When I think I'm Right, I might be Wrong

11-19-08

SCRIPTURE
"And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus." (Matthew 1:24-25)

OBSERVATION
Have you ever wondered what if Joseph had never followed through with the instructions the Lord had been revealed to him in a dream? What if he insisted on standing his ground as a "righteous man" and refused to marry a woman who was already "with child?" After all, no one could blame him for dissolving a relationship that had gone "bad." He had done nothing wrong and wasn't she the "guilty" party? What if Joseph had walked away ... then, he would have missed the miracle. He would have forfeited his role in the unfolding of plans of God for him, and for the rest of the world. But, Joseph set aside his own "righteousness" and obediently followed through with what the Lord had asked of him. Sounds like something Jesus dad for us…hmmm.

APPLICATION
Sometimes we can't be more wrong than when we think we're so right. One of the greatest roadblocks that sit in the path to obedience seem to be when I believe that I am so righteous. I’m blinded by my own righteousness. When we're right, it's easy to find blame, to generate an excuse, to point the finger at the other person's failure. But, we will miss the miracle that God may just be showing us, yet we refuse to see. This is what the Lord meant when He referenced the Pharisees who had eyes, but couldn't see, ears that couldn't hear. When we stand so right before others, we fail to see the unseen, and hear the unheard that God may be revealing to us. We're never more wrong, than when we think we're so right.

It's been a path I've found myself walking many times in my life. I wonder how many miracles I may have missed along the way simply because I thought I was so right in my reasons, yet so blinded by my own eyes? I wonder how many wrong corners I've turned because my pride’s voice was just a little louder than the Lord's voice of instructions to lead me a different way? My heart needs to be more like Joseph and my eyes and ears need to be open and willing to obey, regardless how "right" I may see myself in my own eyes. It means removing my blinders of pride and setting aside reasons that may seem to justify my positions and be open to whatever the Lord may be asking of me, in whatever I do, wherever He asks me to go.

PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for times that I've thought of myself as being so right, yet I was so wrong. Thank you for your amazing grace, for I once was blind, but now I see. Keep my heart open and my eyes and ears available to hear your voice and to obey every word that proceeds from your heart.

My intentions and my words

11-17-08
SCRIPTURE
"Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." (2 Corinthians 9:13)

"Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present." (2 Corinthians 10:11)

OBSERVATION
These verses are strung together in my heart and mind, realizing that I have great intentions to obey, act out my love for God and serve people. But I find myself struggling with following through in the little ways with people - when I make little statements of what I desire to do or be to make things better. My intentions are great and noble. But many times, my actions (follow through) comes up short.

Paul's challenge to the church and myself this morning is for me to put my money where my mouth is - or better yet, for my actions to speak louder than my great intentions.

APPLICATION
This morning I want to think and behave differently in the area of being more generous with my resources. I’m going to go through my closet and garage (the last time I did this was several months ago) and generously give lots of my stuff away. I don’t use it all. And in many cases I won’t use it. It’s just taking up space

I also want to make sure I follow through with even the small things that I verbally (or through emails) tell people I will do. I do have great intentions. But have I burned others because I communicate my great-godly intentions with sincerity but lack the follow through in actions? Yes.

These actions should help me to be the kind of person Paul is talking about “…what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.”

PRAYER
Lord as
2 Corinthians 8:24 says,
"Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it."

Help me to show my family the proof of my love, to be obedient to You - through my great intentions turned into actions. Help me to follow through. I NEED YOUR HELP!

I'm so stinkin selfish

11-11-08

SCRIPTURE
"Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others." (1 Corinthians 10:24)

OBSERVATION
Paul addresses an important topic with Christians in Corinth - the barrier of being so religious in life that they can't reach others for Jesus. While being taught to live according to the Covenant law, the Jews who were converted couldn't accept the fact that their do's and don'ts according to the law became a steep tradition.

Do I have a set of standards that turn others off and away from pursuing Jesus? My own set of "Christian" standards can be for "my own good" and not for the good of others.

APPLICATION
This verse, among others, challenges me to evaluate the way I live my Christianity out among my neighbors. Am I authentically seeking after the good of “those” others? The people that are not like me…don’t believe the way I believe…don’t live the way I live…don’t value what I value???

