Revelation 5:8 4/6/2021*

 “When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”

In John’s account of his vision regarding the end of time, he mentions a golden bowl “full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”

That phrase caused me to wonder if my prayers and petitions smell like incense to God?
 
As I think about it, I am afraid that instead of a sweet aroma – many of my prayers may have a whiff of selfishness.
 
I fear that at times my prayers are so routine they may be stale and moldy.  Even worse, sometimes in my self-pity they may carry the unpleasant smell of my egotistical heart with them.
 
As a loving Father I know that God hears my prayers as the cries of His child and is moved by them…but this verse challenges me to make them a sweeter offering.
 
But how do we do that?
 
Prayers of gratitude would be a refreshing change to our King.  The habit of seeing His hand on every good thing in our lives would produce prayers that not only please God but strengthen us.
 
Prayers that lift up the needs of others also please God – As a daddy myself, I know that nothing touches my heart more than someone who loves my kids.
 
But the most important element in our prayers is faith…the bible is clear that without faith it is impossible to please God. Prayers that carry the sweet scent of confidence are the most pleasing to our Savior.
 
So, pray like you mean it.  Be grateful. Pray for others. Pray big and expect results.
 
God is not moved by routinely recited prayers that do not impact the heart of the one that is praying. And He is not moved by request that we do not believe will be answered.
 
Spend today creating the sweet scent of honest prayers. Open your heart and allow the faith, gratitude, and dependency you have in God to fill Heaven with the sweet aroma of a child’s loving, confident, appeal to their Father.
 
“Prayer and praise are the oars by which a man may row his boat into the deep waters of the knowledge of Christ.” – Charles Spurgeon
 

James 1:2 3/30/2021*

“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.”

 We have studied this verse before, but we may have gotten the cart before the horse.

 It obviously focuses on being a “doer” of the Word and indicates that if the Word of God does not change how you act – then you are fooling yourself…. But it also recognizes that we need to listen.

In scripture, Christ’s followers are at times, reprimanded for their lack of attention. In Matthew, after the disciples ask for explanation of a parable. Jesus says, “are you still so dull?” ...basically… have you not been paying attention?

The first Easter an Angel asks followers at the empty tomb why they are looking for the “living among the dead”?…essentially saying, didn’t you hear Him say He would rise?

There is no doubt that James 1:22 is clearly telling us to be men of action – but in our current “misinformation culture” with countless false teachers… it is crucial that we learn to be discerning listeners as well.

So how do we do that?

In Psalms, God says we need to be still.  Physically and emotionally still.

Quietly sitting alone can be difficult in this age of constant stimulation and connection, but it is required. We often read of Jesus going off by himself in the morning to pray. If Christ found that necessary then we certainly need to have intentional time alone in prayer and meditation.

Knowing your bible is the other prerequisite.  Jesus repeatedly says, “it is written” while He is teaching His followers - reinforcing the fact that God’s Word is our compass …and we need directions before moving.

If you examine history you will see the thread that runs through the life of every effective Christian - is that they spent time in prayer…and they accepted God’s word as truth.  I challenge you to find an effective Christian’s biography that does not contain those elements.

So, by all means, be a “Doer of the Word”. But don’t run off “doing” before you spend time “hearing”.  You must know the playbook to run the play.

Commit to prayer – Learn the Word – and then Go.

Removing any of those ingredients will diminish your ministry and make you ineffective as a soldier of the Cross.

“In an age of constant movement, nothing is so urgent as being still.” — Pico Iver

Esther 4:14 3/23/2021*

 “… Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.”
 
Esther had become the Queen of Persia which gave her opportunity to stop the slaughter of the Jews… It was no accident; it was God’s plan to save His people, but Esther didn’t know that… She did not know if her efforts would succeed until she stepped out in faith and acted.  
 
God always prepares a response when His children are threatened, and that response often comes from His followers.
 
In the 1500’s the church had lost its way, pursuing money instead of holiness. So, God raised up Wycliff, Calvin, Luther, and others to speak scriptural truth which began the “Protestant Reformation”.
 
A few hundred years later secular rationalism influenced church leaders to replace the gospel with entertainment. Avoiding topics like man’s depravity and the need we all have for redemption…Until a man named Jonathan Edwards preached a sermon entitled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” which spurred what is now known as the “Great Awakening”.
 
