyle that produces happiness for both the recipient and the contributor.

When our kids were young, we had a fun Christmas tradition. We would give them an envelope of cash entitled “Nacho” money. They would pray about it… and give it away.  

Maybe to a church, a ministry, a friend, someone on the street…it didn’t matter, whatever the Spirit of God put on their heart to do with the money…that is what they did.

They loved it…it taught them to be cheerful givers and helped them realize that through generosity they received more than they gave. 

If you haven’t learned yet that all of it is “Nacho” money… that none of it really belongs to you…then you are missing a great joy in life.

This Christmas focus on giving instead of getting.  Create special, individualized gifts for people in your life.  Put love and forethought into the process creating something that really illustrates your love for them. 

Consider all the organizations, people, churches, and groups that you want to bless with extravagant monetary gifts and do that as well.

When January arrives…just keep going. Support your church. Support your friends. Make it your life business to find those in need and help them.

God loves a cheerful giver and your joy will increase exponentially if you discover the freedom found in joyful generosity. 

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” -  Anne Frank

Isaiah 43:1-2 12/4/2018*

 “…I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…”

Loneliness and unhappiness can be a heavy load to bear.  Feeling like you are all alone can at times feel suffocating.

The world can isolate you…its harsh judgments and cold neglect can take away any feeling of self-worth, and the enemy will attack and lead you to a place of fear and hopelessness.

But that place is a lie.

God has no desire for you to be alone and the bible is the story of what He has done to reunite you to Himself.  Christmas, the Cross, the Resurrection…all combine for the sole purpose of restoring the fellowship He desires to have with you.

The truth is you are God’s chosen…He adores you.  He specifically called you by your name. There is no greater value than to be treasured by God.

The enemy’s greatest fear is that you will realize this and use the strength that is rooted in that truth.  Your royalty is your strength. If you can remember God’s adoration for you it will fill you will joy and confidence and direct your vision outward. 

God didn’t issue a general call…He didn’t summon a group. He sent you a private invitation…. He called you by your name… He loves you and cherishes time with you…God enjoys your company and longs to throw His arms around you and shower you with the love of a Father for His child.

Nothing you face today can change that. You are His, and whatever you go through today He will go through it with you … you are not alone.

Rest in that. Take His hand and set out today to rescue others who have believed the lie.  The truth in this verse is clear …you belong to God.

“He is a faithful friend – a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

-      Dwight L. Moody

1 Thessalonians 5:18 11/27/2018*

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

In this age of drama and self-centeredness, as the world falls to the ground in the fetal position when they don’t get their way --- is the church any different?

We Christians have become very good at righteous indignation but seem to have forgotten thankfulness and contentment.  We have drifted away from optimism and appreciation and moved toward being critical and pessimistic.

So, here’s the problem with that – this verse emphatically says it is God’s will that we be thankful…not dramatic…not incensed…not offended…but thankful. - If you asked ten people to describe the church in one word, how many do you suppose would say “thankful”?

We often say we are searching for the “will of God” as we face certain circumstances …this says it is God’s will for you be thankful in “all” circumstances …search is over.

OK, so how do I do that?  When things go opposite of what I want…do I just paste an ignorant smile on my face and say thank you? Am I, as a Christian, supposed to appear unaware of what is happening?... of course not.

Your thankfulness is a byproduct of being informed of the truth not being ignorant of it. You are thankful because you know something the world doesn’t know.

The key is the last three words in the verse… “in Christ Jesus”. These three words change everything.  Because of Christ Jesus and what He did on the cross… you are assured of two truths: 

 1.   He has demonstrated He is powerful enough to deliver you.
2.  He has proven He loves you, and how far he will go to redeem you.

“In Christ Jesus” gives you a concrete reason for thankfulness and confidence in all circumstances.

No matter what you face today, God is not pacing the floor… He has not lost control, and He will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

That is a non-negotiable promise, and that is something to be grateful for….

Take a breath…be thankful, it will make people wonder what you know, that they don’t… And when they ask you, be prepared to tell them. It may be that your circumstance will be used to bring one more soul to Heaven.

“If there was ever a secret for unleashing God’s powerful peace in a situation, it’s developing a heart of true thanksgiving.”
 –Lysa Terkeurst