To seek my own good is to talk and hang with those who I like and are like me. I'm comfortable with that. But that’s seeking after my own good, isn’t it? I'm so stinkin selfish - I repent Lord!!

TODAY Chris...
Seek the good of others - especially those you don't know yet. And those who are different that me.

Love the ones you wouldn't want to hang out with - and show it through spending some time getting to know them.

PRAYER
Papa!
Thanks for seeking me out - seeking my good. You are so-o-o-o unselfish - so Good to Me and to Your creation! I want to change my selfish ways. Help me to take off my Christian mask and really live an authentic life before You and others... especially the ones I'm not naturally drawn to. I really do love You Lord. I know what You are thinking... "Show it, Live it son." I say yes to You. All In!

Conflict among Jesus followers

11-09-08

SCRIPTURE
"Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?" (1 Corinthians 6:4-5)

OBSERVATION
First of all, the reality is that when you get a group of people together over a period of time, there is going to be opportunity for disputes. Even in churches. As followers of Jesus, God expects us to resolve the disputes among ourselves with great care. If we cannot do this among ourselves, what hope has the world? If we cut ourselves off from our relationships that go sideways or marginalize those who disagree with us, why should those who don’t yet follow Jesus want to even consider joining us as Jesus followers? If we have schisms and splits, slanders and unresolved disputes, why then do we preach that others should “become Christians”?

If our marriages are filled with anger and distrust and if we tolerate relational distances between believers as if it were normal, then how can God use us? See what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3 ...

"I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?"

Here we find that our ability to receive will be determined by our maturity in Christ. And our maturity in Christ will be determined by how much of our “old self” still lives ...Do we retain jealousy? Is there unresolved conflict among believers? These mile markers will mark our ability (or inability) to receive spiritual gifts, blessings, or resources from God.

I’ve been a part of churches that emphasize certain “sins” that they have taken a stand against. And in the same church, ongoing conflict between believers was never addressed as an issue. It killed our witness in the community and sidetracked the mission of God in the church.

I'm so thrilled to be a part of a church (Radiant Life Fellowship) where healthy relationships are expressed and trust is such a high value. That is so freeing.

APPLICATION
In my relationships, I will “be wise as serpents but harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16) for God has sent us out as “sheep in the midst of wolves”. However, I will not make myself a wolf in order to protect or defend myself. I will choose the high road. I will choose peace, as much as it depends on me.

Why? Because I have so much more I need and want to receive from God! As Paul said in 1 Corinthians, if we tolerate these character deficiencies, we will be unable to receive. I cannot afford that. I must remain biblical (in my relationships) regardless of the circumstances. Even now, I will ask God to search my heart to remove any residual remains of any unresolved contention. I cannot make room for these things that will reduce my capacity to receive from God.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, may I model my life and my heart after yours. You were attacked, but it didn't twist You into someone who would later resemble Your attackers. You kept a heart of redemption. Please make me more like you today! Bring to my attention any unresolved, sideways, relationship that might be plaguing me and keeping me from receiving from You. I desire to (as best as it depends on me) live at peace with all people. Thank you, Jesus, for restoring my relationship with You.

My Inheritance, My Mentor and My Counsellor

11-06-08

SCRIPTURE
"So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law." (Gal 3:24).

"What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father." (Gal. 4:1).

OBSERVATION
Until the child had matured, he would not be able to receive the inheritance left by His wealthy father. He was too young when his father left, so he was put under the care of another. A mentor of sorts. Laws of conduct and rules of living were taught in order to train the youngster up in the way that he should go. And when he accrued the inheritance, he would steward the vast fortune well and not squander it.

So the mentor trained him, disciplined him, and worked hard with him to develop and cultivate the character, wisdom, attitudes, perspective, and skills necessary. And the mentor knew that his sole responsibility to the master was to prepare his child. He had no other purpose in life. And he must not fail in this, so he was serious about his charge.

The mentor? It’s the Law.
Unswerving (and at times rigid) it was designed to lead us to our inheritance. But now that we, through Jesus Christ, have inherited it we need a daily counselor.