Fast forward to the 1960’s when the “sexual revolution” replaced God’s plan for intimacy, with depravity and disorder. So, Bill Bright, and Billy Graham were used to grow the “Jesus Movement” and teach that only holiness brings freedom.
 
Now here we are in the 2020’s and secular humanism is attacking God’s design of the family, twisting masculinity, and creating gender confusion and disfunction.  So, God is inspiring His people to answer.
 
It is time to speak up… stop apologizing for being men, and start living out biblical masculinity. We need to be good fathers, faithful husbands, and strong men willing to fight for the weak. Lies and misinformation have become widespread, and we must speak truth whether it is popular or not.
 
God is going to move, He always does. He will send people to respond…. The question is… will you be one of those people? Will you let God use you to change history?
 
Like Esther, Luther, Edwards, and Graham - you may be the person that God intends to use to initiate change…. Trust Him, and take the first step…. Because who knows, maybe God has placed you where you are, “for such a time as this”?
 
“There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long-range risks of comfortable inaction.” -  John F. Kennedy

John 10:10 3/16/2021*

 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.”
 
When is the last time you thought of your life as abundant? 
 
If it has been a while, maybe you are not receiving what Jesus came to give you.
 
We tend to focus on stopping the enemy from stealing, killing, and destroying things that matter to us - But when is the last time you played a little offense? When is the last time you gave the opponent a reason to worry about God’s plan of abundance?
 
If when you hear the word “abundant” …you think of “stuff” then you have missed the point.  God made you for adventure. The life He created for you is one of excitement …He wants to give you abundance in faith, joy, and enthusiasm.  He wants you to be a fisher of men - on a mission of eternal significance…That should fuel your life.
 
Mundane boredom is not mentioned in this passage and has never been a part of God’s program. Attempting to fearfully hold on to what we have accumulated is not the game plan. That is your opponent’s strategy so do not succumb to the temptation.
 
Approach today differently…. Saddle up and go after abundance.  Look for opportunities to engage …Build up your family… Encourage your friends. Constantly look for ways to share Christ with others.
 
Each day is a blank canvass that you can either fill with grey - or splash colors all over and make it unforgettable…the choice is literally in your hands.
 
Jesus intends for you to live adventurously - so go for it.  Look for projects with eternal payoffs…seek out the hurting and encourage them …. Stop looking for material junk and look for infinite impact.
 
Yes, you must make a living, and you should be diligent in that... but more importantly you need to make a life…and Jesus came to make your life remarkable!
 
Stop settling for just existing…stop playing defense…and throw a few deep balls. You serve a Big God, and He wants you to live a Big life.  Go out today and make a difference.
 
“Just as drowning cannot be equated with swimming, mere existence is not the same as abundant life. We have been offered a new way to live – a new way to be human.”
Jon Foreman

Colossians 3:17 3/9/2021*

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father…”
 
If Paul had been writing to some old athletes he might have used the phrase “keep your head in the game”.  Or he might have said, “whatever you do always remember who you play for”.
 
Being a disciple is not a side gig… There are no part-time Christians. Jesus said you are either for Him, or against Him – There is no middle ground. Everything means EVERYTHING. No matter what I am doing – people should see the fingerprint of God on my activities.
 
It is popular to say that life is complicated, but it rarely is... Life can be difficult, but most of our struggles come, not in determining what is right…but in deciding whether or not we are going to do it.
 
However, if we commit to a team…commit to doing everything with the goal of pleasing God, our path becomes obvious.  You seldom have to search for God’s Will, because He seldom hides it. 
 
If you will remove the distractions and determine to do and say everything in the name of Jesus, most decisions will become evident. It is when you entertain other motives that your way becomes murky.
 
The bible is a “light unto your path” and the way to please God and avoid stumbling is to leave the light on so you can see where you are going.
 
Know your playbook, accept it as it is written. Never change the Bible to make it palatable. Reject “Progressive Christianity” …Truth does not change to fit culture…It is our culture that needs change.
 
If you are struggling – be sure you are struggling to follow God - not struggling to rationalize your lack of obedience? Do not strive to do good things so God will love you – Do them because He loves you … Obedience is born of gratitude.
 
Life is easier when you have decided where you are going. Have Faith in the Word of God and do EVERYTHING in the name of Jesus. Eliminate the duplicity in your life so the confusion will disappear, and you will become a decisive man of God who walks in confidence.
 
“Cling to the whole Bible, not a part of it.  A man is not going to do much with a broken sword.”
– D.L. Moody

Proverbs 4:23 3/2/2021*

“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.”
 