And our Counselor? The one who is called alongside us to help? It’s the Holy Spirit.
He now guides us daily.

The Law brought us to our inheritance in Christ, but the Holy Spirit leads us forward into maturity and how to steward our inheritance. What a fascinating concept, huh?

APPLICATION
One of the things I need now is not "more inheritance" but more courage to step forward in the wise use of my inheritance. I must be led by the Spirit of God. I must see how my inheritance can be used for the furtherance of the Gospel without self-promotional methods.

I will continue to ask God to give me deeper wisdom on how to influence the Body of Christ. I know that we must cultivate self-feeding saints if we are to be ambassadors for Christ in these days. I will continue to think through ways to build leaders who depend on the Word of God. This is the best way for people to capture and be captivated by their inheritance in Christ ... by knowing it! It is revealed in the Word of God. Join the growing list of us (Radiant Life Fellowship) who are digging into God’s Word on a daily basis through the Life Journals. Check out today's reading online.

PRAYER
Dear Father:
I have so much further to go! Please ignite me anew and refresh me. Take me further than I have ever gone before. You died to give me my inheritance in Christ, so now may I be faithful in what you died for! I will proclaim Your Word and teach the saints. I will build leaders and reach the lost with Your Good News of Salvation until you come to receive us back home! I am grateful to You for so much…including my inheritance.

I need to die!

11-05-08

SCRIPTURE
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galations 2:20)

OBSERVATION
The Gentiles were being taught to live by Jewish customs that measured their spirituality and relationship with God by rituals unique to Jews – circumcision, for one. Hypocrisy among the Jews contradicted what Paul’s message was to the Gentiles. This verse seems to be a summary life verse for Paul and all of us to live (or die) by.

APPLICATION
How can I be crucified with Christ and at the same time life? These 1st Christians understood that they were powerless against these forces that rage war within me and want to destroy me. They believed that the only hope was that you had to die (identifying with Jesus’ death) in order for Jesus to live in me. They believed that the other me (the me that is self-centered, disobedient, impatient, unkind, lustful, anxious, greedy and lazy) could, and should, die. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that if anyone is in Christ, he/she is a new creature, the old self is gone (dead) the new self has come, and is alive. That’s one of the reasons why baptism is such a great picture that illustrates this truth for us. The only hope for the battle is to kill the old me. You can’t have the life God’s given you unless you are born again. Your old self has to die again and again and again until it is completely dead. And the new self (the “in Christ” renewed, forgiven, restored, love-filled self) has to be lived out daily. This kind of transformation takes place again and again.

At Radiant Life Fellowship, we observe/celebrate communion weekly, because how else am I going to make it if I don’t daily/weekly remind myself that the OLD ME has died.
Jesus said in Luke 9 to “take up your cross, daily, and follow me.” I need to crucify my sinful thoughts, attitudes and ways daily.

This morning, knowing that He still gives Himself for me in love, faithfulness, patience, forgiveness and constant grace - I am confident to make my goal to no longer live! No longer live for my ways, self, goals (which still get in the way) but to live crucified with Christ - to live as if I'm no longer my own boss, leader and director...Jesus is.

PRAYER
Jesus - Thanks for living in me! For giving Your life for me. For loving me unconditionally and faithfully. I am humbled by Your constancy and persistence to pursue me. I really love You!

What? Me? Envy?

11-04-08

SCRIPTURE
"Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead." (Mark 15:9-11)

OBSERVATION
The main religious dudes of Jesus’ time (Jewish teachers, Priests and the Sanhedrin Council) were envious of Jesus and wanted Him killed. Envy is a powerful motivator. Pilate's predicament was that he knew these leaders were envious and was pressured to release another criminal in place of the innocent Jesus.

Envy - what a strong, wicked, attitude. A self-defeating and debilitating sin that will brew trouble to the point of ruining lives. Envy will destroy you. The difficulty is that envy is so easy to hide and justify. How do I know? I've hid behind the cruel attitude of envy and it’s almost ruined me time and time again. It messes up my thoughts and my perspective on life and others.