How do your choices of entertainment stack up to this verse? Are you diligent about what goes into your heart and mind?
 
The constant theme in scripture is - what you plant, will grow…so how careful are you about your harvest?
 
A while ago I decided to stop allowing things to dull my senses. There are no neutral influences, so I decided to be more careful about what I allow in my head. I want to challenge you today to do the same thing.
 
The next time you pick up the television remote – instead of mindlessly putting on that series that compromises your values – or the monotonous one-sided news that gives you stress…. try doing something beneficial.
 
Go on Prime, or Netflix, or whatever source you have - and search names like Calvin, Luther, Wesley, Spurgeon, Anne Graham Lotz, Corrie Ten Boom.  Click on documentaries or movies about men and women that God has used to impact eternal souls.
 
Or search for “The Chosen” or other bible-based shows that help you visualize and contemplate scripture. There are more of these types of programs than you might imagine.
 
Once you have viewed one of these shows, most platforms will suggest others of the same kind, and you can begin spending time being both entertained and enriched…  Educating you, encouraging you, and challenging you to do more with your life than watch sitcoms.  Try this for a month…the change in your mindset will astound you.
 
Time is the only thing we cannot get more of - and every hour spent “bingeing” on a fictional series is a wasted hour. And every time I compromise my morals to be entertained - I numb myself to the destructiveness of sin. 
 
Guard your heart for from it springs your life…What I allow in my heart will grow and produce fruit…good or bad – depends on the seed. 
 
Do not be deceived…. saying “there is just a little filth in this show” is like saying there is “only a little dog poop in the cookies” ….it matters what you consume.
 
This verse says that if you improve the input - you will experience better results. If you believe that – then make the change.
 
“The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.”
-Marcus Aurelius

Matthew 22: 36- 40 2/23/2021*

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Jesus highlights “loving your neighbor” by including it in His answer, even though it was not part of the question … While the church has rightfully focused on loving God …our response to loving our neighbor has often been to look for loopholes. 

In Luke chapter 10, a lawyer asked Jesus, “who is my neighbor?”  What he meant was, “who do I have to love?” …or more to the point “who do I NOT have to love?” Instead of reducing the number of people who qualify … Jesus flipped the question, making it the lawyer’s obligation.

 
Jesus told a story about a mugging victim and discussed how different people responded when they came upon him injured … He did not tell the lawyer how to identify a neighbor – he told him how to be one.

Jesus basically said - it is your problem – being someone’s brother is “on you” … it is your responsibility, not theirs. You cannot limit who you love by race, occupation, political affiliation, or even how they treat you …you are to be a neighbor to everyone God puts in your path. 

Love them like you love yourself…THAT is the second greatest commandment - and Jesus said it is like the first.

 
The importance of brotherhood is in our DNA… In Genesis - God said, “it is not good for the man to be alone" - and that is not just talking about marriage.  

Psychologists who study solitary confinement say that it "destroys people as human beings."  Lack of community can cause anxiety- panic- Depression- Anger- Cognitive disturbances- etc.  If we ever doubted that isolation is dangerous, the statistics from this pandemic have made it crystal clear… As God said, “It Is Not Good.”

Stop looking for someone who looks like you to be your neighbor. Just love the people God has placed around you. It is not up to others to be your neighbor…it is up to you to be theirs. 

“If someone says, “I love God,” and yet he hates his brother or sister, he is a liar” – John (1 John 4:20)

Daniel 2:46-49. 2/16/2021*

“Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face and did homage to Daniel and gave orders to present to him an offering and fragrant incense. The king answered Daniel and said surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings ...”

King Neb almost gets it ... but then misses it completely (he will understand later). But for now he pays homage to Daniel instead of God - He acknowledges God, but continues to pursue his own idols supposing that he now has Daniels God “on call” if needed.

All of Nebuchadnezzar‘s actions are about advancing Nebuchadnezzar.  He is willing to recognize God if it promotes his agenda and will gladly acknowledge any god that helps him get what he wants.....

Does that sound familiar?

On the other hand Daniel gets it completely. 

He seeks to serve God - not to have God serve him. He understands the glory of God and pursues it relentlessly. He is obedient to God’s word whether it is popular or not and will not be swayed by positive or negative public opinion.

 It is hard as Christians when we are insulted - but often the hardest thing to endure his complements without being distracted 

Daniel is praised by the mightiest Ruler on the planet. His career skyrockets - and by all accounts he is a celebrity - MVP of the kingdom.