APPLICATION
When envy strikes my thoughts, I try not to let it sink in to my heart. Envy comes when I feel insecure. It plays with my mind. Envy leads me to an inaccurate view of myself. I usually end up not wanting what's best for others. When others achieve or are better at something than I am. Envy creeps in. It puts distance between me and others.

Envy is defined as: a discontent or resentment aroused by wanting something others possess. I not only want what they have, but envy wishes they did not have it (what I want) to begin with. It creates a dissatisfaction in me – and discontent will ruin me. I've been there and been crippled by that monster called envy.

Envy will deceive me to hand the favor of Jesus, His gifts or character in me, over to compromise to be crucified. I see this happening with many leaders - secure and confident on the outside, plagued with envy on the inside.

How do I conquer envy?
1. I change thoughts of envy to thoughts of gratefulness for who I am and what I have. Thoughts of contentment feels go-o-o-o-od!
2. I repent when I allow envy to slip into my heart - then I choose the attitude of encouraging myself and others in the Lord.
3. I recite Scripture in my heart and thoughts. The Word disintegrates the spirit of envy.
4. I regularly and intentionally need to rub shoulders with the poor in order to rid myself of envy. It resets my envy clock that kicks in and sets destruction into motion in my life. I go to Urban Restoration on Tuesdays. I serve. I spend time with my family and create fun memories.

PRAYER
Lord - I love you more than the envy that seeps into my mind at times. Thanks for Your strength to always help me overcome thoughts of envy. It can be such a battle, especially when my flesh wants or craves what others have. Thank You for the power of grace - Your Spirit of strength that lives in me! I love you so much! I pray for the election process in our country and all those involved. May Your will be done here on earth as it is in Heaven and may it begin with me, submitting to Your will in my life. In Jesus name, Amen.

I give you my word.

11-03-08

SCRIPTURE
"But Peter kept saying insistently, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" And they all were saying the same thing, too." (Mark 14:31)

OBSERVATION
It wasn't just Peter who was trying to make a point here of his loyalty to the Lord. All of the disciples (Jesus followers) were expressing the same thing. But, just a few moments later, they all fell asleep in the Garden, and they all left Him when confronted with His arrest.

Talk is cheap, isn't it? I’ve learned that lesson over and over again. When getting ready to plant Radiant Life Fellowship, I had lots of people indicate their support and willingness to help us plant this church. But when the rubber met the road and we launched out…some of the most vocal supporters vanished. It was too hard. Too different. Or whatever the excuse…it hurt. I was hurt, confused and angry. I’m realizing now, that some of my trust was in people…who are fickle and fragile themselves. My trust should always be in my God. And in Him alone.

We can often talk the talk, but are we willing to walk the talk, especially when pressures mount against us, when we're confronted by the unexpected, or when we've been blind-sided by circumstances that have caught us off-guard. How strong is our commitment then to what we said we would do?

Commitments, it seem, can be much like toys that we see for sale, especially during the Christmas season. They seem so easy to make, and yet, so easy to break. Regardless of the promises and assurances of being "satisfied, or your money back," they often turn out to be nothing more than cheap guarantees.

APPLICATION
Talk is cheap and when we fail to live up to the commitments we've made, it depreciates the value of our word, our marriages, of our families, and of our friendships. We see it revealed in the divorce rates and failed families of today's society. And we see it often in our own failure to follow through with commitments we've made to the Lord.

I believe one of the best and most valuable gifts that I can give this holiday season is the gift of my word; not just a commitment expressed in word, but a promise lived out in my actions. And it won't be just an expression of love for my wife and family, but my affection expressed through active engagement and acts of kindness. And it should be the same with my commitment to Christ; not just through words of my love for Him, but a commitment expressed through my actions, even when the world may seemed stacked up against me. Talk is cheap; but not if my actions speak louder than my words.

PRAYER
Father, forgive me for the times that I have wandered away from my word. May my lifestyle be the ultimate expression of the commitments that I've made to You, to my marriage, and to my family. May my life speak louder than my words…and may the message my life speaks be that
“God is good”
“God is here, now”
“God is love”
“God is enough”
“God restores, heals, forgives, redeems and gives us a life that radiates Jesus”
In Jesus name, Amen.