But it does not catch his eye...Daniel doesn’t take the bait. He remains humble - spiritually disciplined - pushes all credit and glory to God and never lets the approval of man become an idol.

So, which one looks most like you?

Each day who do you magnify? The only person who knows the answer to that question is you. But like those in this passage, your life will play out based on which path you take 

You cannot serve two masters.  Reject self exaltation and relentlessly chase after exalting God. 

The freedom found by not worrying about the opinions of others will be life-changing. But you must be prepared to ignore both insults and flattery - and not allow anything to move your eyes off the prize 

Bob Dylan said you “got to serve somebody” - so decide. Who will you promote today? 

There is no riding the fence. You will pursue God’s glory - or your own - Will you seek approval from God - or approval from others?

“What other people think of you is none of your business” -  Regina Brett

PSALM 139:13,14,16 2/9/2021*

“13 You wove me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. …16 Your eyes have seen my formless substance; And in Your book were written All the days that were ordained for me...”

This passage is not only a strong statement against abortion - it is a mind-blowing declaration from God that should impact our confidence daily.

It exposes the fallacy of self-loathing, or dissatisfaction with our body, appearance, intellect, or abilities. 
 
You did not just happen; you were MADE…you were created.  And criticizing the design of the art, is a direct insult to the artist. 

God is the most imaginative artist/engineer/designer to ever exist. Each part of you was precisely woven in your mother’s womb and there was not one oversight or mistake. Every strand of DNA was carefully placed to make you, who you are.

Furthermore, God did not just create you and walk away - He wrote and is directing the script of your life…each moment of every day is supervised. He is with you…. Nothing is beyond His divine omnipotence? 

 
How many times have you looked back on your life and understood the Will of God - when it was impossible to grasp as it unfolded?  Rest in God’s track record, and if you cannot see His plan yet…Trust His proven love.

You are the only “you” God made.  You have been awesomely and wonderfully created. Stop listening to voices that discount your value - you are uniquely equipped for your specific mission.

The objective is not about you or me…it is about the Glory of God.  Do not pursue self-esteem – but do not tolerate the thought that your creator was careless in your design…The One who loves you is in complete control. 

Today is ORDAINED for YOU to glorify God. No one else can do what you have been called to do…You were made for such a time as this.  So, go out confidently and bring glory to your King.

“When the Lord lays His hand upon a man, that man ceases at once to be ordinary. He immediately becomes extraordinary, and his life takes on cosmic significance. The angels in heaven take notice of him and go forth to become his ministers (Hebrews 1:14)”
 - John Piper

PSALM 23:2 2/2/2021*

“He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.”

We often spend our days controlled by anxiety…because we choose to… That seems like an abrupt statement but examine it before you disagree. 

This psalm says that God ‘s shepherding affords us the opportunity to lie down in peace and plenty. To refresh our thirst in quiet waters --- if we will do it.
  
Life is full of challenges – tough situations - but we should be the most unflappable people on the planet. The bible says people will know we are Christians by our love…but perhaps the second most distinguishing characteristic should be serenity. While the world panics and wrings their hands - we should be different. 

One of the most important evangelism tools you have is peacefulness. Why would anyone be interested in your God if you are just as unhinged as they are?

Paul asked the question in Roman’s “If God is for us who can be against us?”. …. It is a rhetorical question intended to show the absurdity of our fear.  If God is your protector – what danger do you think troubles Him? 
 
As I wake up this morning I can be in green pastures regardless of my circumstances.  My God is with me, inviting me to walk with Him today in perfect protection.  He will provide my needs if I will follow Him and not try to control what I believe is threatening me.

Have you ever seen a sheep charge a wolf to fight him on his own?  Does that seem like a good plan to you?...Then why are we constantly doing it? 

Rest in the shadow of your Guardian.  Keep in Mind that He loves you and created you to abide with Him, in His full protection…and relax in that blessing. 
 
Remember that the Eastern Shepherds referred to here - never drive their sheep, they lead them. So, follow Your Shepherd today and He will provide safety. 

Listen to His voice and He will lead you to green pastures beside still waters…and the world will notice a difference in your countenance.

Your job then, is to be prepared, and when they ask about it – be ready to share the truth that sets men free.

  
“Peace doesn't mean that you will not have problems. Peace means that your problems will not have you.”
- Tony Evans